Tumor and Stem Cell Biology GLIPR1 Suppresses Prostate Cancer Development through Targeted Oncoprotein Destruction

Downregulation of the proapoptotic p53 target gene glioma pathogenesis-related protein 1 (GLIPR1) occurs frequently in prostate cancer, but the functional meaning of this event is obscure. Here, we report the discovery of functional relationship between GLIPR1 and c-Myc in prostate cancer where c-Myc is often upregulated. We found that the expression of GLIPR1 and c-Myc were inversely correlated in human prostate cancer. Restoration of GLIPR1 expression in prostate cancer cells downregulated c-myc levels, inhibiting cell-cycle progression. Downregulation was linked to a reduction in b-catenin/TCF4-mediated transcription of the c-myc gene, which was caused by GLIPR1-mediated redistribution of casein kinase 1a (CK1a) from the Golgi apparatus to the cytoplasm where CK1a could phosphorylate b-catenin and mediate its destruction. In parallel, GLIPR1 also promoted c-Mycprotein ubiquitination anddegradation by glycogen synthase kinase-3aand/or CK1a-mediated c-Myc phosphorylation. Notably, genetic ablation of the mouse homolog of Glipr1 cooperated with c-myc overexpression to induce prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia and prostate cancer. Together, our findings provide evidence for CK1a-mediated destruction of c-Myc and identify c-Myc S252 as a crucial CK1a phosphorylation site for c-Myc degradation. Furthermore, they reveal parallel mechanisms of c-myc downregulation by GLIPR1 that when ablated in the prostate are sufficient to drive c-Myc expression and malignant development. Cancer Res; 71(24); 7694–704. 2011 AACR.