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The effects of laminins 332 and 411 (LM-332 and LM-411) on the epithelial—mesenchymal transformation of colorectal cancer cells (lines HT-29, HCT-116, and RKO) with different metastatic potential were studied. Culturing of RKO cells on both laminins was associated with modification of the cell shape, which became more spindle-like or stellate, and with higher expression of EMT-associated transcription factors SNAI1 and ZEB1. In addition, culturing on LM-332 led to a decrease in the expression of laminin α5 chain (LAMA5), while culturing on LM-411 led to an increase in the expression of a cell—cell junction component (DSP). Culturing of HT-29 cells on LM-332 was associated with the formation of more close contacts between the cells and by a higher expression of epithelial markers (CDH1 and DSP genes) and a decrease in SNAI1 expression. Culturing of HCT-116 cells on both laminins led to a decrease in FN1 expression, on LM-332 — to an increase in laminin α4 chain (LAMA4) expression, and on LM-411 — to a lesser expression of LAMA4 and transcription factors SNAI2 and ZEB1. These data indicated that colorectal cancer cell adhesion to laminins contributed to the probability of epithelial—mesenchymal transformation of cells. The direction of this transformation seemed to depend on the initial characteristics of the cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The loss of apical-basal cell polarity is a necessary stage of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Polarized epithelial cells interact with the basement membrane (BM) and, in particular, with laminins, the major components of BM. Here, we examined the effect of the transition of colon cancer cells from 2D polarized state to non-polarized 3D state on the expression of EMT associated genes, as well as the role of laminins 332 and 411 (LM-332 and LM-411) in this process. The three studied cell lines, HT-29, HCT-116 and RKO, were found to have different sensitivity to cultivation conditions (2D to 3D changes) and to addition of laminins. One of the possible reasons for this may be a difference in the initial 2D state of the cells. In particular, it was shown that the cell lines were at different EMT stages. HT-29 exhibited more epithelial expression profile, RKO was more mesenchymal, and HCT-116 was in an intermediate state. The most laminin-sensitive cell line was HCT-116. The magnitude and the specificity of cell response to LM-332 and LM-411 depended on the expression pattern of laminins' receptors. EMT gene expression profile was not substantially changed neither during the transition from 2D to 3D state, nor the presence of laminins' isoforms. However, we detected changes in expression of SNAI1 and ZEB1 genes encoding transcription factors that control the EMT process. Notably, in all three studied cell lines, the expression of SNAI1 was enhanced in response to laminin treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Earlier, the data on the ability of laminin-332 to protect liver cancer cells from apoptosis caused by doxorubicin, sorafenib, and gefitinib have been obtained. In order to answer the question whether this action of laminins is common for cancer cells of other types, we estimated the effect of several laminin isoforms on the survival of two colorectal cancer cell lines (RKO and SW-480) when treated with chemotherapeutic agents used in the colon cancer therapy (5-fluorouracil, regorafenib, and sorafenib). The data obtained suggest that this action of laminins is not universal and is likely governed by individual features of cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laminins are a family of extracellular heterotrimeric glycoproteins that are the main structural component of basement membranes (BMs), perform a barrier function, and are important for adhesion, differentiation, migration, and resistance to apoptosis of various cells, including cancer cells. The review summarizes the current knowledge of how laminins produced by cancer and normal cells influence the key stages of carcinogenesis. Laminin 332 (LN-332) and LN-111 enhance proliferation of certain cancer cells and increase the tumour growth. LN-111 increases resistance to apoptosis, induces differentiation, and inhibits the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of cancer cells. LN-332 is associated with higher adhesion and higher migration potential of cancer cells. LN-411 and LN-421 significantly increase motility of cancer cells. LN-332 and LN-511 facilitate cell-cell adhesion and affect the efficacy of cell-cell interactions. The laminin chains α4 and α5 are important for the development and function of blood and lymphatic vessels. The expression ratio of the α4 and α5 laminin chains defines the BM permeability to leukocytes and, presumably, cancer cells in blood and lymphatic vessels. Interactions between LN-511 and α2-containing laminins enhance selfrenewal and survival of circulating cancer stem cells. Moreover, laminins are involved in the formation of premetastatic niches and new colonies. Endogenous expression of the α4 laminin chain stimulates proliferation of individualised circulating cancer cells in vitro and in vivo and facilitates micrometastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]