The mouse model of skin carcinogenesis has served to investigate the multistage nature of tumorigenesis and to identify novel oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, as well as signaling pathways relevant in cancer. In the classic two-stage carcinogenesis model, Ras is activated by mutations induced by a carcinogen, and subsequent treatment with phorbol esters induces tumor promotion. However, the mechanisms that lead to tumor formation of cells initiated by Ras -and the participation of phorbol ester signaling pathways- are still poorly understood. Using the mouse skin model, we have identified RasGRP1 as a novel regulator of skin carcinogenesis. RasGRP1 links phorbol esters and Ras, since it is both, a high affinity phorbol ester receptor and a Ras activator. Using genetically modified mice we have shown that RasGRP1 participates in tumor initiation and progression in the two-stage carcinogenesis model through the biochemical activation of wild type Ras. Additionally, transgenic mice overexpressing RasGRP1 in the epidermis are prone to develop skin tumors spontaneously. Taken together, we hypothesize that RasGRP1 participates in carcinogenesis by mediating biochemical Ras activation and cooperating with oncogenic Ras in tumor formation. In this application, we propose to identify the mechanisms of cooperation between Ras and RasGRP1 during skin carcinogenesis, both in the absence and presence of Ras oncogenic mutations. In addition, we plan to extend our observation in mouse models to a human model using the 3-D organotypic culture of human skin.
The specific aims are: (1) Determine the mechanism of tumorigenesis induced by RasGRP1 in the absence of Ras oncogenic mutations: following findings from our recent studies on wounding-induced tumors in the RasGRP1 transgenic mice, we will focus on the potential role of cytokines and EGFR ligands in activation of the RasGRP1-Ras axis in the skin; (2) Investigate the cooperation between RasGRP1 and oncogenic Ras in tumor progression in the skin: our hypothesis is that RasGRP1 activates wild type Ras isoforms, particularly N-Ras, and cooperates with oncogenic Ras in tumor progression; and (3) Elucidate the role of RasGRP1 in human keratinocyte homeostasis and transformation: we will use human in vitro models to validate and understand the functions of RasGRP1 in carcinogenesis. The significance of the studies is that the identification of RasGRP1 as a relevant target in Ras modulation in carcinogenesis can be used to develop new interventions for chemoprevention and/or cancer therapy. Moreover, the findings derived from this proposal should also contribute to advance our understanding of Ras signaling pathways beyond skin carcinogenesis, and may have applications to other systems where RasGRP1 is also expressed.
The Ras proto-oncogene and its signaling pathways have been recognized to play a major role in human tumors; understanding the mechanisms governing these pathways may provide new molecular targets for therapeutic intervention in cancer. We have recently identified a novel Ras activator -RasGRP1- in the epidermal keratinocytes, which are the cells of origin of non-melanoma skin cancer. Using mouse models, we found that RasGRP1 participates in skin carcinogenesis. The studies we propose in this application will serve to identify the mechanisms of RasGRP1 tumorigenic effects. In addition, the results derived from the studies will contribute to our understanding of the control of Ras signaling pathways during tumor initiation, promotion and progression.
