LKB1 modulates lung cancer differentiation and metastasis

Mutations in the Lkb1 tumour suppressor gene are found in Peutz–Jeghers syndrome patients who have an increased incidence of cancers. Now Lkb1 mutations have been found in the squamous carcinoma subtype of non-small-cell lung cancers. In a mouse model for lung cancer in which Lkb1 loss is combined with K-Ras mutations, more aggressive tumours arise than with K-Ras mutations alone and often these are classified as squamous and large-cell carcinomas. Thus loss of Lkb1 modulates lung cancer differentiation, and Lkb1 loss may be a useful marker for predicting disease development and spread. The pathways regulated by LKB1 represent possible therapeutic targets.