The product of the human AHI-1 (Abelson helper integration site) gene: experimental in vitro data point to its involvement in tumor cell invasion.

INTRODUCTION: Each of the steps involved in invasion of tumors requires specific molecular program in which the modulation of adhesive and migratory properties of disseminating cells plays an essential role. The improvement in the knowledge of these mechanisms can lead to discovery of new target candidates in drug development. In this study we focused attention on the product of the human AHI-1 (Abelson helper integration site) gene Jouberin (Jbn).

METHODS: In particular, we explore by in vitro invasion assay, AHI-1 knockdown and electron microscopy, if Jbn is involved in the signaling machinery that regulates tumor invasion. To this purpose tumor cells of different histological derivation (brain, breast, skin) were employed.

RESULTS: We found that Jbn expression correlates with the proliferation, invasive potential and invasion strategy of the tested tumor cells, and that its downregulation reduces their capability of migrating and invading the extracellular matrix.

CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained in this study for the first time point to Jbn as a new candidate involved in the invasion process of tumor cells, and as potential molecular target in anticancer therapy.