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Lack of correlation between the decreased expression of cell surface LETS protein and tumorigenicity in human cell
Abstract:
An analysis of the correlation between tumorigenicity and the loss of expression of the large external transformation-sensitive glycoprotein (LETS) was performed on human cell hybrids and their respective normal and tumorigenic parental cell lines. The distribution of cell surface LETS protein in a series of cell lines was examined by both specific immunofluorescent staining and by gel electrophoresis of lactoperoxidase-catalyzed, iodinated cell surface proteins. The tumorigenicity of these cell lines was assayed in nude mice. Although the series of cell lines studied provided a broad spectrum of LETS protein expression, both quantitatively and qualitatively, there does not appear to be a correlation between tumorigenicity and decreased expression of the LETS protein. In a series of transformed, nontumorigenic hybrids, the LETS protein expression was found to be altered with respect to both decreased organizational complexity and decreased content. These hybrids continue to express a number of other transformed phenotypes. Conversely, a number of tumorigenic hybrids continue to express relatively high levels of LETS protein when compared with nontumorigenic hybrids. Thus an alteration in LETS protein expression by itself, or in concert with a spectrum of other transformation properties, does not appear to be a sufficient requirement for tumorigenicity and lends further support to an apparent separate control of the transformed versus tumorigenic phenotype.
Insights
This study found no direct link between tumorigenicity and reduced expression of large external transformation-sensitive glycoprotein (LETS). Altered LETS expression alone does not guarantee tumor formation, suggesting separate controls for cell transformation and tumorigenicity.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Cancer Research
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The large external transformation-sensitive glycoprotein (LETS) is a cell surface protein implicated in cell adhesion and morphology.
- Loss of LETS expression has been hypothesized to correlate with cellular transformation and tumorigenicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between tumorigenicity and the expression levels of the large external transformation-sensitive glycoprotein (LETS) in human cell hybrids.
- To determine if alterations in LETS protein expression are a sufficient condition for the development of tumors.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of LETS protein expression using immunofluorescent staining and gel electrophoresis of iodinated cell surface proteins.
- Assaying the tumorigenicity of cell lines in nude mice models.
- Comparison of LETS expression in normal, transformed, and tumorigenic cell lines and their hybrids.
Main Results:
- No direct correlation was observed between tumorigenicity and decreased expression of LETS protein across a broad spectrum of cell lines.
- Transformed, nontumorigenic hybrids showed altered LETS expression (decreased complexity and content) alongside other transformed phenotypes.
- Tumorigenic hybrids exhibited variable LETS protein levels, with some maintaining relatively high expression compared to nontumorigenic counterparts.
Conclusions:
- Alterations in LETS protein expression, individually or with other transformation properties, are not sufficient to induce tumorigenicity.
- The findings support a model where the transformed phenotype and tumorigenic potential are regulated independently.
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