The role of C1QBP in CSF-1-dependent PKCζ activation and macrophage migration

Macrophages view as double agents in tumor progression. Trafficking of macrophages to the proximity of tumors is mediated by colony-stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1), a growth factor. In this study, we investigated the role of complement1q-binding protein (C1QBP)/ atypical protein kinase C ζ (PKCζ) in CSF-1-induced macrophage migration. Disruption of C1QBP expression impaired chemotaxis and adhesion of macrophage. Phosphorylation of PKCζ is an essential component in macrophage chemotaxis signaling pathway. C1QBP could interact with PKCζ in macrophage. C1QBP knockdown inhibited CSF-1 induced phosphorylation of PKCζ and integrin-β1. However, C1QBP knockdown didn't affect the phosphorylation of PKCζ induced by MCP-1. Furthermore, CSF-1 from RCC cell condition medium promoted macrophage chemotaxis and adhesion. Taken together, our results demonstrated that C1QBP plays an essential role in CSF-1 induced migration of macrophages.