A novel role for 14-3-3sigma in regulating epithelial cell polarity

Genes Dev. 2010 May;24(9):947-56. doi: 10.1101/gad.1896810.

Abstract

The loss of epithelial polarity is thought to play an important role during mammary tumor progression. Using a unique transgenic mouse model of ErbB2-induced mammary tumorigenesis, we demonstrated previously that amplification of ErbB2 is frequently accompanied by loss of the 14-3-3sigma gene. Here, we demonstrate that ectopic expression of 14-3-3sigma results in restoration of epithelial polarity in ErbB2-transformed mammary tumor cells. We further demonstrate that targeted deletion of 14-3-3sigma within primary mammary epithelial cells increases their proliferative capacity and adversely affects their ability to form polarized structures. Finally, we show that 14-3-3sigma can specifically form complexes with Par3, a protein that is essential for the maintenance of a polarized epithelial state. Taken together, these observations suggest that 14-3-3sigma plays a critical role in retaining epithelial polarity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • 14-3-3 Proteins / genetics*
  • 14-3-3 Proteins / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Polarity / genetics*
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Down-Regulation
  • Epithelial Cells / cytology*
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Intercellular Junctions / genetics
  • Mammary Glands, Animal / cytology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout

Substances

  • 14-3-3 Proteins
  • Sfn protein, mouse