AKAP95 regulates ubiquitination and degradation of cyclin Ds/Es, influencing the G1/S transition of lung cancer cells

A-kinase anchoring protein 95 (AKAP95) functions as a scaffold for protein kinase A. Prior work by our group has shown that AKAP95, in coordination with Connexin 43 (Cx43), modulates the expression of cyclin D and E proteins, thus affecting the cell cycle progression in lung cancer cells. In the current study, we confirmed that AKAP95 forms a complex with Cx43. Moreover, it associates with cyclins D1 and E1 during the G1 phase, leading to the formation of protein complexes that subsequently translocate to the nucleus. These findings indicate that AKAP95 might facilitate the nuclear transport of cyclins D1 and E1. Throughout this process, AKAP95 and Cx43 collectively regulate the expression of cyclin D, phosphorylate cyclin E1 proteins, and target their specific ubiquitin ligases, ultimately impacting cell cycle progression.