Integration of transforming growth factor β and RAS signaling silences a RAB5 guanine nucleotide exchange factor and enhances growth factor-directed cell migration

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) receptor (T beta R) signaling contributes to normal development as well as tumorigenesis. Here we report that RIN1, a RAB5 guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) and down regulator of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), promotes TOR signaling through enhanced endocytosis. TOR activation induces SNAI1 (Snail), a transcription repressor that reduces RIN1 expression, providing a negative feedback mechanism to control TOR trafficking and downstream signaling. Persistent RAS signaling disrupts this equilibrium by stabilizing SNAI1 protein, resulting in strong silencing of RIN1 and stabilization of RTKs. TGF-beta-induced RIN1 silencing in breast cancer cells prolonged sensitivity to hepatocyte growth factor, a ligand for the MET-type RTK, and enhanced growth factor-directed cell motility. We conclude that in some tumor cells T beta R and RAS signals are integrated through the silencing of RIN1, leading to a reduction in RAB5-mediated endocytosis. These findings shed new light on the basis for distinct interpretations of TGF-beta signaling by normal versus transformed cells.