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Published on: July 21, 2018
Murine protein kinase CK2: gene and oncogene
X Xu1, E Landesman-Bollag, P L Channavajhala
1Department of Medicine, Boston University Medical Center, MA 02118, USA.
Abstract:
Protein kinase CK2 (casein kinase II) is a serine-threonine protein kinase with a wide range of substrates, many of which are involved in cell cycle regulation. CK2 activity is elevated in a variety of human tumors and we have used a transgenic mouse model to demonstrate that dysregulated expression of CK2 can induce lymphoma. Thus, CK2 fulfills the definition of an oncogene: A mutated, dysregulated, or mis-expressed gene that contributes to cancer in a dominant fashion. CK2 cooperates in transforming cells with other lymphoid oncogenes such as myc and tal-1, and here we show cooperativity with loss of the tumor suppressor gene p53. To understand more about the physiological and pathological role of CK2, we are cloning the murine CK2alpha' cDNA and gene. CK2alpha' will be used to generate transgenic and knockout mice and the regulatory elements for gene expression will be analyzed.
Insights
Protein kinase CK2 (casein kinase II) is an oncogene that drives lymphoma development. This study shows CK2 cooperates with p53 loss to promote cancer, furthering our understanding of its pathological role.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Genetics
Background:
- Protein kinase CK2 (casein kinase II) is a serine-threonine kinase regulating cell cycle processes.
- Elevated CK2 activity is observed in various human tumors, suggesting its oncogenic potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of dysregulated Protein kinase CK2 (CK2) in cancer development.
- To explore the cooperative mechanisms of CK2 in oncogenesis, particularly with tumor suppressor gene p53 loss.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a transgenic mouse model to study CK2's role in lymphoma induction.
- Investigated the cooperation between CK2 and other oncogenes (myc, tal-1) and the tumor suppressor gene p53.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated that dysregulated CK2 expression can induce lymphoma in mice, fulfilling the criteria for an oncogene.
- Showed that CK2 cooperates with the loss of the tumor suppressor gene p53 in cancer development.
Conclusions:
- CK2 acts as an oncogene, contributing to cancer in a dominant manner.
- Further research involves cloning murine CK2alpha' cDNA and gene for generating transgenic and knockout mice to analyze regulatory elements.
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