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Ribosomal S6 kinase 2 is a key regulator in tumor promoter induced cell transformation

Yong-Yeon Cho1, Ke Yao, Hong-Gyum Kim

  • 1Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA.

Cancer Research
|September 7, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Ribosomal S6 kinase 2 (RSK2) is crucial for cell transformation. RSK2 activation promotes cell proliferation and colony formation, while its inhibition suppresses tumor promoter-induced cell changes.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Ribosomal S6 kinase 2 (RSK2) is a serine/threonine kinase activated by growth factors.
  • RSK2 signaling enhances cell survival.
  • The role of RSK2 in cell transformation remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of RSK2 in cell transformation.
  • To determine if RSK2 is a critical regulator of tumor promoter-induced cell changes.

Main Methods:

  • RSK2 knockout mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) were used.
  • Anchorage-independent cell transformation assays (soft agar) were performed.
  • RSK2 knockdown and inhibition studies were conducted.

Main Results:

  • RSK2 deficiency suppressed cell proliferation and caused G1 cell cycle arrest.
  • RSK2 expression enhanced colony formation in soft agar assays.
  • RSK2 inhibition suppressed tumor promoter-induced colony formation and histone H3 phosphorylation.

Conclusions:

  • RSK2 is a critical serine/threonine kinase regulating cell transformation.
  • RSK2 plays a key role in mediating the effects of tumor promoters like EGF and TPA.
  • Targeting RSK2 may offer a strategy for cancer prevention or treatment.

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