Inhibition of APN/CD13 leads to suppressed progressive potential in ovarian carcinoma cells

Mikio Terauchi, Hiroaki Kajiyama, Kiyosumi Shibata, Kazuhiko Ino, Akihiro Nawa, Shigehiko Mizutani, Fumitaka Kikkawa

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63 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: Aminopeptidase N (APN/CD13), a 150-kDa metalloprotease, is a multifunctional cell surface aminopeptidase with ubiquitous expression. Recent studies have suggested that APN/CD13 plays an important role in tumor progression of several human malignancies. In the current study, we investigated the role of APN/CD13 in ovarian carcinoma (OVCA) progression. Methods: We first examined the expression of APN/CD13 at the protein level in a variety of OVCA cell lines and tissues. We subsequently investigated whether there was a correlation between APN/CD13 expression and invasive potential of various OVCA cell lines. Moreover, we investigated the function of APN/CD13 in OVCA cells using bestatin, an APN/CD13 inhibitor, or transfection of siRNA for APN/CD13. Results: We confirmed that APN/CD13 was expressed in OVCA tissues and cell lines to various extents. There was a positive correlation between APN/CD13 expression and migratory potential in various OVCA cell lines with accordingly enhanced secretion of endogenous MMP-2. Subsequently, we found a significant decrease in the proliferative and migratory abilities of OVCA cells after the addition of bestatin or the inhibition of APN/CD13 expression by siRNA. Furthermore, in an animal model, daily intraperitoneal administration of bestatin after inoculation of OVCA cells resulted in a decrease of peritoneal dissemination and in prolonged survival of nude mice. Conclusion: The current data indicate the possible involvement of APN/ CD13 in the development of OVCA, and suggest that clinical use of bestatin may contribute to better prognosis for ovarian carcinoma patients.

Original languageEnglish
Article number140
JournalBMC Cancer
Volume7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 27-08-2007
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Genetics
  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

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