FGF10: Type III Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition and Invasion in Breast Cancer Cell Lines

PURPOSE: Fibroblastic growth factor-10 (FGF-10) has an important role in type I epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) during the embryonic period of life (gastrulation). Since EMT has a critical role during cancer cells invasion and metastasis (type III) this study sought to investigate the possible role of FGF-10 in type III EMT by monitoring breast cancer cell lines' behavior by FGF-10 regulation. METHODS: MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines with different levels of FGF10 expression were treated with FGF-10 recombinant protein and FGF-10 siRNA, respectively. RESULTS: The cell viability, migration, colony formation and wound healing have a direct relationship with FGF-10 expression, while FGF-10 expression decreased apoptosis. All mesenchymal factors (such as vimentin, N cadherin, snail, slug, TGF-β) increased due to FGF-10 expression with contrary expression of epithelial markers (such as E-cadherin). Moreover, GSK3β phosphorylation (inactivation) increased with FGF-10 expression. CONCLUSION: The important role of FGF-10 in type III EMT on cancer cells and initiation of metastasis via various kinds of signaling pathways has been suggested.