BACKGROUNDHeme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) can be induced by inflammatory cytokines, oxidation, ischemia, hypoxia, and endotoxins. As a "graft survival protective gene," HO-1 is a hot spot in organ transplantation research. However, the role of HO-1 gene expression in the function of human colon adenocarcinoma cell line (Caco-2) cells has not been reported previously.

METHODSThe role of HO-1 in the proliferation and migration of Caco-2 cells was analyzed using a stable HO-1 expression plasmid. We constructed a recombinant adeno-associated virus plasmid containing the HO-1 gene, heme oxygenase 1 (HMOX1), which was transfected into Caco-2 intestinal cells. We identified a number of target genes by global microarray analysis combined with real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay.

RESULTSOur results showed that significant HO-1 upregulation was demonstrated in the Caco-2 cells after HO-1 transfection. Restoration of HO-1 expression promoted proliferation and invasion in vitro. The CTNND1 gene, a member of the armadillo protein family, was identified as a direct HO-1 target gene.

CONCLUSIONOverexpression of HO-1 promotes Caco-2 cell proliferation and migration by targeting the CTNND1 gene.