The Angelman syndrome-associated protein, E6-AP, is a coactivator for the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily

Degradation and beyond: control of androgen receptor activity by the proteasome system

The androgen receptor (AR) is a transcription factor belonging to the family of nuclear receptors which mediates the action of androgens in the development of urogenital structures. AR expression is regulated post-translationally by the ubiquitin/proteasome system. This regulation involves more complex mechanisms than typical degradation. The ubiquitin/proteasome system may regulate AR via mechanisms that do not engage in receptor turnover. Given the critical role of AR in sexual development, this complex regulation is especially important. Deregulation of AR signalling may be a causal factor in prostate cancer development. AR is the main target in prostate cancer therapies. Due to the critical role of the ubiquitin/proteasome system in AR regulation, current research suggests that targeting AR degradation is a promising approach.

UBE3A/E6-AP regulates cell proliferation by promoting proteasomal degradation of p27

The UBE3A/E6-AP is known to function both as an E3 ubiquitin ligase of the ubiquitin proteasome system and as a transcriptional coactivator. E6-AP shows brain-specific imprinting and loss of function of maternally inherited E6-AP causes Angelman syndrome. However, how the loss of function of E6-AP causes disease pathogenesis is poorly understood. Here, we show that E6-AP interacts with and promotes proteasome-mediated degradation of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27. E6-AP also directly ubiquitinates p27 in an in vitro ubiquitination assay. Partial knockdown of E6-AP increases the level of p27 leading to cell cycle arrest. Interestingly, partial knockdown also increases the transcription of p27. Finally, we have demonstrated the increased levels of p27 in E6-AP-maternal-deficient and null mice brain. Our result suggests that E6-AP not only enhances the degradation but also regulates the expression of p27 and its loss of function in Angelman syndrome might cause cell cycle alteration leading to disease pathogenesis.

An overview of nuclear receptor coregulators involved in cerebellar development

Nuclear receptors (NRs) precisely control the gene regulation throughout the development of the central nervous system, including the cerebellum. Functionally, the full activity of NRs requires their cognate coregulators to be recruited by NRs and modulate the activation or repression of target gene expression. Recent progress of in vitro studies of NR coregulators has revealed that NR coregulators form large complexes in a cyclic manner and subsequently exert genetic and epigenetic influence via various intrinsic enzyme activities. Moreover, NR coregulators physiologically provide a combinatorial code for time- and gene-specific responses depending on their expression levels, relative affinities for individual receptors, and posttranslational modification. Since expression of many cerebellar genes is known to be regulated by NRs critical in a specific period for cerebellar development, their partnership with cognate coregulators may be an important factor for normal cerebellar development. This review summarizes current findings regarding the molecular structures, molecular mechanisms, temporal and spatial expression patterns, and possible biological functions of NR coregulators related to cerebellar development.

Regulation of estrogen-dependent transcription by the LIM cofactors CLIM and RLIM in breast cancer

Mammary oncogenesis is profoundly influenced by signaling pathways controlled by estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha). Although it is known that ERalpha exerts its oncogenic effect by stimulating the proliferation of many human breast cancers through the activation of target genes, our knowledge of the underlying transcriptional mechanisms remains limited. Our published work has shown that the in vivo activity of LIM homeodomain transcription factors (LIM-HD) is critically regulated by cofactors of LIM-HD proteins (CLIM) and the ubiquitin ligase RING finger LIM domain-interacting protein (RLIM). Here, we identify CLIM and RLIM as novel ERalpha cofactors that colocalize and interact with ERalpha in primary human breast tumors. We show that both cofactors associate with estrogen-responsive promoters and regulate the expression of endogenous ERalpha target genes in breast cancer cells. Surprisingly, our results indicate opposing functions of LIM cofactors for ERalpha and LIM-HDs: whereas CLIM enhances transcriptional activity of LIM-HDs, it inhibits transcriptional activation mediated by ERalpha on most target genes in vivo. In turn, the ubiquitin ligase RLIM inhibits transcriptional activity of LIM-HDs but enhances transcriptional activation of endogenous ERalpha target genes. Results from a human breast cancer tissue microarray of 1,335 patients revealed a highly significant correlation of elevated CLIM levels to ER/progesterone receptor positivity and poor differentiation of tumors. Combined, these results indicate that LIM cofactors CLIM and RLIM regulate the biological activity of ERalpha during the development of human breast cancer.

