TRAF4 is a critical molecule for Akt activation in lung cancer

W Li, C Peng, MH Lee, DY Lim, F Zhu, Y Fu, G Yang… - Cancer research, 2013 - AACR
W Li, C Peng, MH Lee, DY Lim, F Zhu, Y Fu, G Yang, Y Sheng, L Xiao, X Dong, WY Ma…
Cancer research, 2013AACR
TRAF4 is an adapter protein overexpressed in certain cancers, but its contributions to
tumorigenesis are unclear. In lung cancer cells and primary lung tumors, we found that
TRAF4 is overexpressed. RNA interference-mediated attenuation of TRAF4 expression
blunted the malignant phenotype in this setting, exerting inhibitory effects on cell
proliferation, anchorage-independent growth, and tumor development in a xenograft mouse
model. Unexpectedly, we discovered that TRAF4, but not Skp2, was required for activation of …
Abstract
TRAF4 is an adapter protein overexpressed in certain cancers, but its contributions to tumorigenesis are unclear. In lung cancer cells and primary lung tumors, we found that TRAF4 is overexpressed. RNA interference-mediated attenuation of TRAF4 expression blunted the malignant phenotype in this setting, exerting inhibitory effects on cell proliferation, anchorage-independent growth, and tumor development in a xenograft mouse model. Unexpectedly, we discovered that TRAF4, but not Skp2, was required for activation of the pivotal cell survival kinase Akt through ubiquitination. Furthermore, TRAF4 attenuation impaired glucose metabolism by inhibiting expression of Glut1 and HK2 mediated by the Akt pathway. Overall, our work suggests that TRAF4 offers a candidate molecular target for lung cancer prevention and therapy. Cancer Res; 73(23); 6938–50. ©2013 AACR.
AACR