Lkb1 deficiency causes prostate neoplasia in the mouse

Cancer Res. 2008 Apr 1;68(7):2223-32. doi: 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-07-5169.

Abstract

Mutation of LKB1 is the key molecular event underlying Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, a dominantly inherited condition characterized by a predisposition to a range of malignancies, including those of the reproductive system. We report here the use of a Cre-LoxP strategy to directly address the role of Lkb1 in prostate neoplasia. Recombination of a LoxP-flanked Lkb1 allele within all four murine prostate lobes was mediated by spontaneous activation of a p450 CYP1A1-driven Cre recombinase transgene (termed AhCre). Homozygous mutation of Lkb1 in males expressing AhCre reduced longevity, with 100% manifesting atypical hyperplasia and 83% developing prostate intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) of the anterior prostate within 2 to 4 months. We also observed focal hyperplasia of the dorsolateral and ventral lobes (61% and 56% incidence, respectively), bulbourethral gland cysts associated with atypical hyperplasia (100% incidence), hyperplasia of the urethra (39% incidence), and seminal vesicle squamous metaplasia (11% incidence). PIN foci overexpressed nuclear beta-catenin, p-Gsk3 beta, and downstream Wnt targets. Immunohistochemical analysis of foci also showed a reduction in Pten activation and up-regulation of both p-PDK1 (an AMPK kinase) and phosphorylated Akt. Our data are therefore consistent with deregulation of Wnt and phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt signaling cascades after loss of Lkb1 function. For the first time, this model establishes a link between the tumor suppressor Lkb1 and prostate neoplasia, highlighting a tumor suppressive role within the mouse and raising the possibility of a similar association in the human.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases
  • AMP-Activated Protein Kinases
  • Animals
  • Integrases / genetics
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Oncogene Protein v-akt / metabolism
  • PTEN Phosphohydrolase / metabolism
  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases / metabolism
  • Phosphorylation
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / enzymology*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / genetics
  • Protein Kinases / metabolism
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / deficiency*
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / genetics
  • Recombination, Genetic
  • Signal Transduction
  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases
  • Transgenes

Substances

  • Protein Kinases
  • MTOR protein, human
  • mTOR protein, mouse
  • Oncogene Protein v-akt
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases
  • Stk11 protein, mouse
  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases
  • AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases
  • AMP-Activated Protein Kinases
  • Cre recombinase
  • Integrases
  • PTEN Phosphohydrolase
  • Pten protein, mouse