DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit modulates the stability of c-Myc oncoprotein
2008

DNA-PKcs and c-Myc Protein Stability in Cancer Cells

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): An Jing, Yang Dong-Yan, Xu Qin-Zhi, Zhang Shi-Meng, Huo Yan-Ying, Shang Zeng-Fu, Wang Yu, Wu De-Chang, Zhou Ping-Kun

Primary Institution: Department of Radiation Toxicology and Oncology, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, P R China

Hypothesis

DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) modulates the stability of c-Myc oncoprotein.

Conclusion

DNA-PKcs is necessary for maintaining genomic stability, and its abnormal overexpression may contribute to cell proliferation and oncogenic transformation by stabilizing c-Myc.

Supporting Evidence

  • Silencing DNA-PKcs led to decreased c-Myc protein levels in HeLa and HepG2 cells.
  • DNA-PKcs deficient glioma cells had lower c-Myc levels compared to DNA-PKcs efficient cells.
  • Overexpression of DNA-PKcs in normal liver cells increased c-Myc levels and cell proliferation.

Takeaway

DNA-PKcs helps keep a protein called c-Myc stable, which is important for cell growth. If there's too much DNA-PKcs, it can lead to problems like cancer.

Methodology

The study involved silencing DNA-PKcs in various cancer cell lines using siRNA and analyzing the effects on c-Myc protein levels and cell proliferation.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1476-4598-7-32

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