SLUG and SOX9 Cooperatively Regulate Tumor Initiating Niche Factors in Breast Cancer

In this study, regulatory effect of SLUG and SOX9 transcription factors on the expression of Tenascin-C and Periostin was examined. SLUG and SOX9 were overexpressed and knocked-down in MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 cells, respectively. The cells as little and highly invasive breast cancer-derived cells were infected by inducing and shRNA lentivirus constructs. Then, Tenascin-C and Periostin as well as SLUG and SOX9 expression levels were measured in the cells via Real-Time PCR. Simultaneous overexpression of SLUG and SOX9 significantly induced Tenascin-C and Periostin expression. SLUG and SOX9 knock-down also significantly reduced the expression of Tenascin-C and Periostin. In this analysis Periostin showed the most deviation in both up- and down-regulation levels. This regulatory effect might shed light to a crosstalk between factors involved in the tumor initiating capacity and metastatic niche of the breast cancer.
Source: Cancer Microenvironment - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research