Interactions between MUC1 and p120 catenin regulate dynamic features of cell adhesion, motility, and metastasis

Cancer Res. 2014 Mar 1;74(5):1609-20. doi: 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-13-2444. Epub 2013 Dec 26.

Abstract

The mechanisms by which MUC1 and p120 catenin contribute to progression of cancers from early transformation to metastasis are poorly understood. Here we show that p120 catenin ARM domains 1, 3-5, and 8 mediate interactions between p120 catenin and MUC1, and that these interactions modulate dynamic properties of cell adhesion, motility, and metastasis of pancreatic cancer cells. We also show that different isoforms of p120 catenin, when coexpressed with MUC1, create cells that exhibit distinct patterns of motility in culture (motility independent of cell adhesion, motility within a monolayer while exchanging contacts with other cells, and unified motility while maintaining static epithelial contacts) and patterns of metastasis. The results provide new insight into the dynamic interplay between cell adhesion and motility and the relationship of these to the metastatic process.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Cadherins / genetics
  • Cadherins / metabolism
  • Catenins / genetics*
  • Catenins / metabolism*
  • Cell Adhesion / genetics*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Movement / genetics*
  • Delta Catenin
  • Humans
  • Mucin-1 / genetics*
  • Mucin-1 / metabolism*
  • Neoplasm Metastasis / genetics*
  • beta Catenin / genetics
  • beta Catenin / metabolism

Substances

  • Cadherins
  • Catenins
  • MUC1 protein, human
  • Mucin-1
  • beta Catenin
  • Delta Catenin
  • CTNND1 protein, human