CIN85 modulates TGFβ signaling by promoting the presentation of TGFβ receptors on the cell surface
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Updated: Apr 7, 2026

Studying TGF-β Signaling and TGF-β-induced Epithelial-to-mesenchymal Transition in Breast Cancer and Normal Cells
Published on: October 27, 2020
Ihor Yakymovych1, Mariya Yakymovych1, Guangxiang Zang2
1Science for Life Laboratory, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Ltd., Uppsala University, SE-75124 Uppsala, Sweden.
Abstract:
Members of the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) family initiate cellular responses by binding to TGFβ receptor type II (TβRII) and type I (TβRI) serine/threonine kinases, whereby Smad2 and Smad3 are phosphorylated and activated, promoting their association with Smad4. We report here that TβRI interacts with the SH3 domains of the adaptor protein CIN85 in response to TGFβ stimulation in a TRAF6-dependent manner. Small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of CIN85 resulted in accumulation of TβRI in intracellular compartments and diminished TGFβ-stimulated Smad2 phosphorylation. Overexpression of CIN85 instead increased the amount of TβRI at the cell surface. This effect was inhibited by a dominant-negative mutant of Rab11, suggesting that CIN85 promoted recycling of TGFβ receptors. CIN85 enhanced TGFβ-stimulated Smad2 phosphorylation, transcriptional responses, and cell migration. CIN85 expression correlated with the degree of malignancy of prostate cancers. Collectively, our results reveal that CIN85 promotes recycling of TGFβ receptors and thereby positively regulates TGFβ signaling.
Insights
The adaptor protein CIN85 promotes transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) receptor recycling, enhancing TGFβ signaling. CIN85 expression correlates with prostate cancer malignancy, revealing its role in cancer progression.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) signaling is crucial for cellular functions.
- TGFβ pathway activation involves receptor binding and Smad protein phosphorylation.
- Dysregulation of TGFβ signaling is implicated in various cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the adaptor protein CIN85 in TGFβ receptor trafficking and signaling.
- To determine the impact of CIN85 on TGFβ-induced Smad2 phosphorylation and cellular responses.
- To explore the correlation between CIN85 expression and prostate cancer malignancy.
Main Methods:
- Utilized small interfering RNA (siRNA) to knockdown CIN85 expression.
- Assessed TGFβ receptor type I (TβRI) localization using microscopy.
- Measured Smad2 phosphorylation levels via Western blotting.
- Investigated receptor recycling using Rab11 mutants.
- Analyzed CIN85 expression in prostate cancer tissues.
Main Results:
- CIN85 interacts with TβRI in a TRAF6-dependent manner upon TGFβ stimulation.
- CIN85 knockdown leads to TβRI accumulation in intracellular compartments and reduced Smad2 phosphorylation.
- CIN85 overexpression increases TβRI at the cell surface, suggesting enhanced receptor recycling.
- CIN85 enhances TGFβ-induced Smad2 phosphorylation, transcriptional activity, and cell migration.
- CIN85 expression levels correlate with prostate cancer malignancy.
Conclusions:
- CIN85 acts as a positive regulator of TGFβ signaling by promoting TGFβ receptor recycling.
- CIN85 plays a significant role in TGFβ pathway activation and cellular responses.
- CIN85 is a potential biomarker for prostate cancer progression and malignancy.
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