Repression of estrogen receptor alpha by CDK11p58 through promoting its ubiquitin-proteasome degradation

Estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor that mediates physiological responses to 17beta-estradiol (E(2)). These responses of cells to estrogen are regulated in part by degradation of ERalpha. In this report, we found that CDK11(p58) repressed ERalpha transcriptional activity. And we further demonstrated that ERalpha protein level was down-regulated by CDK11(p58) in mammalian cells in a ligand independent manner. This effect could be abrogated by treatment with proteasome inhibitor MG132. Our results indicated that the ubiquitin/proteasome-mediated degradation of ERalpha was promoted by CDK11(p58). Furthermore, the interaction between ERalpha and CDK11(p58) was detected. This interaction was necessary for the polyubiquitination and degradation of ERalpha. On the contrary, the other isoform of CDK11, CDK11(p110) and the kinase dead mutant of CDK11(p58), D224N, did not associate with ERalpha and failed to reduce the ERalpha protein level. These data identified a new negative regulatory protein of ERalpha and provided a new pathway by which CDK11(p58) negatively regulated cells.

Regulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors by e6-associated protein

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are nuclear receptors (NRs) that regulate genes involved in lipid and glucose metabolism. PPAR activity is regulated by interactions with cofactors and of interest are cofactors with ubiquitin ligase activity. The E6-associated protein (E6-AP) is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that affects the activity of other NRs, although its effects on PPARs have not been examined. E6-AP inhibited the ligand-independent transcriptional activity of PPARα and PPARβ, with marginal effects on PPARγ, and decreased basal mRNA levels of PPARα target genes. Inhibition of PPARα activity required the ubiquitin ligase function of E6-AP, but occurred in a proteasome-independent manner. PPARα interacted with E6-AP, and in mice treated with PPARα agonist clofibrate, mRNA and protein levels of E6-AP were increased in wildtype, but not in PPARα null mice, indicating a PPARα-dependent regulation. These studies suggest coordinate regulation of E6-AP and PPARα, and contribute to our understanding of the role of PPARs in cellular metabolism.

FoxO1 mediates PTEN suppression of androgen receptor N- and C-terminal interactions and coactivator recruitment

FoxO (mammalian forkhead subclass O) proteins are transcription factors acting downstream of the PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10) tumor suppressor. Their activity is negatively regulated by AKT-mediated phosphorylation. Our previous studies showed that the transcriptional activity of the androgen receptor (AR) was inhibited by PTEN in an AKT-sensitive manner. Here, we report the repression of the activity of the full-length AR and its N-terminal domain by FoxO1 and the participation of FoxO1 in AR inhibition by PTEN. Ectopic expression of active FoxO1 decreased the transcriptional activity of AR as well as androgen-induced cell proliferation and production of prostate-specific antigen. FoxO1 knock down by RNA interference increased the transcriptional activity of the AR in PTEN-intact cells and relieved its inhibition by ectopic PTEN in PTEN-null cells. Mutational analysis revealed that FoxO1 fragment 150-655, which contains the forkhead box and C-terminal activation domain, was required for AR inhibition. Mammalian two-hybrid and glutathione-S-transferase pull-down assays demonstrated that the inhibition of AR activity by PTEN through FoxO1 involved the interference of androgen-induced interaction of the N- and C-termini of the AR and the recruitment of the p160 coactivators to its N terminus and to the androgen response elements of natural AR target genes. These studies reveal new mechanisms for the inhibition of AR activity by PTEN-FoxO axis and establish FoxO proteins as important nuclear factors that mediate the mutual antagonism between AR and PTEN tumor suppressor in prostate cancer cells.

Protein disulfide isomerase is a multifunctional regulator of estrogenic status in target cells

Earlier studies showed that protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), a well-known protein folding catalyst and a molecular chaperone, can bind estrogens and may also directly interact with the estrogen receptor (ER). In this study, we sought to determine the biological functions of these intriguing properties of PDI. We showed that PDI can function as a high-capacity intracellular 17beta-estradiol (E(2))-binding protein that increases the concentration and accumulation of E(2) in live cells. The intracellular PDI-bound E(2) can be released from PDI upon a drop in E(2) levels and the released E(2) can augment estrogen receptor-mediated transcriptional activity and mitogenic actions in cultured cells. In addition, the binding of E(2) by PDI also reduces the rate of metabolic disposition of this hormone. We showed, for the first time, that knockdown of PDI in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells with RNA interference down-regulates ERalpha protein but up-regulates ERbeta protein, resulting in a drastic increase in ERbeta/ERalpha ratio, which is a crucial determinant of different cellular responses to estrogens. To explain the mechanism of this differential regulation, we also studied the interactions of PDI with ERalpha and ERbeta. We found that PDI can directly interact with ERalpha, but it does not interact with ERbeta. Altogether, these data showed that PDI is a multifunctional regulator of intracellular estrogenic status. It not only regulates the intracellular concentrations of E(2) and the magnitude of estrogen action, but it also modulates the ERbeta/ERalpha ratio.

The UPS: a promising target for breast cancer treatment

During the past decade, progress in endocrine therapy and the use of trastuzumab has significantly contributed to the decline in breast cancer mortality for hormone receptor-positive and ERBB2 (HER2)-positive cases, respectively. As a result of these advances, a breast cancer cluster with poor prognosis that is negative for the estrogen receptor (ESR1), the progesterone receptor (PRGR) and ERBB2 (triple negative) has come to the forefront of medical therapeutic attention. DNA microarray analyses have revealed that this cluster is phenotypically most like the basal-like breast cancer that is caused by deficiencies in the BRCA1 pathways. To gain further improvements in breast cancer survival, new types of drugs might be required, and small molecules targeting the ubiquitin proteasome system have moved into the spotlight. The success of bortezomib in the treatment of multiple myeloma has sent encouraging signals that proteasome inhibitors could be used to treat other types of cancers. In addition, ubiquitin E3s involved in ESR1, ERBB2 or BRCA1 pathways could be ideal targets for therapeutic intervention. This review summarizes the ubiquitin proteasome pathways related to these proteins and discusses the possibility of new drugs for the treatment of breast cancers. PUBLICATION HISTORY : Republished from Current BioData's Targeted Proteins database (TPdb; http://www.targetedproteinsdb.com).

New insights on cellular distribution, microtubule interactions and post-translational modifications of MS-KIF18A

The present study highlights on the biochemical and immunological analysis of MS-KIF18A in pre-osteogenic MBA-15 cells. The protein distribution in various cellular compartments was demonstrated by imaging and Western blot (WB) analysis. MS-KIF18A interactions with cytoskeletal proteins were confirmed for tubulin and actin. The complex between MS-KIF18A and microtubules (MT) was demonstrated in cellular system for endogenous proteins and also between recombinant proteins in pull down and immunoprecipitation (IP) assays. Multiple assays including metabolic labeling, cell fractionation and IP with anti-MS-KIF18A antibody demonstrated an association with actin that was prominent in the cell cytoplasm. Sub-cellular fractionation identified diverse forms of MS-KIF18A in cytoplasm and membrane/nucleus compartments which are suggested to represent the result of post-transcriptional modifications, such as phosphorylation and glycosylation. These modifications on MS-KIF18A were analyzed by bioinformatics and immunological assays. Furthermore, we studied the role of ubiquitin-proteasome system in the MS-KIF18A degradation. Taken together, the current study sheds light on MS-KIF18A a MT-dependent kinesin and adds insights on the post-translational modifications that potentially control the protein cellular distribution and its co-association with cytoskeletal proteins.

PML activates transcription by protecting HIPK2 and p300 from SCFFbx3-mediated degradation

PML, a nuclear protein, interacts with several transcription factors and their coactivators, such as HIPK2 and p300, resulting in the activation of transcription. Although PML is thought to achieve transcription activation by stabilizing the transcription factor complex, little is known about the underlying molecular mechanism. To clarify the role of PML in transcription regulation, we purified the PML complex and identified Fbxo3 (Fbx3), Skp1, and Cullin1 as novel components of this complex. Fbx3 formed SCF(Fbx3) ubiquitin ligase and promoted the degradation of HIPK2 and p300 by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. PML inhibited this degradation through a mechanism that unexpectedly did not involve inhibition of the ubiquitination of HIPK2. PML, Fbx3, and HIPK2 synergistically activated p53-induced transcription. Our findings suggest that PML stabilizes the transcription factor complex by protecting HIPK2 and p300 from SCF(Fbx3)-induced degradation until transcription is completed. In contrast, the leukemia-associated fusion PML-RARalpha induced the degradation of HIPK2. We discuss the roles of PML and PML-retinoic acid receptor alpha, as well as those of HIPK2 and p300 ubiquitination, in transcriptional regulation and leukemogenesis.

Ubiquitin ligase E6-AP and its role in human disease

The ubiquitin ligase E6-AP (E6-associated protein) represents a prime example for the notion that deregulated modification of proteins with ubiquitin contributes to the development of human disease: loss of E6-AP function by mutation is responsible for the development of AS (Angelman syndrome), a neurological disorder, and unscheduled activation of E6-AP by complex formation with the E6 oncoprotein of HPVs (human papillomaviruses) contributes to cervical carcinogenesis. However, while there is a considerable amount of data concerning the oncogenic properties of the E6–E6-AP complex, only little is known about the function(s) of E6-AP in neurons. This is mainly due to the fact that although some E6-AP substrates have been identified, it is at present unclear whether deregulated modification/degradation of these proteins is involved in the pathogenesis of AS. Similarly, the cellular pathways involving E6-AP remain enigmatic. To obtain insights into the physiological functions of E6-AP, we are currently employing several strategies, including quantitative affinity proteomics and RNA interference approaches. The results obtained will eventually allow the introduction of E6-AP into functional protein networks and so reveal potential targets for molecular approaches in the treatment of E6-AP-associated diseases.

