Disruption of the interaction between PMCA2 and calcineurin triggers apoptosis and enhances paclitaxel-induced cytotoxicity in breast cancer cells

Carcinogenesis. 2012 Dec;33(12):2362-8. doi: 10.1093/carcin/bgs282. Epub 2012 Sep 7.

Abstract

Cancer is caused by defects in the signalling mechanisms that govern cell proliferation and apoptosis. It is well known that calcium-dependent signalling pathways play a critical role in cell regulation. A tight control of calcium homeostasis by transporters and channel proteins is required to assure a proper functioning of the calcium-sensitive signal transduction pathways that regulate cell growth and apoptosis. The plasma membrane calcium ATPase 2 (PMCA2) has been recently identified as a negative regulator of apoptosis that can play a significant role in cancer progression by conferring cells resistance to apoptosis. We have previously reported an inhibitory interaction between PMCA2 and the calcium-activated signalling molecule calcineurin in breast cancer cells. Here, we demonstrate that disruption of the PMCA2/calcineurin interaction in a variety of human breast cancer cells results in activation of the calcineurin/NFAT pathway, upregulation in the expression of the pro-apoptotic protein Fas Ligand and in a concomitant loss of cell viability. Reduction in cell viability is the consequence of an increase in cell apoptosis. Impairment of the PMCA2/calcineurin interaction enhances paclitaxel-mediated cytotoxicity of breast tumoral cells. Our results suggest that therapeutic modulation of the PMCA2/calcineurin interaction might have important clinical applications to improve current treatments for breast cancer patients.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / pharmacology*
  • Apoptosis / drug effects*
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Calcineurin / physiology*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Fas Ligand Protein / analysis
  • Genes, p53
  • Humans
  • NFATC Transcription Factors / physiology
  • Paclitaxel / pharmacology*
  • Plasma Membrane Calcium-Transporting ATPases / physiology*
  • Protein Binding / drug effects
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
  • FASLG protein, human
  • Fas Ligand Protein
  • NFATC Transcription Factors
  • Calcineurin
  • Plasma Membrane Calcium-Transporting ATPases
  • ATP2B2 protein, human
  • Paclitaxel