S100A4 interacts with mutant p53 and affects gastric cancer MKN1 cell autophagy and differentiation

The acquired p53 mutations are the most common genetic alterations in human cancers. Mutant p53 proteins tend to accumulate, augmenting their oncogenic potential. However, the mechanisms for mutant p53 accumulation are not known. Previous studies have shown that S100A4 interacts with wild-type p53. The present study marks the first time the effect of S100A4 on mutant p53 levels in gastric cancer MKN1 cells, which harbor mutant p53(V143A), and the functional consequences have been investigated. S100A4 interacted with mutant p53(V143A) in the cells, and S100A4 inhibition decreased mutant p53(V143A) levels, indicating that S100A4 promoted mutant p53 accumulation through their interaction. We also found that S100A4 inhibition altered the expression of the mutant p53(V143A) target genes [c-Myc and inhibitor of DNA binding 2 (Id2)]. Moreover, we demonstrated that S100A4 knockdown increased mutant p53-related autophagy and cell differentiation. In conclusion, our data suggest a novel mechanism for mutant p53(V143A) accumulation and add a new facet to the role of S100A4 in cancer.