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The tumor suppressor RhoBTB1 controls Golgi integrity and breast cancer cell invasion through METTL7B

Caroline M McKinnon1, Harry Mellor2

  • 1School of Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences Building, University Walk, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.

BMC Cancer
|February 22, 2017
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Loss of RhoBTB1, a Rho GTPase, causes Golgi fragmentation in breast cancer cells. Restoring RhoBTB1 expression inhibits cancer cell invasion, highlighting its role in cell polarity and integrity.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • RhoBTB1 and 2 are atypical Rho GTPases implicated in various epithelial cancers.
  • Their loss of function in cancer is poorly understood.
  • Investigating RhoBTB1/2 function is crucial for understanding cancer progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Identify transcriptional targets of RhoBTB2.
  • Determine the cellular functions regulated by RhoBTB signaling.
  • Elucidate the role of RhoBTB1 in breast cancer.

Main Methods:

  • Transcriptome data analysis to identify RhoBTB2 targets.
  • Quantitative PCR (Q-PCR) for target verification.
  • Gene silencing and cell imaging for functional analysis.

Main Results:

  • RhoBTB1 and 2 regulate methyltransferases METTL7B and METTL7A, respectively.
  • RhoBTB1 controls Golgi complex integrity via METTL7B.
  • Loss of RhoBTB1 leads to Golgi fragmentation, observed in breast cancer cells.
  • Restoring RhoBTB1 expression reverses Golgi fragmentation and inhibits invasion.

Conclusions:

  • RhoBTB1 loss in breast cancer causes Golgi fragmentation and polarity loss.
  • RhoBTB1 plays a critical role in maintaining Golgi integrity and cell polarity.
  • Targeting RhoBTB1 may offer therapeutic strategies for breast cancer.
Keywords:
BTB domainCell invasionCell migrationGolgi fragmentationMethyltransferaseRho GTPasesRhoBTB1

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