Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 19, 2026

07:38
Intracellular Phosphoflow Cytometry of Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patient-Derived Xenotransplants
Published on: June 6, 2025
641
Pim1 kinase regulates c-Kit gene translation
Ningfei An1, Bo Cen2, Houjian Cai3
1Department of Pathology, University of Chicago, Chicago, USA.
Experimental Hematology & Oncology
|January 3, 2017
Summary
Pim1 kinase regulates c-Kit expression at the translational level, impacting hematopoietic stem cells and cancer treatment. Loss of Pim1 down-regulates c-Kit, affecting cell function.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- c-Kit (CD117) is crucial for hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell (HSPC) maintenance.
- Aberrant c-Kit signaling is linked to malignancies like acute myeloid leukemia.
- Mechanisms of c-Kit translational regulation are poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Pim1 kinase in regulating c-Kit expression.
- To elucidate the translational control of c-Kit by Pim1.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Pim1 knockout (Pim1-/-) and triple knockout (TKO) mouse models.
- Employed shRNA knockdown and overexpression studies in human leukemia cells.
- Assessed c-Kit expression, mRNA incorporation into polysomes, and methionine labeling.
Main Results:
- Pim1 deficiency led to decreased c-Kit expression and impaired HSPC function.
- Pim1 kinase activity positively correlated with c-Kit expression levels.
- Pim1 regulates c-Kit at the translational level, not transcriptional level.
Conclusions:
- Pim1 is a novel regulator of c-Kit gene translation.
- Findings have implications for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and cancer therapy.
Related Concept Videos
PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway
5.4K
The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a serine/threonine kinase that regulates growth, proliferation, and cell survival in response to hormones, growth factors, or nutrient availability. This kinase exists in two structurally and functionally distinct forms: mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2). The first form (mTORC1) is composed of a rapamycin-sensitive Raptor and proline-rich Akt substrate, PRAS40. In contrast, mTORC2 consists of a...
5.4K
The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway
12.2K
Several cytokine receptors have tightly bound Janus kinase or JAK proteins attached at their cytosolic tail. Small signaling molecules such as cytokines, growth hormones, or prolactins bind to the cytokine receptors and initiate their dimerization. The dimerization brings the cytosolic JAKs together that trans-phosphorylate and activates each other. The activated JAKs now phosphorylate cytosolic tails of the cytokine receptors, which serve as binding sites for adaptor proteins such as SH2...
12.2K
Inhibition of Cdk Activity
5.6K
The orderly progression of the cell cycle depends on the activation of Cdk protein by binding to its cyclin partner. However, the cell cycle must be restricted when undergoing abnormal changes. Most cancers correlate to the deregulated cell cycle, and since Cdks are a central component of the cell cycle, Cdk inhibitors are extensively studied to develop anticancer agents. For instance, cyclin D associates with several Cdks, such as Cdk 4/6, to form an active complex. The cyclin D-Cdk4/6 complex...
5.6K
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
4.6K
The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
The mTOR pathway or the...
4.6K
MAPK Signaling Cascades
8.0K
Mitogen-activated protein kinase, or MAPK pathway, activates three sequential kinases to regulate cellular responses such as proliferation, differentiation, survival, and apoptosis. The canonical MAPK pathway starts with a mitogen or growth factor binding to an RTK. The activated RTKs stimulate Ras, which recruits Raf or MAP3 Kinase (MAPKKK), the first kinase of the MAPK signaling cascade. Raf further phosphorylates and activates MEK or MAP2 Kinases (MAPKK), which in turn phosphorylates MAP...
8.0K
M-Cdk Drives Transition Into Mitosis
6.3K
Checkpoints throughout the cell cycle serve as safeguards and gatekeepers, allowing the cell cycle to progress in favorable conditions and slow or halt it in problematic ones. This regulation is known as the cell cycle control system.
Cyclin-dependent kinases, or Cdks, work in concert with cyclins to control cell cycle transitions. M-Cdk, a complex of Cdk1 bound to M cyclin, is a well-known example of this coordinated control that drives the transition from the G2 to the M phase.
M cyclin...
Cyclin-dependent kinases, or Cdks, work in concert with cyclins to control cell cycle transitions. M-Cdk, a complex of Cdk1 bound to M cyclin, is a well-known example of this coordinated control that drives the transition from the G2 to the M phase.
M cyclin...
6.3K

