An oncogenic role of Agrin in regulating focal adhesion integrity in hepatocellular carcinoma

Sayan Chakraborty, Manikandan Lakshmanan, Hannah L.F. Swa, Jianxiang Chen, Xiaoqian Zhang, Yan Shan Ong, Li Shen Loo, Semih Can Akıncılar, Jayantha Gunaratne, Vinay Tergaonkar, Kam M. Hui and Wanjin Hong ()
Additional contact information
Sayan Chakraborty: Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)
Manikandan Lakshmanan: Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)
Hannah L.F. Swa: Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)
Jianxiang Chen: Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)
Xiaoqian Zhang: Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)
Yan Shan Ong: Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)
Li Shen Loo: Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)
Semih Can Akıncılar: Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)
Jayantha Gunaratne: Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)
Vinay Tergaonkar: Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)
Kam M. Hui: Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)
Wanjin Hong: Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)

Nature Communications, 2015, vol. 6, issue 1, 1-16

Abstract: Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths globally. The identity and role of cell surface molecules driving complex biological events leading to HCC progression are poorly understood, hence representing major lacunae in HCC therapies. Here, combining SILAC quantitative proteomics and biochemical approaches, we uncover a critical oncogenic role of Agrin, which is overexpressed and secreted in HCC. Agrin enhances cellular proliferation, migration and oncogenic signalling. Mechanistically, Agrin’s extracellular matrix sensor activity provides oncogenic cues to regulate Arp2/3-dependent ruffling, invadopodia formation and epithelial–mesenchymal transition through sustained focal adhesion integrity that drives liver tumorigenesis. Furthermore, Agrin signalling through Lrp4-muscle-specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK) forms a critical oncogenic axis. Importantly, antibodies targeting Agrin reduced oncogenic signalling and tumour growth in vivo. Together, we demonstrate that Agrin is frequently upregulated and important for oncogenic property of HCC, and is an attractive target for antibody therapy.

Date: 2015
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms7184

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