KNSTRN promotes tumorigenesis and gemcitabine resistance by activating AKT in bladder cancer

Oncogene. 2021 Mar;40(9):1595-1608. doi: 10.1038/s41388-020-01634-z. Epub 2021 Jan 15.

Abstract

KNSTRN is a component of the mitotic spindle, which was rarely investigated in tumorigenesis. AKT plays an essential role in tumorigenesis by modulating the phosphorylation of various substrates. The activation of AKT is regulated by PTEN and PIP3. Here, we prove KNSTRN is positively correlated with malignancy of bladder cancer and KNSTRN activates AKT phosphorylation at Thr308 and Ser473. More importantly, our study reveals that both KNSTRN and PTEN interact with PH domain of AKT at cell membrane. The amount of KNSTRN interacted with AKT is negatively related to PTEN. Furthermore, PIP3 pull-down assay proves that KNSTRN promoted AKT movement to PIP3. These data suggest KNSTRN may activate AKT phosphorylation by promoting AKT movement to PIP3 and alleviating PTEN suppression. Based on the activation of AKT phosphorylation, our study demonstrates that KNSTRN promotes bladder cancer metastasis and gemcitabine resistance in vitro and in vivo. Meanwhile, the effect of KNSTRN on tumorigenesis and gemcitabine resistance could be restored by AKT specific inhibitor MK2206 or AKT overexpression. In conclusion, we identify an oncogene KNSTRN that promotes tumorigenesis and gemcitabine resistance by activating AKT phosphorylation and may serve as a therapeutic target in bladder cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Apoptosis / drug effects
  • Carcinogenesis / drug effects*
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / genetics*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Movement / drug effects
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Deoxycytidine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Deoxycytidine / pharmacology
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm / genetics
  • Gemcitabine
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / drug effects
  • Heterocyclic Compounds, 3-Ring / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins / genetics*
  • Oncogene Protein v-akt / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Oncogene Protein v-akt / genetics*
  • Phosphorylation / drug effects
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / genetics
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / pathology

Substances

  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • Heterocyclic Compounds, 3-Ring
  • KNSTRN protein, human
  • MK 2206
  • Microtubule-Associated Proteins
  • Deoxycytidine
  • Oncogene Protein v-akt
  • Gemcitabine