The Impact of TIMM17A on Aggressiveness of Human Breast Cancer Cells

Anticancer Res. 2016 Mar;36(3):1237-41.

Abstract

Background: The mitochondrial protein translocase of inner mitochondrial membrane 17 homolog A (TIMM17A) has been identified as a biomarker of breast cancer. The present study aimed to investigate the biological role of TIMM17A in human breast cancer cells.

Materials and methods: Anti-TIMM17A transgenes were stably transfected into MDA MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines. The impact of TIMM17A knock-down on cell migration and invasion were evaluated using the respective cell models.

Results: Reducing the expression of TIMM17A in breast cancer cells resulted in reduction of cell migration using electric cell-substrate impedance sensing. It was also found that reduction of TIMM17A expression resulted in reduction of cell invasion compared to vector control.

Conclusion: TIMM17A has a profound impact on the cellular function of breast cancer cells. A decrease of TIMM17A expression is associated with the reduction of the aggressiveness of breast cancer cells. TIMM17A, therefore, has potential in prognosis and treatment of breast cancer.

Keywords: TIMM17A; human breast cancer; invasion; migration.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms / genetics
  • Breast Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Cell Movement*
  • Down-Regulation
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Humans
  • MCF-7 Cells
  • Mitochondrial Membrane Transport Proteins / genetics
  • Mitochondrial Membrane Transport Proteins / metabolism*
  • Mitochondrial Precursor Protein Import Complex Proteins
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness
  • RNA Interference
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction
  • Transfection

Substances

  • Mitochondrial Membrane Transport Proteins
  • Mitochondrial Precursor Protein Import Complex Proteins
  • RNA, Messenger
  • TIMM17A protein, human