Adhesion induces matrix metalloproteinase-9 gene expression in ovarian cancer cells

OBJECTIVE: This work was conducted to investigate the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP 9) gene in cancer cells by fibronectin adhesion and the underlying mechanism of cell invasion. METHODS: Following adhesion of ovarian cancer cells A2780 to fibronectin, mRNA expression of MMP cells were assayed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). MMP9 promoter was cloned from genomic DNA of HT1080 cells with PCR. The MMP-9-pGL2 reporter gene vector was constructed and then transiently transfected into A2780 cells. RESULTS: Adhesion induced the increase of cellular MMP9 mRNA content in A2780 cells, not affecting the expression of MMP2 or TIMP-1 gene. The stimulation was enhanced with the increase adhesion time. When the transfected cells were allowed to adhere and spread on FN-coated surface, the promoter activity of MMP9 gene was also enhanced dramatically. CONCLUSION: Cell-ECM adhesion may stimulate the expression of MMP9 gene through stimulating the promoter activity, thereby enhancing cancer cell invasion and metastasis.