The PDGFR?/ERK1/2 pathway regulates CDCP1 expression in triple-negative breast cancer.
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ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:CDCP1, a transmembrane protein with tumor pro-metastatic activity, was recently identified as a prognostic marker in TNBC, the most aggressive breast cancer subtype still lacking an effective molecular targeted therapy. The mechanisms driving CDCP1 over-expression are not fully understood, although several stimuli derived from tumor microenvironment, such as factors present in Wound Healing Fluids (WHFs), reportedly increase CDCP1 levels. METHODS:The expression of CDCP1, PDGFR? and ERK1/2cell was tested by Western blot after stimulation of MDA-MB-231 cells with PDGF-BB and, similarly, in presence or not of ERK1/2 inhibitor in a panel of TNBC cell lines. Knock-down of PDGFR? was established in MDA-MB-231 cells to detect CDCP1 upon WHF treatment. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression of CDCP1 and PDGFR? in TNBC clinical samples. RESULTS:We discovered that PDGF-BB-mediated activation of PDGFR? increases CDCP1 protein expression through the downstream activation of ERK1/2. Inhibition of ERK1/2 activity reduced per se CDCP1 expression, evidence strengthening its role in CDCP1 expression regulation. Knock-down of PDGFR? in TNBC cells impaired CDCP1 increase induced by WHF treatment, highlighting the role if this receptor as a central player of the WHF-mediated CDCP1 induction. A significant association between CDCP1 and PDGFR? immunohistochemical staining was observed in TNBC specimens, independently of CDCP1 gene gain, thus corroborating the relevance of the PDGF-BB/PDGFR? axis in the modulation of CDCP1 expression. CONCLUSION:We have identified PDGF-BB/PDGFR?-mediated pathway as a novel player in the regulation of CDCP1 in TNCBs through ERK1/2 activation. Our results provide the basis for the potential use of PDGFR? and ERK1/2 inhibitors in targeting the aggressive features of CDCP1-positive TNBCs.
SUBMITTER: Forte L
PROVIDER: S-EPMC5967041 | biostudies-literature | 2018 May
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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