ECRG2 regulates cell migration/invasion through urokinase-type plasmin activator receptor (uPAR)/beta1 integrin pathway

J Biol Chem. 2009 Nov 6;284(45):30897-906. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M109.011213. Epub 2009 Aug 28.

Abstract

ECRG2 is a novel gene that shows sequence similarity to KAZAL-type serine protease inhibitor. We have previously demonstrated that ECRG2 inhibits migration/invasion of lung cancer PG cells. However, the mechanism by which ECRG2 performs these activities is a compelling question. Urokinase-type plasmin activator (uPA) binding to uPAR induces migration/invasion through multiple interactors including integrins. In this study, we found that ECRG2 binds specifically to the kringle domain of uPA. Moreover, we demonstrated that ECRG2 forms a complex with uPA.uPAR, that such a complex modifies the dynamical association of uPAR with beta1 integrins, and that disruption inhibits Src/MAP (mitogen-activated protein) kinase pathway, resulting in suppression of cell migration/invasion in an in vitro Matrigel migration/invasion assay. Conversely, depletion of ECRG2 markedly enhanced the association of uPAR with beta1 integrins, elevated basal Src/MAP kinase activation, and stimulated HT1080, MDA-MB-231, and MCF-7 cell migration/invasion. Together, our results provide evidence that ECRG2 is involved in the regulation of migration/invasion through uPA/uPAR/beta1 integrins/Src/MAP kinase pathway and may represent a novel therapeutic target for cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Movement*
  • Humans
  • Integrin beta1 / genetics
  • Integrin beta1 / metabolism*
  • Neoplasms / genetics
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / physiopathology*
  • Protein Binding
  • Proteinase Inhibitory Proteins, Secretory
  • Receptors, Urokinase Plasminogen Activator / genetics
  • Receptors, Urokinase Plasminogen Activator / metabolism*
  • Serine Peptidase Inhibitors, Kazal Type
  • Signal Transduction*
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / genetics
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / metabolism*
  • Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator / genetics
  • Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator / metabolism

Substances

  • Integrin beta1
  • Proteinase Inhibitory Proteins, Secretory
  • Receptors, Urokinase Plasminogen Activator
  • SPINK7 protein, human
  • Serine Peptidase Inhibitors, Kazal Type
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins
  • Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator