4-Hydroxyacetophenone modulates the actomyosin cytoskeleton to reduce metastasis

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2020 Sep 8;117(36):22423-22429. doi: 10.1073/pnas.2014639117. Epub 2020 Aug 26.

Abstract

Metastases are the cause of the vast majority of cancer deaths. In the metastatic process, cells migrate to the vasculature, intravasate, extravasate, and establish metastatic colonies. This pattern of spread requires the cancer cells to change shape and to navigate tissue barriers. Approaches that block this mechanical program represent new therapeutic avenues. We show that 4-hydroxyacetophenone (4-HAP) inhibits colon cancer cell adhesion, invasion, and migration in vitro and reduces the metastatic burden in an in vivo model of colon cancer metastasis to the liver. Treatment with 4-HAP activates nonmuscle myosin-2C (NM2C) (MYH14) to alter actin organization, inhibiting the mechanical program of metastasis. We identify NM2C as a specific therapeutic target. Pharmacological control of myosin isoforms is a promising approach to address metastatic disease, one that may be readily combined with other therapeutic strategies.

Keywords: 4-hydroxyacetophenone; colorectal cancer; ex vivo motility; metastasis; nonmuscle myosin 2C.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acetophenones / pharmacology*
  • Actins / metabolism
  • Actomyosin / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Cell Adhesion / drug effects
  • Cell Movement / drug effects
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Cytoskeleton* / drug effects
  • Cytoskeleton* / metabolism
  • Female
  • HCT116 Cells
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mice, Nude
  • Neoplasm Metastasis / physiopathology*

Substances

  • Acetophenones
  • Actins
  • Actomyosin
  • 4-hydroxyacetophenone