The chromatin protein Nupr1 regulates RelB-dependent NF-kB events necessary for pancreatic cancer development

The objective of this study was to elucidate the role of Nupr1 in pancreatic tumorigenesis. Using the Pdx-1-cre;LSL-KrasG12D mouse as model we discovered that, in contrast to KrasG12D pancreas that develop multiple foci of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN), KrasG12D;Nupr1KO pancreas were free from such lesions, indicating that Nupr1 is pivotal for PanIN formation. In vitro, MiaPaCa2 cells activated Nupr1 expression in response to nutrient deprivation and this expression was necessary for cell survival. Mechanistically, Nupr1 protected cells from stress-induced death by inhibiting apoptosis through an alternative RelBIER3-dependent pathway and independent from activation of the classical RelA-based NF-kB pathway. In agreement with these findings, Nupr1, RelB and IER3 proteins were found co-expressed in PanINs from KrasG12D pancreas. Moreover, pancreas-specific KrasG12D;RelbDpanc mice displayed a delay in PanIN development associated with a lack of IER3 expression, further emphasizing the relevance of this pathway in vivo. Efficient PanIN formation was therefore dependent on the expression of Nupr1 and RelB, with the probable involvement of IER3. Finally, a significant correlation between expression of Nupr1, RelB and IER3 and a poor prognosis of patients with PDAC was found. Altogether, our results reveal a novel stress-related pathway that requires the functional interaction of Nupr1RelBIER3 in KrasG12D-dependent transformation of the pancreas and expand our understanding of the molecular machinery that mediates the early steps of pancreatic carcinogenesis.

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