MRTF-A/B suppress the oncogenic properties of v-ras- and v-src-mediated transformants

Carcinogenesis. 2010 Jul;31(7):1185-93. doi: 10.1093/carcin/bgq065. Epub 2010 Mar 25.

Abstract

Two members of the myocardin protein family, myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF)-A and MRTF-B are co-activators of serum response factor (SRF). We recently reported that MRTF-A/B activates the transcription of several actin cytoskeletal/focal adhesion genes SRF dependently, thereby enhancing the formation of stress fibers and focal adhesions. Here, we showed that the levels of caldesmon and tropomyosin, both SRF/MRTF-regulated actin cytoskeletal proteins, were reduced in rat intestinal epithelial (RIE) cell lines that had been transformed with oncogenic ras (RIE-ras) or src (RIE-src) compared with their parental cell line. These cells exhibited morphological abnormalities associated with a disorganized actin cytoskeleton. The serum-stimulated nuclear translocation of MRTF-A/B was suppressed in the RIE-ras and RIE-src cells. However, the transient expression of constitutively active (CA) MRTF-A or MRTF-B reversed the reduced expression levels of caldesmon and tropomyosin and the associated morphological phenotypes. We isolated stable CA-MRTF-A-expressing cell lines from transfected RIE-ras and RIE-src cells and found that their levels of caldesmon and tropomyosin were close to those of untransformed RIE cells. Their morphologies were also normal, with a flattened cell shape and well-developed stress fibers. The CA-MRTF-A-expressing RIE-ras and RIE-src lines also showed lower invasiveness and anchorage-independent growth than their transformed parental cells, in vitro. In vivo, CA-MRTF-A expression suppressed tumor formation and reduced liver metastases. Therefore, we concluded that MRTF-A/B are potent repressors of cancer progression and metastasis and may be good targets for cancer therapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Actins / chemistry
  • Active Transport, Cell Nucleus
  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic*
  • Cytoskeleton / chemistry
  • Genes, src*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Oncogene Protein p21(ras) / genetics*
  • Rats
  • Serum Response Factor / physiology
  • Trans-Activators / analysis
  • Trans-Activators / physiology*
  • Transcription Factors / analysis
  • Transcription Factors / physiology*

Substances

  • Actins
  • Mrtfa protein, mouse
  • Serum Response Factor
  • Trans-Activators
  • Transcription Factors
  • myocardin-related transcription factor B, mouse
  • Oncogene Protein p21(ras)