P-Rex1 cooperates with PDGFRβ to drive cellular migration in 3D microenvironments

PLoS One. 2013;8(1):e53982. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0053982. Epub 2013 Jan 30.

Abstract

Expression of the Rac-guanine nucleotide exchange factor (RacGEF), P-Rex1 is a key determinant of progression to metastasis in a number of human cancers. In accordance with this proposed role in cancer cell invasion and metastasis, we find that ectopic expression of P-Rex1 in an immortalised human fibroblast cell line is sufficient to drive multiple migratory and invasive phenotypes. The invasive phenotype is greatly enhanced by the presence of a gradient of serum or platelet-derived growth factor, and is dependent upon the expression of functional PDGF receptor β. Consistently, the invasiveness of WM852 melanoma cells, which endogenously express P-Rex1 and PDGFRβ, is opposed by siRNA of either of these proteins. Furthermore, the current model of P-Rex1 activation is advanced through demonstration of P-Rex1 and PDGFRβ as components of the same macromolecular complex. These data suggest that P-Rex1 has an influence on physiological migratory processes, such as invasion of cancer cells, both through effects upon classical Rac1-driven motility and a novel association with RTK signalling complexes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Movement / genetics
  • Fibroblasts / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors / genetics
  • Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Macromolecular Substances / metabolism
  • Melanoma* / metabolism
  • Melanoma* / pathology
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness / genetics
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Receptor, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor beta / genetics
  • Receptor, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor beta / metabolism*
  • Tumor Microenvironment / genetics*

Substances

  • Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors
  • Macromolecular Substances
  • PREX1 protein, human
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Receptor, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor beta