An anti-Ras cancer potential of PP1, an inhibitor specific for Src family kinases: In vitro and in vivo studies

Abstract

BACKGROUND: We previously found that both PAK, a Rac/CDC42-activated Ser/Thr kinase, and its binding partner PIX are required for malignant transformation caused by oncogenic Ras mutants, such as v-Ha-Ras. Furthermore, oncogenic Ras requires an autocrine pathway to activate PAK. This pathway involves at least two distinct receptor kinases: EGF receptor (ErbB1) and ErbB2. Interestingly, both of these kinases are known to activate Src family kinases that phosphorylate CAT, another binding partner of PIX. PURPOSE: The major aim of this study was to determine whether Src family kinases are required for both Ras-induced PAK activation and malignant transformation. For this purpose, we used PP1, a..