Localization and expression of CLIC1 in hepatocarcinoma ascites cell lines with high or low potentials of lymphatic spread

Abstract

To study the localization and expression of CLIC1 in mouse hepatocarcinoma ascites cell lines with different metastatic potentials. Mouse hepatocarcinoma ascites models (a high potential of lymphatic metastasis cell line-Hca-F, and a low potential of lymphatic metastasis cell line-Hca-P) were investigated using fluorescent two-dimensional difference-gel electrophoresis (2-D DIGE) and mass spectrometry for detecting the localization and expression of CLIC1. Immunofluorescence, immunocytochemistry and Western blot were used to assess CLIC1 protein status in the two cell lines. CLIC1 expression was obtained in the cytoplasm and plasma membrane of cells in both cell lines. 2-D DIGE showed that CLIC1 was overexpressed in Hca-F cells, 1.6 folds higher than that of the Hca-P cells. Hca-F cells also had a higher integral membrane CLIC1 in the Hca-P cells. Although CLIC1 expression is detected in both Hca-F and Hca-P cell lines, a higher protein expression level is present in Hca-F cells. CLIC1 may play an important role in tumor metastasis.