THE EXPRESSION OF N-CADHERIN CATENINS/ACTIN COMPLEX IN HUMAN LUNG NORMAL AND CARCINOMA-CELLS/

The difference between human normal and carcinoma lung cells was studi ed with regard to the protein expression level and localization of the cadherin/catenin/actin complex. Results demonstrated that normal lung cell RF expressed high levels of N-cadherin, beta-catenin, alpha-cate nin. These 3 proteins were colocalized at AJs and their submembrane ad hesion plaques where they link the Rho-phalloidin-positive actin stres s fibers, indicating the existence of N-cadherin/catenin/actin complex es at the AJs. Aberrant expression of AJ proteins and the actin cytosk electon in carcinoma PG cells was observed: (1) inhibition of N-cadher in and to a degree of inhibition of alpha-catenin protein expression; (2) varied protein modification of beta-catenin in cytoplasm soluble f raction and altered distribution of immunofluorescence: majorly in the cytoplasm and minorly on the membrane; (3) disassembly of actin stres s fibers and formation of actin bodies in the cytoplasm. The data sugg est that inhibited expression of Al proteins is correlated with the di sruption of the AJ complexes and the actin cytoskeleton in carcinoma P G cells, and responsible for its metastasis behaviors.