Bif-1 suppresses breast cancer cell migration by promoting EGFR endocytic degradation

Cancer Biol Ther. 2012 Aug;13(10):956-66. doi: 10.4161/cbt.20951. Epub 2012 Aug 1.

Abstract

Dysregulation of EGFR expression and signaling is well documented to contribute to disease progression and metastasis in many types of cancer including breast cancer. EGF-stimulated EGFR activation leads to receptor internalization and endocytic degradation to control EGFR-mediated signaling. This process is frequently deregulated in cancer cells, leading to increased EGFR expression and mitogenic signaling. Here, we demonstrate that Bif-1, a tumor suppressor, plays a role in EGFR endocytic degradation and chemotactic migration in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Our data reveal that suppression of Bif-1 expression delays EGFR degradation and sustains Erk1/2 activation in response to EGF stimulation. Mechanistically, loss of Bif-1 sequesters internalized EGF in Rab5-positive endosomes and delays EGFR trafficking to lysosomes. Recruitment of Rab7 to EGF-positive vesicles and the activation of Rab7 are impaired in Bif-1 knockdown cells. Additionally, intracellular pH and the localization of acidic vesicles are altered by suppression of Bif-1. Furthermore, inhibition of Bif-1 increases chemotactic cell migration in response to EGF or serum, which correlates with prolonged cytoskeletal reorganization. Importantly, the effect of Bif-1 on EGF-induced cell migration is abolished by gefitinib, an EGFR-specific inhibitor. Taken together, these data suggest a novel function for Bif-1 as a suppressor of breast cancer cell migration by promoting EGFR degradation through the regulation of endosome maturation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / genetics*
  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / metabolism
  • Breast Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Breast Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Movement / genetics*
  • Chemotaxis
  • Cytoskeleton / metabolism
  • Enzyme Activation / drug effects
  • Enzyme Activation / genetics
  • Epidermal Growth Factor / pharmacology
  • ErbB Receptors / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Gene Knockdown Techniques
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Intracellular Space / metabolism
  • Protein Transport
  • Proteolysis
  • Transport Vesicles / metabolism
  • rab GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • rab7 GTP-Binding Proteins

Substances

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • SH3GLB1 protein, human
  • rab7 GTP-Binding Proteins
  • rab7 GTP-binding proteins, human
  • Epidermal Growth Factor
  • ErbB Receptors
  • rab GTP-Binding Proteins