αvβ3 Integrin induces partial EMT independent of TGF-β signaling

Commun Biol. 2021 Apr 21;4(1):490. doi: 10.1038/s42003-021-02003-6.

Abstract

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a pivotal role for tumor progression. Recent studies have revealed the existence of distinct intermediate states in EMT (partial EMT); however, the mechanisms underlying partial EMT are not fully understood. Here, we demonstrate that αvβ3 integrin induces partial EMT, which is characterized by acquiring mesenchymal phenotypes while retaining epithelial markers. We found αvβ3 integrin to be associated with poor survival in patients with lung adenocarcinoma. Moreover, αvβ3 integrin-induced partial EMT promoted migration, invasion, tumorigenesis, stemness, and metastasis of lung cancer cells in a TGF-β-independent fashion. Additionally, TGF-β1 promoted EMT progression synergistically with αvβ3 integrin, while a TGF-β signaling inhibitor showed no effect on αvβ3 integrin-induced partial EMT. Meanwhile, the microRNA-200 family abolished the αvβ3 integrin-induced partial EMT by suppressing αvβ3 integrin cell surface expression. These findings indicate that αvβ3 integrin is a key inducer of partial EMT, and highlight a new mechanism for cancer progression.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition / genetics*
  • Female
  • Integrin alphaVbeta3 / genetics*
  • Integrin alphaVbeta3 / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mice, Nude
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta1 / genetics*
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta1 / metabolism

Substances

  • Integrin alphaVbeta3
  • Tgfb1 protein, mouse
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta1