Vav1 Increases Migration of Mammary Epithelial Cells
Author Information
Author(s): Wilsbacher Julie L, Moores Sheri L, Brugge Joan S
Primary Institution: Harvard Medical School
Hypothesis
An active form of Vav1 induces migration of mammary epithelial cells by stimulating secretion of an epidermal growth factor receptor ligand.
Conclusion
Increased migration of active Vav1 expressing cells is dependent on Vav1 GEF activity and secretion of an EGF receptor ligand.
Supporting Evidence
- Vav1Y3F expression in MCF-10A cells increases cell migration in the absence or presence of EGF.
- Mutations in specific domains of Vav1Y3F abolished its migration-promoting activity.
- Conditioned media from Vav1Y3F expressing cells stimulated migration of parental MCF-10A cells.
Takeaway
When a special version of a protein called Vav1 is present, mammary cells can move more easily, even without a growth signal. This happens because Vav1 helps release a signal that tells the cells to move.
Methodology
MCF-10A mammary epithelial cells were infected with retroviral vectors encoding either GFP or Vav1Y3F, and migration was assessed using transwell assays.
Limitations
The specific Rho family GTPase responsible for secretion of the EGF receptor ligand was not identified.
Participant Demographics
Human mammary epithelial cells (MCF-10A).
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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