Expression of lactate dehydrogenase C in MDA-MB-231 cells and its role in tumor invasion and migration

The cancer/testis antigen (CTA) lactate dehydrogenase C (LDHC) is a unique LDH isoenzyme associated with glucose and adenosine triphosphate production in mammalian germ cells. However, the role of LDHC in cancer has thus far largely remained elusive. The present study described the expression status of LDHC in human MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells as well as its role in tumor invasion and migration. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed endogenous LDHC expression in the cytoplasm and nuclei of MDA-MB-231 cells yielded. In addition, in vitro cell invasion and migration assays revealed that when LDHC expression was blocked by its specific inhibitor, cell invasion and migration were compromised in MDA-MB-231 cells. Of note, inhibition of LDHC was unable to induce apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells. The present study provided evidence that the LDHC enzyme acts as a CTA in breast carcinoma and exerts an essential role in tumor invasion and migration.