Actions of PP2A on the MAP kinase pathway and apoptosis are mediated by distinct regulatory subunits

PP2A catalytic subunit silence by microRNA-429 activates AMPK and protects osteoblastic cells from dexamethasone

Activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) could efficiently protect osteoblasts from dexamethasone (Dex). Here, we aim to induce AMPK activation through miRNA-mediated downregulating its phosphatase, protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A). We discovered that microRNA-429 ("miR-429") targets the catalytic subunit of PP2A (PP2A-c). Significantly, expression of miR-429 downregulated PP2A-c and activated AMPK (p-AMPKα1 Thr172) in human osteoblastic cells (OB-6 and hFOB1.19 lines). Remarkably, miR-429 expression alleviated Dex-induced osteoblastic cell death and apoptosis. On the other hand, miR-429-induced AMPK activation and osteoblast cytoprotection were almost abolished when AMPKα1 was either silenced (by targeted shRNA) or mutated (T172A inactivation). Further studies showed that miR-429 expression in osteoblastic cells increased NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate) content to significantly inhibit Dex-induced oxidative stress. Such effect by miR-429 was again abolished with AMPKα1 silence or mutation. Together, we propose that PP2A-c silence by miR-429 activates AMPK and protects osteoblastic cells from Dex.

Role of Protein Phosphatase 2A in Osteoblast Differentiation and Function

The reversible phosphorylation of proteins plays hugely important roles in a variety of cellular processes, such as differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis. These processes are strictly controlled by protein kinases (phosphorylation) and phosphatases (de-phosphorylation). Here we provide a brief history of the study of protein phosphorylation, including a summary of different types of protein kinases and phosphatases. One of the most physiologically important serine/threonine phosphatases is PP2A. This review provides a description of the phenotypes of various PP2A transgenic mice and further focuses on the known functions of PP2A in bone formation, including its role in osteoblast differentiation and function. A reduction in PP2A promotes bone formation and osteoblast differentiation through the regulation of bone-related transcription factors such as Osterix. Interestingly, downregulation of PP2A also stimulates adipocyte differentiation from undifferentiated mesenchymal cells under the appropriate adipogenic differentiation conditions. In osteoblasts, PP2A is also involved in the ability to control osteoclastogenesis as well as in the proliferation and metastasis of osteosarcoma cells. Thus, PP2A is considered to be a comprehensive factor in controlling the differentiation and function of cells derived from mesenchymal cells such as osteoblasts and adipocytes.

Oncoprotein CIP2A is stabilized via interaction with tumor suppressor PP2A/B56

Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is a critical human tumor suppressor. Cancerous inhibitor of PP2A (CIP2A) supports the activity of several critical cancer drivers (Akt, MYC, E2F1) and promotes malignancy in most cancer types via PP2A inhibition. However, the 3D structure of CIP2A has not been solved, and it remains enigmatic how it interacts with PP2A. Here, we show by yeast two-hybrid assays, and subsequent validation experiments, that CIP2A forms homodimers. The homodimerization of CIP2A is confirmed by solving the crystal structure of an N-terminal CIP2A fragment (amino acids 1-560) at 3.0 Å resolution, and by subsequent structure-based mutational analyses of the dimerization interface. We further describe that the CIP2A dimer interacts with the PP2A subunits B56α and B56γ. CIP2A binds to the B56 proteins via a conserved N-terminal region, and dimerization promotes B56 binding. Intriguingly, inhibition of either CIP2A dimerization or B56α/γ expression destabilizes CIP2A, indicating opportunities for controlled degradation. These results provide the first structure-function analysis of the interaction of CIP2A with PP2A/B56 and have direct implications for its targeting in cancer therapy.

Regulation of Signal Transduction by DJ-1

The ability of DJ-1 to modulate signal transduction has significant effects on how the cell regulates normal processes such as growth, senescence, apoptosis, and autophagy to adapt to changing environmental stimuli and stresses. Perturbations of DJ-1 levels or function can disrupt the equilibrium of homeostatic signaling networks and set off cascades that play a role in the pathogenesis of conditions such as cancer and Parkinson's disease.DJ-1 plays a major role in various pathways. It mediates cell survival and proliferation by activating the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) pathway and the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway. It attenuates cell death signaling by inhibiting apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) activation as well as by inhibiting mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 1 (MEKK1/MAP3K1) activation of downstream apoptotic cascades. It also modulates autophagy through the ERK, Akt, or the JNK/Beclin1 pathways. In addition, DJ-1 regulates the transcription of genes essential for male reproductive function, such as spermatogenesis, by relaying nuclear receptor androgen receptor (AR) signaling. In this chapter, we summarize the ways that DJ-1 regulates these pathways, focusing on how its role in signal transduction contributes to cellular homeostasis and the pathologic states that result from dysregulation.

Drosophila Protein Kinase CK2: Genetics, Regulatory Complexity and Emerging Roles during Development

CK2 is a Ser/Thr protein kinase that is highly conserved amongst all eukaryotes. It is a well-known oncogenic kinase that regulates vital cell autonomous functions and animal development. Genetic studies in the fruit fly Drosophila are providing unique insights into the roles of CK2 in cell signaling, embryogenesis, organogenesis, neurogenesis, and the circadian clock, and are revealing hitherto unknown complexities in CK2 functions and regulation. Here, we review Drosophila CK2 with respect to its structure, subunit diversity, potential mechanisms of regulation, developmental abnormalities linked to mutations in the gene encoding CK2 subunits, and emerging roles in multiple aspects of eye development. We examine the Drosophila CK2 "interaction map" and the eye-specific "transcriptome" databases, which raise the prospect that this protein kinase has many additional targets in the developing eye. We discuss the possibility that CK2 functions during early retinal neurogenesis in Drosophila and mammals bear greater similarity than has been recognized, and that this conservation may extend to other developmental programs. Together, these studies underscore the immense power of the Drosophila model organism to provide new insights and avenues to further investigate developmentally relevant targets of this protein kinase.

Clinicopathological effects of protein phosphatase 2, regulatory subunit A, alpha mutations in gastrointestinal stromal tumors

Recently, several studies have reported that dysfunctions in protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) caused by alterations in protein phosphatase 2 regulatory subunit A, alpha (PPP2R1A) are responsible for tumorigenesis and tumor progression in several types of cancers. The impact of PPP2R1A mutations remains unknown in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), although mutations in KIT and PDGFRA, which result in constitutive activation of the receptor tyrosine kinase pathway, are important in GIST tumorigenesis. In this study, we performed mutation analysis of PPP2R1A to examine the frequency of PPP2R1A mutations and their clinicopathological correlation in 94 GIST cases. In addition, we performed an in vitro analysis to investigate the effects of PPP2R1A mutations on cell proliferation and kinase phosphorylation in GIST cells. Seventeen GIST cases (18%) harbored mutations in PPP2R1A. All but one of these 17 cases harbored a KIT, PDGFRA, HRAS, NRAS, or KRAS mutation as the oncogenic driver mutation, and the remaining case was immunohistochemically negative for succinate dehydrogenase B (SDHB). Multivariate analysis showed that larger tumor size, higher mitotic rate, and PPP2R1A mutation are independent prognostic factors for overall survival; however, PPP2R1A mutation was not an independent prognostic factor for disease-free survival. The transduction of GIST cells with mutant PPP2R1A induced an accelerated growth rate via increased phosphorylation of Akt1/2, ERK1/2, and WNK1, a kinase associated with angiogenesis. In addition, the transduction of GIST cells with mutant PPP2R1A caused increased c-kit phosphorylation, suggesting that c-kit is also a target of PP2A, reinforcing the tumorigenic capabilities of c-kit. Furthermore, the transducing GIST cells with wild-type PP2A dephosphorylated mutant c-kit. This study provides a new insight into the biology of GISTs and their phosphatase activity, and activated PP2A could be a therapeutic target in GISTs.

