G-protein-signaling modulator 2 expression and role in a CD133⁺ pancreatic cancer stem cell subset

To investigate the expression and role of G-protein-signaling modulator 2 (GPSM2) in a CD133⁺ pancreatic stem cell subset.

Pancreatic cancer stem cells (PCSCs) from the cell line PANC-1 were sorted into CD133⁺ and CD133^- subsets by flow cytometry. The tumorigenic potential of the subsets was assessed by subcutaneous tumor formation experiments in nude mice. Differential expression of GPSM2 was examined by real-time quantitative-PCR (qPCR) and Western blotting. To silence GPSM2 expression, a shRNA lentiviral vector targeting GPSM2 was constructed and stably transfected into CD133⁺ PCSCs. The inhibitory efficiency of the GPSM2 gene was verified by qPCR and Western blotting. The proliferation, colony formation, and migration abilities of the transfected CD133⁺ pancreatic cancer cells were assessed by MTT, soft agar colony formation, and Transwell assays.

CD133⁺ and CD133^- cell subsets were successfully isolated from PANC-1 cells. The CD133⁺ subset subcutaneously formed tumors in nude mice that were significantly bigger (343.05±57.59 mm³ vs 176.86±32.58 mm³, P<0.01) and denser (4.13±0.37 g vs 1.07±0.21 g, P<0.01) than those of the CD133^- group. The GPSM2 mRNA and protein expression was significantly higher in CD133⁺ cells than in CD133^- cells. Stable downregulation of GPSM2 expression reduced the proliferation, colony formation, and migration abilities of CD133⁺ PANC-1 cells (P<0.05).

The CD133⁺PANC-1 cells have obvious stem cell characteristics and increased GPSM2 expression. Downregulation of GPSM2 significantly reduces the proliferation and migration ability of the cells. Therefore, GPSM2 may provide an important target for regulating PCSCs.