Xin Jiang1, Fengchao Liu1, Yiying Wang1, Jian Gao1. 1. Department of Gastroenterology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM: Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) is a matricellular glycoprotein that plays a significant role in tumor development. SPARC has been indicated that promotes tumorigenesis, metastasis, and poor prognosis in prostate cancer and lung cancer. Therefore, we sought to investigate the molecular mechanisms of SPARC in regulating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: We used spheroids cultured in serum-free culture medium to obtain liver cancer stem cells. Flow cytometric analysis was performed to investigate percentage of CD133+ cells in liver cancer cells. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot were used to assess gene expression in cell lines. Transwell and wound healing assays were performed to indicate cell migration of HCC. RESULTS: Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine was upregulated in spheres formation in HCC cells. Overexpression of SPARC enhanced the ability to form tumor spheres and increased CD133 and Oct4 expressions. Besides, SPARC promoted the migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in HCC cells. Importantly, SPARC overexpression stimulated the formation of subcutaneous tumors in nude mice. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that SPARC overexpression promotes tumor growth, inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition and acquisition of a stem cell phenotype. What is more, research elucidating the biological mechanisms of SPARC may be beneficial to liver cancer treatment.
BACKGROUND AND AIM: Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) is a matricellular glycoprotein that plays a significant role in tumor development. SPARC has been indicated that promotes tumorigenesis, metastasis, and poor prognosis in prostate cancer and lung cancer. Therefore, we sought to investigate the molecular mechanisms of SPARC in regulating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: We used spheroids cultured in serum-free culture medium to obtain liver cancer stem cells. Flow cytometric analysis was performed to investigate percentage of CD133+ cells in liver cancer cells. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot were used to assess gene expression in cell lines. Transwell and wound healing assays were performed to indicate cell migration of HCC. RESULTS:Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine was upregulated in spheres formation in HCC cells. Overexpression of SPARC enhanced the ability to form tumor spheres and increased CD133 and Oct4 expressions. Besides, SPARC promoted the migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in HCC cells. Importantly, SPARC overexpression stimulated the formation of subcutaneous tumors in nude mice. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that SPARC overexpression promotes tumor growth, inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition and acquisition of a stem cell phenotype. What is more, research elucidating the biological mechanisms of SPARC may be beneficial to liver cancer treatment.