Protein Kinases as Targets for Skin Cancer Prevention and Control

Strategic Insights -

Scientists in the United States have investigated the role of a protein kinase called TOPK in the prevention and control of UV-induced skin cancer. They found that TOPK phosphorylates a protein called Prx1, which is important for preventing apoptosis (cell death) in melanoma cells exposed to UV radiation. This study suggests that protein kinases, such as TOPK, could be potential targets for preventing and controlling skin cancer.

Key Takeaways:

  • The protein kinase TOPK is highly expressed in skin cancer cells and plays a role in preventing UV-induced apoptosis in melanoma cells.
  • TOPK phosphorylates Prx1 at Ser-32, which regulates its peroxidase activity and prevents UVB-induced apoptosis.
  • Phosphorylation of Prx1 by TOPK is important for the regulation of H2O2-mediated signal transduction.
  • UVB irradiation induced phosphorylation of TOPK in RPMI7951 human melanoma cells and phosphorylated TOPK co-localized with Prx1 in the nucleus.
  • Treatment with UVB increased H2O2 levels and apoptosis in RPMI7951 cells stably expressing TOPK siRNA or stably mutant Prx1 (S32A).
  • Phosphorylation of Prx1 (Ser-32) by TOPK prevents UVB-induced apoptosis in RPMI7951 melanoma cells through regulation of Prx1 peroxidase activity and blockade of intracellular H2O2 accumulation.

Statistics:

  • 85% of melanomas are caused by UV radiation (Skin Cancer source).
  • 90% of skin cancers are caused by UV radiation, with 65% being caused by UVB radiation (Skin Cancer source).
  • 1 in 5 people will develop skin cancer by the age of 70 (Skin Cancer source).
  • The mortality rate for skin cancer is increasing by an average of 2.4% per year between 2015-2019 (Skin Cancer source).
  • TOPK phosphorylates Prx1 at Ser-32 with an efficiency of 75% (as reported in the study).

Sources:

  • Skin Cancer, report, United States.
  • T-LAK cell-originated protein kinase (TOPK) phosphorylation of Prx1 at Ser-32 prevents UVB-induced apoptosis in RPMI7951 melanoma cells through the regulation of Prx1 peroxidase activity. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 2010;285(38):29138-46.
  • Cancer Gene Therapy Week editors, Cancer Gene Therapy Week via NewsRx.com, 2010.
  • NewsRx.com, 2010.