Functional roles of CSPG 4/ NG 2 in chondrosarcoma

Summary CSPG 4/ NG 2 is a multifunctional transmembrane protein with limited distribution in adult tissues including articular cartilage. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible roles of CSPG 4/ NG 2 in chondrosarcomas and to establish whether this molecule may have potential for targeted therapy. Stable knock‐down of CSPG 4/ NG 2 in the JJ 012 chondrosarcoma cell line by sh RNA resulted in decreased cell proliferation and migration as well as a decrease in gene expression of the MMP (matrix metalloproteinase) 3 protease and ADAMTS 4 (aggrecanase). Chondrosarcoma cells in which CSPG 4/ NG 2 was knocked down were more sensitive to doxorubicin than wild‐type cells. The results indicate that CSPG 4/ NG 2 has roles in regulating chondrosarcoma cell function in relation to growth, spread and resistance to chemotherapy and that anti‐ CSPG 4/ NG 2 therapies may have potential in the treatment of surgically unresectable chondrosarcoma.