PAK4 phosphorylating RUNX1 promotes ERα-positive breast cancer-induced osteolytic bone destruction

The biological function of nuclear PAK4 in ER alpha-positive breast cancer osteolytic bone destruction remains unclear. Here, we find that the nuclear PAK4 promotes osteoclastogenesis and tumor-induced osteolysis via phosphorylating RUNX1. We show that nuclear PAK4 interacts with and phosphorylates RUNX1 at Thr-207, which induces its localization from the nucleus to the cytoplasm and influences direct interaction with SIN3A/HDAC1 and PRMT1. Furthermore, we reveal that RUNX1 phosphorylation by PAK4 at Thr-207 promotes osteolytic bone destruction via targeting downstream genes related to osteoclast differentiation and maturation. Importantly, we verify changes in RUNX1 subcellular localization when nuclear PAK4 is positive in breast cancer bone metastasis tissues. Functionally, we demonstrate that RUNX1 phosphorylation promotes osteolytic bone maturation and ER alpha-positive breast cancer-induced osteolytic bone damage in the mouse model of orthotopic breast cancer bone metastasis. Our results suggest PAK4 can be a therapeutic target for ER alpha-positive breast cancer osteolytic bone destruction.