TMEM106C is overexpressed and modulates cell mobility in metastatic colon cancer cells

Abstract

Colon cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in men worldwide. Colon cancer grows slowly and metastasis has already occurred after diagnosis. Therefore, new targets are needed in the colon cancer treatment and diagnosis. Transmembrane proteins (TMEM) play a critical role and presents different expression profile in variety of tumor cells. TMEM106C is a TMEM family protein, but its role on colon cancer development is unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate TMEM106C gene in metastatic colon cancer cells. TMEM106C gene expression level was tested by western blot, qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence methods. In order to test the effect of TMEM106C in colon cancer cells, this gene has been knockdown with shRNA technology. In addition, cell invasion, migration and adhesion assays were performed to clarify whether TMEM106C knockdown has effect on colon cancer metastatic characters. Ford the first time, in this study, we showed TMEM106C is overexpressed in colon carcinoma cells. Moreover, we demonstrated that cell migration, invasion and adhesion capabilities are reduced in TMEM106C silenced cells. Furthermore, we observed that metastatic cell morphology was changed upon to TMEM106C knockdown. In conclusion, we showed that TMEM106C gene is important for colon carcinoma cells.