REGγ is critical for skin carcinogenesis by modulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway

Lei Li1,2, Yongyan Dang2, Jishen Zhang1

  • 1Department of Orthopedic Oncology, Changzheng Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China.

Nature Communications
|April 25, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Mice lacking proteasome activator REGγ resist skin tumor development. REGγ activation by TPA triggers MAPK/p38 and Wnt/β-catenin pathways, promoting keratinocyte proliferation and papilloma formation.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Dermatology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • The proteasome activator REGγ plays a role in cellular processes.
  • Skin tumorigenesis involves complex signaling pathways.
  • TPA is a known inducer of skin inflammation and tumor promotion.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of REGγ in TPA-induced skin tumorigenesis.
  • To elucidate the signaling pathways regulated by REGγ in skin cells.

Main Methods:

  • Mice deficient for REGγ were used to assess TPA-induced skin effects.
  • Analysis of signaling pathways including MAPK/p38 and Wnt/β-catenin.
  • Gene expression analysis of downstream targets like CyclinD1 and c-Myc.

Main Results:

  • REGγ-deficient mice showed resistance to TPA-induced keratinocyte proliferation, hyperplasia, and papilloma formation.
  • TPA treatment increased REGγ levels, activating MAPK/p38 signaling.
  • REGγ was found to activate Wnt/β-catenin signaling by degrading GSK-3β, leading to increased CyclinD1 and c-Myc levels.

Conclusions:

  • REGγ is a key mediator in TPA-induced skin tumorigenesis.
  • REGγ promotes skin tumor development by activating the MAPK/p38 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways.

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