KY216-tubulin complex captures VASH2 to inhibit NSCLC metastasis

Metastasis significantly impacts the mortality rate of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Numerous microtubule-targeting agents (MTAs) reveal anti-metastatic efficacy, but the mechanism remains unclear. In this research, we employ KY216, a microtubule inhibitor, to generate a crystal in complex with αβ-tubulin, and illustrate that the KY216-tubulin combination binds vasohibin-2 (VASH2) to restrain NSCLC metastasis. Through crystal structure analysis, specific interaction sites between KY216 and curved tubulin are identified. KY216 decreases VASH2 levels, hindering the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in NSCLC. Moreover, the MTA enhances the binding of VASH2 to α-tubulin, prevents the activation of zinc finger E-box binding homolog 1 (ZEB1) by VASH2, promotes detyrosination of α-tubulin, and ultimately suppresses EMT. Additionally, KY216 elevates the levels of miR-429 to target the 3'-untranslated region (3' UTR) of VASH2 and ZEB1 transcripts and inhibits EMT, at least partially, via the miR-429/VASH2/ZEB1 axis to block NSCLC metastasis. Overall, our investigation offers valuable insights into the roles of MTAs and VASH2 in NSCLC metastasis.