OPN对卵巢癌Hey细胞增殖、迁移和侵袭能力的影响

目的:探讨骨桥蛋白(Osteopontin,OPN)对卵巢癌Hey细胞增殖、迁移和侵袭能力的影响及其可能涉及的分子机制。方法:选择卵巢癌细胞株Hey、HO8910、A2780和正常卵巢上皮细胞IOSE80,采用Western blot检测OPN蛋白的表达情况。对OPN表达量相对较高的Hey细胞株的OPN基因敲减或过表达,运用CCK-8、平板克隆实验、细胞划痕、Transwell侵袭实验等方法研究OPN对细胞增殖、迁移及侵袭能力的影响,采用Western blot检测Wnt/β-catenin通路相关蛋白β-catenin、CyclinD1、c-myc的表达情况。结果:OPN在卵巢癌细胞株Hey、HO8910、A2780内均有表达,且表达量均高于正常卵巢上皮细胞IOSE80。si RNA-OPN转染卵巢癌Hey细胞沉默OPN表达,CCK-8和平板克隆实验显示沉默OPN能够降低Hey细胞的增殖能力,划痕实验和Transwell侵袭实验显示下调OPN可降低Hey细胞的迁移和侵袭能力,Wnt/β-catenin通路相关蛋白β-catenin、CyclinD1、c-myc表达下降。ex-OPN转染Hey细胞使OPN表达升高,与对照组相比,OPN过表达能够增强Hey细胞的增殖、迁移和侵袭能力,并且Wnt/β-catenin通路相关蛋白β-catenin、CyclinD1、c-myc表达升高。结论:OPN能够促进卵巢癌细胞的增殖、迁移及侵袭能力,该作用可能通过促进Wnt/β-catenin信号通路实现。     

抑制Notch信号通路联合沉默Id1对骨肉瘤恶性生物学行为及成骨分化的影响

该研究探讨了抑制Notch信号通路联合沉默Id1对人骨肉瘤细胞MG63的恶性生物学行为及成骨分化的影响。采用Notch信号通路抑制剂DAPT、沉默Id1重组腺病毒分别或联合处理MG63细胞,采用Western blot检测分组处理MG63细胞后Notch1、Jagged1、Id1蛋白的表达;CCK8检测分组处理后MG63增殖能力;流式细胞术检测分组处理后MG63细胞凋亡水平;划痕实验和Transwell检测分组处理后MG63细胞迁移和侵袭能力;碱性磷酸酶、茜素红染色分别检测分组处理后MG63细胞早期、晚期成骨分化能力。结果表明,DAPT处理MG63细胞后,Notch1、Jagged1蛋白表达下调(P0.05),可有效抑制MG63细胞中Notch信号通路活性;抑制MG63细胞中Notch信号通路后Id1蛋白水平表达下降,抑制MG63细胞中Notch信号通路联合沉默Id1后Id1蛋白表达水平最低(P0.05);抑制MG63细胞中Notch信号通路后细胞增殖、迁移、侵袭能力下降,凋亡水平增加和早期成骨分化能力减弱(P0.05);抑制MG63细胞中Notch信号通路联合沉默Id1后细胞增殖、迁移、侵袭能力进一步减弱,凋亡水平最高,早期、晚期成骨分化能力增强(P0.05)。综上所述,抑制Notch信号通路可减弱MG63细胞恶性;抑制Notch信号通路联合沉默Id1后可进一步减弱MG63细胞恶性,促进其成骨分化。     

沉默BCAT1对肺癌细胞增殖、迁移及侵袭能力的影响

目的:研究BCAT1在肺癌细胞A549的增殖、迁移及侵袭能力中的作用。方法:通过小干扰RNA(si RNA)沉默A549细胞中BCAT1的表达,细胞分为对照组(Con)、BCAT1基因沉默组(si RNA-BCAT1)和si RNA阴性对照组(si RNA-NC)。利用Western blot检测si RNA对BCAT1的沉默效果;划痕愈合实验检测沉默BCAT1后A549细胞迁移能力的改变;Transwell小室侵袭实验检测沉默BCAT1后A549细胞侵袭能力的变化;MTT实验检测沉默BCAT1对A549细胞增殖能力的影响。结果:与Con组相比,si RNA-BCAT1组的BCAT1蛋白表达明显降低(P0.05),细胞划痕愈合率明显降低(P0.05),能够穿膜的细胞数明显减少(P0.05),而Con组和si RNA-BCAT1组细胞的增殖能力比较差异无明显统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:沉默BCAT1抑制A549细胞的迁移和侵袭能力,而对其增殖能力无影响。     

