Human Mena Associates with Rac1 Small GTPase in Glioblastoma Cell Lines
2009

Human Mena Associates with Rac1 in Glioblastoma Cells

Sample size: 50 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Higashi Morihiro, Ishikawa Chieko, Yu Jianyong, Toyoda Akihiro, Kawana Hidetada, Kurokawa Kazuo, Matsuda Michiyuki, Kitagawa Motoo, Harigaya Kenichi

Primary Institution: Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine

Hypothesis

hMena is a component of the Rac interacting proteins.

Conclusion

Depleting hMena leads to increased Rac1 activity and the formation of lamellipodia in glioblastoma cells.

Supporting Evidence

  • hMena colocalizes with Rac1 in lamellipodia.
  • Depletion of hMena leads to increased Rac1 activation.
  • Introduction of dominant negative Rac1 cancels the effects of hMena depletion.
  • Similar effects were observed in U373MG cells but not in HeLaS3 cells.

Takeaway

When a protein called hMena is reduced in certain brain cancer cells, those cells spread out more and form structures called lamellipodia, which help them move.

Methodology

The study used siRNA to deplete hMena in glioblastoma cell lines and analyzed the effects on cell morphology and Rac1 activity.

Limitations

The study's findings may not apply to all cell types, as the effects were not observed in HeLaS3 cells.

Participant Demographics

The study focused on glioblastoma cell lines U251MG and U373MG.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0004765

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