New insights into the actions of bisphosphonate zoledronic acid in breast cancer cells by dual RhoA-dependent and -independent effects

Zoledronic acid (ZOL) is a nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate and its use in reducing osteoporosis and cancer-induced osteolysis is increasing. Recent findings indicated that ZOL has a direct effect on cancer cells. In this study, the effect of ZOL was examined on the aggressive MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line. ZOL induces an important inhibition of cell invasion at low concentrations (1 microM). This is not explained by modifications of proteases involved in cell invasiveness (matrix metalloproteinases and urokinase-type plasminogen activator), but by a disorganisation of actin cytoskeleton due to RhoA inhibition related to its defective prenylation as it was reversed by geranylgeraniol (GGOH) and mimicked by the Rho selective inhibitor C3 exoenzyme. In addition, ZOL inhibits the chemotactic effect induced by stromal cell-derived factor 1(SDF-1), a chemokine greatly involved in cancer metastasis to bone. This effect is related to both reduction of cell motility induced by RhoA inhibition and to a decreased expression of CXCR-4, the SDF-1 receptor. Finally, ZOL reduces Cox-2 expression and, consequently, the secretion of prostaglandins E2 (PGE2) in a RhoA-independent manner. This inhibition could contribute to bone protection in breast cancers because PGE2 stimulates osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. In summary, new insights in the mechanism of ZOL action on aggressive breast cancer cells are demonstrated and could explain its beneficial action in both the reduction of osteolysis and prevention of metastasis.