Kallikrein 6 is a mediator of K-RAS-dependent migration of colon carcinoma cells

Biol Chem. 2008 Jun;389(6):757-64. doi: 10.1515/BC.2008.087.

Abstract

Kallikrein 6 (KLK6) is a trypsin-like serine peptidase whose relevance in various types of cancers is currently being explored. Previous studies have shown that KLK6 mRNA is upregulated in colon and gastric cancers; however, the regulatory mechanisms and phenotypic consequences of this upregulation are largely unknown. Activating K-RAS mutations are common in colon cancer, occurring in approximately 50% of cases. We have recently reported the upregulation of KLK6 mRNA in Caco2 human colon cancer cells stably transfected with a mutant K-RAS allele (K-RAS(G12V)). In this study we examined the pattern of K-RAS-dependent KLK6 expression and secretion in colon cancer cells. Using pharmacological inhibitors of pathways downstream of K-RAS, we could show that the PI3K and p42/44 MAPK pathways play an important role in the induction of KLK6 in mutant K-RAS-expressing colon cancer cells. Increased KLK6 expression enhanced colon cancer cell migration through laminin and Matrigel. Inhibition of KLK6 using small interference RNA treatment or a specific KLK6 antibody in Caco2 cells stably expressing the mutant K-RAS and in SW480 cells carrying a mutation in the K-RAS oncogene resulted in a reduction in invasiveness through cell culture inserts. These data support the oncogenic role of KLK6 in colorectal cancer.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Movement*
  • Collagen
  • Colonic Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Drug Combinations
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / chemistry
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / drug effects
  • Genes, ras* / genetics
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / metabolism
  • Intracellular Space / metabolism
  • Kallikreins / metabolism*
  • Laminin / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1 / metabolism
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3 / metabolism
  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases / metabolism
  • Proteoglycans
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras) / genetics*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras) / metabolism*
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • RNA, Small Interfering / genetics
  • RNA, Small Interfering / metabolism
  • Up-Regulation / drug effects

Substances

  • Drug Combinations
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Laminin
  • Proteoglycans
  • RNA, Messenger
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • matrigel
  • Collagen
  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3
  • KLK6 protein, human
  • Kallikreins
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)