Lysophosphatidic acid induces MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells migration through activation of PI3K/PAK1/ERK signaling.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Enhanced motility of cancer cells is a critical step in promoting tumor metastasis. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), representing the major mitogenic activity in serum, stimulates migration in various types of cancer cells. However, the underlying signaling mechanisms for LPA-induced motility of cancer cells remain to be elucidated.

Methodology/principal findings

In this study, we found that LPA dose-dependently stimulated migration of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, with 10 µM being the most effective. LPA also increased ERK activity and the MEK inhibitor U0126 could block LPA-induced ERK activity and cell migration. In addition, LPA induced PAK1 activation while ERK activation and cell migration were inhibited by ectopic expression of an inactive mutant form of PAK1

SUBMITTER: Du J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3012724 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature