The cytoplasmic part of L1-CAM controls growth and gene expression in human tumors that is reversed by therapeutic antibodies

Oncogene. 2008 Feb 21;27(9):1281-9. doi: 10.1038/sj.onc.1210747. Epub 2007 Oct 22.

Abstract

L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1-CAM) is a transmembrane cell adhesion molecule involved in cell migration and axon guidance in the developing nervous system. L1 is also overexpressed in ovarian and endometrial carcinomas and is associated with a bad prognosis. In carcinoma cell lines, L1 overexpression augments cell motility, tumor growth in mice and induces expression of Erk-dependent genes. Here, we show that a mutation in the cytoplasmic portion of L1 (T1247A, S1248A) abrogates Erk activation, blocks cell migration on extracellular matrix proteins and did not augment tumor growth in non-obese diabetic/severe combined immuno-deficient mice. In cells expressing mutant L1, the induction of Erk-dependent genes such as beta3-integrin, cathepsin-B and several transcription factors is eliminated and the invasive phenotype is abrogated. L1 antibodies showed similar effects. They prevented Erk activation and interfered with the Erk-dependent gene expression pattern. These findings provide a rationale for the mode of action of L1 antibodies and suggest that interference with L1 function could become a valuable target for therapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation*
  • Cytoplasm / chemistry
  • Cytoplasm / physiology*
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic* / immunology
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred NOD
  • Mice, SCID
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness
  • Neoplasms / genetics
  • Neoplasms / immunology*
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Neoplasms, Experimental / genetics
  • Neoplasms, Experimental / immunology
  • Neoplasms, Experimental / pathology
  • Neoplasms, Experimental / therapy
  • Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule L1 / chemistry
  • Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule L1 / physiology*
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule L1