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Down-regulation of transglutaminase II leads to impaired motility of cancer cells by inactivation of the protein

Jinhee Bae1, Yun-Sil Lee, Dooil Jeoung

  • 1School of Life Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chunchon, 200-701, Korea.

Biotechnology Letters
|June 30, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Tissue transglutaminase II (TGase II) is crucial for cancer cell motility and adhesion. Inhibiting TGase II reduces cancer cell movement by affecting Akt phosphorylation and reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Tissue transglutaminase II (TGase II) is an enzyme implicated in various cellular processes.
  • Its role in cancer cell motility and adhesion requires further elucidation.
  • Understanding TGase II's function can offer insights into cancer progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of TGase II in cancer cell motility.
  • To determine the molecular mechanisms underlying TGase II's influence on cell adhesion and movement.
  • To explore the potential of TGase II as a therapeutic target in cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • RNA interference (RNAi) was used to down-regulate TGase II expression in HeLa cells.
  • The effects of TGase II modulation on cell adhesion and motility were assessed.
  • Key signaling molecules, including Akt phosphorylation and reactive oxygen species (ROS), were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Down-regulation of TGase II significantly impaired HeLa cell adhesion and motility.
  • Reduced TGase II levels led to decreased phosphorylation of the protein kinase Akt.
  • A decrease in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was observed upon TGase II down-regulation.
  • Conversely, over-expression of TGase II enhanced cell motility and adhesion.

Conclusions:

  • TGase II plays a significant role in regulating cancer cell motility and adhesion.
  • The effects of TGase II on cell movement are mediated through modulation of Akt phosphorylation and ROS production.
  • TGase II presents a potential target for developing novel anti-cancer therapeutics, possibly in the form of a cancer vaccine.

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