Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 21, 2026

Methods for Evaluating the Role of c-Fos and Dusp1 in Oncogene Dependence
10:09

Methods for Evaluating the Role of c-Fos and Dusp1 in Oncogene Dependence

Published on: January 7, 2019

8.8K

Oncogenic Mutation of AIMP2/p38 Inhibits Its Tumor-Suppressive Interaction with Smurf2

Dae Gyu Kim1, Jin Young Lee1, Ji-Hyun Lee1

  • 1Medicinal Bioconvergence Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.

Cancer Research
|May 20, 2016
PubMed

Insights

A novel tumor suppressor interaction between AIMP2 and Smurf2 was discovered. Disruption of this interaction promotes cellular transformation and tumorigenesis, highlighting a new pathway in cancer development.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cellular Biology

Background:

  • AIMP2/p38 acts as a tumor suppressor by degrading FUSE-binding protein (FBP), a c-Myc activator.
  • The precise mechanism of AIMP2's tumor-suppressive function and its role in tumorigenesis remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the mechanism of AIMP2-mediated FBP degradation.
  • To investigate the interaction between AIMP2 and Smurf2 in tumor suppression.
  • To determine the significance of this interaction in tumorigenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Investigated the role of Smurf2 in AIMP2-mediated ubiquitination of FBP.
  • Analyzed the effect of AIMP2 mutations on cellular transformation and in vivo tumorigenesis.
  • Examined the impact of TGFβ treatment on AIMP2 phosphorylation and localization.
  • Studied the interaction between phosphorylated AIMP2 and Smurf2 in the nucleus.

Main Results:

  • Smurf2 mediates AIMP2-induced ubiquitination and degradation of FBP.
  • A mutation preventing AIMP2-Smurf2 nuclear interaction increased tumorigenesis.
  • TGFβ induced AIMP2 phosphorylation at S156, causing nuclear translocation and Smurf2 binding.
  • Phospho-AIMP2 enhanced FBP ubiquitination and inhibited Smurf2 nuclear export, sustaining TGFβ signaling.

Conclusions:

  • A novel tumor-suppressive pathway involving AIMP2 and Smurf2 has been identified.
  • The AIMP2-Smurf2 interaction is crucial for suppressing FBP-mediated oncogenic transformation.
  • Disruption of this interaction contributes to tumorigenesis, offering potential therapeutic targets.

More Related Videos

Detection of Aggregation-Prone Behavior in Mutant P53 V157F Breast Cancer Cells Using Multipoint Thioflavin T Fluorescence04:56

Detection of Aggregation-Prone Behavior in Mutant P53 V157F Breast Cancer Cells Using Multipoint Thioflavin T Fluorescence

Published on: December 30, 2025

314
Identification of Transcription Factor Regulators using Medium-Throughput Screening of Arrayed Libraries and a Dual-Luciferase-Based Reporter11:32

Identification of Transcription Factor Regulators using Medium-Throughput Screening of Arrayed Libraries and a Dual-Luciferase-Based Reporter

Published on: March 27, 2020

7.5K

Related Concept Videos

Abnormal Proliferation02:23

Abnormal Proliferation

Under normal conditions, most adult cells remain in a non-proliferative state unless stimulated by internal or external factors to replace lost cells. Abnormal cell proliferation is a condition in which the cell's growth exceeds and is uncoordinated with normal cells. In such situations, cell division persists in the same excessive manner even after cessation of the stimuli, leading to persistent tumors. The tumor arises from the damaged cells that replicate to pass the damage to the...
5.4K
Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions01:12

Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions

Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
When the tumor suppressor genes develop mutations or are lost, cells start growing out of control, leading to cancer. However, a single functional copy of the tumor suppressor gene is enough for the cells to maintain their normal functions and cell...
6.2K
Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions01:12

Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions

2.0K
Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes01:05

Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
10.0K
Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes01:05

Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes

2.9K
Interactions Between Signaling Pathways01:19

Interactions Between Signaling Pathways

Signaling cascades usually lack linearity. Multiple pathways interact and regulate one another, allowing cells to integrate and respond to diverse environmental stimuli.
Convergence and divergence, and cross-talk between signaling pathways
Two distinct signaling pathways can converge on a single functional unit, which may either be a single protein or a complex of proteins. The response is either functionally distinct or synergistic between the two pathways but different from the response...
7.8K