Glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor increases migration of human chondrosarcoma cells via ERK and NF-kappaB

Chen-Ming Su1, Dah-Yuu Lu, Chin-Jung Hsu

  • 1Graduate Institute of Sports and Health, National Changhua University of Education, Changhua County, Taiwan.

Insights

Glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) promotes chondrosarcoma cell migration by activating MEK/ERK and NF-kappaB pathways. This leads to increased alphavbeta3 integrin expression, driving tumor cell invasion and therapeutic failure.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Tumor cell invasion is a key factor in chondrosarcoma treatment failure.
  • Glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is implicated in cancer cell migration and metastasis.
  • Integrins are critical adhesion molecules involved in cell migration.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of GDNF in human chondrosarcoma cell migration.
  • To elucidate the molecular pathways involved in GDNF-mediated migration and integrin expression.

Main Methods:

  • Human chondrosarcoma cells (JJ012) were treated with GDNF.
  • Inhibitors of MAPK kinase (MEK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and NF-kappaB were used.
  • Cell surface integrin expression and phosphorylation of signaling proteins were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • GDNF increased chondrosarcoma cell migration and cell surface expression of alphavbeta3 integrin.
  • MEK/ERK and NF-kappaB signaling pathways were activated by GDNF.
  • Inhibiting MEK/ERK or NF-kappaB blocked GDNF-induced migration and integrin expression.

Conclusions:

  • GDNF promotes human chondrosarcoma cell migration via the MEK/ERK pathway, which activates IKKalpha/beta and NF-kappaB.
  • This activation leads to increased alphavbeta3 integrin expression, contributing to tumor cell invasion.
  • Targeting the GDNF-MEK/ERK-NF-kappaB-integrin axis may offer therapeutic strategies for chondrosarcomas.

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