IGF2BP1: A post-transcriptional “driver” of tumor cell migration

The oncofetal RNA-binding protein IGF2BP1 (IGF2 mRNA binding protein 1) controls the cytoplasmic fate of specific target mRNAs including ACTB and CD44. During neural development, IGF2BPs promote neurite protrusion and the migration of neuronal crest cells. In tumor-derived cells, IGF2BP1 enhances the formation of lamellipodia and invadopodia. Accordingly, the de novo synthesis of IGF2BP1 observed in primary malignancies was reported to correlate with increased metastasis and an overall poor prognosis. However, if and how the protein enhances metastasis remains controversial. In recent studies, we reveal that IGF2BP1 promotes the directed migration of tumor-derived cells in vitro by controlling the expression of MAPK4 and PTEN. The IGF2BP1-facilitated inhibition of MAPK4 mRNA translation interferes with MK5-directed phosphorylation of the heat shock protein 27 (HSP27). This limits G-actin sequestering by phosphorylated HSP27, enhances cell adhesion and elevates the velocity of tumor cell migration. Concomitantly, IGF2BP1 promotes the expression of PTEN by interfering with PTEN mRNA turnover. This results in a shift of cellular PtdIns(3,4,5)P(3)/PtdIns(4,5)P(2) ratios and enhances RAC1-dependent cell polarization which finally promotes the directionality of tumor cell migration. These findings identify IGF2BP1 as a potent oncogenic factor that regulates the adhesion, migration and invasiveness of tumor cells by modulating intracellular signaling.