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Qualitative differences in disease-associated MEK mutants reveal molecular signatures and aberrant signaling-crosstalk in cancer.
- Source :
-
Nature communications [Nat Commun] 2022 Jul 13; Vol. 13 (1), pp. 4063. Date of Electronic Publication: 2022 Jul 13. - Publication Year :
- 2022
-
Abstract
- Point-mutations of MEK1, a central component of ERK signaling, are present in cancer and RASopathies, but their precise biological effects remain obscure. Here, we report a mutant MEK1 structure that uncovers the mechanisms underlying abnormal activities of cancer- and RASopathy-associated MEK1 mutants. These two classes of MEK1 mutations differentially impact on spatiotemporal dynamics of ERK signaling, cellular transcriptional programs, gene expression profiles, and consequent biological outcomes. By making use of such distinct characteristics of the MEK1 mutants, we identified cancer- and RASopathy-signature genes that may serve as diagnostic markers or therapeutic targets for these diseases. In particular, two AKT-inhibitor molecules, PHLDA1 and 2, are simultaneously upregulated by oncogenic ERK signaling, and mediate cancer-specific ERK-AKT crosstalk. The combined expression of PHLDA1/2 is critical to confer resistance to ERK pathway-targeted therapeutics on cancer cells. Finally, we propose a therapeutic strategy to overcome this drug resistance. Our data provide vital insights into the etiology, diagnosis, and therapeutic strategy of cancers and RASopathies.<br /> (© 2022. The Author(s).)
- Subjects :
- Humans
MAP Kinase Kinase 1 genetics
MAP Kinase Signaling System genetics
Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases metabolism
Protein Kinase Inhibitors pharmacology
Protein Kinase Inhibitors therapeutic use
Signal Transduction genetics
Neoplasms metabolism
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt genetics
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt metabolism
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 2041-1723
- Volume :
- 13
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Nature communications
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 35831322
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-31690-w