肿瘤相关成纤维细胞对非小细胞肺癌恶性生物学行为影响

目的:探讨肿瘤相关成纤维细胞(Tancer Associated Fibroblast,TAF)对非小细胞肺癌(Non-small Cell Lung Cancer,NSCLC)恶性生物学行为的影响。方法:选取在本院肿瘤科住院手术的非小细胞肺癌患者,收集术后肺癌标本,马松三色染色(Masson Trichrome Stain)和天狼星红染色(Sirius Red Stain)观察肺癌组织(Lung Cancer Tissue,LCT)、癌旁组织(Pericarcinomatous Tissue,PCT)和正常组织(Normal Tissue,NT)中TAF的表达情况;体外将非小细胞肺癌细胞A549与非小细胞肺癌成纤维细胞P-gp共培养,CCK-8检测共培养前后A549细胞增殖能力;细胞划痕和Trans-well实验分别检测A549细胞迁移和侵袭能力;q RT-PCR和Western blot检测A549细胞上皮间质转化(Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition,EMT)标志蛋白E-cadherin、N-cadherin和Vimentin的表达。结果:Masson和Sirius染色结果显示:肺癌组织中纤维的表达明显高于癌旁组织;与P-gp共培养的A549细胞的增殖、迁移和侵袭能力及上皮间质转化相关蛋白N-cadherin和Vimentin表达均明显高于阴性对照组(P0.05),而E-cadherin的表达明显降低(P0.05)。结论:TAF可能通过诱导非小细胞肺癌细胞EMT的发生从而促进非小细胞肺癌的增殖、迁移和侵袭等恶性生物学行为。     

FHL2对人鼻咽癌5-8F细胞恶性生物学行为影响及相关机制

采用定量Real-time PCR(q RT-PCR)、Western blot法检测NP-69和5-8F细胞中FHL2表达情况及转染后5-8F各组细胞中FHL2、c-myc、β-catenin的m RNA与蛋白质水平;利用CCK-8法、细胞平板克隆形成实验、划痕实验及Transwell实验分别检测转染后5-8F各组细胞增殖、迁移及侵袭能力。实验结果显示,鼻咽癌细胞株5-8F的FHL2蛋白质水平高于NP-69,转染si RNA的5-8F细胞中FHL2表达水平显著低于无关序列组和空白对照组(P0.01)。下调FHL2基因表达后5-8F细胞增殖、侵袭、迁移能力均受到抑制(P0.05),且转染组5-8F细胞中c-myc、β-catenin的m RNA及相应蛋白质水平均有下降(P0.01)。综上所述,在5-8F细胞中FHL2高表达。FHL2基因敲低后可以抑制5-8F细胞增殖、侵袭、迁移能力,并可能通过Wnt信号通路影响鼻咽癌5-8F细胞的恶性生物学行为。     

过表达Rab27A基因对胃癌细胞BGC823生物学行为的影响

目的:研究Rab27A与胃癌细胞恶性生物学行为的关系。方法:以Rab27A低表达的胃癌细胞BGC823为出发细胞株,构建Rab27A过表达稳定细胞株,通过MTT实验、软琼脂集落形成实验、Transwell迁移和侵袭实验,观察过表达Rab27A后BGC823细胞增殖、迁移及侵袭等恶性生物学行为的改变。结果:过表达Rab27A后,BGC823细胞的迁移(P0.05)和侵袭能力(P0.05)显著降低,但细胞增殖能力没有明显变化(P0.05)。结论:Rab27A在胃癌细胞发生发展过程中可能作为抑癌基因发挥作用,这一结果为胃癌的临床治疗提供了新的理论依据和潜在的治疗靶点。     

