P2.06-32 YB-1 - A Key Factor in Mesothelioma Aggressive Growth and Behaviour

Abstract

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a devastating disease characterized by aggressive growth and local invasion, poor outcome and limited therapeutic options. YB-1 is a multifunctional oncoprotein, which is often up-regulated in cancer and associated with aggressiveness and poor patient outcome. Also, YB-1 is actively secreted by cells upon various stresses. Besides numerous other functions, YB-1 has been described to stimulate cancer cell migration and invasion via regulation of EMT-related factors such as Snail and Twist. Cells were treated with LPS (20 ng/ml) or grown under hypoxic conditions (1% O2, N2 balanced) for 24 hours. YB-1 levels in supernatants were quantified via western blot. Changes in EMT markers were measured by qPCR. Cell migration and cell cycle was assessed by live cell videomicroscopy followed by manual single cell tracking and analysis using ImageJ and DiPer software, respectively. YB-1 overexpression was achieved by stable transfection with an expression plasmid and confirmed via qPCR and western blot. YB-1 is secreted by MPM cells as well as the immortalised mesothelial cell line Met-5A after exposure to LPS or under hypoxic conditions. When MPM cells as well as primary mesothelial cells derived from pericardial fluid were exposed to soluble YB-1, we observed an upregulation of EMT markers such as SNAIL and TWIST as well as significantly increased migratory capacity. Similar effects were observed in cell lines which overexpress YB-1. YB-1 overexpressing cells migrated at significantly higher speed and covered a larger area. Also, when grown at low density, EMT-like changes in cell morphology as well as scattering was observed. Additionally, while cell divisions occurred at higher frequencies, the duration of the M phase was significantly prolonged. Our data highlight a crucial role of both intracellular and soluble YB-1 in the regulation of migration and invasion, which are key characteristics of MPM. Additionally, YB-1 also interferes with the cell cycle of MPM cells. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the biology of MPM and highlight YB-1’s potential as a therapeutic target.