Claudin-2 knockdown decreases matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity and cell migration via suppression of nuclear Sp1 in A549 cells.

Aims: Claudin expression is altered in lung cancer, but the pathophysiological role of claudin is not well understood. We examined the effect of claudin-2 expression on cell migration using human adenocarcinoma A549 cells.

Main Methods: The mRNA level was measured by real time polymerase chain reaction. To knockdown claudin-2 expression, we made the cells expressing doxycycline-inducible claudin-2 shRNA vector. The protein level was examined by Western blotting. Cell migration was measured by wound-healing assay. The enzymatic activity of MMP-9 was assessed by gelatin zymography.

Key Findings: In A549 cells, claudin-2 expression was higher than in normal lung tissue. Claudin-2 knockdown did not affect the expression of other junctional proteins including claudin-1, occludin and E-cadherin. Claudin-2 knockdown decreased cell migration concomitant with a decrease in the mRNA level and enzymatic activity of MMP-9. The expression level of Sp1 in the nuclei was decreased by claudin-2 knockdown. In contrast, the expression levels of c-Fos, c-Jun and NF-kB p65 in the nuclei were not changed by claudin-2 knockdown. The knockdown of Sp1 expression by siRNA decreased cell migration, and the mRNA expression, enzymatic activity, and promoter activity of MMP-9.

Significance: Claudin-2 may increase the mRNA level and enzymatic activity of MMP-9 mediated by the elevation of nuclear distribution of Sp1, resulting in the up-regulation of A549 cell migration.