Sp1 is required for transforming growth factor-beta-induced mesenchymal transition and migration in pancreatic cancer cells

作者：Jungert Kerstin; Buck Anita; von Wichert Goetz; Adler Guido; Koenig Alexander; Buchholz Malte; Gress Thomas M; Ellenrieder Volker^*

来源：Cancer Research, 2007, 67(4): 1563-1570.

DOI：10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-06-1670

Transition from a sessile epithelial phenotype to a migrating mesenchymal phenotype is a crucial step in transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta)-induced pancreatic cancer cell migration and invasion. These profound morphologic and functional alterations are associated with characteristic changes in TGF-beta-regulated gene expression, defined by rapid repression of epithelial markers and a strong and sustained transcriptional induction of mesenchymal markers such as the intermediate filament vimentin. In this study, we have analyzed the role of the transcription factor Sp1 in TGF-beta-induced and Smad-mediated gene regulation during epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and migration of pancreatic cancer cells. Here, we show that Sp1 is required for TGF-beta-induced EMT, and that this function is especially mediated through transcriptional induction of vimentin. Our results emphasize the functional relevance of vimentin in TGF-beta-induced EMT because prevention of its induction strongly reduces cell migration. Altogether, this study helps to better understand the role of Sp1 in TGF-beta-induced progression of pancreatic cancer. It suggests that Sp1, via transcriptional induction of vimentin, cooperates with activated Smad complexes in mesenchymal transition and migration of pancreatic cancer cells upon TGF-beta stimulation.

• 出版日期2007-2-15