E-cadherin variants associated with oral facial clefts trigger aberrant cell motility in a REG1A-dependent manner.
Cell Commun Signal
; 22(1): 152, 2024 02 27.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38414029
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Germline mutations of E-cadherin contribute to hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC) and congenital malformations, such as oral facial clefts (OFC). However, the molecular mechanisms through which E-cadherin loss-of-function triggers distinct clinical outcomes remain unknown. We postulate that E-cadherin-mediated disorders result from abnormal interactions with the extracellular matrix and consequent aberrant intracellular signalling, affecting the coordination of cell migration.METHODS:
Herein, we developed in vivo and in vitro models of E-cadherin mutants associated with either OFC or HDGC. Using a Drosophila approach, we addressed the impact of the different variants in cell morphology and migration ability. By combining gap closure migration assays and time-lapse microscopy, we further investigated the migration pattern of cells expressing OFC or HDGC variants. The adhesion profile of the variants was evaluated using high-throughput ECM arrays, whereas RNA sequencing technology was explored for identification of genes involved in aberrant cell motility.RESULTS:
We have demonstrated that cells expressing OFC variants exhibit an excessive motility performance and irregular leading edges, which prevent the coordinated movement of the epithelial monolayer. Importantly, we found that OFC variants promote cell adhesion to a wider variety of extracellular matrices than HDGC variants, suggesting higher plasticity in response to different microenvironments. We unveiled a distinct transcriptomic profile in the OFC setting and pinpointed REG1A as a putative regulator of this outcome. Consistent with this, specific RNAi-mediated inhibition of REG1A shifted the migration pattern of OFC expressing cells, leading to slower wound closure with coordinated leading edges.CONCLUSIONS:
We provide evidence that E-cadherin variants associated with OFC activate aberrant signalling pathways that support dynamic rearrangements of cells towards improved adaptability to the microenvironment. This proficiency results in abnormal tissue shaping and movement, possibly underlying the development of orofacial malformations.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Neoplasias Gástricas
/
Adenocarcinoma
Límite:
Animals
/
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Cell Commun Signal
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Portugal
Pais de publicación:
Reino Unido