RASSF1A-mediated mechanism controlling tumor dedifferentiation and aggressive oncogenic behavior
This study is a continuation of many previous research articles on lung cancer development that represented the first investigation target, from the initiation of our research group (MCG). Particularly, it shows that the RASSF1A tumor suppressor uncouples the NOTCH-HES1 axis by triggering SNURF/RNF4-mediated HES1 ubiquitination. Loss of RASSF1A promotes cancer stemness via NOTCH-independent HES1 stabilization and confers resistance to γ-secretase inhibitors (GSI). This is the first evidence of crosstalk between the Hippo and Notch pathways, through the RASSF1A tumor suppressor. The study provides insight into the clinical setting where the use of GSIs constitutes a productive therapeutic approach in oncology.