Work

Small molecule inhibition of cytoskeletal dynamics in melanoma tumors results in altered transcriptional expression patterns of key genes involved in tumor initiation and progression.

Year: 2011

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Rho kinase signaling plays an important role in the oncogenic process largely through its regulation of F-actin dynamics, and inhibition of this pathway results in reduction in tumor volume and metastasis across a number of tumor types. While the cytoskeletal-regulatory role of Rho kinase has been a topic of in-depth study, the mechanisms linking Rho kinase to altered gene expression are largely unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Global gene expression analysis was performed on melanoma tumors treated with sham or the small molecule inhibitor Y27632. RESULTS: Inhibition of Rho kinase activity in melanoma tumors results in a statistically significant change in gene transcription of 94 genes, many of which are critically involved in tumor initiation and progression. CONCLUSION: In addition to regulating tumorigenesis through modulation of the phosphoproteome, Rho kinase signaling also contributes to the regulation of the tumor transcriptome.

Source: PubMed

Authors: Carrie Spencer, John Montalvo, Sarah R McLaughlin, Brad A Bryan

Institution: Worcester State University

Language: English

Topic: Protein Kinase Regulation and GTPase Signaling

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Award: The Role of VEGF-stimulated Rhoa/ROCK2 Signaling in Blood Vessel Formation