Sprouty-2对胃癌细胞上皮间质转化及侵袭转移的影响

目的:研究Sprouty2(SPRY2)基因在胃癌肿瘤细胞上皮间质转化(EMT)和侵袭转移的影响。方法:体外培养人胃癌细胞(BGC-823),采用慢病毒介导的sh RNA沉默SPRY2基因,并用实时定量PCR与Western blot检测其SPRY2、E-钙黏蛋白(E-cadherin)、波形蛋白(vimentin)的表达,采用细胞划痕实验、Transwell实验检测SPRY2基因沉默后的胃癌细胞侵袭转移能力变化。结果:在慢病毒介导sh RNA沉默SPRY2基因的人胃癌BGC-823细胞中,SPRY2的m RNA和蛋白表达明显降低(P0.05),SPRY2沉默后人胃癌细胞E-cadherin的蛋白表达增多(P0.05),vimentin的蛋白表达减少(P0.05)。此外,SPRY2沉默后,胃癌细胞迁移能力和侵袭能力明显减弱(P值均P0.05)。结论:Sprouty-2基因通过调节E-cadherin与vimentin的表达参与胃癌细胞的上皮-间质转化,进而促进胃癌细胞的迁移与侵袭。     

生物钟基因PER2在人口腔鳞癌细胞中具有重要的抑癌作用

探讨生物钟基因PER2对人口腔鳞癌SCC9细胞增殖、凋亡、迁移和侵袭的影响和机理。利用RNA干扰技术沉默SCC9细胞中PER2基因,应用实时荧光定量PCR检测Ki-67、MDM2、P53、Bcl-2、Bax、C-myc、MMP-2、Timp-2和VEGFm RNA的表达改变;流式细胞仪检测沉默后细胞的增殖和凋亡水平,平板克隆形成实验检测细胞的克隆形成率,Transwell小室检测细胞迁移和侵袭能力的改变。沉默PER2基因后,SCC9细胞凋亡指数显著降低(p0.05),细胞增殖指数、细胞迁移和侵袭能力显著升高(均p0.05)。PER2沉默后Ki-67、MDM2、Bcl-2、C-myc、MMP-2和VEGF m RNA的表达水平显著升高(均p0.05),p53、Bax和Timp-2 m RNA的表达水平显著降低(均p0.05)。研究表明,生物钟基因PER2通过调控Ki-67、MDM2、P53、Bcl-2、Bax、C-myc、MMP-2、Timp-2和VEGF影响癌细胞的增殖、凋亡、迁移和侵袭。因此,对PER2的深入研究有可能为癌症的治疗提供新的有效分子靶点。     

干扰素α1b对黑色素瘤细胞A375增殖、迁移和凋亡的影响

目的:研究干扰素α1b(IFN-α1b)对人恶性黑色素瘤细胞A375增殖、迁移和凋亡的影响。方法:采用体外培养的黑色素瘤细胞A375,通过MTT法检测和比较IFN-α1b和IFN-α2b对A375细胞的增殖的抑制作用;细胞划痕实验分析IFN-α1b对A375细胞迁移的影响;Annexin V-FITC/PI染色后采用荧光显微镜观察和流式细胞术分析IFN-α1b对A375细胞凋亡的影响。结果:MTT结果显示随着IFN-α1b和IFN-α2b浓度的增加,A375细胞的生长抑制率逐渐升高,药物作用48 h和72 h后,IFN-α1b作用的A375细胞生长抑制率明显高于IFN-α2b,IFN-α1b和IFN-α2b作用48 h的IC50分别为(22.69±1.52)μg/mL和(35.69±1.01)μg/mL(P0.01);IFN-α1b和IFN-α2b作用72 h的IC50分别为(10.00±0.98)μg/mL和(25.02±0.44)μg/mL(P0.01)。细胞划痕实验显示IFN-α1b能够使A375细胞的迁移指数和迁移能力降低,且随着IFN-α1b药物浓度的增加抑制细胞迁移作用增强。随着50μg/mL IFN-α1b作用的A375细胞的凋亡率为(29.31±0.45)%,较对照组(8.21±1.36)%相比明显上升(P0.01)。结论:IFN-α1b对人恶性黑色素瘤细胞A375具有生长抑制作用,与IFN-α2b相比,IFN-α1b的抑制作用更加显著;IFN-α1b能够降低细胞A375的迁移能力并诱导其凋亡。     

