Protein kinase D1 regulates matrix metalloproteinase expression and inhibits breast cancer cell invasion

Functional and therapeutic significance of protein kinase D enzymes in invasive breast cancer

The protein kinase D (PKD) family members, PKD1, PKD2 and PKD3 constitute a family of serine/threonine kinases that are essential regulators of cell migration, proliferation and protein transport. Multiple types of cancers are characterized by aberrant expression of PKD isoforms. In breast cancer PKD isoforms exhibit distinct expression patterns and regulate various oncogenic processes. In highly invasive breast cancer, the leading cause of cancer-associated deaths in females, the loss of PKD1 is thought to promote invasion and metastasis, while PKD2 and upregulated PKD3 have been shown to be positive regulators of proliferation, chemoresistance and metastasis. In this review, we examine the differential expression pattern, mechanisms of regulation and contributions made by each PKD isoform to the development and maintenance of invasive breast cancer. In addition, we discuss the potential therapeutic approaches for targeting PKD in this disease.

The Discovery of Novel Biomarkers Improves Breast Cancer Intrinsic Subtype Prediction and Reconciles the Labels in the METABRIC Data Set

BACKGROUND

The prediction of breast cancer intrinsic subtypes has been introduced as a valuable strategy to determine patient diagnosis and prognosis, and therapy response. The PAM50 method, based on the expression levels of 50 genes, uses a single sample predictor model to assign subtype labels to samples. Intrinsic errors reported within this assay demonstrate the challenge of identifying and understanding the breast cancer groups. In this study, we aim to: a) identify novel biomarkers for subtype individuation by exploring the competence of a newly proposed method named CM1 score, and b) apply an ensemble learning, as opposed to the use of a single classifier, for sample subtype assignment. The overarching objective is to improve class prediction.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

The microarray transcriptome data sets used in this study are: the METABRIC breast cancer data recorded for over 2000 patients, and the public integrated source from ROCK database with 1570 samples. We first computed the CM1 score to identify the probes with highly discriminative patterns of expression across samples of each intrinsic subtype. We further assessed the ability of 42 selected probes on assigning correct subtype labels using 24 different classifiers from the Weka software suite. For comparison, the same method was applied on the list of 50 genes from the PAM50 method.

CONCLUSIONS

The CM1 score portrayed 30 novel biomarkers for predicting breast cancer subtypes, with the confirmation of the role of 12 well-established genes. Intrinsic subtypes assigned using the CM1 list and the ensemble of classifiers are more consistent and homogeneous than the original PAM50 labels. The new subtypes show accurate distributions of current clinical markers ER, PR and HER2, and survival curves in the METABRIC and ROCK data sets. Remarkably, the paradoxical attribution of the original labels reinforces the limitations of employing a single sample classifiers to predict breast cancer intrinsic subtypes.

Protein kinase D1 attenuates tumorigenesis in colon cancer by modulating β-catenin/T cell factor activity

Over 80% of colon cancer development and progression is a result of the dysregulation of β-catenin signaling pathway. Herein, for the first time, we demonstrate that a serine-threonine kinase, Protein Kinase D1 (PKD1), modulates the functions of β-catenin to suppress colon cancer growth. Analysis of normal and colon cancer tissues reveals downregulation of PKD1 expression in advanced stages of colon cancer and its co-localization with β-catenin in the colon crypts. This PKD1 downregulation corresponds with the aberrant expression and nuclear localization of β-catenin. In-vitro investigation of the PKD1-β-catenin interaction in colon cancer cells reveal that PKD1 overexpression suppresses cell proliferation and clonogenic potential and enhances cell-cell aggregation. We demonstrate that PKD1 directly interacts with β-catenin and attenuates β-catenin transcriptional activity by decreasing nuclear β-catenin levels. Additionally, we show that inhibition of nuclear β-catenin transcriptional activity is predominantly influenced by nucleus targeted PKD1. This subcellular modulation of β-catenin results in enhanced membrane localization of β-catenin and thereby increases cell-cell adhesion. Studies in a xenograft mouse model indicate that PKD1 overexpression delayed tumor appearance, enhanced necrosis and lowered tumor hypoxia. Overall, our results demonstrate a putative tumor-suppressor function of PKD1 in colon tumorigenesis via modulation of β-catenin functions in cells.

Effective Targeting of Estrogen Receptor-Negative Breast Cancers with the Protein Kinase D Inhibitor CRT0066101

Invasive ductal carcinomas (IDC) of the breast are associated with altered expression of hormone receptors (HR), amplification or overexpression of HER2, or a triple-negative phenotype. The most aggressive cases of IDC are characterized by a high proliferation rate, a great propensity to metastasize, and their ability to resist to standard chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or HER2-targeted therapy. Using progression tissue microarrays, we here demonstrate that the serine/threonine kinase protein kinase D3 (PKD3) is highly upregulated in estrogen receptor (ER)-negative (ER(-)) tumors. We identify direct binding of the ER to the PRKD3 gene promoter as a mechanism of inhibition of PKD3 expression. Loss of ER results in upregulation of PKD3, leading to all hallmarks of aggressive IDC, including increased cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. This identifies ER(-) breast cancers as ideal for treatment with the PKD inhibitor CRT0066101. We show that similar to a knockdown of PKD3, treatment with this inhibitor targets all tumorigenic processes in vitro and decreases growth of primary tumors and metastasis in vivo. Our data strongly support the development of PKD inhibitors for clinical use for ER(-) breast cancers, including the triple-negative phenotype.

Integrin traffic - the update

Integrins are a family of transmembrane cell surface molecules that constitute the principal adhesion receptors for the extracellular matrix (ECM) and are indispensable for the existence of multicellular organisms. In vertebrates, 24 different integrin heterodimers exist with differing substrate specificity and tissue expression. Integrin–extracellular-ligand interaction provides a physical anchor for the cell and triggers a vast array of intracellular signalling events that determine cell fate. Dynamic remodelling of adhesions, through rapid endocytic and exocytic trafficking of integrin receptors, is an important mechanism employed by cells to regulate integrin–ECM interactions, and thus cellular signalling, during processes such as cell migration, invasion and cytokinesis. The initial concept of integrin traffic as a means to translocate adhesion receptors within the cell has now been expanded with the growing appreciation that traffic is intimately linked to the cell signalling apparatus. Furthermore, endosomal pathways are emerging as crucial regulators of integrin stability and expression in cells. Thus, integrin traffic is relevant in a number of pathological conditions, especially in cancer. Nearly a decade ago we wrote a Commentary in Journal of Cell Science entitled ‘Integrin traffic’. With the advances in the field, we felt it would be appropriate to provide the growing number of researchers interested in integrin traffic with an update.

Protein kinase D2 silencing reduced motility of doxorubicin-resistant MCF7 cells

Success of chemotherapy is generally impaired by multidrug resistance, intrinsic resistance, or acquired resistance to functionally and structurally irrelevant drugs. Multidrug resistance emerges via distinct mechanisms: increased drug export, decreased drug internalization, dysfunctional apoptotic machinery, increased DNA damage repair, altered cell cycle regulation, and increased drug detoxification. Several reports demonstrated that multidrug resistance is a multifaceted problem such that multidrug resistance correlates with increased aggressiveness and metastatic potential. Here, we tested the involvement of protein kinase D2, a serine/threonine kinase that was previously implicated in proliferation, drug resistance, and motility in doxorubicin-resistant MCF7 (MCF7/DOX) cell line, which served as an in vitro model for drug resistance and invasiveness. We showed that basal level activity of protein kinase D2 (PKD2) was higher in MCF7/DOX cells than parental MCF7 cells. To elucidate the roles of PKD2 MCF7/DOX, PKD2 expression was reduced via small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated knockdown. Results showed that acquired resistance of MCF7/DOX to doxorubicin was not affected by PKD2 silencing, while motility of MCF7/DOX cells was reduced. The results implied that PKD2 silencing might inhibit migration of MCF7/DOX cells without affecting chemoresistance significantly.

