PrPC Regulates the Cancer Stem Cell Properties via Interaction With c-Met in Colorectal Cancer Cells.

Background/aim Studies have reported that the expression of c-Met and PrPC improves tumor progression. However, not much is known about their relationship. We hypothesized that c-Met and PrPC interact with each other, and enhance cancer stem cell (CSC) characteristics. Materials and methods Magnetic activated cell sorting was used to examine the interaction between c-Met and PrPC The effects of the interaction on downstream signals, stem cell marker expression, and sphere formation of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells were investigated. Results We demonstrated the increased expression and binding levels of c-Met and PrPC in CRC cells compared to normal colon epithelial cells. We revealed that the c-Met and PrPC interaction induced the ERK activation and Oct4 upregulation. The inhibition of c-Met by crizotinib reduced ERK activation and Oct4 expression and suppressed CSC properties. Conclusion c-Met and PrPC interact with each other, and targeting c-Met using crizotinib could be a powerful strategy for CRC therapy.