沉默细胞分裂相关基因NUF2的表达对卵巢癌细胞侵袭及迁移的影响

目的:研究沉默细胞分裂相关基因NUF2的表达对卵巢癌细胞侵袭及迁移的影响,并初步探讨其潜在的分子作用机制。方法:用基因表达谱数据动态分析(GEPIA)和实时荧光定量PCR(qRT-PCR)分别检测卵巢癌组织和细胞中NUF2的表达情况;将卵巢癌HEY、SKOV3细胞分为空白对照组、control siRNA(si-control)组和NUF2 siRNA(si-NUF2)组,用qRT-PCR检测各组细胞的NUF2 mRNA表达水平以验证转染效果;Transwell小室实验和细胞划痕实验检测沉默NUF2后各组细胞侵袭、迁移能力的改变;蛋白印迹法检测各组细胞中Notch通路相关蛋白Notch1、Hes1的表达水平。结果:NUF2在卵巢癌组织或细胞中均高表达,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05);与空白对照组和sicontrol组相比,si-NUF2组细胞中NUF2 mRNA表达水平显著下降(P0.05),侵袭、迁移细胞数明显减少(P0.05),Notch1和Hes1蛋白表达降低。结论:沉默NUF2表达可抑制卵巢癌细胞侵袭、迁移能力,其分子作用机制与抑制Notch信号通路有关。     

Up-Regulation of Hepatoma-Derived Growth Factor Facilities Tumor Progression in Malignant Melanoma

Cutaneous malignant melanoma is the fastest increasing malignancy in humans. Hepatoma-derived growth factor (HDGF) is a novel growth factor identified from human hepatoma cell line. HDGF overexpression is correlated with poor prognosis in various types of cancer including melanoma. However, the underlying mechanism of HDGF overexpression in developing melanoma remains unclear. In this study, human melanoma cell lines (A375, A2058, MEL-RM and MM200) showed higher levels of HDGF gene expression, whereas human epidermal melanocytes (HEMn) expressed less. Exogenous application of HDGF stimulated colony formation and invasion of human melanoma cells. Moreover, HDGF overexpression stimulated the degree of invasion and colony formation of B16–F10 melanoma cells whereas HDGF knockdown exerted opposite effects in vitro. To evaluate the effects of HDGF on tumour growth and metastasis in vivo, syngeneic mouse melanoma and metastatic melanoma models were performed by manipulating the gene expression of HDGF in melanoma cells. It was found that mice injected with HDGF-overexpressing melanoma cells had greater tumour growth and higher metastatic capability. In contrast, mice implanted with HDGF-depleted melanoma cells exhibited reduced tumor burden and lung metastasis. Histological analysis of excised tumors revealed higher degree of cell proliferation and neovascularization in HDGF-overexpressing melanoma. The present study provides evidence that HDGF promotes tumor progression of melanoma and targeting HDGF may constitute a novel strategy for the treatment of melanoma.     

Hsa_circ_0002019 promotes cell proliferation,migration, and invasion by regulating TNFAIP6/NF-κB signaling in gastric cancer

BackgroundGastric cancer (GC) is a common cancer with a high incidence and mortality rate. Herein, the role of hsa_circ_0002019 (circ_0002019) in GC was investigated.MethodsThe molecular structure and stability of circ_0002019 were identified by RNase R, and Actinomycin D treatment. Molecular associations were verified by RIP. Proliferation, migration, and invasion were detected by CCK-8, EdU, and Transwell, respectively. The effect of circ_0002019 on tumor growth was analyzed in vivo.ResultsCirc_0002019 was elevated in GC tissues and cells. Circ_0002019 knockdown inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion. Mechanically, circ_0002019 activated NF-κB signaling by increasing TNFAIP6 mRNA stability by PTBP1. Activation of NF-κB signaling limited the antitumor effect of circ_0002019 silencing in GC. Circ_0002019 knockdown inhibited tumor growth in vivo by reducing TNFAIP6 expression.ConclusionsCirc_0002019 accelerated the proliferation, migration, and invasion by regulating TNFAIP6/NF-κB pathway, suggesting circ_0002019 could be a key regulatory factor in GC progression.     

Circ_0011058 facilitates proliferation,angiogenesis and radioresistance in papillary thyroid cancer cells by positively regulating YAP1 via acting as miR-335-5p sponge

