RAC1 induces nuclear alterations through the LINC complex to enhance melanoma invasiveness

Mol Biol Cell. 2020 Dec 1;31(25):2768-2778. doi: 10.1091/mbc.E20-02-0127. Epub 2020 Oct 7.

Abstract

RHO GTPases are key regulators of the cytoskeletal architecture, which impact a broad range of biological processes in malignant cells including motility, invasion, and metastasis, thereby affecting tumor progression. One of the constraints during cell migration is the diameter of the pores through which cells pass. In this respect, the size and shape of the nucleus pose a major limitation. Therefore, enhanced nuclear plasticity can promote cell migration. Nuclear morphology is determined in part through the cytoskeleton, which connects to the nucleoskeleton through the Linker of Nucleoskeleton and Cytoskeleton (LINC) complex. Here, we unravel the role of RAC1 as an orchestrator of nuclear morphology in melanoma cells. We demonstrate that activated RAC1 promotes nuclear alterations through its effector PAK1 and the tubulin cytoskeleton, thereby enhancing migration and intravasation of melanoma cells. Disruption of the LINC complex prevented RAC1-induced nuclear alterations and the invasive properties of melanoma cells. Thus, RAC1 induces nuclear morphology alterations through microtubules and the LINC complex to promote an invasive phenotype in melanoma cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Movement / genetics
  • Cell Nucleus / metabolism*
  • Cell Nucleus Shape / physiology
  • Chick Embryo
  • Cytoskeleton / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Melanoma / metabolism*
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism
  • Microtubules / metabolism
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness / genetics
  • Nuclear Matrix / metabolism
  • Nuclear Proteins / metabolism
  • p21-Activated Kinases / metabolism
  • rac1 GTP-Binding Protein / metabolism*
  • rac1 GTP-Binding Protein / physiology
  • rho GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • Membrane Proteins
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • RAC1 protein, human
  • PAK1 protein, human
  • p21-Activated Kinases
  • rac1 GTP-Binding Protein
  • rho GTP-Binding Proteins