A novel function of protein kinase B as an inducer of the mismatch repair gene hPMS2 degradation

Human DNA mismatch repair (MMR) proteins correct DNA errors, which normally occur during DNA replication. Defects of MMR genes result in genomic instability and carcinogenesis. However, the mechanism of MMR proteins regulation has not yet been clearly explored, especially for the member of MutL-related protein, human post meiotic segregation increased 2 (hPMS2). In this study, an inverse correlation between hPMS2 level and activated Akt was detected in nine tumor cell lines by western blot. The negative regulation of hPMS2 expression by activated Akt was further verified by functional experiments manipulating Akt activity using siRNA targeting Akt, Akt Inhibitor I, Akt/PKB Signaling Inhibitor-2 (API-2) and Insulin-like Growth Factor-I (IGF-1). In addition, protein complex immunoprecipitation assays and protein stability assays using cycloheximide revealed that activated Akt (P-Akt1 S473) could bind to hPMS2 directly and induce hPMS2 degradation. Moreover, results of immunofluorescence assays showed blocking Akt activity resulted in accumulation of hPMS2 protein in nucleus. These observations indicate that activated Akt is the upstream signaling regulating hPMS2 expression, stability and nuclear localization, providing a novel insight into the regulation of hPMS2 in cancer cells.