Uncoupling of the LKB1-AMPKα Energy Sensor Pathway by Growth Factors and Oncogenic BRAFV600E
2009

How Growth Factors Affect Melanoma Cells

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Esteve-Puig Rosaura, Canals Francesc, Colomé Núria, Merlino Glenn, Recio Juan Ángel

Primary Institution: Vall d'Hebron Research Institute-VHIO

Hypothesis

The study investigates the role of LKB1 in the interaction between the RAS pathway and growth factors in melanoma development.

Conclusion

The study shows that oncogenic BRAFV600E leads to the uncoupling of LKB1-AMPKα complexes, which may contribute to resistance to metabolic stress in melanoma cells.

Supporting Evidence

  • Melanoma cells with BRAFV600E mutations show limited response to metabolic stress.
  • Inhibition of the RAS pathway restores the LKB1-AMPKα pathway response.
  • Growth factor treatment leads to the dissociation of LKB1-AMPKα complexes.

Takeaway

This research helps us understand how certain signals in melanoma cells can make them grow uncontrollably and resist stress, which could help in finding new treatments.

Methodology

The study used a UV-induced HGF transgenic mouse melanoma model and various molecular techniques to analyze the phosphorylation of LKB1.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0004771

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