The RASSF1A tumor suppressor activates Bax via MOAP-1

J Biol Chem. 2006 Feb 24;281(8):4557-63. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M512128200. Epub 2005 Dec 12.

Abstract

The novel tumor suppressor RASSF1A is frequently inactivated during human tumorigenesis by promoter methylation. RASSF1A may serve as a node in the integration of signaling pathways controlling a range of critical cellular functions including cell cycle, genomic instability, and apoptosis. The mechanism of action of RASSF1A remains under investigation. We now identify a novel pathway connecting RASSF1A to Bax via the Bax binding protein MOAP-1. RASSF1A and MOAP-1 interact directly, and this interaction is enhanced by the presence of activated K-Ras. RASSF1A can activate Bax via MOAP-1. Moreover, activated K-Ras, RASSF1A, and MOAP-1 synergize to induce Bax activation and cell death. Analysis of a tumor-derived point mutant of RASSF1A showed that the mutant was defective for the MOAP-1 interaction and for Bax activation. Moreover, inhibition of RASSF1A by shRNA impaired the ability of K-Ras to activate Bax. Thus, we identify a novel pro-apoptotic pathway linking K-Ras, RASSF1A and Bax that is specifically impaired in some human tumors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / metabolism*
  • Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins / metabolism*
  • Apoptosis*
  • Blotting, Western
  • Cell Death
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • DNA / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic*
  • Genes, ras / genetics
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Plasmids / metabolism
  • Point Mutation
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • RNA / chemistry
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction
  • Transfection
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / genetics*
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / metabolism
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / physiology*
  • Two-Hybrid System Techniques
  • bcl-2-Associated X Protein / metabolism*
  • ras Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins
  • MOAP1 protein, human
  • RASSF1 protein, human
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins
  • bcl-2-Associated X Protein
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins
  • RNA
  • DNA
  • ras Proteins