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Lopez Rioja A, Faulkner A, Mellor H. srGAP2 deactivates RhoA to control the duration of thrombin-mediated endothelial permeability. VASCULAR BIOLOGY (BRISTOL, ENGLAND) 2022; 4:K1-K10. [PMID: 35441126 PMCID: PMC9012936 DOI: 10.1530/vb-21-0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The endothelial barrier is a tightly regulated gateway in the transport of material between circulation and the tissues. Inflammatory mediators such as thrombin are able to open paracellular spaces in the endothelial monolayer to allow the extravasation of plasma proteins and leukocytes. Here we show that the protein SLIT-ROBO Rho GTPase-activating protein 2 (srGAP2) plays a critical role in regulating the extent of thrombin-mediated opening. We show that srGAP2 is not required for normal barrier function in resting endothelial cells, but that depletion of srGAP2 significantly increases the magnitude and duration of junctional opening in response to thrombin. We show that srGAP2 acts to switch off RhoA signaling after the contraction phase of thrombin-induced permeability, allowing respreading of cells and reformation of the barrier. srGAP2 is also required for effective restoration of the barrier after treatment with two other vasoactive agents that active RhoA - TNFα and angiotensin II. Taken together, we show that srGAP2 has a general function in controlling RhoA signaling in endothelial permeability, acting to limit the degree and duration of opening, by triggering the switch from endothelial cell contraction to respreading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Lopez Rioja
- School of Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Ashton Faulkner
- School of Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Harry Mellor
- School of Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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52
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Khaliq SA, Umair Z, Yoon MS. Role of ARHGEF3 as a GEF and mTORC2 Regulator. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 9:806258. [PMID: 35174167 PMCID: PMC8841341 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.806258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) activate GTPases by stimulating the release of guanosine diphosphate to permit the binding of guanosine triphosphate. ARHGEF3 or XPLN (exchange factor found in platelets, leukemic, and neuronal tissues) is a selective guanine nucleotide exchange factor for Rho GTPases (RhoGEFs) that activates RhoA and RhoB but not RhoC, RhoG, Rac1, or Cdc42. ARHGEF3 contains the diffuse B-cell lymphoma homology and pleckstrin homology domains but lacks similarity with other known functional domains. ARHGEF3 also binds the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 2 (mTORC2) and subsequently inhibits mTORC2 and Akt. In vivo investigation has also indicated the communication between ARHGEF3 and autophagy-related muscle pathologies. Moreover, studies on genetic variation in ARHGEF3 and genome-wide association studies have predicted exciting novel roles of ARHGEF3 in controlling bone mineral density, platelet formation and differentiation, and Hirschsprung disease. In conclusion, we hypothesized that additional biochemical and functional studies are required to elucidate the detailed mechanism of ARHGEF3-related pathologies and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sana Abdul Khaliq
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, South Korea
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Zobia Umair
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, South Korea
- *Correspondence: Zobia Umair, ; Mee-Sup Yoon,
| | - Mee-Sup Yoon
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, South Korea
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon, South Korea
- Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Gachon University, Incheon, South Korea
- *Correspondence: Zobia Umair, ; Mee-Sup Yoon,
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53
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Comer SP. Turning Platelets Off and On: Role of RhoGAPs and RhoGEFs in Platelet Activity. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 8:820945. [PMID: 35071371 PMCID: PMC8770426 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.820945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Platelet cytoskeletal reorganisation is a critical component of platelet activation and thrombus formation in haemostasis. The Rho GTPases RhoA, Rac1 and Cdc42 are the primary drivers in the dynamic reorganisation process, leading to the development of filopodia and lamellipodia which dramatically increase platelet surface area upon activation. Rho GTPases cycle between their active (GTP-bound) and inactive (GDP-bound) states through tightly regulated processes, central to which are the guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) and GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs). GEFs catalyse the dissociation of GDP by inducing changes in the nucleotide binding site, facilitating GTP binding and activating Rho GTPases. By contrast, while all GTPases possess intrinsic hydrolysing activity, this reaction is extremely slow. Therefore, GAPs catalyse the hydrolysis of GTP to GDP, reverting Rho GTPases to their inactive state. Our current knowledge of these proteins is constantly being updated but there is considerably less known about the functionality of Rho GTPase specific GAPs and GEFs in platelets. In the present review, we discuss GAP and GEF proteins for Rho GTPases identified in platelets, their regulation, biological function and present a case for their further study in platelets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane P Comer
- ConwaySPHERE Research Group, UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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54
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Jha P, Singh P, Arora S, Sultan A, Nayek A, Ponnusamy K, Syed MA, Dohare R, Chopra M. Integrative multiomics and in silico analysis revealed the role of ARHGEF1 and its screened antagonist in mild and severe COVID-19 patients. J Cell Biochem 2022; 123:673-690. [PMID: 35037717 PMCID: PMC9015317 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
COVID‐19 is a sneaking deadly disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). The rapid increase in the number of infected patients worldwide enhances the exigency for medicines. However, precise therapeutic drugs are not available for COVID‐19; thus, exhaustive research is critically required to unscramble the pathogenic tools and probable therapeutic targets for the development of effective therapy. This study utilizes a chemogenomics strategy, including computational tools for the identification of viral‐associated differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and molecular docking of potential chemical compounds available in antiviral, anticancer, and natural product‐based libraries against these DEGs. We scrutinized the messenger RNA expression profile of SARS‐CoV‐2 patients, publicly available on the National Center for Biotechnology Information–Gene Expression Omnibus database, stratified them into different groups based on the severity of infection, superseded by identification of overlapping mild and severe infectious (MSI)‐DEGs. The profoundly expressed MSI‐DEGs were then subjected to trait‐linked weighted co‐expression network construction and hub module detection. The hub module MSI‐DEGs were then exposed to enrichment (gene ontology + pathway) and protein–protein interaction network analyses where Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor 1 (ARHGEF1) gene conjectured in all groups and could be a probable target of therapy. Finally, we used the molecular docking and molecular dynamics method to identify inherent hits against the ARHGEF1 gene from antiviral, anticancer, and natural product‐based libraries. Although the study has an identified significant association of the ARHGEF1 gene in COVID19; and probable compounds targeting it, using in silico methods, these targets need to be validated by both in vitro and in vivo methods to effectively determine their therapeutic efficacy against the devastating virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakash Jha
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling and Anticancer Drug Development, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Center for Biomedical Research, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Prithvi Singh
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Shweta Arora
- Department of Biotechnology, Translational Research Lab, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Armiya Sultan
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Arnab Nayek
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Kalaiarasan Ponnusamy
- Synthetic Biology Lab, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Mansoor Ali Syed
- Department of Biotechnology, Translational Research Lab, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Ravins Dohare
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Madhu Chopra
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling and Anticancer Drug Development, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Center for Biomedical Research, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
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55
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Baker MJ, Kazanietz MG. The anti-Rac1-GTP antibody and the detection of active Rac1: a tool with a fundamental flaw. Small GTPases 2022; 13:136-140. [PMID: 33910489 PMCID: PMC9707529 DOI: 10.1080/21541248.2021.1920824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Rac1 is a member of the Rho GTPase family and is involved in many cellular processes, particularly the formation of actin-rich membrane protrusions, such as lamellipodia and ruffles. With such a widely studied protein, it is essential that the research community has reliable tools for detecting Rac1 activation both in cellular models and tissues. Using a series of cancer cellular models, we recently demonstrated that a widely used antibody for visualizing active Rac1 (Rac1-GTP) does not recognize Rac1 but instead recognizes vimentin filaments (Baker MJ, J. Biol. Chem. 295:13698-13710, 2020). We believe that this tool has misled the field and impose on the GTPase research community the need to validate published results using this antibody as well as to continue the development of new resources to visualize endogenous active Rac1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin J. Baker
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Marcelo G. Kazanietz
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA,CONTACT Marcelo G. Kazanietz Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 1256 Biomedical Research Building II/III, 421 Curie Blvd., Philadelphia, PA19104-6160, USA
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56
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Cook DR, Kang M, Martin TD, Galanko JA, Loeza GH, Trembath DG, Justilien V, Pickering KA, Vincent DF, Jarosch A, Jurmeister P, Waters AM, Hibshman PS, Campbell AD, Ford CA, Keku TO, Yeh JJ, Lee MS, Cox AD, Fields AP, Sandler RS, Sansom OJ, Sers C, Schaefer A, Der CJ. Aberrant Expression and Subcellular Localization of ECT2 Drives Colorectal Cancer Progression and Growth. Cancer Res 2022; 82:90-104. [PMID: 34737214 PMCID: PMC9056178 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-4218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
ECT2 is an activator of RHO GTPases that is essential for cytokinesis. In addition, ECT2 was identified as an oncoprotein when expressed ectopically in NIH/3T3 fibroblasts. However, oncogenic activation of ECT2 resulted from N-terminal truncation, and such truncated ECT2 proteins have not been found in patients with cancer. In this study, we observed elevated expression of full-length ECT2 protein in preneoplastic colon adenomas, driven by increased ECT2 mRNA abundance and associated with APC tumor-suppressor loss. Elevated ECT2 levels were detected in the cytoplasm and nucleus of colorectal cancer tissue, suggesting cytoplasmic mislocalization as one mechanism of early oncogenic ECT2 activation. Importantly, elevated nuclear ECT2 correlated with poorly differentiated tumors, and a low cytoplasmic:nuclear ratio of ECT2 protein correlated with poor patient survival, suggesting that nuclear and cytoplasmic ECT2 play distinct roles in colorectal cancer. Depletion of ECT2 reduced anchorage-independent cancer cell growth and invasion independent of its function in cytokinesis, and loss of Ect2 extended survival in a Kras G12D Apc-null colon cancer mouse model. Expression of ECT2 variants with impaired nuclear localization or guanine nucleotide exchange catalytic activity failed to restore cancer cell growth or invasion, indicating that active, nuclear ECT2 is required to support tumor progression. Nuclear ECT2 promoted ribosomal DNA transcription and ribosome biogenesis in colorectal cancer. These results support a driver role for both cytoplasmic and nuclear ECT2 overexpression in colorectal cancer and emphasize the critical role of precise subcellular localization in dictating ECT2 function in neoplastic cells. SIGNIFICANCE: ECT2 overexpression and mislocalization support its role as a driver in colon cancer that is independent from its function in normal cell cytokinesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle R Cook
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Melissa Kang
- Center for Gastrointestinal Biology and Disease, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Timothy D Martin
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Joseph A Galanko
- Center for Gastrointestinal Biology and Disease, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Gabriela H Loeza
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Dimitri G Trembath
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Verline Justilien
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, Jacksonville, Florida
| | | | - David F Vincent
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Armin Jarosch
- Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Pathology, Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology and Systems Biology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Philipp Jurmeister
- Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Pathology, Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology and Systems Biology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andrew M Waters
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Priya S Hibshman
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | | | - Catriona A Ford
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Temitope O Keku
- Center for Gastrointestinal Biology and Disease, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Jen Jen Yeh
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Michael S Lee
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Adrienne D Cox
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Alan P Fields
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, Jacksonville, Florida
| | - Robert S Sandler
- Center for Gastrointestinal Biology and Disease, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Owen J Sansom
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Christine Sers
- Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Pathology, Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology and Systems Biology, Berlin, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Antje Schaefer
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Channing J Der
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Pathology, Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology and Systems Biology, Berlin, Germany
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57
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Ru FX, Kong F, Ren CY, He YS, Xia SY, Li YN, Liang YP, Feng JJ, Wei ZY, Chen JH. Repeated Winning and Losing Experiences in Chronic Social Conflicts Are Linked to RNA Editing Pattern Difference. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:896794. [PMID: 35664469 PMCID: PMC9161819 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.896794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Winner-loser effects influence subsequent agonistic interactions between conspecifics. Previous winning experiences could strengthen future aggression and increase the chance of winning the next agonistic interaction, while previous losing experiences could have the opposite effect. Although the role of A-to-I RNA editing has been recently implicated in chronic social defeat stress and aggressive behavior, it remains to be further elucidated in chronic social conflicts in agonistic interactions, especially in the repeated aggression (winners) and repeated defeat (losers) resulted from these conflicts. In the current study, transcriptome-wide A-to-I RNA editing in the dorsal striatum was investigated in a mouse model of chronic social conflicts, and compared between mice repeatedly winning and losing daily agonistic interactions. Our analysis identified 622 A-to-I RNA editing sites in the mouse dorsal striatum, with 23 to be differentially edited in 22 genes, most of which had been previously associated with neurological, psychiatric, or immune disorders. Among these differential RNA editing (DRE) sites four missense variants were observed in neuroligin 2 (Nlgn2), Cdc42 guanine nucleotide exchange factor 9 (Arhgef9) BLCAP apoptosis inducing factor (Blcap), and cytoplasmic FMR1 interacting protein 2 (Cyfip2), as well as two noncoding RNA sites in small nucleolar RNA host gene 11 (Snhg11) and the maternally expressed 3 (Meg3) gene. Moreover, significant changes were observed in gene functions and pathways enriched by genes with A-to-I RNA editing in losers and especially winners compared to controls. Our results demonstrate that repeated winning and losing experiences in chronic social conflicts are linked to A-to-I RNA editing pattern difference, underlining its role in the molecular mechanism of agonistic interactions between conspecifics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu-Xia Ru
- Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Joint Primate Research Center for Chronic Diseases, Institute of Zoology of Guangdong Academy of Science, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangnan University Brain Institute, Wuxi, China
| | - Fanzhi Kong
- Shantou University Mental Health Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Chun-Yan Ren
- Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Joint Primate Research Center for Chronic Diseases, Institute of Zoology of Guangdong Academy of Science, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangnan University Brain Institute, Wuxi, China
| | - Yu-Shan He
- Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Joint Primate Research Center for Chronic Diseases, Institute of Zoology of Guangdong Academy of Science, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangnan University Brain Institute, Wuxi, China
| | - Shou-Yue Xia
- Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Joint Primate Research Center for Chronic Diseases, Institute of Zoology of Guangdong Academy of Science, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangnan University Brain Institute, Wuxi, China
| | - Yu-Ning Li
- Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Joint Primate Research Center for Chronic Diseases, Institute of Zoology of Guangdong Academy of Science, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangnan University Brain Institute, Wuxi, China
| | - Ya-Ping Liang
- Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Joint Primate Research Center for Chronic Diseases, Institute of Zoology of Guangdong Academy of Science, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangnan University Brain Institute, Wuxi, China
| | - Jun-Jie Feng
- Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Joint Primate Research Center for Chronic Diseases, Institute of Zoology of Guangdong Academy of Science, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangnan University Brain Institute, Wuxi, China
| | - Zhi-Yuan Wei
- Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Joint Primate Research Center for Chronic Diseases, Institute of Zoology of Guangdong Academy of Science, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangnan University Brain Institute, Wuxi, China
| | - Jian-Huan Chen
- Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Joint Primate Research Center for Chronic Diseases, Institute of Zoology of Guangdong Academy of Science, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangnan University Brain Institute, Wuxi, China
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58
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Cooke M. Novel insights into the RTK-dependent metastatic phenotype of KRAS-mutant lung adenocarcinoma. Mol Cell Oncol 2021; 8:2013723. [PMID: 35419483 PMCID: PMC8997262 DOI: 10.1080/23723556.2021.2013723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In a recent study, our group identified RAC guanine nucleotide exchange factors (RAC-GEFs) driving motility signaling in KRAS mutant lung adenocarcinoma cells. The RAC-GEFs FARP1, ARHGEF39 and TIAM2 play fundamental roles in the formation of membrane ruffles in response to growth factor receptor stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Cooke
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia, PA, USA
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59
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Hurst M, McGarry DJ, Olson MF. Rho GTPases: Non-canonical regulation by cysteine oxidation. Bioessays 2021; 44:e2100152. [PMID: 34889471 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202100152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Rho GTPases are critically important and are centrally positioned regulators of the actomyosin cytoskeleton. By influencing the organization and architecture of the cytoskeleton, Rho proteins play prominent roles in many cellular processes including adhesion, migration, intra-cellular transportation, and proliferation. The most important method of Rho GTPase regulation is via the GTPase cycle; however, post-translational modifications (PTMs) also play critical roles in Rho protein regulation. Relative to other PTMs such as lipidation or phosphorylation that have been extensively characterized, protein oxidation is a regulatory PTM that has been poorly studied. Protein oxidation primarily occurs from the reaction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ), with amino acid side chain thiols on cysteine (Cys) and methionine (Met) residues. The versatile redox modifications of cysteine residues exemplify their integral role in cell signalling processes. Here we review prominent members of the Rho GTPase family and discuss how lipidation, phosphorylation, and oxidation on conserved cysteine residues affects their regulation and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mackenzie Hurst
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David J McGarry
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael F Olson
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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60
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Zeng RJ, Xie WJ, Zheng CW, Chen WX, Wang SM, Li Z, Cheng CB, Zou HY, Xu LY, Li EM. Role of Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factors in non-small cell lung cancer. Bioengineered 2021; 12:11169-11187. [PMID: 34783629 PMCID: PMC8810164 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.2006519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Conventionally, Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) are known activators of Rho guanosine triphosphatases (GTPases) that promote tumorigenesis. However, the role of Rho GEFs in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains largely unknown. Through the screening of 81 Rho GEFs for their expression profiles and correlations with survival, four of them were identified with strong significance for predicting the prognosis of NSCLC patients. The four Rho GEFs, namely ABR, PREX1, DOCK2 and DOCK4, were downregulated in NSCLC tissues compared to normal tissues. The downregulation of ABR, PREX1, DOCK2 and DOCK4, which can be attributfed to promoter methylation, is correlated with poor prognosis. The underexpression of the four key Rho GEFs might be related to the upregulation of MYC signaling and DNA repair pathways, leading to carcinogenesis and poor prognosis. Moreover, overexpression of ABR was shown to have a tumor-suppressive effect in PC9 and H1703 cells. In conclusion, the data reveal the unprecedented role of ABR as tumor suppressor in NSCLC. The previously unnoticed functions of Rho GEFs in NSCLC will inspire researchers to investigate the distinct roles of Rho GEFs in cancers, in order to provide critical strategies in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui-Jie Zeng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, ShantouChina
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, ShantouChina
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, GuangzhouChina
| | - Wei-Jie Xie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, ShantouChina
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, ShantouChina
| | - Chun-Wen Zheng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, ShantouChina
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, ShantouChina
| | - Wan-Xian Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, ShantouChina
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, ShantouChina
| | - Si-Meng Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, ShantouChina
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, ShantouChina
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, ShantouChina
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, ShantouChina
| | - Chi-Bin Cheng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, ShantouChina
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, ShantouChina
| | - Hai-Ying Zou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, ShantouChina
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, ShantouChina
| | - Li-Yan Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, ShantouChina
- Institute of Oncologic Pathology, Shantou University Medical College, ShantouChina
- CONTACT Li-Yan Xu Institute of Oncologic Pathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou515041, China
| | - En-Min Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, ShantouChina
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, ShantouChina
- En-Min Li The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area Shantou University Medical College, Shantou515041, China
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García-Jiménez I, Cervantes-Villagrana RD, Del-Río-Robles JE, Castillo-Kauil A, Beltrán-Navarro YM, García-Román J, Reyes-Cruz G, Vázquez-Prado J. Gβγ mediates activation of Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor ARHGEF17 that promotes metastatic lung cancer progression. J Biol Chem 2021; 298:101440. [PMID: 34808208 PMCID: PMC8703085 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.101440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastatic lung cancer is a major cause of death worldwide. Dissemination of cancer cells can be facilitated by various agonists within the tumor microenvironment, including by lysophosphatidic acid (LPA). We postulate that Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factors (RhoGEFs), which integrate signaling cues driving cell migration, are critical effectors in metastatic cancer. Specifically, we addressed the hypothetical role of ARHGEF17, a RhoGEF, as a potential effector of Gβγ in metastatic lung cancer cells responding to LPA. Here, we show that ARHGEF17, originally identified as a tumor endothelial marker, is involved in tumor growth and metastatic dissemination of lung cancer cells in an immunocompetent murine model. Gene expression–based analysis of lung cancer datasets showed that increased levels of ARHGEF17 correlated with reduced survival of patients with advanced-stage tumors. Cellular assays also revealed that this RhoGEF participates in the invasive and migratory responses elicited by Gi protein–coupled LPA receptors via the Gβγ subunit complex. We demonstrate that this signaling heterodimer promoted ARHGEF17 recruitment to the cell periphery and actin fibers. Moreover, Gβγ allosterically activates ARHGEF17 by the removal of inhibitory intramolecular restrictions. Taken together, our results indicate that ARHGEF17 may be a valid potential target in the treatment of metastatic lung cancer.
