Homeodomain Protein Transforming Growth Factor Beta-Induced Factor 2 Like, X-Linked Function in Colon Adenocarcinoma Cells

Akbari, Abolfazl; Agah, Shahram; Heidari, Mansour; Mobini, Gholam Reza; Faghihloo, Ebrahim; Sarveazad, Arash; Mirzaei, Alireza

doi:10.22034/APJCP.2017.18.8.2101

Homeodomain Protein Transforming Growth Factor Beta-Induced Factor 2 Like, X-Linked Function in Colon Adenocarcinoma Cells

Document Type : Research Articles

Authors

¹ Colorectal Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

² Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Boushehr branch, Islamic Azad University, Boushehr, Iran.

³ Medical Plants Research Center, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Sharhekord, Iran.

⁴ Departments of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

⁵ Bone and Joint Reconstruction Research Center, Shafa Orthopedic Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

10.22034/APJCP.2017.18.8.2101

Abstract

Background: TGIF2LX (transforming growth factor beta-induced factor 2 like, X-linked) is a homeodomain (HD) protein that has been implicated in the negative regulation of cell signaling pathways. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible functions of TGIF2LX in colon adenocarcinoma cells. Methods: The human SW48 cell line was transfected with cDNA for the wild-type TGIF2LX gene and gene/protein over-expression was confirmed by microscopic analysis, real time RT-PCR and Western blotting techniques. In vitro cell proliferation was evaluated by MTT and BrdU assays. After developing a colon tumor model in nude mice, immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of tumor tissue was carried out for Ki-67 (proliferation) and CD34 (angiogenesis) markers. To predict potential protein partners of TGIF2LX, in-silico analysis was also conducted. Results: Obtained results showed over-expression of TGIF2LX as a potential transcription factor could inhibit either proliferation or angiogenesis (P<0.05) in colon tumors. In-silico results predicted interaction of TGIF2LX with other proteins considered important for cellular development. Conclusions: Our findings provided evidence of molecular mechanisms by which TGIF2LX could act as a tumor suppressor in colon adenocarcinoma cells. Thus, this gene may potentially be a promising option for colon cancer gene-based therapeutic strategies.

Keywords