Abstract
Background:F-box and WD40 repeat domain-containing 7 (FBXW7) is an E3 ubiquitin ligase involved in the ubiquitination and degradation of multiple oncogenic substrates. The tumour suppressor function is frequently lost in multiple cancers through genetic deletion and mutations in a broad range of tumours. Loss of FBXW7 functionality results in the stabilisation of multiple major oncoproteins, culminating in increased cellular proliferation and pro-survival pathways, cell cycle deregulation, chromosomal instability and altered metabolism. Currently, there is no therapy to specifically target FBXW7-deficient tumours.Methods:We performed a siRNA kinome screen to identify synthetically lethal hits to FBXW7 deficiency.Results:We identified and validated cyclin G-associated kinase (GAK) as a potential new therapeutic target. Combined loss of FBXW7 and GAK caused cell cycle defects, formation of multipolar mitoses and the induction of apoptosis. The synthetic lethal mechanism appears to be independent of clathrin-mediated receptor endocytosis function of GAK.Conclusions:These data suggest a putative therapeutic strategy for a large number of different types of human cancers with FBXW7 loss, many of which have a paucity of molecular abnormalities and treatment options.
Highlights
F-box and WD40 repeat domain-containing 7 (FBXW7) is an E3 ubiquitin ligase involved in the ubiquitination and degradation of multiple oncogenic substrates
The FBXW7 is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that degrades an extensive list of oncogenes (Welcker and Clurman, 2008; Inuzuka et al, 2011; Wertz et al, 2011)
This produces the SCFFBXW7 complex that interacts with the ubiquitin-conjugating complex facilitating the transfer of ubiquitin onto the substrate signalling its degradation by the 26S proteasome
Summary
F-box and WD40 repeat domain-containing 7 (FBXW7) is an E3 ubiquitin ligase involved in the ubiquitination and degradation of multiple oncogenic substrates. The tumour suppressor function is frequently lost in multiple cancers through genetic deletion and mutations in a broad range of tumours. Loss of FBXW7 functionality results in the stabilisation of multiple major oncoproteins, culminating in increased cellular proliferation and pro-survival pathways, cell cycle deregulation, chromosomal instability and altered metabolism. There is no therapy to target FBXW7-deficient tumours
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