Calcium Signaling and Purinergic Receptors in Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Breast Cancer Cells
Author Information
Author(s): Davis Felicity M., Kenny Paraic A., Soo Eliza T-L., van Denderen Bryce J. W., Thompson Erik W., Cabot Peter J., Parat Marie-Odile, Roberts-Thomson Sarah J., Monteith Gregory R.
Primary Institution: School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Hypothesis
Is EGF-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) associated with changes in purinergic receptor-mediated calcium signaling in breast cancer cells?
Conclusion
EGF-induced EMT in breast cancer cells leads to significant changes in calcium signaling and the expression of purinergic receptors, particularly an increase in P2X5.
Supporting Evidence
- EGF treatment resulted in a significant increase in the mesenchymal marker vimentin.
- ATP-induced calcium signaling showed a 10-fold increase in potency after EGF treatment.
- Silencing of P2X5 led to a significant reduction in EGF-induced vimentin expression.
Takeaway
When breast cancer cells change shape to become more aggressive, they also change how they respond to signals that control calcium inside the cell, which helps them spread.
Methodology
The study used fluorometric imaging to assess changes in intracellular calcium signaling in breast cancer cells treated with EGF.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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