Dynamic translocation of Inside-Out proteins to the cell surface underlies cellular adaptation to cancer-induced stress

Abstract

Inside-out (I-O) protein display, the non-canonical surface localization of intracellular proteins, represents an underexplored feature of tumor cell biology. Here, we map the molecular landscape and trafficking mechanisms that control the presentation of I-O proteins on cancer cell membranes. Employing APEX2-mediated proximity biotinylation and a custom antibody generation and validation platform, we identified approximately 140 high-confidence I-O proteins, primarily ribosomal, proteasomal, chaperone, and translation factors, notably enriched in protein families associated with stress-response pathways. Validation of 500 antibodies encompassing 40 I-O targets across seven tumor cell lines confirmed selective and robust surface localization, while in vivo imaging in mouse xenografts demonstrated pronounced and tumor-specific antibody accumulation. I-O proteins were absent on PBMCs and in normal tissues, indicating cancer cell selectivity. Functional analyses revealed that I-O protein tethering to the membrane is dependent on heparan sulfate interactions; enzymatic removal of these glycans led to the clearance of I-O proteins from the cell surface. Notably, the removed proteins returned to baseline levels within six hours, indicating a dynamic balance related to ER-Golgi trafficking and cellular stress. Nearly half of these I-O proteins overlapped with known stress granule components; however, stress elements that promote stress granule formation do not similarly affect surface display of I-O proteins. Furthermore, I-O proteins are present on standard cancer cell lines under lower stress levels needed to induce stress granule formation, suggesting parallel yet mechanistically distinct aspects of the stress response. These findings position I-O display as a new paradigm in protein trafficking, different from traditional secretion pathways and closely linked to stress response.