Expression and inhibition of ADAMDEC1 in craniopharyngioma cells.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Craniopharyngioma is a common intracranial tumor characterized by high recurrence rate and poor prognosis in spite of multidisciplinary approaches. The ADAM-like decysin 1 (ADAMDEC1) is a member of a disintegrin and metalloprotease (ADAM) family which correlates with tumor progression and aggressive behavior. This study aimed to detect and inhibit expression of ADAMDEC1 in order to see whether craniopharyngioma cell growth could be suppressed. METHODS ADAMDEC1 expression was detected by Western Blot analysis and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Craniopharyngioma cells, which were obtained from tumor samples after surgical removal, were cultured with or without tamoxifen. MTT assay was used to examine tumor cell growth. RESULTS ADAMDEC1 mRNA was expressed in craniopharyngioma cell cultures, but it was not shown in normal brain tissue. Tamoxifen not only reduced ADAMDEC1 mRNA and protein expression, but also inhibited craniopharyngioma cell proliferation. CONCLUSIONS ADAMDEC1 may serve as a novel marker for craniopharyngiomas, and tamoxifen could inhibit craniopharyngioma cell growth and ADAMDEC1 expression.