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MLLT11/AF1q boosts oncogenic STAT3 activity through Src-PDGFR tyrosine kinase signaling

Jino Park1,2, Soojin Kim1,2, Joongho Joh1

  • 1James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA.

Oncotarget
|June 4, 2016
PubMed

Insights

AF1q enhances cancer growth and metastasis by activating STAT3 signaling. This occurs through the PDGF-B/PDGFR pathway, which involves Src kinase, leading to persistent oncogenic signaling in invasive carcinoma cells.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Signaling

Background:

  • Constitutive STAT3 activation (pYSTAT3) drives cancer progression.
  • AF1q has been observed to associate with STAT3 signaling in breast cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the role of AF1q in STAT3 signaling and its impact on breast cancer progression.
  • To investigate the molecular mechanisms by which AF1q influences tumor growth, metastasis, and cell motility.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized xenograft models with immunodeficient NSG mice to assess tumor growth and metastasis.
  • Analyzed cytokine secretory phenotype and gene expression changes (e.g., PDGF-B) in breast cancer cells with altered AF1q expression.
  • Investigated the involvement of platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) and Src kinase signaling pathways using specific inhibitors (PP1, imatinib).

Main Results:

  • Enhanced AF1q expression promoted tumor growth and metastasis in vivo.
  • AF1q modulated platelet-derived growth factor subunit B (PDGF-B) expression, stimulating cell motility, migration, and invasion.
  • AF1q-induced PDGFR signaling activated STAT3 via Src kinase, a process inhibitable by PP1 and imatinib.

Conclusions:

  • Enhanced AF1q expression drives persistent, oncogenic pYSTAT3 levels in invasive carcinoma.
  • AF1q acts as a cofactor in PDGF-B-driven STAT3 signaling by activating Src kinase through the PDGF-B/PDGFR cascade.
  • AF1q plays a critical role in promoting invasion and motility of carcinoma cells.
Keywords:
AF1qPDGFPDGFRSTAT3Src

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