Effect of transgelin 2 on paclitaxel resistance and migration, invasion in MCF-7/PTX cells

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of transgelin 2 on paclitaxel resistance, migration and invasion in MCF-7/PTX cells. METHODS: The morphology of MCF-7/S and MCF-7/PTX cells was observed under light microscope. Cell viability was determined using MTT method. The protein and mRNA expressions of transgelin 2, EMT markers including E-cadherin, N-cadherin and Vi-mentin in breast cancer cells were detected by Western blot assay and real-time PCR assay. Wound healing scratch assay and transwell invasion assay were performed to analyze migratory and invasive capability of cells, respectively. Transgelin 2 was reduced in MCF-7/PTX cells by transfecting with TAGLN2 small interference RNA (siRNA). RESULTS: EMT process existed in MCF-7/PTX cells and these cells achieved a high degree of resistance to paclitaxel, and possessed strong ability of migration and invasion. TAGLN2 siRNA treatment sensitized the MCF-7/PTX cells to paclitaxel, and inhibited migration and invasion. CONCLUSION: Overexpression of transgelin 2 could not only induce the paclitaxel resistance, but also inhibit migration and invasion in MCF-7/PTX cells, suggesting that transgelin 2 may serve as a novel biomarker and therapeutic target for breast cancer.