ANXA2 was excessively expressed in human colorectal carcinoma cells (Caco2). To study the effects of the excessive ANXA2 expression on surface morphology, the ANXA2 specific RNAi plasmid (pU6H1-GFP-siANXA2) was introduced into Caco2 cells. Then the cell surface morphology was observed using scanning electron microscope at different time point post transfection. The results showed that the cell shape was altered, meanwhile, the microvilli and pseudopodia structure were damaged when ANXA2 expression was inhibited. Moreover, the extent of the damage increased in a time dependent manner. At last, the cell surface became smooth and a part of cells appeared apoptotic changes. The results indicated that the excessive ANXA2 expression maintains the malignant surface morphology of Caco2 cells.

ANXA2; RNAi; colorectal carcinoma; scanning electron microscope; cell structure