Abstract
The role of periostin in tumour cell migration, apoptosis, invasion and proliferation in vitro
Lynda Sharp1,2, Dr. Dodie S. Pouniotis1,2, Ian A. Darby1,2
1Cancer & Tissue Repair Laboratory, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
2School of Health & Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
Introduction
Periostin (PSTN) is a secreted 90kDa protein, preferentially expressed in embryogenesis and differentially expressed in certain types of normal adult connective tissue. Overexpression of periostin in various human tumours and/or its associated tumour stroma has been shown to correlate with advanced disease and high mortality. We hypothesised that PSTN may play a significant role in tumour growth and spread via a variety of tumour effector functions. Using murine (LLC) and human (A549) lung carcinoma cell lines, we show that PSTN expression has an influence on migration, proliferation, apoptosis and invasion in vitro.
Method
LLC & A549 cells were treated with: recombinant PSTN, transfected with PSTN plasmid or silenced for PSTN expression using esiRNA. Scratch assays were performed to determine tumour cell migration and flow cytometry to examine proliferation and apoptosis. Matrigel invasion and migration assays were performed to determine the effect of PSTN expression on cell invasion.
Results
LLC-PSTN showed increased cell migration and proliferation whilst significantly reducing apoptosis in vitro. PSTN silenced LLC cells showed a significant increase in early apoptosis while LLC and A549 cells treated with recombinant PSTN how significantly decreased apoptosis and increased migration and proliferation in vitro.
Conclusion
The data suggests PSTN plays a role in tumour cell migration, apoptosis and invasion/migration in vitro. These results may suggest the mechanism of increased periostin expression and advanced disease and needs to be further investigated in vivo.