Project description:Poor prognosis of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is mainly attributed to its highly metastatic capability. Here we identify the SMC and Non-SMC from Rb1L/L/Trp53 L/L mouse model through FACS with NE and mensenchymal markers. In order to identify functions of these two subpopulations during SCLC malignant progression, we compared their metastatic capability by allograft experiment. In addition, we find that the SMC is progressively transited from the Non-SCLC during mouse SCLC malignant progression. Further investigation reveals that genetic disruption of the SWI/SNF chromatin-remodeling complex, in RP model abrogates SMC phenotype maintenance and SCLC metastasis. In search of important downstream regulators, we find that TAZ, the core transcription cofactor of the Hippo pathway, is epigenetically silenced by SWI/SNF complex during this process. Collectively, our data link phenotypic transition to cancer metastasis and identify TAZ as a critical molecular switch that controls SCLC plasticity.