PKD1 is downregulated in non-small cell lung cancer and mediates the feedback inhibition of mTORC1-S6K1 axis in response to phorbol ester

Protein kinase D1 (PKD1) is increasingly implicated in multiple biological and molecular events that regulate the proliferation or invasiveness in several cancers. However, little is known about the expression and functions of PKD1 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In the present study, 34 pairs of human NSCLC and matched normal bronchiolar epitheliums were enrolled and evaluated for PKD1 expression by quantitative real-time PCR. We showed that PKD1 was downregulated in 26 of 34 cancer tissues in comparison with matched normal epitheliums. Moreover, patients with venous invasion or lymph node metastasis showed significant lower expression of PKD1. Exposure of NSCLC A549 and H520 cells to the PKD family inhibitor kb NB 142-70(Kb), at concentrations that inhibited PKD1 activation, strikingly potentiated S6K1 phosphorylation at Thr(389) and S6 phosphorylation at Ser(235/236) in response to phorbol ester (PMA). Knockdown of PKD1 with siRNAs strikingly enhanced S6K1 phosphorylation whereas constitutively active PKD1 resulted in the S6K1 activity inhibition. Furthermore, the PI3K inhibitors LY294002, BKM120 and MEK inhibitors U0126, PD0325901 blocked the enhanced S6K1 activity induced by Kb. Collectively, our results identify decreased expression of the PKD1 as a marker for NSCLC and the loss of PKD1 expression increases the malignant potential of NSCLC cells. This may be due to the function of PKD1 as a negative regulator of mTORC1-S6K1. Our results suggest that re-expression or activation of PKD1 might serve as a potential therapeutic target for NSCLC treatment.

L1 modulates PKD1 phosphorylation in cerebellar granule neurons

The neural cell adhesion molecule L1 (L1CAM) is crucial for the development of the nervous system, with an essential role in regulating multiple cellular activities. Protein kinase D1 (PKD1) serves as a key kinase given its diverse array of functions within the cell. Here, we investigated various aspects of the functional relationship between L1 and phosphorylated PKD1 (pPKD1) in cerebellar granule neurons. To study the relationship between L1 and PKD1 phosphorylation, human cerebellar tissue microarrays were subject to immunofluorescence staining. We observed a positive correlation between L1 protein levels and PKD1 phosphorylation. In addition, L1 also co-localized with pPKD1. To analyze the regulatory role of L1 on PKD1 phosphorylation, primary mouse cerebellar granule neurons were treated with various concentrations of rL1 for 48 h. Using Western blot, we revealed that L1 significantly increased PKD1 phosphorylation compared with vehicle control, with the maximal effect observed at 5 nM. ERK1/2 phosphorylation was significantly increased by 2.5 nM and 10nM L1, with no apparent change in SRC phosphorylation. However, SRC expression was markedly reduced by 10nM rL1. AKT1 expression and phosphorylation levels were significantly increased by rL1, with the maximal effect observed at 2.5 and 5 nM, respectively. Our combined data revealed a positive relationship between L1 and pPKD1 in both cultured cerebellar neurons and human cerebellar tissue, suggesting that L1 functions in the modulation of PKD1 phosphorylation.

Protein kinase D1 regulates ERα-positive breast cancer cell growth response to 17β-estradiol and contributes to poor prognosis in patients

About 70% of human breast cancers express and are dependent for growth on estrogen receptor α (ERα), and therefore are sensitive to antiestrogen therapies. However, progression to an advanced, more aggressive phenotype is associated with acquisition of resistance to antiestrogens and/or invasive potential. In this study, we highlight the role of the serine/threonine-protein kinase D1 (PKD1) in ERα-positive breast cancers. Growth of ERα-positive MCF-7 and MDA-MB-415 human breast cancer cells was assayed in adherent or anchorage-independent conditions in cells overexpressing or depleted for PKD1. PKD1 induces cell growth through both an ERα-dependent manner, by increasing ERα expression and cell sensitivity to 17β-estradiol, and an ERα-independent manner, by reducing cell dependence to estrogens and conferring partial resistance to antiestrogen ICI 182,780. PKD1 knockdown in MDA-MB-415 cells strongly reduced estrogen-dependent and independent invasion. Quantification of PKD1 mRNA levels in 38 cancerous and non-cancerous breast cell lines and in 152 ERα-positive breast tumours from patients treated with adjuvant tamoxifen showed an association between PKD1 and ERα expression in 76.3% (29/38) of the breast cell lines tested and a strong correlation between PKD1 expression and invasiveness (P < 0.0001). In tamoxifen-treated patients, tumours with high PKD1 mRNA levels (n = 77, 50.66%) were significantly associated with less metastasis-free survival than tumours with low PKD1 mRNA expression (n = 75, 49.34%; P = 0.031). Moreover, PKD1 mRNA levels are strongly positively associated with EGFR and vimentin levels (P < 0.0000001). Thus, our study defines PKD1 as a novel attractive prognostic factor and a potential therapeutic target in breast cancer.

Protein Kinase D family kinases: roads start to segregate

Highly invasive pancreatic tumors are often recognized in late stages due to a lack of clear symptoms and pose major challenges for treatment and disease management. Broad-band Protein Kinase D (PKD) inhibitors have recently been proposed as additional treatment option for this disease. PKDs are implicated in the control of cancer cell motility, angiogenesis, proliferation and metastasis. In particular, PKD2 expression is elevated in pancreatic cancer, whereas PKD1 expression is comparably lower. In our recent study we report that both kinases control PDAC cell invasive properties in an isoform-specific, but opposing manner. PKD1 selectively mediates anti-migratory/anti-invasive features by preferential regulation of the actin-regulatory Cofilin-phosphatase Slingshot1L (SSH1L). PKD2, on the other hand enhances invasion and angiogenesis of PDAC cells in 3D-ECM cultures and chorioallantois tumor models by stimulating expression and secretion of matrix-metalloproteinase 7 and 9 (MMP7/9). MMP9 also enhances PKD2-mediated tumor angiogenesis releasing extracellular matrix-bound VEGF-A. We thus suggest high PKD2 expression and loss of PKD1 may be beneficial for tumor cells to enhance their matrix-invading abilities. In our recent study we demonstrate for the first time PKD1 and 2 isoform-selective effects on pancreatic cancer cell invasion, in-vitro and in-vivo, defining isoform-specific regulation of PKDs as a major future issue.

Protein kinase D1 is essential for Ras-induced senescence and tumor suppression by regulating senescence-associated inflammation

Oncogene-induced senescence (OIS) is an initial barrier to tumor development. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) is critical for oncogenic Ras OIS, but the downstream effectors to mediate ROS signaling are still relatively elusive. Senescent cells develop a senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). However, the mechanisms underlying the regulation of the SASP are largely unknown. Here, we identify protein kinase D1 (PKD1) as a downstream effector of ROS signaling to mediate Ras OIS and SASP. PKD1 is activated by oncogenic Ras expression and PKD1 promotes Ras OIS by mediating inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) via modulation of NF-κB activity. We demonstrate that ROS-protein kinase Cδ (PKCδ)-PKD1 axis is essential for the establishment and maintenance of IL-6/IL8 induction. In addition, ablation of PKD1 causes the bypass of Ras OIS, and promotes cell transformation and tumorigenesis. Together, these findings uncover a previously unidentified role of ROS-PKCδ-PKD1 pathway in Ras OIS and SASP regulation.

