Inhibition of Rho-kinase abrogates migration of human transitional cell carcinoma cells: results of an in vitro study.

INTRODUCTION

Migration of cells involves a complex signaling network. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the impact of Rho-kinase (ROK) on G protein-coupled receptor-induced migration of human transitional cell carcinoma cells in an in vitro experimental setting.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) was measured with the indicator dye Fura-2 in response to lysophosphatidic acid, thrombin and sphingosine-1-phosphate. Phospholipase C activity was determined in myo-[(3)H]inositol- (0.5 μCi/ml) labeled cells. Migration was performed using a Boyden chamber. Transient transfection of a dominant-negative mutant of ROK was done with calcium phosphate. For staining of actin filaments, tetramethylrhodamine isothiocyanate-conjugated phalloidin was used.

RESULTS

Lysophosphatidic acid, thrombin and sphingosine-1-phosphate cause increases in [Ca(2+)](i), cellular responses being accompanied by an enhancement of phospholipase C activity and sensitive to the G(i) inhibitor pertussis toxin. Agonists potently stimulated migration of T24 and J82 cells. Inhibition of Rho proteins by Clostridium difficile toxin B abrogated cell migration. Inhibition of ROK using HA1077 and Y-27632 mimicked the properties of toxin B. Expression of a ROK mutant drastically reduced migration.

CONCLUSIONS

G protein-coupled receptors potently stimulated cell migration in T24 and J82 cells. Rho proteins and ROK play a pivotal role in this signaling cascade. Rho and ROK may be putative targets for new therapy options in bladder cancer.

Copyright © 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.