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Rodenburg WS, van Buul JD. Rho GTPase signalling networks in cancer cell transendothelial migration. VASCULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 3:R77-R95. [PMID: 34738075 PMCID: PMC8558887 DOI: 10.1530/vb-21-0008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Rho GTPases are small signalling G-proteins that are central regulators of cytoskeleton dynamics, and thereby regulate many cellular processes, including the shape, adhesion and migration of cells. As such, Rho GTPases are also essential for the invasive behaviour of cancer cells, and thus involved in several steps of the metastatic cascade, including the extravasation of cancer cells. Extravasation, the process by which cancer cells leave the circulation by transmigrating through the endothelium that lines capillary walls, is an essential step for metastasis towards distant organs. During extravasation, Rho GTPase signalling networks not only regulate the transmigration of cancer cells but also regulate the interactions between cancer and endothelial cells and are involved in the disruption of the endothelial barrier function, ultimately allowing cancer cells to extravasate into the underlying tissue and potentially form metastases. Thus, targeting Rho GTPase signalling networks in cancer may be an effective approach to inhibit extravasation and metastasis. In this review, the complex process of cancer cell extravasation will be discussed in detail. Additionally, the roles and regulation of Rho GTPase signalling networks during cancer cell extravasation will be discussed, both from a cancer cell and endothelial cell point of view.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wessel S Rodenburg
- Molecular Cell Biology Lab at Department of Molecular Hematology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jaap D van Buul
- Molecular Cell Biology Lab at Department of Molecular Hematology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Leeuwenhoek Centre for Advanced Microscopy, Section Molecular Cytology at Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences at University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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FARP1, ARHGEF39, and TIAM2 are essential receptor tyrosine kinase effectors for Rac1-dependent cell motility in human lung adenocarcinoma. Cell Rep 2021; 37:109905. [PMID: 34731623 PMCID: PMC8627373 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the undisputable role of the small GTPase Rac1 in the regulation of actin cytoskeleton reorganization, the Rac guanine-nucleotide exchange factors (Rac-GEFs) involved in Rac1-mediated motility and invasion in human lung adenocarcinoma cells remain largely unknown. Here, we identify FARP1, ARHGEF39, and TIAM2 as essential Rac-GEFs responsible for Rac1-mediated lung cancer cell migration upon EGFR and c-Met activation. Noteworthily, these Rac-GEFs operate in a non-redundant manner by controlling distinctive aspects of ruffle dynamics formation. Mechanistic analysis reveals a leading role of the AXL-Gab1-PI3K axis in conferring pro-motility traits downstream of EGFR. Along with the positive association between the overexpression of Rac-GEFs and poor lung adenocarcinoma patient survival, we show that FARP1 and ARHGEF39 are upregulated in EpCam+ cells sorted from primary human lung adenocarcinomas. Overall, our study reveals fundamental insights into the complex intricacies underlying Rac-GEF-mediated cancer cell motility signaling, hence underscoring promising targets for metastatic lung cancer therapy.
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Targeting small GTPases and their downstream pathways with intracellular macromolecule binders to define alternative therapeutic strategies in cancer. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:2021-2035. [PMID: 34623375 DOI: 10.1042/bst20201059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The RAS superfamily of small GTPases regulates major physiological cellular processes. Mutation or deregulation of these small GTPases, their regulators and/or their effectors are associated with many diseases including cancer. Hence, targeting these classes of proteins is an important therapeutic strategy in cancer. This has been recently achieved with the approval of the first KRASG12C covalent inhibitors for the clinic. However, many other mutants and small GTPases are still considered as 'undruggable' with small molecule inhibitors because of a lack of well-defined pocket(s) at their surface. Therefore, alternative therapeutic strategies have been developed to target these proteins. In this review, we discuss the use of intracellular antibodies and derivatives - reagents that bind their antigen inside the cells - for the discovery of novel inhibitory mechanisms, targetable features and therapeutic strategies to inhibit small GTPases and their downstream pathways. These reagents are also versatile tools used to better understand the biological mechanisms regulated by small GTPases and to accelerate the drug discovery process.
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Ireton K, Mortuza R, Gyanwali GC, Gianfelice A, Hussain M. Role of internalin proteins in the pathogenesis of Listeria monocytogenes. Mol Microbiol 2021; 116:1407-1419. [PMID: 34704304 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes is a food-borne bacterium that causes gastroenteritis, meningitis, or abortion. L. monocytogenes induces its internalization (entry) into human cells and either spreads laterally in tissues or transcytoses to traverse anatomical barriers. In this review, we discuss mechanisms by which five structurally related proteins of the "internalin" family of L. monocytogenes (InlA, InlB, InlC, InlF, and InlP) interact with distinct host receptors to promote infection of human cells and/or crossing of the intestinal, blood-brain, or placental barriers. We focus on recent results demonstrating that the internalin proteins InlA, InlB, and InlC exploit exocytic pathways to stimulate transcytosis, entry, or cell-to-cell spread, respectively. We also discuss evidence that InlA-mediated transcytosis contributes to traversal of the intestinal barrier, whereas InlF promotes entry into endothelial cells to breach the blood-brain barrier. InlB also facilitates the crossing of the blood-brain barrier, but does so by extending the longevity of infected monocytes that may subsequently act as a "Trojan horse" to transfer bacteria to the brain. InlA, InlB, and InlP each contribute to fetoplacental infection by targeting syncytiotrophoblast or cytotrophoblast layers of the placenta. This work highlights the diverse functions of internalins and the complex mechanisms by which these structurally related proteins contribute to disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith Ireton
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Roman Mortuza
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | | | - Antonella Gianfelice
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Mazhar Hussain
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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66
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Colón-Bolea P, García-Gómez R, Casar B. RAC1 Activation as a Potential Therapeutic Option in Metastatic Cutaneous Melanoma. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1554. [PMID: 34827551 PMCID: PMC8615836 DOI: 10.3390/biom11111554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is a complex process by which cancer cells escape from the primary tumor to colonize distant organs. RAC1 is a member of the RHO family of small guanosine triphosphatases that plays an important role in cancer migration, invasion, angiogenesis and metastasis. RAC1 activation has been related to most cancers, such as cutaneous melanoma, breast, lung, and pancreatic cancer. RAC1P29S driver mutation appears in a significant number of cutaneous melanoma cases. Likewise, RAC1 is overexpressed or hyperactivated via signaling through oncogenic cell surface receptors. Thus, targeting RAC1 represents a promising strategy for cutaneous melanoma therapy, as well as for inhibition of other signaling activation that promotes resistance to targeted therapies. In this review, we focus on the role of RAC1 in metastatic cutaneous melanoma emphasizing the anti-metastatic potential of RAC1- targeting drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Colón-Bolea
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas—Universidad de Cantabria, 39011 Santander, Spain; (P.C.-B.); (R.G.-G.)
| | - Rocío García-Gómez
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas—Universidad de Cantabria, 39011 Santander, Spain; (P.C.-B.); (R.G.-G.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Berta Casar
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas—Universidad de Cantabria, 39011 Santander, Spain; (P.C.-B.); (R.G.-G.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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Feng F, Han H, Wu S, Wang H. Crosstalk Between Abnormal TSHR Signaling Activation and PTEN/PI3K in the Dedifferentiation of Thyroid Cancer Cells. Front Oncol 2021; 11:718578. [PMID: 34650915 PMCID: PMC8506026 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.718578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Iodide uptake and the metabolism of thyroid cells are regulated by thyrotropin (TSH)-TSH receptor (TSHR) signaling. Thus, it is necessary to elevate serum TSH levels by T4 withdraw or rTSH administration to facilitate radioiodide (131I) therapy for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). However, non-iodide-avid metastases of DTC which is dedifferentiated do not respond to stimulation by high levels of TSH, suggesting abnormal TSH-TSHR signal transduction in cancer cells. In addition, PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling activation has been shown to be associated with the dedifferentiated phenotype of thyroid cancer, but the mechanism remains elusive. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to explore the role of abnormal TSH-TSHR signaling activation in regulating iodide uptake and cell mobility in thyroid cancer and its relationship with PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling. We found that in thyroid cancer cells, TSH binds TSHR coupled to the Gα12/13 protein and then activates RhoA through interacting with leukemia associated RhoA guanine exchange factor (LARG). This results in a promigration tumorigenic phenotype independent of canonical TSHR-GαS signaling that regulates the expression of molecules involved in iodine uptake and metabolism. We observed that signaling pathways downstream of Gα12/13 signaling were increased, while that of Gαs signaling was decreased in thyroid cancer cells undergoing dedifferentiation compared to control cells following stimulation with different levels of TSH. PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling activation enhanced Gα12/13 signaling through increasing LARG levels but also inhibited the expression of molecules downstream of Gαs signaling, including thyroid-specific molecules, and iodide uptake. In summary, our results demonstrate the noncanonical activation of TSH-TSHR signaling and its role in increasing the cell mobility and dedifferentiation of thyroid cancer through crosstalk with PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Feng
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Huiqin Han
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuqi Wu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Wang B, Zheng B, Cao L, Liao K, Huang D, Zhang Y, Jiang Y, Zheng S. T-lymphoma invasion and metastasis 1 promotes invadopodia formation and is regulated by the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma. Exp Cell Res 2021; 407:112806. [PMID: 34487727 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2021.112806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
At present, there are still many poorly understood aspects of the mechanisms underlying hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) invasion and metastasis. Invadopodia are important structures for cancer cell invasion and metastasis. We determined that high T-lymphoma invasion and metastasis 1 (Tiam1) expression is associated with HCC invasion and metastasis and poor patient prognosis after surgery. Gain- and loss-of-function studies confirmed that Tiam1 promotes invadopodia formation in HCC by activating Rac1. A series of biochemical experiments confirmed that this effect is regulated by the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. We also confirmed that PIP2 facilitates this effect. In summary, these findings reveal that Tiam1 plays an important role in invadopodia formation in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baolin Wang
- Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China; Department of Surgery, The 63650th Troop Hospital of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Urumqi, Xinjinag, 841700, China
| | - Bowen Zheng
- Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Li Cao
- Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Kexi Liao
- Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Deng Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary, General Hospital of Tibet Military Command Area, Lhasa, Tibet, 850000, China
| | - Yujun Zhang
- Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Yan Jiang
- Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Shuguo Zheng
- Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China.
