Tetraspanin CO-029 inhibits colorectal cancer cell movement by deregulating cell-matrix and cell-cell adhesions

PLoS One. 2012;7(6):e38464. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0038464. Epub 2012 Jun 5.

Abstract

Alterations in tetraspanin CO-029 expression are associated with the progression and metastasis of cancers in the digestive system. However, how CO-029 promotes cancer metastasis is still poorly understood. To determine the mechanism, we silenced CO-029 expression in HT29 colon cancer cells and found that the CO-029 knockdown significantly reduced cell migratory ability. The diminished cell migration was accompanied by the upregulation of both integrin-dependent cell-matrix adhesion on laminin and calcium-dependent cell-cell adhesion. The cell surface levels of laminin-binding integrin α3β1 and fibronectin-integrin α5β1 were increased while the level of CD44 was decreased upon CO-029 silencing. These changes contribute to the altered cell-matrix adhesion. The deregulated cell-cell adhesion results, at least partially, from increased activity of cadherins and reduced level of MelCAM. In conclusion, CO-029 functions as a regulator of both cell-matrix and cell-cell adhesion. During colon cancer progression, CO-029 promotes cancer cell movement by deregulating cell adhesions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Blotting, Western
  • Cell Adhesion / genetics
  • Cell Adhesion / physiology
  • Cell Movement / genetics
  • Cell Movement / physiology*
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Flow Cytometry
  • HT29 Cells
  • Humans
  • Hyaluronan Receptors / genetics
  • Hyaluronan Receptors / metabolism
  • Immunoprecipitation
  • Integrin alpha3beta1 / genetics
  • Integrin alpha3beta1 / metabolism
  • Integrin alpha5beta1 / genetics
  • Integrin alpha5beta1 / metabolism
  • Laminin / genetics
  • Laminin / metabolism
  • RNA Interference
  • Tetraspanins / genetics
  • Tetraspanins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Hyaluronan Receptors
  • Integrin alpha3beta1
  • Integrin alpha5beta1
  • Laminin
  • TSPAN8 protein, human
  • Tetraspanins