The broken "Off" switch in cancer signaling: PP2A as a regulator of tumorigenesis, drug resistance, and immune surveillance

Aberrant activation of signal transduction pathways can transform a normal cell to a malignant one and can impart survival properties that render cancer cells resistant to therapy. A diverse set of cascades have been implicated in various cancers including those mediated by serine/threonine kinases such RAS, PI3K/AKT, and PKC. Signal transduction is a dynamic process involving both "On" and "Off" switches. Activating mutations of RAS or PI3K can be viewed as the switch being stuck in the "On" position resulting in continued signaling by a survival and/or proliferation pathway. On the other hand, inactivation of protein phosphatases such as the PP2A family can be seen as the defective "Off" switch that similarly can activate these pathways. A problem for therapeutic targeting of PP2A is that the enzyme is a hetero-trimer and thus drug targeting involves complex structures. More importantly, since PP2A isoforms generally act as tumor suppressors one would want to activate these enzymes rather than suppress them. The elucidation of the role of cellular inhibitors like SET and CIP2A in cancer suggests that targeting these proteins can have therapeutic efficacy by mechanisms involving PP2A activation. Furthermore, drugs such as FTY-720 can activate PP2A isoforms directly. This review will cover the current state of knowledge of PP2A role as a tumor suppressor in cancer cells and as a mediator of processes that can impact drug resistance and immune surveillance.

Deregulation of the protein phosphatase 2A, PP2A in cancer: complexity and therapeutic options

The complexity of the phosphatase, PP2A, is being unravelled and current research is increasingly providing information on the association of deregulated PP2A function with cancer initiation and progression. It has been reported that decreased activity of PP2A is a recurrent observation in many types of cancer, including colorectal and breast cancer (Baldacchino et al. EPMA J. 5:3, 2014; Cristobal et al. Mol Cancer Ther. 13:938-947, 2014). Since deregulation of PP2A and its regulatory subunits is a common event in cancer, PP2A is a potential target for therapy (Baldacchino et al. EPMA J. 5:3, 2014). In this review, the structural components of the PP2A complex are described, giving an in depth overview of the diversity of regulatory subunits. Regulation of the active PP2A trimeric complex, through phosphorylation and methylation, can be targeted using known compounds, to reactivate the complex. The endogenous inhibitors of the PP2A complex are highly deregulated in cancer, representing cases that are eligible to PP2A-activating drugs. Pharmacological opportunities to target low PP2A activity are available and preclinical data support the efficacy of these drugs, but clinical trials are lacking. We highlight the importance of PP2A deregulation in cancer and the current trends in targeting the phosphatase.

Incorporation of Fucoidan in β-Tricalcium phosphate-Chitosan scaffold prompts the differentiation of human bone marrow stromal cells into osteogenic lineage

In our previous study, we reported the fabrication and characterization of a novel tricalcium phosphate-fucoidan-chitosan (TCP-Fu-Ch) biocomposite scaffold. However, the previous report did not show whether the biocomposite scaffold can exhibit osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow stromal cells in osteogenic media and normal media supplemented with platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-BB). On day 15, the release of osteocalcin, was significant in the TCP-Fu-Ch scaffold, when compared with that in the TCP-Ch scaffold, and the level of release was approximately 8 and 6 ng/ml in osteogenic and normal media supplemented with PDGF-BB, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy of the TCP-Fu-Ch scaffold demonstrated mineralization and apatite layer formation on day 14, while the addition of PDGF-BB also improved the osteogenic differentiation of the scaffold. An array of gene expression analysis demonstrated that TCP-Fu-Ch scaffold cultured in osteogenic and normal media supplemented with PDGF-BB showed significant improvement in the expression of collagen 1, Runt-related transcription factor 2, osteonectin, bone gamma-carboxyglutamate protein, alkaline phosphatase, and PPA2, but a decline in the expression of integrin. Altogether, the present study demonstrated that fucoidan-incorporated TCP-Ch scaffold could be used in the differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells and can be a potential candidate for the treatment of bone-related ailments through tissue engineering technology.

All roads lead to PP2A: exploiting the therapeutic potential of this phosphatase

Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is a serine/threonine phosphatase involved in the regulation of many cellular processes. A confirmed tumor suppressor protein, PP2A is genetically altered or functionally inactivated in many cancers highlighting a need for its therapeutic reactivation. In this review we discuss recent literature on PP2A: the elucidation of its structure and the functions of its subunits, and the identification of molecular lesions and post-translational modifications leading to its dysregulation in cancer. A final section will discuss the proteins and small molecules that modulate PP2A and how these might be used to target dysregulated forms of PP2A to treat cancers and other diseases.

Protein Phosphatase Methyl-Esterase PME-1 Protects Protein Phosphatase 2A from Ubiquitin/Proteasome Degradation

Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is a conserved essential enzyme that is implicated as a tumor suppressor based on its central role in phosphorylation-dependent signaling pathways. Protein phosphatase methyl esterase (PME-1) catalyzes specifically the demethylation of the C-terminal Leu309 residue of PP2A catalytic subunit (PP2Ac). It has been shown that PME-1 affects the activity of PP2A by demethylating PP2Ac, but also by directly binding to the phosphatase active site, suggesting loss of PME-1 in cells would enhance PP2A activity. However, here we show that PME-1 knockout mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) exhibit lower PP2A activity than wild type MEFs. Loss of PME-1 enhanced poly-ubiquitination of PP2Ac and shortened the half-life of PP2Ac protein resulting in reduced PP2Ac levels. Chemical inhibition of PME-1 and rescue experiments with wild type and mutated PME-1 revealed methyl-esterase activity was necessary to maintain PP2Ac protein levels. Our data demonstrate that PME-1 methyl-esterase activity protects PP2Ac from ubiquitin/proteasome degradation.

Molecular insight into the viral biology and clinical features of trichodysplasia spinulosa

Trichodysplasia spinulosa (TS) is a disfiguring skin disease that occurs most frequently in patients receiving immunosuppressive therapies, and is thus frequently associated with organ transplantation. TS is characterized clinically by folliculocentric papular eruption, keratin spine formation and development of leonine face; and histologically by expansion of the inner root sheath epithelium and high expression of the proliferative marker Ki-67. Recent discovery of the TS-associated polyomavirus (TSPyV) and emerging studies demonstrating the role of TSPyV tumour antigens in cell proliferation pathways have opened a new corridor for research on TS. In this brief review, we summarize the clinical and histological features of TS and evaluate the current options for therapy. Furthermore, we address the viral aetiology of the disease and explore the mechanisms by which TSPyV may influence TS development and progression. As reports of TS continue to rise, clinician recognition of TS, as well as accompanying research on its underlying pathogenesis and therapeutic options, is becoming increasingly important. It is our hope that heightened clinical suspicion for TS will increase rates of diagnosis and will galvanize both molecular and clinical interest in this disease.

Quantitative phosphoproteomics reveals new roles for the protein phosphatase PP6 in mitotic cells

Protein phosphorylation is an important regulatory mechanism controlling mitotic progression. Protein phosphatase 6 (PP6) is an essential enzyme with conserved roles in chromosome segregation and spindle assembly from yeast to humans. We applied a baculovirus-mediated gene silencing approach to deplete HeLa cells of the catalytic subunit of PP6 (PP6c) and analyzed changes in the phosphoproteome and proteome in mitotic cells by quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomics. We identified 408 phosphopeptides on 272 proteins that increased and 298 phosphopeptides on 220 proteins that decreased in phosphorylation upon PP6c depletion in mitotic cells. Motif analysis of the phosphorylated sites combined with bioinformatics pathway analysis revealed previously unknown PP6c-dependent regulatory pathways. Biochemical assays demonstrated that PP6c opposed casein kinase 2-dependent phosphorylation of the condensin I subunit NCAP-G, and cellular analysis showed that depletion of PP6c resulted in defects in chromosome condensation and segregation in anaphase, consistent with dysregulation of condensin I function in the absence of PP6 activity.

