Noncanonical Wnt/Ror2 signaling regulates cell-matrix adhesion to prompt directional tumor cell invasion in breast cancer

Cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions represent fundamental exchanges during tumor progression, yet how particular signal-transduction factors prompt the conversion of tumor cells into migratory populations capable of systemic spread during metastasis remains elusive. We demonstrate that the noncanonical Wnt receptor, Ror2, regulates tumor cell-driven matrix remodeling and invasion in breast cancer. Ror2 loss-of-function (LOF) triggers the disruption of E-cadherin within tumor cells, accompanied by an increase in tumor cell invasion and collagen realignment in three-dimensional cultures. RNA sequencing of Ror2-deficient organoids further uncovered alterations in actin cytoskeleton, cell adhesion, and collagen cross-linking gene expression programs. Spatially, we pinpoint the up-regulation and redistribution of alpha(5) and beta(3) integrins together with the production of fibronectin in areas of invasion downstream of Ror2 loss. Wnt/beta-catenin-dependent and Wnt/Ror2 alternative Wnt signaling appear to regulate distinct functions for tumor cells regarding their ability to modify cell-ECM exchanges during invasion. Furthermore, blocking either integrin or focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a downstream mediator of integrin-mediated signal transduction, abrogates the enhanced migration observed upon Ror2 loss. These results reveal a critical function for the alternative Wnt receptor, Ror2, as a determinant of tumor cell-driven ECM exchanges during cancer invasion and metastasis.