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Migration Stimulating Factor (MSF) promotes fibroblast migration by inhibiting AKT

Ian R Ellis1, Sarah J Jones, Yvonne Lindsay

  • 1Unit of Cell and Molecular Biology, The Dental School, College of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, University of Dundee, Park Place, Dundee DD1 4HR, UK.

Cellular Signalling
|July 6, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Migration Stimulating Factor (MSF) inhibits AKT activity, promoting cell migration. This study reveals MSF

Area of Science:

  • Cellular biology
  • Molecular biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • The protein kinase AKT is activated by motogenic growth factors.
  • AKT can inhibit cell migration in certain cell types.
  • Migration Stimulating Factor (MSF) is a fibronectin fragment promoting cell migration.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of MSF on AKT activity in human fibroblasts and endothelial cells.
  • To determine the role of AKT inhibition in MSF-induced cell migration.

Main Methods:

  • Treatment of human fibroblasts and endothelial cells with MSF.
  • Assessment of AKT activity.
  • Analysis of cell migration into 3D collagen gels.
  • Use of AKT inhibitor (Akti-1/2) and inhibitor-resistant AKT1 W80A mutant.

Main Results:

  • MSF treatment inhibited AKT activity in human fibroblasts and endothelial cells.
  • Both MSF and the AKT inhibitor Akti-1/2 stimulated fibroblast migration into 3D collagen gels.
  • The stimulatory effect of Akti-1/2 on migration was blocked by the AKT1 W80A mutant.

Conclusions:

  • MSF promotes fibroblast migration, at least partially, by inhibiting AKT activity.
  • These findings elucidate a novel mechanism for MSF-mediated cell migration.

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