Centrosome amplification triggers tumorigenesis in p53 deficient epidermis

ABSTRACT: While aneuploidy is found in more than 90% of solid tumors, it is unclear whether aneuploidy is the cause or the consequence of tumorigenesis. Different mouse models deficient in centrosomal or spindle checkpoint proteins that induce aneuploidy show either a promotion or a decrease in tumorigenesis depending on the tissues and the types of oncogenic stimuli. To investigate the effects of aneuploidy in skin development and tumorigenesis, we used Plk4 over-expression (Plk4OE) during epidermal development to assess centrosome amplification and aneuploidy. We found that PLK4OE in the developing epidermis induced centrosome amplification and multipolar divisions, consequently led to p53 stabilization and apoptosis of epidermal progenitors. This delayed epidermal stratification and induced lethal skin barrier defect in 50% of the mice. Plk4 transgene expression was shutdown postnatally in the surviving mice and PLK4OE mice never developed spontaneous skin tumors. Concomitant Plk4OE and P53 deletion (PLK4OE/p53cKO) rescued the defects in differentiation and stratification. Unexpectedly, p53 deletion did not rescue the apoptosis or eventual elimination of the cells overexpressing PLK4 and presenting multiple centrosomes. Remarkably, the short term presence of cells with supernumerary centrosomes postnatally was sufficient to generate aneuploidy and triggered spontaneous skin cancers with complete penetrance. These results reveal for the first time that aneuploidy induced by centrosome amplification, even if transient, can trigger tumorigenesis.

INSTRUMENT(S): Illumina HiSeq 2000

ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus

SUBMITTER: Özdemirhan Serçin 

PROVIDER: E-MTAB-3733 | biostudies-arrayexpress |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-arrayexpress