G-protein-signaling modulator 2 expression and role in a CD133 pancreatic cancer stem cell subset.

BACKGROUND

To investigate the expression and role of G-protein-signaling modulator 2 (GPSM2) in a CD133 pancreatic stem cell subset.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Pancreatic cancer stem cells (PCSCs) from the cell line PANC-1 were sorted into CD133 and CD133 subsets by flow cytometry. The tumorigenic potential of the subsets was assessed by subcutaneous tumor formation experiments in nude mice. Differential expression of GPSM2 was examined by real-time quantitative-PCR (qPCR) and Western blotting. To silence GPSM2 expression, a shRNA lentiviral vector targeting was constructed and stably transfected into CD133 PCSCs. The inhibitory efficiency of the gene was verified by qPCR and Western blotting. The proliferation, colony formation, and migration abilities of the transfected CD133 pancreatic cancer cells were assessed by MTT, soft agar colony formation, and Transwell assays.

RESULTS

CD133 and CD133 cell subsets were successfully isolated from PANC-1 cells. The CD133 subset subcutaneously formed tumors in nude mice that were significantly bigger (343.05±57.59 mm vs 176.86±32.58 mm, <0.01) and denser (4.13±0.37 g vs 1.07±0.21 g, <0.01) than those of the CD133 group. The GPSM2 mRNA and protein expression was significantly higher in CD133 cells than in CD133 cells. Stable downregulation of GPSM2 expression reduced the proliferation, colony formation, and migration abilities of CD133 PANC-1 cells (<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The CD133PANC-1 cells have obvious stem cell characteristics and increased expression. Downregulation of significantly reduces the proliferation and migration ability of the cells. Therefore, may provide an important target for regulating PCSCs.