DNAJB9 suppresses the metastasis of triple-negative breast cancer by promoting FBXO45-mediated degradation of ZEB1

DNAJB9, a member of the heat shock protein 40 family, acts as a multifunctional player involved in the maintenance of their client proteins and cellular homeostasis. However, the mechanistic action of DNAJB9 in human malignancies is yet to be fully understood. In this study, we found that ectopic restoration of DNAJB9 inhibits the migration, invasion, in vivo metastasis, and lung colonization of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. Mechanistically, DNAJB9 stabilizes FBXO45 protein by suppressing self-ubiquitination and reduces the abundance of ZEB1 by Lys48-linked polyubiquitination to inhibit the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis. Clinically, the reduction of DNAJB9 expression, concomitant with decreased FBXO45 abundance in breast cancer tissues, correlates with poorer clinical outcomes of patients with breast cancer. Taken together, our results provide a novel insight into the metastasis of TNBC and define a promising therapeutic strategy for cancers with overactive ZEB1 by regulating the DNAJB9-FBXO45 signaling axis.

Automated summary

The study demonstrates that the restoration of DNAJB9 inhibits migration, invasion, metastasis, and colonization of TNBC cells. Mechanistically, DNAJB9 stabilizes FBXO45 protein and reduces ZEB1 abundance to inhibit EMT and metastasis. Clinical findings show that reduced DNAJB9 expression and FBXO45 abundance in breast cancer tissues are associated with poorer patient outcomes.