Dihydropyrimidinase-like 2 (DPYSL2) regulates breast cancer migration via a JAK/STAT3/vimentin axis

The intricate neuronal wiring during development requires cytoskeletal reorganization orchestrated by signaling cues. Considering that cytoskeletal remodeling is a hallmark of cell migration, we inquired whether metastatic cancer cells exploit the axon guidance proteins to migrate. Indeed, in breast cancer patients, we found a significant correlation between the mesenchymal markers and the expression of dihydropyrimidinase-like 2 (DPYSL2), a regulator of cytoskeletal dynamics in growing axons. Strikingly, DPYSL2 knockout in mesenchymal-like cells profoundly inhibited cell migration, invasion, stemness features, tumor growth rate, and metastasis. Next, we aimed to decode the molecular mechanism underlying this phenomenon and revealed an interaction between DPYSL2 and Janus kinase 1 (JAK1). This binding is crucial for triggering signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and subsequently expressing vimentin, the pro-migratory intermediate filament. Collectively, we identified DPYSL2 as a molecular link between oncogenic signaling pathways and cytoskeletal reorganization in migrating breast cancer cells. Statement of significanceThis study shows that the axon guidance adaptor protein DPYSL2 is essential for promoting breast cancer migration. Specifically, this protein interacts with JAK1 to govern STAT3 signaling and subsequently vimentin expression.