Reduced MTA1 expression by RNAi inhibits in vitro invasion and migration of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell line

To distinguish aggressive esophageal squamous cell carcinoma from indolent disease is the important clinical challenge. Studies have indicated that metastasis-associated gene 1(Mta1) played a role in the process of metastasis of carcinoma. The overexpression of Mta1 gene has been found in a variety of tumors. To identify the detailed roles of MTA1 protein in the carcinogenesis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, this study analyzed the pathological specimens on tissue microarray derived from 72 patients using immunohistochemistry. MTA1 expression increased in the nuclear with the development of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma from normal epithelial cell, dysplasia, to invasive cancer. In biological studies with human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell line, MTA1 plays its roles to promote cancer cell invasion, adhesion and movement. RNA interference (RNAi) against MTA1 decreased the malignant phenotypes. Gene microarray analysis revealed some metastasis-associated genes were altered by MTA1 RNAi. This study started an effective beginning to explore metastasis mechanisms and cancer gene therapy strategy targeting MTA1.