Gal3ST-2 involved in tumor metastasis process by regulation of adhesion ability to selectins and expression of integrins

In this study, significantly higher expression of Gal3ST-2 (Gal: 3-O-sulfotransferase-2) and 3′-sulfated glycoconjugates were observed in highly metastastic cancer cells and in larynx cancer tissues with lymph node metastasis than those in lowly metastatic cancer cells and larynx cancer tissues without metastasis (P < 0.01, n = 42). These results indicated that there was a marked correlation between the expression of Gal3ST-2 and tumor metastasis potential. After RNAi transfection, a striking morphological change of SMMC7721 hepatoma cells from polygon to shuttle shape and significant decrease in adhesion to sL-selectin and HUVEC were observed. Interestingly, the expression of integrin subunit αV was markedly downregulated and 3′-sulfated subunit αV almost disappeared in the transfectants, but integrin subunit β3 almost had no change. These results suggested that Gal3ST-2 was involved in tumor metastasis process by regulation of adhesion ability to selectins and expression of integrins.