Abstract
Purpose: :
It is well known that proliferation and survival of malignant tumor cells depend on the presence of different extracellular matrix and various integrins. The purpose of this work was to examine the influence of different substrates on the adhesion properties of human uveal melanoma cells.
Methods: :
Two cell lines of primary uveal melanoma (OCM1 and C918) and one line of metastatic tumor cells (HMUM1) were examined. Expression of integrins subunits- VLA1-VLA5, at mRNA and protein level, was determined using PCR and FACS. Adhesion capabilities of the cell lines to BSA, laminin, fibronectin and collagen were examined.
Results: :
All 3 cell lines displayed various integrins expression. Accordingly, cells displayed better adherence to laminin, fibronectin and collagen compared with BSA. The OCM1 and C918 cells were 1.7 times more adherent to laminin, fibronectin and collagen, than to BSA. HMUM1 cells displayed an adhesion strength that was ten times more to these matrixes compared with BSA.
Conclusions: :
Uveal melanoma cells displayed better adherence properties to laminin, fibronectin and collagen compared with BSA. This feature was greater in the metastatic tumor line than the primary uveal melanoma lines. Further investigation on tumor cell adhesion and its inhibition may yield useful knowledge regarding possible treatment modalities.
Keywords: oncology • tumors • melanoma