Combination of zoledronic acid and serine/threonine phosphatase inhibitors induces synergistic cytotoxicity and apoptosis in human breast cancer cells via inhibition of PI3K/Akt pathway

The aim of this study was to investigate the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of zoledronic acid (ZA) in combination with serine/threonine protein phosphatase inhibitors, calyculin-A (CA) and okadaic acid (OA), in human MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. XTT cell viability assay was used to evaluate cytotoxicity. DNA fragmentation and caspase-3/7 activity assays were performed to evaluate apoptosis. Activities of phosphatase 1 (PP1) and phosphatase 2A (PP2A) were measured by serine/threonine phosphatase ELISA kit. Expression levels of PI3K, p-PI3K, Akt, p-Akt, Bcl-2, p-Bcl-2, Bad, and p-Bad proteins were evaluated by Western blot analysis. Combination of ZA with either CA or OA showed synergistic cytotoxicity and apoptosis as compared to any agent alone in both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Combination treatment also resulted in inhibition of both PP1 and PP2A activities. Both agents used alone or in combination did not induce significant changes in total PI3K, Akt, Bcl-2, and Bad expressions, while p-PI3K, p-Akt, p-Bcl-2, and p-Bad levels were reduced by the combination treatment as compared to agents alone. Moreover, apoptotic effect of combination treatment was significantly inhibited in the presence of LY294002, a specific PI3K inhibitor, in both breast cancer cell lines. In conclusion, synergistic apoptotic effect of the combination treatment is correlated with the block of the PI3K/Akt signal pathway in breast cancer cells.

PP2A: The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing?

Protein Phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is a major serine/threonine phosphatase in cells. It consists of a catalytic subunit (C), a structural subunit (A), and a regulatory/variable B-type subunit. PP2A has a critical role to play in homeostasis where its predominant function is as a phosphatase that regulates the major cell signaling pathways in cells. Changes in the assembly, activity and substrate specificity of the PP2A holoenzyme have a direct role in disease and are a major contributor to the maintenance of the transformed phenotype in cancer. We have learned a lot about how PP2A functions from specific mutations that disrupt the core assembly of PP2A and from viral proteins that target PP2A and inhibit its effect as a phosphatase. This prompted various studies revealing that restoration of PP2A activity benefits some cancer patients. However, our understanding of the mechanism of action of this is limited because of the complex nature of PP2A holoenzyme assembly and because it acts through a wide variety of signaling pathways. Information on PP2A is also conflicting as there are situations whereby inactivation of PP2A induces apoptosis in many cancer cells. In this review we discuss this relationship and we also address many of the pertinent and topical questions that relate to novel therapeutic strategies aimed at altering PP2A activity.

PP2A-B56ϵ complex is involved in dephosphorylation of γ-H2AX in the repair process of CPT-induced DNA double-strand breaks

Phosphorylation of histone H2AX (γ-H2AX) in response to DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) should be eliminated from the sites of DNA damage to fulfill the DNA repair and release cells from the growth arrest. Previous study showed that protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) interact with γ-H2AX that lead to the dephosphorylation of γ-H2AX. Here, we examined the effects of suppression of PP2A regulatory subunits on dephosphorylation of γ-H2AX in human embryonic kidney epithelial cells (HEK) treated by topoisomerase I inhibitor camptothecin (CPT). We found that cells with suppression of B55α or B56ϵ were more sensitive to DNA damage agents. Suppression of B56ϵ led to persistence of γ-H2AX, resulting in prolonged DSBs repair and increased chromatin instability measured by comet assay. In addition, the deficiency of B56ϵ impaired the cell cycle regulation and the DNA repair pathway of homologous recombination (HR). Notably, we detected that PP2A B56ϵ subunit was involved directly in dephosphorylation of γ-H2AX and translocated from cytoplasm to nucleus upon the treatment of CPT. Our findings demonstrate that PP2A holoenzyme containing B56ϵ is responsible for the dephosphorylation of γ-H2AX and regulation of DNA repair of DSBs induced by CPT.

The Interplay between PP2A and microRNAs in Leukemia

Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is a serine/threonine phosphatase family whose members have been implicated in tumor suppression in many cancer models. In many cancers, loss of PP2A activity has been associated with tumorigenesis and drug resistance. Loss of PP2A results in failure to turn off survival signaling cascades that drive drug resistance such as those regulated by protein kinase B. PP2A is responsible for modulating function and controlling expression of tumor suppressors such as p53 and oncogenes such as BCL2 and MYC. Thus, PP2A has diverse functions regulating cell survival. The importance of microRNAs (miRs) is emerging in cancer biology. A role for miR regulation of PP2A is not well understood; however, recent studies suggest a number of clinically significant miRs such as miR-155 and miR-19 may include PP2A targets. We have recently found that a PP2A B subunit (B55α) can regulate a number of miRs in acute myeloid leukemia cells. The identification of a miR/PP2A axis represents a novel regulatory pathway in cellular homeostasis. The ability of miRs to suppress specific PP2A targets and for PP2A to control such miRs can add an extra level of control in signaling that could be used as a rheostat for many signaling cascades that maintain cellular homeostasis. As such, loss of PP2A or expression of miRs relevant for PP2A function could promote tumorigenesis or at least result in drug resistance. In this review, we will cover the current state of miR regulation of PP2A with a focus on leukemia. We will also briefly discuss what is known of PP2A regulation of miR expression.

Interaction between salt-inducible kinase 2 and protein phosphatase 2A regulates the activity of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase I and protein phosphatase methylesterase-1

Salt-inducible kinase 2 (SIK2) is the only AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) family member known to interact with protein phosphatase 2 (PP2A). However, the functional aspects of this complex are largely unknown. Here we report that the SIK2-PP2A complex preserves both kinase and phosphatase activities. In this capacity,SIK2 attenuates the association of the PP2A repressor, the protein phosphatase methylesterase-1 (PME-1), thus preserving the methylation status of the PP2A catalytic subunit. Furthermore, the SIK2-PP2A holoenzyme complex dephosphorylates and inactivates Ca2(+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase I (CaMKI), an upstream kinase for phosphorylating PME-1/Ser(15). The functionally antagonistic SIK2-PP2A and CaMKI and PME-1 networks thus constitute a negative feedback loop that modulates the phosphatase activity of PP2A. Depletion of SIK2 led to disruption of the SIK2-PP2A complex, activation of CaMKI, and downstream effects, including phosphorylation of HDAC5/Ser(259), sequestration of HDAC5 in the cytoplasm, and activation of myocyte-specific enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C)-mediated gene expression. These results suggest that the SIK2-PP2A complex functions in the regulation of MEF2C-dependent transcription. Furthermore, this study suggests that the tightly linked regulatory loop comprised of the SIK2-PP2A and CaMKI and PME-1 networks may function in fine-tuning cell proliferation and stress response.

Regulation of nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling and function of Family with sequence similarity 13, member A (Fam13a), by B56-containing PP2As and Akt

Recent genome-wide association studies reveal that the FAM13A gene is associated with human lung function and a variety of lung diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, lung cancer, and pulmonary fibrosis. The biological functions of Fam13a, however, have not been studied. In an effort to identify novel substrates of B56-containing PP2As, we found that B56-containing PP2As and Akt act antagonistically to control reversible phosphorylation of Fam13a on Ser-322. We show that Ser-322 phosphorylation acts as a molecular switch to control the subcellular distribution of Fam13a. Fam13a shuttles between the nucleus and cytoplasm. When Ser-322 is phosphorylated by Akt, the binding between Fam13a and 14-3-3 is enhanced, leading to cytoplasmic sequestration of Fam13a. B56-containing PP2As dephosphorylate phospho-Ser-322 and promote nuclear localization of Fam13a. We generated Fam13a-knockout mice. Fam13a-mutant mice are viable and healthy, indicating that Fam13a is dispensable for embryonic development and physiological functions in adult animals. Intriguingly, Fam13a has the ability to activate the Wnt pathway. Although Wnt signaling remains largely normal in Fam13a-knockout lungs, depletion of Fam13a in human lung cancer cells causes an obvious reduction in Wnt signaling activity. Our work provides important clues to elucidating the mechanism by which Fam13a may contribute to human lung diseases.

