Kruppel-like factor 5 is not required for K-RasG12D lung tumorigenesis, but represses ABCG2 expression and is associated with better disease-specific survival.

K-RAS mutations are found in approximately 30% of lung cancers. The transcription factor Krüppel-like Factor 5 (KLF5) has been shown to mediate cellular transformation signaling events downstream of oncogenic RAS in other cancers, but a role for KLF5 in lung tumorigenesis has not been defined. We show here that knockdown of KLF5 expression significantly decreased anchorage-independent growth, but did not affect proliferation of human lung adenocarcinoma cells.

Increased expression of the MGMT repair protein mediated by cysteine prodrugs and chemopreventative natural products in human lymphocytes and tumor cell lines.

O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) is a DNA repair protein which protects the cellular genome and critical oncogenic genes from the mutagenic action of endogenous and exogenous alkylating agents. An expedited elimination of O6-alkylguanines by increasing MGMT activity levels is likely to be a successful chemoprevention strategy. Here, we report for the first time that cysteine/glutathione enhancing drugs and certain plant antioxidants possess the ability to increase human MGMT expression beyond its steady-state levels that may afford protection.