Project description:Translational regulation plays a critical role in cell growth and proliferation, and its dysregulation results in cancer. Aberrant expression of the mRNA 5’cap-binding protein, eIF4E, has been implicated in cancer development and progression. eIF4E activity is promoted by phosphorylation. Here we show that “knock-in” mice in which eIF4E cannot be phosphorylated are resistant to tumorigenesis in a prostate cancer model. We identify multiple candidate genes involved in the resistance to oncogenic transformation. Importantly, phosphorylation of eIF4E is increased in hormone-refractory prostate cancer, the deadliest stage of the disease. Our results highlight eIF4E phosphorylation as a critical event in tumorigenesis. Comaparison of total RNA and polysomal RNA from mouse embryo fibroblasts derived from WT and eIF4E-KI (non phosphorylatable eIF4E) mice
Project description:Translational regulation plays a critical role in cell growth and proliferation, and its dysregulation results in cancer. Aberrant expression of the mRNA 5’cap-binding protein, eIF4E, has been implicated in cancer development and progression. eIF4E activity is promoted by phosphorylation. Here we show that “knock-in” mice in which eIF4E cannot be phosphorylated are resistant to tumorigenesis in a prostate cancer model. We identify multiple candidate genes involved in the resistance to oncogenic transformation. Importantly, phosphorylation of eIF4E is increased in hormone-refractory prostate cancer, the deadliest stage of the disease. Our results highlight eIF4E phosphorylation as a critical event in tumorigenesis.
Project description:eIF4E, the major cap-binding protein, has long been considered limiting for translating the mammalian genome. However, the requirement for eIF4E dose at an organismal level remains unexplored. By generating an Eif4e haploinsufficient mouse, we surprisingly found that 50% reduction in eIF4E, while compatible with normal development and global protein synthesis, significantly impeded cellular transformation and tumorigenesis. Genome-wide translational profiling uncovered a translational program induced by oncogenic transformation and revealed a critical role for eIF4E dose specifically in translating a network of mRNAs enriched for a unique 5’UTR signature. In particular, we demonstrate that eIF4E dose is essential for translating mRNAs regulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) that fuel transformation and cancer cell survival in vivo. Therefore, mammalian cells have evolved surplus eIF4E levels that cancer cells hijack to drive a translational program supporting tumorigenesis Total cellular RNA and high MW polysome associated RNA were isolated from matched untransformed and transformed WT and Eif4e+/- MEFs for analysis on Affymetrix Mouse Gene 1.0 ST arrays. The difference in log2 RMA intensity between matched polysomal RNA and total RNA was taken to quantify translational efficiency (TE).
Project description:PIM1 is an oncogenic serine/threonine kinase that promotes and maintains prostate
tumorigenesis. To more fully understand the mechanism by which PIM1 promotes oncogenesis,
we performed a chemical genetic screen to identify direct PIM1 substrates in prostate cancer
cells. To identify PIM1 substrates and their phosphorylation sites in LNCaP cells, we coupled a
chemical genetic screen with a peptide capture, mass spectrometry (MS)-based approach. We
mutated the PIM1 gatekeeper residue in the ATP binding site to accept a bulky ATP analog. By
using an ATP analog labeled with a thiol group on the gamma-phosphate, we were able specifically
label PIM1 substrates even in the presence of other cellular kinases.
Project description:In this study, we found that OTUD6A is a physiological deubiquitinase for c-Myc in prostate cancer setting and promotes prostatic tumorigenesis through stabilizing c-Myc oncoprotein. Moreover, knockout of Otud6a in mice retarded the prostatic tumorigenesis in Hi-Myc prostate cancer mice model
Project description:Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men. GWAS studies have identified variants associated with prostate cancer susceptibility, however, mechanistic and functional validation of these mutations are lacking. Mitochondrial energy metabolism plays an important role in the onset and development of cancer. A missense variant was identified in the ELAC2 gene, which encodes a dually localized nuclear and mitochondrial RNA processing enzyme, with predicted impact on metabolism and tumorigenesis. We used CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to introduce this variant into the mouse Elac2 gene as well as to generate a prostate-specific gene knockout of Elac2. The mutations caused enlargement and inflammation in the prostate and nodule formation. Multi-omic profiling revealed defects in RNA and energy metabolism that activated proinflammatory and tumorigenic pathways as a consequence of impaired processing of mitochondrial and nuclear encoded non-coding RNAs and reduced protein synthesis. The Elac2 variant or knockout mice on the background of the transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate (TRAMP) model show that Elac2 mutation with a secondary genetic insult exacerbated the onset and progression of prostate cancer and led to metastasis. Our systems biology analyses reveal a miRNA-mediated molecular mechanism by which specific non-coding RNAs elicit metabolic changes that drive prostate tumorigenesis and metastasis. We conclude that the ELAC2 variant is a predisposing factor for prostate cancer and provide a detailed molecular mechanism and physiologically relevant models of this cancer.
Project description:Through digital rectal examinations and routine prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening, early treatment of prostate cancer has become possible. However, prostate cancer is a complex and heterogeneous disease. In many patients, cancer cells can invade adjacent tissues and metastasize to other tissues, resulting in difficultly to cure. For the treatment of primary and metastatic prostate cancer, a significant problem is how to improve its survival time. Here, we collect 7 untreated primary and metastatic prostate cancer and 6 benign prostate hyperplasia samples under ultrasound guidance by experienced radiologists using the 18-G needle. Through mass spectrometry, we have completely depicted the protein atlas of primary and metastatic prostate cancer and benign prostate hyperplasia. Through bioinformatics analysis, experimental verification, and combined clinical data, we discover that the ribosome signaling pathway promotes the progression of prostate cancer and is associated with a poor prognosis. Among them, Mrpl1, Mrpl4, and Mrpl16 may be biomolecular markers for diagnosis and prognosis.