CRK SH3N Domain Diminishes Cell Invasiveness of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

CRK (c-Crk) as an adaptor protein is involved in several oncogenic signal transduction pathways, conveying oncogenic signals to its downstream effectors and thereby affecting multiple cellular processes including proliferation, differentiation, and migration. For example, we have observed that CRK expression and phosphorylation influence the invasiveness of non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. To intervene in CRK signaling pathway, we examined whether CRK protein domains can be used as therapeutic tools to interrupt CRK signaling, thus influencing the biological behavior of NSCLC cells. For this purpose, Src Homology domains of CRK-I (i.e., SH2 and SH3N domains) were overexpressed in H157, Rh2, and A549 cells. CRK-SH3N domain expression induced epithelial morphology in H157 cells and enhanced epithelial morphology of A549 and Rh2 cells as compared to cells transfected with CRK-SH2 domain or empty vector. In addition, CRK-SH3N domain expression significantly decreased the motility and invasiveness of A549 and H157 cells. Furthermore, CRK-SH3N domain expression disrupted the interaction of CRK-II with DOCK180. In summary, these data provide evidence that the CRK-SH3N domain can be used to influence the malignant phenotype of NSCLC cells and also reduce the metastatic potential of these cells.