Effect of gene CTGF transfection on the expression of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 in human breast cancer cells

Objective: To investigate the effect of connective tissue growth factor(CTGF) on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2(MMP-2) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2(TIMP-2) in human breast cancer line MCF-7.This study was designed to explore the underlying mechanism for the role of CTGF in the development of breast cancer.Methods: Lipofectin method was used to transfect CTGF vectors into MCF-7;immunofluorescence,RT-PCR and Western blot analysis were used to detect their transfection efficiency.The expressions of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 were determined by Western blot analysis.Results: Immunofluorescence,RT-PCR and Western blot analysis showed a successful transfection of CTGF vectors into MCF-7.MCF-7 transfected with CTGF gene showed an increased expression of MMP-2 protein significantly,compared with control groups.On the other hand,MCF-7 transfected with CTGF gene showed a decreased expression of TIMP-2 protein significantly,compared with control groups.Conclusion: It is possible that CTGF could promote the development of breast cancer by effectively enhancing the expressions of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 in MCF-7 cells.