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Induction of epithelial tubules by growth factor HGF depends on the STAT pathway

Nature volume 391, pages 285–288 (1998)Cite this article

Abstract

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) induces a three-phase response leading to the formation of branched tubular structures in epithelial cells1,2. The HGF receptor tyrosine kinase works through a Src homology (SH2) docking site that can activate several signalling pathways3. The first phase of the response (scattering), which results from cytoskeletal reorganization, loss of intercellular junctions and cell migration4, is dependent on phosphatidylinositol-3-OH kinase and Rac activation5,6. The second phase (growth) requires stimulation of the Ras–MAP kinase cascade7. Here we show that the third phase (tubulogenesis) is dependent on the STAT pathway. HGF stimulates recruitment of Stat-3 to the receptor, tyrosine phosphorylation, nuclear translocation and binding to the specific promoter element SIE. Electroporation of a tyrosine-phosphorylated peptide, which interferes with both the association of STAT to the receptor and STAT dimerization, inhibits tubule formation in vitro without affecting either HGF-induced ‘scattering’ or growth. The same result is obtained using a specific ‘decoy’ oligonucleotide that prevents STAT from binding to DNA and affecting the expression of genes involved in cell-cycle regulation (c-fos and waf-1). Activation of signal transducers that directly control transcription is therefore required for morphogenesis.

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Figure 1: HGF induces STAT phosphorylation and translocation into the nucleus.
Figure 2: Stat-3 associates with the HGF receptor.
Figure 3: The SIE elements binds STAT and modulates the expression of HGF-induced genes.
Figure 4: Selective inhibition of branching morphogenesis by a STAT phosphopeptide.

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Acknowledgements

We thank P. Giordano (Pharmacia & Upjohn) for peptide synthesis; C. Ponzetto for discussions; A. Cignetto for secretarial help; and E. Wright for help with the manuscript. This work was supported by an AIRC grant to P.M.C. M.A. is recipient of a FIRC Fellowship.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute for Cancer Research, University of Torino Medical School, Strada Provinciale 142, Candiolo, 10060, Italy

    Carla Boccaccio, Margherita Andò, Luca Tamagnone, Alberto Bardelli, Paolo Michieli & Paolo M. Comoglio

  2. Pharmacia & Upjohn, Preclinical Research, Nerviano, 20014, Italy

    Carlo Battistini

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  1. Carla Boccaccio
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Correspondence to Carla Boccaccio.

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Boccaccio, C., Andò, M., Tamagnone, L. et al. Induction of epithelial tubules by growth factor HGF depends on the STAT pathway. Nature 391, 285–288 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1038/34657

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