The AMPK-Related Kinases SIK1 and SIK3 Mediate Key Tumor-Suppressive Effects of LKB1 in NSCLC

Cancer Discov. 2019 Nov;9(11):1606-1627. doi: 10.1158/2159-8290.CD-18-1261. Epub 2019 Jul 26.

Abstract

Mutations in the LKB1 (also known as STK11) tumor suppressor are the third most frequent genetic alteration in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). LKB1 encodes a serine/threonine kinase that directly phosphorylates and activates 14 AMPK family kinases ("AMPKRs"). The function of many of the AMPKRs remains obscure, and which are most critical to the tumor-suppressive function of LKB1 remains unknown. Here, we combine CRISPR and genetic analysis of the AMPKR family in NSCLC cell lines and mouse models, revealing a surprising critical role for the SIK subfamily. Conditional genetic loss of Sik1 revealed increased tumor growth in mouse models of Kras-dependent lung cancer, which was further enhanced by loss of the related kinase Sik3. As most known substrates of the SIKs control transcription, gene-expression analysis was performed, revealing upregulation of AP1 and IL6 signaling in common between LKB1- and SIK1/3-deficient tumors. The SIK substrate CRTC2 was required for this effect, as well as for proliferation benefits from SIK loss. SIGNIFICANCE: The tumor suppressor LKB1/STK11 encodes a serine/threonine kinase frequently inactivated in NSCLC. LKB1 activates 14 downstream kinases in the AMPK family controlling growth and metabolism, although which kinases are critical for LKB1 tumor-suppressor function has remained an enigma. Here we unexpectedly found that two understudied kinases, SIK1 and SIK3, are critical targets in lung cancer.This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1469.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • A549 Cells
  • AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases
  • AMP-Activated Protein Kinases
  • Animals
  • CRISPR-Cas Systems
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / genetics
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / metabolism
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / pathology*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Gene Editing
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / genetics
  • Lung Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Mice
  • Neoplasm Transplantation
  • Protein Kinases / genetics
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / genetics
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / metabolism*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras) / genetics
  • Signal Transduction
  • Tumor Burden

Substances

  • Protein Kinases
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases
  • SIK1 protein, human
  • SIK3 protein, human
  • SIK3 protein, mouse
  • STK11 protein, human
  • Sik1 protein, mouse
  • Stk11 protein, mouse
  • AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases
  • AMP-Activated Protein Kinases
  • Hras protein, mouse
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)