Aims
The receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) is a critical signaling molecule in pathways for cell survival, apoptosis, and necroptosis. However, its role in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains elusive. Here we investigate the role of RIPK1 in human CRC carcinogenesis.
Methods
RIPK1 expression level was determined in patients CRC samples. Co-immunoprecipitation and a mass spectrum approach were used to detect RIPK1 interacting protein in human CRC samples, and human colon cancer cell line, HT 29 was also used for mechanistic study.
Results
We found that RIPK1 was upregulated in human CRC tissues, and promoted cell proliferation when over expressed in HT29 cells. Mechanistically, RIPK1 interacted with mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter (MCU) to promote proliferation by increasing mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake and energy metabolism. The ubiquitination site of RIPK1 (RIPK1-K377) was critical for its interaction with MCU and function in promoting cell proliferation.
Conclusions
These findings not only defined RIPK1 as a regulator of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake, but also established RIPK1-mediated proliferation via MCU as a central mechanism underlying CRC progression. Suggest that RIPK1 and MCU are potential targets for CRC treatment.