TGF-beta1 promotes cells invasion and migration by inducing epithelial mesenchymal transformation in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of TGF-beta1 on epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and invasion in oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line Tca8113. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cultured Tca8113 cells were treated with different concentrations of TGF-beta1 for 24 h. The morphological changes were observed under phase-contrast microscopy. The mRNA and protein expression levels of EMT relative marker E-cadherin and Vimentin were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot. The effect of TGF-beta1 on migration and invasion ability of Tca8113 cells were detected using transwell method. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that TGF-beta1 could induce morphological changes in Tca8113 cells from epithelial to mesenchymal. The mRNA and protein level of epithelial marker E-cadherin was downregulated following treatment with TGF-beta1, whereas the mRNA and protein expression level of mesenchymal marker protein Vimentin was upregulated. Furthermore, TGF-beta1 significantly enhances the migration and invasiveness of Tca8113 cells, which were effectively reversed by TGF-beta1 inhibitor, LY2109761 CONCLUSIONS: TGF-beta1 enhances Tca8113 cells migration and invasion by inducing epithelial mesenchymal transition.