Calmodulin, a regulatory partner of the estrogen receptor alpha in breast cancer cells

Although calmodulin (CaM) interaction with estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) has been known for more than two decades, it is only recently that the molecular mechanism of CaM-mediated regulation of ERalpha is beginning to emerge. Others and we have identified a putative calmodulin binding site (P(295)LMIKRSKKNSLALSTADQMVS(317)) in ERalpha, at the boundary between the hinge and the ligand binding domain. ERalpha mutations affecting its association with CaM have been reported to generate high basal, estrogen-independent transactivation activity, indicating that the P(295)-T(317) sequence has an inhibitory function. Moreover, we found that a synthetic peptide (ERalpha17p: P(295)-T(311)) containing residues crucial for CaM binding exerts estrogenic effects on breast carcinoma cells. Finally, computer-aided conformational studies revealed that the CaM binding site might associate with a region located downstream in ERalpha (the beta turn/H4 region), this association likely resulting in an auto-inhibitory folding of the receptor. Thus, we propose as a hypothesis that CaM acts as a positive regulator by relieving this ERalpha auto-inhibition.

Recruitment of coactivator glucocorticoid receptor interacting protein 1 to an estrogen receptor transcription complex is regulated by the 3',5'-cyclic adenosine 5'-monophosphate-dependent protein kinase

Steroid receptor coactivators (SRCs), such as glucocorticoid receptor interacting protein 1 (GRIP1) are recruited to the DNA-bound nuclear receptors (NRs) and are also shown to enhance the gene transactivation by other transcription factors. In contrast to the two other members of the SRC family, SRC-1 and SRC-3/amplified in breast cancer 1, SRC-2/GRIP1 is regulated by the cAMP-dependent protein kinase [protein kinase A (PKA)] that stimulates its ubiquitination and degradation. In this report we demonstrate that COS-1 and MCF-7 cells treated with cAMP-elevating agents and 8-para-chlorophenylthio-cAMP for short periods of time showed an increase in GRIP1 coactivator function, whereas prolonged stimulation of the cAMP/PKA pathway led to a decline in GRIP1-mediated activation and protein levels. Furthermore, MCF-7 breast cancer cells were subjected to chromatin immunoprecipitation assays after stimulation of the cAMP/PKA pathway. cAMP/PKA initiated a rapid recruitment of GRIP1 to the endogenous estrogen receptor (ER)-alpha target pS2 gene promoter. In contrast to the estradiol-induced recruitment of GRIP1 to pS2, we observed an additional increase in GRIP1 recruitment on inhibition of the proteasome, suggesting that inhibition of GRIP1 degradation leads to accumulation at the pS2. Real-time PCR experiments confirmed that cAMP/PKA enhanced the expression of pS2. Moreover, confocal imaging of COS-1 cells transfected with yellow fluorescent protein-GRIP1 and cyan fluorescent protein-ERalpha revealed that PKA led to redistribution and colocalization of yellow fluorescent protein-GRIP1 and cyan fluorescent protein-ERalpha in subnuclear foci. In conclusion, these results suggest that activation of the cAMP/PKA pathway stimulates recruitment of GRIP1 to an ER-responsive gene promoter. The initial stimulation of GRIP1 coactivator function is followed by an increased turnover and subsequent degradation of GRIP1 protein.

Gender differences and estrogen effects in parkin null mice

Estrogens are considered neurotrophic for dopamine neurons. Parkinson's disease is more frequent in males than in females, and more prevalent in females with short reproductive life. Estrogens are neuroprotective against neurotoxic agents for dopamine neurons in vivo and in vitro. Here, we have investigated the role of estrogens in wild-type (WT) and parkin null mice (PK-/-). WT mice present sexual dimorphisms in neuroprotective mechanisms (Bcl-2/Bax, chaperones, and GSH), but some of these inter-sex differences disappear in PK-/-. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) protein and TH+ cells decreased earlier and more severely in female than in male PK-/- mice. Neuronal cultures from midbrain of WT and PK-/- mice were treated with estradiol from 10 min to 48 h. Short-term treatments activated the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway of WT and PK-/- neurons and the phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase/AKT/glycogen synthase kinase-3 pathway of WT but not of PK-/- cultures. Long-term treatments with estradiol increased the number of TH+ neurons, the TH expression, and the extension of neurites, and decreased the level of apoptosis, the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein, and the number of microglial cells in WT but not in PK-/- cultures. The levels of estrogen receptor-alpha were elevated in midbrain cultures and in the striatum of adult PK-/- male mice, suggesting that suppression of parkin changes the estrogen receptor-alpha turnover. From our data, it appears that parkin participates in the cellular estrogen response which could be of interest in the management of parkin-related Parkinson's disease patients.

