Up-regulated integerin-linked kinase inhibits expression of E-cadherin in human tubular epithelial cells

Objective To study the effect of up-regulated integerin-linked kinase(ILK) on expression of E-cadherin in human kidney tubular cells(HKC). Methods ILK was transfected into the HKC and over-expressed in HKC. Effect of ILK on expression of E-cadherin and activity of GSK-3β in HKC was detected by RT-PCR, Western blot and immunofluorescence techniques, respectively. Effect of SB415286, an inhibitor of GSK-3β, on expression of E-cadherin was further observed. Results The overexpression of ILK could significantly inhibit the expression of E-cadherin and up-regulate the activity of GSK-3β. The expression of E-cadherin after SB415286 treatment was down-regulated. Immunofluorescence showed that over-expression of ILK could lead to polar change of HKC and down-regulate the expression of E-cadherin in HKC. Conclusion ILK inhibits the expression of E-cadherin in HKC by up-regulating the activity of GSK-3β, thus inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition of tubular epithelial cells.