BackgroundCircular RNAs (circRNAs) are reported to be associated with multiple biological processes in human cancers. However, there are still numerous circRNAs whose functions remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of circ_0011058 in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC).MethodsQuantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) was utilized to detect the expression of circ_0011058, microRNA-335-5p (miR-335-5p) and Yes-associated Protein 1 (YAP1). Cell proliferation was detected using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and EdU assay. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry assay. Angiogenesis ability was assessed using tube formation assay. The expression of angiogenesis-related proteins and YAP1 protein was detected by western blot. Radioresistance was examined using colony formation assay. The binding relationship between miR-335-5p and circ_0011058 or YAP1 was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay, pull-down assay and RIP assay. Xenograft models were constructed to ensure the role of circ_0011058.ResultsCirc_0011058 expression was aberrantly elevated in PTC tissues and cells. The downregulation of circ_0011058 suppressed proliferation, angiogenesis and radioresistance in PTC cells. MiR-335-5p was defined as a target of circ_0011058, and miR-335-5p inhibition reversed the effects of circ_0011058 downregulation. In addition, YAP1 was a target of miR-335-5p, and circ_0011058 positively regulated YAP1 expression by targeting miR-335-5p. MiR-335-5p restoration inhibited proliferation, angiogenesis and radioresistance in PTC cells, while YAP1 overexpression abolished these effects. Animal study showed that circ_0011058 knockdown inhibited tumor growth in vivo.ConclusionCirc_0011058 promoted PTC cell proliferation, angiogenesis and radioresistance by upregulating YAP1 via acting as miR-335-5p sponge.     

Circ_0004712 promotes endometriotic epithelial cell proliferation,migration and invasion by regulating miR-488-3p/ROCK1 axis in vitro

Recent evidence indicates that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play crucial regulatory roles in the pathogenesis and development of endometriosis. Circ_0004712 was found to be differentially expressed in endometriosis. However, the detailed function and mechanism of circ_0004712 in endometriosis are still unclear. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot were used for the detection of circ_0004712, miR-488-3p and ROCK1 (Rho Associated Coiled-Coil Containing Protein Kinase 1) levels. In vitro experiments in endometrial endothelial cells were performed by cell counting kit-8, EdU, transwell, wound healing assays, and flow cytometry, respectively. The molecular mechanism of circ_0004712 function was investigated using bioinformatics target predication, dual-luciferase reporter, and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays. The expression of circ_0004712 was higher in endometriotic endometrial tissues and epithelial cells. Knockdown of circ_0004712 suppressed cell proliferation, migration, invasion, EMT process and induced apoptosis in ectopic endometrial epithelial cells in vitro. Mechanistically, circ_0004712 acted as a ceRNA to sponge miR-488-3p, thus elevating the expression of ROCK1, which was confirmed to be a target of miR-488-3p. Rescue experiments suggested that miR-488-3p inhibition reversed the inhibitory effects of circ_0004712 silencing on cell growth and metastasis. Moreover, miR-488-3p restoration restrained the proliferation and metastasis in ectopic endometrial epithelial cells, which were attenuated by ROCK1 overexpression. Circ_0004712 knockdown suppressed the proliferation and metastasis of ectopic endometrial epithelial cells via miR-488-3p/ROCK1 axis in vitro, suggesting a new insight into the pathogenesis of endometriosis.     

早孕因子单克隆抗体对黑色素瘤细胞A-375增殖、凋亡的影响

目的:研究早孕因子单克隆抗体(EPF-McAb)对黑色素瘤细胞A-375增殖、凋亡的影响。方法:体外培养黑色素瘤细胞A-375,通过CCK-8实验检测EPF-McAb对A-375细胞增殖的影响;通过流式细胞术检测EPF-McAb对A-375细胞凋亡的影响;Western Blot检测EPF-McAb对A-375细胞EPF蛋白表达的影响。结果:CCK-8结果显示EPF-McAb可以抑制黑色素瘤细胞A-375的增殖,且随着作用时间延长和药物浓度的增加,对A-375细胞增殖的抑制作用也增强;流式细胞术实验结果显示EPF-McAb可以促进黑色素瘤细胞A-375的凋亡,且调亡率随着药物浓度的增加而升高,0.2、0.4、0.8 mg/m L的EPF单抗作用于A-375细胞24 h后,细胞调亡率分别为:14.68%(P0.01)、19.81%(P0.01)、23.97%(P0.01);Western Blot实验结果显示EPF-McAb可以降低黑色素瘤细胞A-375 EPF蛋白的表达。结论:早孕因子单克隆抗体可以抑制黑色素瘤细胞A-375的增殖,并促进其凋亡。     

Circ_0004015 silencing represses cisplatin chemoresistance and tumor progression by reducing KLF8 in a miR-198-dependent manner in non-small cell lung cancer

