Atypical function of a centrosomal module in WNT signalling drives contextual cancer cell motility

Centrosomes control cell motility, polarity and migration that are thought to be mediated by their microtubule-organizing capacity. In this study we demonstrate that WNT signalling drives a distinct form of non-directional cell motility that requires a key centrosome module, but not microtubules or centrosomes. Upon exosome mobilization of Planar Cell Polarity proteins, we show that DVL2 orchestrates recruitment of a CEP192-PLK4/AURKB complex to the cell cortex where PLK4/AURKB act redundantly to drive protrusive activity and cell motility. This is mediated by coordination of formin-dependent actin remodelling through displacement of cortically localized DAAM1 for DAAM2. Furthermore, abnormal expression of PLK4, AURKB and DAAM1 is associated with poor outcomes in breast and bladder cancers. Thus, a centrosomal module plays an atypical function in WNT signalling and actin nucleation that is critical for cancer cell motility and is associated with more aggressive cancers. These studies have broad implications in how contextual signalling controls distinct modes of cell migration. Overall design: Total RNA profilling of 158 archival bladder cancer samples and comparison between 107 high grade and 51 low grade samples. This study involves 120 Samples. Thirty eight Samples were reanalyzed from previously submitted GSE59483.