Protein kinase d as a potential chemotherapeutic target for colorectal cancer

Protein kinase D (PKD) signaling plays a critical role in the regulation of DNA synthesis, proliferation, cell survival, adhesion, invasion/migration, motility, and angiogenesis. To date, relatively little is known about the potential role of PKD in the development and/or progression of human colorectal cancer. We evaluated the expression of different PKD isoforms in colorectal cancer and investigated the antitumor activity of PKD inhibitors against human colorectal cancer. PKD2 was the dominant isoform expressed in human colon cancer cells. PKD3 expression was also observed but PKD1 expression, at both the RNA and protein levels, was not detected. Suppression of PKD using the small molecule inhibitors CRT0066101 and kb-NB142-70 resulted in low micromolar in vitro antiproliferative activity against multiple human colorectal cancer cell lines. Drug treatment was associated with dose-dependent suppression of PKD2 activation. Incubation with CRT0066101 resulted in G(2)-M phase arrest and induction of apoptosis in human colorectal cancer cells. Further studies showed that CRT0066101 treatment gave rise to a dose-dependent increase in expression of cleaved PARP and activated caspase-3, in addition to inhibition of AKT and ERK signaling, and suppression of NF-κB activity. Transfection of PKD2-targeted siRNAs resulted in similar effects on downstream pathways as observed with small molecule inhibitors. Daily administration of CRT0066101 resulted in significant inhibition of tumor growth in HCT116 xenograft nude mice. Taken together, our studies show that PKD plays a significant role in mediating growth signaling in colorectal cancer and may represent a novel chemotherapeutic target for the treatment of colorectal cancer.

A combination treatment with DNA methyltransferase inhibitors and suramin decreases invasiveness of breast cancer cells

The treatment of patients with invasive breast cancer remains a major issue because of the acquisition of drug resistance to conventional chemotherapy. Here we propose a new therapeutic strategy by combining DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (DMTIs) with suramin. Cytotoxic effects of suramin or combination treatment with DMTIs were determined in highly invasive breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231, BT-20 and HCC1954, or control cells. In addition, effects on cell invasion were determined in 3-dimensional cell culture assays. DMTI-mediated upregulation of Protein Kinase D1 (PKD1) expression was shown by Western blotting. Effects of suramin on PKD1 activity was determined in vitro and in cells. The importance of PKD1 in mediating the effects of such combination treatment in cell invasion was demonstrated using 3D cell culture assays. A proof of principal animal experiment was performed showing that PKD1 is critical for breast cancer growth. We show that when used in combination, suramin and DMTIs impair the invasive phenotype of breast cancer cells. We show that PKD1, a kinase that previously has been described as a suppressor of tumor cell invasion, is an interface for both FDA-approved drugs, since the additive effects observed are due to DMTI-mediated re-expression and suramin-induced activation of PKD1. Our data reveal a mechanism of how a combination treatment with non-toxic doses of suramin and DMTIs may be of therapeutic benefit for patients with aggressive, multi-drug resistant breast cancer.

The Comparison of The Effects of Silybin and Silybin-Phosphatidylcholine on Viability and ESR Expression in Human Breast Cancer T47D Cell Line

OBJECTIVE

Silybin is a polyphenol with anti-oxidant and anti-cancer properties. The poor bioavailability of some polyphenols can be improved by binding to phosphatidylcholine. In recent years, studies have been conducted to evaluate the anti-cancer effect of silybin. We studied the effect of silybin and silybin-phosphatidylcholine on ESR1 and ESR2 gene expression and viability in the T47D breast cancer cell line.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this experimental study, a 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-Yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide test (MTT test) was used to determine doses for cell treatment, and the gene expression was analyzed by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (real-time RT- PCR).

RESULTS

Significant dose- and time-dependent cell growth inhibitory effects of silybin and silybin-phosphatidylcholine along with ESR1 down-regulation were observed in T47D cells. In contrast to ESR1, the T47D cell line showed negligible ESR2 expression.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that silybin and silybin-phosphatidylcholine down-regulate ESR1 in ER(+)breast cancers. Results also show that in the T47D cell line, silybindown-regulation of ESR1 compared with silybin.

Protein kinase D2 induces invasion of pancreatic cancer cells by regulating matrix metalloproteinases

Protein kinase D2 (PKD2) expression is up-regulated in pancreatic cancer. PKD1 expression is low. Both kinases differentially control pancreatic cancer cell invasion. PKD2 enhances invasion and angiogenesis in 3D ECM, as well as in chorioallantois membrane models, by stimulating expression and secretion of matrix metalloproteinase 7/9.

Pancreatic cancer cell invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis are major challenges for the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Protein kinase D (PKD) isoforms are involved in controlling tumor cell motility, angiogenesis, and metastasis. In particular PKD2 expression is up-regulated in pancreatic cancer, whereas PKD1 expression is lowered. We report that both kinases control pancreatic cancer cell invasive properties in an isoform-specific manner. PKD2 enhances invasion in three-dimensional extracellular matrix (3D-ECM) cultures by stimulating expression and secretion of matrix metalloproteinases 7 and 9 (MMP7/9), by which MMP7 is likely to act upstream of MMP9. Knockdown of MMP7/9 blocks PKD2-mediated invasion in 3D-ECM assays and in vivo using tumors growing on chorioallantois membranes. Furthermore, MMP9 enhances PKD2-mediated tumor angiogenesis by releasing extracellular matrix–bound vascular endothelial growth factor A, increasing its bioavailability and angiogenesis. Of interest, specific knockdown of PKD1 in PKD2-expressing pancreatic cancer cells further enhanced the invasive properties in 3D-ECM systems by generating a high-motility phenotype. Loss of PKD1 thus may be beneficial for tumor cells to enhance their matrix-invading abilities. In conclusion, we define for the first time PKD1 and 2 isoform–selective effects on pancreatic cancer cell invasion and angiogenesis, in vitro and in vivo, addressing PKD isoform specificity as a major factor for future therapeutic strategies.

Elevated protein kinase D3 (PKD3) expression supports proliferation of triple-negative breast cancer cells and contributes to mTORC1-S6K1 pathway activation

Here, we show that the expression of the Golgi-localized serine-threonine kinase protein kinase D3 (PKD3) is elevated in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Using an antibody array, we identified PKD3 to trigger the activation of S6 kinase 1 (S6K1), a main downstream target of the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling pathway. Accordingly, PKD3 knockdown in TNBC cells led to reduced S6K1 phosphorylation, which was associated with impaired activation of mTORC1 at endolysosomal membranes, the accumulation of the mannose 6-phosphate receptor in and the recruitment of the autophagy marker light chain 3 to enlarged acidic vesicles. We further show that PKD3 depletion strongly inhibited cell spreading and proliferation of TNBC cells, identifying this kinase as a potential novel molecular therapeutic target in TNBC. Together, our data suggest that PKD3 in TNBC cells provides a molecular connection between the Golgi and endolysosomal compartments to enhance proliferative mTORC1-S6K1 signaling.

Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of PKD Inhibitors

Protein kinase D (PKD) belongs to a family of serine/threonine kinases that play an important role in basic cellular processes and are implicated in the pathogenesis of several diseases. Progress in our understanding of the biological functions of PKD has been limited due to the lack of a PKD-specific inhibitor. The benzoxoloazepinolone CID755673 was recently reported as the first potent and kinase-selective inhibitor for this enzyme. For structure-activity analysis purposes, a series of analogs was prepared and their in vitro inhibitory potency evaluated.

Protein kinase D-mediated phosphorylation at Ser99 regulates localization of p21-activated kinase 4

PAKs (p21-activated kinases) are effectors of RhoGTPases. PAK4 contributes to regulation of cofilin at the leading edge of migrating cells through activation of LIMK (Lin-11/Isl-1/Mec-3 kinase). PAK4 activity is regulated by an autoinhibitory domain that is released upon RhoGTPase binding as well as phosphorylation at Ser474 in the activation loop of the kinase domain. In the present study, we add another level of complexity to PAK4 regulation by showing that phosphorylation at Ser99 is required for its targeting to the leading edge. This phosphorylation is mediated by PKD1 (protein kinase D1). Phosphorylation of PAK4 at Ser99 also mediates binding to 14-3-3 protein, and is required for the formation of a PAK4-LIMK-PKD1 complex that regulates cofilin activity and directed cell migration.

