Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, 615 Michael Street, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. Tel.: +1 404 712 2814; Fax: +1 404 712 2979; E-mail: kye@emory.edu
PI 3-kinase enhancer A (PIKE-A) is critical for the activation of Akt signalling, and has an essential function in promoting cancer cell survival. However, its physiological functions are poorly understood. Here, we show that PIKE-A directly associates with both signal transducer and activator of transcription 5a (STAT5a) and prolactin (PRL) receptor, which is essential for PRL-provoked STAT5a activation and the subsequent gene transcription. Depletion of PIKE-A in HC11 epithelial cells diminished PRL-induced STAT5 activation and cyclin D1 expression, resulting in profoundly impaired cell proliferation in vitro. To confirm the function of PIKE-A in PRL signalling in vivo, we generated PIKE knockout (PIKE−/−) mice. PIKE−/− mice displayed a severe lactation defect that was characterized by enhanced apoptosis and impaired proliferation of mammary epithelial cells. At parturition, STAT5 activation and cyclin D1 expression were substantially reduced in the mammary epithelium of PIKE−/− mice. The defective mammary gland development in PIKE−/− mice was rescued by overexpression of a mammary-specific cyclin D1 transgene. These data establish a critical function for PIKE-A in mediating PRL functions.