A comparative study on in vitro osteogenic priming potential of electron spun scaffold PLLA/HA/Col, PLLA/HA, and PLLA/Col for tissue engineering application

A comparative study on the in vitro osteogenic potential of electrospun poly-L-lactide/hydroxyapatite/collagen (PLLA/HA/Col, PLLA/HA, and PLLA/Col) scaffolds was conducted. The morphology, chemical composition, and surface roughness of the fibrous scaffolds were examined. Furthermore, cell attachment, distribution, morphology, mineralization, extracellular matrix protein localization, and gene expression of human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) differentiated on the fibrous scaffolds PLLA/Col/HA, PLLA/Col, and PLLA/HA were also analyzed. The electrospun scaffolds with a diameter of 200–950 nm demonstrated well-formed interconnected fibrous network structure, which supported the growth of hMSCs. When compared with PLLA/H%A and PLLA/Col scaffolds, PLLA/Col/HA scaffolds presented a higher density of viable cells and significant upregulation of genes associated with osteogenic lineage, which were achieved without the use of specific medium or growth factors. These results were supported by the elevated levels of calcium, osteocalcin, and mineralization (P<0.05) observed at different time points (0, 7, 14, and 21 days). Furthermore, electron microscopic observations and fibronectin localization revealed that PLLA/Col/HA scaffolds exhibited superior osteoinductivity, when compared with PLLA/Col or PLLA/HA scaffolds. These findings indicated that the fibrous structure and synergistic action of Col and nano-HA with high-molecular-weight PLLA played a vital role in inducing osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs. The data obtained in this study demonstrated that the developed fibrous PLLA/Col/HA biocomposite scaffold may be supportive for stem cell based therapies for bone repair, when compared with the other two scaffolds.

"RAF" neighborhood: protein-protein interaction in the Raf/Mek/Erk pathway

The Raf/Mek/Erk signaling pathway, activated downstream of Ras primarily to promote proliferation, represents the best studied of the evolutionary conserved MAPK cascades. The investigation of the pathway has continued unabated since its discovery roughly 30 years ago. In the last decade, however, the identification of unexpected in vivo functions of pathway components, as well as the discovery of Raf mutations in human cancer, the ensuing quest for inhibitors, and the efforts to understand their mechanism of action, have boosted interest tremendously. From this large body of work, protein-protein interaction has emerged as a recurrent, crucial theme. This review focuses on the role of protein complexes in the regulation of the Raf/Mek/Erk pathway and in its cross-talk with other signaling cascades. Mapping these interactions and finding a way of exploiting them for therapeutic purposes is one of the challenges of future molecule-targeted therapy.

Functional genomics identified a novel protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type F-mediated growth inhibition in hepatocarcinogenesis

It is unclear how proliferating cells elicit suppression on cell proliferation and how cancer cells evade this growth suppression. Using a loss-of-function screening of the human kinome and phosphatome to identify genes suppressing tumor initiation in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), we identified 19 genes and characterized one of the top-scoring tumor suppressor candidates, protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type F (PTPRF). We found that PTPRF was induced during cell proliferation by cell-cell contact. Ectopic expression of wild-type PTPRF, but not the phosphatase-inactive mutant, suppressed cell proliferation and colony formation in soft-agar assays. In contrast, PTPRF silencing led to cell hyperproliferation, enhanced tumor colony formation in soft agar, and increased xenograft tumor growth in nude mice. Mechanistically, PTPRF silencing showed aberrant ERK-dependent signaling including the phosphorylation/stabilization of v-myc avian myelocytomatosis viral oncogene homolog (MYC) through the direct activation of v-src avian sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (SRC) and suppression of PP2A. This PTPRF-mediated growth suppression during cell proliferation functioned independently of the Hippo-Yap pathway. Clinically, PTPRF was down-regulated in 42% HCC (37/89), 67% gastric cancer (27/40), and 100% colorectal cancer (40/40). PTPRF up-regulation was found in 24% HCC (21/89) and associated with better clinical outcomes.

CONCLUSION

A novel PTPRF-mediated growth suppression pathway was identified by way of a functional genomics screening in human hepatoma cells. Induction of PTPRF by cell-cell contact during cell proliferation quenched the activated ERK-dependent proliferation signaling to prevent cell hyperproliferation and tumor initiation. PTPRF down-regulation in HCC facilitated tumor development. Our findings shed light on how cancer cells can evade growth suppression and open a new avenue for future development of anticancer therapies.

Intermittent hypoxia-induced protein phosphatase 2A activation reduces PC12 cell proliferation and differentiation

BACKGROUND

Intermittent hypoxia (IH) plays a critical role in sleep breathing disorder-associated hippocampus impairments, including neurocognitive deficits, irreversible memory and learning impairments. IH-induced neuronal injury in the hippocampus may result from reduced precursor cell proliferation and the relative numbers of postmitotic differentiated neurons. However, the mechanisms underlying IH-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation effects on cell proliferation and neuronal differentiation remain largely unknown.

RESULTS

ROS generation significantly increased after 1-4 days of IH without increased pheochromocytoma-12 (PC12) cell death, which resulted in increased protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) mRNA and protein levels. After 3-4 days of IH, extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) protein phosphorylation decreased, which could be reversed by superoxide dismutase (SOD), 1,10-phenanthroline (Phe), the PP2A phosphorylation inhibitors, okadaic acid (OKA) and cantharidin, and the ERK phosphorylation activator nicotine (p < 0.05). In particular, the significantly reduced cell proliferation and increased proportions of cells in the G0/G1 phase after 1-4 days of IH (p < 0.05), which resulted in decreased numbers of PC12 cells, could be reversed by treatment with SOD, Phe, PP2A inhibitors and an ERK activator. In addition, the numbers of nerve growth factor (NGF)-induced PC12 cells with neurite outgrowths after 3-4 days of IH were less than those after 4 days of RA, which was also reversed by SOD, Phe, PP2A inhibitors and an ERK activator.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that IH-induced ROS generation increases PP2A activation and subsequently downregulates ERK1/2 activation, which results in inhibition of PC12 cell proliferation through G0/G1 phase arrest and NGF-induced neuronal differentiation.

Glycine N-methyltransferase expression in the hippocampus and its role in neurogenesis and cognitive performance

The hippocampus is a brain area characterized by its high plasticity, observed at all levels of organization: molecular, synaptic, and cellular, the latter referring to the capacity of neural precursors within the hippocampus to give rise to new neurons throughout life. Recent findings suggest that promoter methylation is a plastic process subjected to regulation, and this plasticity seems to be particularly important for hippocampal neurogenesis. We have detected the enzyme GNMT (a liver metabolic enzyme) in the hippocampus. GNMT regulates intracellular levels of SAMe, which is a universal methyl donor implied in almost all methylation reactions and, thus, of prime importance for DNA methylation. In addition, we show that deficiency of this enzyme in mice (Gnmt-/-) results in high SAMe levels within the hippocampus, reduced neurogenic capacity, and spatial learning and memory impairment. In vitro, SAMe inhibited neural precursor cell division in a concentration-dependent manner, but only when proliferation signals were triggered by bFGF. Indeed, SAMe inhibited the bFGF-stimulated MAP kinase signaling cascade, resulting in decreased cyclin E expression. These results suggest that alterations in the concentration of SAMe impair neurogenesis and contribute to cognitive decline.

