Constitutive activation of the Raf-MAPK pathway causes negative feedback inhibition of Ras-PI3K-AKT and cellular arrest through the EphA2 receptor

Oncogene. 2008 May 1;27(20):2934-40. doi: 10.1038/sj.onc.1210957. Epub 2007 Dec 3.

Abstract

The Raf-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-AKT pathways are two downstream effectors of the small GTPase Ras. Although both pathways are positively regulated by Ras, the Raf-MAPK and PI3K-AKT pathways have been shown to control opposing functions within the cell, suggesting a need for cross-talk regulation. The PI3K-AKT pathway can inhibit the Raf-MAPK pathway directly during processes such as muscle differentiation. Here we describe the ability of the Raf-MAPK pathway to negatively regulate the PI3K-AKT pathway during cellular arrest. Constitutive activation of Raf or methyl ethyl ketone 1 (MEK1) leads to inhibition of AKT and cellular arrest. Furthermore, we show that activation of Raf-MEK1 signaling causes negative feedback inhibition of Ras through the ephrin receptor EphA2. EphA2-mediated negative feedback inhibition is required for Raf-induced AKT inhibition and cell cycle arrest, therefore establishing the inhibition of the Ras-PI3K-AKT pathway as a necessary event for the Raf-MEK1-regulated cellular arrest.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Cycle / physiology
  • Enzyme Activation / physiology
  • Feedback, Physiological / physiology*
  • MAP Kinase Signaling System / physiology*
  • Mice
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / metabolism*
  • NIH 3T3 Cells
  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases / physiology
  • Phosphoinositide-3 Kinase Inhibitors*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt / physiology
  • Receptor, EphA2 / physiology*
  • raf Kinases / metabolism*
  • ras Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • ras Proteins / physiology

Substances

  • Phosphoinositide-3 Kinase Inhibitors
  • Receptor, EphA2
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt
  • raf Kinases
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases
  • ras Proteins