The role transcription factor Pod-1/TCF-21 in steroidogenesis and cell migration of adrenocortical tumors cells

• Grant number: 13/14254-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: October 01, 2013
• End date: December 31, 2015
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biology
• Principal Investigator: Claudimara Ferini Pacicco Lotfi
• Grantee: Cleudiana Lima Carvalho
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

POD-1 / TCF21 is a basic helix-loop-helix family transcription factor (bHLH) that is expressed in the epithelial mesenchymal transition during the differentiation of several organs. In melanoma, TCF21 negative regulation seems to be related with increased invasiveness and metastasis. In our previous work, we use mouse adrenocortical tumor cell line, Y1 cells, stably transfected with POD-1 gene. We observed a slight decrease, but statistically significant, cell migration capacity, which suggests that the gene Pod -1 could be involved. However, this reduction of migration was little convincing and further studies in human cells are needed to corroborate the biological effect observed. Thus, in this project our goal will be evaluate the role of overexpression of POD-1 / TCF-21 in cell migration of human adrenocortical carcinoma line NCI-H295R, of a melanoma lineage and in human hepatocellular carcinoma, HepG2 cells. The cells will be transiently transfected with plasmid pcDNA3GFP (green fluorescent protein) for analysis of the transfection efficiency, follow by analysis of the Pod-1 expression in cells transfected with pCMVMycPod1 vector and the empty vector (pCMVMyc). Migration tests will be performed using a chemotaxis chamber composed of two compartments separated by a micro-membrane containing porous. With this study we intend to contribute to the understanding of the role of Pod-1 / TCF21 as a factor, which if present, contributes negatively to the progression of adrenocortical tumors and other cancers. (AU)