Cadm1 is a metastasis susceptibility gene that suppresses metastasis by modifying tumor interaction with the cell-mediated immunity

PLoS Genet. 2012 Sep;8(9):e1002926. doi: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1002926. Epub 2012 Sep 20.

Abstract

Metastasis is a complex process utilizing both tumor-cell-autonomous properties and host-derived factors, including cellular immunity. We have previously shown that germline polymorphisms can modify tumor cell metastatic capabilities through cell-autonomous mechanisms. However, how metastasis susceptibility genes interact with the tumor stroma is incompletely understood. Here, we employ a complex genetic screen to identify Cadm1 as a novel modifier of metastasis. We demonstrate that Cadm1 can specifically suppress metastasis without affecting primary tumor growth. Unexpectedly, Cadm1 did not alter tumor-cell-autonomous properties such as proliferation or invasion, but required the host's adaptive immune system to affect metastasis. The metastasis-suppressing effect of Cadm1 was lost in mice lacking T cell-mediated immunity, which was partially phenocopied by depleting CD8(+) T cells in immune-competent mice. Our data show a novel function for Cadm1 in suppressing metastasis by sensitizing tumor cells to immune surveillance mechanisms, and this is the first report of a heritable metastasis susceptibility gene engaging tumor non-autonomous factors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Breast Neoplasms / genetics
  • Breast Neoplasms / therapy
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Cell Adhesion Molecule-1
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / genetics*
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / metabolism
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Genes, Tumor Suppressor*
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Cellular / genetics*
  • Immunoglobulins / genetics*
  • Immunoglobulins / metabolism
  • Kaplan-Meier Estimate
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness / genetics
  • Neoplasm Metastasis / genetics*
  • Neoplasm Metastasis / immunology
  • Prognosis

Substances

  • Cadm1 protein, mouse
  • Cell Adhesion Molecule-1
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules
  • Immunoglobulins