Reduced Expression of PEDF and ALDH1A1 during Spheroid Transition of Lung Cancer Cells: An In Vitro Study

TERZİ M. Y., Okuyan H., GÜLBOL DURAN G., URHAN KÜÇÜK M.

Cytology and Genetics, cilt.56, sa.2, ss.172-178, 2022 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 56 Sayı: 2
  • Basım Tarihi: 2022
  • Doi Numarası: 10.3103/s0095452722020104
  • Dergi Adı: Cytology and Genetics
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, CAB Abstracts, Veterinary Science Database
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.172-178
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: ALDH1A1, Keywords: lung cancer, Oct4, PEDF, A549, spheroid cell
  • Hatay Mustafa Kemal Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

“Cancer stem cells” (CSCs) can initiate tumorigenesis and metastasis and show resistance against chemotherapy owing to the expression of prominent stem cell markers. CSCs are a subpopulation of highly heterogenic cancer spheroid cells. Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) is a neurotrophic, anti-tumorigenic, and anti-metastatic protein and its gene expression levels in A549 spheroids is still unknown. We aimed to compare clonogenicity and mRNA levels of PEDF, Oct4, and ALDH1A1 between A549 and spheroid cells. Spheroid and colony formation assays were performed with spheroid and A549 cells. We performed quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) for gene expression analysis. The clonogenic ratios for A549 and spheroids were ~60% and ~1% respectively. During spheroid formation, Oct4 mRNA level did not change but PEDF and ALDH1A1 levels decreased significantly. CSCs are characterized by elevated stem cell markers but spheroid cells consist of heterogeneous population including CSCs. In spheroid population, no increase in stem cell markers was observed. The reduced PEDF levels during spheroid transition can be a suppression mechanism of spheroid cells.