DLC1 loss drives multicellular streaming invasion by enforcing spatially coordinated Rho and β1 integrin signaling

Abstract

Efficient cancer cell invasion requires coordinated control of actomyosin contractility, extracellular matrix (ECM) engagement and remodeling, yet how these processes are integrated in complex, three-dimensional (3D) environments remains unclear. Here, we identify the tumor suppressor and RhoGAP protein DLC1 as molecular brake on multicellular streaming invasion in collagen-rich ECM. Using CRISPRoff-engineered breast cancer spheroids, DLC1 reconstitution models and patient-derived organoids embedded in collagen gels, we show that DLC1 downregulation promotes an efficient multicellular streaming phenotype. This invasion program requires matrix metalloproteinase activity, {beta}1 integrin engagement and Rho-ROCK-dependent actomyosin contractility. Mechanistically, DLC1 downregulation stabilized the rear-polarization of RhoA activity and increased {beta}1 integrin abundance, plasma membrane localization and activation. Separation-of-function mutants revealed that DLC1 restrains invasion through a dual mechanism: its RhoGAP activity limited actomyosin-driven streaming, whereas its LD-like talin-binding motif controlled {beta}1 integrin enrichment at the plasma membrane. Together, our findings provide a molecular basis for the prominent role of DLC1 as a metastasis suppressor.