Up-regulation of ras-GAP genes is reversed by a MEK inhibitor and doxorubicin in v-Ki-ras-transformed NIH/3T3 fibroblasts

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2007 May 4;356(2):374-80. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2007.02.133. Epub 2007 Mar 5.

Abstract

Ras-GTPase-activating proteins (Ras-GAPs) have been implicated both as suppressors of Ras and as effectors in regulating cellular activities. To study whether Ras-GAPs have roles in tumor cell survival or not, mRNA levels of ras-related genes were measured in v-Ki-ras-transformed (DT) and the parental NIH/3T3 cells, using real-time PCR. mRNA levels of p120-Gap, Gap1(m), and PIK3CA were increased in DT cells compared with NIH/3T3 cells. p120-Gap and PIK3CA genes were induced by addition of serum or epidermal growth factor to serum-starved DT cells. Three anti-cancer drugs, an ERK kinase (MEK) inhibitor PD98059, a topoisomerase II poison doxorubicin (adriamycin), and a histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A, selectively blocked the overexpression of p120-Gap and Gap1(m) genes in DT cells. These drugs also caused reversion of DT cells to the adherent shape associated with growth arrest. Our results suggest that p120-Gap and Gap1(m) genes provide important biomarkers for cancer therapies.

MeSH terms

  • 3T3 Cells
  • Animals
  • Cell Line, Transformed
  • Doxorubicin / pharmacology*
  • Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects
  • Gene Expression Regulation / physiology
  • Genes, ras / physiology*
  • Mice
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases / metabolism
  • Up-Regulation / drug effects*
  • ras GTPase-Activating Proteins / genetics
  • ras GTPase-Activating Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • ras GTPase-Activating Proteins
  • Doxorubicin
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases