HPIP is an essential scaffolding protein running through the EGFR-RAS-ERK pathway and drives tumorigenesis

Sci Adv. 2023 Jun 9;9(23):eade1155. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.ade1155. Epub 2023 Jun 9.

Abstract

The EGFR-RAS-ERK pathway plays a key role in cancer development and progression. However, the integral assembly of EGFR-RAS-ERK signaling complexes from the upstream component EGFR to the downstream component ERK is largely unknown. Here, we show that hematopoietic PBX-interacting protein (HPIP) interacts with all classical components of the EGFR-RAS-ERK pathway and forms at least two complexes with overlapping components. Experiments of HPIP knockout or knockdown and chemical inhibition of HPIP expression showed that HPIP is required for EGFR-RAS-ERK signaling complex formation, EGFR-RAS-ERK signaling activation, and EGFR-RAS-ERK signaling-mediated promotion of aerobic glycolysis as well as cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo. HPIP expression is correlated with EGFR-RAS-ERK signaling activation and predicts worse clinical outcomes in patients with lung cancer. These results provide insights into EGFR-RAS-ERK signaling complex formation and EGFR-RAS-ERK signaling regulation and suggest that HPIP may be a promising therapeutic target for cancer with dysregulated EGFR-RAS-ERK signaling.

MeSH terms

  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / genetics
  • ErbB Receptors / genetics
  • Humans
  • MAP Kinase Signaling System*
  • Transcription Factors* / metabolism

Substances

  • 1,1-dimethyl-4-acetylpiperazinium
  • Transcription Factors
  • ErbB Receptors
  • EGFR protein, human