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SPARC is expressed in human uveal melanoma and its abrogation reduces tumor cell proliferation

Shawn C Maloney1, Jean-Claude Marshall, Emilia Antecka

  • 1The Henry C. Witelson Ocular Pathology Laboratory, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada. shawn.maloney@mail.mcgill.ca

Anticancer Research
|August 8, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) is highly expressed in uveal melanoma (UM). Inhibiting SPARC significantly reduced UM cell proliferation, suggesting it is a potential therapeutic target for this eye cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Ophthalmology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) is implicated in various cancer progressions.
  • Uveal melanoma (UM) is a primary intraocular malignancy.
  • The role of SPARC in UM pathogenesis requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression levels of SPARC in uveal melanoma.
  • To determine the functional role of SPARC in UM cell proliferation.
  • To evaluate SPARC as a potential therapeutic target for UM.

Main Methods:

  • SPARC expression was analyzed in UM cell lines and human UM tissues using RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry.
  • UM cell lines were transfected with SPARC-targeting small interfering RNA (siRNA).
  • Proliferation assays were performed on transfected cell lines and in a rabbit xenograft model.

Main Results:

  • SPARC siRNA transfection led to a significant reduction in UM cell proliferation compared to control groups.
  • All examined human UM cases showed positive SPARC staining.
  • SPARC was also expressed in primary and metastatic tumors from a rabbit xenograft model.

Conclusions:

  • SPARC is highly expressed in uveal melanoma.
  • SPARC plays a role in promoting UM cell growth.
  • Targeting SPARC may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for inhibiting UM progression.

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