Runt-related transcription factor RUNX3 is a target of MDM2-mediated ubiquitination

Abstract

The p14ARF-MDM2-p53 pathway constitutes an effective mechanism for protecting cells from oncogenic stimuli such as activated Ras and Myc. Importantly, Ras activation induces p14ARF andoft en occurs earlier than p53 inactivation during cancer development. Here, we show that RUNX3, a tumor suppressor in various tumors including stomach, bladder, colon, andlung, is stabilizedby Ras activation through the p14ARF-MDM2 signaling pathway. RUNX3 directly binds MDM2 through its Runt-related DNA-binding domain. MDM2 blocks RUNX3 transcriptional activity by interacting with RUNX3 through an acidic domain adjacent to the p53-binding domain of MDM2 andubiquitinat es RUNX3 on key lysine residues to mediate nuclear export and proteasomal degradation. Our data indicate that the lineage-specific tumor suppressor RUNX3 andthe ubiquitous p53 protein are both principal responders of the p14 ARF-MDM2 cell surveillance pathway that prevents pathologic consequences of abnormal oncogene activation. ©2009 American Association for Cancer Research.