CD151 regulates HGF-stimulated morphogenesis of human breast cancer cells

We previously demonstrated that CD151 forms a functional complex with c-Met and integrin α3/α6 in human salivary gland cancer cells. In the current study, we investigated the involvement of CD151, c-Met, and integrin α3/α6 in the cellular morphogenesis of human breast cancer cells. Knockdown of CD151, integrin α3, or integrin α6 expression abolished branching morphogenesis. Decreased c-Met expression in these cells led to the formation of rudimentary networks and prevented their conversion. Furthermore, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) promoted cellular morphogenesis by accelerating network reorganization. Immunoprecipitation revealed a specific association between CD151 and c-Met. The involvement of CD151 and integrin α3/α6 in HGF-dependent signaling was confirmed by the decreased Akt phosphorylation in cells lacking CD151, integrin α3, or integrin α6. Hence, the regulation of CD151 expression might contribute to changes in HGF/c-Met signaling and thereby modulate the phenotypic characteristics of cancer cells.