Epsins' novel role in cancer cell invasion

The epsin family of endocytic adaptors has been found to be upregulated in cancer; however the relevance of these findings to this pathological condition is unclear. We have recently demonstrated that epsins are required for cell migration. In fact, epsin overexpression promotes cancer cell invasion. Further, and in agreement with our previous findings, we also observed that overexpression of epsins led to epithelial cell migration beyond colony boundaries. Additionally, our results show that epsin-3 is the most potent paralog enhancing cell migration and invasion. Interestingly, epsin-3 expression is not widespread but highly restricted to migratory keratinocytes and aggressive carcinomas. Upon further investigation, we also identified epsin-3 as being expressed in pancreatic cancer cells. These findings suggest that upregulation of the EPN3 gene is specifically associated with invasive, aggressive cancers. We predict that investigation of these links between the endocytic machinery and mechanisms involved in tumor dissemination will contribute to the development of novel anti-metastatic and anti-cancer strategies.