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Assessing Cellular Target Engagement by SHP2 PTPN11 Phosphatase Inhibitors
Published on: July 17, 2020
SH3RF2 functions as an oncogene by mediating PAK4 protein stability
Tae Woo Kim1, Yun Kyung Kang, Zee Yong Park
1Medical Genomics Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 305-806, Korea.
Abstract:
SH3RF (SH3-domain-containing RING finger protein) family members, SH3RF1-3, are multidomain scaffold proteins involved in promoting cell survival and apoptosis. In this report, we show that SH3RF2 is an oncogene product that is overexpressed in human cancers and regulates p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) protein stability. Immunohistochemical analysis of 159 colon cancer tissues showed that SH3RF2 expression levels are frequently elevated in cancer tissues and significantly correlate with poor prognostic indicators, including increased invasion, early recurrence and poor survival rates. We also demonstrated that PAK4 protein is degraded by the ubiquitin-proteasome system and that SH3RF2 inhibits PAK4 ubiquitination via physical interaction-mediated steric hindrance, which results in the upregulation of PAK4 protein. Moreover, ablation of SH3RF2 expression attenuates TRADD (TNFR-associated death domain) recruitment to tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) receptor 1 and hinders downstream signals, thereby inhibiting NF-κB (nuclear factor-kappaB) activity and enhancing caspase-8 activity, in the context of TNF-α treatment. Notably, ectopic expression of SH3RF2 effectively prevents apoptosis in cancer cells and enhances cell migration, colony formation and tumor growth in vivo. Taken together, our results suggest that SH3RF2 is an oncogene that may be a definitive regulator of PAK4. Therefore, SH3RF2 may represent an effective therapeutic target for cancer treatment.
Insights
SH3RF2 is an oncogene overexpressed in cancers, promoting cell survival by stabilizing PAK4. Inhibiting SH3RF2 may offer a new therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- SH3RF proteins are involved in cell survival and apoptosis.
- SH3RF2 is identified as a potential oncogene.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of SH3RF2 in human cancers.
- To elucidate the mechanism by which SH3RF2 regulates protein stability and cell signaling.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical analysis of 159 colon cancer tissues.
- Investigation of SH3RF2's effect on PAK4 protein stability and ubiquitination.
- Analysis of downstream signaling pathways, including TNF-α, TRADD, NF-κB, and caspase-8.
- In vivo and in vitro experiments assessing cell migration, apoptosis, and tumor growth.
Main Results:
- SH3RF2 is overexpressed in colon cancer tissues and correlates with poor prognosis.
- SH3RF2 inhibits PAK4 ubiquitination and degradation, leading to PAK4 upregulation.
- SH3RF2 ablation affects TNF-α signaling, inhibiting NF-κB and enhancing caspase-8 activity.
- Ectopic SH3RF2 expression promotes cancer cell survival, migration, colony formation, and tumor growth.
Conclusions:
- SH3RF2 functions as an oncogene by regulating PAK4 stability.
- SH3RF2 plays a significant role in cancer progression and survival.
- SH3RF2 represents a potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment.
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