Cell-surface receptor for complement component C1q (gC1qR) is a key regulator for lamellipodia formation and cancer metastasis

We previously demonstrated that the receptor for the complement component C1q (gC1qR) is a lipid raft protein that is indispensable for adipogenesis and insulin signaling. Here, we provide the first report that gC1qR is an essential component of lamellipodia in human lung carcinoma A549 cells. Cell-surface gC1qR was concentrated in the lamellipodia along with CD44, monosialoganglioside, actin, and phosphorylated focal adhesion kinase in cells stimulated with insulin, IGF-1, EGF, or serum. The growth factor-induced lamellipodia formation and cell migration were significantly decreased in gC1qR-depleted cells, with a concomitant blunt activation of the focal adhesion kinase and the respective receptor tyrosine kinases. Moreover, the gC1qR-depleted cells exhibited a reduced proliferation rate in culture as well as diminished tumorigenic and metastatic activities in grafted mice. We therefore conclude that cell-surface gC1qR regulates lamellipodia formation and metastasis via receptor tyrosine kinase activation.