STK11 (LKB1) missense somatic mutant isoforms promote tumor growth, motility and inflammation

Abstract

Genètica del càncer; Càncer de pulmó; Oncògens

Genética del cáncer; Cáncer de pulmón; Oncogenes

Cancer genetics; Lung cancer; Oncogenes

Elucidating the contribution of somatic mutations to cancer is essential for personalized medicine. STK11 (LKB1) appears to be inactivated in human cancer. However, somatic missense mutations also occur, and the role/s of these alterations to this disease remain unknown. Here, we investigated the contribution of four missense LKB1 somatic mutations in tumor biology. Three out of the four mutants lost their tumor suppressor capabilities and showed deficient kinase activity. The remaining mutant retained the enzymatic activity of wild type LKB1, but induced increased cell motility. Mechanistically, LKB1 mutants resulted in differential gene expression of genes encoding vesicle trafficking regulating molecules, adhesion molecules and cytokines. The differentially regulated genes correlated with protein networks identified through comparative secretome analysis. Notably, three mutant isoforms promoted tumor growth, and one induced inflammation-like features together with dysregulated levels of cytokines. These findings uncover oncogenic roles of LKB1 somatic mutations, and will aid in further understanding their contributions to cancer development and progression.

This work was supported by funds from the Spanish Health Ministry (Fondo de Investigaciones Sanitarias-FIS) PI1400375-Fondos FEDER, PI17/00043-Fondos FEDER, Euronanomed2-ISCIII (AC16/00019)-Fondos FEDER, Asociación Española Contra el Cancer (AECC-GCB15152978SOEN) supported PGM, KM., Ramón Areces Foundation supported KM and research.