Tumor Suppression Mechanisms of LKB1

Abstract: Inactivating germline mutations in the human LKB1 gene underlie the cancer disorder Peutz– Jeghers syndrome (PJS) featured by hamartomatous polyps and elevated risks for cancers. Somatic mutations of LKB1 are also frequently found in many malignancies such as lung， colon and breast cancers， so LKB1 is commonly accepted as a tumor suppressor gene. The product of LKB1 gene， LKB1， is a serine-threonine protein kinase that is involved in multiple physiological and pathological processes. Although the exact anti-tumor mechanisms of LKB1 remain to be further elucidated， current evidences indicate that regulating cell growth and proliferation， orchestrating energy metabolism and maintaining cell polarity by LKB1 contribute to its tumor suppressor role. We summarize the progress of researches as to how LKB1 inhibits tumorigenesis.

CSTR: 32200.14.cjcb.2011.03.0013