Fig. 3

Expression of E-cadherin and N-cadherin in GC cells overexpressing MAWBP and MAWD. (a) E-cadherin and N-cadherin protein levels were measured through western blotting. E-cadherin expression was increased relative to control in the MAWBP and MAWBP&D groups and was weakest in the Vector group, and N-cadherin levels were decreased in the MAWBP&D group. (b) E-cadherin and N-cadherin mRNA levels were estimated using semiquantitative RT-PCR. E-cadherin expression was again elevated in the MAWBP and MAWBP&D groups and weakest in the Vector group, and N-cadherin expression was decreased in the MAWBP&D group. (c) AKP activity measurements revealed that the AKP level was lowest in the MAWBP&D group and highest in the control group (P < 0.05). (d) E-cadherin and N-cadherin protein expression was analyzed using confocal microscopy. The mean fluorescence intensity shows that E-cadherin expression was increased in the MAWBP&D group (P < 0.001) and N-cadherin expression was elevated in the Vector group (P < 0.05). The cells in the MAWBP&D group were morphologically well organized and appeared to exhibit polarity, whereas the cells in the control group were disorganized