Sox10 controls migration of melanoma cells through multiple regulatory target genes

ABSTRACT: It is believed that the inherent differentiation program of melanocytes during embryogenesis predisposes melanoma cells to high frequency of metastasis. Sox10, a transcription factor expressed in neural crest stem cells and a subset of progeny lineages, plays a key role in the development of melanocytes. We show that B16F10 melanoma cells transfected with siRNA specific for Sox10 display reduced migratory activity which in turn indicated that a subset of transcriptional regulatory target genes of Sox10 are likely to be involved in migration and metastasis of melanoma cells. We carried out microarray-based gene expression profiling using Sox10-specific siRNA to identify regulatory targets and found that multiple genes including melanocortin-1 receptor (Mc1R) partake in the regulation of migration. We provide evidences that a significant portion of the effect of Sox10 on migration is mediated by Mitf, a transcription factor downstream to Sox10. The involvement of Mc1R in migration was studied in detail in vivo using a murine metastasis model. Specifically, B16F10 melanoma cells treated with a specific siRNA showed reduced tendency in metastasizing to and colonizing the lung after being injected in the tail vein. These data reveal a cadre of novel regulators and mediators involved in migration and metastasis of melanoma cells that represent potential targets of therapeutic intervention.

ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus

PROVIDER: GSE25501 | GEO | 2010/11/20

SECONDARY ACCESSION(S): PRJNA134639

REPOSITORIES: GEO