Reciprocal regulation of RhoA and RhoC characterizes the EMT and identifies RhoC as a prognostic marker of colon carcinoma

Abstract

Understanding how RhoC expression and activation are regulated is essential for deciphering its contribution to tumorigenesis. Here, we report that RhoC expression and activation are induced by the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) of colon carcinoma. Using LIM 1863 colon cancer cells, RhoC protein expression and subsequent activation were detected coincident with the loss of E-cadherin and acquisition of mesenchymal characteristics. Several Ets-1 binding sites were identified in the RhoC promoter, and evidence was obtained using chromatin immunoprecipitation that Ets-1 can regulate RhoC expression during the EMT. Interestingly, a marked decrease in RhoA activation associated with t..