SLIT2/ROBO1-signaling inhibits macropinocytosis by opposing cortical cytoskeletal remodeling

Nat Commun. 2020 Aug 17;11(1):4112. doi: 10.1038/s41467-020-17651-1.

Abstract

Macropinocytosis is essential for myeloid cells to survey their environment and for growth of RAS-transformed cancer cells. Several growth factors and inflammatory stimuli are known to induce macropinocytosis, but its endogenous inhibitors have remained elusive. Stimulation of Roundabout receptors by Slit ligands inhibits directional migration of many cell types, including immune cells and cancer cells. We report that SLIT2 inhibits macropinocytosis in vitro and in vivo by inducing cytoskeletal changes in macrophages. In mice, SLIT2 attenuates the uptake of muramyl dipeptide, thereby preventing NOD2-dependent activation of NF-κB and consequent secretion of pro-inflammatory chemokine, CXCL1. Conversely, blocking the action of endogenous SLIT2 enhances CXCL1 secretion. SLIT2 also inhibits macropinocytosis in RAS-transformed cancer cells, thereby decreasing their survival in nutrient-deficient conditions which resemble tumor microenvironment. Our results identify SLIT2 as a physiological inhibitor of macropinocytosis and challenge the conventional notion that signals that enhance macropinocytosis negatively regulate cell migration, and vice versa.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chemokine CXCL1 / metabolism
  • Cytoskeleton / metabolism*
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Female
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / genetics
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism*
  • Macrophages / metabolism
  • Male
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • NF-kappa B / metabolism
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / metabolism*
  • Phagocytes / metabolism
  • Pinocytosis / genetics
  • Pinocytosis / physiology
  • Receptors, Immunologic / genetics
  • Receptors, Immunologic / metabolism*
  • Roundabout Proteins
  • Signal Transduction / genetics
  • Signal Transduction / physiology
  • rhoA GTP-Binding Protein / metabolism

Substances

  • Chemokine CXCL1
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Membrane Proteins
  • NF-kappa B
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Receptors, Immunologic
  • Slit3 protein, mouse
  • rhoA GTP-Binding Protein
  • Slit homolog 2 protein