Zeppo1 is a novel metastasis promoter that represses E-cadherin expression and regulates p120-catenin isoform expression and localization

Genes Dev. 2011 Mar 1;25(5):471-84. doi: 10.1101/gad.1998111. Epub 2011 Feb 11.

Abstract

Amplification of 8p11-12 in human breast cancers is associated with increased proliferation and tumor grade and reduced metastasis-free patient survival. We identified Zeppo1 (zinc finger elbow-related proline domain protein 1) (FLJ14299/ZNF703) within this amplicon as a regulator of cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation in mammary epithelial cells. Overexpression of Zeppo1 reduces cell-cell adhesion and stimulates migration and proliferation. Knockdown of Zeppo1 induces adhesion and lumen formation. Zeppo1 regulates transcription, complexing with Groucho and repressing E-cadherin expression and Wnt and TGFβ reporter expression. Zeppo1 promotes expression of metastasis-associated p120-catenin isoform 1 and alters p120-catenin localization upon cell contact with the extracellular matrix. Significantly, Zeppo1 overexpression in a mouse breast cancer model increases lung metastases, while reducing Zeppo1 expression reduces both tumor size and the number of lung metastases. These results indicate that Zeppo1 is a key regulator of breast cancer progression.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 3T3 Cells
  • Animals
  • Cadherins / metabolism*
  • Catenins / metabolism*
  • Cell Adhesion / genetics
  • Cell Line
  • Delta Catenin
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic*
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Neoplasm Metastasis / genetics*
  • Protein Isoforms / metabolism
  • Protein Transport / genetics*
  • Repressor Proteins / genetics
  • Repressor Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Cadherins
  • Catenins
  • Protein Isoforms
  • Repressor Proteins
  • Zeppo1 protein, mouse
  • Delta Catenin