Greatwall-phosphorylated Endosulfine is both an inhibitor and a substrate of PP2A-B55 heterotrimers

During M phase, Endosulfine (Endos) family proteins are phosphorylated by Greatwall kinase (Gwl), and the resultant pEndos inhibits the phosphatase PP2A-B55, which would otherwise prematurely reverse many CDK-driven phosphorylations. We show here that PP2A-B55 is the enzyme responsible for dephosphorylating pEndos during M phase exit. The kinetic parameters for PP2A-B55's action on pEndos are orders of magnitude lower than those for CDK-phosphorylated substrates, suggesting a simple model for PP2A-B55 regulation that we call inhibition by unfair competition. As the name suggests, during M phase PP2A-B55's attention is diverted to pEndos, which binds much more avidly and is dephosphorylated more slowly than other substrates. When Gwl is inactivated during the M phase-to-interphase transition, the dynamic balance changes: pEndos dephosphorylated by PP2A-B55 cannot be replaced, so the phosphatase can refocus its attention on CDK-phosphorylated substrates. This mechanism explains simultaneously how PP2A-B55 and Gwl together regulate pEndos, and how pEndos controls PP2A-B55. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.01695.001.

Deregulation of the phosphatase, PP2A is a common event in breast cancer, predicting sensitivity to FTY720

Background

The most commonly used biomarkers to predict the response of breast cancer patients to therapy are the oestrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PgR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Patients positive for these biomarkers are eligible for specific therapies such as endocrine treatment in the event of ER and PgR positivity, and the monoclonal antibody, trastuzumab, in the case of HER2-positive patients. Patients who are negative for these three biomarkers, the so-called triple negatives, however, derive little benefit from such therapies and are associated with a worse prognosis. Deregulation of the protein serine/threonine phosphatase type 2A (PP2A) and its regulatory subunits is a common event in breast cancer, providing a possible target for therapy.

Methods

The data portal, cBioPortal for Cancer Genomics was used to investigate the incidence of conditions that are associated with low phosphatase activity. Four (4) adherent human breast cancer cell lines, MDA-MB-468, MDA-MB-436, Hs578T and BT-20 were cultured to assess their viability when exposed to various dosages of rapamycin or FTY720. In addition, RNA was extracted and cDNA was synthesised to amplify the coding sequence of PPP2CA. Amplification was followed by high-resolution melting to identify variations.

Results and conclusion

The sequence of PPP2CA was found to be conserved across a diverse panel of solid tumour and haematological cell lines, suggesting that low expression of PPP2CA and differential binding of inhibitory PPP2CA regulators are the main mechanisms of PP2A deregulation. Interestingly, the cBioPortal for Cancer Genomics shows that PP2A is deregulated in 59.6% of basal breast tumours. Viability assays performed to determine the sensitivity of a panel of breast cancer cell lines to FTY720, a PP2A activator, indicated that cell lines associated with ER loss are sensitive to lower doses of FTY720. The subset of patients with suppressed PP2A activity is potentially eligible for treatment using therapies which target the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, such as phosphatase activators.

Structural basis of protein phosphatase 2A stable latency

The catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2Ac) is stabilized in a latent form by α4, a regulatory protein essential for cell survival and biogenesis of all PP2A complexes. Here we report the structure of α4 bound to the N-terminal fragment of PP2Ac. This structure suggests that α4 binding to the full-length PP2Ac requires local unfolding near the active site, which perturbs the scaffold subunit binding site at the opposite surface via allosteric relay. These changes stabilize an inactive conformation of PP2Ac and convert oligomeric PP2A complexes to the α4 complex upon perturbation of the active site. The PP2Ac–α4 interface is essential for cell survival and sterically hinders a PP2A ubiquitination site, important for the stability of cellular PP2Ac. Our results show that α4 is a scavenger chaperone that binds to and stabilizes partially folded PP2Ac for stable latency, and reveal a mechanism by which α4 regulates cell survival, and biogenesis and surveillance of PP2A holoenzymes.

The protein α4 is essential for the formation, stability and activity of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) complexes. Here the authors solve the crystal structure of a truncated PP2A bound to α4 and show that α4 binds to a partially folded form of the protein, stabilizing the enzyme in an inactive state.

Structural basis of PP2A activation by PTPA, an ATP-dependent activation chaperone

Proper activation of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) catalytic subunit is central for the complex PP2A regulation and is crucial for broad aspects of cellular function. The crystal structure of PP2A bound to PP2A phosphatase activator (PTPA) and ATPγS reveals that PTPA makes broad contacts with the structural elements surrounding the PP2A active site and the adenine moiety of ATP. PTPA-binding stabilizes the protein fold of apo-PP2A required for activation, and orients ATP phosphoryl groups to bind directly to the PP2A active site. This allows ATP to modulate the metal-binding preferences of the PP2A active site and utilize the PP2A active site for ATP hydrolysis. In vitro, ATP selectively and drastically enhances binding of endogenous catalytic metal ions, which requires ATP hydrolysis and is crucial for acquisition of pSer/Thr-specific phosphatase activity. Furthermore, both PP2A- and ATP-binding are required for PTPA function in cell proliferation and survival. Our results suggest novel mechanisms of PTPA in PP2A activation with structural economy and a unique ATP-binding pocket that could potentially serve as a specific therapeutic target.

Homocysteine alters the osteoprotegerin/RANKL system in the osteoblast to promote bone loss: pivotal role of the redox regulator forkhead O1

In this study we determined the molecular mechanisms of how homocysteine differentially affects receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) synthesis in the bone. The results showed that oxidative stress induced by homocysteine deranges insulin-sensitive FOXO1 and MAP kinase signaling cascades to decrease OPG and increase RANKL synthesis in osteoblast cultures. We observed that downregulation of insulin/FOXO1 and p38 MAP kinase signaling mechanisms due to phosphorylation of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) was the key event that inhibited OPG synthesis in homocysteine-treated osteoblast cultures. siRNA knockdown experiments confirmed that FOXO1 is integral to OPG and p38 synthesis. Conversely homocysteine increased RANKL synthesis in osteoblasts through c-Jun/JNK MAP kinase signaling mechanisms independent of FOXO1. In the rat bone milieu, high-methionine diet-induced hyperhomocysteinemia lowered FOXO1 and OPG expression and increased synthesis of proresorptive and inflammatory cytokines such as RANKL, M-CSF, IL-1α, IL-1β, G-CSF, GM-CSF, MIP-1α, IFN-γ, IL-17, and TNF-α. Such pathophysiological conditions were exacerbated by ovariectomy. Lowering the serum homocysteine level by a simultaneous supplementation with N-acetylcysteine improved OPG and FOXO1 expression and partially antagonized RANKL and proresorptive cytokine synthesis in the bone milieu. These results emphasize that hyperhomocysteinemia alters the redox regulatory mechanism in the osteoblast by activating PP2A and deranging FOXO1 and MAPK signaling cascades, eventually shifting the OPG:RANKL ratio toward increased osteoclast activity and decreased bone quality.

Protein phosphatase 2A activity is required for functional adherent junctions in endothelial cells

Reversible Ser/Thr phosphorylation of cytoskeletal and adherent junction (AJ) proteins has a critical role in the regulation of endothelial cell (EC) barrier function. We have demonstrated earlier that protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) activity is important in EC barrier integrity. In the present work, macro- and microvascular EC were examined and we provided further evidence on the significance of PP2A in the maintenance of EC cytoskeleton and barrier function with special focus on the Bα (regulatory) subunit of PP2A. Immunofluorescent staining revealed that the inhibition of PP2A results in changes in the organization of EC cytoskeleton as microtubule dissolution and actin re-arrangement were detected. Depletion of Bα regulatory subunit of PP2A had similar effect on the cytoskeleton structure of the cells. Furthermore, transendothelial electric resistance measurements demonstrated significantly slower barrier recovery of Bα depleted EC after thrombin treatment. AJ proteins, VE-cadherin and β-catenin, were detected along with Bα in pull-down assay. Also, the inhibition of PP2A (by okadaic acid or fostriecin) or depletion of Bα caused β-catenin translocation from the membrane to the cytoplasm in parallel with its phosphorylation on Ser552. In conclusion, our data suggest that the A/Bα/C holoenzyme form of PP2A is essential in EC barrier integrity both in micro- and macrovascular EC.

