Transforming growth factor alpha activates Ha-Ras in human pancreatic cancer cells with Ki-ras mutations.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify signaling pathways that mediate cell proliferation in response to a Ras-activating growth factor, transforming growth factor (TGF)-alpha, in two pancreatic cancer cell lines with constitutively active Ki-Ras, MiaPaCa-2, and Panc-1. ERK1/-2- and p90(rsk) activation were determined by immune complex kinase assays. AP-1 and E74 activation were assessed in transient transfections using luciferase reporter plasmids. Ha-Ras activation was determined using a glutathione S-transferase fusion protein comprising the Ras-binding domain of Raf and by immunocytochemistry, growth by DNA synthesis and colony formation in softagar. TGF-alpha stimulated activation of ERK1/-2, which was dependent on MEK-1, but independent of PKC activity. TGF-alpha-induced activation of an AP-1 reporter plasmid also required MEK-1 and Ras activity. Using an E74 reporter plasmid, we demonstrate that TGF-alpha indeed activates Ras in both cell lines. In particular, TGF-alpha induced membrane translocation and activation of the Ras isoform Ha-Ras. Finally, TGF-alpha-stimulated DNA synthesis and clonal growth in soft agar were prevented by treatment of cells with a MEK-1 inhibitor or a Ras farnesyl transferase inhibitor. The Ha-Ras-ERK cascade plays an important role in TGF-alpha-induced growth of pancreatic cancer cells with activating Ki-ras mutations. Inhibitors of this cascade could constitute novel anticancer agents for pancreatic tumors.