Regulation Of Skp2 Research Articles

Enzyme-independent role of EZH2 in regulating cell cycle progression via the SKP2-KIP/CIP pathway

While EZH2 enzymatic activity is well-known, emerging evidence suggests that EZH2 can exert functions in a methyltransferase-independent manner. In this study, we have uncovered a novel mechanism by which EZH2 positively regulates the expression of SKP2, a critical protein involved in cell cycle progression. We demonstrate that depletion of EZH2 significantly reduces SKP2 protein levels in several cell types, while treatment with EPZ-6438, an EZH2 enzymatic inhibitor, has no effect on SKP2 protein levels. Consistently, EZH2 depletion leads to cell cycle arrest, accompanied by elevated expression of CIP/KIP family proteins, including p21, p27, and p57, whereas EPZ-6438 treatment does not modulate their levels. We also provide evidence that EZH2 knockdown, but not enzymatic inhibition, suppresses SKP2 mRNA expression, underscoring the transcriptional regulation of SKP2 by EZH2 in a methyltransferase-independent manner. Supporting this, analysis of the Cancer Genome Atlas database reveals a close association between EZH2 and SKP2 expression in human malignancies. Moreover, EZH2 depletion but not enzymatic inhibition positively regulates the expression of major epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) regulators, such as ZEB1 and SNAIL1, in transformed cells. Our findings shed light on a novel mechanism by which EZH2 exerts regulatory effects on cell proliferation and differentiation through its methyltransferase-independent function, specifically by modulating SKP2 expression.

Platycodin D suppresses proliferation, migration, and invasion of human glioblastoma cells through regulation of Skp2

BackgroundPlatycodin D (PD) is a major bioactive component of Platycodon grandiflorum, a medicinal herb that is widely used in China, and is effective against various human cancers, including glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). S phase kinase-related protein 2 (Skp2) is oncogenic and overexpressed in various human tumors. It is highly expressed in GBM and its expression is correlated with tumor growth, drug resistance and poor prognosis. In this study, we investigated whether inhibition of glioma progression by PD is mediated by decreasing expression of Skp2. MethodsCell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and Transwell assays were used to determine the effects of PD on GBM cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro. mRNA and protein expression were determined by real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blotting, respectively. The U87 xenograft model was used to verify the anti-glioma effect of PD in vivo. Expression levels of Skp2 protein were analyzed by immunofluorescence staining. ResultsPD suppressed proliferation and motility of GBM cells in vitro. The expression of Skp2 in U87 and U251 cells was significantly reduced by PD. PD mainly decreased the cytoplasmic expression of Skp2 in glioma cells. Skp2 protein expression was downregulated by PD, resulting in upregulation of its downstream targets, p21and p27. The inhibitory effect of PD was enhanced by Skp2 knockdown in GBM cells and reversed in cells with Skp2 overexpression. ConclusionPD suppresses glioma development by regulation of Skp2 in GBM cells.

Inhibition of USP14 enhances anti-tumor effect in vemurafenib-resistant melanoma by regulation of Skp2.

