CD44 expression changes and increased apoptosis in MCF-7 cell line of breast cancer in simulated microgravity condition

Studies have shown that simulated microgravity (SMG) affects tumor cell proliferation and metastasis. However, the underlying mechanism and its molecular basis are still not well known. In recent years, due to the role of CD44 in breast cancer and its high expression in invasive basal tumors, it has been the subject of extensive research. There is a conflicting data on the role of the CD44 in both tumor suppression and promotion. The aim of present study was to investigate the gene expression of CD44 and apoptosis in MCF-7 cell line of breast cancer in simulated microgravity condition.

MCF-7 was proliferated under normal gravity and microgravity (1 and 3 days) using clinostat. Gene expression and apoptosis was measured using real-time PCR technique and Annexin V staining kit.

The results indicated that SMG reduced gene expression (50%) after 1 day and increased it (four times) during 3 days. Also, apoptosis was increased 40% after 1 day.

It seems the response of cancer cells to microgravity is time dependent and microgravity treatment for 1 day may have a positive effect on cancer characteristics for achievement to effective cancer therapy.