Repression of class I transcription by cadmium is mediated by the protein phosphatase 2A

Toxic metals are part of our environment, and undue exposure to them leads to a variety of pathologies. In response, most organisms adapt their metabolism and have evolved systems to limit this toxicity and to acquire tolerance. Ribosome biosynthesis being central for protein synthesis, we analyzed in yeast the effects of a moderate concentration of cadmium (Cd²⁺) on Pol I transcription that represents >60% of the transcriptional activity of the cells. We show that Cd²⁺ rapidly and drastically shuts down the expression of the 35S rRNA. Repression does not result from a poisoning of any of the components of the class I transcriptional machinery by Cd²⁺, but rather involves a protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A)-dependent cellular signaling pathway that targets the formation/dissociation of the Pol I–Rrn3 complex. We also show that Pol I transcription is repressed by other toxic metals, such as Ag⁺ and Hg²⁺, which likewise perturb the Pol I–Rrn3 complex, but through PP2A-independent mechanisms. Taken together, our results point to a central role for the Pol I–Rrn3 complex as molecular switch for regulating Pol I transcription in response to toxic metals.

A novel function of Ataxin-1 in the modulation of PP2A activity is dysregulated in the spinocerebellar ataxia type 1

An expansion of glutamines within the human ataxin-1 protein underlies spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1), a dominantly inherited neurodegenerative disorder characterized by ataxia and loss of cerebellar Purkinje neurons. Although the mechanisms linking the mutation to the disease remain unclear, evidence indicates that it involves a combination of both gain and loss of functions of ataxin-1. We previously showed that the mutant ataxin-1 interacts with Anp32a, a potent and selective PP2A inhibitor, suggesting a role of PP2A in SCA1. Herein, we found a new function of ataxin-1: the modulation of Pp2a activity and the regulation of its holoenzyme composition, with the polyglutamine mutation within Atxn1 altering this function in the SCA1 mouse cerebellum before disease onset. We show that ataxin-1 enhances Pp2a-bβ expression and down-regulates Anp32a levels without affecting post-translational modifications of Pp2a catalytic subunit (Pp2a-c) known to regulate Pp2a activity. In contrast, mutant Atxn1 induces a decrease in Y307-phosphorylation in Pp2a-c, known to enhance its activity, while reducing Pp2a-b expression and inhibiting Anp32a levels. qRT-PCR and chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses show that ataxin-1-mediated regulations of the Pp2a-bβ subunit, specifically bβ2, and of Anp32a occur at the transcriptional level. The Pp2a pathway alterations were confirmed by identified phosphorylation changes of the known Pp2a-substrates, Erk2 and Gsk3β. Similarly, mutant ataxin-1-expressing SH-SY5Y cells exhibit abnormal neuritic morphology, decreased levels of both PP2A-Bβ and ANP32A, and PP2A pathway alterations, all of which are ameliorated by overexpressing ANP32A. Our results point to dysregulation of this newly assigned function of ataxin-1 in SCA1 uncovering new potential targets for therapy.

Arrestins as regulators of kinases and phosphatases

The discovery that, in addition to mediating G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) desensitization and endocytosis, arrestins bind to diverse catalytically active nonreceptor proteins and act as ligand-regulated signaling scaffolds led to a paradigm shift in the study of GPCR signal transduction. Research over the past decade has solidified the concept that arrestins confer novel GPCR-signaling capacity by recruiting protein and lipid kinase, phosphatase, phosphodiesterase, and ubiquitin ligase activity into receptor-based multiprotein "signalsome" complexes. Signalsomes regulate downstream pathways controlled by Src family nonreceptor tyrosine kinases, mitogen-activated protein kinases, protein kinase B (AKT), glycogen synthase kinase 3, protein phosphatase 2A, nuclear factor-κB, and several others, imposing spatial and temporal control on their function. While many arrestin-bound kinases and phosphatases are involved in the control of cytoskeletal rearrangement, vesicle endocytosis, exocytosis, and cell migration, other signals reach into the nucleus, affecting cell proliferation, apoptosis, and survival. Indeed, the kinase/phosphatase network regulated by arrestins may be fully as diverse as that regulated by heterotrimeric G proteins.

Selective proteasomal degradation of the B'β subunit of protein phosphatase 2A by the E3 ubiquitin ligase adaptor Kelch-like 15

Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), a ubiquitous and pleiotropic regulator of intracellular signaling, is composed of a core dimer (AC) bound to a variable (B) regulatory subunit. PP2A is an enzyme family of dozens of heterotrimers with different subcellular locations and cellular substrates dictated by the B subunit. B'β is a brain-specific PP2A regulatory subunit that mediates dephosphorylation of Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II and tyrosine hydroxylase. Unbiased proteomic screens for B'β interactors identified Cullin3 (Cul3), a scaffolding component of E3 ubiquitin ligase complexes, and the previously uncharacterized Kelch-like 15 (KLHL15). KLHL15 is one of ∼40 Kelch-like proteins, many of which have been identified as adaptors for the recruitment of substrates to Cul3-based E3 ubiquitin ligases. Here, we report that KLHL15-Cul3 specifically targets B'β to promote turnover of the PP2A subunit by ubiquitylation and proteasomal degradation. Comparison of KLHL15 and B'β tissue expression profiles suggests that the E3 ligase adaptor contributes to selective expression of the PP2A/B'β holoenzyme in the brain. We mapped KLHL15 residues critical for homodimerization as well as interaction with Cul3 and B'β. Explaining PP2A subunit selectivity, the divergent N terminus of B'β was found necessary and sufficient for KLHL15-mediated degradation, with Tyr-52 having an obligatory role. Although KLHL15 can interact with the PP2A/B'β heterotrimer, it only degrades B'β, thus promoting exchange with other regulatory subunits. E3 ligase adaptor-mediated control of PP2A holoenzyme composition thereby adds another layer of regulation to cellular dephosphorylation events.

Reactivating PP2A by FTY720 as a novel therapy for AML with C-KIT tyrosine kinase domain mutation

The tyrosine kinase domain (TKD) mutations of receptor tyrosine kinase C-KIT are associated with a poor prognosis in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. We found the activity of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), a human tumor suppressor whose dysfunction contributes to malignant cell behavior, was significantly decreased in AML subgroups harboring C-KIT/D816V and AML cell line Kasumi-1 bearing C-KIT/N822K mutation. Primary AML cells and various AML cell lines were treated with PP2A activator FTY720. FTY720 showed a toxic effect in all leukemic cells, especially for cells harboring C-KIT/TKD mutation. Furthermore, FTY720-induced toxicity in AML leukemic cells was mediated by restoration of PP2A activity, via down-regulation of PP2A inhibitor SET, dephosporylation of PP2A-C(TYR307), and up-regulation of relevant PP2A subunit A and B55α. Our research indicates that the decreased PP2A activity in AML harboring C-KIT/TKD mutation may make the restoration of PP2A activity a novel therapy for AML patients with C-KIT/TKD mutation.

