2Fibulin-5 Inhibits Proliferation of Endometrial Carcinoma Ishikawa Cells by Down-Regulating beta-Catenin

Endometrial cancer is a malignance in the uterus. The incidence of endometrial cancer is increasing recent years. Fibulin-5 participates in tissue homeostasis. The exact role of Fibulin-5 in endometrial cancer, such as becoming a sensitive tumor marker for endometrial cancer for diagnosis and follow-up, remains to be determined. 30 cases of endometrial tissue cancer specimens and adjacent tissues were collected for analysis of the expression of Fibulin-5 by western blot. Endometrial carcinoma Ishikawa cells (ECICs) were cultured and the level of Fibulin-5 was regulated via transfection. beta-catenin level was measured followed by analysis of cell viability by MTT assay or BrdU staining. Results showed that Fibulin-5 in endometrial carcinoma tissues was significantly downregulated compared to para cancer tissues. Overexpression of Fibulin-5 decreased cell viability of endometrial carcinoma Ishikawa cells (ECICs) whereas downregulation increased cell viability. Meanwhile, Fibulin-5 overexpression significantly downregulated beta-catenin and beta-catenin knockdown blocked the proliferation effect caused by Fibulin-5 on ECICs. In conclusion, Fibulin-5 could inhibit cancer cell proliferation possibly via beta-catenin related pathway.