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Reduced C-terminal Src kinase activity is correlated inversely with pp60(c-src) activity in colorectal carcinoma

W R Cam1, T Masaki, Y Shiratori

  • 1Department of Gastroenterology, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.

Cancer
|July 10, 2001
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Reduced C-terminal Src kinase (Csk) activity and elevated pp60(c-src) kinase activity were observed in colorectal carcinoma. This inverse correlation suggests Csk may play a role in colorectal cancer development.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Proto-oncogene pp60(c-src) kinase activity is elevated in colon carcinoma.
  • C-terminal Src kinase (Csk) is a novel kinase that inactivates Src family kinases.
  • This study investigates Csk and pp60(c-src) activity in colorectal tumors and cell lines.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the activity levels of Csk and pp60(c-src) in colorectal carcinoma.
  • To determine the relationship between Csk and pp60(c-src) activity in colorectal cancer.

Main Methods:

  • Western and Northern blot analyses were used to quantify protein and mRNA levels of pp60(c-src) and Csk.
  • In-gel kinase assays measured the kinase activity of pp60(c-src) and Csk.
  • Analyses were performed on colorectal carcinoma tissues, adjacent nonneoplastic tissues, and colon carcinoma cell lines.

Main Results:

  • pp60(c-src) kinase activity and protein levels were significantly increased in colorectal carcinoma tissues compared to controls.
  • Csk protein levels and kinase activity were significantly reduced in colorectal carcinoma tissues.
  • A strong inverse correlation was found between pp60(c-src) kinase activity and Csk activity (r = -0.71, P < 0.0001).
  • Similar alterations in pp60(c-src) and Csk were observed in colon carcinoma cell lines.

Conclusions:

  • Csk mRNA, protein levels, and kinase activity are reduced in colorectal carcinoma.
  • Reduced Csk activity is correlated with elevated pp60(c-src) kinase activity.
  • The diminished activity of Csk may contribute to the transformation of colorectal carcinoma cells.

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