Transforming growth factor β induces clustering of HER2 and integrins by activating Src-focal adhesion kinase and receptor association to the cytoskeleton

Shizhen Emily Wang, Bin Xiang, Roy Zent, Vito Quaranta, Ambra Pozzi, Carlos L. Arteaga

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

117 Scopus citations

Abstract

It has been proposed that cross talk between integrin and growth factor receptor signaling such as ErbB2 (HER2) is required for activation of downstream effectors and ErbB2-mediated mammary tumorigenes is. Here we show that transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) induced focal adhesion kinase (FAK)-dependent clustering of HER2 and integrins α6, β1, and β4 in HER2-overexpressing mammary epithelial cells without altering the total and surface levels of HER2 receptors. This effect was mediated by ligand-induced epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activation and the subsequent phosphorylation of Src and FAK. We have previously reported that TGF-β up-regulates EGFR ligand shedding through a mechanism involving the phosphorylation of tumor necrosis factor-α-converting enzyme (TACE/ADAM17). Knockdown of TACE, FAK, or integrin α6 by siRNA or inhibition of EGFR or Src by specific inhibitors abrogated TGF-β-induced receptor clustering and signaling to phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-Akt. Finally, inhibition of Src-FAK reversed TGF-β-induced resistance to the therapeutic HER2 inhibitor trastuzumab in HER2-overexpressing breast cancer cells. Taken together, these data suggest that, by activating Src-FAK, TGF-β integrates ErbB receptor and integrin signaling to induce cell migration and survival during breast cancer progression.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)475-482
Number of pages8
JournalCancer research
Volume69
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 15 2009

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Transforming growth factor β induces clustering of HER2 and integrins by activating Src-focal adhesion kinase and receptor association to the cytoskeleton'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this