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Published on: February 2, 2021
JNK suppresses tumor formation via a gene-expression program mediated by ATF2
Malgorzata Gozdecka1, Stephen Lyons2, Saki Kondo3
1Department of Cell Regulation, CRUK Manchester Institute, Paterson Building, University of Manchester, Manchester M20 4BX, UK; Haematological Cancer Genetics, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK.
Activating transcription factor 2 (ATF2) suppresses liver cancer formation by regulating gene expression. This JNK-ATF2 pathway is often lost in human cancers, suggesting its restoration could be a therapeutic strategy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- JNK and p38 kinases regulate tumor growth through diverse substrates.
- Understanding specific kinase substrates is crucial for cancer research.
- Activating transcription factor 2 (ATF2) is a key substrate for both JNK and p38.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of ATF2 in JNK-mediated tumor suppression.
- To identify the transcriptional program regulated by JNK via ATF2.
- To determine the relevance of the JNK-ATF2 pathway in human cancers.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an orthotopic liver cancer model.
- Performed in vitro cellular transformation assays.
- Analyzed gene expression changes regulated by JNK and ATF2.
Main Results:
- ATF2 demonstrated tumor suppressive effects in liver cancer models.
- JNK-mediated suppression of tumorigenesis was dependent on ATF2.
- Identified specific genes activated by JNK through ATF2 that inhibit cellular transformation.
- Observed frequent downregulation of ATF2-dependent gene expression in human cancers.
Conclusions:
- ATF2 acts as a tumor suppressor in liver cancer, mediated by JNK signaling.
- The JNK-ATF2 pathway's suppressive function is frequently lost during human cancer development.
- Restoration of JNK-ATF2-mediated gene expression may represent a therapeutic avenue for cancer treatment.
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