Rap1-suppressed tumorigenesis is concomitant with the interference in ras effector signaling

FEBS Lett. 2000 Feb 11;467(2-3):184-8. doi: 10.1016/s0014-5793(00)01150-9.

Abstract

Expression of Rap1 blocks epithelial growth factor-induced extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) activation. However, recent studies demonstrated that Rap1 mediates ERKs activation induced by nerve growth factor. The anti-oncogenic effect of Rap1 has been reported but its mechanism remains unclear. To evaluate the correlation between the anti-transforming effect and the activation of ERKs, we transfected rap1 cDNA into Hep3B cells and selected stable transfectants. The Rap1 transfectants completely lost their intrinsic tumorigenicity in Balb/c nude mice. Both insulin and 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-stimulated ERK activations were also blocked. Our findings suggest that Rap1-suppressed tumorigenicity is concomitant with ERKs inhibition.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Division
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / drug effects
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / metabolism
  • Enzyme Activation
  • Epidermal Growth Factor / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Insulin
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, Nude
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Nerve Growth Factor / metabolism
  • Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate
  • Transfection
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured
  • rap1 GTP-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • rap1 GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Insulin
  • Epidermal Growth Factor
  • Nerve Growth Factor
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases
  • rap1 GTP-Binding Proteins
  • Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate