Collagen triple helix repeat containing 1 promotes melanoma cell adhesion and survival.

Background: The extracellular protein collagen triple helix repeat containing 1 (CTHRC1) is aberrantly upregulated in melanoma and most human solid cancers. However, its role in cancer remains unknown.

Objective: In this study, we investigated the functional impact of CTHRC1 on melanoma cells in vitro.

Methods: Stable clones of cultured melanoma cells expressing different amounts of CTHRC1 protein were generated and evaluated to characterize their growth, survival, and attachment ability as well as their sensitivity to chemotherapy.

Results: In cultured MMAN and MMRU melanoma cells, increased expression of CTHRC1 protein resulted in morphologic cell changes, enhanced cell adhesion to culture surfaces, increased cell proliferation, and decreased apoptosis. Furthermore, decreased CTHRC1 expression through antisense inhibition enhanced temozolomide sensitivity.

Conclusion: CTHRC1 expression influences cellular processes, including cell adhesion and survival. Additionally, CTHRC1 inhibition may represent a potential method for decreasing melanoma resistance to conventional chemotherapy.