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Crosas-Molist E, Samain R, Kohlhammer L, Orgaz J, George S, Maiques O, Barcelo J, Sanz-Moreno V. RhoGTPase Signalling in Cancer Progression and Dissemination. Physiol Rev 2021; 102:455-510. [PMID: 34541899 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00045.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Rho GTPases are a family of small G proteins that regulate a wide array of cellular processes related to their key roles controlling the cytoskeleton. On the other hand, cancer is a multi-step disease caused by the accumulation of genetic mutations and epigenetic alterations, from the initial stages of cancer development when cells in normal tissues undergo transformation, to the acquisition of invasive and metastatic traits, responsible for a large number of cancer related deaths. In this review, we discuss the role of Rho GTPase signalling in cancer in every step of disease progression. Rho GTPases contribute to tumour initiation and progression, by regulating proliferation and apoptosis, but also metabolism, senescence and cell stemness. Rho GTPases play a major role in cell migration, and in the metastatic process. They are also involved in interactions with the tumour microenvironment and regulate inflammation, contributing to cancer progression. After years of intensive research, we highlight the importance of relevant models in the Rho GTPase field, and we reflect on the therapeutic opportunities arising for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Crosas-Molist
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Remi Samain
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Leonie Kohlhammer
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jose Orgaz
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom.,Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas 'Alberto Sols', CSIC-UAM, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Samantha George
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Oscar Maiques
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jaume Barcelo
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
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Cuadrado M, Robles-Valero J. VAV Proteins as Double Agents in Cancer: Oncogenes with Tumor Suppressor Roles. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10090888. [PMID: 34571765 PMCID: PMC8466051 DOI: 10.3390/biology10090888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary The role of the VAV family (comprised of VAV1, VAV2, and VAV3) in proactive pathways involved in cell transformation has been historically assumed. Indeed, the discovery of potential gain-of-function VAV1 mutations in specific tumor subtypes reinforced this functional archetype. Contrary to this paradigm, we demonstrated that VAV1 could unexpectedly act as a tumor suppressor in some in vivo contexts. In this review, we discuss recent findings in the field, where the emerging landscape is one in which GTPases and their regulators, such as VAV proteins, can exhibit tumor suppressor functions. Abstract Guanosine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) are responsible for catalyzing the transition of small GTPases from the inactive (GDP-bound) to the active (GTP-bound) states. RHO GEFs, including VAV proteins, play essential signaling roles in a wide variety of fundamental cellular processes and in human diseases. Although the most widespread archetype in the field is that RHO GEFs exert proactive functions in cancer, recent studies in mice and humans are providing new insights into the in vivo function of these proteins in cancer. These results suggest a more complex scenario where the role of GEFs is not so clearly defined. For example, VAV1 can unexpectedly play non-catalytic tumor suppressor functions in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) by controlling the levels of the active form of NOTCH1 (ICN1). This review focuses on emerging work unveiling tumor suppressor roles for these proteins that should prompt a reevaluation of the role of VAV GEF family in tumor biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myriam Cuadrado
- Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, CSIC-University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), CSIC-University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Javier Robles-Valero
- Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, CSIC-University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), CSIC-University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Correspondence:
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71
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Kukimoto-Niino M, Ihara K, Murayama K, Shirouzu M. Structural insights into the small GTPase specificity of the DOCK guanine nucleotide exchange factors. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2021; 71:249-258. [PMID: 34507037 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2021.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The dedicator of cytokinesis (DOCK) family of guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) regulates cytoskeletal dynamics by activating the GTPases Rac and/or Cdc42. Eleven human DOCK proteins play various important roles in developmental processes and the immune system. Of these, DOCK1-5 proteins bind to engulfment and cell motility (ELMO) proteins to perform their physiological functions. Recent structural studies have greatly enhanced our understanding of the complex and diverse mechanisms of DOCK GEF activity and GTPase recognition and its regulation by ELMO. This review is focused on gaining structural insights into the substrate specificity of the DOCK GEFs, and discuss how Rac and Cdc42 are specifically recognized by the catalytic DHR-2 and surrounding domains of DOCK or binding partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mutsuko Kukimoto-Niino
- Laboratory for Protein Functional and Structural Biology, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Kentaro Ihara
- Laboratory for Protein Functional and Structural Biology, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Kazutaka Murayama
- Laboratory for Protein Functional and Structural Biology, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan; Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryo, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
| | - Mikako Shirouzu
- Laboratory for Protein Functional and Structural Biology, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan.
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Pecora A, Laprise J, Dahmene M, Laurin M. Skin Cancers and the Contribution of Rho GTPase Signaling Networks to Their Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4362. [PMID: 34503171 PMCID: PMC8431333 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13174362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Skin cancers are the most common cancers worldwide. Among them, melanoma, basal cell carcinoma of the skin and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma are the three major subtypes. These cancers are characterized by different genetic perturbations even though they are similarly caused by a lifelong exposure to the sun. The main oncogenic drivers of skin cancer initiation have been known for a while, yet it remains unclear what are the molecular events that mediate their oncogenic functions and that contribute to their progression. Moreover, patients with aggressive skin cancers have been known to develop resistance to currently available treatment, which is urging us to identify new therapeutic opportunities based on a better understanding of skin cancer biology. More recently, the contribution of cytoskeletal dynamics and Rho GTPase signaling networks to the progression of skin cancers has been highlighted by several studies. In this review, we underline the various perturbations in the activity and regulation of Rho GTPase network components that contribute to skin cancer development, and we explore the emerging therapeutic opportunities that are surfacing from these studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Pecora
- Oncology Division, CHU de Québec–Université Laval Research Center, Québec City, QC G1V 4G2, Canada; (A.P.); (J.L.); (M.D.)
| | - Justine Laprise
- Oncology Division, CHU de Québec–Université Laval Research Center, Québec City, QC G1V 4G2, Canada; (A.P.); (J.L.); (M.D.)
| | - Manel Dahmene
- Oncology Division, CHU de Québec–Université Laval Research Center, Québec City, QC G1V 4G2, Canada; (A.P.); (J.L.); (M.D.)
| | - Mélanie Laurin
- Oncology Division, CHU de Québec–Université Laval Research Center, Québec City, QC G1V 4G2, Canada; (A.P.); (J.L.); (M.D.)
- Université Laval Cancer Research Center, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1R 3S3, Canada
- Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V OA6, Canada
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Epithelial cell transforming factor ECT2 is an important regulator of DNA double-strand break repair and genome stability. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:101036. [PMID: 34343566 PMCID: PMC8385449 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.101036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteins containing breast cancer type 1 (BRCA1) C-terminal domains play crucial roles in response to and repair of DNA damage. Epithelial cell transforming factor (epithelial cell transforming sequence 2 [ECT2]) is a member of the BRCA1 C-terminal protein family, but it is not known if ECT2 directly contributes to DNA repair. In this study, we report that ECT2 is recruited to DNA lesions in a poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1–dependent manner. Using co-immunoprecipitation analysis, we showed that ECT2 physically associates with KU70–KU80 and BRCA1, proteins involved in nonhomologous end joining and homologous recombination, respectively. ECT2 deficiency impairs the recruitment of KU70 and BRCA1 to DNA damage sites, resulting in defective DNA double-strand break repair, an accumulation of damaged DNA, and hypersensitivity of cells to genotoxic insults. Interestingly, we demonstrated that ECT2 promotes DNA repair and genome integrity largely independently of its canonical guanine nucleotide exchange activity. Together, these results suggest that ECT2 is directly involved in DNA double-strand break repair and is an important genome caretaker.
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Mosaddeghzadeh N, Ahmadian MR. The RHO Family GTPases: Mechanisms of Regulation and Signaling. Cells 2021; 10:1831. [PMID: 34359999 PMCID: PMC8305018 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Much progress has been made toward deciphering RHO GTPase functions, and many studies have convincingly demonstrated that altered signal transduction through RHO GTPases is a recurring theme in the progression of human malignancies. It seems that 20 canonical RHO GTPases are likely regulated by three GDIs, 85 GEFs, and 66 GAPs, and eventually interact with >70 downstream effectors. A recurring theme is the challenge in understanding the molecular determinants of the specificity of these four classes of interacting proteins that, irrespective of their functions, bind to common sites on the surface of RHO GTPases. Identified and structurally verified hotspots as functional determinants specific to RHO GTPase regulation by GDIs, GEFs, and GAPs as well as signaling through effectors are presented, and challenges and future perspectives are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohammad Reza Ahmadian
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty of the Heinrich Heine University, Universitätsstrasse 1, Building 22.03.05, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany;
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75
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Redefining the specificity of phosphoinositide-binding by human PH domain-containing proteins. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4339. [PMID: 34267198 PMCID: PMC8282632 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24639-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Pleckstrin homology (PH) domains are presumed to bind phosphoinositides (PIPs), but specific interaction with and regulation by PIPs for most PH domain-containing proteins are unclear. Here we employ a single-molecule pulldown assay to study interactions of lipid vesicles with full-length proteins in mammalian whole cell lysates. Of 67 human PH domain-containing proteins initially examined, 36 (54%) are found to have affinity for PIPs with various specificity, the majority of which have not been reported before. Further investigation of ARHGEF3 reveals distinct structural requirements for its binding to PI(4,5)P2 and PI(3,5)P2, and functional relevance of its PI(4,5)P2 binding. We generate a recursive-learning algorithm based on the assay results to analyze the sequences of 242 human PH domains, predicting that 49% of them bind PIPs. Twenty predicted binders and 11 predicted non-binders are assayed, yielding results highly consistent with the prediction. Taken together, our findings reveal unexpected lipid-binding specificity of PH domain-containing proteins. Pleckstrin homology (PH) domains are presumed to bind phosphoinositides (PIPs) but only few specific interactions are known. Using TIRF microscopy based assays, functional studies and an experimentally validated prediction algorithm, the authors show that specific PIP binding is widespread among human PH domains.
