Inhibitory role of polyunsaturated fatty acids on lysophosphatidic acid-induced cancer cell migration and adhesion

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have important pharmacological effects on mammalian cells. Here, we show that carboxyl group-containing PUFAs inhibit lysophosphatidic acid (LPA)-induced focal adhesion formation, thereby inhibiting migration and adhesion. Carboxyl group-containing PUFAs inhibit LPA-induced calcium mobilization, whereas ethyl ester-group containing PUFAs have no effect. In addition, carboxyl group-containing PUFAs functionally inhibit LPA-dependent RhoA activation. Given these results, we suggest that PUFAs may inhibit LPA-induced calcium/RhoA signaling pathways leading to focal adhesion formation. Carboxyl group-containing PUFAs may have a functional role in this regulatory mechanism.