ABSTRACT
Objective To identify the role of FOXC2 in the invasion and migration of colorectal cancer cells .Methods Stable cell lines expressing FOXC2(SW480/FOXC2) or vector (SW480/pBabe) were established using retroviral infection method .The morphology alterations of SW480 cells were observed using a microscope .Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining assays were performed to detect the expression of E‐cadherin ,Vimentin and N‐cadherin .The invasive and migratory abilities of colorectal cancer cells evaluated using Transwell invasion chamber experiment detection .Results The morphology of SW480 cells was significantly changed after overexpression .From the original shape typical of epithelial cells became spindle shaped growth , similar to the morphology of fibroblasts .Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining displayed that overexpression of FOXC2 led to significant downregulation of the epithelial marker E‐cadherin ,but upregulation of the mesenchymal markers Vimen‐tin and N‐cadherin .Transwell assay reveals that overexpression of FOXC2 strongly enhanced the migratory and invasive ability of SW480 cells .Conclusion FOXC2 induces epithelial‐mesenchymal transition and promotes the invasive ability of colorectal cancer cells .