Parvin α and Parvin β Are Upregulated in Metastatic Murine Breast Tumor Cells and Correlate with Enhanced Cell Migration

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran.

2 Department of Tissue Engineering, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran.

3 Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran

4 Cellular and molecular research center, Basic Health sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical sciences, shahrekord, Iran

10.22111/jep.2025.53815.1099

Abstract

Abstract
Background: Alterations in cell–extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions are pivotal events that drive key hallmarks of breast cancer metastasis, including anchorage-independent growth, resistance to apoptosis, and enhanced cellular motility. Parvin alpha (Parva) and Parvin beta (Parvb), both localized at focal adhesions, are critical regulators of cell adhesion, migration, and cytoskeletal dynamics. This study aimed to investigate the potential role of Parvins in promoting the metastatic capacity of breast tumor cells.
Methods: Primary (4T1T) and metastatic (4T1B and 4T1L) breast tumor cells were isolated from a murine model of metastatic breast cancer. Cell viability and migration were evaluated using MTT and wound-healing assays, respectively. Quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) was employed to analyze the expression levels of Parva and Parvb.
Results: No significant differences in cell viability were observed between primary and metastatic tumor cells under both 2D and 3D culture conditions. In contrast, metastatic cells demonstrated substantially greater migratory capacity. Notably, RT-qPCR analysis revealed a significant upregulation of Parva and Parvb expression in metastatic tumor cells compared with their primary counterparts.
Conclusion: Parvin α (Parva) and Parvin β (Parvb) are significantly upregulated in highly metastatic 4T1 breast tumor cells compared with their primary counterparts. This upregulation correlates with increased migratory capacity in vitro. These preliminary findings suggest a potential association of Parvins with metastatic properties; however, functional studies are required to establish causality and therapeutic relevance.

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References

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Journal of Epigenetics
Volume 7, Issue 1
April 2026
Pages 1-7

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History

  • Receive Date: 12 November 2025
  • Revise Date: 18 November 2025
  • Accept Date: 29 November 2025

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