Essential, non-redundant roles of B-Raf and Raf-1 in Ras-driven skin tumorigenesis

Oncogene. 2013 May 9;32(19):2483-92. doi: 10.1038/onc.2012.254. Epub 2012 Jun 25.

Abstract

Ras-driven tumorigenesis is assumed to depend on Raf for ERK activation and proliferation; yet, an in vivo requirement for Raf as MEK/ERK activator in this setting has not been demonstrated to date. Here, we show that epidermis-restricted B-Raf ablation restrains the onset and stops the progression of established Ras-driven tumors by limiting MEK/ERK activation and proliferation. Concomitant elimination of B-Raf and Raf-1 enforces the abrupt regression of established tumors owing to the decrease in ERK activation and proliferation caused by B-Raf ablation combined with the ERK-independent increase in Rho-dependent kinase (Rok) signaling and differentiation triggered by Raf-1 inactivation. Thus, B-Raf and Raf-1 have non-redundant functions in Ras-driven tumorigenesis. Of note, Raf kinase inhibitors achieve impressive results in melanomas harboring oncogenic BRAF, but are ineffective against Ras-driven tumors; moreover, therapy-related skin tumors driven by a paradox ERK activation as well as primary and acquired resistance have been reported. Our results suggest that therapies targeting both Raf kinase-dependent and -independent pathways may be effective against a broader range of malignancies and reduce the risks of adverse effects and/or resistance.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / genetics
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf / genetics
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf / metabolism*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-raf / genetics
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-raf / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction
  • Skin Neoplasms / enzymology*
  • Skin Neoplasms / genetics
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology

Substances

  • BRAF protein, human
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-raf