TGFβ-induced c-Myb affects the expression of EMT-associated genes and promotes invasion of ER+ breast cancer cells

V Cesi, A Casciati, F Sesti, B Tanno, B Calabretta… - Cell Cycle, 2011 - Taylor & Francis
V Cesi, A Casciati, F Sesti, B Tanno, B Calabretta, G Raschellà
Cell Cycle, 2011Taylor & Francis
Advanced breast cancer cells acquire metastatic properties in response to TGFβ. We show
here that the expression of c-Myb increases in TGFβ-treated ER+ breast cancer cells by
protein stabilization, transcription activation and release from miR200-dependent down-
regulation. In particular, we mapped 2 sites for miR200b, miR200c and miR429 binding in
the 3'UTR of the human c-myb gene. These microRNAs decreased the expression of c-Myb
when transfected in MCF-7 cells. In addition, luciferase activity from a vector containing the …
Advanced breast cancer cells acquire metastatic properties in response to TGFβ. We show here that the expression of c-Myb increases in TGFβ-treated ER+ breast cancer cells by protein stabilization, transcription activation and release from miR200-dependent down-regulation. In particular, we mapped 2 sites for miR200b, miR200c and miR429 binding in the 3’ UTR of the human c-myb gene. These microRNAs decreased the expression of c-Myb when transfected in MCF-7 cells. In addition, luciferase activity from a vector containing the 3’ UTR of the c-myb gene was inhibited by miR200s through a binding-dependent mechanism. siRNA- and shRNA-mediated down-regulation was used to investigate the role of c-Myb for the effects induced by TGFβ in ER+ breast cancer MCF-7 and ZR-75.1 cells. Transfection with c-Myb siRNAs blocked the increase of Slug (SNAI2) and Bcl-2 expression and reversed the decrease in E-cadherin expression induced by TGF−β treatment. Conversely, c-Myb down-regulation decreased invasion and anchorage-independent growth of breast cancer cells expressing a constitutively active TGFβ receptor I. Finally, apoptosis induced by etoposide increased in c-Myb-silenced TGFβ−treated ER+ cell lines. In summary, exposure of ER+ breast cancer cells to TGFβ induces an increase of c-Myb expression which is required for expression of EMT-associated markers, in vitro invasion and anchorage-independent growth. Furthermore, our findings suggest a potentially detrimental effect of TGFβ and c-Myb co-expression in breast cancer.
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