Suppressor of fused negatively regulates beta-catenin signaling

J Biol Chem. 2001 Oct 26;276(43):40113-9. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M105317200. Epub 2001 Jul 26.

Abstract

Suppressor of fused (Su(fu)) is a negative regulator of the Hedgehog signaling pathway that controls the nuclear-cytoplasmic distribution of Gli/Ci transcription factors through direct protein-protein interactions. We show here that Su(fu) is present in a complex with the oncogenic transcriptional activator beta-catenin and functions as a negative regulator of T-cell factor (Tcf)-dependent transcription. Overexpression of Su(fu) in SW480 (APC(mut)) colon cancer cells in which beta-catenin protein is stabilized leads to a reduction in nuclear beta-catenin levels and in Tcf-dependent transcription. This effect of Su(fu) overexpression can be blocked by treatment of these cells with leptomycin B, a specific inhibitor of CRM1-mediated nuclear export. Overexpression of Su(fu) suppresses growth of SW480 (APC(mut)) tumor cells in nude mice. These observations indicate that Su(fu) negatively regulates beta-catenin signaling and that CRM-1-mediated nuclear export plays a role in this regulation. Our results also suggest that Su(fu) acts as a tumor suppressor.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Active Transport, Cell Nucleus
  • Animals
  • Antibiotics, Antineoplastic / pharmacology
  • Carcinoma / genetics
  • Carcinoma / metabolism*
  • Cell Compartmentation
  • Colonic Neoplasms / genetics
  • Colonic Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins / metabolism*
  • Exportin 1 Protein
  • Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / pharmacology
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Humans
  • Karyopherins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Mice
  • Mice, Nude
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / metabolism
  • Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear*
  • Repressor Proteins / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction
  • Suppressor Factors, Immunologic
  • Trans-Activators*
  • Transcription Factors
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured
  • Wnt Proteins
  • Zebrafish Proteins*
  • beta Catenin

Substances

  • Antibiotics, Antineoplastic
  • CTNNB1 protein, human
  • CTNNB1 protein, mouse
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins
  • Fatty Acids, Unsaturated
  • Karyopherins
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins
  • Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear
  • Repressor Proteins
  • SUFU protein, human
  • Sufu protein, mouse
  • Suppressor Factors, Immunologic
  • Trans-Activators
  • Transcription Factors
  • Wnt Proteins
  • Zebrafish Proteins
  • beta Catenin
  • leptomycin B