A stochastic signaling network mediates the probabilistic induction of cerebellar long-term depression

Many cellular processes involve a small number of molecules and undergo stochastic fluctuations in their levels of activity. Cerebellar long-term depression (LTD) is a form of synaptic plasticity expressed as a reduction in the number of synaptic AMPA receptors (AMPARs) in Purkinje cells. We developed a stochastic model of the LTD signaling network, including a PKC-ERK-cPLA(2) positive feedback loop and mechanisms of AMPAR trafficking, and tuned the model to replicate calcium uncaging experiments. The signaling network activity in single synapses switches between two discrete stable states (LTD and non-LTD) in a probabilistic manner. The stochasticity of the signaling network causes threshold dithering and allows at the macroscopic level for many different and stable mean magnitudes of depression. The probability of LTD occurrence in a single spine is only modulated by the concentration and duration of the signal used to trigger it, and inputs with the same magnitude can give rise to two different responses; there is no threshold for the input signal. The stochasticity is intrinsic to the signaling network and not mostly dependent on noise in the calcium input signal, as has been suggested previously. The activities of the ultrasensitive ERK and of cPLA(2) undergo strong stochastic fluctuations. Conversely, PKC, which acts as a noise filter, is more constantly activated. Systematic variation of the biochemical population size demonstrates that threshold dithering and the absence of spontaneous LTD depend critically on the number of molecules in a spine, indicating constraints on spine size in Purkinje cells.

Nucleobindin-2 is a positive modulator of EGF-dependent signals leading to enhancement of cell growth and suppression of adipocyte differentiation

Nucleobindin-2 is a 420-amino-acid EF-hand calcium-binding protein that undergoes proteolytic processing to generate an 82-amino-acid amino-terminal peptide termed nesfatin-1. To determine whether nucleobindin-2 has any biological function, nucleobindin-2 was either overexpressed or knocked down by short hairpin RNA in cultured CHO cells expressing the human insulin and epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptors (CHO/IE) and in 3T3-L1 cells. Reduction in nucleobindin-2 expression inhibited EGF-stimulated MAPK kinase (S217/S221) and Erk phosphorylation (T202/Y204). In contrast, there was no significant effect on EGF-stimulated EGF receptor phosphorylation, EGF receptor internalization, or 52-kDa Shc and c-Raf phosphorylation. Although kinase suppressor of Ras-1 and protein phosphatase 2A expression was not changed, intracellular calcium concentrations and PP2A activity was significantly increased in nucleobindin-2 knocked-down cells. Concomitant with these alterations in EGF-stimulated signaling, cell proliferation was significantly reduced in nucleobindin-2 knocked-down cells. Moreover, reduced nucleobindin-2 expression in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes resulted in a greater extent of 3T3-L1 cell adipocyte differentiation. Taken together, these data indicate that nucleobindin-2 regulates EGF-stimulated MAPK kinase/Erk signaling, cell proliferation, and adipocyte differentiation.

The biogenesis of active protein phosphatase 2A holoenzymes: a tightly regulated process creating phosphatase specificity

Protein phosphatase type 2A (PP2A) enzymes constitute a large family of Ser/Thr phosphatases with multiple functions in cellular signaling and physiology. The composition of heterotrimeric PP2A holoenzymes, resulting from the combinatorial assembly of a catalytic C subunit, a structural A subunit, and regulatory B-type subunit, provides the essential determinants for substrate specificity, subcellular targeting, and fine-tuning of phosphatase activity, largely explaining why PP2A is functionally involved in so many diverse physiological processes, sometimes in seemingly opposing ways. In this review, we highlight how PP2A holoenzyme biogenesis and enzymatic activity are controlled by a sophisticatedly coordinated network of five PP2A modulators, consisting of α4, phosphatase 2A phosphatase activator (PTPA), leucine carboxyl methyl transferase 1 (LCMT1), PP2A methyl esterase 1 (PME-1) and, potentially, target of rapamycin signaling pathway regulator-like 1 (TIPRL1), which serve to prevent promiscuous phosphatase activity until the holoenzyme is completely assembled. Likewise, these modulators may come into play when PP2A holoenzymes are disassembled following particular cellular stresses. Malfunctioning of these cellular control mechanisms contributes to human disease. The potential therapeutic benefits or pitfalls of interfering with these regulatory mechanisms will be briefly discussed.

Identification and functional analysis of variant haplotypes in the 5'-flanking region of protein phosphatase 2A-Bδ gene

Serine-threonine protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is a trimeric holoenzyme that plays an integral role in the regulation of cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis. The substrate specificity and (sub)cellular localization of the PP2A holoenzymes are highly regulated by interaction with a family of regulatory B subunits (PP2A-Bs). The regulatory subunit PP2A-B/PR55δ (PP2A-Bδ) is involving in the dephosphorylation of PP2A substrates and is crucial for controlling entry into and exit from mitosis. The molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of expression of PP2A-Bδ gene (PPP2R2D) remain largely unknown. To explore genetic variations in the 5′-flanking region of PPP2R2D gene as well as their frequent haplotypes in the Han Chinese population and determine whether such variations have an impact on transcriptional activity, DNA samples were collected from 70 healthy Chinese donors and sequenced for identifying genetic variants in the 5′-flanking region of PPP2R2D. Four genetic variants were identified in the 1836 bp 5′-flanking region of PPP2R2D. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) patterns and haplotype profiles were constructed for the genetic variants. Using serially truncated human PPP2R2D promoter luciferase constructs, we found that a 601 bp (−540 nt to +61 nt) fragment constitutes the core promoter region. The subcloning of individual 5′-flanking fragment revealed the existence of three haplotypes in the distal promoter of PPP2R2D. The luciferase reporter assay showed that different haplotypes exhibited distinct promoter activities. The EMSA revealed that the −462 G>A variant influences DNA-protein interactions involving the nuclear factor 1 (NF1). In vitro reporter gene assay indicated that cotransfection of NF1/B expression plasmid could positively regulate the activity of PPP2R2D proximal promoter. Introduction of exogenous NF1/B expression plasmid further confirmed that the NF1 involves in the regulation of PPP2R2D gene expression. Our findings suggest that functional genetic variants and their haplotypes in the 5′-flanking region of PPP2R2D are critical for transcriptional regulation of PP2A-Bδ.

Signaling regulation of fetoplacental angiogenesis

During normal pregnancy, dramatically increased placental blood flow is critical for fetal growth and survival as well as neonatal birth weights and survivability. This increased blood flow results from angiogenesis, vasodilatation, and vascular remodeling. Locally produced growth factors including fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) are key regulators of placental endothelial functions including cell proliferation, migration, and vasodilatation. However, the precise signaling mechanisms underlying such regulation in fetoplacental endothelium are less well defined, specifically with regard to the interactions amongst protein kinases (PKs), protein phosphatase, and nitric oxide (NO). Recently, we and other researchers have obtained solid evidence showing that different signaling mechanisms participate in FGF2- and VEGFA-regulated fetoplacental endothelial cell proliferation and migration as well as NO production. This review will briefly summarize currently available data on signaling mediating fetoplacental angiogenesis with a specific emphasis on PKs, ERK1/2, AKT1, and p38 MAPK and protein phosphatases, PPP2 and PPP3.

Effects of phosphatase and proteasome inhibitors on Borealin phosphorylation and degradation

The chromosomal passenger complex (CPC) senses tension defects at the kinetochore to activate the spindle assembly checkpoint, and helps to position the cleavage furrow. The CPC, consisting of INCENP, Survivin, Borealin and Aurora B localizes to the inner centromere at metaphase and re-localizes to the spindle midzone at anaphase; several CPC functions are regulated by post-translational modification. Borealin is phosphorylated at multiple sites and phosphorylation at S219 causes Borealin to migrate more slowly upon electrophoresis. Here we find that Cdk1 can induce a mobility shift of Borealin, suggesting that S219 phosphorylation is under Cdk1 control. However, Cdk1 is inefficient at phosphorylating purified Borealin in vitro. A yeast orthologue of Borealin, Npl1, is dephosphorylated by the phosphatase Cdc14. We find no difference in the mobility shift of Borealin in human cells lacking either Cdc14A or Cdc14B. In contrast, the phosphatase inhibitor okadaic acid does delay the dephosphorylation of Borealin as cells exit mitosis. The proteasome inhibitor MG132 reduces Borealin phosphorylation in mitosis and increases the steady-state level of Borealin, especially in mutants lacking the C-terminus. However, a second, structurally unrelated proteasome inhibitor, lactacystin did not up-regulate Borealin. These results suggest that the effect of MG132 on Borealin is due to the inhibition of an intracellular protease other than the proteasome.