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76
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Durán M, Burballa C, Cantero-Recasens G, Butnaru CM, Malhotra V, Ariceta G, Sarró E, Meseguer A. Novel Dent disease 1 cellular models reveal biological processes underlying ClC-5 loss-of-function. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 30:1413-1428. [PMID: 33987651 PMCID: PMC8283206 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddab131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Dent disease 1 (DD1) is a rare X-linked renal proximal tubulopathy characterized by low molecular weight proteinuria and variable degree of hypercalciuria, nephrocalcinosis and/or nephrolithiasis, progressing to chronic kidney disease. Although mutations in the electrogenic Cl-/H+ antiporter ClC-5, which impair endocytic uptake in proximal tubule cells, cause the disease, there is poor genotype-phenotype correlation and their contribution to proximal tubule dysfunction remains unclear. To further discover the mechanisms linking ClC-5 loss-of-function to proximal tubule dysfunction, we have generated novel DD1 cellular models depleted of ClC-5 and carrying ClC-5 mutants p.(Val523del), p.(Glu527Asp) and p.(Ile524Lys) using the human proximal tubule-derived RPTEC/TERT1 cell line. Our DD1 cellular models exhibit impaired albumin endocytosis, increased substrate adhesion and decreased collective migration, correlating with a less differentiated epithelial phenotype. Despite sharing functional features, these DD1 cell models exhibit different gene expression profiles, being p.(Val523del) ClC-5 the mutation showing the largest differences. Gene set enrichment analysis pointed to kidney development, anion homeostasis, organic acid transport, extracellular matrix organization and cell-migration biological processes as the most likely involved in DD1 pathophysiology. In conclusion, our results revealed the pathways linking ClC-5 mutations with tubular dysfunction and, importantly, provide new cellular models to further study DD1 pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Durán
- Renal Physiopathology Group, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR)-CIBBIM Nanomedicine, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carla Burballa
- Renal Physiopathology Group, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR)-CIBBIM Nanomedicine, Barcelona, Spain
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gerard Cantero-Recasens
- Renal Physiopathology Group, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR)-CIBBIM Nanomedicine, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristian M Butnaru
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vivek Malhotra
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gema Ariceta
- Renal Physiopathology Group, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR)-CIBBIM Nanomedicine, Barcelona, Spain
- Pediatric Nephrology Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eduard Sarró
- Renal Physiopathology Group, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR)-CIBBIM Nanomedicine, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Meseguer
- Renal Physiopathology Group, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR)-CIBBIM Nanomedicine, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Unitat de Bioquímica de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Spain
- Red de Investigación Renal (REDINREN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III-FEDER, Madrid, Spain
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77
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Cherik F, Lepage M, Remerand G, Francannet C, Delabaere A, Salaun G, Pebrel-Richard C, Gouas L, Vago P, Tchirkov A, Goumy C. Further refining the critical region of 10q26 microdeletion syndrome: A possible involvement of INSYN2 and NPS in the cognitive phenotype. Eur J Med Genet 2021; 64:104287. [PMID: 34252586 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2021.104287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The 10q26 subtelomeric microdeletion syndrome is a rare and clinically heterogeneous disorder. The precise relationships between the causative genes and the phenotype are unclear. CASE PRESENTATION We report two new cases of 860 kb deletion of 10q26.2 identified by array CGH in a fetus with intrauterine growth retardation and his mother. The deleted region encompassed only four coding genes, DOCK1, INSYN2, NPS and FOX12. The proband had dysmorphic facies characterized by a high forehead, malformed ears, a prominent nose, and retrognathia. He had bilateral club feet, clinodactily and mild psychomotor retardation. His mother had a short stature, microcephaly, a long face with a high forehead and bitemporal narrowing, arched and sparse eyebrows, strabismus, prominent nose and chin, a thin upper lip and large protruding ears, and mild intellectual disability. CONCLUSIONS This study presents the smallest 10q26.2 deletion so far identified, which further refines the minimal critical region associated with the 10q26 microdeletion syndrome. It focuses on three genes potentially responsible for the phenotype: DOCK1, which is the major candidate gene, and INSYN2 and NPS, which could be involved in cognitive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Cherik
- Service de Génétique Médicale, CHU, Clermont-Ferrand, CHU Estaing, F-63000, France
| | - Mathis Lepage
- Cytogénétique Médicale, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, CHU Estaing, F-63000, France
| | - Ganaelle Remerand
- Service de Pédiatrie, CHU, Clermont-Ferrand, CHU Estaing, F-63000, France
| | - Christine Francannet
- Service de Génétique Médicale, CHU, Clermont-Ferrand, CHU Estaing, F-63000, France
| | | | - Gaëlle Salaun
- Cytogénétique Médicale, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, CHU Estaing, F-63000, France; Université Clermont Auvergne, INSERM, U1240 Imagerie Moléculaire et Stratégies Théranostiques, F-63000, Clermont Ferrand, France
| | | | - Laetitia Gouas
- Cytogénétique Médicale, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, CHU Estaing, F-63000, France; Université Clermont Auvergne, INSERM, U1240 Imagerie Moléculaire et Stratégies Théranostiques, F-63000, Clermont Ferrand, France
| | - Philippe Vago
- Cytogénétique Médicale, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, CHU Estaing, F-63000, France; Université Clermont Auvergne, INSERM, U1240 Imagerie Moléculaire et Stratégies Théranostiques, F-63000, Clermont Ferrand, France
| | - Andrei Tchirkov
- Cytogénétique Médicale, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, CHU Estaing, F-63000, France; Université Clermont Auvergne, INSERM, U1240 Imagerie Moléculaire et Stratégies Théranostiques, F-63000, Clermont Ferrand, France
| | - Carole Goumy
- Cytogénétique Médicale, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, CHU Estaing, F-63000, France; Université Clermont Auvergne, INSERM, U1240 Imagerie Moléculaire et Stratégies Théranostiques, F-63000, Clermont Ferrand, France.
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78
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Molecular subversion of Cdc42 signalling in cancer. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:1425-1442. [PMID: 34196668 PMCID: PMC8412110 DOI: 10.1042/bst20200557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cdc42 is a member of the Rho family of small GTPases and a master regulator of the actin cytoskeleton, controlling cell motility, polarity and cell cycle progression. This small G protein and its regulators have been the subject of many years of fruitful investigation and the advent of functional genomics and proteomics has opened up new avenues of exploration including how it functions at specific locations in the cell. This has coincided with the introduction of new structural techniques with the ability to study small GTPases in the context of the membrane. The role of Cdc42 in cancer is well established but the molecular details of its action are still being uncovered. Here we review alterations found to Cdc42 itself and to key components of the signal transduction pathways it controls in cancer. Given the challenges encountered with targeting small G proteins directly therapeutically, it is arguably the regulators of Cdc42 and the effector signalling pathways downstream of the small G protein which will be the most tractable targets for therapeutic intervention. These will require interrogation in order to fully understand the global signalling contribution of Cdc42, unlock the potential for mapping new signalling axes and ultimately produce inhibitors of Cdc42 driven signalling.
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79
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Lung adenocarcinoma and lung squamous cell carcinoma cancer classification, biomarker identification, and gene expression analysis using overlapping feature selection methods. Sci Rep 2021; 11:13323. [PMID: 34172784 PMCID: PMC8233431 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-92725-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is one of the deadliest cancers in the world. Two of the most common subtypes, lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC), have drastically different biological signatures, yet they are often treated similarly and classified together as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). LUAD and LUSC biomarkers are scarce, and their distinct biological mechanisms have yet to be elucidated. To detect biologically relevant markers, many studies have attempted to improve traditional machine learning algorithms or develop novel algorithms for biomarker discovery. However, few have used overlapping machine learning or feature selection methods for cancer classification, biomarker identification, or gene expression analysis. This study proposes to use overlapping traditional feature selection or feature reduction techniques for cancer classification and biomarker discovery. The genes selected by the overlapping method were then verified using random forest. The classification statistics of the overlapping method were compared to those of the traditional feature selection methods. The identified biomarkers were validated in an external dataset using AUC and ROC analysis. Gene expression analysis was then performed to further investigate biological differences between LUAD and LUSC. Overall, our method achieved classification results comparable to, if not better than, the traditional algorithms. It also identified multiple known biomarkers, and five potentially novel biomarkers with high discriminating values between LUAD and LUSC. Many of the biomarkers also exhibit significant prognostic potential, particularly in LUAD. Our study also unraveled distinct biological pathways between LUAD and LUSC.
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80
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Cavanaugh KE, Oakes PW, Gardel ML. Optogenetic Control of RhoA to Probe Subcellular Mechanochemical Circuitry. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 86:e102. [PMID: 32031760 DOI: 10.1002/cpcb.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Spatiotemporal localization of protein function is essential for physiological processes from subcellular to tissue scales. Genetic and pharmacological approaches have played instrumental roles in isolating molecular components necessary for subcellular machinery. However, these approaches have limited capabilities to reveal the nature of the spatiotemporal regulation of subcellular machineries like those of cytoskeletal organelles. With the recent advancement of optogenetic probes, the field now has a powerful tool to localize cytoskeletal stimuli in both space and time. Here, we detail the use of tunable light-controlled interacting protein tags (TULIPs) to manipulate RhoA signaling in vivo. This is an optogenetic dimerization system that rapidly, reversibly, and efficiently directs a cytoplasmic RhoGEF to the plasma membrane for activation of RhoA using light. We first compare this probe to other available optogenetic systems and outline the engineering logic for the chosen recruitable RhoGEFs. We also describe how to generate the cell line, spatially control illumination, confirm optogenetic control of RhoA, and mechanically induce cell-cell junction deformation in cultured tissues. Together, these protocols detail how to probe the mechanochemical circuitry downstream of RhoA signaling. © 2020 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Basic Protocol 1: Generation of a stable cell line expressing TULIP constructs Basic Protocol 2: Preparation of collagen substrate for imaging Basic Protocol 3: Transient transfection for visualization of downstream effectors Basic Protocol 4: Calibration of spatial illumination Basic Protocol 5: Optogenetic activation of a region of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate E Cavanaugh
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Patrick W Oakes
- Department of Cell & Molecular Physiology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois
| | - Margaret L Gardel
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
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81
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Progress in the therapeutic inhibition of Cdc42 signalling. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:1443-1456. [PMID: 34100887 PMCID: PMC8286826 DOI: 10.1042/bst20210112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Cdc42 is a member of the Rho family of small GTPases and a key regulator of the actin cytoskeleton, controlling cell motility, polarity and cell cycle progression. It signals downstream of the master regulator Ras and is essential for cell transformation by this potent oncogene. Overexpression of Cdc42 is observed in several cancers, where it is linked to poor prognosis. As a regulator of both cell architecture and motility, deregulation of Cdc42 is also linked to tumour metastasis. Like Ras, Cdc42 and other components of the signalling pathways it controls represent important potential targets for cancer therapeutics. In this review, we consider the progress that has been made targeting Cdc42, its regulators and effectors, including new modalities and new approaches to inhibition. Strategies under consideration include inhibition of lipid modification, modulation of Cdc42-GEF, Cdc42-GDI and Cdc42-effector interactions, and direct inhibition of downstream effectors.
