Objective: To investigate whether the Tiam1 gene expression enhances the invasive and metastatic capabilities of colorectal carcinoma cells.
Methods: Endogenous expression of Tiam1 in five colorectal carcinoma cell lines was investigated by RT-PCR. Tiam1/C1199HA cDNA was transfected into HT29, a colorectal carcinoma cell line without endogenous Tiam1 expression. RNA and protein expression of Tiam1 gene in the transfectants were detected by RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry and Western blot respectively. The biological behaviors of the transfectants were investigated by MTT and in-vitro invasion assays.
Results: Tiam1 gene was highly expressed in LoVo and SW620 cells. Low level expression was seen in HCT116 and SW480 and no expression was found in HT29. Transfection of Tiam1 significantly increased the proliferation of HT29 cells along with markedly enhanced in-vitro invasion and metastasis.
Conclusions: Tiam1 gene plays an important role in the invasion and metastasis of colorectal carcinoma. It may be a useful marker for metastasis of colorectal carcinoma.