The Mechanisms of PKM2-Regulated Gene Expression in Tumor Development.

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DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Pyruvate kinase isozyme type M2 (PKM2), which regulates the rate-limiting final step of glycolysis, is instrumental in tumorigenesis. In additionto its well-studied role in cell metabolism, PKM2 promotes cell proliferation though an unknown mechanism. Our recent published and preliminary data show that activation of EGFR results in PKM2 translocation into the nucleus, where PKM2 interacts with ¿-catenin and mediates ¿-catenin-transactivation. In addition, PKM2 phosphorylates histone H3 and Bub3, subsequently regulating gene transcription and cell mitosis, respectively. We hypothesize that PKM2 has an essential role in controlling gene expression and different phases of cell cycle progression, which is instrumental in EGFR activation-promoted tumor development. In Specific Aim 1, we will further elucidate the mechanisms underlying PKM2-mediated gene transcription and identify PKM2-regulated expression of genes in cancer cells by genome-wide screening. In Specific Aim 2, we will elucidate the mechanisms underlying PKM2-regulated chromosome segregation. In Specific Aim 3, we will determine the role of PKM2- regulated gene transcription and chromosome segregation in EGFR-promoted tumorigenesis. We expect that our proposed research will provide important and previously unrevealed mechanisms of EGFR-promoted tumor development via nonmetabolic functions of PKM2. Building on our findings, therapeutic strategies targeting PKM2-regulated gene expression may be developed to enhance current EGFR-based cancer therapies.