β-Trcp and CK1δ-mediated degradation of LZTS2 activates PI3K/AKT signaling to drive tumorigenesis and metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma

Distant metastasis is the leading cause of treatment failure in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Here, we report that Leucine zipper tumor suppressor 2 (LZTS2) is downregulated and correlated with poor prognosis in HCC. Furthermore, we provide evidence that LZTS2 associates with p85 to inhibit the activation of PI3K/AKT signaling and impairs HCC tumorigenesis and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, we identify LZTS2 as a bona fide substrate of the E3 ligase beta-Trcp and protein kinase CK1 delta, which are responsible for the ubiquitination and degradation of LZTS2. Importantly, we show that the beta-Trcp and CK1 delta-mediated degradation of LZTS2 promotes HCC progression and metastasis by activating PI3K/AKT signaling. Collectively, our study not only illustrates the roles of LZTS2 in regulating HCC tumorigenesis and metastasis but also reveals a novel posttranslational modification of LZTS2 by beta-Trcp and CK1 delta, indicating that the beta-Trcp/CK1 delta/LZTS2/PI3K axis may be a novel oncogenic driver involved in HCC progression and metastasis.

Automated summary

LZTS2 is downregulated in HCC and associated with poor prognosis. It inhibits HCC tumorigenesis and metastasis by suppressing PI3K/AKT signaling. Furthermore, LZTS2 is targeted for degradation by E3 ligase and protein kinase, promoting HCC progression and metastasis.