p14ARF suppresses tumor-induced thrombosis by regulating the tissue factor pathway

Abstract

How necrotic areas develop in tumors is incompletely understood but can impact progression. Recent findings suggest that formation of vascular microthrombi contributes to tumor necrosis, prompting investigation of coagulation cascades. Here we report that loss of tumor suppressor p14ARF can contribute to activating the clotting cascade in glioblastoma (GBM). p14ARF transcriptionally upregulated TFPI2, a Kunitz-type serine protease in the tissue factor pathway that inhibits the initiation of thrombosis reactions. p14ARF activation in tumor cells delayed their ability to activate plasma clotting. Mechanistically, p14ARF activated the TFPI2 promoter in a p53-independent manner that relied upon c-JUN, SP1 and JNK activity. Taken together, our results identify the critical signaling pathways activated by p14ARF to prevent vascular microthrombosis triggered by glioma cells. Stimulation of this pathway might be used as a therapeutic strategy to reduce aggressive phenotypes associated with necrotic tumors including glioblastoma.