The tumor suppressor PP2A Abeta regulates the RalA GTPase

Cell. 2007 Jun 1;129(5):969-82. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2007.03.047.

Abstract

The serine-threonine protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is a heterotrimeric enzyme family that regulates numerous signaling pathways. Biallelic mutations of the structural PP2A Abeta subunit occur in several types of human tumors; however, the functional consequences of these cancer-associated PP2A Abeta mutations in cell transformation remain undefined. Here we show that suppression of PP2A Abeta expression permits immortalized human cells to achieve a tumorigenic state. Cancer-associated Abeta mutants fail to reverse tumorigenic phenotype induced by PP2A Abeta suppression, indicating that these mutants function as null alleles. Wild-type PP2A Abeta but not cancer-derived Abeta mutants form a complex with the small GTPase RalA. PP2A Abeta-containing complexes dephosphorylate RalA at Ser183 and Ser194, inactivating RalA and abolishing its transforming function. These observations identify PP2A Abeta as a tumor suppressor gene that transforms immortalized human cells by regulating the function of RalA.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alleles
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic
  • Genes, Tumor Suppressor*
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms
  • Mutation
  • Neoplasm Proteins / genetics
  • Neoplasm Proteins / metabolism*
  • Phosphorylation
  • Protein Phosphatase 2
  • ral GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • PPP2R1B protein, human
  • Protein Phosphatase 2
  • RALA protein, human
  • ral GTP-Binding Proteins