Antisense and dominant-negative AKT2 cDNA inhibits glioma cell invasion

The aim of this study was to explore the potential role of AKT2 in glioma cell invasion. Therefore, dominant-negative (DN-AKT2) and antisense AKT2 constructs (AS-AKT2) were transfected into rat C6 glioma cells with elevated endogenous AKT2 expression. In situ hybridization and Western blot analysis were used to identify AKT2 expression. Spheroid culturing was used to assess cell migration and invasion in Matrigel from spheroids. Cell motility and invasion were also evaluated by scratch and Transwell invasion assays, respectively. The secretion of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), MMP2 and MMP9, was determined by gelatin zymography. AKT2 expression was inhibited in C6 cells transfected with AS-AKT2 but did not significantly change in cells transfected with DN-AKT2. The cell migration distance from spheroids or the number of cells migrating into the acellular space created by scratching was reduced in cells transfected with DN-AKT2 or AS-AKT2 compared to the control cells. The invasive distance of cells from the spheroids in Matrigel sandwich and the number of invading cells through the Matrigel were also decreased in the DN-AKT2- and AS-AKT2-transfected cells. Gelatin zymography showed that the production of MMP2 and MMP9 was inhibited in transfected cells. In conclusion, AKT2 plays an important role in glioma cell motility and invasion. Therapy based on AKT inhibition may complement currently available treatment to control glioma cell invasion. Copyright (C) 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel.