NEK9-dependent proliferation of cancer cells lacking functional p53.

ABSTRACT: Dysfunction of the p53 network is a major cause of cancer development, and selective elimination of p53-inactivated cancer cells therefore represents an ideal therapeutic strategy. In this study, we performed a microRNA target screen that identified NEK9 (NIMA-related kinase 9) as a crucial regulator of cell-cycle progression in p53-inactivated cancer cells. NEK9 depletion selectively inhibited proliferation in p53-deficient cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. The resultant cell-cycle arrest occurred predominantly in G1 phase, and exhibited senescence-like features. Furthermore, NEK9 repression affected expression of a broad range of genes encoding cell-cycle regulators and factors involved in mRNA processing, suggesting a novel role for NEK9 in p53-deficient cells. Lung adenocarcinoma

SUBMITTER: Kurioka D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4135330 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature