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In Vivo Detection and Analysis of Rb Protein SUMOylation in Human Cells
Published on: November 2, 2017
Oncogenesis driven by the Ras/Raf pathway requires the SUMO E2 ligase Ubc9
Bing Yu1, Stephen Swatkoski2, Alesia Holly3
1Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research.
The SUMO pathway is essential for KRAS-driven cancer. Depleting Ubc9, a SUMO enzyme, inhibits KRAS mutant colorectal cancer growth, suggesting Ubc9 as a potential therapeutic target.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- KRAS mutations are common in human cancers.
- Targeted therapies for KRAS-mutant tumors are lacking.
- The role of the SUMOylation pathway in KRAS-driven cancer is unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the SUMOylation pathway in KRAS-driven transformation.
- To identify potential therapeutic targets for KRAS-mutant cancers.
Main Methods:
- RNA interference (RNAi) depletion of Ubc9.
- Assessment of 3D cell growth in vitro.
- Evaluation of tumor growth in vivo.
- Analysis of protein SUMOylation levels.
Main Results:
- Depletion of Ubc9 suppressed 3D growth of KRAS-mutant colorectal cancer cells.
- Ubc9 depletion attenuated tumor growth in vivo.
- Elevated SUMOylation of specific proteins (KAP1, CHD1, EIF3L) was observed in KRAS-mutant cells.
- SUMOylation of KAP1 was crucial for anchorage-independent growth.
Conclusions:
- The SUMOylation pathway is critical for KRAS-driven cancer cell transformation.
- Ubc9 is essential for the transformed phenotype of KRAS-mutant cells.
- Ubc9 represents a potential therapeutic target for KRAS-mutant colorectal cancer.
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