Group I Paks are essential for epithelial- mesenchymal transition in an Apc-driven model of colorectal cancer

Nat Commun. 2018 Aug 27;9(1):3473. doi: 10.1038/s41467-018-05935-6.

Abstract

p21-activated kinases (Paks) play an important role in oncogenic signaling pathways and have been considered as potential therapeutic targets in various cancers. Most studies of Pak function employ gene knock-out or knock-down methods, but these approaches result in loss of both enzymatic and scaffolding properties of these proteins, and thus may not reflect the effects of small molecule inhibitors. Here we use a transgenic mouse model in which a specific peptide inhibitor of Group I Paks is conditionally expressed in response to Cre recombinase. Using this model, we show that inhibition of endogenous Paks impedes the transition of adenoma to carcinoma in an Apc-driven mouse model of colorectal cancer. These effects are mediated by inhibition of Wnt signaling through reduced β-catenin activity as well as suppression of an epithelial-mesenchymal transition program mediated by miR-200 and Snai1. These results highlight the potential therapeutic role of Pak1 inhibitors in colorectal cancer.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Adenomatous Polyposis Coli / genetics
  • Adenomatous Polyposis Coli / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Apoptosis / genetics
  • Apoptosis / physiology
  • Cell Proliferation / genetics
  • Cell Proliferation / physiology
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / genetics
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition / genetics
  • Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition / physiology*
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras) / genetics
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras) / metabolism
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured
  • Wnt Signaling Pathway / genetics
  • Wnt Signaling Pathway / physiology
  • p21-Activated Kinases / genetics
  • p21-Activated Kinases / metabolism

Substances

  • p21-Activated Kinases
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)