The assembly of the fibronectin matrix is a dynamic, cell dependent process which impacts on adhesion based signaling pathways important in the control of cell migration, growth and survival. There is now accumulating evidence that the fibronectin matrix plays a significant role in metastatic progression of certain tumors. The effects of fibronectin matrix on cancer progression are varied and include a role in the release of tumors from a dormant state, resistance of tumors to chemotherapeutics and the establishment of pre-metastatic niches required for seeding of metastases. During the previous funding period, we discovered a novel role for the urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) in the regulation of fibronectin matrix assembly in connective tissue cells. uPAR ligation results in a Src-dependent transactivation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) which results in the formation of EGFR/1521 integrin complexes, integrin activation and increased fibronectin matrix. During the next funding period, we intend to dissect the molecular mechanisms which control this pathway in fibroblasts, osteosarcoma cells and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Experiments in Aim 1 will identify the mechanism by which uPAR regulates Src and EGFR activation. A tumor-fibroblast co-culture system will be used to evaluate the contribution of uPAR expression levels as well as intercellular uPAR/integrin complex formation in the regulation of Src-mediated EGFR transactivation. The roles of uPAR co-receptors in the activation of Src/EGFR (integrins, growth factor receptors and FPRL1) will be addressed using a combination of pharmacological inhibitors, gene knockdowns and receptor down regulation. Mutational analysis of uPAR will be done to determine the domains of uPAR which are required for Src/EGFR activation.
Aim 2 will define the mechanism by which EGFR transactivation activates the 1521 integrin. Experiments will evaluate whether uPAR-mediated EGFR transactivation reroutes the trafficking of EGFR from lysosomes and into focal adhesions where it forms complexes with the 1521 integrin. EGFR dimerization, ubiquitination, sequestration and degradation in response to uPAR or EGFR ligands will be analyzed by Western blot, FLOW cytometry and confocal microscopy. The role of EGFR kinase activity and phosphorylated residues in the regulation of complex formation between EGFR and 1521 will be evaluated in fibroblasts using dominant/negative EGFR constructs and by expressing EGFR mutated in specific tyrosine residues in EGFR null cells. These experiments will provide novel information on the nature of uPAR signaling complexes and their role in the regulation of fibronectin deposition. Therapies directed at controlling this pathway may be useful for the treatment of metastatic disease.

Public Health Relevance

Fibronectin matrix in the tumor microenvironment is thought to contribute to cancer progression by promoting tumor metastasis and acquired resistance of tumors to chemotherapeutics. During the past funding period, we discovered a novel signaling pathway for fibronectin assembly which is initiated by the receptor for plasminogen activator (uPAR). This receptor is highly expressed in many tumors and is a negative prognostic indicator. Our studies, which are designed to understand the molecular basis underlying the uPAR regulation of fibronectin deposition, should provide novel targets for therapies directed at the control of both tumor metastasis and acquired resistance to chemotherapeutics.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01CA058626-19
Application #
8307986
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-CB-N (02))
Program Officer
Ault, Grace S
Project Start
1997-02-01
Project End
2014-07-31
Budget Start
2012-08-01
Budget End
2014-07-31
Support Year
19
Fiscal Year
2012
Total Cost
$272,648
Indirect Cost
$98,987
Name
Albany Medical College
Department
Anatomy/Cell Biology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
190592162
City
Albany
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
12208
Cho, Christina; Horzempa, Carol; Jones, David et al. (2016) The fibronectin III-1 domain activates a PI3-Kinase/Akt signaling pathway leading to ?v?5 integrin activation and TRAIL resistance in human lung cancer cells. BMC Cancer 16:574
Vial, Daniel; McKeown-Longo, Paula J (2016) Role of EGFR expression levels in the regulation of integrin function by EGF. Mol Carcinog 55:1118-23
Cho, Christina; Kelsh-Lasher, Rhiannon; Ambesi, Anthony et al. (2015) Cryptic activity within the Type III1 domain of fibronectin regulates tissue inflammation and angiogenesis. Curr Top Pept Protein Res 16:37-47
Kelsh, Rhiannon M; McKeown-Longo, Paula J; Clark, Richard A F (2015) EDA Fibronectin in Keloids Create a Vicious Cycle of Fibrotic Tumor Formation. J Invest Dermatol 135:1714-1718
Ambesi, Anthony; McKeown-Longo, Paula J (2014) Conformational remodeling of the fibronectin matrix selectively regulates VEGF signaling. J Cell Sci 127:3805-16
Kelsh, Rhiannon; You, Ran; Horzempa, Carol et al. (2014) Regulation of the innate immune response by fibronectin: synergism between the III-1 and EDA domains. PLoS One 9:e102974
Kelsh, Rhiannon M; McKeown-Longo, Paula J (2013) Topographical changes in extracellular matrix: Activation of TLR4 signaling and solid tumor progression. Trends Cancer Res 9:1-13
Vial, Daniel; McKeown-Longo, Paula J (2012) Epidermal growth factor (EGF) regulates ?5?1 integrin activation state in human cancer cell lines through the p90RSK-dependent phosphorylation of filamin A. J Biol Chem 287:40371-80
Ambesi, Anthony; McKeown-Longo, Paula J (2009) Anastellin, the angiostatic fibronectin peptide, is a selective inhibitor of lysophospholipid signaling. Mol Cancer Res 7:255-65
You, Ran; Klein, R Matthew; Zheng, Mingzhe et al. (2009) Regulation of p38 MAP kinase by anastellin is independent of anastellin's effect on matrix fibronectin. Matrix Biol 28:101-9

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