The nuclear translocation of ERK1/2 as an anticancer target

Nat Commun. 2015 Mar 30:6:6685. doi: 10.1038/ncomms7685.

Abstract

A hallmark of the ERK1/2 functioning is their nuclear translocation, which is mainly required for the induction of proliferation. Activated ERK1/2 molecules that remain in the cytoplasm initiate other activities, including immediate feedback loops. Prevention of the nuclear translocation should therefore inhibit proliferation, without affecting cytoplasm-induced cellular processes. Here we present an NTS-derived myristoylated phosphomimetic peptide, which blocks the interaction of importin7 and ERK1/2, and consequently the nuclear translocation of the latter. In culture, the peptide induces apoptosis of melanoma cells inhibits the viability of other cancer cells, but has no effect on non-transformed, immortalized cells. It even inhibits the viability of PLX4032- and U0126-resistant melanoma cells. In xenograft models, the peptide inhibits several cancers, and acts much better than PLX4032 in preventing melanoma recurrence. This study provides a proof of concept for using the nuclear translocation of ERK1/2 as a drug target for the combat of various ERK1/2-related cancers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Active Transport, Cell Nucleus / drug effects
  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Apoptosis / drug effects*
  • Blotting, Western
  • CHO Cells
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Nucleus / drug effects*
  • Cell Nucleus / metabolism
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Cricetulus
  • HCT116 Cells
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Immunoprecipitation
  • In Situ Nick-End Labeling
  • Mice, Nude
  • Mice, SCID
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1 / metabolism*
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3 / metabolism*
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • Neoplasm Transplantation
  • Peptides / pharmacology*
  • Protein Transport / drug effects
  • Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Peptides
  • MAPK1 protein, human
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3