Abstract: Guo Yuanyuan, Peng Bin, Xiang Guiqiong, Geng Songmei. Department of Dermatology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi′an Jiaotong University, Xi′an 710004, China Corresponding author: Geng Songmei, Email: gsm312@yahoo.com 【Abstract】 Objective To evaluate the effect of transforming growth factor-β （TGF-β） on the expressions of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition （EMT）-related molecules in human A431 epidermal squamous cell carcinoma cells. Methods Cultured A431 cells were classified into two groups: TGF-β group treated with TGF-β of 7.5 μg/L for 72 hours, and control group remaining untreated. Subsequently, cell morphology was observed under an inverted microscope, and real time-PCR and Western blot were performed to quantify the mRNA and protein expressions of EMT-related molecules including E-cadherin, N-cadherin, vimentin and β-catenin respectively. Results After TGF-β treatment, the cells became dispersed and spindle in shape. The mRNA expression levels of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, vimentin, and β-catenin in TGF-β group were 0.317, 2.475, 11.340 and 2.615 folds those in the control group respectively. Western blot showed a marked increase in the expression of N-cadherin, vimentin, and β-catenin proteins but a notable decrease in that of E-cadherin in the TGF-β group compared with the control group. Conclusions TGF-β can induce EMT in A431 cells, and increased expression of TGF-β may contribute to the invasion and metastasis of SCC.

Key words: Cell line, tumor, Transforming growth factor beta, Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition