Title: Non-canonical functions of SNAIL drive context-specific progression
Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT: SNAIL is a key transcriptional regulator in embryonic development and cancer. Its effects in physiology and disease are believed to be linked to its role as a master regulator of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Here, we report EMT-independent oncogenic SNAIL functions in cancer. Using genetic models, we systematically interrogated SNAIL effects in various oncogenic backgrounds and tissue types. SNAIL related phenotypes displayed remarkable tissue- and genetic context-dependencies, ranging from protective effects as observed in KRAS- or WNT-driven intestinal cancers, to dramatic acceleration of tumorigenesis, as shown in KRAS-induced pancreatic cancer. Unexpectedly, SNAIL-driven oncogenesis was not associated with E-cadherin downregulation or induction of an overt EMT program. Instead, we show that SNAIL induces bypass of senescence and cell cycle progression through p16INK4A-independent inactivation of the Retinoblastoma (RB)-restriction checkpoint. Collectively, our work identifies novel non-canonical EMT-independent functions of SNAIL and unravel its complex context-dependent role in cancer.
INSTRUMENT(S): Q Exactive HF
ORGANISM(S): Mus Musculus (mouse)
TISSUE(S): Cell Culture
SUBMITTER: Tanja Bange
LAB HEAD: Maria S. Robles
PROVIDER: PXD038726 | Pride | 2022-12-13
REPOSITORIES: Pride
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