Deciphering the Molecular Machinery-Influence of sE-Cadherin on Tumorigenic Traits of Prostate Cancer Cells

The serum level of soluble (s)E-cadherin is elevated in several malignancies, including prostate cancer (PCa). This study was designed to investigate the effects of sE-cadherin on the behavior of PCa cells in vitro, with the aim of identifying a potential therapeutic target. Growth as well as adhesive and motile behavior were evaluated in PC3, DU-145, and LNCaP cells. Flow cytometry was used to assess cell cycle phases and the surface expression of CD44 variants as well as alpha and beta integrins. Confocal microscopy was utilized to visualize the distribution of CD44 variants within the cells. Western blot was applied to investigate expression of alpha 3 and beta 1 integrins as well as cytoskeletal and adhesion proteins. Cell growth was significantly inhibited after exposure to 5 mu g/mL sE-cadherin and was accompanied by a G0/G1-phase arrest. Adhesion of cells to collagen and fibronectin was mitigated, while motility was augmented. CD44v4, v5, and v7 expression was elevated while alpha 3 and beta 1 integrins were attenuated. Blocking integrin alpha 3 reduced cell growth and adhesion to collagen but increased motility. sE-cadherin therefore appears to foster invasive tumor cell behavior, and targeting it might serve as a novel and innovative concept to treat advanced PCa.

Automated summary

The study showed that sE-cadherin influences the behavior of prostate cancer cells, enhancing their invasiveness and potentially serving as a new therapeutic target for advanced PCa.