New pyrazolopyrimidine inhibitors of protein kinase d as potent anticancer agents for prostate cancer cells

The emergence of protein kinase D (PKD) as a potential therapeutic target for several diseases including cancer has triggered the search for potent, selective, and cell-permeable small molecule inhibitors. In this study, we describe the identification, in vitro characterization, structure-activity analysis, and biological evaluation of a novel PKD inhibitory scaffold exemplified by 1-naphthyl PP1 (1-NA-PP1). 1-NA-PP1 and IKK-16 were identified as pan-PKD inhibitors in a small-scale targeted kinase inhibitor library assay. Both screening hits inhibited PKD isoforms at about 100 nM and were ATP-competitive inhibitors. Analysis of several related kinases indicated that 1-NA-PP1 was highly selective for PKD as compared to IKK-16. SAR analysis showed that 1-NA-PP1 was considerably more potent and showed distinct substituent effects at the pyrazolopyrimidine core. 1-NA-PP1 was cell-active, and potently blocked prostate cancer cell proliferation by inducing G2/M arrest. It also potently blocked the migration and invasion of prostate cancer cells, demonstrating promising anticancer activities on multiple fronts. Overexpression of PKD1 or PKD3 almost completely reversed the growth arrest and the inhibition of tumor cell invasion caused by 1-NA-PP1, indicating that its anti-proliferative and anti-invasive activities were mediated through the inhibition of PKD. Interestingly, a 12-fold increase in sensitivity to 1-NA-PP1 could be achieved by engineering a gatekeeper mutation in the active site of PKD1, suggesting that 1-NA-PP1 could be paired with the analog-sensitive PKD1^M659G for dissecting PKD-specific functions and signaling pathways in various biological systems.

Epigenetic regulation of mmp-9 gene expression

Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) is one of the most studied enzymes in cancer. MMP-9 can cleave proteins of the extracellular matrix and a large number of receptors and growth factors. Accordingly, its expression must be tightly regulated to avoid excessive enzymatic activity, which is associated with disease progression. Although we know that epigenetic mechanisms play a central role in controlling mmp-9 gene expression, predicting how epigenetic drugs could be used to suppress mmp-9 gene expression is not trivial because epigenetic drugs also regulate the expression of key proteins that can tip the balance towards activation or suppression of MMP-9. Here, we review how our understanding of the biology and expression of MMP-9 could be exploited to augment clinical benefits, most notably in terms of the prevention and management of degenerative diseases and cancer.

Pharmacologic reversion of epigenetic silencing of the PRKD1 promoter blocks breast tumor cell invasion and metastasis

INTRODUCTION

DNA methylation-induced silencing of genes encoding tumor suppressors is common in many types of cancer, but little is known about how such epigenetic silencing can contribute to tumor metastasis. The PRKD1 gene encodes protein kinase D1 (PKD1), a serine/threonine kinase that is expressed in cells of the normal mammary gland, where it maintains the epithelial phenotype by preventing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition.

METHODS

The status of PRKD1 promoter methylation was analyzed by reduced representation bisulfite deep sequencing, methylation-specific PCR (MSP-PCR) and in situ MSP-PCR in invasive and noninvasive breast cancer lines, as well as in humans in 34 cases of "normal" tissue, 22 cases of ductal carcinoma in situ, 22 cases of estrogen receptor positive, HER2-negative (ER+/HER2-) invasive lobular carcinoma, 43 cases of ER+/HER2- invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), 93 cases of HER2+ IDC and 96 cases of triple-negative IDC. A reexpression strategy using the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor decitabine was used in vitro in MDA-MB-231 cells as well as in vivo in a tumor xenograft model and measured by RT-PCR, immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. The effect of PKD1 reexpression on cell invasion was analyzed in vitro by transwell invasion assay. Tumor growth and metastasis were monitored in vivo using the IVIS Spectrum Pre-clinical In Vivo Imaging System.

RESULTS

Herein we show that the gene promoter of PRKD1 is aberrantly methylated and silenced in its expression in invasive breast cancer cells and during breast tumor progression, increasing with the aggressiveness of tumors. Using an animal model, we show that reversion of PRKD1 promoter methylation with the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor decitabine restores PKD1 expression and blocks tumor spread and metastasis to the lung in a PKD1-dependent fashion.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that the status of epigenetic regulation of the PRKD1 promoter can provide valid information on the invasiveness of breast tumors and therefore could serve as an early diagnostic marker. Moreover, targeted upregulation of PKD1 expression may be used as a therapeutic approach to reverse the invasive phenotype of breast cancer cells.

Multi-level control of actin dynamics by protein kinase D

Dynamic actin remodeling is fundamental to processes such as cell motility, vesicle trafficking, and cytokinesis. Protein kinase D (PKD) is a serine-threonine kinase known to be involved in diverse biological functions ranging from vesicle fission at the Golgi complex to regulation of cell motility and invasion. This review addresses the role of PKD in the organization of the actin cytoskeleton with a particular emphasis on the substrates associated with this function. We further highlight the multi-level control of actin dynamics by PKD and suggest that the tight spatio-temporal control of PKD activity is critical for the coordination of directed cell migration.

Protein kinase D1 mRNA level may predict cancer-specific survival in heavy smokers with esophageal squamous cell cancers

Protein kinase D1 (PRKD1) is a kinase that regulates various pathways, which involve in cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell adhesion and invasion. Although PRKD1 expression has been observed in many cancers, its role in esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC) has not been well reported. As its dysregulation in cancers is organ specific, we sought to investigate the potential role of PRKD1 in the progression of ESCC. Samples were collected from 178 patients with completely resected ESCCs at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, including 47 pairs of tumorous and non-tumorous tissues. PRKD1 mRNA expression was investigated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to search for a feasible cut-off point of PRKD1 mRNA levels for predicting cancer-specific survival. Kaplan-Meier and multivariate Cox regression analysis were used to assess the prognostic value of PRKD1 mRNA level in ESCC patients. In result, upregulation of PRKD1 mRNA was detected in 55.3% (26/47) of ESCC tissues compared with paired non-tumorous ones (P = 0.011). ROC analysis indicated 3.28 as a cut-off point, and thus 72 and 106 tumors with low and high PRKD1 mRNA expression were categorized. High-PRKD1 mRNA expression in tumors appeared with more frequency in heavy smokers (P = 0.002) and patients with advanced pathological T category (P = 0.034). Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that patients with low-PRKD1 mRNA had a longer cancer-specific survival than the ones with high-PRKD1 level (P = 0.044). Multivariate analysis showed that tumorous PRKD1 mRNA expression was an independent prognostic factor (hazard ratio: 1.538, 95% confidence interval: 1.018-2.323, P = 0.041) in resected ESCC. Subgroup analysis revealed that the discernibility of PRKD1 mRNA level on ESCC outcomes was only pronounced in heavy smokers (P = 0.002), but not in non-heavy smokers (P = 0.870). PRKD1 might play a potential oncogenic role in ESCC. It might be an independent biomarker to predict prognosis in heavy smokers with ESCC.

