Objective To investigate the molecular mechanism of nectin-like molecule 1 (NECL1) inhibiting the migration and invasion of U251 glioma cells. Methods We infected U251 glioma cells with adeno-nectin-like molecule 1 (Ad-NECL1) or empty adenovirus (Ad). Transwell and wound healing assays were performed to observe the migration of U251 cells incubated with the cell supernatant from Ad-NECL1 or Ad infected U251 cells. DNA microarray was applied to screen the gene expression profile after the restoration of NECL1 in U251 glioma cell lines. The differential expression of osteopontin (OPN)

a gene related to migration and invasion

was further analyzed with semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)

Western blot

and immunohistochemistry. Results The restoration of NECL1 inhibited migration of U251 cells significantly (P<0.05). Altogether 195 genes were found differentially expressed by microarray

in which 175 were up-regulated and 20 down-regulated

including 9 extracellular matrix proteins involved in the migration of cells. Both mRNA and protein expressions of OPN

the most markedly reduced extracellular matrix protein

were found decreased in U251 cells after restoration of NECL1. Immunohistochemical assay also detected an increase of OPN in glioma tissues

related with the progressing of malignant grade. Conclusion A link might exist between NECL1 and the extracellular matrix protein OPN in inhibiting the migration and invasion of U251 glioma cells.