Inhibition of beta-TrCP function potentiates UVB-induced apoptosis in hTERT-immortalized normal human keratinocytes

Neehar Bhatia1, Tara A Demmer, Vladimir S Spiegelman

  • 1Department of Dermatology and Paul P. Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA.

Insights

UV radiation causes DNA damage, potentially leading to skin cancer. Inhibiting beta-TrCP2 enhances UVB-induced apoptosis in skin cells, independent of p53 and NF-kappaB pathways.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Dermatology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Chronic UV radiation exposure causes DNA damage and mutations, increasing skin cancer risk.
  • The ubiquitin proteasome pathway, particularly SCFbetaTrCP E3 ligases, degrades key proteins in tumorigenesis.
  • beta-TrCP1/2 activity is elevated in activated signaling pathways involved in tumorigenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To establish and characterize immortalized human keratinocytes (STINKs) for studying UVB responses.
  • To analyze the response of STINKs to UVB radiation, focusing on p53 and NF-kappaB markers.
  • To investigate the role of beta-TrCP2 in UVB-induced apoptosis.

Main Methods:

  • Established immortalized human neonatal foreskin keratinocytes (STINKs) using hTERT.
  • Analyzed STINKs' response to UVB radiation, assessing p53 and NF-kappaB.
  • Induced dominant-negative beta-TrCP2 (beta-TrCP2DeltaN) to inhibit beta-TrCP2 function.

Main Results:

  • STINKs maintained keratinocyte characteristics, including keratin expression and calcium susceptibility.
  • UVB radiation induced characteristic responses in STINKs.
  • Inhibition of beta-TrCP2 function significantly enhanced UVB-induced apoptosis.
  • Enhanced apoptosis was independent of p53 and NF-kappaB pathways.

Conclusions:

  • STINKs serve as a valuable model for studying skin responses to UVB radiation.
  • Beta-TrCP2 plays a significant role in regulating UVB-induced apoptosis in keratinocytes.
  • Targeting beta-TrCP2 may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for skin cancer prevention or treatment.

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