Catenin Alpha-Like 1 (CTNNAL1) Modulates Cancer Stem Cell-Associated Properties and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT)-Associated Phenotypes in MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells.

Abstract

Catenin alpha-like 1 (CTNNAL1) is an adhesion-related protein implicated in cellular plasticity; however, its involvement in cancer stem cell (CSC)-associated properties and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated phenotypes in breast cancer remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the relationship of CTNNAL1 with CSC-associated properties and EMT-associated phenotypes in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. CTNNAL1 expression increased under sphere-forming conditions together with CSC-associated markers, including CD44, aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1A1), and ALDH1A3. Silencing of CTNNAL1 reduced the expression of these markers and stemness-associated transcription factors, including Sox2, Oct4, and Nanog. CTNNAL1 knockdown also decreased sphere size and sphere-forming efficiency. Furthermore, CTNNAL1 depletion increased E-cadherin expression and decreased N-cadherin, vimentin, and EMT-associated transcription factors, including Snail, Slug, Twist, and ZEB1. CTNNAL1 knockdown also reduced cell migration and invasion. Collectively, these findings suggest that CTNNAL1 is associated with CSC-like properties and EMT-associated phenotypes in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells.