Epigenetic Regulation of GDF2 Suppresses Anoikis in Ovarian and Breast Epithelia.

ABSTRACT: Anoikis, a cell death mechanism triggered upon cell-matrix detachment, is regarded as a physiological suppressor of metastasis that can be regulated by a diverse array of signals. The protein encoded by GDF2 is BMP9 and is a member of the bone morphogenetic protein family and the transforming growth factor (TGF) β superfamily with emerging yet controversial roles in carcinogenesis. In an attempt to identify the function of growth and differentiation factor 2 (GDF2) in epithelial systems, we examined the signaling machinery that is involved and cell fate decisions in response to GDF2 in ovarian and breast epithelia. We find that GDF2 can robustly activate the SMAD1/5 signaling axis by increasing complex formation between the type I receptor serine threonine kinases activin receptor-like kin

SUBMITTER: Varadaraj A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4681890 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature