Suppressive function of RKTG on chemical carcinogen-induced skin carcinogenesis in mouse

Carcinogenesis. 2008 Aug;29(8):1632-8. doi: 10.1093/carcin/bgn139. Epub 2008 Jun 10.

Abstract

Raf kinase trapping to Golgi (RKTG) is a newly characterized negative regulator of the Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK signaling pathway via sequestrating Raf-1 to the Golgi apparatus. However, little is known about the physiological functions of RKTG in mitogenic pathway and carcinogenesis. Here, we describe a suppressive role of RKTG in skin carcinogenesis by analyzing chemical carcinogen-induced tumorigenesis. Epidermis hyperplasia and proliferation are increased in RKTG-deficient mice (RKTG(-/-)) after acute treatment with 7, 12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). Using a two-stage DMBA/TPA carcinogenesis protocol on mouse skin, the number and size of papillomas are increased in RKTG(-/-) mice, accompanied by shortened tumor latency and enhanced keratinocyte proliferation. The regression of the carcinogen-induced tumors is also prolonged in RKTG(-/-) mice. Consistently, the levels of Raf-1 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation in primary keratinocytes as well as skin tumors are elevated when RKTG is disrupted. Collectively, our results indicate that RKTG has a suppressive activity in chemical carcinogen-induced mitogenesis and tumor formation in mouse skin.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anticarcinogenic Agents
  • Bromodeoxyuridine
  • Carcinogens / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Carcinogens / toxicity*
  • Cell Division
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / deficiency*
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / genetics*
  • Keratinocytes / cytology
  • Keratinocytes / physiology
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Skin Neoplasms / chemically induced*
  • Skin Neoplasms / genetics
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology
  • Skin Neoplasms / prevention & control*
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins* / physiology

Substances

  • Anticarcinogenic Agents
  • Carcinogens
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Membrane Proteins
  • RKTG protein, mouse
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins
  • Bromodeoxyuridine