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Glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase 2 expression modulates cell roughness and membrane permeability: An atomic force
Elizabeth R Cattaneo1, Eduardo D Prieto2, Maria B Garcia-Fabiani1
1Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata Rodolfo R. Brenner, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Plos One
|December 7, 2017
Summary
Glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase 2 (GPAT2) promotes cancer by altering cell surface properties and membrane integrity. GPAT2 expression correlates with rougher cell surfaces and reduced membrane damage in cancer cells.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- De novo glycerolipid synthesis is initiated by glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferases (GPATs).
- GPAT2, a mitochondrial isoform, is typically found in the testis but is overexpressed in various cancers, contributing to tumor progression.
- Understanding GPAT2's role in cancer cell biology is crucial for developing targeted therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between GPAT2 expression and the physical characteristics of cancer cell surfaces.
- To analyze the impact of GPAT2 on glycerolipid composition and membrane permeability.
- To explore GPAT2's potential as a phenotypic marker in cancer.
Main Methods:
- Gene silencing techniques were employed to reduce GPAT2 expression.
- Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to assess cell surface topography and roughness.
- Gas-liquid chromatography analyzed glycerolipid composition and membrane integrity markers like lactate dehydrogenase release.
Main Results:
- GPAT2 expression significantly altered arachidonic acid levels in glycerolipids.
- Cells with GPAT2 exhibited rougher surface topography and less membrane damage compared to silenced cells.
- Pore-like structures and increased membrane damage (lactate dehydrogenase release) were observed in GPAT2-silenced cells.
Conclusions:
- GPAT2 expression influences cancer cell surface topography and membrane permeability, supporting its role as a tumor-promoting gene.
- GPAT2-induced changes in cell morphology and membrane integrity may serve as phenotypic differentiation markers.
- AFM is a valuable tool for quantifying these changes and advancing cancer cell biology research.
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