The mutation of BRAF V600E often occurred in melanoma and results in tumorigenesis. BRAF mutation drives hyperactivation of the RAF-MAPK-ERK pathway. The acquired drug resistance upon prolonged use of BRAF inhibitors (such as vemurafenib) still remains the main obstacle. Previously, we have found that E3 ligase Skp2 over-expresses vemurafenib-resistant melanoma cells, and knockdown of Skp2 enhances the anti-tumor effect of vemurafenib. Interestingly, the literature has reported that the selective USP14/UCHL5 inhibitor b-AP15 displays great potential in melanoma therapy; however, the molecular mechanism still remains unknown. In vitro, the effect of the combination regimen of vemurafenib (Vem, PLX4032) and b-AP15 on vem-sensitive and vem-resistant melanoma has been investigated by wound healing, colony formation, transwell invasion assay, flow cytometry, lysosome staining, and ROS detection. In vivo, the combination effect on vem-resistant melanoma has been evaluated with a nude mice xenograft tumor model. GST-pulldown and co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) assays have been applied to investigate the interactions between USP14, UCHL5, and Skp2. Cycloheximide (CHX) assay and ubiquitination assays have been used to explore the effect of USP14 on Skp2 protein half-life and ubiquitination status. In the present study, we have revealed that repression of USP14 sensitizes vemurafenib resistance in melanoma through a previously unappreciated mechanism that USP14 but not UCHL5 stabilizes Skp2, blocking its ubiquitination. K119 on Skp2 is required for USP14-mediated deubiquitination and stabilization of Skp2. Furthermore, the mutated catalytic activity amino acid cysteine (C) 114 on USP14 abrogates stabilization of Skp2. Stabilization of Skp2 is required for USP14 to negatively regulate autophagy. The combination regimen of Skp2 inhibitor vemurafenib and USP14/UCHL5 inhibitor b-AP15 dramatically inhibits cell viability, migration, invasion, and colony formation in vemurafenib-sensitive and vemurafenib-resistant melanoma. Vemurafenib and b-AP15 hold cells in the S phase thus leading to apoptosis as well as the formation of the autophagic vacuole in vemurafenib-resistant SKMEL28 cells. The enhanced proliferation effect of USP14 and Skp2 is mainly due to a more effective reduction of cell apoptosis and autophagy. Further evaluation of various protein alterations has revealed that the increased expression of cleaved-PARP, LC3, and decreased Ki67 are more obvious in the combination of vemurafenib and b-AP15 treatment than those in single-drug treatment. Moreover, the co-treatment of vemurafenib and b-AP15 dramatically inhibits the growth of vemurafenib-resistant melanoma xenograft in vivo. Collectively, our findings have demonstrated that the combination of Skp2 inhibitor and USP14 inhibitor provides a new solution for the treatment of BRAF inhibitor resistance melanoma.

ZNF292 suppresses proliferation of ESCC cells through ZNF292/SKP2/P27 signaling axis.

ObjectiveIncreasing evidence has demonstrated that ZNF292 plays a suppressive role in cancer, however, little is known about its function and exact mechanism in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).MethodsBioinformatic analysis and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were performed to analyze the role of ZNF292 in affecting the prognosis of ESCC. Cell proliferation and colony formation ability assays were performed to analyze cell growth after inferring the expression of ZNF292. Flow cytometry was used to analyze changes in the cell cycle upon the depletion of ZNF292. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot analysis were used to determine the alteration of cell cycle related RNAs and proteins after knocking down ZNF292. MG-132, cycloheximide (CHX) treatment experiments were performed to analyze the change and half-life time of P27 after knockdown of ZNF292. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and luciferase reporter assays were used to analyze the transcriptional regulation of SKP2 by ZNF292.ResultsWe report that low expression of ZNF292 is associated with poor prognosis, and ZNF292 emerges to be highly expressed in adjacent and normal tissues rather than tumor tissues in ESCC. Knockdown of ZNF292 significantly boosts cell growth and S phase entry in ESCC cells. ZNF292 depletion will decrease the expression and half-life time of P27, while knockdown of SKP2 will result in elevated expression of P27. ZNF292 can bind to the promoter region of SKP2, and knockdown of ZNF292 will boost the expression of SKP2.ConclusionsKnockdown of ZNF292 mediates G1/S cell cycle procession by activating SKP2/P27 signaling in ESCC cells. ZNF292 knockdown promotes SKP2 expression at the transcriptional level, thereby boosting P27 ubiquitin-degradation, and eventually facilitating the S phase entrance.

Anti-growth Effects of Imatinib and GNF5 via Regulation of Skp2 in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells.

BackgroundHuman hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common liver tumor and the main cause of cancer-related death. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors, such as imatinib and GNF5 which were developed to treat chronic myelogenous leukemia, regulate the progression of various cancers. The aim of this study was to confirm the anti-tumor activity of tyrosine kinase inhibitors through regulation of S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 (Skp2), an important oncogenic factor in various cancer cells, in human hepatocarcinoma SK-HEP1 cells.MethodsCell viability and colony formation assays were conducted to evaluate the effects of imatinib, GNF5 and GNF2 on the growth of SK-HEP1 cells. Using immunoblot analysis, we assessed change of the activation of caspases, PARP, Akt, mitogen-activated protein kinases, and Skp2/p27/p21 pathway by imatinib and GNF5 in SK-HEP1 cells. Using sh-Skp2 HCC cells, the role of Skp2 in the effects of imatinib and GNF5 was evaluated.ResultsImatinib and GNF5 significantly inhibited the growth of SK-HEP1 cells. Treatment of imatinib and GNF5 decreased Skp2 expression and Akt phosphorylation, and increased the expression of p27, p21, and active-caspases in SK-HEP1 cells. In sh-Skp2 HCC cells, cell growth and the expression of Skp2 were inhibited by more than in the mock group treated with imatinib and GNF5.ConclusionsThese results suggest that the anti-growth activity of tyrosine kinase inhibitors may be associated with the regulation of p27/p21 and caspases through Skp2 blockage in HCC cells.

