The PAX3-FOXO1 Fusion Gene Reduces cell-ECM Interactions and TGFβ Signaling in rhabdomyosarcoma

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-7-2025

Department

Department of Biomedical Engineering

Abstract

We identify downregulation of genes related to cell-ECM interactions and TGFβ signaling in FPRMS. We confirm that TGFβ signaling enhances cell-ECM interactions in FNRMS, utilizing confocal reflection microscopy to assess ECM remodeling, and a live-cell sensor to quantitatively assess TGFβ signaling. We also show that PAX3-FOXO1 increases NOS1 expression, stimulating nitric oxide synthesis, which inhibits TGFβ signaling and reduces cell-ECM interactions. We suggest that PAX3-FOXO1 reprograms ECM anchorage dependence by suppressing cell-ECM interactions. The fusion gene can determine sensitivity to growth inhibition via targeted disruption of cell-ECM interactions or TGFβ signaling. Reduced anchorage reliance by the gene may allow cells to survive in circulation and enhance FPRMS metastatic potential.

Publisher's Statement

© 2025 Chronopoulos et al.

Publication Title

The Journal of cell biology

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