RSK2-inactivating mutations potentiate MAPK signaling and support cholesterol metabolism in hepatocellular carcinoma

Background and AimsMutational profiling of patient tumors has suggested that hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development is mainly driven by loss-of-function mutations in tumor suppressor genes. p90 Ribosomal S6 kinase 2 (RSK2) functions as a direct downstream kinase of ERK1/2, and elevated RSK2 expression supporting oncogenic functions has been reported in some cancers. We investigated if RSK2 was also dysregulated by inactivating mutations in cancers including HCC.MethodsWe performed exome-sequencing and targeted DNA-sequencing on HBV-associated HCCs to examine recurrent RSK2 mutations.

Source: Journal of Hepatology - September 8, 2020 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Lo-Kong Chan, Daniel Wai-Hung Ho, Charles Shing Kam, Elley Yung-Tuen Chiu, Irene Lai-Oi Lo, Derek Tsz-Wai Yau, Elaine Tin-Yan Cheung, Chung-Ngai Tang, Victor Wai-Lun Tang, Terence Kin-Wah Lee, Carmen Chak-Lui Wong, Kenneth Siu-Ho Chok, Albert Chi-Yan Chan Source Type: research