The cleavage of semaphorin 3C induced by ADAMTS1 promotes cell migration

J Biol Chem. 2010 Jan 22;285(4):2463-73. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M109.055129. Epub 2009 Nov 13.

Abstract

Metastasis is a sequential process that allows cells to move from the primary tumor and grow elsewhere. Because of their ability to cleave a variety of extracellular signaling and adhesion molecules, metalloproteases have been long considered key components of the metastatic program. However, the function of certain metalloproteases, such as ADAMTS1, is not clear and seems to depend on the cellular environment and/or the stage of tumor progression. To characterize the function of ADAMTS1, we performed two alternative proteomic approaches, difference gel electrophoresis and stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture, to identify novel substrates of the metalloprotease. Both techniques showed that overexpression of ADAMTS1 leads to the release of semaphorin 3C from the extracellular matrix. Although semaphorins are well known regulators of axon guidance, accumulating evidence shows that they may also participate in tumor progression. Here, we show that the cleavage of semaphorin 3C induced by ADAMTS1 promotes the migration of breast cancer cells, indicating that the co-expression of these molecules in tumors may contribute to the metastatic program.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • ADAM Proteins / genetics
  • ADAM Proteins / metabolism*
  • ADAMTS1 Protein
  • Breast Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Breast Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Movement / physiology*
  • Endothelial Cells / cytology
  • Endothelial Cells / metabolism
  • Extracellular Matrix / metabolism
  • Extracellular Matrix / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Proteomics
  • Semaphorins / genetics
  • Semaphorins / metabolism*
  • Substrate Specificity
  • Transfection
  • Umbilical Veins / cytology

Substances

  • Sema3C protein, human
  • Semaphorins
  • ADAM Proteins
  • ADAMTS1 Protein
  • ADAMTS1 protein, human