IGF-1R tyrosine kinase expression and dependency in clones of IGF-1R knockout cells (R−)

Insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) plays many crucial roles in cancer, like anti-apoptotic activity and necessity for transformation. IGF-1R knockout cells (R−) represent a useful tool for molecular mapping of biological properties of the receptor. R− cells have been shown to be refractory to transformation by viral and cellular oncogenes, highlighting the necessity of this receptor for transformation. Surprisingly, more recent studies have shown that these cells can undergo spontaneous transformation. This observation raises the question as whether R− cells over the years have acquired some properties mimicking those of IGF-1R. Using an IGF-1R inhibitor (cyclolignan PPP) we have identified clones of R− (R−s) that are sensitive to this compound. Since, PPP is closely related to podophyllotoxin, which is an efficient microtubule inhibitor, we first investigated if such a mechanism could explain the sensitivity to PPP. However, highly purified PPP showed no or very slight tubulin binding. Further analysis of R−s revealed expression of a 90 kDa protein being reactive to IGF-1R β-subunit antibodies. This protein was weakly but constitutively tyrosine phosphorylated and was downregulated by siRNA targeting IGF-1R. This downregulation was paralleled by decreased R−s survival. Taken together, our study suggests that clones of R− express IGF-1R activity and dependency, which in turn may explain that R− can undergo spontaneous transformation.