CDK4 inactivation inhibits apoptosis via mitochondria-ER contact remodeling in triple-negative breast cancer.

ABSTRACT: The energetic demands of proliferating cells during tumorigenesis require close coordination between the cell cycle and metabolism. While CDK4 is known for its role in cell proliferation, its metabolic function in cancer, particularly in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), remains unclear. Our study, using genetic and pharmacological approaches, reveals that CDK4 inactivation only modestly impacts TNBC cell proliferation and tumor formation. Notably, CDK4 depletion or long-term CDK4/6 inhibition confers resistance to apoptosis in TNBC cells. Mechanistically, CDK4 enhances mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum contact (MERCs) formation, promoting mitochondrial fission and ER-mitochondrial calcium signaling, which are crucial for TNBC metabolic flexibility. Phosphoproteomic analysis identifie

SUBMITTER: Ziegler DV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11718081 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature