Runx2 and MYC collaborate in lymphoma development by suppressing apoptotic and growth arrest pathways in vivo

Blyth, K. , Vaillant, F., Hanlon, L., Mackay, N., Bell, M., Jenkins, A., Neil, J.C. and Cameron, E.R. (2006) Runx2 and MYC collaborate in lymphoma development by suppressing apoptotic and growth arrest pathways in vivo. Cancer Research, 66(4), pp. 2195-2201. (doi: 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-05-3558) (PMID:16489021)

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Abstract

Members of the Runx and MYC families have been implicated as collaborating oncogenes. The mechanism of this potent collaboration is elucidated in this study of Runx2/MYC mice. As shown previously, ectopic expression of Runx2 in the thymus leads to a preneoplastic state defined by an accumulation of cells with an immature phenotype and a low proliferative rate. We now show that c-MYC overexpression is sufficient to rescue proliferation and to release the differentiation block imposed by Runx2. Analysis of Runx2-expressing lymphomas reveals a consistently low rate of apoptosis, in contrast to lymphomas of MYC mice which are often highly apoptotic. The low apoptosis phenotype is dominant in Runx2/MYC tumors, indicating that Runx2 confers a potent survival advantage to MYC-expressing tumor cells. The role of the p53 pathway in Runx2/MYC tumors was explored on a p53 heterozygote background. Surprisingly, functional p53 was retained in vivo, even after transplantation, whereas explanted tumor cells displayed rapid allele loss in vitro. Our results show that Runx2 and MYC overcome distinct “fail-safe” responses and that their selection as collaborating genes is due to their ability to neutralize each other's negative growth effect. Furthermore, the Runx2/MYC combination overcomes the requirement for genetic inactivation of the p53 pathway in vivo.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Bell, Mrs Margaret and Blyth, Professor Karen and Cameron, Professor Ewan and Neil, Professor James
Authors: Blyth, K., Vaillant, F., Hanlon, L., Mackay, N., Bell, M., Jenkins, A., Neil, J.C., and Cameron, E.R.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cancer Sciences
Journal Name:Cancer Research
Publisher:American Association for Cancer Research
ISSN:0008-5472
ISSN (Online):1538-7445
Published Online:17 February 2006

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