RAS-induced transformation of mammary epithelial cells relies on ZEB1-dependent cellular reprogramming through a paracrine process
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ABSTRACT: The distinct frequency of activation of the RAS/MAPK signaling pathway in human cancers suggests a context-dependent cellular state of vulnerability to RAS transformation. While uncommon in breast cancers, oncogenic activation of this pathway is frequent in claudin-low (CL) tumors, a subtype of breast malignancies enriched in features of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), suggesting an interplay between RAS activation and EMT. Using inducible models of human mammary epithelial cells, we show that RAS-mediated transformation relies upon cellular reprogramming governed by the EMT-inducing transcription factor ZEB1. The path to ZEB1 induction involves a paracrine process: cells entering a senescent state following RAS induction release proinflammatory cytokines, notably IL-6 and IL1 which promote ZEB1 expression and activity in neighboring cells, thereby fostering their malignant transformation. Collectively, our findings unveil a previously unprecedented role for senescence in bridging RAS activation and EMT over the course of malignant transformation of human mammary epithelial cells.
ORGANISM(S): Homo sapiens
PROVIDER: GSE201536 | GEO | 2024/02/16
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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