Knockdown of Sec6 improves cell-cell adhesion by increasing α-E-catenin in oral cancer cells

The Sec6/8 complex is essential for specific exocytic sites on the plasma membrane and contributes to membrane growth in mammalian cells. In Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells, E-cadherin and nectin-based adhesion complexes recruit the Sec6/8 complex to intercellular contacts. However, in cancer cells, the relationship between the Sec6/8 complex and the cell-cell adhesion proteins remains obscure. We demonstrate that the expression of alpha-E-catenin is increased by Sec6 siRNAs, and E-cadherin and beta-catenin localize mainly at the cell-cell contact region in HSC3 cells, which were transfected with Sec6 siRNA. (C) 2012 Federation of European Biochemical Societies. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.