Initial report on differential expression of sprouty proteins 1 and 2 in human epithelial ovarian cancer cell lines
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Published on: January 12, 2020
Samar Masoumi Moghaddam1, Afshin Amini, Ai-Qun Wei
1Cancer Research Laboratories, Department of Surgery, St. George Hospital, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2217, Australia.
Abstract:
Sprouty (Spry) proteins, modulators of receptor tyrosine kinase signaling pathways, have been shown to be deregulated in a variety of pathological conditions including cancer. In the present study we investigated the expression of Spry1 and Spry2 isoforms in a panel of human ovarian cancer cell lines in vitro. Our western blot analysis showed nonuniform patterns of Spry expression in the cancer cells, none of which conformed to the pattern observed in the normal ovarian epithelial cells employed as the control. Among the seven cancer cell lines studied, Spry1 was expressed lower in four cell lines and higher in one as compared with the control. As for Spry2, four cell lines showed lower and two exhibited higher expression. Results from RT-PCR assay raised the possibility that Spry protein levels may not necessarily correspond with its expression at mRNA level. Our immunostaining study revealed that Spry2 was predominantly distributed within the whole cytoplasm in vesicular structures whereas Spry1 was found in both the cytoplasm and nucleus. This might provide clues to further investigation of Spry mode of action and/or function. Collectively, our study unveiled the differential expression of Spry1 and Spry2 proteins in various ovarian cancer cell lines.
Insights
Sprouty (Spry) proteins are deregulated in cancer. This study found differential expression of Spry1 and Spry2 in ovarian cancer cell lines, suggesting altered signaling in these cells.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Sprouty (Spry) proteins regulate receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling pathways.
- Deregulation of Spry proteins is implicated in various pathological conditions, including cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression patterns of Spry1 and Spry2 isoforms in human ovarian cancer cell lines.
- To compare Spry expression in cancer cells with normal ovarian epithelial cells.
Main Methods:
- Western blot analysis to assess Spry protein levels.
- RT-PCR to evaluate Spry mRNA expression.
- Immunostaining to determine subcellular localization of Spry1 and Spry2.
Main Results:
- Nonuniform Spry expression patterns were observed in ovarian cancer cell lines, differing from normal controls.
- Spry1 expression was lower in four cell lines and higher in one compared to controls.
- Spry2 expression was lower in four cell lines and higher in two compared to controls.
- Spry protein levels did not always correlate with mRNA expression.
- Spry2 localized to cytoplasmic vesicular structures, while Spry1 was found in both cytoplasm and nucleus.
Conclusions:
- Sprouty proteins Spry1 and Spry2 exhibit differential expression in ovarian cancer cell lines.
- Altered Spry expression and localization may contribute to ovarian cancer development.
- Further research into Spry function and signaling is warranted.
