Nuclear Localization of PTTG1 Promotes Migration and Invasion of Seminoma Tumor through Activation of MMP-2.

(1) Background: PTTG1 sustains the invasiveness of several cancer types. We previously reported that in seminomas, PTTG1 was detected in the peripheral area of the tumor and in the leading infiltrative edge. Here, we investigate the PTTG1 role on the invasive properties of seminoma. (2) Methods: three seminoma cell lines were used as in vitro model. PTTG1 levels and localization were investigated by biochemical and immunofluorescence analyses. Wound-healing, Matrigel invasion assays, and zymography were applied to study migratory and invasive capability of the cell lines. RNA interference and overexpression experiments were performed to address the PTTG1 role in seminoma invasiveness. PTTG1 and its target MMP-2 were analyzed in human testicular tumors using the Atlas database. (3) Results: PTTG1 was highly and differentially expressed in the seminoma cell lines. Nuclear PTTG1 was positively correlated to the aggressive phenotype. Its modulation confirms these results. Atlas database analysis revealed that PTTG1 was localized in the nucleus in seminoma compared with non-seminoma tumors, and that MMP-2 levels were significantly higher in seminomas. (4) Conclusions: nuclear PTTG1 promotes invasiveness of seminoma cell lines. Atlas database supported these results. These data lead to the hypothesis that nuclear PTTG1 is an eligible prognostic factor in seminomas.