Role of the ERas gene in gastric cancer cells

Oncol Rep. 2013 Jul;30(1):50-6. doi: 10.3892/or.2013.2417. Epub 2013 Apr 23.

Abstract

As a novel member of the Ras family, ERas, found in murine embryonic stem (ES) cells in 2003, was considered a pseudogene. To date, there are a few reports on the relationship between ERas and tumors. It was recently suggested that ERas could affect gastric carcinoma (GC) metastasis, but no significant relationship was found with tumor proliferation. Since ERas plays an important role in tumor-like growth of ES cells subcutaneously injected into nude mice, we hypothesized that ERas plays a role in tumor proliferation. In this experiment, we selected 7 GC strains from different sources with different differentiation degrees, we detected the expression of full length ERas transcript, and selected two ERas highly expressing GC strains, MKN-28 and BGC-823. After knocking down the ERas gene by siRNA, we observed that there was a significant decrease in proliferation, metastasis as well as clonality. Therefore, ERas is confirmed to be an important gene in affecting tumor proliferation and metastasis. Furthermore, the significance of the ERas mechanism and signaling pathway is shown.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Differentiation / genetics
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Movement / genetics
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Embryonic Stem Cells / cytology
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Metastasis / genetics
  • Oncogene Protein p21(ras) / genetics
  • Oncogene Protein p21(ras) / metabolism*
  • RNA Interference
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Stomach Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Stomach Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Tumor Stem Cell Assay

Substances

  • ERas protein, human
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Oncogene Protein p21(ras)