Citation
- Authors: Peng, C., Zhu, F., Wen, W., Yao, K., Li, S., Zykova, T., Liu, K., Li, X., Ma, W. Y., Bode, A. M., Dong, Z.
- Year: 2012
- Journal: J Biol Chem 287 25881-92
- Applications: in vitro / DNA / jetPEI
- Cell type: HeLa
Description: Human cervix epitheloid carcinoma cells
Abstract
TRAF2 has an important function in mediating the TNF-R signaling pathway toward activation of NF-kappaB and JNKs. Here we reveal a novel function of TRAF2 in the epidermal growth factor (EGF) signaling pathway. Knockdown of TRAF2 blocked EGF-induced AP-1 activity and anchorage- independent cell transformation. Notably, we showed that EGF induces ribosomal S6 kinase 2 (RSK2) ubiquitination, and knocking down TRAF2 suppresses ubiquitination of RSK2 induced by EGF. We also found that TRAF2 affects RSK2 activity through RSK2 ubiquitination. RSK2 plays a critical role in AP-1 activity mediated through CREB and c-Fos, which regulates anchorage-independent cell transformation. In addition, TRAF2 is overexpressed in colon cancer and required for colon cancer development, suggesting that TRAF2 might be a potential molecular target for cancer prevention and treatment.