Figure 2.

SDC2 potentiates matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 9 expression and enzymatic activity and enhances cell invasion in A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells. A549 cells were transfected with lentiviral particles carrying either scrambled (scr) or SDC2 shRNAs. (A) Transfected cells were transferred onto Matrigel-coated inserts and incubated for 24 hours to detect invasion. The invaded cells were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Cells transfected with shSDC2 had significantly less invasion compared with Scr-transfected controls. shSDC2-transfected cells had significantly lower MMP9 (B) gene expression, as determined by RT-PCR and (C) protein levels and enzymatic activity, as determined via Western blot (WB) and zymography (Zymo). The data are presented as mean ± SEM, n = 3/group, with testing by Student’s unpaired t test (*P < 0.05, significant comparisons vs. Scr).