Inhibition of cell migration by PITENINs: the role of ARF6

We have previously reported the development of small molecule phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP3) antagonists (PITs) that block pleckstrin homology (PH) domain interaction, including activation of Akt, and show anti-tumor potential. Here we show that the same molecules inhibit growth factor-induced actin remodeling, lamellipodia formation and, ultimately, cell migration and invasion, consistent with an important role of PIP3 in these processes. In vivo, a PIT-1 analog displays significant inhibition on tumor angiogenesis and metastasis. ADP ribosylation factor 6 (ARF6) was recently identified as an important mediator of cytoskeleton and cell motility, which is regulated by PIP3-dependent membrane translocation of the guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) such as ADP-ribosylation factor nucleotide binding-site opener (ARNO) and general receptor for 3-phosphoinositides (GRP1). We demonstrate that PITs inhibit PIP3/ARNO or GRP1 PH domain binding and membrane localization, resulting in the inhibition of ARF6 activation. Importantly, we show that expression of the constitutively active mutant of Arf6 attenuates inhibition of lamellipodia formation and cell migration by PITs, confirming that inhibition of Arf6 contributes to inhibition of these processes by PITs. Overall, our studies demonstrate the feasibility of developing specific small molecule targeting PIP3 binding by PH domains as potential anti-cancer agents that can simultaneously interfere with cancer development at multiple points.