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82
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Botwright NA, Mohamed AR, Slinger J, Lima PC, Wynne JW. Host-Parasite Interaction of Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar) and the Ectoparasite Neoparamoeba perurans in Amoebic Gill Disease. Front Immunol 2021; 12:672700. [PMID: 34135900 PMCID: PMC8202022 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.672700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Marine farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) are susceptible to recurrent amoebic gill disease (AGD) caused by the ectoparasite Neoparamoeba perurans over the growout production cycle. The parasite elicits a highly localized response within the gill epithelium resulting in multifocal mucoid patches at the site of parasite attachment. This host-parasite response drives a complex immune reaction, which remains poorly understood. To generate a model for host-parasite interaction during pathogenesis of AGD in Atlantic salmon the local (gill) and systemic transcriptomic response in the host, and the parasite during AGD pathogenesis was explored. A dual RNA-seq approach together with differential gene expression and system-wide statistical analyses of gene and transcription factor networks was employed. A multi-tissue transcriptomic data set was generated from the gill (including both lesioned and non-lesioned tissue), head kidney and spleen tissues naïve and AGD-affected Atlantic salmon sourced from an in vivo AGD challenge trial. Differential gene expression of the salmon host indicates local and systemic upregulation of defense and immune responses. Two transcription factors, znfOZF-like and znf70-like, and their associated gene networks significantly altered with disease state. The majority of genes in these networks are candidates for mediators of the immune response, cellular proliferation and invasion. These include Aurora kinase B-like, rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor 25-like and protein NDNF-like inhibited. Analysis of the N. perurans transcriptome during AGD pathology compared to in vitro cultured N. perurans trophozoites, as a proxy for wild type trophozoites, identified multiple gene candidates for virulence and indicates a potential master regulatory gene system analogous to the two-component PhoP/Q system. Candidate genes identified are associated with invasion of host tissue, evasion of host defense mechanisms and formation of the mucoid lesion. We generated a novel model for host-parasite interaction during AGD pathogenesis through integration of host and parasite functional profiles. Collectively, this dual transcriptomic study provides novel molecular insights into the pathology of AGD and provides alternative theories for future research in a step towards improved management of AGD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha A Botwright
- Livestock and Aquaculture, CSIRO Agriculture and Food, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Amin R Mohamed
- Livestock and Aquaculture, CSIRO Agriculture and Food, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Joel Slinger
- Livestock and Aquaculture, CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Woorim, QLD, Australia
| | - Paula C Lima
- Livestock and Aquaculture, CSIRO Agriculture and Food, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - James W Wynne
- Livestock and Aquaculture, CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Hobart, TAS, Australia
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83
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Podieh F, Hordijk PL. Regulation of Rho GTPases in the Vasculature by Cullin3-Based E3 Ligase Complexes. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:680901. [PMID: 34136490 PMCID: PMC8201781 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.680901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Cullin3-based ubiquitin E3 ligases induce ubiquitination of substrates leading to their proteasomal or lysosomal degradation. BTB proteins serve as adaptors by binding to Cullin3 and recruiting substrate proteins, which enables specific recognition of a broad spectrum of targets. Hence, Cullin3 and its adaptors are involved in myriad cellular processes and organ functions. Cullin3-based ubiquitin E3 ligase complexes target small GTPases of the Rho subfamily, which are key regulators of cytoskeletal dynamics and cell adhesion. In this mini review, we discuss recent insights in Cullin3-mediated regulation of Rho GTPases and their impact on cellular function and disease. Intriguingly, upstream regulators of Rho GTPases are targeted by Cullin3 complexes as well. Thus, Rho GTPase signaling is regulated by Cullin3 on multiple levels. In addition, we address current knowledge of Cullin3 in regulating vascular function, focusing on its prominent role in endothelial barrier function, angiogenesis and the regulation of blood pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabienne Podieh
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Peter L Hordijk
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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84
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Having an Old Friend for Dinner: The Interplay between Apoptotic Cells and Efferocytes. Cells 2021; 10:cells10051265. [PMID: 34065321 PMCID: PMC8161178 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Apoptosis, the programmed and intentional death of senescent, damaged, or otherwise superfluous cells, is the natural end-point for most cells within multicellular organisms. Apoptotic cells are not inherently damaging, but if left unattended, they can lyse through secondary necrosis. The resulting release of intracellular contents drives inflammation in the surrounding tissue and can lead to autoimmunity. These negative consequences of secondary necrosis are avoided by efferocytosis—the phagocytic clearance of apoptotic cells. Efferocytosis is a product of both apoptotic cells and efferocyte mechanisms, which cooperate to ensure the rapid and complete removal of apoptotic cells. Herein, we review the processes used by apoptotic cells to ensure their timely removal, and the receptors, signaling, and cellular processes used by efferocytes for efferocytosis, with a focus on the receptors and signaling driving this process.
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85
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Abstract
Phosphoinositides (PIPs) are lipid messengers with different functions according to their localization. After their local production by the action of lipid kinases or phosphatases, PIPs regulate various biological processes such as cytoskeleton rearrangement, membrane remodeling/trafficking, or gene expression through binding of their phosphorylated inositol head group with different protein domains such as PH, PX, and FYVE. It is well known that PIPs regulate the activity of small GTPases by interacting with and activating Guanyl-nucleotide Exchange Factor (GEF) proteins through specific domains such as the ones mentioned above. However, most of the in vitro assays to assess the activation of GTPases focus on the GTPase only and neglect the fact that co-activators, such as membranes and protein activators, have a significant effect in vivo. Herein, we describe not only the classical protein-lipid overlay and liposome sedimentation methods but also an assay we have developed, which contains three partners: a liposome which composition reproduces the membrane of the target of the GTPase, the recombinant specific DH-(PIP affinity) GEF domain, and the recombinant GTPase to be tested by different PIPs. This assay allows us to clearly quantify the GTPase activation.
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86
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Goka ET, Mesa Lopez DT, Lippman ME. Hormone-Dependent Prostate Cancers are Dependent on Rac Signaling for Growth and Survival. Mol Cancer Ther 2021; 20:1052-1061. [PMID: 33722851 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-20-0695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Prostate cancer remains a common cause of cancer mortality in men. Initially, cancers are dependent of androgens for growth and survival. First line therapies reduce levels of circulating androgens or target the androgen receptor (AR) directly. Although most patients show durable responses, many patients eventually progress to castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) creating a need for alternative treatment options. The Rac1 signaling pathway has previously been implicated as a driver of cancer initiation and disease progression. We investigated the role of HACE1, the E3 ubiquitin ligase for Rac1, in prostate cancer and found that HACE1 is commonly lost resulting in hyperactive Rac signaling leading to enhanced cellular proliferation, motility and viability. Importantly, we show that a Rac inhibitor can attenuate the growth and survival of prostate cancer cells. Rac signaling was also found to be critical in prostate cancers that express the AR. Rac inhibition in androgen dependent cells resulted in reduction of AR target gene expression suggesting that targeting Rac1 may be an alternative method for blocking the AR signaling axis. Finally, when used in combination with AR antagonists, Rac inhibition enhanced the suppression of AR target gene expression. Therefore, targeting Rac in prostate cancer has the potential to enhance the efficacy of approved AR therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marc E Lippman
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia.
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87
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Slepak VZ, Pronin A. A G s-RhoGEF interaction: An old G protein finds a new job. J Biol Chem 2021; 295:16929-16930. [PMID: 33310745 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.h120.016606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The heterotrimeric G proteins are known to have a variety of downstream effectors, but Gs was long thought to be specifically coupled to adenylyl cyclases. A new study indicates that activated Gs can also directly interact with a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for Rho family small GTPases, PDZ-RhoGEF. This novel interaction mediates activation of the small G protein Cdc42 by Gs-coupled GPCRs, inducing cytoskeletal rearrangements and formation of filopodia-like structures. Furthermore, overexpression of a minimal PDZ-RhoGEF fragment can down-regulate cAMP signaling, suggesting that this effector competes with canonical signaling. This first demonstration that the Gαs subfamily regulates activity of Rho GTPases extends our understanding of Gαs activity and establishes RhoGEF coupling as a universal Gα function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladlen Z Slepak
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA.
