Objective      To determine the inhibitory effect of seocalcitol (EB1089) on transforming growth factorβ1 (TGF-β1)induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in the hepatoma carcinoma cell line SMMC-7721. Methods     Vitamin D analog EB1089 at different concentrations (1

10

100 and 1 000 nmol/L) was used to treat the SMMC-7721 cells for different times (6

12

24 and 48 h) to determine the optimal dose and time. Then the SMMC-7721 cells were divided into control group

TGF-β1 group

EB1089 with or without TGF-β1 groups. Cell morphology was observed with phase-contrast microscopy. RT-PCR and Western blotting were employed to measure the expression of E-cadherin

N-caherin and Vimentin at mRNA and protein levels. Cell invasion and migration were evaluated by Transwell chamber assay. Results      Compared with control cells

TGF-β1 stimulated cells developed an obvious long fusiform shape. Such morphological changes were prevented by the addition of EB1089. Meanwhile

EB1089 enhanced the protein and mRNA expression of E-cadherin suppressed by TGF-β1 (P0.05)

decreased the levels of N-caherin and Vimentin (P0.05)

and inhibited TGF-β1-induced invasiveness and migration in the SMMC-7721 cells. Conclusion      Vitamin D analog EB1089 inhibits TGF-β1-induced EMT

and invasion and migration in the hepatoma carcinoma SMMC-7721 cells.