Abstract 4305: TET increases p27Kip1 protein stability and p21WAF1/Cip1 promoter activity to block deregulated cell cycle progression in pancreatic cancer cells

Abstract Introduction: Pancreatic cancer (PaCa) is the fourth cause of cancer related deaths in the United States with an overall five-year survival rate of less than five percent. The current standard treatment/s for PaCa are ineffective thus there is an urgent need for development of new therapeutic agents for its treatment. Owing to its mutational landscape, which includes mutated KRAS and p53 these cells have a deregulated G1 checkpoint of cell cycle and thus confer high proliferation rate and therapeutic resistance. Recently we observed that Tetrandrine derivative (TET), a bis-benzylisoquinoline alkaloid halts cell cycle progression in PaCa cells at G1/S boundary in vitro and in vivo. In the present study we explored potential mechanism of TET induced cell cycle arrest in two PaCa cells with either wild type or mutant KRAS, and mutant p53 by evaluating critical cell cycle regulatory proteins involved in G1/S transition. Method: PaCa cell lines: BxPC3 (PDAC) and MiaPaCa2 (Pancreatic Carcinoma) were used. Cells were treated with various concentrations of TET for different time points. Cell growth was checked using the MTT assay. Cell cycle was analyzed after PI staining via Flow cytometry. Changes in protein levels were assessed by Western Blot analysis. mRNA changes were evaluated by real time PCR. Promoter activity was checked by luciferase reporter assay. Knockdown was achieved by lentiviral transduction. Results: Treatment of PaCa cells with TET resulted in decreased levels of cyclin D1 and phospho-Rb, two critical proteins required for G1/S transition and increased levels of p21WAF1/Cip1 and p27Kip1 proteins. Real time PCR revealed that cyclin D1 mRNA was decreased and p21WAF1/Cip1 mRNA was increased while there was no significant change in p27Kip1 mRNA levels. The cycloheximide chase showed that TET treatment increases p27Kip1 protein levels by improving its protein stability (t1/2 6h vs 2h: TET treated vs control). Further studies into the mechanism revealed that treatment of PaCa cells with TET resulted in decreased protein levels of Skp2 E3 ligase which is specific for degrading p27Kip1 protein during the cell cycle. Moreover TET also increased the p21WAF1/Cip1 promoter activity accounting for increased mRNA levels of p21WAF1/Cip1. These data suggest a notable mechanism by which TET regulates expression of critical cell cycle regulators at both transcriptional and post-translational level. Such a mechanism would provide for cell cycle block in PaCa cells following TET treatment. Conclusion: TET halts deregulated cell cycle in PaCa cells in part by modulating p27Kip1 and p21WAF1/Cip1 protein levels. Moreover p27Kip1 is regulated post-translationally (via Skp2 regulation) and p21WAF1/Cip1 is regulated at transcriptional level. These results suggest that TET can not only halt deregulated cell cycle but also overcome the therapeutic resistance in PaCa cells. Citation Format: Karnika Singh, Qin Dong, Sweaty Koul, Hari K. Koul. TET increases p27Kip1 protein stability and p21WAF1/Cip1 promoter activity to block deregulated cell cycle progression in pancreatic cancer cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4305.

Quinacrine upregulates p21/p27 independent of p53 through autophagy-mediated downregulation of p62-Skp2 axis in ovarian cancer

We have previously shown that the anti-malarial compound Quinacrine (QC) inhibits ovarian cancer (OC) growth by modulating autophagy. In the present study we extended these studies to identify the molecular pathways regulated by QC to promote apoptosis independent of p53 status in OC. QC exhibited strong anti-cancer properties in OC cell lines in contrast to other anti-malarial autophagy inhibiting drugs. QC treatment selectively upregulated cell cycle inhibitor p21, and downregulated F box protein Skp2 and p62/SQSTM1 expression independent of p53 status. Genetic downregulation of key autophagy protein ATG5 abolished QC-mediated effects on both cell cycle protein p21/Skp2 as well as autophagic cargo protein p62. Furthermore, genetic silencing of p62/SQSTM1 resulted in increased sensitivity to QC-mediated apoptosis, downregulated Skp2 mRNA and increased accumulation of p21 expression. Likewise, genetic knockdown of Skp2 resulted in the upregulation of p21 and p27 and increased sensitivity of OC cells to QC treatment. In contrast, transient overexpression of exogenous p62-HA plasmid rescued the QC-mediated Skp2 downregulation indicating the positive regulation of Skp2 by p62. Collectively, these data indicate that QC-mediated effects on cell cycle proteins p21/Skp2is autophagy-dependent and p53-independent in high grade serious OC cells.

