Stable overexpression of MEN1 suppresses tumorigenicity of RAS

Oncogene. 1999 Oct 21;18(43):5936-42. doi: 10.1038/sj.onc.1203005.

Abstract

Although there is indirect genetic evidence that MEN1, the gene for multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1, is a tumor suppressor gene, little is known about the MEN1-encoded protein, menin. Menin was stably overexpressed in a well-characterized murine tumor cell line, (valine-12)-RAS-transformed NIH3T3 cells. Menin overexpression reverted the morphology of the RAS-transformed NIH3T3 cells towards the more flattened and more spread, fibroblastic shape of wild type NIH3T3 cells. The proliferation rate of the RAS-transformed cells in 0.5% calf serum was also slower with menin overexpression. Menin overexpression reduced the RAS-induced clonogenicity in soft agar. Menin also reduced tumor growth after injection of cells in nude mice. In conclusion, stable overexpression of MEN1 suppressed partially the RAS-mediated tumor phenotype in vitro and in vivo. Overexpressed menin protein had biological effects, directly supporting MEN1 gene function as a tumor suppressor.

MeSH terms

  • 3T3 Cells
  • Agar
  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Cell Division
  • Cell Nucleus / metabolism
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Culture Media
  • Fibroblasts / cytology
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Genes, Tumor Suppressor*
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mice, Nude
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 / genetics*
  • Neoplasm Proteins / genetics
  • Neoplasm Proteins / metabolism*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins*
  • Transfection
  • ras Proteins / genetics*

Substances

  • Culture Media
  • MEN1 protein, human
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins
  • Agar
  • ras Proteins