Morphine decreases bacterial phagocytosis by inhibiting actin polymerization through cAMP-, Rac-1-, and p38 MAPK-dependent mechanisms

Morphine increases the susceptibility to opportunistic infection by attenuating bacterial clearance through inhibition of Fcγ receptor (FcgR)-mediated phagocytosis. Mechanisms by which morphine inhibits this process remain to be investigated. Actin polymerization is essential for FcgR-mediated internalization; therefore, disruption of the signaling mechanisms involved in this process is detrimental to the phagocytic ability of macrophages. To our knowledge, this study is the first to propose the modulation of actin polymerization and upstream signaling effectors [cAMP, Rac1-GTP, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)] as key mechanisms by which morphine leads to inhibition of pathogen clearance. Our results indicate that long-term morphine treatment in vitro and in vivo, through activation of the μ-opioid receptor, leads to an increase in intracellular cAMP, activation of protein kinase A, and inhibition of Rac1-GTPase and p38 MAPK, thereby attenuating actin polymerization and reducing membrane ruffling. Furthermore, because of long-term morphine treatment, FcgR-mediated internalization of opsonized dextran beads is also reduced. Morphine's inhibition of Rac1-GTPase activation is abolished in J774 macrophages transfected with constitutively active pcDNA3-EGFP-Rac1-Q61L plasmid. Dibutyryl-cAMP inhibits, whereas H89 restores, activation of Rac-GTPase and abolishes morphine's inhibitory effect, implicating cAMP as the key effector in morphine's modulation of actin polymerization. These findings indicate that long-term morphine treatment, by increasing intracellular cAMP and activating protein kinase A, leads to inhibition of Rac1-GTPase and p38 MAPK, causing attenuation of actin polymerization, FcgR-mediated phagocytosis, and decreased bacterial clearance.

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 12

SCA12 is a late-onset, autosomal dominant, slowly progressive disorder. Action tremor is the usual presenting sign. Subsequent development of ataxia and hyperreflexia suggests spinocerebellar ataxia. In the index SCA12 kindred, which resides in North America and is of German ancestry, parkinsonism, anxiety, depression, and cognitive dysfunction are not uncommon. SCA12 is linked to a CAG repeat expansion mutation in exon 7 of PPP2R2B, a gene that encodes Bβ, a regulatory subunit of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A). CAG repeats number 7-28 in normal individuals and 55-78 in SCA12 patients. The mechanism by which this mutation leads to SCA12 has not been determined. The CAG expansion in PPP2R2B has promoter function in vitro. CAG length correlates with increased Bβ expression. There is no evidence that this CAG expansion results in polyglutamine production. In addition to the North. American SCA12 kindred, multiple SCA12 families have been found in Northern India that are not related to the index SCA12 kindred. SCA12 has been reported, rarely, in Singapore and China. Action tremor, anxiety, and depression in SCA12 have responded to usual treatments for these disorders. SCA12 may be considered in patients who present with action tremor and later develop signs of cerebellar and cortical dysfunction.

The antagonistic action of B56-containing protein phosphatase 2As and casein kinase 2 controls the phosphorylation and Gli turnover function of Daz interacting protein 1

The Hedgehog (Hh) pathway is evolutionarily conserved and plays critical roles during embryonic development and adult tissue homeostasis. Defective Hh signaling has been linked to a wide range of birth defects and cancers. Hh family proteins regulate the expression of their downstream target genes through the control of proteolytic processing and the transcriptional activation function of Gli transcription factors. Although Hh-dependent regulation of Gli has been studied extensively, other Gli regulatory mechanisms remain relatively unappreciated. Here we report our identification of a novel signaling cascade that controls the stability of Gli proteins. This cascade consists of Daz interacting protein 1 (Dzip1), casein kinase 2 (CK2), and B56 containing protein phosphatase 2As (PP2As). We provide evidence that Dzip1 is involved in a novel Gli turnover pathway. We show that CK2 directly phosphorylates Dzip1 at four serine residues, Ser-664/665/706/714. B56-containing PP2As, through binding to a domain located between amino acid residue 474 and 550 of Dzip1, dephosphorylate Dzip1 on these CK2 sites. Our mutagenesis analysis further demonstrates that the unphosphorylatable form of Dzip1 is more potent in promoting Gli turnover. Consistently, we found that the stability of Gli proteins was decreased upon CK2 inhibition and increased by inhibition of B56-containing PP2As. Thus, reversible phosphorylation of Dzip1, which is controlled by the antagonistic action of CK2 and B56-containing PP2As, has an important impact on the stability of Gli transcription factors and Hh signaling.

Human cancer-associated mutations in the Aα subunit of protein phosphatase 2A increase lung cancer incidence in Aα knock-in and knockout mice

Strong evidence has indicated that protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is a tumor suppressor, but a mouse model for testing the tumor suppressor activity was missing. The most abundant forms of trimeric PP2A holoenzyme consist of the scaffolding Aα subunit, one of several regulatory B subunits, and the catalytic Cα subunit. Aα mutations were discovered in a variety of human carcinomas. All carcinoma-associated mutant Aα subunits are defective in binding the B or B and C subunits. Here we describe two knock-in mice expressing cancer-associated Aα point mutants defective in binding B' subunits, one knockout mouse expressing truncated Aα defective in B and C subunit binding, and a floxed mouse for generating conditional Aα knockouts. We found that the cancer-associated Aα mutations increased the incidence of cancer by 50 to 60% in lungs of FVB mice treated with benzopyrene, demonstrating that PP2A acts as a tumor suppressor. We show that the effect of Aα mutation on cancer incidence is dependent on the tumor suppressor p53. The finding that the Aα mutation E64D, which was detected in a human lung carcinoma, increases the lung cancer incidence in mice suggests that this mutation also played a role in the development of the carcinoma in which it was discovered.

Targeting PKC-mediated signal transduction pathways using enzastaurin to promote apoptosis in acute myeloid leukemia-derived cell lines and blast cells

Recent studies in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) suggest activation of pro-proliferative signaling cascades including those mediated by protein kinase C (PKC) represent a poor prognostic factor for patients. The classical PKC isoforms α and β generally support survival signaling and have emerged as important targets for anti-cancer therapy. Enzastaurin is a PKC β inhibitor and is in clinical trials for lymphomas, gliomas, and lung cancer. Presently, it is not known if enzastaurin could be effective against AML. In the current study, we found that high dose enzastaurin was found to promote apoptosis in the AML-derived cell lines and in blast cells from AML patients. The mechanism of cell death, however, likely does not involve PKC β as another PKC β inhibitor was not toxic to AML cell lines and did not promote enzastaurin-induced cell killing. While enzastaurin is fairly specific for PKC β, the agent can inhibit other PKC isoforms at higher concentrations. Enzastaurin was effective at inhibiting PKC α phosphorylation and membrane localization in the AML cell lines and suppressed phosphorylation of BCL2. Furthermore, enzastaurin suppressed activation of ERK (which can be activated by PKC α). Analysis of the serine/threonine phosphorylation profile in HL60 cells after enzastaurin treatment revealed that the drug inhibits the phosphorylation of a distinct set of proteins while promoting phosphorylation of another set of proteins. This suggests the drug may regulate multiple signaling pathways. Taken together, these findings suggest that enzastaurin could be effective in the therapy of AML.