Soluble extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN, EMN) regulates cancer-related cellular functions by

Nadine Knutti1, Michael Kuepper2, Karlheinz Friedrich1

  • 1Institute of Biochemistry II, Jena University Hospital, Germany.

The FEBS Journal
|August 17, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) interactions influence cell behavior. This study reveals how soluble EMMPRIN affects breast cancer cell proliferation and migration, uncovering a feedback loop and Wnt pathway activation.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Oncology

Background:

  • Extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) is a glycoprotein involved in development and disease.
  • EMMPRIN mediates homotypic interactions, impacting various cellular functions.
  • Understanding EMMPRIN's structural basis and signaling is crucial for cancer research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the structural basis of EMMPRIN-EMMPRIN receptor (EMNR) contacts.
  • To investigate the functional effects of soluble EMMPRIN on breast carcinoma cells.
  • To elucidate the signaling pathways triggered by EMMPRIN interactions.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized recombinant soluble EMMPRIN domain (rhsEMN) for binding and functional assays.
  • Assessed effects on MCF-7 breast carcinoma cell proliferation and migration.
  • Analyzed upregulation of EMMPRIN and MMP-14.
  • Investigated Wnt pathway activation in HEK-293 cells.

Main Results:

  • rhsEMN bound to cell surface EMMPRIN with high affinity and was internalized.
  • The N-terminal Ig domain mediates homotypic EMMPRIN contact.
  • rhsEMN stimulated MCF-7 cell proliferation but reduced migration.
  • A feedback mechanism involving EMMPRIN and MMP-14 upregulation was observed.
  • rhsEMN triggered the oncogenic Wnt pathway.

Conclusions:

  • EMMPRIN homotypic interactions are structurally defined and functionally significant.
  • Soluble EMMPRIN modulates breast cancer cell behavior, promoting proliferation and inhibiting migration.
  • EMMPRIN signaling involves a feedback loop and activation of the Wnt pathway, relevant to malignancy.

Related Concept Videos

The Tumor Microenvironment02:17

The Tumor Microenvironment

Every normal cell or tissue is embedded in a complex local environment called stroma, consisting of different cell types, a basal membrane, and blood vessels. As normal cells mutate and develop into cancer cells, their local environment also changes to allow cancer progression. The tumor microenvironment (TME) consists of a complex cellular matrix of stromal cells and the developing tumor. The cross-talk between cancer cells and surrounding stromal cells is critical to disrupt normal tissue...
8.2K
Role of Matrix Metalloproteases in Degradation of ECM01:23

Role of Matrix Metalloproteases in Degradation of ECM

Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) are enzymes involved in the hydrolysis of proteins and glycoproteins of the extracellular matrix. MMPs are essential for the migration and proliferation of cells through the dense matrix network, throughout embryonic development, and throughout morphogenesis. The first MMP activity discovered was a collagenase in a tadpole's tail undergoing metamorphosis. The active collagen deposition and modifications lead to the morphogenesis of tadpoles into the adult...
3.7K
The Extracellular Matrix01:29

The Extracellular Matrix

Overview
In order to maintain tissue organization, many animal cells are surrounded by structural molecules that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, the molecules in the ECM maintain the structural integrity of tissue as well as the remarkable specific properties of certain tissues.
Composition of the Extracellular Matrix
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is commonly composed of ground substance, a gel-like fluid, fibrous components, and many structurally and functionally diverse...
13.3K
The Extracellular Matrix01:42

The Extracellular Matrix

Overview
91.2K
Cadherins in Tissue Organization01:19

Cadherins in Tissue Organization

The cadherins are a superfamily of cell adhesion molecules comprising over 180 variants, with specific tissues expressing a particular combination of cadherin types. Cadherins generally exhibit homophilic binding; i.e., cadherins on one cell bind to cadherins of the same or closely related type on another cell. Thus, cells of the same type have a specific affinity to bind to each other and sort themselves into clusters to form tissues.
Cell Sorting During Development
Cell sorting plays an...
4.5K
Metastasis02:30

Metastasis

Metastasis is the spread of cancer cells from the original site to distant locations in the body. Cancer cells can spread via blood vessels (hematogenous) as well as lymph vessels in the body.
Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition or EMT is a developmental process commonly observed in wound healing, embryogenesis, and cancer metastasis. EMT is induced by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) or receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) ligands, which further...
6.9K