| | - Alexey Pronin
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
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88
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Thompson AP, Bitsina C, Gray JL, von Delft F, Brennan PE. RHO to the DOCK for GDP disembarking: Structural insights into the DOCK GTPase nucleotide exchange factors. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100521. [PMID: 33684443 PMCID: PMC8063744 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The human dedicator of cytokinesis (DOCK) family consists of 11 structurally conserved proteins that serve as atypical RHO guanine nucleotide exchange factors (RHO GEFs). These regulatory proteins act as mediators in numerous cellular cascades that promote cytoskeletal remodeling, playing roles in various crucial processes such as differentiation, migration, polarization, and axon growth in neurons. At the molecular level, DOCK DHR2 domains facilitate nucleotide dissociation from small GTPases, a process that is otherwise too slow for rapid spatiotemporal control of cellular signaling. Here, we provide an overview of the biological and structural characteristics for the various DOCK proteins and describe how they differ from other RHO GEFs and between DOCK subfamilies. The expression of the family varies depending on cell or tissue type, and they are consequently implicated in a broad range of disease phenotypes, particularly in the brain. A growing body of available structural information reveals the mechanism by which the catalytic DHR2 domain elicits nucleotide dissociation and also indicates strategies for the discovery and design of high-affinity small-molecule inhibitors. Such compounds could serve as chemical probes to interrogate the cellular function and provide starting points for drug discovery of this important class of enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P Thompson
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Alzheimer's Research UK Oxford Drug Discovery Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Nuffield Department of Medicine, Target Discovery Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Medicines Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Christina Bitsina
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Alzheimer's Research UK Oxford Drug Discovery Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Nuffield Department of Medicine, Target Discovery Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Medicines Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Janine L Gray
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Alzheimer's Research UK Oxford Drug Discovery Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Nuffield Department of Medicine, Target Discovery Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Medicines Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Frank von Delft
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Alzheimer's Research UK Oxford Drug Discovery Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Medicines Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Diamond Light Source, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, United Kingdom; Department of Biochemistry, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, South Africa
| | - Paul E Brennan
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Alzheimer's Research UK Oxford Drug Discovery Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Nuffield Department of Medicine, Target Discovery Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Medicines Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
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89
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Imran Alsous J, Romeo N, Jackson JA, Mason FM, Dunkel J, Martin AC. Dynamics of hydraulic and contractile wave-mediated fluid transport during Drosophila oogenesis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2019749118. [PMID: 33658367 PMCID: PMC7958293 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2019749118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
From insects to mice, oocytes develop within cysts alongside nurse-like sister germ cells. Prior to fertilization, the nurse cells' cytoplasmic contents are transported into the oocyte, which grows as its sister cells regress and die. Although critical for fertility, the biological and physical mechanisms underlying this transport process are poorly understood. Here, we combined live imaging of germline cysts, genetic perturbations, and mathematical modeling to investigate the dynamics and mechanisms that enable directional and complete cytoplasmic transport in Drosophila melanogaster egg chambers. We discovered that during "nurse cell (NC) dumping" most cytoplasm is transported into the oocyte independently of changes in myosin-II contractility, with dynamics instead explained by an effective Young-Laplace law, suggesting hydraulic transport induced by baseline cell-surface tension. A minimal flow-network model inspired by the famous two-balloon experiment and motivated by genetic analysis of a myosin mutant correctly predicts the directionality, intercellular pattern, and time scale of transport. Long thought to trigger transport through "squeezing," changes in actomyosin contractility are required only once NC volume has become comparable to nuclear volume, in the form of surface contractile waves that drive NC dumping to completion. Our work thus demonstrates how biological and physical mechanisms cooperate to enable a critical developmental process that, until now, was thought to be mainly biochemically regulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Imran Alsous
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139
| | - Nicolas Romeo
- Department of Physics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139
| | - Jonathan A Jackson
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139
- Graduate Program in Biophysics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
| | - Frank M Mason
- Program in Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232
| | - Jörn Dunkel
- Department of Mathematics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139
| | - Adam C Martin
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139;
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90
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Park S, Guo Y, Negre J, Preto J, Smithers CC, Azad AK, Overduin M, Murray AG, Eitzen G. Fgd5 is a Rac1-specific Rho GEF that is selectively inhibited by aurintricarboxylic acid. Small GTPases 2021; 12:147-160. [PMID: 31601145 PMCID: PMC7849785 DOI: 10.1080/21541248.2019.1674765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Revised: 09/14/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Rho proteins are signalling molecules that control cellular dynamics, movement and morphological changes. They are activated by Rho guanine-nucleotide exchange factors (Rho GEFs) that transduce upstream signals into Rho-mediated activation of downstream processes. Fgd5 is a Rho GEF involved in angiogenesis and its target Rho protein for this process has been linked to Cdc42 activation. Here, we examined the function of purified Fgd5, specifically, which Rho proteins it activates and pinpoint the structural domains required for enzymatic activity. Using a GEF enzyme assay, we found that purified Fgd5 showed preferential activation of Rac1 and direct binding of Rac1 in pull-down and co-immunoprecipitation assays. Structural comparisons showed that the Fgd5 DH domain is highly similar to the Rac1 GEF, TrioN, supporting a role for Fgd5 as a Rac1 GEF. Compounds that bind to purified Fgd5 DH-PH protein were identified by screening a small molecule library via surface plasmon resonance. The effects of eleven ligands were further examined for their ability to inhibit the Fgd5 GEF enzymatic activity and Rac1 interaction. From these studies, we found that the compound aurintricarboxylic acid, and to a lesser extent mitoxantrone dihydrochloride, inhibited both Fgd5 GEF activation of Rac1 and their interaction. Aurintricarboxylic acid had no effect on the activity or binding of the Rac1 GEF, TrioN, thus demonstrating the feasibility of selectively disrupting Rho GEF activators. Abbreviations: a.a.: amino acid; ATA: aurintricarboxylic acid; DH: Dbl homology; DOCK: dictator of cytokinesis; Fgd: faciogenital dysplasia; GEF: guanine-nucleotide exchange factor; GST: glutathione S-transferase; LOPAC: library of pharmacologically active compounds; PH: pleckstrin homology; PDB: protein data bank; s.e.m.: standard error of the mean; SPR: surface plasmon resonance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Park
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Yitian Guo
- Department of Medicine-Division of Pulmonary Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Judeah Negre
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jordane Preto
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Cameron C. Smithers
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Abul Kalam Azad
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Michael Overduin
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Allan G. Murray
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Gary Eitzen
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Medicine-Division of Pulmonary Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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91
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Suwankitwat N, Libby S, Liggitt HD, Avalos A, Ruddell A, Rosch JW, Park H, Iritani BM. The actin-regulatory protein Hem-1 is essential for alveolar macrophage development. J Exp Med 2021; 218:211806. [PMID: 33600594 PMCID: PMC7894047 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20200472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hematopoietic protein-1 (Hem-1) is a hematopoietic cell–specific actin-regulatory protein. Loss-of-function (LOF) variants in the NCKAP1L gene encoding Hem-1 have recently been found to result in primary immunodeficiency disease (PID) in humans, characterized by recurring respiratory infections, asthma, and high mortality. However, the mechanisms of how Hem-1 variants result in PID are not known. In this study, we generated constitutive and myeloid cell–specific Nckap1l-KO mice to dissect the importance of Hem-1 in lung immunity. We found that Hem-1–deficient mice accumulated excessive surfactant and cell debris in airways (pulmonary alveolar proteinosis) due to impaired development of alveolar macrophages (AMs) and reduced expression of the AM differentiation factor Pparg. Residual Hem-1–deficient AMs shifted to a proinflammatory phenotype, and Hem-1–deficient neutrophils and monocytes failed to migrate normally. Myeloid cell–specific Hem-1–deficient mice exhibited increased morbidity following influenza A virus or Streptococcus pneumoniae challenge. These results provide potential mechanisms for how LOF variants in Hem-1 result in recurring respiratory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephen Libby
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - H Denny Liggitt
- Department of Comparative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Alan Avalos
- Department of Comparative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Alanna Ruddell
- Department of Comparative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Jason W Rosch
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Heon Park
- Department of Comparative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Brian M Iritani
- Department of Comparative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
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92
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Zheng W, Zhang J, Song Q, Xu Y, Zhu M, Ma J. Rac Family Small GTPase 3 Correlates with Progression and Poor Prognosis in Bladder Cancer. DNA Cell Biol 2021; 40:469-481. [PMID: 33600260 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2020.5613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer (BC) is a common genitourinary malignancy worldwide. However, the molecular pathogenesis of BC remains unclear. The current study conducted bioinformatic analyses to discover key genes involved in BC progression. A total of 375 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened in the GEO database and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, which were further evaluated by the core level in the protein-protein interaction network. RAC3 (Rac family small GTPase 3), one of the top hub genes, was focused on for its gene expression and prognostic value in BC. Immunohistochemical assays indicated elevated RAC3 levels in BC tissues compared with normal tissues. Overexpression of RAC3 expression was closely associated with poor differentiation (p = 0.035), advanced TNM stage (p = 0.014), lymph metastasis (p = 0.033), and recurrence (p < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards analyses demonstrated that high RAC3 expression indicated poor survival of BC patients, which could serve as an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (HR = 3.159, p = 0.023) and disease-free survival (HR = 4.633, p = 0.002). Moreover, bioinformatic analyses indicated that RAC3 might be correlated with malignant phenotypes and immune infiltration of BC. Taken together, RAC3 could be a novel prognostic biomarker for BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Zheng
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Qianqian Song
- Department of Radiology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, One Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Yuqing Xu
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Mengqi Zhu
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Jianguo Ma
- Department of Urology, Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
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93
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Wang J, Yang S, Min L, Zhu S, Guo S, Zhang S. ECT2 Increases the stability of EGFR and Tumorigenicity by Inhibiting Grb2 Ubiquitination in Pancreatic Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 10:589241. [PMID: 33634019 PMCID: PMC7901901 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.589241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The poor prognosis of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is associated with the invasion and metastasis of tumor cells. Epithelial cell transforming 2 (ECT2) is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) of the Rho family of GTPases. It has also been reported that upregulation of ECT2 in pancreatic cancer, but the role and mechanism of ECT2 have not been previously determined. We found that ECT2 was significantly elevated in PDAC tissues and cells, correlated with more advanced AJCC stage, distant metastases, and overall survival of patients with PDAC. Inhibition and overexpression tests showed that ECT2 promoted proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro, and promoted tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. We determined that ECT2 was involved in the post-translational regulation of Grb2. ECT2 inhibited the degradation of Grb2 through deubiquitination. Furthermore, knockdown of ECT2 downregulated EGFR levels by accelerating EGFR degradation. EGF stimulation facilitated the formation of ECT2-Grb2 complex. Overall, our findings indicated that ECT2 could be used as a promising new therapeutic candidate for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junxiong Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Precancerous Lesion of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Centre for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Shuo Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Li Min
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Precancerous Lesion of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Centre for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Shengtao Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Precancerous Lesion of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Centre for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Shuilong Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Precancerous Lesion of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Centre for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Shutian Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Precancerous Lesion of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Centre for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
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94
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Benson CE, Southgate L. The DOCK protein family in vascular development and disease. Angiogenesis 2021; 24:417-433. [PMID: 33548004 PMCID: PMC8292242 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-021-09768-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The vascular network is established and maintained through the processes of vasculogenesis and angiogenesis, which are tightly regulated during embryonic and postnatal life. The formation of a functional vasculature requires critical cellular mechanisms, such as cell migration, proliferation and adhesion, which are dependent on the activity of small Rho GTPases, controlled in part by the dedicator of cytokinesis (DOCK) protein family. Whilst the majority of DOCK proteins are associated with neuronal development, a growing body of evidence has indicated that members of the DOCK family may have key functions in the control of vasculogenic and angiogenic processes. This is supported by the involvement of several angiogenic signalling pathways, including chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), in the regulation of specific DOCK proteins. This review summarises recent progress in understanding the respective roles of DOCK family proteins during vascular development. We focus on existing in vivo and in vitro models and known human disease phenotypes and highlight potential mechanisms of DOCK protein dysfunction in the pathogenesis of vascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare E Benson
- Genetics Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St. George's University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, SW17 0RE, UK
| | - Laura Southgate
- Genetics Research Centre, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St. George's University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, SW17 0RE, UK. .,Department of Medical & Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, SE1 9RT, UK.
