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Published on: June 16, 2019
The Ultrastructure of MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells after Vasodilator-Stimulated Phosphoprotein Knockdown
Ying Wang1, Ke Su2, Peng-Chao Hu1
1a Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease , Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences , Wuhan , Hubei , China .
Abstract:
Inhibition of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) expression could modulate the adhesion and proliferation of breast cancer cells. However, the underlying mechanisms are not well defined. Here, we show that knockdown of the VASP changes the ultrastructure of human MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Transfection of VASP shRNA significantly lowered the expression of VASP protein in MCF-7 cells. In the shRNA-VASP group, immunofluorescence showed diminished presence of F-actin, and it was lower in the nucleus than in the cytoplasm. After VASP was inhibited, the MCF-7 cells were oval in shape with blunt lamellipodium, disappearance of the cristae of mitochondria, decreased microvilli and more vacuoles. Collectively, our findings elucidated the morphological mechanism that knockdown of the VASP changed the ultrastructure of MCF-7 cells.
Insights
Inhibiting vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) alters breast cancer cell structure. VASP knockdown in MCF-7 cells led to significant morphological changes, impacting cell shape and organelle integrity.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) plays a role in cell adhesion and proliferation.
- The precise mechanisms by which VASP influences breast cancer cell behavior are not fully understood.
- Understanding VASP's role is crucial for developing targeted cancer therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of VASP inhibition on the ultrastructure of human MCF-7 breast cancer cells.
- To elucidate the morphological mechanisms underlying VASP's influence on cancer cell characteristics.
- To determine how VASP knockdown impacts F-actin distribution and cellular morphology.
Main Methods:
- Utilized VASP shRNA for targeted knockdown of VASP protein expression in MCF-7 cells.
- Employed immunofluorescence to assess F-actin distribution within the nucleus and cytoplasm.
- Performed ultrastructural analysis to observe changes in cell shape, mitochondria, lamellipodia, and microvilli.
Main Results:
- VASP shRNA transfection significantly reduced VASP protein levels in MCF-7 cells.
- Immunofluorescence revealed diminished F-actin presence, particularly in the nucleus, after VASP knockdown.
- Inhibited VASP led to altered cell morphology, including oval shapes, blunt lamellipodia, mitochondrial cristae disappearance, reduced microvilli, and increased vacuolation.
Conclusions:
- VASP knockdown induces significant ultrastructural alterations in MCF-7 breast cancer cells.
- These findings provide insight into the morphological mechanisms by which VASP influences cancer cell phenotype.
- Targeting VASP may represent a potential strategy for modulating breast cancer cell characteristics.
