Genetic inactivation of the pancreatitis-inducible gene Nupr1 impairs PanIN formation by modulating KrasG12D-induced senescence

D. Grasso, M. N. Garcia, T. Hamidi, C. Cano, E. Calvo, G. Lomberk, R. Urrutia, J. L. Iovanna

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

26 Scopus citations

Abstract

Nuclear protein 1 (Nupr1), a small chromatin protein, has a critical role in cancer development, progression and resistance to therapy. Previously, we had demonstrated that Nupr1 cooperates with KrasG12D to induce pancreas intraepithelial neoplasias (PanIN) formation and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma development in mice. However, the molecular mechanisms by which Nupr1 influences Kras-mediated preneoplastic growth remain to be fully characterized. In the current study, we report evidence supporting a role for Nupr1 as a gene modifier of KrasG12D-induced senescence, which must be overcome to promote PanIN formation. We found that genetic inactivation of Nupr1 in mice impairs Kras-induced PanIN, leading to an increase in β-galactosidase-positive cells and an upregulation of surrogate marker genes for senescence. More importantly, both of these cellular and molecular changes are recapitulated by the results of mechanistic experiments using RNAi-based inactivation of Nupr1 in human pancreatic cancer cell models. In addition, the senescent phenotype, which results from Nupr1 inactivation, is accompanied by activation of the FoxO3a-Skp2-p27Kip1-pRb-E2F pathway in vivo and in vitro. Thus, combined, these results show, for the first time, that Nupr1 aids oncogenic Kras to bypass senescence in a manner that cooperatively promotes PanIN formation. Besides its mechanistic importance, this new knowledge bears medical relevance as it delineates early pathobiological events that may be targeted in the future as a means to interfere with the formation of preneoplastic lesions early during pancreatic carcinogenesis.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1633-1641
Number of pages9
JournalCell Death and Differentiation
Volume21
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1 2014

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Genetic inactivation of the pancreatitis-inducible gene Nupr1 impairs PanIN formation by modulating KrasG12D-induced senescence'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this