B55β-Associated PP2A Complex Controls PDK1-Directed Myc Signaling and Modulates Rapamycin Sensitivity in Colorectal Cancer

SummaryThe PP2A serine/threonine protein phosphatase serves as a critical cellular regulator of cell growth, proliferation, and survival. However, how this pathway is altered in human cancer to confer growth advantage is largely unknown. Here, we show that PPP2R2B, encoding the B55β regulatory subunit of the PP2A complex, is epigenetically inactivated by DNA hypermethylation in colorectal cancer. B55β-associated PP2A interacts with PDK1 and modulates its activity toward Myc phosphorylation. On loss of PPP2R2B, mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin triggers a compensatory Myc phosphorylation in PDK1-dependent, but PI3K and AKT-independent manner, resulting in resistance. Reexpression of PPP2R2B, genetic ablation of PDK1 or pharmacologic inhibition of PDK1 abrogates the rapamycin-induced Myc phosphorylation, leading to rapamycin sensitization. Thus, PP2A-B55β antagonizes PDK1-Myc signaling and modulates rapamycin sensitivity.

► PPP2R2B (B55β) is silenced by promoter DNA methylation in human colorectal cancer
► Reexpression of PPP2R2B results in inhibition of PDK1-driven Myc phosphorylation
► Rapamycin induces PDK1-dependent Myc phosphorylation, causing rapamycin resistance
► Inhibition of PDK1 abolishes Myc phosphorylation and sensitizes rapamycin