Role of PKC epsilon in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition induced by FGFR2 isoform switch

Background The epithelial isoform of the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2b) controls the entire program of keratinocyte differentiation via the sequential involvement of protein kinase C (PKC) delta and PKC alpha. In contrast, the FGFR2 isoform switch and the aberrant expression of the mesenchymal FGFR2c isoform leads to impairment of differentiation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and tumorigenic features. Aim of our present study was to contribute in clarifying the complex network of signaling pathways involved in the FGFR2c-mediated oncogenic outcomes focusing on PKC epsilon, which appears to be involved in the induction of EMT and tumorigenesis in several epithelial contexts. Methods Biochemical and molecular analysis, as well as in vitro invasion assays, combined with the use of specific small interfering RNA (siRNA), were performed in human keratinocytes stably expressing FGFR2c or FGFR2b isoforms. Results Our results showed that aberrant expression and signaling of FGFR2c, but not those of FGFR2b, in human keratinocytes induced a strong phosphorylation/activation of PKC epsilon. The use of siRNA approach showed that PKC epsilon is the hub signaling downstream FGFR2c responsible for the modulation of EMT markers and for the induction of the EMT-related transcription factors STAT3, Snail1 and FRA1, as well as for the acquisition of the invasive behavior. Moreover, experiments of depletion of ESRP1, responsible for FGFR2 splicing in epithelial cells, indicated that the activation of PKC epsilon is the key molecular event triggered by FGFR2 isoform switch and underlying EMT induction. Conclusions Overall, our results point to the identification of the downstream PKC isoform responsible for the FGFR signaling deregulation occurring in epithelial tissues from the physiological oncosoppressive to the pathological oncogenic profile.