LYRIC/AEG-1 overexpression modulates BCCIPα protein levels in prostate tumor cells

LYRIC/AEG-1 is a unique protein that has been shown to promote tumor cell migration and invasion through activation of the transcription factor NF-kappa B. We performed yeast two-hybrid screening to detect LYRIC/AEG-1 associated proteins, and identified BCCIP, a CDKN1A and BRCA2-associated protein involved in cell cycle regulation and DNA repair. Here, we demonstrate association between LYRIC/AEG-1 and BCCIP in mammalian cells, and define the region of interaction. Co-expression of the two proteins resulted in decreased levels of BCCIP alpha, an effect partially abrogated by proteasome inhibition. A truncated LYRIC/AEG-1 construct lacking the interaction region did not alter BCCIP alpha protein levels. Coincidentally, it was observed that overexpression of BCCIPa in DUI 45 prostate tumor cells induced an apparent neuroendocrine differentiation. In summary, our data suggest LYRIC/AEG-1 is a negative regulator of BCCIP alpha, promoting proteasomal degradation either through direct interaction, or potentially through an indirect mechanism involving downstream effects of the NF-kappa B signaling pathway. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.