Ajuba negatively regulates the Wnt signaling pathway by promoting GSK-3beta-mediated phosphorylation of beta-catenin

Oncogene. 2008 Jan 10;27(3):274-84. doi: 10.1038/sj.onc.1210644. Epub 2007 Jul 9.

Abstract

The Wnt signaling pathway is essential for embryonic development and carcinogenesis. Upon Wnt stimulation, beta-catenin is stabilized and associates with T-cell factor or lymphoid enhancing factor, thereby activating transcription of target genes. In the absence of Wnt stimulation, the level of beta-catenin is reduced via glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3beta-mediated phosphorylation and subsequent proteasome-dependent degradation. Here, we report the identification of Ajuba as a negative regulator of the Wnt signaling pathway. Ajuba is a member of LIM domain-containing proteins that contribute to cell fate determination and regulate cell proliferation and differentiation. We found that enforced expression of Ajuba destabilized beta-catenin and suppressed target gene expression. Ajuba promoted GSK-3beta-mediated phosphorylation of beta-catenin by reinforcing the association between beta-catenin and GSK-3beta. Furthermore, Wnt stimulation induced both accumulation of beta-catenin and destabilization of Ajuba. Our findings suggest that Ajuba is important for regulation of the Wnt signaling pathway.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 / metabolism*
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta
  • Homeodomain Proteins / analysis
  • Homeodomain Proteins / genetics
  • Homeodomain Proteins / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • LIM Domain Proteins
  • Phosphorylation
  • Protein Interaction Mapping
  • RNA, Small Interfering / genetics
  • RNA, Small Interfering / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction
  • Transcription, Genetic
  • Transcriptional Activation
  • Wnt Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Wnt Proteins / metabolism*
  • beta Catenin / analysis
  • beta Catenin / metabolism*

Substances

  • AJUBA protein, human
  • Homeodomain Proteins
  • LIM Domain Proteins
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Wnt Proteins
  • beta Catenin
  • GSK3B protein, human
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3