Knockdown of LI-cadherin alters expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and-9 and galectin-3

Liver-intestine cadherin (LI-cadherin), a novel member of the cadherin family, has been associated with the ability of a tumor to acquire an aggressive phenotype in several types of cancer. However, the exact function of LI-cadherin in the process of tumor invasion and metastasis remains predominantly unknown. To explore the effect of LI-cadherin on the regulation of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), MMP-9 and galectin-3 in LoVo human colorectal cancer cells, a RNA interference technique was applied to suppress the expression of LI-cadherin. Subsequently, the mRNA levels and activities of MMP-2 and -9 were analyzed by semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and gelatin zymography, respectively. Additionally, the protein expression level of galectin-3 was determined by western blot analysis. The results of the present study demonstrated that short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-silencing of LI-cadherin significantly increased the mRNA levels and activities of MMP-2 and -9, and significantly reduced the protein levels of galectin-3 in LoVo cells compared with control shRNA (P<0.05). These data indicate that knockdown of LI-cadherin facilitates the invasion of cancer cells by degrading extracellular matrix components via activation of MMP-2 and -9, and increases cancer cell adhesion and migration via altered expression of galectin-3. This suggests that LI-cadherin serves an important role in the invasion and metastasis of colorectal cancer, and may be used as a potential therapeutic target.