Enamel Matrix Derivative and TGF-Beta 1 Target Genes in Human Tongue Carcinoma Cells

Enamel matrix derivative (EMD) can enhance proliferation and migration of different oral cell lines, including malignant oral carcinoma cells, in vitro and in vivo. The composition of EMD is not known, but part of the effects have been postulated to be caused by transforming growth factor-beta-1 (TGF-beta 1). This study aimed to compare target genes of EMD and TGF-beta 1 on highly malignant oral carcinoma HSC-3 cells. Microarrays were used to examine differentially expressed genes in HSC-3 cells after 6h and 24h incubations with EMD (200 µg/ml) or TGF-beta 1 (10 ng/ml). Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis of the regulated genes was also conducted. After 6h and 24h of EMD treatments 42 and 12 genes, respectively, were statistically significantly (P<0.05) up- or down-regulated. However, as many as 393 and 346 genes were statistically significantly (P<0.05) up- or down-regulated by TGF-beta 1. Among the most up-regulated genes by both of the study reagents were MMP-9 and -10. The expression of MMP-10 by EMD treated carcinoma cells was also verified in protein level. In conclusion, TGF-beta 1 regulates more and mostly different genes compared with EMD, but both regulate the expression of matrix metalloproteinase genes in oral carcinoma cells.