The mitochondrial chaperone TRAP1 promotes neoplastic growth by inhibiting succinate dehydrogenase

Cell Metab. 2013 Jun 4;17(6):988-999. doi: 10.1016/j.cmet.2013.04.019.

Abstract

We report that the mitochondrial chaperone TRAP1, which is induced in most tumor types, is required for neoplastic growth and confers transforming potential to noncancerous cells. TRAP1 binds to and inhibits succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), the complex II of the respiratory chain. The respiratory downregulation elicited by TRAP1 interaction with SDH promotes tumorigenesis by priming the succinate-dependent stabilization of the proneoplastic transcription factor HIF1α independently of hypoxic conditions. These findings provide a mechanistic clue to explain the switch to aerobic glycolysis of tumors and identify TRAP1 as a promising antineoplastic target.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Carcinogenesis / metabolism
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation
  • HSP90 Heat-Shock Proteins / metabolism*
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit / metabolism
  • Mitochondria / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Oxygen Consumption
  • RNA Interference
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Succinate Dehydrogenase / antagonists & inhibitors*

Substances

  • HIF1A protein, human
  • HSP90 Heat-Shock Proteins
  • Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • TRAP1 protein, human
  • Succinate Dehydrogenase