DNAJB6 chaperones PP2A mediated dephosphorylation of GSK3? to downregulate ?-catenin transcription target, osteopontin.
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ABSTRACT: Elevated levels of the oncoprotein, osteopontin (OPN), are associated with poor outcome of several types of cancers including melanoma. We have previously reported an important involvement of DNAJB6, a member of heat-shock protein 40 (HSP40) family, in negatively impacting tumor growth. The current study was prompted by our observations reported here which revealed a reciprocal relationship between DNAJB6 and OPN in melanoma specimens. The 'J domain' is the most conserved domain of HSP40 family of proteins. Hence, we assessed the functional role of the J domain in activities of DNAJB6. We report that the J domain of DNAJB6 is involved in mediating OPN suppression. Deletion of the J domain renders DNAJB6 incapable of impeding malignancy and suppressing OPN. Our mechanistic investigations reveal that DNAJB6 binds HSPA8 (heat-shock cognate protein, HSC70) and causes dephosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase 3? (GSK3?) at Ser 9 by recruiting protein phosphatase, PP2A. This dephosphorylation activates GSK3?, leading to degradation of ?-catenin and subsequent loss of TCF/LEF (T cell factor1/lymphoid enhancer factor1) activity. Deletion of the J domain abrogates assembly of this multiprotein complex and renders GSK3? inactive, thus, stabilizing ?-catenin, a transcription co-activator for OPN expression. Our in-vitro and in-vivo functional analyses show that silencing OPN expression in the background of deletion of the J domain renders the resultant tumor cells less malignant despite the presence of stabilized ?-catenin. Thus, we have uncovered a new mechanism for regulation of GSK3? activity leading to inhibition of Wnt/?-catenin signaling.
SUBMITTER: Mitra A
PROVIDER: S-EPMC3717376 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Oct
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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