RNA helicase A is a DNA-binding partner for EGFR-mediated transcriptional activation in the nucleus

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2010 Sep 14;107(37):16125-30. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1000743107. Epub 2010 Aug 27.

Abstract

EGF induces the translocation of EGF receptor (EGFR) from the cell surface to the nucleus where EGFR activates gene transcription through its binding to an AT-rich sequence (ATRS) of the target gene promoter. However, how EGFR, without a DNA-binding domain, can bind to the gene promoter is unclear. In the present study, we show that RNA helicase A (RHA) is an important mediator for EGFR-induced gene transactivation. EGF stimulates the interaction of EGFR with RHA in the nucleus of cancer cells. The EGFR/RHA complex then associates with the target gene promoter through binding of RHA to the ATRS of the target gene promoter to activate its transcription. Knockdown of RHA expression in cancer cells abrogates the binding of EGFR to the target gene promoter, thereby reducing EGF/EGFR-induced gene expression. In addition, interruption of EGFR-RHA interaction decreases the EGFR-induced promoter activity. Consistently, we observed a positive correlation of the nuclear expression of EGFR, RHA, and cyclin D1 in human breast cancer samples. These results indicate that RHA is a DNA-binding partner for EGFR-mediated transcriptional activation in the nucleus.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Active Transport, Cell Nucleus
  • Breast Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Cell Nucleus / metabolism*
  • Cyclin D1 / genetics
  • Cyclin D1 / metabolism
  • DNA / metabolism*
  • ErbB Receptors / metabolism*
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic
  • Protein Binding
  • RNA Helicases / genetics
  • RNA Helicases / metabolism*
  • Transcriptional Activation*

Substances

  • CCND1 protein, human
  • Cyclin D1
  • DNA
  • ErbB Receptors
  • RNA Helicases