ERK activation modulates invasiveness and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production in triple negative breast cancer cell lines

Cell Signal. 2023 Jan:101:110487. doi: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2022.110487. Epub 2022 Oct 7.

Abstract

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the breast cancer subtype with the worst prognosis and still lacks a targeted therapy. In this study, we found increased ERK phosphorylation in TNBC cell lines and an important role for ERK in sustaining the migration of TNBC cells. Although ROS have been suggested to have an important role in sustaining MAPK signaling, antioxidant treatment increased ERK phosphorylation, probably suggesting increased invasive potential. Interestingly, treatment with PD0325901 (PD), a MEK inhibitor, decreased ROS levels in TNBC cells and decreased mitochondrial fragmentation in the MDAMB231 cell line. Our data supports an important role for MEK/ERK in TNBC, sustaining cellular migration, regulating mitochondrial dynamics and ROS production in this breast cancer subtype.

Keywords: Breast cancer; Cancer; ERK; MAPK; Reactive oxygen species; Triple negative breast.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Movement
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Humans
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism
  • Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms* / metabolism

Substances

  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases