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Syndecan-2 functions as a docking receptor for pro-matrix metalloproteinase-7 in human colon cancer cells

Heui-Young Ryu1, Jiseon Lee, Sanghwa Yang

  • 1Department of Life Sciences, Division of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 120-750.

The Journal of Biological Chemistry
|October 28, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Syndecan-2 is elevated in colon cancer, promoting tumor growth and spread. It acts as a docking receptor, activating matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) to enhance cancer cell invasion and tumorigenesis.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Elevated syndecan-2 expression is linked to tumorigenic activity in colon carcinoma.
  • The precise regulatory mechanisms of syndecan-2 in colon cancer remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the functional roles and molecular mechanisms of syndecan-2 in human colon cancer.
  • To elucidate the relationship between syndecan-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) in colon adenocarcinoma.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of syndecan-2 mRNA and protein expression in human colon adenocarcinoma tissues and adjacent normal epithelium.
  • Assessment of cellular behaviors (migration, invasion, anchorage-independent growth) in syndecan-2-overexpressing HT-29 cells.
  • Investigation of syndecan-2 interaction with pro-matrix metalloproteinase-7 (pro-MMP-7) and its enzymatic activation.

Main Results:

  • Syndecan-2 mRNA and protein levels were significantly increased in colon adenocarcinoma tissues compared to normal epithelium.
  • Syndecan-2 overexpression in HT-29 cells led to enhanced migration, invasion, anchorage-independent growth, and increased primary tumor formation in vivo.
  • Syndecan-2 was found to enhance both the expression and secretion of MMP-7, directly interact with pro-MMP-7, and potentiate its activation to mature MMP-7.

Conclusions:

  • Syndecan-2 plays a significant role in promoting the tumorigenicity of human colon cancer cells.
  • Syndecan-2 functions as a docking receptor for pro-MMP-7, facilitating its activation and contributing to colon cancer progression.
  • Targeting syndecan-2 may represent a therapeutic strategy for colon cancer treatment.

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