Lactate promotes glioma migration by TGF-β2–dependent regulation of matrix metalloproteinase-2

Lactate dehydrogenase type A (LDH-A) is a key metabolic enzyme catalyzing pyruvate into lactate and is excessively expressed by tumor cells. Transforming growth factor-β2 (TGF-β2) is a key regulator of invasion in high-grade gliomas, partially by inducing a mesenchymal phenotype and by remodeling the extracellular matrix. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that lactate metabolism regulates TGF-β2–mediated migration of glioma cells. Small interfering RNA directed against LDH-A (siLDH-A) suppresses, and lactate induces, TGF-β2 expression, suggesting that lactate metabolism is strongly associated with TGF-β2 in glioma cells. Here we demonstrate that TGF-β2 enhances expression, secretion, and activation of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and induces the cell surface expression of integrin αvβ3 receptors. In spheroid and Boyden chamber migration assays, inhibition of MMP-2 activity using a specific MMP-2 inhibitor and blocking of integrin αvβ3 abrogated glioma cell migration stimulated by TGF-β2. Furthermore, siLDH-A inhibited MMP2 activity, leading to inhibition of glioma migration. Taken together, we define an LDH-A–induced and TGF-β2–coordinated regulatory cascade of transcriptional regulation of MMP-2 and integrin αvβ3. This novel interaction between lactate metabolism and TGF-β2 might constitute a crucial mechanism for glioma migration.