BAG3 promotes proliferation of ovarian cancer cells via post-transcriptional regulation of Skp2 expression

Bcl-2 associated athanogene 3 (BAG3) contains a modular structure, through which BAG3 interacts with a wide range of proteins, thereby affording its capacity to regulate multifaceted biological processes. BAG3 is often highly expressed and functions as a pro-survival factor in many cancers. However, the oncogenic potential of BAG3 remains not fully understood. The cell cycle regulator, S-phase kinase associated protein 2 (Skp2) is increased in various cancers and plays an important role in tumorigenesis. The current study demonstrated that BAG3 promoted proliferation of ovarian cancer cells via upregulation of Skp2. BAG3 stabilized Skp2 mRNA via its 3′-untranslated region (UTR). The current study demonstrated that BAG3 interacted with Skp2 mRNA. In addition, miR-21-5p suppressed Skp2 expression, which was compromised by forced BAG3 expression. These results indicated that at least some oncogenic functions of BAG3 were mediated through posttranscriptional regulation of Skp2 via antagonizing suppressive action of miR-21-5p in ovarian cancer cells.

Inhibiting the role of Skp2 suppresses cell proliferation and tumorigenesis of human gastric cancer cells via the upregulation of p27kip1.

Gastric cancer is a malignant disease of the digestive system with high rates of incidence and mortality. S‑phase kinase‑associated protein 2 (Skp2) is a novel oncogene, which has been identified to be important in tumor progression and metastasis. In order to clarify the role of Skp2 in human gastric cancer, the present study detected the expression of Skp2 in human gastric cancer tissues, and investigated the molecular mechanism of Skp2 in the progression of gastric carcinoma. The results of the initial bioinformatics analysis showed that Skp2 was significantly upregulated in 31specimens of primary gastric cancer from a UK patient cohort, and in 10 gastric cancer lines of a side population, compared with normal gastric tissues (P<0.01). Specimens from 47patients with gastric cancer and 19 normal gastric tissue specimens were obtained and analyzed using western blot analysis. The positive rate of expression of Skp2 was 87.2%, indicating that the expression of Skp2 was observed in 41specimens of the detected gastric cancer samples, whereas the positive rate of the expression of Skp2 was 5.6% in the normal gastric samples (P<0.01). In the human gastric cancer cell lines, the defective regulation of Skp2 or presence of an Skp2 inhibitor inhibited the proliferation of BGC‑823 and MKN‑45 cells. In addition, the Skp2 inhibitor suppressed the proliferation of gastric cancer cells in a time‑ and dose‑dependent manner. Furthermore, transfection with Skp2 short hairpin (sh)RNA or treatment with SKPinhibitorC1 for 48 and 72h led to the accumulation of p27kip1 in Hela cells. Tumorigenicity experiments involving nude mice showed that interference of the expression of Skp2 inhibited the growth of the human gastric tumor cells in the nude mice, and the tumor weights and volumes in the Skp2 shRNA group were significantly lower, compared with those in the negative control shRNA group (P<0.01) and untreated group (P<0.01). Taken together, these data suggested that Skp2 acted as an oncogene in human gastric cancer, and that Skp2‑mediated p27kip1 degradation contributed to the progression of gastric cancer. Abrogating the effects of Skp2 may effectively inhibit the growth of gastric cancer cells, which may be useful as a novel target in the clinical treatment of gastric cancer.

Skp2 regulates non-small cell lung cancer cell growth by Meg3 and miR-3163.

