Protein kinase WNK2 inhibits cell proliferation by negatively modulating the activation of MEK1/ERK1/2.
Oncogene
; 26(41): 6071-81, 2007 Sep 06.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-17667937
The recently identified subfamily of WNK protein kinases is characterized by a unique sequence variation in the catalytic domain and four related human WNK genes were identified. Here, we describe the cloning and functional analysis of the human family member WNK2. We show that the depletion of endogenous WNK2 expression by RNA interference in human cervical HeLa cancer cells led to the activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinases but, in contrast to the depletion of WNK1, had no effect on ERK5. Furthermore, expression of a kinase-dead WNK2-K207M mutant also activated ERK1/2 suggesting that WNK2 catalytic activity is required. Depletion of WNK2 expression increased G1/S progression and potentiated the cellular response to low epidermal growth factor concentrations. The molecular mechanism of ERK1/2 activation in WNK2-depleted cells lies downstream of the Raf kinases and involves MEK1 phosphorylation at serine 298 in both HeLa and HT29 colon cancer cells. This modification is linked to the upregulation of MEK1 activity toward ERK1/2. Together, these results provide evidence that WNK2 is involved in the modulation of growth factor-induced cancer cell proliferation through the MEK1/ERK1/2 pathway. The data identify WNK2 as a candidate tumor suppressor gene and suggest a coordinated activity of WNK kinases in the regulation of cell proliferation.
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Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Proteínas Quinasas
/
División Celular
/
Proteínas Serina-Treonina Quinasas
/
MAP Quinasa Quinasa 1
Tipo de estudio:
Prognostic_studies
Límite:
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Oncogene
Asunto de la revista:
BIOLOGIA MOLECULAR
/
NEOPLASIAS
Año:
2007
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Portugal
Pais de publicación:
Reino Unido