SLC25A1, or CIC, is a novel transcriptional target of mutant p53 and a negative tumor prognostic marker

Oncotarget. 2014 Mar 15;5(5):1212-25. doi: 10.18632/oncotarget.1831.

Abstract

Mutations of the p53 gene hallmark many human cancers. Several p53 mutant proteins acquire the capability to promote cancer progression and metastasis, a phenomenon defined as Gain of Oncogenic Function (GOF). The downstream targets by which GOF p53 mutants perturb cellular programs relevant to oncogenesis are only partially known. We have previously demonstrated that SLC25A1 (CIC) promotes tumorigenesis, while its inhibition blunts tumor growth. We now report that CIC is a direct transcriptional target of several p53 mutants. We identify a novel interaction between mutant p53 (mutp53) and the transcription factor FOXO-1 which is responsible for regulation of CIC expression levels. Tumor cells harboring mutp53 display higher CIC levels relative to p53 null or wild-type tumors, and inhibition of CIC activity blunts mutp53-driven tumor growth, partially overcoming GOF activity. CIC inhibition also enhances the chemotherapeutic potential of platinum-based agents. Finally, we found that elevated CIC levels predict poor survival outcome in tumors hallmarked by high frequency of p53 mutations. Our results identify CIC as a novel target of mutp53 and imply that the employment of CIC inhibitors may improve survival rates and reduce chemo-resistance in tumors harboring these types of mutations, which are among the most intractable forms of cancers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anion Transport Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Anion Transport Proteins / genetics*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Benzene Derivatives / pharmacology
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / genetics*
  • Breast Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Carcinogenesis / drug effects
  • Carcinogenesis / genetics*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Cell Proliferation / genetics
  • Cisplatin / pharmacology
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm / genetics
  • Female
  • Forkhead Box Protein O1
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors / metabolism*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Kaplan-Meier Estimate
  • Lung Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Mice
  • Mitochondrial Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Mitochondrial Proteins / genetics*
  • Mutation
  • Organic Anion Transporters
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Prognosis
  • Transcription, Genetic
  • Tricarboxylic Acids / pharmacology
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / genetics*
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / metabolism

Substances

  • Anion Transport Proteins
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Benzene Derivatives
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • FOXO1 protein, human
  • Forkhead Box Protein O1
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors
  • Mitochondrial Proteins
  • Organic Anion Transporters
  • Slc25a1 protein, human
  • Tricarboxylic Acids
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53
  • Cisplatin