Maternally expressed gene 3 (Meg3) encodes a long non-coding RNA that has been shown to play a role in tumorigenesis. Skp2 is a component of the E3 ubiquitin ligase SCF that specifically promotes the ubiquitination-associated degradation of CDK inhibitor p27, and has been shown to promote cancer cell growth in different types of cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Nevertheless, a regulatory relationship between Meg3 and Skp2 has not been acknowledged. Here, we showed that NSCLC specimens had significant higher levels of Skp2 and significantly lower levels of Meg3, compared to paired non-tumor lung tissue. The levels of Meg3 and Skp2 were inversely correlated in NSCLC specimens. Patients with low Meg3 levels had a poor survival. Overexpression of Meg3 decreased Skp2 protein and increased p27 protein, while depletion of Meg3 increased Skp2 protein and decreased p27 protein in NSCLC cells, without altering Skp2 mRNA. These data suggest that the Skp2 may be regulated by Meg3 at post-transcriptional level. Bioinformatics analyses showed that miR-3163 bound to 3'-UTR of Skp2 mRNA in NSCLC cells to inhibit its translation, which was supported by luciferase reporter assay. Meg3 augmented the effects of miR-3163 on Skp2 mRNA, possibly through binding-induced function enhancement, which was supported by the double fluorescent in situ hybridization showing co-localized intracellular Meg3 and miR-3163 signals in NSCLC cells. The miR-3163 levels in NSCLC were not different from in NT, suggesting that the regulation of Skp2 in NSCLC by miR-3163 may require coordination of Meg3. Thus, our data suggest that Meg3 and miR-3163 may coordinate suppression of translation of Skp2 mRNA in NSCLC cells to inhibit NSCLC cell growth.

Abstract 3792: SKP2 supports cell proliferation and is regulated by Notch signaling in myoblasts and embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma

Abstract Background: Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) in a pediatric tumor of myogenic origin. It includes two subtypes: embryonal and alveolar. Embryonal RMS (ERMS) cells express key myogenic factors such as MyoD and Myogenin, but proliferate indefinitely and have lost the ability to terminally differentiate into skeletal myofibers. Differently from the alveolar tumors bearing specific chromosomal translocations, ERMS has cytogenetic aberrations and molecular deregulations of pathways regulating senescence, proliferation and differentiation. It has been shown that SKP2, an F-box protein and a component of the ubiquitin protein ligase complex SCFs (SKP1-cullin-F-box), is over-expressed in RMS primary samples and correlates with a dismal outcome. Therefore, we sought here to investigate the regulation of SKP2 and its role in ERMS. Methods: We modulated SKP2 expression through silencing, by using a siRNA validated in the literature, and forcing its expression through retroviral infection. In parallel, we investigate the effect of Notch signaling modulation on SKP2 expression. Results: SKP2 silencing resulted in cell cycle slowdown in both normal myoblasts and ERMS cells. Down-regulation of Notch1 led to SKP2 reduction while that of Notch3 supported SKP2 expression. Cosilencing SKP2 and Notch3 gave raise to myoblast-like structure formation in ERMS and facilitated myoblasts fusion. Finally, using a SKP2 inhibitor ERMS cell proliferation was completely blocked. Conclusion: Altogether, these preliminary experiments suggest that SKP2 could be regulated by Notch signaling in ERMS and that its inhibition hampers tumor cell proliferative capability. Note: This abstract was not presented at the meeting. Citation Format: Rossella Rota, Laura Adesso, Beatrice Conti, Roberta Ciarapica, Lavinia Raimondi, Maria De Salvo, Sonia Rodriguez, Nadia Carlesso, Lucio Miele, Franco Locatelli. SKP2 supports cell proliferation and is regulated by Notch signaling in myoblasts and embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 3792. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-3792

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester induced cell cycle arrest and growth inhibition in androgen-independent prostate cancer cells via regulation of Skp2, p53, p21Cip1 and p27Kip1

Prostate cancer (PCa) patients receiving the androgen ablation therapy ultimately develop recurrent castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) within 1-3 years. Treatment with caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) suppressed cell survival and proliferation via induction of G1 or G2/M cell cycle arrest in LNCaP 104-R1, DU-145, 22Rv1, and C4-2 CRPC cells. CAPE treatment also inhibited soft agar colony formation and retarded nude mice xenograft growth of LNCaP 104-R1 cells. We identified that CAPE treatment significantly reduced protein abundance of Skp2, Cdk2, Cdk4, Cdk7, Rb, phospho-Rb S807/811, cyclin A, cyclin D1, cyclin H, E2F1, c-Myc, SGK, phospho-p70S6kinase T421/S424, phospho-mTOR Ser2481, phospho-GSK3α Ser21, but induced p21Cip1, p27Kip1, ATF4, cyclin E, p53, TRIB3, phospho-p53 (Ser6, Ser33, Ser46, Ser392), phospho-p38 MAPK Thr180/Tyr182, Chk1, Chk2, phospho-ATM S1981, phospho-ATR S428, and phospho-p90RSK Ser380. CAPE treatment decreased Skp2 and Akt1 protein expression in LNCaP 104-R1 tumors as compared to control group. Overexpression of Skp2, or siRNA knockdown of p21Cip1, p27Kip1, or p53 blocked suppressive effect of CAPE treatment. Co-treatment of CAPE with PI3K inhibitor LY294002 or Bcl-2 inhibitor ABT737 showed synergistic suppressive effects. Our finding suggested that CAPE treatment induced cell cycle arrest and growth inhibition in CRPC cells via regulation of Skp2, p53, p21Cip1, and p27Kip1.

Retraction: Loss of nuclear pro-IL-16 facilitates cell cycle progression in human cutaneous T cell lymphoma.

Cutaneous T cell lymphomas (CTCLs) represent a heterogeneous group of non-Hodgkin lymphomas that affect the skin. The pathogenesis of these conditions is poorly understood. For example, the signaling mechanisms contributing to the dysregulated growth of the neoplastic T cells are not well defined. Here, we demonstrate that loss of nuclear localization of pro-IL-16 facilitates CTCL cell proliferation by causing a decrease in expression of the cyclin dependent-kinase inhibitor p27Kip1. The decrease in p27Kip1 expression was directly attributable to an increase in expression of S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 (Skp2). Regulation of Skp2 is in part attributed to the nuclear presence of the scaffold protein pro-IL-16. T cells isolated from 11 patients with advanced CTCL, but not those from healthy controls or patients with T cell acute lymphocytic leukemia (T-ALL), demonstrated reduction in nuclear pro-IL-16 levels. Sequence analysis identified the presence of mutations in the 5' end of the PDZ1 region of pro-IL-16, a domain required for association of pro-IL-16 with the nuclear chaperone HSC70 (also known as HSPA8). HSC70 knockdown led to loss of nuclear translocation by pro-IL-16 and subsequent increases in Skp2 levels and decreases in p27Kip1 levels, which ultimately enhanced T cell proliferation. Thus, our data indicate that advanced CTCL cell growth is facilitated, at least in part, by mutations in the scaffold protein pro-IL-16, which directly regulates Skp2 synthesis.

Androgen Suppresses the Proliferation of Androgen Receptor-Positive Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Cells via Inhibition of Cdk2, CyclinA, and Skp2

The majority of prostate cancer (PCa) patient receiving androgen ablation therapy eventually develop castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). We previously reported that androgen treatment suppresses Skp2 and c-Myc through androgen receptor (AR) and induced G1 cell cycle arrest in androgen-independent LNCaP 104-R2 cells, a late stage CRPC cell line model. However, the mechanism of androgenic regulation of Skp2 in CRPC cells was not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the androgenic regulation of Skp2 in two AR-positive CRPC cell line models, the LNCaP 104-R1 and PC-3AR Cells. The former one is an early stage androgen-independent LNCaP cells, while the later one is PC-3 cells re-expressing either wild type AR or mutant LNCaP AR. Proliferation of LNCaP 104-R1 and PC-3AR cells is not dependent on but is suppressed by androgen. We observed in this study that androgen treatment reduced protein expression of Cdk2, Cdk7, Cyclin A, cyclin H, Skp2, c-Myc, and E2F-1; lessened phosphorylation of Thr14, Tyr15, and Thr160 on Cdk2; decreased activity of Cdk2; induced protein level of p27Kip1; and caused G1 cell cycle arrest in LNCaP 104-R1 cells and PC-3AR cells. Overexpression of Skp2 protein in LNCaP 104-R1 or PC-3AR cells partially blocked accumulation of p27Kip1 and increased Cdk2 activity under androgen treatment, which partially blocked the androgenic suppressive effects on proliferation and cell cycle. Analyzing on-line gene array data of 214 normal and PCa samples indicated that gene expression of Skp2, Cdk2, and cyclin A positively correlates to each other, while Cdk7 negatively correlates to these genes. These observations suggested that androgen suppresses the proliferation of CRPC cells partially through inhibition of Cyclin A, Cdk2, and Skp2.

