Blimp-1 Upregulation by Multiple Ligands via EGFR Transactivation Inhibits Cell Migration in Keratinocytes and Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Hyemin Lee, Duen Yi Huang, Hua Ching Chang, Chia Yee Lin, Wan Yu Ren, Yang Shia Dai, Wan Wan Lin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

B lymphocyte-induced maturation protein-1 (Blimp-1) is a transcriptional repressor and plays a crucial role in the regulation of development and functions of various immune cells. Currently, there is limited understanding about the regulation of Blimp-1 expression and cellular functions in keratinocytes and cancer cells. Previously we demonstrated that EGF can upregulate Blimp-1 gene expression in keratinocytes, playing a negative role in regulation of cell migration and inflammation. Because it remains unclear if Blimp-1 can be regulated by other stimuli beyond EGF, here we further investigated multiple stimuli for their regulation of Blimp-1 expression in keratinocytes and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). We found that PMA, TNF-α, LPS, polyIC, H2O2 and UVB can upregulate the protein and/or mRNA levels of Blimp-1 in HaCaT and SCC cells. Concomitant EGFR activation was observed by these stimuli, and EGFR inhibitor gefitinib and Syk inhibitor can block Blimp-1 gene expression caused by PMA. Reporter assay of Blimp-1 promoter activity further indicated the involvement of AP-1 in PMA-, TNF-α-, LPS- and EGF-elicited Blimp-1 mRNA expression. Confocal microscopic data indicated the nuclear loclization of Blimp-1, and such localization was not changed by stimuli. Moreover, Blimp-1 silencing enhanced SCC cell migration. Taken together, Blimp-1 can be transcriptionally upregulated by several stimuli in keratinocytes and SCC via EGFR transactivation and AP-1 pathway. These include growth factor PMA, cytokine TNF-α, TLR ligands (LPS and polyIC), and ROS insults (H2O2 and UVB). The function of Blimp-1 as a negative regulator of cell migration in SCC can provide a new therapeutic target in SCC.

Original languageEnglish
Article number763678
JournalFrontiers in Pharmacology
Volume13
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2 2022

Keywords

  • Blimp-1
  • EGFR transactivation
  • keratinocytes
  • migration
  • squamous cell carcinoma

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pharmacology
  • Pharmacology (medical)

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