Protein kinase D2 regulates migration and invasion of U87MG glioblastoma cells in vitro

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common malignant brain tumor, which, despite combined modality treatment, reoccurs and is invariably fatal for affected patients. Recently, a member of the serine/threonine protein kinase D (PRKD) family, PRKD2, was shown to be a potent mediator of glioblastoma growth. Here we studied the role of PRKD2 in U87MG glioblastoma cell migration and invasion in response to sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), an activator of PRKD2 and a GBM mitogen. Time-lapse microscopy demonstrated that random cell migration was significantly diminished in response to PRKD2 silencing. The pharmacological PRKD family inhibitor CRT0066101 decreased chemotactic migration and invasion across uncoated or matrigel-coated Transwell inserts. Silencing of PRKD2 attenuated migration and invasion of U87MG cells even more effectively. In terms of downstream signaling, CRT0066101 prevented PRKD2 autophosphorylation and inhibited p44/42 MAPK and to a smaller extent p54/46 JNK and p38 MAPK activation. PRKD2 silencing impaired activation of p44/42 MAPK and p54/46 JNK, downregulated nuclear c-Jun protein levels and decreased c-Jun^S73 phosphorylation without affecting the NFκB pathway. Finally, qPCR array analyses revealed that silencing of PRKD2 downregulates mRNA levels of integrin alpha-2 and -4 (ITGA2 and -4), plasminogen activator urokinase (PLAU), plasminogen activator urokinase receptor (PLAUR), and matrix metallopeptidase 1 (MMP1). Findings of the present study identify PRKD2 as a potential target to interfere with glioblastoma cell migration and invasion, two major determinants contributing to recurrence of glioblastoma after multimodality treatment.

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Sphingosine-1-phosphate induces glioma cell migration and invasion.

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Part of the effects is mediated by protein kinase D2 (PRKD2) activation.

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Inactivation of PRKD2 attenuates glioblastoma cell migration and invasion.

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Both, RNAi and pharmacological inhibition of PRKD2 inhibits MAPK signaling.

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PRKD2 regulates transcription of gene products implicated in migration and invasion.

PKD controls αvβ3 integrin recycling and tumor cell invasive migration through its substrate Rabaptin-5

Integrin recycling is critical for cell migration. Protein kinase D (PKD) mediates signals from the platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGF-R) to control αvβ3 integrin recycling. We now show that Rabaptin-5, a Rab5 effector in endosomal membrane fusion, is a PKD substrate. PKD phosphorylates Rabaptin-5 at Ser407, and this is both necessary and sufficient for PDGF-dependent short-loop recycling of αvβ3, which in turn inhibits α5β1 integrin recycling. Rab4, but not Rab5, interacts with phosphorylated Rabaptin-5 toward the front of migrating cells to promote delivery of αvβ3 to the leading edge, thereby driving persistent cell motility and invasion that is dependent on this integrin. Consistently, disruption of Rabaptin-5 Ser407 phosphorylation reduces persistent cell migration in 2D and αvβ3-dependent invasion. Conversely, invasive migration that is dependent on α5β1 integrin is promoted by disrupting Rabaptin phosphorylation. These findings demonstrate that the PKD pathway couples receptor tyrosine kinase signaling to an integrin switch via Rabaptin-5 phosphorylation.

Neuregulin mediates F-actin-driven cell migration through inhibition of protein kinase D1 via Rac1 protein

Neuregulin (NRG; heregulin) is overexpressed in ∼30% of breast cancers and mediates various processes involved in tumor progression, including tumor cell migration and invasion. Here, we show that NRG mediates its effects on tumor cell migration via PKD1. Downstream of RhoA, PKD1 can prevent directed cell migration through phosphorylation of its substrate SSH1L. NRG exerts its inhibitory effects on PKD1 through Rac1/NADPH oxidase, leading to decreased PKD1 activation loop phosphorylation and decreased activity toward SSH1L. The consequence of PKD1 inhibition by NRG is decreased binding of 14-3-3 to SSH1L, localization of SSH1L to F-actin at the leading edge, and increased cofilin activity, resulting in increased reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton and cell motility. Our data provide a mechanism through which the Rho GTPase Rac1 cross-talks with PKD1 signaling pathways to facilitate directed cell migration.

In vitro cytotoxicity, pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution, and metabolism of small-molecule protein kinase D inhibitors, kb-NB142-70 and kb-NB165-09, in mice bearing human cancer xenografts

PURPOSE

Protein kinase D (PKD) mediates diverse biological responses including cell growth and survival. Therefore, PKD inhibitors may have therapeutic potential. We evaluated the in vitro cytotoxicity of two PKD inhibitors, kb-NB142-70 and its methoxy analogue, kb-NB165-09, and examined their in vivo efficacy and pharmacokinetics.

METHODS

The in vitro cytotoxicities of kb-NB142-70 and kb-NB165-09 were evaluated by MTT assay against PC-3, androgen-independent prostate cancer cells, and CFPAC-1 and PANC-1, pancreatic cancer cells. Efficacy studies were conducted in mice bearing either PC-3 or CPFAC-1 xenografts. Tumor-bearing mice were euthanized between 5 and 1,440 min after iv dosing, and plasma and tissue concentrations were measured by HPLC-UV. Metabolites were characterized by LC-MS/MS.

RESULTS

kb-NB142-70 and kb-NB165-09 inhibited cellular growth in the low-mid μM range. The compounds were inactive when administered to tumor-bearing mice. In mice treated with kb-NB142-70, the plasma C (max) was 36.9 nmol/mL, and the PC-3 tumor C (max) was 11.8 nmol/g. In mice dosed with kb-NB165-09, the plasma C (max) was 61.9 nmol/mL, while the PANC-1 tumor C (max) was 8.0 nmol/g. The plasma half-lives of kb-NB142-70 and kb-NB165-09 were 6 and 14 min, respectively. Both compounds underwent oxidation and glucuronidation.

CONCLUSIONS

kb-NB142-70 and kb-NB165-09 were rapidly metabolized, and concentrations in tumor were lower than those required for in vitro cytotoxicity. Replacement of the phenolic hydroxyl group with a methoxy group increased the plasma half-life of kb-NB165-09 2.3-fold over that of kb-NB142-70. Rapid metabolism in mice suggests that next-generation compounds will require further structural modifications to increase potency and/or metabolic stability.

A targeted library screen reveals a new inhibitor scaffold for protein kinase D

Protein kinase D (PKD) has emerged as a potential therapeutic target in multiple pathological conditions, including cancer and heart diseases. Potent and selective small molecule inhibitors of PKD are valuable for dissecting PKD-mediated cellular signaling pathways and for therapeutic application. In this study, we evaluated a targeted library of 235 small organic kinase inhibitors for PKD1 inhibitory activity at a single concentration. Twenty-eight PKD inhibitory chemotypes were identified and six exhibited excellent PKD1 selectivity. Five of the six lead structures share a common scaffold, with compound 139 being the most potent and selective for PKD vs PKC and CAMK. Compound 139 was an ATP-competitive PKD1 inhibitor with a low double-digit nanomolar potency and was also cell-active. Kinase profiling analysis identified this class of small molecules as pan-PKD inhibitors, confirmed their selectivity again PKC and CAMK, and demonstrated an overall favorable selectivity profile that could be further enhanced through structural modification. Furthermore, using a PKD homology model based on similar protein kinase structures, docking modes for compound 139 were explored and compared to literature examples of PKD inhibition. Modeling of these compounds at the ATP-binding site of PKD was used to rationalize its high potency and provide the foundation for future further optimization. Accordingly, using biochemical screening of a small number of privileged scaffolds and computational modeling, we have identified a new core structure for highly potent PKD inhibition with promising selectivity against closely related kinases. These lead structures represent an excellent starting point for the further optimization and the design of selective and therapeutically effective small molecule inhibitors of PKD.

