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AKT signalling is required for ribosomal RNA synthesis and progression of E μ‐ Myc B ‐cell lymphoma in vivo
Author(s) -
Devlin Jennifer R.,
Hannan Katherine M.,
Ng Pui Y.,
Bywater Megan J.,
Shortt Jake,
Cullinane Carleen,
McArthur Grant A.,
Johnstone Ricky W.,
Hannan Ross D.,
Pearson Richard B.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
the febs journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.981
H-Index - 204
eISSN - 1742-4658
pISSN - 1742-464X
DOI - 10.1111/febs.12135
Subject(s) - ribosome biogenesis , protein kinase b , pi3k/akt/mtor pathway , cancer research , biology , cell growth , microbiology and biotechnology , signal transduction , ribosome , rna , genetics , gene
The dysregulation of PI3K/AKT/ mTORC 1 signalling and/or hyperactivation of MYC are observed in a high proportion of human cancers, and together they form a ‘super signalling’ network mediating malignancy. A fundamental downstream action of this signalling network is up‐regulation of ribosome biogenesis and subsequent alterations in the patterns of translation and increased protein synthesis, which are thought to be critical for AKT/MYC‐driven oncogenesis. We have demonstrated that AKT and MYC cooperate to drive ribosomal DNA ( rDNA ) transcription and ribosome biogenesis, with AKT being essential for rDNA transcription and in vitro survival of lymphoma cells isolated from a MYC‐driven model of B‐cell lymphoma (Eμ‐ Myc ) [Chan JC et al ., (2011) Science Signalling 4 , ra56]. Here we show that the allosteric AKT inhibitor MK‐2206 rapidly and potently antagonizes rDNA transcription in Eμ‐ Myc B‐cell lymphomas in vivo , and this is associated with a rapid reduction in indicators of disease burden, including spleen weight and the abundance of tumour cells in both the circulation and lymph nodes. Extended treatment of tumour‐bearing mice with MK‐2206 resulted in a significant delay in disease progression, associated with increased B‐cell lymphoma apoptosis. Our findings suggest that malignant diseases characterized by unrestrained ribosome biogenesis may be vulnerable to therapeutic strategies that target the PI3K/AKT/ mTORC 1/MYC growth control network.