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Hhex inhibits cell migration via regulating RHOA/CDC42-CFL1 axis in human lung cancer cells
Xiaopeng Li1, Guilin Ma1, Wenjie Guo1
1Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Room N8-110, 72 Binhai Road, Qingdao, 266237, China.
Cell Communication and Signaling : CCS
|July 29, 2021
Summary
Human hematopoietically expressed homeobox (Hhex) inhibits lung cancer cell migration by blocking the RHOA/CDC42-p-CFL1 pathway. This suppression of cell motility offers a potential therapeutic target for lung cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Hhex (human hematopoietically expressed homeobox) is a transcription factor involved in development and linked to diseases like cancer.
- While Hhex inhibits migration in other epithelial cells, its role in lung cancer motility is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular mechanism of Hhex in regulating lung cancer cell migration.
- To elucidate the signaling pathways affected by Hhex in non-small cell lung cancer.
Main Methods:
- Utilized human non-small cell lung cancer cells and HEK293FT cells.
- Employed Western blot, immunoprecipitation, wound-healing scratch assays, and laser confocal microscopy.
Main Results:
- Hhex inhibited lung cancer cell migration and protrusion formation.
- Hhex suppressed CFL1 phosphorylation by enhancing RHOGDIA interaction with RHOA/CDC42, maintaining RHOA/CDC42 in an inactive state.
- This blocked the RHOA/CDC42-p-CFL1 signaling pathway, reducing filopodium and lamellipodium formation.
Conclusions:
- Hhex inhibits lung cancer cell migration by downregulating the RHOA/CDC42-p-CFL1 pathway.
- Hhex's role in suppressing cell motility suggests it as a potential therapeutic target for lung cancer.
- Findings elucidate Hhex's mechanism in regulating lung cancer cell migration.
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