GIT1 phosphorylation on serine 46 by PKD3 regulates paxillin trafficking and cellular protrusive activity

The continuous assembly and disassembly of focal adhesions is required for efficient cell spreading and migration. The G-protein-coupled receptor kinase-interacting protein 1 (GIT1) is a multidomain protein whose dynamic localization to sites of cytoskeletal remodeling is critically involved in the regulation of these processes. Here we provide evidence that the subcellular localization of GIT1 is regulated by protein kinase D3 (PKD3) through direct phosphorylation on serine 46. GIT1 phosphorylation on serine 46 was abrograted by PKD3 depletion, thereby identifying GIT1 as the first specific substrate for this kinase. A GIT1 S46D phosphomimetic mutant localized to motile, paxillin-positive cytoplasmic complexes, whereas the phosphorylation-deficient GIT1 S46A was enriched in focal adhesions. We propose that phosphorylation of GIT1 on serine 46 by PKD3 represents a molecular switch by which GIT1 localization, paxillin trafficking, and cellular protrusive activity are regulated.

PKD2 and PKD3 promote prostate cancer cell invasion by modulating NF-κB- and HDAC1-mediated expression and activation of uPA

Although protein kinase D3 (PKD3) has been shown to contribute to prostate cancer cell growth and survival, the role of PKD in prostate cancer cell motility remains unclear. Here, we show that PKD2 and PKD3 promote nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) expression/activation, which are crucial for prostate cancer cell invasion. Silencing of endogenous PKD2 and/or PKD3 markedly decreased prostate cancer cell migration and invasion, reduced uPA and uPA receptor (uPAR) expression and increased plasminogen activator inhibitor-2 (PAI-2) expression. These results were further substantiated by the finding that PKD2 and PKD3 promoted the activity of uPA and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9). Furthermore, depletion of PKD2 and/or PKD3 decreased the level of binding of the p65 subunit of NF-κB to the promoter of the gene encoding uPA (PLAU), suppressing transcriptional activation of uPA. Endogenous PKD2 and PKD3 interacted with inhibitor of NF-κB (IκB) kinase β (IKKβ); PKD2 mainly regulated the phosphorylated IKK (pIKK)-phosphorylated IκB (pIκB)-IκB degradation cascade, p65 nuclear translocation, and phosphorylation of Ser276 on p65, whereas PKD3 was responsible for the phosphorylation of Ser536 on p65. Conversely, inhibition of uPA transactivation by PKD3 silencing was rescued by constitutive Ser536 p65 phosphorylation, and reduced tumor cell invasion resulting from PKD2 or PKD3 silencing was rescued by ectopic expression of p65. Interestingly, PKD3 interacted with histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1), suppressing HDAC1 expression and decreasing its binding to the uPA promoter. Moreover, depletion of HDAC1 resulted in recovery of uPA transactivation in PKD3-knockdown cells. Taken together, these data suggest that PKD2 and PKD3 coordinate to promote prostate cancer cell invasion through p65 NF-κB- and HDAC1-mediated expression and activation of uPA.

Protein kinase D1 mediates anchorage-dependent and -independent growth of tumor cells via the zinc finger transcription factor Snail1

We here identify protein kinase D1 (PKD1) as a major regulator of anchorage-dependent and -independent growth of cancer cells controlled via the transcription factor Snail1. Using FRET, we demonstrate that PKD1, but not PKD2, efficiently interacts with Snail1 in nuclei. PKD1 phosphorylates Snail1 at Ser-11. There was no change in the nucleocytoplasmic distribution of Snail1 using wild type Snail1 and Ser-11 phosphosite mutants in different tumor cells. Regardless of its phosphorylation status or following co-expression of constitutively active PKD, Snail1 was predominantly localized to cell nuclei. We also identify a novel mechanism of PKD1-mediated regulation of Snail1 transcriptional activity in tumor cells. The interaction of the co-repressors histone deacetylases 1 and 2 as well as lysyl oxidase-like protein 3 with Snail1 was impaired when Snail1 was not phosphorylated at Ser-11, which led to reduced Snail1-associated histone deacetylase activity. Additionally, lysyl oxidase-like protein 3 expression was up-regulated by ectopic PKD1 expression, implying a synergistic regulation of Snail1-driven transcription. Ectopic expression of PKD1 also up-regulated proliferation markers such as Cyclin D1 and Ajuba. Accordingly, Snail1 and its phosphorylation at Ser-11 were required and sufficient to control PKD1-mediated anchorage-independent growth and anchorage-dependent proliferation of different tumor cells. In conclusion, our data show that PKD1 is crucial to support growth of tumor cells via Snail1.

Protein kinase D2 has a restricted but critical role in T-cell antigen receptor signalling in mature T-cells

PKD (protein kinase D) 2 is a serine/threonine kinase activated by diacylglycerol in response to engagement of antigen receptors in lymphocytes. To explore PKD2 regulation and function in TCR (T-cell antigen receptor) signal transduction we expressed TCR complexes with fixed affinity for self antigens in the T-cells of PKD2-null mice or mice deficient in PKD2 catalytic activity. We also developed a single cell assay to quantify PKD2 activation as T-cells respond to developmental stimuli or engagement of α/β TCR complexes in vivo. Strikingly, PKD2 loss caused increases in thymic output, lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly in TCR transgenic mice. The precise magnitude and timing of PKD2 activation during T-cell development is thus critical to regulate thymic homoeostasis. PKD2-null T-cells that exit the thymus have a normal transcriptome, but show a limited and abnormal transcriptional response to antigen. Transcriptional profiling reveals the full consequences of PKD2 loss and maps in detail the selective, but critical, function for PKD2 in signalling by α/β mature TCR complexes in peripheral T-cells.

Inducible silencing of protein kinase D3 inhibits secretion of tumor-promoting factors in prostate cancer

Protein kinase D (PKD) acts as a major mediator of several signaling pathways related to cancer development. Aberrant PKD expression and activity have been shown in multiple cancers, and novel PKD inhibitors show promising anticancer activities. Despite these advances, the mechanisms through which PKD contributes to the pathogenesis of cancer remain unknown. Here, we establish a novel role for PKD3, the least studied member of the PKD family, in the regulation of prostate cancer cell growth and motility through modulation of secreted tumor-promoting factors. Using both a stable inducible knockdown cell model and a transient knockdown system using multiple siRNAs, we show that silencing of endogenous PKD3 significantly reduces prostate cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. In addition, conditioned medium from PKD3-knockdown cells exhibits less migratory potential compared with that from control cells. Further analysis indicated that depletion of PKD3 blocks secretion of multiple key tumor-promoting factors including matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and GROα but does not alter mRNA transcript levels for these factors, implying impairment of the secretory pathway. More significantly, inducible depletion of PKD3 in a subcutaneous xenograft model suppresses tumor growth and decreases levels of intratumoral GROα in mice. These data validate PKD3 as a promising therapeutic target in prostate cancer and shed light on the role of secreted tumor-promoting factors in prostate cancer progression.

Curcumin attenuates β-catenin signaling in prostate cancer cells through activation of protein kinase D1

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer affecting 1 in 6 males in the US. Understanding the molecular basis of prostate cancer progression can serve as a tool for early diagnosis and development of novel treatment strategies for this disease. Protein Kinase D1 (PKD1) is a multifunctional kinase that is highly expressed in normal prostate. The decreased expression of PKD1 has been associated with the progression of prostate cancer. Therefore, synthetic or natural products that regulate this signaling pathway can serve as novel therapeutic modalities for prostate cancer prevention and treatment. Curcumin, the active ingredient of turmeric, has shown anti-cancer properties via modulation of a number of different molecular pathways. Herein, we have demonstrated that curcumin activates PKD1, resulting in changes in β-catenin signaling by inhibiting nuclear β-catenin transcription activity and enhancing the levels of membrane β-catenin in prostate cancer cells. Modulation of these cellular events by curcumin correlated with decreased cell proliferation, colony formation and cell motility and enhanced cell-cell aggregation in prostate cancer cells. In addition, we have also revealed that inhibition of cell motility by curcumin is mediated by decreasing the levels of active cofilin, a downstream target of PKD1. The potent anti-cancer effects of curcumin in vitro were also reflected in a prostate cancer xenograft mouse model. The in vivo inhibition of tumor growth also correlated with enhanced membrane localization of β-catenin. Overall, our findings herein have revealed a novel molecular mechanism of curcumin action via the activation of PKD1 in prostate cancer cells.

