Abstract A43: RUNX3 and pRB form a complex and regulate restriction-point commitment

Throughout the cell cycle, a cell monitors cumulative exposure to specific signals over time and makes a critical decision to pass through the restriction (R) point. Although the R-point decision is fundamental to normal differentiation and G1-S transition, the mechanism for the decision has been poorly understood. RUNX3 functions as a tumor suppressor and is frequently inactivated by DNA hyper-methylation in the stomach, bladder, colon, and lung. Recently, we have shown that adenovirus-Cre infected LSL-K-RasG12D mice induced lung adenocarcinoma (ADC) in prolonged latency (median survival, 220 days) and Runx3f/f/LSL-K-RasG12D mice rapidly induced ADC (median survival, 79 days), indicating a strong tumor suppressor activity of Runx3 against oncogenic K-Ras (Lee et., 2013. Cancer Cell. 2013 Vol. 24, pp 603-616). In the present study, we found that targeted disruption of Runx3 results in a delay in pRB phosphorylation and cell cycle progression through the R-point in mouse embryonic fibroblast cells. During the R-point interval, RUNX3 transiently formed a complex with pRB and BRD2 and induced Cdkn1a (p21Waf1/Cip1/Sdi1; p21). The complex was dissociated when by Cyclin D1 which was induced 4 hours after serum stimulation and p21 expression was turned off. However, oncogenic K-Ras maintained the complex. These results identify the series of molecular events associated with R-point commitment and provide an insight into the relationship between R-point commitment and oncogene surveillance. Note: This abstract was not presented at the conference. Citation Format: Xin-Zi Chi, You-Soub Lee, Jung-Won Lee, You-Mie Lee, Yoshiaki Ito, Suk-Chul Bae. RUNX3 and pRB form a complex and regulate restriction-point commitment. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on RAS Oncogenes: From Biology to Therapy; Feb 24-27, 2014; Lake Buena Vista, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2014;12(12 Suppl):Abstract nr A43. doi: 10.1158/1557-3125.RASONC14-A43