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CDK5 and its activator P35 in normal pituitary and in pituitary adenomas: relationship to VEGF expression

Weiyan Xie1, Hongyun Wang1, Yue He1

  • 1Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Beijing Tiantan Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China.

International Journal of Biological Sciences
|February 20, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) and its activator p35 are present in pituitary tumors. Inhibiting CDK5 reduces vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), suggesting CDK5 inhibitors may treat pituitary adenomas.

Area of Science:

  • Neuro-oncology
  • Molecular biology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Pituitary tumors, accounting for 10-15% of intracranial tumors, are monoclonal adenomas.
  • Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) is crucial in nervous system regulation, but its role in pituitary adenomas is unclear.
  • CDK5 requires the p35 protein (CDK5 activator 1) for its kinase activity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence and role of functional CDK5 and p35 in normal pituitary glands and pituitary tumors.
  • To explore the potential impact of CDK5 activity on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in pituitary cells.
  • To evaluate CDK5 inhibitors as potential therapeutic agents for pituitary adenomas.

Main Methods:

  • Detection of functional CDK5/p35 complex in normal human pituitary and pituitary tumor tissues.
  • Quantification of p35 mRNA and protein levels in pituitary adenomas versus normal glands.
  • Inhibition of CDK5 activity in rat pituitary cells and assessment of downstream effects on VEGF expression.

Main Results:

  • Functional CDK5, complexed with p35, was identified in both normal pituitary tissue and pituitary tumors.
  • Pituitary adenomas exhibited significantly higher p35 mRNA and protein levels compared to normal glands.
  • Inhibition of CDK5 activity in rat pituitary cells led to a notable reduction in VEGF expression.

Conclusions:

  • Increased CDK5 activity, potentially due to elevated p35 levels, may contribute to pituitary adenoma development.
  • CDK5-mediated regulation of VEGF expression appears to be a key factor in pituitary tumorigenesis.
  • CDK5 inhibitors, such as roscovitine, show promise as potential anticancer agents for treating pituitary adenomas.
Keywords:
Cdk5VEGFexpression.p35pituitary adenomas

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