BMP2 promotes migration and invasion of breast cancer cells via cytoskeletal reorganization and adhesion decrease: an AFM investigation

Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2012 Feb;93(4):1715-23. doi: 10.1007/s00253-011-3865-3. Epub 2012 Jan 21.

Abstract

Bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) has been shown to modulate the proliferation and differentiation of breast cancer cells. However, the biochemical effects and mechanisms remain unknown. In this paper, the effects of recombinant human BMP2 on the migration of MCF-7 cells-one breast cancer cell line, using transwell and wound healing experiments, as well as on the cellular morphology, cytoskeleton, cell surface adhesion, and stiffness detected at subcellular level by an atomic force microscope, were investigated. After BMP2 treatment, the untreated round-shaped MCF-7 cells transformed to a spindle-like shape with lots of specialized structures, such as lamellipodia, filopodia, membrane protrusions, and others, which are essential for cellular migration or spreading. Moreover, flow cytometry quantitatively detected the BMP2-induced changes in the expression of adhesion molecules, a significant rise of CD44, and a remarkable drop of E-cadherin. The data indicated that BMP2 promoted the migration and invasion of MCF-7 cells by regulating the reorganization of cytoskeleton and the expression of adhesion molecules in/on the cells. Thus, it is very imperative to evaluate the oncogenicity of BMP2 when used in tissue engineering.

Publication types

  • Historical Article
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 / metabolism*
  • Cadherins / analysis
  • Cell Adhesion / drug effects*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Movement / drug effects*
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects*
  • Cytological Techniques
  • Cytoskeleton / drug effects
  • Flow Cytometry
  • History, Ancient
  • Humans
  • Hyaluronan Receptors / analysis
  • Microscopy, Atomic Force
  • Recombinant Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • BMP2 protein, human
  • Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2
  • CD44 protein, human
  • Cadherins
  • Hyaluronan Receptors
  • Recombinant Proteins