Speedy/RINGO protein interacts with ERK/MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathways in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells.

Abnormal activity of ERK/MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathways is one of the most important factors for the development of many cancer types including neuroblastoma cancer. Apart from these two pathways, some cell cycle regulators such as Speedy/RINGO also contribute to neuroblastoma development. There is data reinforcing the possible communication of the components of ERK/MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathways in carcinogenic process. In addition to this, there are studies about the direct/indirect interaction of Speedy/RINGO with these pathways in different cell types other than neuroblastoma. However, there is not any study available showing the interaction of Speedy/RINGO with both pathways in neuroblastoma cells. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the possible effect of Speedy/RINGO on PI3K/AKT and ERK/MAPK pathways in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. For this aim, Speedy/RINGO was silenced by siRNA technique to analyze the effects of direct inhibition of Speedy/RINGO on these pathways. Results showed that Speedy/RINGO silencing caused a significant decrease in MEK1/2 expression and AKT phosphorylation. Afterward, MEK1/2 was inhibited using a specific inhibitor U0126. Data reveal a corresponding decrease in the Speedy/RINGO expression and AKT phosphorylation indicating a reciprocal interaction between ERK/MAPK and Speedy/RINGO. In addition, MTS analysis showed that both ERK/MAPK inhibition and Speedy/RINGO silencing significantly reduced the viability of SH-SY5Y cells. This study provides information about a possible interaction of Speedy/RINGO with PI3K/AKT and ERK/MAPK pathways in SH-SY5Y cells for the first time. It will not only help to better understand the cancer-prone interactions of these pathways but also enable us to identify the appropriate molecular targets for developing efficient treatment strategies.