The ERK MAP kinase-PEA3/ETV4-MMP-1 axis is operative in oesophageal adenocarcinoma

International Conference and Exhibition on Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics

August 24-26, 2015 London, UK

Yeng S Ang

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Mol Genet Med

Abstract :

Many members of the ETS-domain transcription factor family are important drivers of tumorigenesis. Their activation by Ras-ERK
pathway signaling is particularly relevant to the tumorigenic properties of many ETS-domain transcription factors. The PEA3
subfamily of ETS-domain transcription factors have been implicated in tumour metastasis in several solid tumours. We have studied
the expression of the PEA3 subfamily members PEA3/ETV4 and ER81/ETV1 in oesophageal adenocarcinomas and determined their
role in oesophageal adenocarcinoma cell function. PEA3 plays an important role in controlling both the proliferation and invasive
properties of OE33 oesophageal adenocarcinoma cells. A key target gene is MMP-1. The ERK MAP kinase pathway activates PEA3
subfamily members and also plays a role in these PEA3 controlled events, establishing the ERK-PEA3-MMP-1 axis as important in
OE33 cells. PEA3 subfamily members are upregulated in human adenocarcinomas and expression correlates with MMP-1 expression
and late stage metastatic disease. Enhanced ERK signaling is also more prevalent in late stage oesophageal adenocarcinomas. This
study shows that the ERK-PEA3-MMP-1 axis is upregulated in oesophageal adenocarcinoma cells and is a potentially important
driver of the metastatic progression of oesophageal adenocarcinomas.

Biography :

Yeng S Ang has an international professional standing and research expertise to enhance clinical interventions in Barrett’s Oesophagus and Oesophageal Cancer. He is a
member of the BSG/National Clinical Research Institute Upper GI early cancer prevention research subgroup. He is a peer reviewer for the NIHR RFPB programme and a
member of the Research Steering Board of Manchester Cancer Research Centre (Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute). These research initiatives have shaped his
contribution for the management of GORD, Barrett’s oesophagus and oesophageal cancer. He has published over 45 articles and is a Supervisor for PhD and MD students
in the molecular cancer group of the University of Manchester.