Effects of transforming growth factor-β on the expressions of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition-related molecules in A431 cells

Objective To evaluate the effect of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) on the expressions of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related molecules in human A431 epidermal squamous cell carcinoma cells.Methods Cultured A431 cells were classified into two groups:TGF-β group treated with TGF-β of 7.5 μg/L for 72 hours,and control group remaining untreated.Subsequently,cell morphology was observed under an inverted microscope,and real time-PCR and Western blot were performed to quantify the mRNA and protein expressions of EMT-related molecules including E-cadherin,N-cadherin,vimentin and β-catenin respectively.Results After TGF-β treatment,the cells became dispersed and spindle in shape.The mRNA expression levels of E-cadherin,Ncadherin,vimentin,and β-catenin in TGF-β group were 0.317,2.475,11.340 and 2.615 folds those in the control group respectively.Western blot showed a marked increase in the expression of N-cadherin,vimentin,and β-catenin proteins but a notable decrease in that of E-cadherin in the TGF-β group compared with the control group.Conclusions TGF-β can induce EMT in A431 cells,and increased expression of TGF-β may contribute to the invasion and metastasis of SCC. Key words: Cell line, tumor;  Transforming growth factor beta;  Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition