Mapping the Anti-Cancer Activity of -Connexin Carboxyl-Terminal (aCT1) Peptide in Resistant HER2+Breast Cancer

Simple Summary Breast cancer is a leading cause of death for women worldwide. This study aims to examine the mechanisms for the anti-cancer effects of a therapeutic peptide agent targeted to connexin 43 (Cx43) called alpha-connexin carboxyl-terminal peptide (aCT1). Findings from this study confirm that aCT1 promotes gap junction intercellular communication and Cx43 protein stabilization and that the peptide binds to Zonal Occludens-1 (ZO-1), consistent with prior reports on the mechanism of action of this agent. New findings from this study identify novel aCT1-interacting proteins and the effect of aCT1 on breast cancer signaling.Abstract Connexin 43 (Cx43) is a protein encoded by the GJA1 gene and is a component of cell membrane structures called gap junctions, which facilitate intercellular communication. Prior evidence indicates that elevated GJA1 expression in the HER2-positive (HER2+) subtype of breast cancer is associated with poor prognosis. Prior evidence also suggests that HER2+ breast cancers that have become refractory to HER2-targeted agents have a loss of Cx43 gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC). In this study, a Cx43-targeted agent called alpha-connexin carboxyl-terminal peptide (aCT1) is examined to determine whether GJIC can be rescued in refractory HER2+ breast cancer cells. A proposed mechanism of action for aCT1 is binding to the tight junction protein Zonal Occludens-1 (ZO-1). However, the true scope of activity for aCT1 has not been explored. In this study, mass spectrometry proteomic analysis is used to determine the breadth of aCT1-interacting proteins. The NanoString nCounter Breast Cancer 360 panel is also used to examine the effect of aCT1 on cancer signaling in HER2+ breast cancer cells. Findings from this study show a dynamic range of binding partners for aCT1, many of which regulate gene expression and RNA biology. nCounter analysis shows that a number of pathways are significantly impacted by aCT1, including upregulation of apoptotic factors, leading to the prediction and demonstration that aCT1 can boost the cell death effects of cisplatin and lapatinib in HER2+ breast cancer cells that have become resistant to HER2-targeted agents.