Brain tumor senescence might be mediated by downregulation of S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 via butylidenephthalide leading to decreased cell viability

Developing an effective drug for treating human glioblastoma multiform (GBM) has been investigated persistently. A pure compound butylidenephthalide (BP), isolated from Angelica sinensis, has been shown the activities to arrest the growth and initiate apoptosis of GBM in our previous reports. In this study, we further demonstrated that BP treatment accelerates the cell senescence in a dose-dependent manner in vitro and in vivo. S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 (Skp2), a proto-oncogene, is generally upregulated in cancer. We found that it was downregulated in BP-treated GBM cells. The downregulation of Skp2 is parallel with increasing p16 and p21 expression which causes G0/G1 arrest and tumor cell senescence. We also found that restoring the Skp2 protein level by exogenous overexpression prevents the BP-induced cell senescence. Therefore, the linkage between cell senescence and Skp2 expression is strengthened. Promoter binding analysis further detailed that the BP-mediated SP1 reduction might involve in the Skp2 downregulation. In summary, these results emphasize that BP-triggered senescence in GBM cells is highly associated with its control on Skp2 regulation.

ERK-Dependent Downregulation of Skp2 Reduces Myc Activity with HGF, Leading to Inhibition of Cell Proliferation through a Decrease in Id1 Expression

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) has an inhibitory effect on human HepG2 hepatoma cell proliferation. Previously, it was shown that HGF treatment downregulated Id1 and upregulated p16(INK4a) in an ERK-dependent manner, leading to the inhibition of cellular proliferation. Here, new insight suggests that Skp2, an SCF complex component and potential prognosticator in cancer, is downregulated by injection of HGF into established HepG2 xenograft tumors. The downregulation was evident at both the mRNA and protein level and in an ERK-dependent manner. Critically, high expression of Skp2 restored HGF-inhibited cell proliferation, indicating that the inhibitory effect of HGF required the downregulation of Skp2. However, downregulation was not involved in the HGF-induced upregulation of a CDK inhibitor, p27(Kip1), a known SCF-Skp2 target. Instead, data revealed that Skp2 regulated Myc activity, which has oncogenic potential in the generation of hepatocellular carcinoma. Elevated expression of Skp2 or a mutant that is unable to associate with the SCF complex was capable of activating Myc, suggesting that Skp2 does not act on Myc as a component of the SCF complex, and thus functions as an activator of Myc independent of its role in ubiquitination. Furthermore, Skp2 regulated Id1 expression by regulating Myc activity, and the regulation of Skp2 is involved in the activity of p16 promoter through regulation of Id1 expression. Overall, these mechanistic findings provide the first evidence that ERK-dependent downregulation of Skp2 reduced Myc activity, leading to HGF-induced inhibition of cell proliferation through decreased Id1 expression. This study elucidates the molecular details of HGF-induced inhibition of cellular proliferation in liver cancer cells.

Vorinostat enhances protein stability of p27 and p21 through negative regulation of Skp2 and Cks1 in human breast cancer cells

Vorinostat is a histone deacetylase inhibitor that blocks cancer cell proliferation through the regulation of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors. We, herein, examined the involvement of S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 (Skp2) and cyclin-dependent kinase subunit 1 (Cks1), the components of the SCFSkp2-Cks1 (Skp1/Cul1/F-box protein) ubiquitin ligase complex, in the regulation of p27 and p21 during vorinostat-induced growth arrest of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. Vorinostat significantly reduced BrdU incorporation in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells, which was associated with increased p27 and p21 protein levels without concomitant induction of p27 mRNA. Vorinostat-induced accumulation of p27 and p21 proteins was inversely correlated with the mRNA and protein levels of Skp2 and Cks1. Cycloheximide chase analysis revealed that vorinostat increased the half-life of p27 and p21 proteins. The accumulation of p27 and p21 proteins was attenuated by forced expression of Skp2 and Cks1, which conferred resistance to the vorinostat-induced S-phase reduction. These results suggest that vorinostat-induced growth arrest may be in part due to the enhanced protein stability of p27 and p21 through the downregulation of Skp2 and Cks1.

