SHIP2 phosphoinositol phosphatase positively regulates EGFR-Akt pathway, CXCR4 expression, and cell migration in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells

Int J Oncol. 2009 Jan;34(1):97-105.

Abstract

The phosphoinositol phosphatase SHIP2 is an important regulator of energy metabolism. SHIP2 dephosphorylates phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5 trisphosphates which are critical second messengers in signaling pathways induced by various extracellular stimuli including insulin. SHIP2 also regulates cytoskeleton remodeling, cell adhesion and spreading. In addition, endogenous SHIP2 in HeLa cells regulates receptor endocytosis and ligand-induced EGFR degradation. Further, SHIP2 in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells regulates EGFR levels and supports in vitro cell proliferation and in vivo tumor growth and spontaneous metastasis. Here we examine the role of SHIP2 in EGF signaling in breast cancer cells using RNA interference. Our results show that suppression of SHIP2 in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells alters EGF and EGFR internalization. Upon SHIP2 silencing, EGF-induced Akt activation was reduced causing decreased nuclear levels of activated Akt. Cytokine receptor CXCR4, a downstream element of EGFR-Akt pathway that plays an important role in metastasis, is down-regulated upon SHIP2 knockdown. Finally, cell adhesion and EGF-induced cell migration were suppressed in SHIP2 silenced cells. These results demonstrate a positive role of SHIP2 in EGF-induced Akt activation, CXCR4 expression, and cell migration in breast cancer cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Blotting, Western
  • Breast Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Cell Adhesion
  • Cell Movement*
  • Epidermal Growth Factor / pharmacology
  • ErbB Receptors / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / metabolism
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-Trisphosphate 5-Phosphatases
  • Phosphoric Monoester Hydrolases / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Phosphoric Monoester Hydrolases / genetics
  • Phosphoric Monoester Hydrolases / metabolism*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt / metabolism*
  • RNA, Small Interfering / pharmacology
  • Receptors, CXCR4 / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction*
  • Wound Healing

Substances

  • CXCR4 protein, human
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Receptors, CXCR4
  • enhanced green fluorescent protein
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins
  • Epidermal Growth Factor
  • EGFR protein, human
  • ErbB Receptors
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt
  • Phosphoric Monoester Hydrolases
  • INPPL1 protein, human
  • Phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-Trisphosphate 5-Phosphatases