Inhibition of the SLC35B2-TPST2 axis of tyrosine sulfation attenuates the growth and metastasis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

ABSTRACT: Background & Aims: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Tyrosine sulfation, catalyzed by the tyrosylprotein sulfotransferase 2 (TPST2), is a post-translational modification essential for protein-protein interactions and cellular functions. SLC35B2 is a key transporter that transports the universal sulfate donor 3’-phosphoadenosine 5’-phosphosulfate (PAPS) into the Golgi apparatus where the protein sulfation occurs. The goal of this study is to determine whether and how SLC35B2-TPST2 axis of tyrosine sulfation plays a role in PDAC. Methods: Gene expression was analyzed in PDAC patients and mice. Human PDAC MIA PaCa-2 and PANC-1 cells were used for in vitro studies. TPST2 deficient MIA PaCa-2 cells were generated to assess xenograft tumor growth in vivo. Mouse PDAC cells derived from the KrasLSL-G12D/+;Tp53L/+;Pdx1-Cre (KPC) mice were used to generate Tpst2 KO KPC cells to evaluate tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Results: High expressions of SLC35B2 and TPST2 were correlated with poor PDAC patient survival. Knockdown of SLC35B2 or TPST2, or pharmacological inhibition of sulfation inhibited PDAC cell proliferation and migration in vitro. TPST2 deficient MIA PaCa-2 cells exhibited inhibited xenograft tumor growth. Orthotopic inoculation of Tpst2 KO KPC cells in mice showed inhibition of primary tumor growth, local invasion, and metastasis. Mechanistically, the integrin ITGB4 was found to be a novel substrate of TPST2. Inhibition of sulfation destabilizes ITGB4 protein, which may have accounted for the suppression of metastasis. Conclusions: Targeting the SLC35B2-TPST2 axis of tyrosine sulfation may represent a novel approach for therapeutic intervention of PDAC.

ORGANISM(S): Homo sapiens

PROVIDER: GSE215104 | GEO | 2023/10/08

REPOSITORIES: GEO