MPZL1 forms a signalling complex with GRB2 adaptor and PTPN11 phosphatase in HER2-positive breast cancer cells.

HER2/ErbB2 is overexpressed in a significant fraction of breast tumours and is associated with a poor prognosis. The adaptor protein GRB2 interacts directly with activated HER2 and is sufficient to transmit oncogenic signals. However, the consequence of HER2 activation on global GRB2 signalling networks is poorly characterized. We performed GRB2 affinity purification combined with mass spectrometry analysis of associated proteins in a HER2+ breast cancer model to delineate GRB2-nucleated protein interaction networks. We report the identification of the transmembrane protein MPZL1 as a new GRB2-associated protein. Our data show that the PTPN11 tyrosine phosphatase acts as a scaffold to bridge the association between GRB2 and MPZL1 in a phosphotyrosine-dependent manner. We further demonstrate that the formation of this MPZL1-PTPN11-GRB2 complex is triggered by cell attachment to fibronectin. Thus, our data support the importance of this new signalling complex in the control of cell adhesion of HER2+ breast cancer cells, a key feature of the metastatic process.

Sample Preparation for Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Protein-Protein Interactions in Cancer Cell Lines and Tissues.

A precisely controlled network of protein-protein interactions constitutes the basis for functional signaling pathways. This equilibrium is more often than not disrupted in cancer cells, by the aberrant expression or activation of oncogenic proteins. Therefore, the analysis of protein interaction networks in cancer cells has become crucial to expand our comprehension of the molecular underpinnings of tumor formation and progression. This protocol describes a sample preparation method for the analysis of signaling complexes by mass spectrometry (MS), following the affinity purification of a protein of interest from a cancer cell line or a solid tumor. In particular, we provide a spin tip-based protease digestion procedure that offers a more rapid and controlled alternative to other gel-based and gel-free methods. This sample preparation protocol represents a useful strategy to identify protein interactions and to gain insight into the molecular mechanisms that contribute to a given cancer phenotype.