ZEB1 regulation in breast epithelial cells: Role of IGF-1 in the CCN6 modulation pathway

LORENZATTI G, PAL A, HUANG W., CABANILLAS AM & KLEER CG

WASHINGTON, DC, USA

Congreso; 101 MEETING AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER RESEARCH; 2010

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER RESEARCH (AACR)

Background: During cancer progression, the transcription factor ZEB1 has been implicated in the regulation of key genes triggering the EMT (Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition) program. We previously reported that the matricellular protein CCN6 is lost or reduced in highly aggressive breast carcinomas. Furthermore, we have identified CCN6 as a tumor suppressor in breast cancer whose down-regulation enhances IGF-1 signaling on breast epithelial cells. Recently, our lab observed that stable inhibition of CCN6 in benign mammary epithelial cells causes EMT and invasion with marked up-regulation of ZEB1. Since IGF-1 is shown to up-regulate ZEB1 expression in epithelial prostate cancer cells we hypothesize that CCN6 may regulate EMT in breast cancers by modulating IGF-1 signaling and thereby regulating ZEB1 expression. Methods: Stable CCN6-deficient HME (Human Mammary Epithelial cells)(HME-CCN6 KD) were incubated with 500 ng/mL rhCCN6 protein. Western blots (WB) for ZEB1 and vimentin, inmunofluorescence, invasion and proliferation assays were performed. ZEB1 mRNA levels were evaluated by RT-qPCR (Taqman).  IGF-1 expression was analyzed by RT-qPCR and WB on MDA-MB-231 and HME-CCN6 KD (pre- and post-rhCCN6 treatment) while IGF-1R, phospho-IGF-1R, IRS-1 and phospho-IRS-1 expression were investigated by WB. Lentivirus-mediated (pLK.O1) short hairpin RNA targeting IGF1-R was performed in HME control and HME-CCN6 KD cells.  WBs were done to assess expression of proteins of interest.  mRNA content was evaluated by RT-qPCR. Results: CCN6 incubation of HME-CCN6 KD cells induced down-regulation of ZEB1 mRNA and protein levels as well as subcellular localization changes of the mesenchymal marker vimentin (“cap” pattern)  evidenced as a decrease in vimentin expression by WB. hrCCN6 protein treatment also reduced proliferation and invasion abilities of HME-CCN6 KD cells compared to controls. In Addition, cell lines expressing low levels of CCN6 such us HME-CCN6 KD and MDA-MB-231 secreted IGF-1 in the conditioned media and showed activation of the IGF-1 signaling pathway. This phenomenon was reverted by CCN6 treatment, with reduction of both, IGF-1 protein and mRNA levels. IGF-1R down-regulation in HME-CCN6 KD cells decreased ZEB1 expression and induced the re-expression of cytokeratin-18 (epithelial marker). Conclusions:  Our results suggest that CCN6 regulates ZEB1 expression and EMT in breast epithelial cells by modulating the IGF-1 signaling pathway. LA CITA DEL ABSTRACT ES  Cancer Research 70(8 Suppl): Abstract nr 3172, 2010.