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Updated: Apr 20, 2026
Real-Time Quantitative Measurement of Tumor Cell Migration and Invasion Following Synthetic mRNA Transfection
Published on: June 23, 2023
SNX16 negatively regulates the migration and tumorigenesis of MCF-7 cells
Leilei Zhang1, Dajiang Qin1, Chunfang Hao1
1Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, 510530 China.
Background:
Sorting nexins are a large family of proteins that are associated with various components of the endosome system and they play many roles in processes such as endocytosis, intracellular protein trafficking and cell signaling. The subcellular distribution patterns of many of them remain controversial and their in vivo functions have not been characterized yet.
Results:
We investigated the subcellular distribution and function of SNX16 in this study. SNX16 is detected on Rab5-positive endosomes localized adjacent to focal adhesions at cell cortex. Inhibition of SNX23, polymerization of microtubule filaments as well as the PI3-kinase all disrupt the cell cortex distribution of SNX16. Ectopic expression of SNX16 reduces the migration and the tumor formation activity of MCF-7 cells.
Conclusion:
Our results indicate that, in addition to the PI3P, there is a SNX23- and microtubule-dependent cargo transport pathway required for the proper subcellular distribution of SNX16. SNX16 plays a negative regulatory role during cell migration and tumorigenesis.
Insights
Sorting nexins (SNXs) are key endosome proteins. SNX16
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Sorting nexins (SNXs) are a protein family involved in endosomal trafficking, endocytosis, and signaling.
- Subcellular localization and in vivo functions of many SNXs, including SNX16, are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the subcellular distribution and cellular functions of Sorting Nexin 16 (SNX16).
Main Methods:
- Immunofluorescence microscopy to determine SNX16 localization.
- Functional assays involving inhibition of SNX23, microtubule polymerization, and PI3-kinase.
- Cell migration and tumor formation assays in MCF-7 cells with ectopic SNX16 expression.
Main Results:
- SNX16 localizes to Rab5-positive endosomes near focal adhesions at the cell cortex.
- SNX16's cortical distribution depends on SNX23, microtubules, and PI3-kinase.
- Ectopic SNX16 expression suppresses MCF-7 cell migration and tumor formation.
Conclusions:
- A SNX23- and microtubule-dependent pathway, in addition to PI3P, regulates SNX16 localization.
- SNX16 acts as a negative regulator of cell migration and tumorigenesis.