Sex steroid-related candidate genes in psychiatric disorders

Sex steroids readily pass the blood-brain barrier, and receptors for them are abundant in brain areas important for the regulation of emotions, cognition and behaviour. Animal experiments have revealed both important early effects of these hormones on brain development and their ongoing influence on brain morphology and neurotransmission in the adult organism. The important effects of sex steroids on human behaviour are illustrated by, for example, the effect of reduced levels of these hormones on sexual drive and conditions such as premenstrual dysphoric disorder, perimenopausal dysphoria, postpartum depression, postpartum psychosis, dysphoria induced by oral contraceptives or hormonal replacement therapy and anabolic steroid-induced aggression. The fact that men and women (as groups) differ with respect to the prevalence of several psychiatric disorders, certain aspects of cognitive function and certain personality traits may possibly also reflect an influence of sex steroids on human behaviour. The heritability of most behavioural traits, including personality, cognitive abilities and susceptibility to psychiatric illness, is considerable, but as yet, only few genes of definite importance in this context have been identified. Given the important role of sex steroids for brain function, it is unfortunate that relatively few studies so far have addressed the possible influence of sex steroid-related genes on interindividual differences with respect to personality, cognition and susceptibility to psychiatric disorders. To facilitate further research in this area, this review provides information on several such genes and summarizes what is currently known with respect to their possible influence on brain function.

TRIM68 regulates ligand-dependent transcription of androgen receptor in prostate cancer cells

The androgen receptor (AR) is a transcription factor belonging to the family of nuclear receptors that mediate the action of androgen. AR plays an important role in normal development of the prostate, as well as in the progression of prostate cancer. AR is regulated by several posttranslational modifications, including phosphorylation, acetylation, and ubiquitination. In this study, we found that the putative E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIM68, which is preferentially expressed in prostate cancer cells, interacts with AR and enhances transcriptional activity of the AR in the presence of dihydrotestosterone. We also found that TRIM68 functionally interacts with TIP60 and p300, which act as coactivators of AR, and synergizes in the transactivation of AR. Overexpression of TRIM68 in prostate cancer cells caused an increase in secretion of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), one of the most reliable diagnostic markers for prostate cancer, whereas knockdown of TRIM68 attenuated the secretion of PSA and inhibited cell growth and colony-forming ability. Moreover, we showed that TRIM68 expression is significantly up-regulated in human prostate cancers compared with the expression in adjacent normal tissues. These results indicate that TRIM68 functions as a cofactor for AR-mediated transcription and is likely to be a novel diagnostic tool and a potentially therapeutic target for prostate cancer.

Imprinted genes and neuroendocrine function

Imprinted genes are monoallelically expressed in a parent-of-origin dependent manner. Whilst the full functional repertoire of these genes remains obscure, they are generally highly expressed in the brain and are often involved in fundamental neural processes. Besides influencing brain neurochemistry, imprinted genes are important in the development and function of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, key sites of neuroendocrine regulation. Moreover, imprinted genes may directly modulate hormone-dependent signalling cascades, both in the brain and elsewhere. Much of our knowledge about imprinted gene function has come from studying knockout mice and human disorders of imprinting. One such disorder is Prader-Willi syndrome, a neuroendocrine disorder characterised by hypothalamic abnormalities and aberrant feeding behaviour. Through examining the role of imprinted genes in neuroendocrine function, it may be possible to shed light on the neurobiological basis of feeding and aspects of social behaviour and underlying cognition, and to provide insights into disorders where these functions go awry.

Regulatory function of the P295-T311 motif of the estrogen receptor alpha - does proteasomal degradation of the receptor induce emergence of peptides implicated in estrogenic responses?