Circular RNA (circRNA) plays vital roles in diverse cancer progression, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Herein, the role of circ_0004015 in regulating the sensitivity of NSCLC to cisplatin (DDP) is revealed. The RNA expression of circ_0004015, microRNA-198 (miR-198) and kruppel like factor 8 (KLF8) was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Protein expression was checked by western blot. The half maximal inhibitory concentration of DDP and cell proliferation were determined by cell counting kit-8 assay. Cell colony formation ability, migration, invasion and apoptosis were investigated by colony-forming assay, transwell assay and flow cytometry analysis, respectively. The effect of circ_0004015 knockdown on DDP sensitivity in vivo was demonstrated by mouse model assay. The interactions among circ_0004015, miR-198 and KLF8 were predicted by bioinformatics methods, and identified by mechanism assays. The expression of circ_0004015 and KLF8 was apparently upregulated, while miR-198 expression was downregulated in DDP-resistant NSCLC tissues and cells compared with control groups. Additionally, circ_0004015 silencing repressed DDP resistance, cell proliferation, migration and invasion, but induced cell apoptosis in DDP-resistant NSCLC cells. Circ_0004015 knockdown promoted the effect of DDP on tumor formation in vivo. Also, miR-198 inhibitors attenuated circ_0004015 depletion-mediated action though associating with circ_0004015. MiR-198 regulated DDP sensitivity and NSCLC progression by targeting KLF8. Furthermore, circ_0004015 modulated KLF8 expression through interaction with miR-198. Circ_0004015 conferred DDP resistance and promoted NSCLC progression by miR-198/KLF8 pathway, proving a potential target for studying DDP-mediated treatment of NSCLC.     

自分泌运动因子在肝细胞癌侵袭及转移中的作用

目的:探讨自分泌运动因子(AMF)在人肝细胞癌侵袭和转移中的作用。方法:人肝细胞系LO2和人肝细胞癌细胞株MHCC97-H作为实验材料,检测二者AMF的表达水平;设计并合成针对AMF基因序列的双链小干扰RNA转染高转移性人肝癌细胞株MHCC97-H,Western blot检测AMF基因的蛋白的表达水平;通过MTT实验检测转染后细胞的增殖力;通过体外Transwell小室对比沉默AMF基因前后的肝癌细胞的迁移力和侵袭力;最后用细胞悬液皮下接种小鼠,观察沉默AMF基因前后肝细胞的成瘤能力。结果:AMF在MHCC97-H的表达量较高;将双链小干扰RNA转入MHCC97-H后,AMF的表达显著降低(P0.05);沉默AMF基因序列后,MHCC97-H的增殖力、迁移力和侵袭力均有明显下降(P0.05);用细胞悬液皮下接种小鼠沉默AMF基因的MHCC97-H形成的肿瘤体积小于对照组(P0.05)。结论:AMF基因可调节肝癌细胞的迁移和侵袭。     

Down‐regulating Myoferlin inhibits the vasculogenic mimicry of melanoma via decreasing MMP‐2 and inducing mesenchymal‐to‐epithelial transition

Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) constitutes a novel approach for tumour blood supply and contributes to tumour metastasis and poor prognosis in patients with melanoma. Myoferlin (MYOF), a type II membrane protein involved in membrane regeneration and repair, is elevated in several malignant tumours, especially in advanced melanomas. This study aims to investigate the role and mechanism of MYOF in the regulation of VM. VM structures were found in 14 of 52 tested melanoma samples, and high MYOF expression correlated with VM structures. According to Kaplan–Meier survival curves, VM channels and elevated MYOF expression both correlated with poor prognosis in melanoma patients. Down‐regulation of MYOF by siRNA severely impaired the capability of A375 cells to form VM structures in vitro. Further studies demonstrated MYOF knockdown inhibited cell migration and invasion, which is required for VM formation, via decreasing MMP‐2 expression as evidenced by Western blotting, RT‐RCP and ELISA results. SB‐3CT, a specific inhibitor of MMP‐2, showed similar inhibiting effects with siMYOF, further supporting that MYOF down‐regulation inhibits MMP‐2 expression to affect VM formation. Moreover, MYOF knockdown suppress VM formation by A375 cells by inducing mesenchymal‐to‐epithelial transition (MET). After down‐regulating MYOF, focal adhesions were enlarged and A375 cells developed into a clear epithelial morphology. Such cells acquired the expression of E‐cadherin at adherens junctions along with a loss of mesenchymal markers, such as Vimentin and Twist1. In conclusion, MYOF plays an important role in VM and knockdown of MYOF suppresses VM formation via decreasing MMP‐2 and inducing MET in A375 melanoma cells.