Non-cell-autonomous migration of RasV12-transformed cells towards the basal side of surrounding normal cells

Oncogenic transformation enables cells to behave differently from their neighboring normal cells. Both cancer and normal cells recognize each other, often promoting the extrusion of the former from the epithelial cell layer. Here, we show that RasV12-transformed normal rat kidney 52E (NRK-52E) cells are extruded towards the basal side of the surrounding normal cells, which is concomitant with enhanced motility. The active migration of the basally extruded RasV12 cells is observed when surrounded by normal cells, indicating a non-cell-autonomous mechanism. Furthermore, specific inhibitor treatment and knockdown experiments elucidate the roles of PI3K and myosin IIA in the basal extrusion of Ras cells. Our findings reveal a new aspect of cancer cell invasion mediated by functional interactions with surrounding non-transformed cells. (c) 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The study reveals that oncogenic transformation leads to enhanced motility and basal extrusion of cells towards normal cells, indicating a non-cell-autonomous mechanism. The roles of PI3K and myosin IIA in the basal extrusion of Ras cells are elucidated through specific inhibitor treatment and knockdown experiments. The findings highlight a new aspect of cancer cell invasion through functional interactions with surrounding non-transformed cells.