Extra-Nuclear Signaling of Progesterone Receptor to Breast Cancer Cell Movement and Invasion through the Actin Cytoskeleton
2008

How Progesterone Affects Breast Cancer Cell Movement

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Fu Xiao-Dong, Giretti Maria S., Baldacci Chiara, Garibaldi Silvia, Flamini Marina, Sanchez Angel Matias, Gadducci Angiolo, Genazzani Andrea R., Simoncini Tommaso

Primary Institution: University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy

Hypothesis

This study investigates how natural progesterone and synthetic progestin medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) influence breast cancer cell movement and invasion through actin cytoskeleton remodeling.

Conclusion

Progesterone and MPA promote breast cancer cell movement by rapidly remodeling the actin cytoskeleton, mediated by moesin activation through different signaling pathways.

Supporting Evidence

  • Progesterone and MPA enhance T47-D breast cancer cell migration and invasion.
  • Activation of the progesterone receptor leads to rapid actin cytoskeleton remodeling.
  • Moesin activation is crucial for the changes in cell movement induced by progestins.
  • The signaling pathways differ between natural progesterone and synthetic progestin MPA.

Takeaway

This study shows that progesterone helps breast cancer cells move around by changing their shape and structure, which could help them spread.

Methodology

The study used T47-D breast cancer cells to assess the effects of progesterone and MPA on cell migration and invasion, focusing on actin cytoskeleton remodeling and moesin activation.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.01

Statistical Significance

p<0.01

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0002790

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