AMPK-AKT double negative feedback loop in breast cancer cells regulates their adaptation to matrix deprivation

Cell detachment from the extracellular matrix triggers anoikis. Disseminated tumor cells must adapt to survive matrix deprivation, while still retaining the ability to attach at secondary sites and re-initiate cell division. In this study, we illuminate mechanisms that enable reversible matrix attachment by breast cancer cells. Matrix deprival triggered AMPK activity and concomitantly inhibited AKT activity by upregulating the AKT phosphatase PHLPP2. The resultant pAMPKhigh/pAKTlow state was critical for cell survival in suspension, as PHLPP2 silencing also increased anoikis while impairing autophagy and metastasis. In contrast, matrix re-attachment led to AKT-mediated AMPK inactivation via PP2C-α-mediated restoration of the pAKThigh/pAMPKlow state. Clinical specimens of primary and metastatic breast cancer displayed an AKT-associated gene expression signature, whereas circulating breast tumor cells displayed an elevated AMPK-dependent gene expression signature. Our work establishes a double-negative feedback loop between AKT and AMPK to control the switch between matrix-attached and matrix-detached states needed to coordinate cell growth and survival during metastasis.

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