Negative regulation of ERK and Elk by protein kinase B modulates c-Fos transcription

In this study, we have identified novel regulatory steps involved in the cross-talk between protein kinase B (PKB) and MAPK signaling pathways. We found that PKB down-regulates the Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK pathway by reducing the activity of ERK, which leads to inactivation of the transcription factor Elk1. In addition, PKB is able to reduce protein levels of Elk1. Both events lead to suppression of serum response element (SRE)-dependent transcription and a consequent decrease in the transcription of SRE-containing genes, such as c-fos. Because activation of the Ras/MAPK cascade is reported to increase c-fos transcription before apoptosis, our results are consistent with a specific role for PKB in promoting cell survival. Decrease in c-Fos protein levels in glioblastoma cells with constitutively active PKB provides further support for our observations. Therefore, our findings delineate a novel mechanism regulating immediate-early transcription, which may be involved in the initial steps in PKB-induced oncogenic transformation.