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Updated: Jul 17, 2025

All-optical Mechanobiology Interrogation of Yes-associated Protein in Human Cancer and Normal Cells using a Multi-functional System
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α-Catenin acetylation is essential for its stability and blocks its tumor suppressor effects in breast cancer through

Yuxi Yang1, Shujing Li1, Yulin Li1

  • 1School of Bioengineering & Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and Disease, Liaoning Province, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China.

Cancer Gene Therapy
|September 7, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Acetylation of alpha-catenin (α-catenin) by p300 influences breast cancer progression by affecting Yap1 localization and stability. This modification impacts cell proliferation and tumor growth, offering new therapeutic insights.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Alpha-catenin (α-catenin) is crucial for tissue integrity and development.
  • The role of α-catenin post-translational modifications in cancer remains largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the post-translational modifications of α-catenin and their impact on breast cancer.
  • To elucidate the mechanism by which α-catenin acetylation affects cancer progression.

Main Methods:

  • Identification of α-catenin acetylation sites (K45, K866, K881) using p300 and HDAC6.
  • Analysis of the interaction between α-catenin and Yap1.
  • Assessment of breast cancer cell proliferation and tumor growth in mice.
  • Investigation of apoptosis resistance under CDDP treatment.

Main Results:

  • α-catenin is acetylated by p300 and deacetylated by HDAC6.
  • Acetylation releases Yap1, promoting its nuclear accumulation and weakening α-catenin's inhibitory effect on proliferation.
  • Acetyl-α-catenin exhibits resistance to apoptosis and proteasomal degradation, enhancing stability.
  • CDDP treatment induces α-catenin acetylation.

Conclusions:

  • α-catenin acetylation is a key regulator of Yap1 subcellular distribution.
  • This acetylation facilitates breast tumorigenesis by promoting cell proliferation and tumor growth.
  • Acetylated α-catenin plays a role in chemoresistance and stability.

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