| 研究成果の概要 |
TGF-1 is expressed only in the basal layer of stratified squamous epithelia and the elevated expression of THG-1 is commonly observed in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC); such as esophageal cancer, cervical cancer, and lung SCC. It is phosphorylated by ERK in the downstream of epidermal growth factor receptor/Ras/MAPK pathway and essential for the tumorigenic activity of SCC. We also identified downstream target molecules of THG-1 by TOF/MS screening and confirmed the functional significance of these binding proteins in tumorigenic activity by using multiple molecular cell biological experiments. Mutations of the phosphorylation site or binding motifs to the downstream effectors abrogated the tumorigenic function of THG-1. These findings indicated that THG-1 is a novel tissue-specific oncogene of SCC.
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