This proposal examines newly identified cellular roles for FOXO transcription factors in regulating stem cell- related gene expression and signal transduction in cancer. The phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K) pathway is almost universally mutated to an activate state in cancer to drive growth and survival. Partially redundant, evolutionarily conserved FOXO -1, -3 and -4 transcription factors are best known for hindering cell cycle progression and inducing apoptosis on the PI3K pathway. Canonically, PI3K indirectly inactivates FOXO factors. However, we found FOXO factors in the nucleus of PI3K-activated cancer cell lines such as U87MGs and BT549s, suggesting novel regulation and roles for these factors in these settings. Other researchers have found FOXO factors in the nucleus in contexts with activated PI3K (embryonic stem cells and DLBCL). To address the role of FOXO factors in PI3K-activated cancers such as U87MG, we utilized an innovative approach (CRISPR, corroborated with RNAi and overexpression studies). Our preliminary evidence indicated that FOXO3 disruption reduced the expression of stem cell-related genes in U87MGs such as OCT4 and SOX2, whereas exogenous FOXO3 induced these genes.
Aim 1 will identify mechanisms that promote FOXO nuclear localization in these novel contexts.
Aim 2 will define precise molecular mechanisms that are utilized by FOXO factors to induce the expression of stem cell-related genes in PI3K-activated cancers such as U87MG and BT549 cells.
These aims will be accomplished by employing qRT-PCR, western blot analyses, chromatin immuno-precipitation analyses, genomics approaches and confocal microscopy. The impact of FOXO factors on stem cell gene expression and signal transduction has broad ramifications to prevalent human diseases such as cancer, neurodegeneration, diabetes and aging. Proposed studies and research enhancement objectives will be conducted at the second largest Hispanic-serving Institution in the United States, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), which has not been a major recipient of NIH support. Funding and completion of these studies will increase research capabilities at UTRGV, which serves over 27,000 students who are 89% Hispanic thereby serving the mission of the SCORE Program.
The PI3K pathway is almost universally mutated to an active form in cancer leading to growth, survival and progression, canonically in part by inactivating FOXO tumor suppressors. Proposed studies are characterizing newly-discovered roles for FOXO proteins in promoting stem cell-related gene expression and signal transduction in PI3K-activated cancers that are associated with poor prognosis. Ultimately, redirecting FOXO output to induce apoptosis instead of promoting stem cell programs could prove to be an efficacious therapy. Work will be conducted at UTRGV, a Hispanic Serving Institution with over 27,000 students who are 89% Hispanic. Funding of this proposal will enhance research continuance for the PI and the research environment at UTRGV.
