Epigenetic Regulation of GDF2 Suppresses Anoikis in Ovarian and Breast Epithelia.

TitleEpigenetic Regulation of GDF2 Suppresses Anoikis in Ovarian and Breast Epithelia.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2015
AuthorsVaradaraj A, Patel P, Serrao A, Bandyopadhay T, Lee NY, Jazaeri AA, Huang Z, Murphy SK, Mythreye K
JournalNeoplasia
Volume17
Issue11
Pagination826-38
Date Published2015 Nov
ISSN1476-5586
KeywordsAnimals, Anoikis, Breast, Breast Neoplasms, Cell Line, Transformed, Cell Line, Tumor, Epigenesis, Genetic, Epithelial Cells, Female, Growth Differentiation Factors, HEK293 Cells, Humans, Mice, Ovarian Neoplasms, Ovary
Abstract

Anoikis, a cell death mechanism triggered upon cell-matrix detachment, is regarded as a physiological suppressor of metastasis that can be regulated by a diverse array of signals. The protein encoded by GDF2 is BMP9 and is a member of the bone morphogenetic protein family and the transforming growth factor (TGF) β superfamily with emerging yet controversial roles in carcinogenesis. In an attempt to identify the function of growth and differentiation factor 2 (GDF2) in epithelial systems, we examined the signaling machinery that is involved and cell fate decisions in response to GDF2 in ovarian and breast epithelia. We find that GDF2 can robustly activate the SMAD1/5 signaling axis by increasing complex formation between the type I receptor serine threonine kinases activin receptor-like kinase (ALK) 3 and ALK6 and the type II receptor serine threonine kinase BMPRII. This activation is independent of cross talk with the SMAD2-transforming growth factor β pathway. By activating SMAD1/5, epithelial cells regulate anchorage-independent growth by increasing anoikis sensitivity that is dependent on GDF2's ability to sustain the activation of SMAD1/5 via ALK3 and ALK6. Consistent with a role for GDF2 in promoting anoikis susceptibility, the analysis of cell lines and patient data suggests epigenetic silencing of GDF2 in cancer cell lines and increased promoter methylation in patients. These findings collectively indicate an antimetastatic role for GDF2 in ovarian and breast cancer. The work also implicates loss of GDF2 via promoter methylation-mediated downregulation in promotion of carcinogenesis with significant relevance for the use of epigenetic drugs currently in clinical trials.

DOI10.1016/j.neo.2015.11.003(link is external)
Alternate JournalNeoplasia
PubMed ID26678910(link is external)
PubMed Central IDPMC4681890
Grant ListP20 GM109091 / GM / NIGMS NIH HHS / United States
R01 CA178443 / CA / NCI NIH HHS / United States
5P20GM109091-02 / GM / NIGMS NIH HHS / United States
Faculty Member Reference: 
Nam Lee, Ph.D.