Abstract

The oligopeptidase tripeptidyl-peptidase II (TPP II) is up-regulated Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) cells that overexpress the c-myc proto-oncogene and is required for their growth and survival. Here we show that overexpression of TPP II induces accelerated growth and resistance to apoptosis in human embryonic kidney 293 cells. This correlates with the appearance of multiple chromosomal aberrations, numerical and structural centrosome abnormalities, and multipolar cell divisions. Similar mitotic aberrations were also observed in a panel of BL lines and were suppressed, in parallel with TPP II down-regulation, upon reversion of BL-like characteristics in EBV-immortalized B lymphocytes carrying a tetracycline-regulated c-myc. Functional TPP II knockdown by small interfering RNA expression in BL cells caused the appearance of giant polynucleated cells that failed to complete cell division. Collectively, these data point to a role of TPP II in the regulation of centrosome homeostasis and mitotic fidelity suggesting that this enzyme may be a critical player in the induction and/or maintenance of genetic instability in malignant cells.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.