RNA stability regulates differential expression of the metastasis protein, osteopontin, in hepatocellular cancer.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Osteopontin (OPN) is a potential therapeutic target in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), because it is a critical mediator of metastatic function. The molecular mechanisms that determine expression of OPN in HCC, however, are unknown. In this study, we examine differential OPN expression in the 2 HCC cell lines: HepG2 and Hep3B.

Methods

OPN expression, metastatic function, OPN promoter activity, and active transcription of OPN mRNA and its decay were assessed in the 2 HCC cell lines using standard techniques. RNA gel-shift assays were performed to determine binding of cytoplasmic proteins to OPN mRNA.

Results

Expression of OPN cellular/secreted protein and mRNA was greater in HepG2 than Hep3B cells (P < .01). Transient transfection of the OPN promoter constru

SUBMITTER: Emani S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2494577 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature