title: A novel link between FMR gene and the JNK pathway provides clues to possible role in malignant pleural mesothelioma.
abstract: Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive form of thoracic cancer with poor prognosis. While some studies have identified the molecular alterations associated with MPM, little is known about their role in MPM. For example, fragile X mental retardation (FMR) gene is up-regulated in MPM but its role in MPM is unknown. Here, utilizing Drosophila genetics, I investigate the possible role FMR may be playing in MPM. I provide evidence which suggests that FMR may contribute to tumorigenesis by up-regulating a matrix metalloprotease (MMP) and by degrading the basement membrane (BM), both important for tumor metastasis. I also demonstrate a novel link between FMR and the JNK pathway and suggest that the effects of FMR in MPM could in part be mediated by up-regulation of the JNK pathway.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology and Biotechnology Center, Western Kentucky University, 1906 College Heights Boulevard, TCCW 351, Bowling Green, KY 42101, USA.
authors.forename: Ajay
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Srivastava
keywords: BM, basement membrane; Drosophila; FMR, fragile X mental retardation gene; Fragile X mental retardation gene; Imaginal disc; JNK pathway; JNK, Jun N-terminal kinase; MMP, matrix metalloprotease; MPM, malignant pleural mesothelioma; Malignant pleural mesothelioma; Matrix metalloprotease; UAS, upstream activation sequence; dFMR, Drosophila fragile X mental retardation gene