TC1 (C8orf4) enhances the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway by relieving antagonistic activity of Chibby

Cancer Res. 2006 Jan 15;66(2):723-8. doi: 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-05-3124.

Abstract

The Wnt/beta-catenin pathway has been implicated in human cancers. Here, we show that TC1 (C8orf4), a small protein present in vertebrates, functions as a positive regulator of the pathway. TC1 interacts with Chibby (Cby) and thereby enhances the signaling pathway by relieving the antagonistic function of Cby on the beta-catenin-mediated transcription. Upon coexpression in mammalian cells, TC1 redistributes from nucleolus to nuclear speckles, where it colocalizes with Cby. TC1 up-regulates the expression of beta-catenin target genes that are implicated in invasiveness and aggressive behavior of cancers, such as metalloproteinases, laminin gamma2, and others. Our data indicate that TC1 is a novel upstream regulator of the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway that enhances aggressive behavior of cancers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Carrier Proteins / physiology*
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness
  • Neoplasm Proteins / physiology*
  • Nuclear Proteins / physiology*
  • Stomach Neoplasms / pathology
  • Up-Regulation
  • Wnt Proteins / metabolism*
  • beta Catenin / metabolism*

Substances

  • CBY1 protein, human
  • Carrier Proteins
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • TCIM protein, human
  • Wnt Proteins
  • beta Catenin