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Fos-transformation activates genes associated with invasion

R F Hennigan1, K L Hawker, B W Ozanne

  • 1Department of Microbiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75235.

Oncogene
|December 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Fos oncoproteins drive cell transformation and invasion by targeting specific genes. This study identified nine genes linked to metastasis, revealing a crucial role for Fos in cancer progression and cell invasion.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Fos oncoproteins act as transcription factors, influencing cell transformation.
  • Viral Fos isolates (FBJ, FBR) induce full morphological transformation, unlike c-fos.
  • Fos-transformed cells require serum for proliferation but not for morphological changes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Identify Fos target genes responsible for morphological transformation.
  • Investigate the role of Fos in cell invasion and metastasis.

Main Methods:

  • Screened a cDNA library from serum-starved FBR-transformed cells.
  • Utilized cDNA probes from FBR-transformed and parental 208F fibroblasts.
  • Performed in vitro invasion assays.

Main Results:

  • Identified 10 differentially expressed genes; one is novel.
  • Nine genes were upregulated in Fos- and Ras-transformed cells.
  • Upregulated genes are associated with invasion and metastasis.
  • FBR-transformed cells demonstrated invasiveness, enhanced by platelet-derived growth factor.

Conclusions:

  • Fos oncogenes target genes critical for morphological transformation.
  • Fos oncogenes also target genes involved in cell invasion and metastasis.
  • Fos plays a significant role in cancer progression through gene regulation.

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