Data from BMK1 Kinase Suppresses Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition through the Akt/GSK3β Signaling Pathway

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a crucial role in the development of cancer metastasis. The mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases extracellular signal–regulated kinase, c-jun-NH₂-kinase, and p38 have been implicated in promoting EMT, but a role for the MAP kinase BMK1 has not been studied. Here, we report that BMK1 signaling suppresses EMT. BMK1 elevation augmented E-cadherin–mediated cell–cell adhesion, downregulated mesenchymal markers, and decreased cell motility. Conversely, BMK1 silencing attenuated E-cadherin–mediated cell–cell adhesion, upregulated mesenchymal markers, and stimulated cell motility. BMK1 depletion dramatically increased the accumulation of endogenous Snail in the nuclear compartment. Snail accumulation was mediated by Akt/GSK3β signaling, which was activated by a modulation in the expression of the mTOR inhibitor DEPTOR. In support of these observations, BMK1 depletion promoted metastasis in vivo. Together, our findings reveal a novel mechanism of EMT control via mTOR/Akt inhibition that suppresses cancer metastasis. Cancer Res; 72(6); 1579–87. ©2012 AACR.