title: Impaired inhibition of NF-kappaB activity by melanoma-associated p16INK4a mutations.
abstract: The cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p16INK4a has been identified as tumor suppressor and melanoma predisposition gene. While its cell cycle inhibitory ability is important in protecting cells from uncontrolled growth and possible tumor formation, other functions of p16INK4a are likely to contribute to its nature as a tumor suppressor. p16INK4a binding and inhibition of the transcription factor NF-kappaB has been shown and is consistent with the reports of abnormally increased NF-kappaB activity in various cancers including melanoma. Here, we present evidence that wild type p16INK4a binds to the NF-kappaB subunit RelA more efficiently than melanoma-associated p16INK4a mutations. Furthermore, whereas wild type p16INK4a strongly inhibits NF-kappaB transcriptional activity, a subset of melanoma-associated p16INK4a mutants show reduced NF-kappaB inhibitory function. p16INK4a does not affect NF-kappaB nuclear translocation or DNA binding, suggesting a mechanism that reduces NF-kappaB transactivation activity.
authors.affiliation: Westmead Institute for Cancer Research, University of Sydney, Westmead Millennium Institute, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia. therese_becker@wmi.usyd.edu.au
authors.forename: T M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Becker
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Rizos
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: de la Pena
authors.forename: I A
authors.initials: IA
authors.lastname: Leclercq
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Woodruff
authors.forename: R F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Kefford
authors.forename: G J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Mann
mesh_terms: D021581:Active Transport, Cell Nucleus; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D019941:Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p16 / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm / Q000378:metabolism; D019942:Genes, p16; D014644:Genetic Variation; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008545:Melanoma / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*; D009154:Mutation; D016328:NF-kappa B / Q000378:metabolism*; D011485:Protein Binding; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D051996:Transcription Factor RelA; D015533:Transcriptional Activation; D020798:Two-Hybrid System Techniques
chemical_list: D019941:Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p16; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm; D016328:NF-kappa B; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D051996:Transcription Factor RelA