Matrix Degradation and Invasion in Breast Cancer

In order to metastasize, cancer cells need to invade and degrade matrix. Previous research showed that Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) is an oncogene, a member of ErBb family, that is over-expressed in aggressive cancers. EGFR mediates cell survival, proliferation, and motility through different signaling pathways. Located on the basolateral membrane of the cell, EGFR can be either translocated to the nucleus, degraded by the lysosome or recycled. However, in cancerous cells, EGFR activity is altered by MUC1, which associates itself with EGFR. Research suggested that this pathway acts in a Met-dependent manner. We conducted matrix degradation and invasion assays to see whether MUC1/EGFR activity has affect on these processes. Matrix degradation assay showed that Muc1 and EGFR inhibit matrix degradation and PMIP promotes it. However, Muc1/EGFR regulated matrix degradation is not Met-dependant. Meanwhile, the transwell invasion assay provided variable and statistically insignificant results