Work

Phosphorylation deficient inducible cAMP early repressor (ICER) modulates tumorigenesis and survival in a transgenic zebrafish ( Danio rerio ) model of melanoma

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Melanoma, the most lethal form of skin cancer, is commonly associated with mutations in the BRAF gene, particularly BRAFV600E, which drives tumor proliferation via the ERK1/2 signaling cascade. While BRAF inhibitors initially demonstrate efficacy, therapeutic resistance remains a significant challenge. Emerging evidence implicates the cAMP signaling pathway, particularly the cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) and its repressor, inducible cAMP early repressor (ICER), in melanoma progression and drug resistance. ICER, a transcriptional repressor regulated via Ras/MAPK-mediated phosphorylation and ubiquitination, is degraded in melanoma, undermining its tumor-suppressive role. In a brafV600E; p53 (loss of function) transgenic zebrafish (Danio rerio) model, we investigated the role of a ubiquitin-resistant ICER mutant (S35-41A-ICER) in tumor progression. Transgenic fish expressing S35-41A-ICER exhibited extended survival and reduced tumor invasiveness compared to wild-type ICER. RNA sequencing revealed dysregulation of CREB/CREM targets and compensatory pathways, including Rap1 and PI3K/AKT signaling, as well as candidate gene targets of ICER regulation, including the protein kinase A catalytic subunit prkacaa. Our findings suggest that a ubiquitin resistant ICER mitigates melanoma progression and represses oncogenic pathways in a brafV600E melanoma context.

Source: Biology Open

DOI: 10.1242/bio.061904

Authors: Justin Wheelan, Melissa Spigelman, Angelo Cirinelli, James Reilly, Carlos A. Molina

Institution: Montclair State University

Language: English

Topic: Melanoma and MAPK Pathways

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,995