GPRC5A suppresses protein synthesis at the endoplasmic reticulum to prevent radiation-induced lung tumorigenesis

Jian Wang1, Alton B Farris2, Kaiming Xu1

  • 1Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and the Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA.

Insights

G protein-coupled receptor class C group 5 member A (GPRC5A) suppresses oncogene synthesis, including EGFR, at the endoplasmic reticulum. Loss of GPRC5A enhances translation, promoting lung tumorigenesis, especially after radiation.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • G protein-coupled receptor class C group 5 member A (GPRC5A) is recognized for its role in preventing lung cancer.
  • The precise molecular mechanisms underlying GPRC5A's tumor-suppressive function, particularly in response to environmental factors like ionizing radiation, are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the mechanism by which GPRC5A suppresses lung tumorigenesis.
  • To investigate the role of GPRC5A in regulating protein synthesis and oncogene expression.
  • To determine the impact of GPRC5A on radiation-induced lung cancer.

Main Methods:

  • Investigated GPRC5A localization at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane.
  • Analyzed GPRC5A's interaction with the eIF4F translation initiation complex.
  • Assessed the impact of GPRC5A on the synthesis of secreted and membrane-bound proteins, including EGFR.
  • Utilized Gprc5a knockout mice to study the effects of GPRC5A deletion on ionizing radiation (IR)-induced lung tumorigenesis and EGFR expression.

Main Results:

  • GPRC5A localizes to the ER and suppresses the synthesis of key oncogenes, most notably EGFR, by disrupting the eIF4F translation initiation complex.
  • GPRC5A's suppression of EGFR is crucial in preventing lung tumorigenesis induced by ionizing radiation.
  • GPRC5A deficiency leads to enhanced EGFR translation and increased lung tumor incidence in mice exposed to IR.
  • Under-expressed GPRC5A in lung tumors potentiates transcriptional stimulation via enhanced translation, promoting oncogene expression.

Conclusions:

  • GPRC5A acts as a critical regulator of protein synthesis at the ER, specifically targeting oncogenes like EGFR.
  • The loss of GPRC5A function promotes lung tumorigenesis by increasing EGFR translation, particularly in the context of IR exposure.
  • Targeting GPRC5A-mediated translational control offers a potential strategy for managing oncogene expression and related diseases.

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