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.
Abstract:
EMMPRIN (extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer) is a widely expressed glycoprotein and a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily which exists in both a membrane-spanning and a soluble form. Homotypic interactions of EMMPRIN underlie its multiple roles in normal development and pathological situations such as viral infections, Alzheimer's disease and cancer. This study employed a recombinant soluble, fully glycosylated EMMPRIN domain (rhsEMN) as a tool to characterize the structural basis of EMMPRIN-EMMPRIN receptor (EMNR) contacts and their functional effects on MCF-7 breast carcinoma cells. rhsEMN did not form dimers in solution but bound to surface EMMPRIN (EMN) on MCF-7 cells with high affinity and was readily internalized. The interaction interface for the homotypic contact was localized to the N-terminal Ig domain. rhsEMN exerted a stimulatory effect on proliferation of MCF-7 cells whereas it reduced cell migration in a dose-dependent manner. These effects were accompanied by an upregulation of endogenous EMMPRIN as well as of matrix metalloproteinase-14 (MMP-14), a membrane-bound protease involved in the extracellular release of soluble EMMPRIN, indicating a regulatory feedback mechanism. The proliferation-promoting activity of rhsEMN was mimicked by a novel functional antibody directed to EMMPRIN, underscoring that crosslinking of cell surface EMMPRIN (EMNR) is crucial for eliciting intracellular signalling. Addressing malignancy-related signal transduction in HEK-293 cells, we could show that rhsEMN triggers the oncogenic Wnt pathway.
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.
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