Differential Expression and Enzymatic Activity of DPPIV/CD26 Affects Migration Ability of Cervical Carcinoma Cells

Aline Beckenkamp1, Júlia Biz Willig1, Danielle Bertodo Santana1

  • 1Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.

Plos One
|July 30, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV/CD26) enzyme activity and expression were studied in cervical cancer cells. Sitagliptin, a DPPIV/CD26 inhibitor, affected cancer cell migration and adhesion.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Oncology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV/CD26) is a transmembrane glycoprotein regulating cell functions.
  • DPVIV/CD26 plays a role in cancer processes by influencing cell proliferation, migration, and adhesion.
  • Both membrane-bound and soluble forms of DPPIV/CD26 are enzymatically active.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate DPPIV/CD26 activity and expression in cervical cancer cell lines (SiHa, HeLa, C33A) and non-tumorigenic HaCaT cells.
  • To evaluate the effect of the DPPIV/CD26 inhibitor sitagliptin phosphate on cervical cancer cell migration and adhesion.

Main Methods:

  • Enzymatic activity assays for DPPIV/CD26.
  • DPPIV/CD26 expression analysis in cell lines.
  • Cell migration and adhesion assays in the presence and absence of sitagliptin phosphate.

Main Results:

  • Cervical cancer cells and keratinocytes showed DPPIV/CD26 enzymatic activity in both membrane-bound and soluble forms.
  • DPPIV/CD26 expression was detected in HaCaT, SiHa, and C33A cells, but was nearly undetectable in HeLa cells.
  • Sitagliptin increased migration in SiHa cells, suggesting DPPIV/CD26 regulates migration.
  • Sitagliptin significantly reduced adhesion in SiHa and HeLa cells, independent of DPPIV/CD26.

Conclusions:

  • This study is the first to report DPPIV/CD26 activity and expression in cervical cancer cells.
  • DPPIV/CD26 activity influences cervical cancer cell migration.
  • Sitagliptin's effect on cell adhesion appears to be independent of DPPIV/CD26 in these cell lines.