Critical role of CDK11(p58) in human breast cancer growth and angiogenesis

BACKGROUND: A capillary network is needed in cancer growth and metastasis. Induction of angiogenesis represents one of the major hallmarks of cancer. CDK11(p58), a Ser/Thr kinase that belongs to the Cell Division Cycle 2-like 1 (CDC2L1) subfamily is associated with cell cycle progression, tumorigenesis, sister chromatid cohesion and apoptotic signaling. However, its role in breast cancer proliferation and angiogenesis remains unclear. METHODS: Tumorigenicity assays and blood vessel assessment in athymic mice were used to assess the function of CDK11(p58) in tumor proliferation and angiogenesis. CCK-8 assay was used to detect breast cancer cell growth. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), CD31 and CD34 in CDK11 positive patient breast cancer tissues. Dual-Luciferase array was used to analyze the function of CDK11(p58) in the regulation of VEGF promoter activity. Western blot was used to detect related protein expression levels. RESULTS: CDK11(p58) inhibited breast cancer growth and angiogenesis in breast cancer cells and in nude mice transplanted with tumors. Immunohistochemistry confirmed that CDK11(p58) was negatively associated with angiogenesis-related proteins such as VEGF, CD31 and CD34 in breast cancer patients. Real-time PCR and dual-luciferase assay showed CDK11(p58) inhibited the mRNA levels of VEGF and the promoter activity of VEGF. As CDK11(p58) is a Ser/Thr kinase, the kinase-dead mutant failed to inhibit VEGF mRNA and promoter activity. Western blot analysis showed the same pattern of related protein expression. The data suggested angiogenesis inhibition was dependent on CDK11(p58) kinase activity. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that CDK11(p58) inhibits the growth and angiogenesis of breast cancer dependent on its kinase activity. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12885-015-1698-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.