HRG/HER2/HER3 signaling promotes AhR-mediated Memo-1 expression and migration in colorectal cancer

Oncogene. 2017 Apr 27;36(17):2394-2404. doi: 10.1038/onc.2016.390. Epub 2016 Dec 12.

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a complex disease with still unsatisfactory prognosis even in western societies, although substantial progress has been made in pre-screening programs, surgical techniques and targeted therapy options. Mediator of motility-1 (Memo-1) was previously recognized as an important effector of cell migration downstream of receptor tyrosine kinase signaling in breast cancer. This study identified Memo-1 as frequently overexpressed in CRC and established a close link between extracellular HER2 activation, AhR/ARNT transcriptional activity and Memo-1 expression. Dissection of the hMemo-1 gene promoter using reporter assays and chromatin IP techniques revealed recruitment of Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)/Aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear-translocator (ARNT) complex, which positively influenced Memo-1 expression in cancer cells. We found that Memo-1 depletion negatively influenced the cellular actin network and that its expression is required for HER2-mediated cell migration and invasion. Moreover, analyses of Memo-1 expression in primary CRC revealed correlation with clinical parameters that point to Memo-1 as a new prognostic factor of aggressive disease in CRC patients. Altogether, these observations demonstrate that Memo-1 is an important downstream regulator of HER2-driven CRC cell migration and invasion through connecting extracellular signals from membrane to the cytoskeletal actin network.

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Movement
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Disease Progression
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic*
  • Humans
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness
  • Nonheme Iron Proteins / genetics*
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic / genetics
  • Proteins / metabolism*
  • Receptor, ErbB-2 / metabolism*
  • Receptor, ErbB-3 / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • MEMO1 protein, human
  • Nonheme Iron Proteins
  • Proteins
  • Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon
  • histidine-rich proteins
  • ERBB2 protein, human
  • ERBB3 protein, human
  • Receptor, ErbB-2
  • Receptor, ErbB-3