CDK4 inactivation inhibits apoptosis via mitochondria-ER contact remodeling in triple-negative breast cancer

Abstract The energetic demands of proliferating cells during tumorigenesis require close coordination between the cell cycle and metabolism. While CDK4 is known for its role in cell proliferation, its metabolic function in cancer, particularly in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), remains unclear...

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Main Authors: Dorian V. Ziegler, Kanishka Parashar, Lucia Leal-Esteban, Jaime López-Alcalá, Wilson Castro, Nadège Zanou, Laia Martinez-Carreres, Katharina Huber, Xavier Pascal Berney, María M. Malagón, Catherine Roger, Marie-Agnès Berger, Yves Gouriou, Giulia Paone, Hector Gallart-Ayala, George Sflomos, Carlos Ronchi, Julijana Ivanisevic, Cathrin Brisken, Jennifer Rieusset, Melita Irving, Lluis Fajas
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-01-01
Series:Nature Communications
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-55605-z
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Summary:Abstract The energetic demands of proliferating cells during tumorigenesis require close coordination between the cell cycle and metabolism. While CDK4 is known for its role in cell proliferation, its metabolic function in cancer, particularly in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), remains unclear. Our study, using genetic and pharmacological approaches, reveals that CDK4 inactivation only modestly impacts TNBC cell proliferation and tumor formation. Notably, CDK4 depletion or long-term CDK4/6 inhibition confers resistance to apoptosis in TNBC cells. Mechanistically, CDK4 enhances mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum contact (MERCs) formation, promoting mitochondrial fission and ER-mitochondrial calcium signaling, which are crucial for TNBC metabolic flexibility. Phosphoproteomic analysis identified CDK4’s role in regulating PKA activity at MERCs. In this work, we highlight CDK4’s role in mitochondrial apoptosis inhibition and suggest that targeting MERCs-associated metabolic shifts could enhance TNBC therapy.
ISSN:2041-1723