Oncogenic crosstalk between ErbB2, nucleolin and Ras

Overexpression of ErbB receptors, their signaling components and expression of mutant Ras are major contributors to cancer development. Mutant Ras can affect ErbB receptors activation, and the nucleolar protein nucleolin (NCL) can bind and activate ErbB receptors. Previously it was also demonstrated that activated Ras could interact and enhance nucleolin and ErbB1 receptors interaction. Moreover, it was shown that this interaction enhances tumor cell growth. Since ErbB receptors are major oncogenes and ErbB2 is often overexpressed in many cancer types, in the present study we explored the link between ErbB2, Ras and nucleolin oncogenes. Using cell biology and biochemistry methods, we have demonstrated that NCL interaction with ErbB2 is enhanced by H-Ras (12 V) protein. The three proteins colocalize mainly at the plasma membrane, and in other intracellular sites. Using proximity ligation assay, we show that H-Ras (12 V) enhances the formation of ErbB2/NCL complexes, which reside mainly at the plasma membrane but may also be in the cytosol and nucleus. The interaction of the three oncogenes is associated with enhanced ErbB2 phosphorylation as well as ErbB2 mediated downstream signaling to Erk and Akt. Moreover, expression of the three proteins enhances colony formation, anchorage independent growth and cell migration. Thus, activated Ras can enhance the oncogenic effect of ErbB2 and NCL. These findings can be used to develop new ways to treat tumors that overexpress ErbB2/nucleolin and mutant Ras.