Activation of canonical BMP4-Smad7 signaling suppresses breast cancer metastasis

Bedrich L. Eckhardt, Yuan Cao, Andrew D. Redfern, Lap Hing Chi, Allan D. Burrows, Suraya Roslan, Erica K. Sloan, Belinda S. Parker, Sherene Loi, Naoto T. Ueno, Peter K.H. Lau, Bruce Latham, Robin L. Anderson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

35 Scopus citations

Abstract

Metastasis is the major cause of death in patients with cancer; with no therapeutic cure, treatments remain largely palliative. As such, new targets and therapeutic strategies are urgently required. Here, we show that bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP4) blocks metastasis in animal models of breast cancer and predicts improved survival in patients. In preclinical models of spontaneous metastasis, BMP4 acted as an autocrine mediator to modulate a range of known metastasis-regulating genes, including Smad7, via activation of canonical BMP-SMAD signaling. Restored BMP4 expression or therapeutically administered BMP4 protein, blocked metastasis and increased survival by sensitizing cancer cells to anoikis, thereby reducing the number of circulating tumor cells. Gene silencing of Bmp4 or its downstream mediator Smad7, reversed this phenotype. Administration of recombinant BMP4 markedly reduced spontaneous metastasis to lung and bone. Elevated levels of BMP4 and SMAD7 were prognostic for improved recurrence-free survival and overall survival in patients with breast cancer, indicating the importance of canonical BMP4 signaling in the suppression of metastasis and highlighting new avenues for therapy against metastatic disease.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1304-1315
Number of pages12
JournalCancer Research
Volume80
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 15 2020

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

MD Anderson CCSG core facilities

  • Advanced Technology Genomics Core
  • Cytogenetics and Cell Authentication Core
  • Research Animal Support Facility

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