P-cadherin counteracts myosin II-B function: implications in melanoma progression

• Main Authors: De Wever Olivier, Vanhoecke Barbara, Forsyth Ramses, Brochez Lieve, Van Gele Mireille, Jacobs Koen, Bracke Marc
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2010-09-01
• Series: Molecular Cancer
• Online Access: http://www.molecular-cancer.com/content/9/1/255

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Malignant transformation of melanocytes is frequently attended by a switch in cadherin expression profile as shown for E- and N-cadherin. For P-cadherin, downregulation in metastasizing melanoma has been demonstrated, and over-expression of P-cadherin in melanoma cell lines has been shown to inhibit invasion. The strong invasive and metastatic nature of cutaneous melanoma implies a deregulated interplay between intercellular adhesion and migration-related molecules</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In this study we performed a microarray analysis to compare the mRNA expression profile of an invasive BLM melanoma cell line (BLM LIE) and the non-invasive P-cadherin over-expression variant (BLM P-cad). Results indicate that nonmuscle myosin II-B is downregulated in BLM P-cad. Moreover, myosin II-B plays a major role in melanoma migration and invasiveness by retracting the tail during the migratory cycle, as shown by the localization of myosin II-B stress fibers relative to Golgi and the higher levels of phosphorylated myosin light chain. Analysis of P-cadherin and myosin II-B in nodular melanoma sections and in a panel of melanoma cell lines further confirmed that there is an inverse relationship between both molecules.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Therefore, we conclude that P-cadherin counteracts the expression and function of myosin II-B, resulting in the suppression of the invasive and migratory behaviour of BLM melanoma cells</p>