The way in which estrogen receptor α (ERα) mediates gene transcription and hormone-dependent cancer cell proliferation is now being largely reconsidered in view of several recent discoveries. ERα-mediated transcription appears to be a cyclic and transient process where the proteasome - and thus receptor degradation - plays a pivotal role. In view of our recent investigations, which demonstrate the estrogenic activity of a synthetic peptide corresponding to a regulatory motif of the receptor (ERα17p), we propose that ERα proteasomal degradation could induce the emergence of regulatory peptide(s). The latter would function as a signal and contribute to the ERα activation process, amplifying the initial hormonal stimulation and giving rise to sustained estrogenic response.

E6-associated protein (E6-AP) is a dual function coactivator of steroid hormone receptors

Steroid hormone receptors (SHR) belong to a large family of ligand-activated transcription factors that perform their biological functions by enhancing the transcription of specific target genes. The transactivation functions of SHRs are regulated by a specialized group of proteins called coactivators. The SHR coactivators represent a growing class of proteins with various enzymatic activities that serve to modify the chromatin to facilitate the transcription of SHR target genes. The ubiquitin-proteasome pathway enzymes have also been added to the growing list of enzymatic activities that are recruited to the SHR target gene promoters during transcription. One such ubiquitin-proteasome pathway enzyme to be identified and characterized as a SHR coactivator was E6-associated protein (E6-AP). E6-AP is a hect (homologous to E6-associated protein carboxy-terminal domain) domain containing E3 ubiquitin ligase that possesses two independent separable functions; a coactivation function and an ubiquitin-protein ligase activity. Being a component of the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, it is postulated that E6-AP may orchestrate the dynamics of steroid hormone receptor-mediated transcription by regulating the degradation of the transcriptional complexes. E6-AP has also been shown to be involved in the regulation of various aspects of reproduction such as prostate and mammary gland development. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that E6-AP expression is down-regulated in breast and prostate tumors and that the expression of E6-AP is inversely associated with that of estrogen and androgen receptors. This review summarizes our current knowledge about the structures, molecular mechanisms, spatiotemporal expression patterns and biological functions of E6-AP.

The regulation and function of the forkhead transcription factor, Forkhead box O1, is dependent on the progesterone receptor in endometrial carcinoma

In many type I endometrial cancers, the PTEN gene is inactivated, which ultimately leads to constitutively active Akt and the inhibition of Forkhead box O1 (FOXO1), a member of the FOXO subfamily of Forkhead/winged helix family of transcription factors. The expression, regulation, and function of FOXO1 in endometrial cancer were investigated in this study. Immunohistochemical analysis of 49 endometrial tumor tissues revealed a decrease of FOXO1 expression in 95.9% of the cases compared with the expression in normal endometrium. In four different endometrial cancer cell lines (ECC1, Hec1B, Ishikawa, and RL95), FOXO1 mRNA was expressed at similar levels; however, protein levels were low or undetectable in Ecc1, Ishikawa, and RL95 cells. Using small interfering RNA technology, we demonstrated that the low levels of FOXO1 protein were due to the involvement of Skp2, an oncogenic subunit of the Skp1/Cul1/F-box protein ubiquitin complex, given that silencing Skp2 increased FOXO1 protein expression in Ishikawa cells. Inhibition of Akt in Ishikawa cells also increased nuclear FOXO1 protein levels. Additionally, progestins increased FOXO1 protein levels, specifically through progesterone receptor B (PRB) as determined by using stably transfected PRA-specific and PRB-specific Ishikawa cell lines. Finally, overexpression of triple mutant (Tm) FOXO1 in the PR-specific Ishikawa cell lines caused cell cycle arrest and significantly decreased proliferation in the presence and absence of the progestin, R5020. Furthermore, TmFOXO1 overexpression induced apoptosis in PRB-specific cells in the presence and absence of ligand. Taken together, these data provide insight into the phosphoinositide-3-kinase/Akt/FOXO pathway for the determination of progestin responsiveness and the development of alternate therapies for endometrial cancer.

Trophic effect in MCF-7 cells of ERalpha17p, a peptide corresponding to a platform regulatory motif of the estrogen receptor alpha--underlying mechanisms

As yet, estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) inhibitors used in clinical practice target a unique site, i.e. the hormone-binding pocket. With the aim of discovering other potential therapeutic targets in the receptor, we studied its AF-2a domain, a site that proves to be critical for ligand-independent ERalpha activity. Previous studies from our laboratory highlighted an auto-inhibitory action associated with a site included in this domain, i.e. the P295-T311 sequence. Accordingly, a deletion of this sequence produces a constitutively activated receptor mutant. More interestingly, a synthetic peptide with the P295-T311 sequence (ERalpha17p) elicits in breast cancer cell lines estrogenic responses that may be ascribed to a competitive mechanism towards the P295-T311-associated auto-inhibition of ERalpha. In the present study, we show that ERalpha17p sustains MCF-7 cell growth in estrogen-depleted culture medium by inducing molecular events promoting G1/S phase transition. We demonstrate, moreover, that this proliferative activity is associated with receptor down regulation (acceleration of ERalpha degradation and repression of ESR1 gene transcription), similar to that induced by estrogen agonists. Complementary studies suggest that our observations may be, at least in part, relevant to a competitive inhibition affecting ERalpha-Hsp70 association. Hence, the design of drugs able to stabilize ERalpha-Hsp70 complexes - where the receptor is in an inactive conformation - may be of therapeutic value.

