Calpastatin participates in the regulation of cell migration in BAP1-deficient uveal melanoma cells

AIM: To detect how BRCA-associated protein 1 (BAP1) regulates cell migration in uveal melanoma (UM) cells. METHODS: Wound healing and transwell assays were performed to detect UM cell migration abilities. Protein chip, immunoprecipitations and surface plasmon resonance analyses were applied to identify BAP1 protein partners. Western blot and calpain activity assays were used to test the expression and function of calpastatin (CAST). RESULTS: CAST protein was confirmed as a new BAP1 protein partner, and loss of BAP1 reduced the expression and function of CAST in UM cells. The overexpression of CAST rescued the cell migration phenotype caused by BAP1 loss. CONCLUSION: BAP1 interacts with CAST in UM cells, and CAST and its subsequent calpain pathway may mediate BAP1-related cell migration regulation.