RECK overexpression reduces invasive ability in ameloblastoma cells.

BACKGROUND

Ameloblastoma is a frequent odontogenic neoplasm characterized by local invasiveness and high risk of recurrence. Reversion-inducing cysteine-rich protein with Kazal motifs (RECK) is a tumor suppressor that inhibits metastasis and angiogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate effects of RECK overexpression on invasive potential in ameloblastoma cells.

METHODS

Lentiviral vectors containing human RECK gene were created and subsequently stably transfected into immortalized ameloblastoma cell line hTERT(+) -AM. Functional characteristics of hTERT(+) -AM cells with stable RECK overexpression included proliferation, migration, invasion, and regulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2, MMP-9 measured by zymography or commercially available assays.

RESULTS

The stable and higher expression of RECK mRNA and protein (P < 0.01) was detected in RECK-transfected hTERT(+) -AM cells. RECK overexpression caused a decrease in migration and invasion (P < 0.01) for hTERT(+) -AM cells and a decrease in activity of MMP-2, MMP-9 (P < 0.01). Proliferation was not affected by RECK overexpression (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Overexpression of RECK gene significantly inhibited cell invasive ability of hTERT(+) -AM cells, suggesting RECK may be a new target for ameloblastoma treatment.