Wnt5a regulates ameloblastoma cell migration by modulating mitochondrial and cytoskeletal dynamics

Abstract

Objective: Abnormal expression of Wnt5a has been detected in various tumors, including ameloblastoma (AB). Yet, there is no specific mechanistic evidence for the functional role of Wnt5a in AB. In this study, we aimed to conduct a mechanistic examination of the importance of Wnt5a in AB development. Methods: The expressions of Wnt5a and Coro1A were examined by Western blot and immunohistochemistry both in AB tissues and AM-1 cells. The number and size of mitochondria were detected by electronic transmission microscope and confocal microscope. Gain-of-function and loss-of-function assays were used to explore the biological roles of Wnt5a and Coro1A in organelle dynamics changes and cell migration. Cell migration was detected by wound healing and transwell assay. Results: We found that in AM-1 cells, up-regulation of Wnt5a led to enhanced mitochondrial energy production and altered calcium homeostasis, with elevated calcium levels directly leading to altered mitochondrial dynamics and interactions between the cytoskeleton and the mitochondria. When Wnt5a or its downstream cytoskeleton-associated protein Coro1A was knocked down, the migration capacity of AM-1 cells was markedly impaired. Conclusion: Together, these results suggest that Wnt5a plays mitochondria and cytoskeleton specific roles in regulating the development of human AB, with its down-regulation leading to impaired tumor development, thus highlighting Wnt5a or Coro1A as potentially viable therapeutic targets for the treatment of AB.