Increased Rac activity is required for the progression of T-lymphomas induced by Pten-deficiency

Leuk Res. 2008 Jan;32(1):113-20. doi: 10.1016/j.leukres.2007.03.034. Epub 2007 May 22.

Abstract

Mutation of the tumor suppressor PTEN results in loss of its PI3-kinase counteracting function. PI3-kinase stimulates tumor formation by PKB/Akt-mediated cell proliferation and prevention of apoptosis. PI3-kinase may also activate Rho-GTPases and their regulatory GEFs to promote invasion. Here we have analyzed the function of the Rac-specific activator, Tiam1, in PI3-kinase-induced T-lymphomagenesis. Mice with a T cell-specific Pten deletion developed T-lymphomas with enhanced PKB/Akt phosphorylation. However, these T-lymphomas infiltrated more frequently into various organs in Tiam1-deficient mice compared to wild type mice. Surprisingly, Tiam1-deficient lymphomas showed increased Rac activity, suggesting that the lack of Tiam1 is compensated by alternative Rac-activating mechanisms that lead to increased progression of PI3-kinase-induced T-lymphomas.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Disease Progression
  • Gene Deletion*
  • Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors / pharmacology*
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell / genetics*
  • Lymphoma, T-Cell / pathology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Mutant Strains
  • PTEN Phosphohydrolase / genetics*
  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases / pharmacology
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction
  • T-Lymphoma Invasion and Metastasis-inducing Protein 1

Substances

  • Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors
  • T-Lymphoma Invasion and Metastasis-inducing Protein 1
  • Tiam1 protein, mouse
  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt
  • PTEN Phosphohydrolase
  • PTEN protein, human