Beta-catenin phosphorylated at threonine 120 antagonizes generation of active beta-catenin by spatial localization in trans-Golgi network

The stability and subcellular localization of beta-catenin, a protein that plays a major role in cell adhesion and proliferation, is tightly regulated by multiple signaling pathways. While aberrant activation of beta-catenin signaling has been implicated in cancers, the biochemical identity of transcriptionally active beta-catenin (ABC), commonly known as unphosphorylated serine 37 (S37) and threonine 41 (T41) β-catenin, remains elusive. Our current study demonstrates that ABC transcriptional activity is influenced by phosphorylation of T120 by Protein Kinase D1 (PKD1). Whereas the nuclear β-catenin from PKD1-low prostate cancer cell line C4-2 is unphosphorylated S37/T41/T120 with high transcription activity, the nuclear β-catenin from PKD1-overexpressing C4-2 cells is highly phosphorylated at T120, S37 and T41 with low transcription activity, implying that accumulation of nuclear β-catenin alone cannot be simply used as a read-out for Wnt activation. In human normal prostate tissue, the phosphorylated T120 β-catenin is mainly localized to the trans-Golgi network (TGN, 22/30, 73%), and this pattern is significantly altered in prostate cancer (14/197, 7.1%), which is consistent with known down regulation of PKD1 in prostate cancer. These in vitro and in vivo data unveil a previously unrecognized post-translational modification of ABC through T120 phosphorylation by PKD1, which alters subcellular localization and transcriptional activity of β-catenin. Our results support the view that β-catenin signaling activity is regulated by spatial compartmentation and post-translational modifications and protein level of β-catenin alone is insufficient to count signaling activity.

Global detection of protein kinase D-dependent phosphorylation events in nocodazole-treated human cells

Protein kinase D (PKD) is a cytosolic serine/threonine kinase implicated in regulation of several cellular processes such as response to oxidative stress, directed cell migration, invasion, differentiation, and fission of the vesicles at the trans-Golgi network. Its variety of functions must be mediated by numerous substrates; however, only a couple of PKD substrates have been identified so far. Here we perform stable isotope labeling of amino acids in cell culture-based quantitative phosphoproteomic analysis to detect phosphorylation events dependent on PKD1 activity in human cells. We compare relative phosphorylation levels between constitutively active and kinase dead PKD1 strains of HEK293 cells, both treated with nocodazole, a microtubule-depolymerizing reagent that disrupts the Golgi complex and activates PKD1. We identify 124 phosphorylation sites that are significantly down-regulated upon decrease of PKD1 activity and show that the PKD target motif is significantly enriched among down-regulated phosphorylation events, pointing to the presence of direct PKD1 substrates. We further perform PKD1 target motif analysis, showing that a proline residue at position +1 relative to the phosphorylation site serves as an inhibitory cue for PKD1 activity. Among PKD1-dependent phosphorylation events, we detect predominantly proteins with localization at Golgi membranes and function in protein sorting, among them several sorting nexins and members of the insulin-like growth factor 2 receptor pathway. This study presents the first global detection of PKD1-dependent phosphorylation events and provides a wealth of information for functional follow-up of PKD1 activity upon disruption of the Golgi network in human cells.

Involvement of protein kinase D in uridine diphosphate-induced microglial macropinocytosis and phagocytosis

The clearance of tissue debris by microglia is a crucial component of maintaining brain homeostasis. Microglia continuously survey the brain parenchyma and utilize extracellular nucleotides to trigger the initiation of their dynamic responses. Extracellular uridine diphosphate (UDP), which leaks or is released from damaged neurons, has been reported to stimulate the phagocytotic activity of microglia through P2Y(6) receptor activation. However, the intracellular mechanisms underlying microglial P2Y(6) receptor signals have not been identified. In this study, we demonstrated that UDP stimulation induced immediate and long-lasting dynamic movements in the cell membrane. After 60 min of UDP stimulation, there was an upregulation in the number of large vacuoles formed in the cell that incorporate extracellular fluorescent-labeled dextran, which indicates microglial macropinocytosis. In addition, UDP-induced vacuole formation and continuous membrane motility were suppressed by the protein kinase D (PKD) inhibitors, Gö6976 and CID755673, unlike Gö6983, which is far less sensitive to PKD. The inhibition of PKD also reduced UDP-induced incorporation of fluorescent-labeled dextran and soluble β-amyloid and phagocytosis of microspheres. UDP induced rapid phosphorylation and membrane translocation of PKD, which was abrogated by the inhibition of protein kinase C (PKC) with Gö6983. However, Gö6983 failed to suppress UDP-induced incorporation of microspheres. Finally, we found that inhibition of PKD by CID755673 significantly suppressed UDP-induced engulfment of IgG-opsonized microspheres. These data suggest that a PKC-independent function of PKD regulates UDP-induced membrane movement and contributes to the increased uptake of extracellular fluid and microspheres in microglia.

The role of PKC isoforms in the inhibition of NF-κB activation by vitamin K2 in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Vitamin K (VK) has diverse protective effects against osteoporosis, atherosclerosis and carcinogenesis. We recently reported that menatetrenone, a VK2 analogue, suppressed nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation in human hepatoma cells. Although NF-κB is regulated by isoforms of protein kinase C (PKC), the involvement of PKCs in VK2-mediated NF-κB inhibition remains unknown. Therefore, the effects of VK2 on the activation and the kinase activity of each PKC isoform were investigated. The human hepatoma Huh7 cells were treated with PKC isoform-specific inhibitors and/or siRNAs against each PKC isoform with or without 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). VK2 inhibited the TPA-induced NF-κB activation in Huh7 cells. NF-κB activity was inhibited by the pan-PKC inhibitor Ro-31-8425, but not by the PKCα-specific inhibitor Gö6976. The knockdown of individual PKC isoforms including PKCα, δ and ɛ showed only marginal effects on the NF-κB activity. However, the knockdown of both PKCδ and PKCɛ, together with treatment with a PKCα-specific inhibitor, depressed the NF-κB activity. VK2 suppressed the PKCα kinase activity and the phosphorylation of PKCɛ after TPA treatment, but neither the activation nor the enzyme activity of PKCδ was affected. The knockdown of PKCɛ abolished the TPA-induced phosphorylation of PKD1, and the effects of PKD1 knockdown on NF-κB activation were similar to those of PKCɛ knockdown. Collectively, all of the PKCs, including α, δ and ɛ, and PKD1 are involved in the TPA-mediated activation of NF-κB. VK2 inhibited the NF-κB activation through the inhibition of PKCα and ɛ kinase activities, as well as subsequent inhibition of PKD1 activation.

Protein kinase D1 maintains the epithelial phenotype by inducing a DNA-bound, inactive SNAI1 transcriptional repressor complex

BACKGROUND

Protein kinase D1 is downregulated in its expression in invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast and in invasive breast cancer cells, but its functions in normal breast epithelial cells is largely unknown. The epithelial phenotype is maintained by cell-cell junctions formed by E-cadherin. In cancer cells loss of E-cadherin expression contributes to an invasive phenotype. This can be mediated by SNAI1, a transcriptional repressor for E-cadherin that contributes to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT).

