The oncogenic transcription factor ERG represses the transcription of the tumour suppressor gene PTEN in prostate cancer cells

Adamo, Patricia; Porazinski, Sean; Rajatileka, Shavanthi; Jumbe, Samantha; Hagen, Rachel; Wilson, Ian D; Cheung, Man Kim; Ladomery, Michael

Abstract

© 2017, Spandidos Publications. All rights reserved. The oncogene ETS-related gene (ERG) encodes a transcription factor with roles in the regulation of haematopoiesis, angiogenesis, vasculogenesis, inflammation, migration and invasion. The ERG oncogene is activated in >50% of prostate cancer cases, generally through a gene fusion with the androgen-responsive promoter of transmembrane protease serine 2. Phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) is an important tumour suppressor gene that is often inactivated in cancer. ERG overexpression combined with PTEN inactivation or loss is often associated with aggressive prostate cancer. The present study aimed to determine whether or not ERG regulates PTEN transcription directly. ERG was demonstrated to bind to the PTEN promoter and repress its transcription. ERG overexpression reduced endogenous PTEN expression, whereas ERG knockdown increased PTEN expression. The ability of ERG to repress PTEN may contribute to a more cancer-permissive environment.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jul 1, 2017
• Online Publication Date: Aug 28, 2017
• Publication Date: Nov 1, 2017
• Deposit Date: Aug 25, 2017
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 28, 2018
• Journal: Oncology Letters
• Print ISSN: 1792-1074
• Electronic ISSN: 1792-1082
• Publisher: Spandidos Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 14
• Issue: 5
• Pages: 5605-5610
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3892/ol.2017.6841
• Keywords: oncogenic transcription factor, ERG, tumour suppressor gene, PTEN, prostate cancer, cells
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/884655
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.3892/ol.2017.6841
• Contract Date: Sep 7, 2017