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CEMP1 Induces Transformation in Human Gingival Fibroblasts
Mercedes Bermúdez1, Ivan Imaz-Rosshandler2, Claudia Rangel-Escareño2
1Laboratorio de Biología Periodontal, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, México.
Plos One
|May 27, 2015
Summary
Cementum Protein 1 (CEMP1) regulates cementogenesis and can induce mineralization in fibroblasts. However, CEMP1 expression also promotes cell transformation and is linked to various cancers.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Cementum Protein 1 (CEMP1) is crucial for cementogenesis, influencing cell behavior and hydroxyapatite crystal formation.
- CEMP1 expression is normally limited to cementoblasts and periodontal ligament progenitor cells.
- Transfection of CEMP1 into fibroblasts can induce a mineralizing cell phenotype, suggesting broader regenerative potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro effects of CEMP1 expression on human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) by analyzing gene expression.
- To explore the potential role of CEMP1 in oncogenesis and its association with cancer.
Main Methods:
- Gene expression profiling of HGFs with induced CEMP1 expression.
- Bioinformatic enrichment analysis to identify affected cellular pathways.
- Analysis of CEMP1 expression and locus amplification in various cancer cell lines and patient samples.
Main Results:
- CEMP1 induction in HGFs altered the expression of numerous mRNAs, with several linked to oncogenesis.
- CEMP1 expression induced transformation in HGFs and NIH3T3 cells.
- CEMP1 was found to be overexpressed in multiple cancer types, including leukemia, cervix, breast, prostate, and lung cancer, with its locus frequently amplified.
Conclusions:
- CEMP1 significantly modulates cellular genes involved in development, growth, death, and cell cycle, potentially contributing to cancer.
- CEMP1's role extends beyond mineralization, indicating a link to cellular transformation and oncogenesis.
- CEMP1 represents a potential therapeutic target and biomarker in various cancers.
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