Potent p53-independent tumor suppressor activity of ARF in melanoma-genesis

Loss of ARF sensitizes transgenic BRAFV600E mice to UV-induced melanoma via suppression of XPC

Both genetic mutations and UV irradiation (UVR) can predispose individuals to melanoma. Although BRAF(V600E) is the most prevalent oncogene in melanoma, the BRAF(V600E) mutant is not sufficient to induce tumors in vivo. Mutation at the CDKN2A locus is another melanoma-predisposing event that can disrupt the function of both p16(INK4a) and ARF. Numerous studies have focused on the role of p16(INK4a) in melanoma, but the involvement of ARF, a well-known p53 activator, is still controversial. Using a transgenic BRAF(V600E) mouse model previously generated in our laboratory, we report that loss of ARF is able to enhance spontaneous melanoma formation and cause profound sensitivity to neonatal UVB exposure. Mechanistically, BRAF(V600E) and ARF deletion synergize to inhibit nucleotide excision repair by epigenetically repressing XPC and inhibiting the E2F4/DP1 complex. We suggest that the deletion of ARF promotes melanomagenesis not by abrogating p53 activation but by acting in concert with BRAF(V600E) to increase the load of DNA damage caused by UVR.

Recent advances in validating MDM2 as a cancer target

The MDM2 oncogene is overexpressed in various human cancers. Its expression correlates with the phenotypes of high-grade, late-stage, and more resistant tumors. The auto-regulatory loop between MDM2 and the tumor suppressor p53 has long been considered the epitome of a rational target for cancer therapy. As such, many novel agents have been generated to interfere with the interaction of the two proteins, which results in the activation of p53. Among these agents are several small molecule inhibitors synthesized based upon the crystal structures of the MDM2-p53 complex. With use of high-throughput screening, several specific and effective agents for inhibition of the protein-protein interaction were discovered. Recent investigations, however, have demonstrated that many proteins regulate the MDM2-p53 interaction, and that MDM2 may have p53-independent oncogenic functions. In order for novel MDM2 inhibitors to be translated to the clinic, it is necessary to obtain a better understanding of the regulation of MDM2 and of the MDM2-p53 interaction. In particular, the implications of various interactions between certain regulator(s) and MDM2/p53 under different circumstances need to be elucidated to determine which pathway(s) represent the best targets for therapy. Targeting both MDM2 itself and regulators of MDM2 and the MDM2-p53 interaction, or use of MDM2 inhibitors in combination with conventional treatments, may improve prospects for tumor eradication.