Bcl-2-associated transcription factor 1 Ser290 phosphorylation mediates DNA damage response and regulates radiosensitivity in gastric cancer

• Main Authors: Jia Liu, Jingyi Li, Zhao Sun, Yangmiao Duan, Fengqin Wang, Guangwei Wei, Jing-Hua Yang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2021-08-01
• Series: Journal of Translational Medicine
• Subjects: Phosphoproteomics; BCLAF1; Ser290; DNA damage response; Gastric cancer
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12967-021-03004-z

Abstract Background DNA damage response plays critical roles in tumor pathogenesis and radiotherapy resistance. Protein phosphorylation is a critical mechanism in regulation of DNA damage response; however, the key mediators for radiosensitivity in gastric cancer still needs further exploration. Methods A quick label-free phosphoproteomics using high-resolution mass spectrometry and an open search approach was applied to paired tumor and adjacent tissues from five patients with gastric cancer. The dysregulated phosphoproteins were identified and their associated-pathways analyzed using Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). The mostly regulated phosphoproteins and their potential functions were validated by the specific antibodies against the phosphorylation sites. Specific protein phosphorylation was further analyzed by functional and clinical approaches. Results 832 gastric cancer-associated unique phosphorylated sites were identified, among which 25 were up- and 52 down-regulated. Markedly, the dysregulated phosphoproteins were primarily enriched in DNA-damage-response-associated pathways. Particularly, the phosphorylation of Bcl-2-associated transcription factor 1 (BCLAF1) at Ser290 was significantly upregulated in tumor. The upregulation of BCLAF1 Ser290 phosphorylation (pBCLAF1 (Ser290)) in tumor was confirmed by tissue microarray studies and further indicated in association with poor prognosis of gastric cancer patients. Eliminating the phosphorylation of BCLAF1 at Ser290 suppressed gastric cancer (GC) cell proliferation. Upregulation of pBCLAF1 (Ser290) was found in association with irradiation-induced γ-H2AX expression in the nucleus, leading to an increased DNA damage repair response, and a marked inhibition of irradiation-induced cancer cell apoptosis. Conclusions The phosphorylation of BCLAF1 at Ser290 is involved in the regulation of DNA damage response, indicating an important target for the resistance of radiotherapy.