Mas Oncogene Signaling and Transformation Require the Small GTP-Binding Protein Rac

• DOI: 10.1128/mcb.18.3.1225
• Publication Date: 2015-10-10T00:30:45Z
• Authors: Irene E. Zohn; Marc Symons; Magdalena Chrzano...; John K. Westwick; Channing J. Der
• Keywords: Rac GTP-Binding Proteins; 3T3 cells; Membrane ruffling

The Mas oncogene encodes a novel G-protein-coupled receptor that was identified originally as transforming protein when overexpressed in NIH 3T3 cells. mechanism and signaling pathways mediate transformation have not been determined. We observed the foci of transformed cells caused by were similar to those activated Rho Rac proteins. Therefore, we determined if are mediated through activation specific family protein. First, that, like Rac1, cooperated with Raf synergistic Second, both Mas- Rac1-transformed retained actin stress fibers showed enhanced membrane ruffling. Third, Rac, induced lamellipodium formation porcine aortic endothelial Fourth, Rac1 strongly JNK p38, but ERK, mitogen-activated kinases. Fifth, stimulated transcription from common DNA promoter elements: NF-κB, serum response factor (SRF), Jun/ATF-2, cyclin D1 promoter. Finally, some (SRF NF-κB activation) blocked dominant negative Rac1. Taken together, these observations suggest is part Rac-dependent pathways. Thus, proteins mediators diverse variety include Ras, Dbl family,