141 PI3K REGULATES P27 THROUGH MTORC2 IN RENAL CELL CARCINOMA

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most lethal of all urologic malignancies. Moreover, its incidence is rising and it is among the ten most common malignancies in both men and women. Dysregulation of the cell cycle regulator p27, particularly reduced nuclear expression has been shown to inversely correlate with RCC tumor stage and grade. The PI3K/AKT signaling axis has been implicated in the molecular pathogenesis of RCC and has been previously shown to regulate p27 through a variety of mechanisms. For example, PI3K signaling may regulate AKT-mediated phosphorylation of p27 which can impact p27 localization and steadystate levels. In addition PI3K/ AKT signaling may regulate levels of SKP2, a component of the SCFSKP2 ubiquitin ligase complex that mediates p27 proteolysis. Recent evidence suggests that the mTOR signaling complex 2 (mTORC2), in conjunction with PI3K signaling, regulates AKT activation. Based on these data, we investigated the role of mTORC2 in p27 regulation in the context of RCC. METHODS: Both pharmacologic and genetic techniques were utilized to determine the effects of mTORC2 signaling on p27. Effects on p27 steady state levels were analyzed through the combined use of real time RT-PCR as well as immunoblotting. Effects on localization were determined through cell fractionation studies in addition to immunofluorescence. The impact of mTORC2 on cell proliferation was determined through cell cycle analysis in addition to thymidine incorporation assays. RESULTS: Similar to inhibition of PI3K signaling, inhibition of mTORC2, either via genetic or pharmacologic means, led to an increase in both total as well as nuclear p27 protein levels. mTORC2 signaling, through AKT activation, mediates p27 levels in part through the regulation of SKP2. Finally, mTORC2 blockade led to inhibition of cell cycle progression with concomitant reduced cellular proliferation in RCC cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate a role for mTORC2 in the regulation of p27 levels as well as localization in RCC cells. Furthermore, our data demonstrate that these effects mediate the proliferation of RCC cells. Given the established role of p27 as a prognostic biomarker for RCC, our data suggest a role for targeting mTORC2 in the treatment of kidney cancer.

Rapamycin Resistance Is Linked to Defective Regulation of Skp2

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) plays a role in controlling malignant cellular growth. mTOR inhibitors, including rapamycin (sirolimus), are currently being evaluated in cancer trials. However, a significant number of tumors are rapamycin resistant. In this study, we report that the ability of rapamycin to downregulate Skp2, a subunit of the ubiquitin protein ligase complex, identifies tumors that are sensitive to rapamycin. RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated silencing of Skp2 in human tumor cells increased their sensitivity to rapamycin in vitro and inhibited the growth of tumor xenografts in vivo. Our findings suggest that Skp2 levels are a key determinant of antitumor responses to mTOR inhibitors, highlighting a potentially important pharmacogenomic marker to predict sensitivity to rapamycin as well as Skp2 silencing strategies for therapeutic purposes.

C-myc and skp2 Coordinate p27 Degradation, Vascular Smooth Muscle Proliferation, and Neointima Formation Induced by the Parathyroid Hormone-Related Protein

Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) contains a classical bipartite nuclear localization signal. Nuclear PTHrP induces proliferation of arterial vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). In the arterial wall, PTHrP is markedly up-regulated in response to angioplasty and promotes arterial restenosis. PTHrP overexpression exacerbates arterial restenosis, and knockout of the PTHrP gene results in decreased VSMC proliferation in vivo. In arterial VSMC, expression of the cell cycle inhibitor, p27, rapidly decreases after angioplasty, and replacement of p27 markedly reduces neointima development. We have shown that PTHrP overexpression in VSMC leads to p27 down-regulation, mostly through increased proteosomal degradation. Here, we determined the molecular mechanisms through which PTHrP targets p27 for degradation. S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 (skp2) and c-myc, two critical regulators of p27 expression and stability, and neointima formation were up-regulated in PTHrP overexpression in VSMC. Normalization of skp2 or c-myc using small interfering RNA restores normal cell cycle and p27 expression in PTHrP overexpression in VSMC. These data indicate that skp2 and c-myc mediate p27 loss and proliferation induced by PTHrP. c-myc promoter activity was increased, and c-myc target genes involved in p27 stability were up-regulated in PTHrP overexpression in VSMC. In primary VSMC, PTHrP overexpression led to increased c-myc and decreased p27. Conversely, knockdown of PTHrP in primary VSMC from PTHrP(flox/flox) mice led to cell cycle arrest, p27 up-regulation, with c-myc and skp2 down-regulation. Collectively, these data describe for the first time the role of PTHrP in the regulation of skp2 and c-myc in VSMC. This novel PTHrP-c-myc-skp2 pathway is a potential target for therapeutic manipulation of the arterial response to injury.