The tumor suppressor WTX shuttles to the nucleus and modulates WT1 activity

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2009 May 19;106(20):8338-43. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0811349106. Epub 2009 May 4.

Abstract

WTX encodes a tumor suppressor gene inactivated in Wilms tumor and recently implicated in WNT signaling through enhancement of cytoplasmic beta-catenin (CTNNB1) degradation. Here, we report that WTX translocates to the nucleus, a property that is modified by an endogenous splicing variant and is modulated by a nuclear export inhibitor. WTX is present in distinct subnuclear structures and co-localizes with the paraspeckle marker p54NRB/NONO, suggesting a role in transcriptional regulation. Notably, WTX binds WT1, another Wilms tumor suppressor and stem cell marker that encodes a zinc-finger transcription factor, and enhances WT1-mediated transcription of Amphiregulin, an endogenous target gene. Together, these observations suggest a role for WTX in nuclear pathways implicated in the transcriptional regulation of cellular differentiation programs.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Active Transport, Cell Nucleus*
  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • Amphiregulin
  • Cell Line
  • EGF Family of Proteins
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Glycoproteins / genetics
  • Humans
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / genetics
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Isoforms
  • Transcription Factors
  • Transcription, Genetic
  • Transfection
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / genetics
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / metabolism*
  • WT1 Proteins / analysis
  • WT1 Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • AMER1 protein, human
  • AREG protein, human
  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • Amphiregulin
  • EGF Family of Proteins
  • Glycoproteins
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Protein Isoforms
  • Transcription Factors
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins
  • WT1 Proteins