MYCN amplified neuroblastoma requires the mRNA translation regulator eEF2 kinase to adapt to nutrient deprivation.

ABSTRACT: MYC family proteins are implicated in many human cancers, but their therapeutic targeting has proven challenging. MYCN amplification in childhood neuroblastoma (NB) is associated with aggressive disease and high mortality. Novel and effective therapeutic strategies are therefore urgently needed for these tumors. MYC-driven oncogenic transformation impairs cell survival under nutrient deprivation (ND), a characteristic stress condition within the tumor microenvironment. We recently identified eukaryotic Elongation Factor 2 Kinase (eEF2K) as a pivotal mediator of the adaptive response of tumor cells to ND. We therefore hypothesized that eEF2K facilitates the adaptation of MYCN amplified NB to ND, and that inhibiting this pathway can impair MYCN-driven NB progression. To test our hypothesis,

SUBMITTER: Delaidelli A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5563988 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature