A novel function of junctional adhesion molecule-C in mediating melanoma cell metastasis

Cancer Res. 2011 Jun 15;71(12):4096-105. doi: 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-10-2794. Epub 2011 May 18.

Abstract

Hematogenous dissemination of melanoma is a life-threatening complication of this malignant tumor. Here, we identified junctional adhesion molecule-C (JAM-C) as a novel player in melanoma metastasis to the lung. JAM-C expression was identified in human and murine melanoma cell lines, in human malignant melanoma, as well as in metastatic melanoma including melanoma lung metastasis. JAM-C expressed on both murine B16 melanoma cells as well as on endothelial cells promoted the transendothelial migration of the melanoma cells. We generated mice with inactivation of JAM-C. JAM-C(-/-) mice as well as endothelial-specific JAM-C-deficient mice displayed significantly decreased B16 melanoma cell metastasis to the lung, whereas treatment of mice with soluble JAM-C prevented melanoma lung metastasis. Together, JAM-C represents a novel therapeutic target for melanoma metastasis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CHO Cells
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / analysis
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / physiology*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Movement
  • Cricetinae
  • Cricetulus
  • Endothelial Cells / physiology
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulins / physiology*
  • Lung Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Melanoma / pathology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness

Substances

  • Cell Adhesion Molecules
  • Immunoglobulins
  • JAM3 protein, human
  • Jam3 protein, mouse