ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of Annexin A1 on migratory and invasive ability of colon cancer cells. MethodsEukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.1-Annexin A1 was constructed and analyzed by restriction analysis and sequencing. The recombinant plasmid pcDNA3.1-Annexin A1 was transfected into SW480 cells by liposome-mediated gene transferred method. The stable transfectants were obtained after screening with G418. Real-time PCR and Western blotting analysis were used to examine the expression of Annexin A1 mRNA and protein in SW480 cells before and after transfection. Wound-healing experiment and Transwell invasion assays were used to study the effects of Annexin A1 on the migratory and invasive ability of SW480 cells. ResultsThe recombinant plasmid pcDNA3.1-Annexin A1 was successfully constructed. The results of real-time PCR and Western blotting analysis showed that the Annexin A1 expression was significantly higher in cells transfected with pcDNA3.1-Annexin A1 than in un-transfected cells or those transfected with empty vectors (P<0.01), while there was no significant difference between the last two groups (P>0.05).The migratory rate of SW480 cells in pcDNA3.1-Annexin A1 group was significantly higher than those in un-transfected cells or transfected with empty vectors (\[0.415±0.002) vs \[0.267±0.003\] and \[0.271±0.002\], P<0.05), and there was no significant difference between the latter two groups. The migrating SW480 cells in pcDNA3.1-Annexin A1 group was significantly more than those in the other two groups(\[ 221.75±12.07\] vs \[162.80±12.07\] and \[164.25±9.50\], P<0.05). ConclusionOverexpression of Annexin A1 can increase the migratory and invasive ability of SW480 cell line.