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Here we show that PKD1 in normal murine mammary gland (NMuMG) epithelial cells is constitutively-active in its basal state and prevents a transition to a mesenchymal phenotype. Investigation of the involved mechanism suggested that PKD1 regulates the expression of E-cadherin at the promoter level through direct phosphorylation of the transcriptional repressor SNAI1. PKD1-mediated phosphorylation of SNAI1 occurs in the nucleus and generates a nuclear, inactive DNA/SNAI1 complex that shows decreased interaction with its co-repressor Ajuba. Analysis of human tissue samples with a newly-generated phosphospecific antibody for PKD1-phosphorylated SNAI1 showed that regulation of SNAI1 through PKD1 occurs in vivo in normal breast ductal tissue and is decreased or lost in invasive ductal carcinoma.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

Our data describe a mechanism of how PKD1 maintains the breast epithelial phenotype. Moreover, they suggest, that the analysis of breast tissue for PKD-mediated phosphorylation of SNAI1 using our novel phosphoS11-SNAI1-specific antibody may allow predicting the invasive potential of breast cancer cells.

Protein kinase D1 stimulates proliferation and enhances tumorigenesis of MCF-7 human breast cancer cells through a MEK/ERK-dependent signaling pathway

Protein kinase D1, PKD1, is a novel serine/threonine kinase whose altered expression and dysregulation in many tumors as well as its activation by several mitogens suggest that this protein could regulate proliferation and tumorigenesis. Nevertheless, the precise signaling pathways used are still unclear and the potential direct role of PKD1 in tumor development and progression has not been yet investigated. In order to clarify the role of PKD1 in cell proliferation and tumorigenesis, we studied the effects of PKD1 overexpression in a human adenocarcinoma breast cancer cell line, MCF-7 cells. We demonstrated that overexpression of PKD1 specifically promotes MCF-7 cell proliferation through accelerating G0/G1 to S phase transition of the cell cycle. Moreover, inhibition of endogenous PKD1 significantly reduced cell proliferation. Taken together, these results clearly strengthen the regulatory role of PKD1 in cell growth. We also demonstrated that overexpression of PKD1 specifically diminished serum- and anchorage-dependence for proliferation and survival in vitro and allowed MCF-7 cells to form tumors in vivo. Thus, all these data highlight the central role of PKD1 in biological processes which are hallmarks of malignant transformation. Analysis of two major signaling pathways implicated in MCF-7 cell proliferation showed that PKD1 overexpression significantly increased ERK1/2 phosphorylation state without affecting Akt phosphorylation. Moreover, PKD1 overexpression-stimulated cell proliferation and anchorage-independent growth were totally impaired by inhibition of the MEK/ERK kinase cascade. However, neither of these effects was affected by blocking the PI 3-kinase/Akt signaling pathway. Thus, the MEK/ERK signaling appears to be a determining pathway mediating the biological effects of PKD1 in MCF-7 cells. Taken together, all these data demonstrate that PKD1 overexpression increases the aggressiveness of MCF-7 breast cancer cells through enhancing their oncogenic properties and would, therefore, define PKD1 as a potentially new promising anti-tumor therapeutic target.

Protein kinase D2 is a novel regulator of glioblastoma growth and tumor formation

Glioblastoma multiforme, a highly aggressive tumor of the central nervous system, has a dismal prognosis that is due in part to its resistance to radio- and chemotherapy. The protein kinase C (PKC) family of serine threonine kinases has been implicated in the formation and proliferation of glioblastoma multiforme. Members of the protein kinase D (PKD) family, which consists of PKD1, -2 and, -3, are prominent downstream targets of PKCs and could play a major role in glioblastoma growth. PKD2 was highly expressed in both low-grade and high-grade human gliomas. The number of PKD2-positive tumor cells increased with glioma grading (P < .001). PKD2 was also expressed in CD133-positive glioblastoma stem cells and various glioblastoma cell lines in which the kinase was found to be constitutively active. Inhibition of PKDs by pharmacological inhibitors resulted in substantial inhibition of glioblastoma proliferation. Furthermore, specific depletion of PKD2 by siRNA resulted in a marked inhibition of anchorage-dependent and -independent proliferation and an accumulation of glioblastoma cells in G0/G1, accompanied by a down-regulation of cyclin D1 expression. In addition, PKD2-depleted glioblastoma cells exhibited substantially reduced tumor formation in vivo on chicken chorioallantoic membranes. These findings identify PKD2 as a novel mediator of glioblastoma cell growth in vitro and in vivo and thereby as a potential therapeutic target for this devastating disease.

Protein kinase D regulates cofilin activity through p21-activated kinase 4

Dynamic reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton at the leading edge is required for directed cell migration. Cofilin, a small actin-binding protein with F-actin severing activities, is a key enzyme initiating such actin remodeling processes. Cofilin activity is tightly regulated by phosphorylation and dephosphorylation events that are mediated by LIM kinase (LIMK) and the phosphatase slingshot (SSH), respectively. Protein kinase D (PKD) is a serine/threonine kinase that inhibits actin-driven directed cell migration by phosphorylation and inactivation of SSH. Here, we show that PKD can also regulate LIMK through direct phosphorylation and activation of its upstream kinase p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4). Therefore, active PKD increases the net amount of phosphorylated inactive cofilin in cells through both pathways. The regulation of cofilin activity at multiple levels may explain the inhibitory effects of PKD on barbed end formation as well as on directed cell migration.

Protein kinase D: coupling extracellular stimuli to the regulation of cell physiology

Protein kinase D (PKD) mediates the actions of stimuli that promote diacylglycerol (DAG) biogenesis. By phosphorylating effectors that regulate transcription, fission and polarized transport of Golgi vesicles, as well as cell migration and survival after oxidative stress, PKDs substantially expand the range of physiological processes controlled by DAG. Dysregulated PKDs have been linked to pathologies including heart hypertrophy and cancer invasiveness. Our understanding of PKD regulation by trans- and autophosphorylation, as well as the subcellular dynamics of PKD substrate phosphorylation, have increased markedly. Selective PKD inhibitors provide new, powerful tools for elucidating the physiological roles of PKDs and potentially treating cardiac disease and cancer.

Emerging roles of protein kinase D1 in cancer

Protein kinase D1 (PKD1) is a serine-threonine kinase that regulates various functions within the cell, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, adhesion, and cell motility. In normal cells, this protein plays key roles in multiple signaling pathways by relaying information from the extracellular environment and/or upstream kinases and converting them into a regulated intracellular response. The aberrant expression of PKD1 is associated with enhanced cancer phenotypes, such as deregulated cell proliferation, survival, motility, and epithelial mesenchymal transition. In this review, we summarize the structural and functional aspects of PKD1 and highlight the pathobiological roles of this kinase in cancer.

Epigenetic regulation of matrix metalloproteinases and their collagen substrates in cancer

Our review covers the recent epigenetic data that are focused on matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), their inhibitors (tissue inhibitors of MMPs; TIMPs) and collagen substrates. Twenty-four MMPs, four TIMPs and at least 28 collagen types are known in humans. The MMP activity regulates the functionality of multiple extracellular matrix proteins, cytokines, growth factors and cell signaling and adhesion receptors. Aberrantly enhanced MMP proteolysis affects multiple cell functions, including proliferation, migration and invasion. This aberrant MMP proteolysis is frequently recorded in cancer. Recent evidence, however, indicates that several MMPs function as tumor suppressors in cancer. Their inhibition could have pro-tumorigenic effects (making them anti-targets), counterbalancing the benefits of target inhibition and leading to adverse effects in cancer patients. The current epigenetic data suggest that there are distinct multi-layered epigenetic mechanisms that regulate MMPs, TIMPs and collagens. We show that in certain cancer types, epigenetic signatures of selected MMPs exhibit stem cell-like characteristics. Epigenetic mechanisms appear to play an especially important role in glioblastoma multiforme. Glioblastomas/gliomas synthesize de novo and then deposit collagens into the brain parenchyma. The collagen deposition, combined with an enhanced MMP activity in glioblastomas/gliomas, facilitates rapid invasion of tumor cells through the brain. It is tempting to hypothesize that the epigenetic mechanisms which control MMPs, TIMPs and collagens and, consequently, tumor cell invasion, represent promising drug targets and that in the near future these targets will be challenged pharmacologically.