C9orf140, a novel Axin1-interacting protein, mediates the negative feedback loop of Wnt/β-catenin signaling

Oncogene. 2018 May;37(22):2992-3005. doi: 10.1038/s41388-018-0166-7. Epub 2018 Mar 13.

Abstract

Wnt/β-catenin signaling activity is maintained in homeostasis by an expanding list of molecular determinants. However, the molecular components and the regulatory mechanisms involved in its fine-tuning remain to be determined. Here, we identified C9orf140, a tumor-specific protein, as a novel Axin1-interacting protein by tandem-affinity purification and mass spectrometry. We further showed that C9orf140 is a negative regulator of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in cultured cells as well as in zebrafish embryos. It functions upstream of β-catenin, outcompetes PP2A for binding to Axin1, influences the balance between phosphorylation and de-phosphorylation of β-catenin, and ultimately compromises Wnt3A-induced β-catenin accumulation. Interestingly, Wnt-induced C9orf140 expression via β-catenin. We propose that C9orf140 mediates a negative feedback loop of Wnt/β-catenin signaling by interacting with Axin1. Our results advance the current understanding of the exquisite control of Wnt/β-catenin signaling cascade, and provide evidence of the new role of C9orf140.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Axin Protein / metabolism*
  • Binding Sites
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / chemistry*
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / metabolism*
  • Feedback, Physiological
  • HEK293 Cells
  • HeLa Cells
  • Hep G2 Cells
  • Humans
  • MCF-7 Cells
  • Mass Spectrometry
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • Phosphorylation
  • Protein Phosphatase 2 / metabolism
  • Tandem Affinity Purification
  • Wnt Signaling Pathway*
  • Wnt3A Protein / metabolism
  • Zebrafish / embryology
  • Zebrafish / metabolism
  • beta Catenin / metabolism

Substances

  • AXIN1 protein, human
  • Axin Protein
  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • SAPCD2 protein, human
  • WNT3A protein, human
  • Wnt3A Protein
  • beta Catenin
  • Protein Phosphatase 2