MUC1 and C-Met Affect Proliferation, Intercellular Junctions and Invasion in Two Head and Neck Carcinoma Cell Lines

Abstract

Role of metalloproteases and adhesion molecules has been studied in cancer and metastases; tyrosine kinase receptors (TKRs) and mucins are related to their expression.Objective: To investigate the effects of MUC1/c-Met, and their participation in metastatic mechanism in head and neck carcinoma cell lines. Materials and methods:Lines Cal27 and A253 from squamous cell carcinoma and submaxillary gland carcinoma were treated with SU11274 (c-Met inhibitor) and GO-201 (MUC1 inhibitor) and evaluated by western blot and immunocytochemistry with anti-claudin 1, 3, and 9, integrin-αVβ1, E-cadherin, MMP2, MMP9, TIMP1 and TIMP2 after inhibition. MMPs' activity was assessed by zymography. Results:Claudins were atypically located in the cytoplasm and nucleus and their expression is differentially modified. Migration and invasion rate were affected by inhibition. MMP9 activity was affected. Conclusion:Our results suggest that the role of regulating MUC1 and c-Met is related to invasion mechanisms by dysregulation of claudins and MMPs activity.