Control of cell proliferation and apoptosis by mob as tumor suppressor, mats

Zhi Chun Lai, Xiaomu Wei, Takeshi Shimizu, Edward Ramos, Margaret Rohrbaugh, Nikolas Nikolaidis, Li Lun Ho, Ying Li

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

475 Scopus citations

Abstract

Appropriate cell number and organ size in a multicellular organism are determined by coordinated cell growth, proliferation, and apoptosis. Disruption of these processes can cause cancer. Recent studies have identified the Large tumor suppressor (Lats)/Warts (Wts) protein kinase as a key component of a pathway that controls the coordination between cell proliferation and apoptosis. Here we describe growth inhibitory functions for a Mob superfamily protein, termed Mats (Mob as tumor suppressor), in Drosophila. Loss of Mats function results in increased cell proliferation, defective apoptosis, and induction of tissue overgrowth. We show that mats and wts function in a common pathway. Mats physically associates with Wts to stimulate the catalytic activity of the Wts kinase. A human Mats ortholog (Mats1) can rescue the lethality associated with loss of Mats function in Drosophila. As Mats1 is mutated in human tumors, Mats-mediated growth inhibition and tumor suppression is likely conserved in humans.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)675-685
Number of pages11
JournalCell
Volume120
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 11 2005

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Control of cell proliferation and apoptosis by mob as tumor suppressor, mats'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this