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95
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Cheng C, Seen D, Zheng C, Zeng R, Li E. Role of Small GTPase RhoA in DNA Damage Response. Biomolecules 2021; 11:212. [PMID: 33546351 PMCID: PMC7913530 DOI: 10.3390/biom11020212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence has suggested a role of the small GTPase Ras homolog gene family member A (RhoA) in DNA damage response (DDR) in addition to its traditional function of regulating cell morphology. In DDR, 2 key components of DNA repair, ataxia telangiectasia-mutated (ATM) and flap structure-specific endonuclease 1 (FEN1), along with intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been shown to regulate RhoA activation. In addition, Rho-specific guanine exchange factors (GEFs), neuroepithelial transforming gene 1 (Net1) and epithelial cell transforming sequence 2 (Ect2), have specific functions in DDR, and they also participate in Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1)/RhoA interaction, a process which is largely unappreciated yet possibly of significance in DDR. Downstream of RhoA, current evidence has highlighted its role in mediating cell cycle arrest, which is an important step in DNA repair. Unraveling the mechanism by which RhoA modulates DDR may provide more insight into DDR itself and may aid in the future development of cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Enmin Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515031, Guangdong, China; (C.C.); (D.S.); (C.Z.); (R.Z.)
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96
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Ninomiya K, Ohta K, Yamashita K, Mizuno K, Ohashi K. PLEKHG4B enables actin cytoskeletal remodeling during epithelial cell-cell junction formation. J Cell Sci 2021; 134:224080. [PMID: 33310911 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.249078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-cell junction formation requires actin cytoskeletal remodeling. Here, we show that PLEKHG4B, a Rho-guanine nucleotide exchange factor (Rho-GEF), plays a crucial role in epithelial cell-cell junction formation. Knockdown of PLEKHG4B decreased Cdc42 activity and tended to increase RhoA activity in A549 cells. A549 monolayer cells showed 'closed junctions' with closely packed actin bundles along the cell-cell contacts, but PLEKHG4B knockdown suppressed closed junction formation, and PLEKHG4B-knockdown cells exhibited 'open junctions' with split actin bundles located away from the cell-cell boundary. In Ca2+-switch assays, PLEKHG4B knockdown delayed the conversion of open junctions to closed junctions and β-catenin accumulation at cell-cell junctions. Furthermore, PLEKHG4B knockdown abrogated the reduction in myosin activity normally seen in the later stage of junction formation. The aberrant myosin activation and impairments in closed junction formation in PLEKHG4B-knockdown cells were reverted by ROCK inhibition or LARG/PDZ-RhoGEF knockdown. These results suggest that PLEKHG4B enables actin remodeling during epithelial cell-cell junction maturation, probably by reducing myosin activity in the later stage of junction formation, through suppressing LARG/PDZ-RhoGEF and RhoA-ROCK pathway activities. We also showed that annexin A2 participates in PLEKHG4B localization to cell-cell junctions.This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komaki Ninomiya
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Aobayama, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8578, Japan
| | - Kai Ohta
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Aobayama, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8578, Japan
| | - Kazunari Yamashita
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Aobayama, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8578, Japan.,Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, Aobayama, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8578, Japan
| | - Kensaku Mizuno
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Aobayama, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8578, Japan .,Institute of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Tohoku University, Kawauchi, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8576, Japan
| | - Kazumasa Ohashi
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Aobayama, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8578, Japan .,Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, Aobayama, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8578, Japan
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97
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Lane BS, Heller B, Hollenberg MD, Wells CD. The RGS-RhoGEFs control the amplitude of YAP1 activation by serum. Sci Rep 2021; 11:2348. [PMID: 33504879 PMCID: PMC7841162 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-82027-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Actin-dependent mechanisms drive the nuclear translocation of Yap1 to enable its co-activation of transcription factors that induce pro-growth and survival programs. While Rho GTPases are necessary for the nuclear import of YAP1, the relevant Guanine Exchange Factors (GEFs) and GTPase Activating Proteins (GAPs) that connect this process to upstream signaling are not well defined. To this end, we measured the impact of expressing sixty-seven RhoGEFs and RhoGAPs on the YAP1 dependent activity of a TEAD element transcriptional reporter. Robust effects by all three members of the regulator of G-protein signaling (RGS) domain containing RhoGEFs (ArhGEF1, ArhGEF11 and ArhGEF12) prompted studies relating their known roles in serum signaling onto the regulation of Yap1. Under all conditions examined, ArhGEF12 preferentially mediated the activation of YAP1/TEAD by serum versus ArhGEF1 or ArhGEF11. Conversely, ArhGEF1 in multiple contexts inhibited both basal and serum elevated YAP1 activity through its GAP activity for Gα13. The sensitivity of such inhibition to cellular density and to low states of serum signaling supports that ArhGEF1 is a context dependent regulator of YAP1. Taken together, the relative activities of the RGS-RhoGEFs were found to dictate the degree to which serum signaling promotes YAP1 activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon S Lane
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Brigitte Heller
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Morley D Hollenberg
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Clark D Wells
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA. .,Indiana University School of Medicine, John D. Van Nuys Medical Science Building. 635 Barnhill Dr., Rm. 4079A, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
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98
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Del Gaudio F, Guerrera IC, Riccio R, Monti MC. Quantitative proteomics discloses monacolin K-induced alterations in triple-negative breast cancer cell proteomes and phosphoproteomes. Mol Omics 2021; 16:19-30. [PMID: 31859329 DOI: 10.1039/c9mo00140a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
A positive prognosis of triple-negative breast cancer can be considered as one of the major challenges in clinical studies; accordingly, scientific research has the mission to find out novel chemotherapeutics to make it curable. In recent times, a good potential of dietary bioactive natural substances, called nutraceuticals, in suppressing cancer cell proliferation via gene expression regulation has been discovered: this effect and the lack of toxicity make nutraceuticals potentially effective agents against cancers. Monacolin K from red rice, a FDA-approved and well-tolerated compound generally employed to treat hypercholesterolemia, has been proved to have anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects in a wide panel of triple-negative breast cancers. Thus, an unbiased analysis of monacolin K-induced MDA-MB-231 cellular pathway alterations has been carried out by quantitative proteomics exploiting isobaric tags. Despite the positive modulation of some proteins already reported in the literature, an increased concentration of the tissue-type plasminogen activator PLAT has interestingly been found. This is a marker of good prognosis in mammary cancer, suggesting the anti-metastatic properties of this molecule as strongly associated with the alterations in the cytoskeleton organization and the consequent modulation of adhesion, motility and proteolysis. In accordance, some of the found monacolin K-induced phosphoproteome alterations have a tight connection to cell migration mechanisms. In this setting, the over-phosphorylation of Lamin A and of melanophilin induced by monacolin K has been very attractive. Moreover, monacolin K exerts its effect on the over-expression of the tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2), an endogenous metalloproteinase inhibitor. This protein modulates growth, migration and invasion of tumor cells and inhibits tumor angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Del Gaudio
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy.
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99
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Saadeldin IM, Tukur HA, Aljumaah RS, Sindi RA. Rocking the Boat: The Decisive Roles of Rho Kinases During Oocyte, Blastocyst, and Stem Cell Development. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:616762. [PMID: 33505968 PMCID: PMC7829335 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.616762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The rho-associated coiled-coil-containing proteins (ROCKs or rho kinase) are effectors of the small rho-GTPase rhoA, which acts as a signaling molecule to regulate a variety of cellular processes, including cell proliferation, adhesion, polarity, cytokinesis, and survival. Owing to the multifunctionality of these kinases, an increasing number of studies focus on understanding the pleiotropic effects of the ROCK signaling pathway in the coordination and control of growth (proliferation, initiation, and progression), development (morphology and differentiation), and survival in many cell types. There is growing evidence that ROCKs actively phosphorylate several actin-binding proteins and intermediate filament proteins during oocyte cytokinesis, the preimplantation embryos as well as the stem cell development and differentiation. In this review, we focus on the participation of ROCK proteins in oocyte maturation, blastocyst formation, and stem cell development with a special focus on the selective targeting of ROCK isoforms, ROCK1, and ROCK2. The selective switching of cell fate through ROCK inhibition would provide a novel paradigm for in vitro oocyte maturation, experimental embryology, and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Islam M Saadeldin
- Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Comparative Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hammed A Tukur
- Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Riyadh S Aljumaah
- Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ramya A Sindi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
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100
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Nakao Y, Nakagawa S, Yamashita YI, Umezaki N, Okamoto Y, Ogata Y, Yasuda-Yoshihara N, Itoyama R, Yusa T, Yamashita K, Miyata T, Okabe H, Hayashi H, Imai K, Baba H. High ARHGEF2 (GEF-H1) Expression is Associated with Poor Prognosis Via Cell Cycle Regulation in Patients with Pancreatic Cancer. Ann Surg Oncol 2021; 28:4733-4743. [PMID: 33393038 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-020-09383-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer has an extremely poor prognosis, even after curative resection. Treatment options for pancreatic cancer remain limited, therefore new therapeutic targets are urgently needed. We searched for genes predictive of poor prognosis in pancreatic cancer using a public database and validated the survival impact of the selected gene in a patient cohort. METHODS We used a public database to search for genes associated with early pancreatic cancer recurrence. As a validation cohort, 201 patients who underwent radical resection in our institution were enrolled. Expression of the target gene was evaluated using immunohistochemistry (IHC). We evaluated growth and invasiveness using small interfering RNAs, then performed pathway analysis using gene set enrichment analysis. RESULTS We extracted ARHGEF2 from GSE21501 as a gene with a high hazard ratio (HR) for early recurrence within 1 year. The high ARHGEF2 expression group had significantly poorer recurrence-free survival (RFS) and poorer overall survival (OS) than the low ARHGEF2 expression group. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that high ARHGEF2 expression was an independent poor prognostic factor for RFS (HR 1.92) and OS (HR 1.63). In vitro, ARHGEF2 suppression resulted in reduced cell growth and invasiveness. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that ARHGEF2 expression was associated with MYC, G2M, E2F, and CDC25A expression, suggesting that c-Myc and cell cycle genes are associated with high ARHGEF2 expression. IHC revealed a positive correlation between ARHGEF2 and c-Myc expression. CONCLUSIONS High ARHGEF2 expression is associated with cell cycle progression, and predicts early recurrence and poor survival in patients with pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosuke Nakao
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Shigeki Nakagawa
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yo-Ichi Yamashita
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Naoki Umezaki
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yuya Okamoto
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yoko Ogata
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Noriko Yasuda-Yoshihara
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Rumi Itoyama
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Toshihiko Yusa
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Kohei Yamashita
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Tatsunori Miyata
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Hirohisa Okabe
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Hiromitsu Hayashi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Katsunori Imai
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Hideo Baba
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan.
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