Delta Np63 alpha expression is regulated by the phosphoinositide 3-kinase pathway

J Biol Chem. 2003 Dec 19;278(51):51408-14. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M309943200. Epub 2003 Oct 10.

Abstract

p63 is a homologue of p53 that functions to maintain progenitor cell populations in stratified epithelia. Delta Np63 alpha is overexpressed in epithelial cancers and has been shown to have oncogenic properties. We have previously reported that inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor signaling results in a decrease in Delta Np63 alpha expression. Here, we demonstrate Delta Np63 alpha is a target of the phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) pathway downstream of the epidermal growth factor receptor. Treatment of keratinocytes with epidermal growth factor results in an increase in Delta Np63 alpha expression at the mRNA level, which is abrogated by inhibition of PI3K but not mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling. Small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of the p110 beta catalytic subunit of PI3K results in a decrease in Delta Np63 alpha protein levels in keratinocytes. The results presented herein suggest that regulation of Delta Np63 alpha expression by the PI3K pathway plays a critical role in the survival and proliferative capacity of squamous epithelia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cells, Cultured
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / biosynthesis*
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Epidermal Growth Factor / pharmacology
  • Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Keratinocytes / metabolism
  • Keratinocytes / pathology
  • Neoplasms, Squamous Cell / etiology
  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases / physiology*
  • Phosphoinositide-3 Kinase Inhibitors
  • Protein Subunits / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Protein Subunits / physiology
  • RNA, Messenger / biosynthesis
  • RNA, Small Interfering / pharmacology

Substances

  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Phosphoinositide-3 Kinase Inhibitors
  • Protein Subunits
  • RNA, Messenger
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • L1Hs-encoded protein p40, human
  • Epidermal Growth Factor