Targeted suppression of MCT-1 attenuates the malignant phenotype through a translational mechanism

The MCT-1 oncogene, highly expressed in a subset of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas interacts with the cap complex through its PUA domain. MCT-1 recruits DENR, a SUI1 motif containing protein that promotes translation initiation of cancer-related mRNAs. We reasoned that a PUA-domain mutant protein would repress MCT-1 function and attenuate the malignant phenotype. Human lymphoma cell lines expressing the PUA-domain mutant protein demonstrated reduced anchorage-independent growth and increased susceptibility to apoptosis. Significantly, we identified an altered translational profile in cells expressing the mutant protein. These data further buttress the role of the MCT-1 in lymphomagenesis and support the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting MCT-1.