Genetic amplification of the NOTCH modulator LNX2 upregulates the WNT/β-catenin pathway in colorectal cancer

Cancer Res. 2013 Mar 15;73(6):2003-13. doi: 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-12-3159. Epub 2013 Jan 14.

Abstract

Chromosomal copy number alterations (aneuploidy) define the genomic landscape of most cancer cells, but identification of the oncogenic drivers behind these imbalances remains an unfinished task. In this study, we conducted a systematic analysis of colorectal carcinomas that integrated genomic copy number changes and gene expression profiles. This analysis revealed 44 highly overexpressed genes mapping to localized amplicons on chromosome 13, gains of which occur often in colorectal cancers (CRC). RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated silencing identified eight candidates whose loss-of-function reduced cell viability 20% or more in CRC cell lines. The functional space of the genes NUPL1, LNX2, POLR1D, POMP, SLC7A1, DIS3, KLF5, and GPR180 was established by global expression profiling after RNAi exposure. One candidate, LNX2, not previously known as an oncogene, was involved in regulating NOTCH signaling. Silencing LNX2 reduced NOTCH levels but also downregulated the transcription factor TCF7L2 and markedly reduced WNT signaling. LNX2 overexpression and chromosome 13 amplification therefore constitutively activates the WNT pathway, offering evidence of an aberrant NOTCH-WNT axis in CRC.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Carrier Proteins / physiology*
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / genetics
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Comparative Genomic Hybridization
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Humans
  • RNA Interference
  • Receptors, Notch / physiology*
  • Transcription, Genetic
  • Up-Regulation / physiology*
  • Wnt Proteins / metabolism*
  • beta Catenin / metabolism*

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • Lnx2 protein, human
  • Receptors, Notch
  • Wnt Proteins
  • beta Catenin