HECT E3s and human disease

In a simplified view, members of the HECT E3 family have a modular structure consisting of the C-terminal HECT domain, which is catalytically involved in the attachment of ubiquitin to substrate proteins, and N-terminal extensions of variable length and sequence that mediate the substrate specificity of the respective HECT E3. Although the physiologically relevant substrates of most HECT E3s have remained elusive, it is becoming increasingly clear that HECT E3s play an important role in sporadic and hereditary human diseases including cancer, cardiovascular (Liddle's syndrome) and neurological (Angelman syndrome) disorders, and/or in disease-relevant processes including bone homeostasis, immune response and retroviral budding. Thus, molecular approaches to target the activity of distinct HECT E3s, regulators thereof, and/or of HECT E3 substrates could prove valuable in the treatment of the respective diseases.

Publication history: Republished from Current BioData's Targeted Proteins database (TPdb; ).

Nuclear receptor coregulators: judges, juries, and executioners of cellular regulation

In a little more than 10 years, nuclear receptor (NR) coregulators (coactivators and corepressors) have contributed to our present realization that a great level of sophistication exists in transcriptional regulation. Here, we discuss the implications of coregulators as versatile regulatory agents, influencing not only transcriptional initiation but also elongation, splicing, and translation. In addition to this, there is an increasing recognition that they also regulate a variety of biological processes outside of the nucleus. An important concept that we wish to emphasize is that coregulators are both targets and propagators of posttranslational modification (PTM) codes. This underlies a sophisticated epigenetic regulatory scheme from which a complex and dynamic mammalian phenotype emanates.

Progesterone receptor regulates Bcl-2 gene expression through direct binding to its promoter region in uterine leiomyoma cells

CONTEXT

Uterine leiomyomas are smooth muscle cell tumors that cause irregular uterine bleeding and pregnancy loss in many reproductive-age women. Progesterone stimulates their growth, whereas treatment with progesterone receptor (PR) antagonists or selective progesterone receptor modulators shrinks these tumors. Molecular mechanisms underlying these observations are unknown.

OBJECTIVE

Bcl-2 is a key protein that inhibits apoptosis. It was proposed that growth enhancement of leiomyoma cells by progesterone was mediated via bcl-2 induction. Here we test the hypothesis that PR regulates the bcl-2 gene by directly binding to its promoter.

RESULTS

The pure progesterone agonist R5020 increased the total number of viable primary human leiomyoma smooth muscle (LSM) cells in culture. Progesterone or R5020 (10(-6) m) significantly increased bcl-2 mRNA levels after 2 and 4 h by 9.2- and 3.4-fold, respectively, in LSM cells. Transient transfection with deletion mutants of bcl-2 promoter showed that the -1281/-258-bp region conferred responsiveness to progesterone induction in the presence of PR-A. We identified a palindromic progesterone response element (PRE) at -553/-539 bp. EMSA showed that PR in nuclear extracts from LSM cells bound specifically to this PRE. Chromatin immunoprecipitation-PCR confirmed in situ recruitment of PR to the -629/-388-bp region bearing the PRE. In vivo, bcl-2 mRNA levels correlated significantly with total PR mRNA levels in leiomyoma tissues.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, progesterone via PR interacts with the bcl-2 promoter to induce its expression in leiomyoma tissue. This may explain, in part, the progesterone-dependent enhancement of growth in uterine leiomyoma.

Phosphorylation of activation function-1 regulates proteasome-dependent nuclear mobility and E6-associated protein ubiquitin ligase recruitment to the estrogen receptor beta

The ubiquitin-proteasome pathway has been recognized as an important regulator in the hormonal response by estrogen receptor (ER) alpha, but its impact on ERbeta function is poorly characterized. In the current study, we investigated the role of the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway in regulating ERbeta activity and identified regulatory sites within the activation function (AF)-1 domain that modulate ERbeta ubiquitination and nuclear dynamics in a hormone-independent manner. Although both ERalpha and ERbeta were dependent on proteasome function for their maximal response to estrogen, they were regulated differently by proteasome inhibition in the absence of hormone, an effect shown to be dependent on their respective AF-1 domain. Given the role of AF-1 phosphorylation to regulate ER activity, we found that sequential substitutions of specific serine residues contained in MAPK consensus sites conferred transcriptional activation of ERbeta in a proteasome-dependent manner through reduced ubiquitination and enhanced accumulation of mutant receptors. Specifically, serines 94 and 106 within ERbeta AF-1 domain were found to modulate subnuclear mobility of the receptor to transit between inactive clusters and a more mobile state in a proteasome-dependent manner. In addition, cellular levels of ERbeta were regulated through these sites by facilitating the recruitment of the ubiquitin ligase E6-associated protein in a phosphorylation-dependent manner. These findings suggest a role for ERbeta AF-1 in contributing to the activation-degradation cycling of the receptor through a functional clustering of phosphorylated serine residues that cooperate in generating signals to the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway.

Src promotes estrogen-dependent estrogen receptor alpha proteolysis in human breast cancer

Estrogen drives both transcriptional activation and proteolysis of estrogen receptor alpha (ER alpha; encoded by ESR1). Here we observed variable and overlapping ESR1 mRNA levels in 200 ER alpha-negative and 50 ER alpha-positive primary breast cancers examined, which suggests important posttranscriptional ER alpha regulation. Our results indicate that Src cooperates with estrogen to activate ER alpha proteolysis. Inducible Src stimulated ligand-activated ER alpha transcriptional activity and reduced ER alpha t(1/2). Src and ER alpha levels were inversely correlated in primary breast cancers. ER alpha-negative primary breast cancers and cell lines showed increased Src levels and/or activity compared with ER alpha-positive cancers and cells. ER alpha t(1/2) was reduced in ER alpha-negative cell lines. In both ER alpha-positive and -negative cell lines, both proteasome and Src inhibitors increased ER alpha levels. Src inhibition impaired ligand-activated ER alpha ubiquitylation and increased ER alpha levels. Src siRNA impaired ligand-activated ER alpha loss in BT-20 cells. Pretreatment with Src increased ER alpha ubiquitylation and degradation in vitro. These findings provide what we believe to be a novel link between Src activation and ER alpha proteolysis and support a model whereby crosstalk between liganded ER alpha and Src drives ER alpha transcriptional activity and targets ER alpha for ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis. Oncogenic Src activation may promote not only proliferation, but also estrogen-activated ER alpha loss in a subset of ER alpha-negative breast cancers, altering prognosis and response to therapy.

Nuclear receptor coregulators and human disease

Nuclear receptor (NR) coregulators (coactivators and corepressors) are essential elements in regulating nuclear receptor-mediated transcription. In a little more than a decade since their discovery, these proteins have been studied mechanistically and reveal that the regulation of transcription is a highly controlled and complex process. Because of their central role in regulating NR-mediated transcription and in coordinating intercompartmental metabolic processes, disruptions in coregulator biology can lead to pathological states. To date, the extent to which they are involved in human disease has not been widely appreciated. In a complete literature survey, we have identified nearly 300 distinct coregulators, revealing that a great variety of enzymatic and regulatory capabilities exist for NRs to regulate transcription and other cellular events. Here, we substantiate that coregulators are broadly implicated in human pathological states and will be of growing future interest in clinical medicine.

TAZ promotes PC2 degradation through a SCFbeta-Trcp E3 ligase complex

Studies of a TAZ knockout mouse reveal a novel function of the transcriptional regulator TAZ, that is, as a binding partner of the F-box protein beta-Trcp. TAZ-/- mice develop polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and emphysema. The calcium-permeable cation channel protein polycystin 2 (PC2) is overexpressed in kidneys of TAZ-/- mice as a result of decreased degradation via an SCF(beta-Trcp) E3 ubiquitin ligase pathway. Replacements of serines in a phosphodegron motif in TAZ prevent beta-Trcp binding and PC2 degradation. Coexpression of a cytoplasmic fragment of polycystin 1 blocks the PC2-TAZ interaction and prevents TAZ-mediated degradation of PC2. Depletion of TAZ in zebrafish also results in a cystic kidney accompanied by overexpression of PC2. These results establish a common role of TAZ across vertebrate species in a protein degradation pathway regulated by phosphorylation and implicate deficiencies in this pathway in the development of PKD.

PNRC is a unique nuclear receptor coactivator that stimulates RNA polymerase III-dependent transcription

Background

PNRC transcriptionally regulates a wide range of RNA polymerase (pol) II-transcribed genes by functioning as a nuclear receptor coactivator. To search for additional PNRC-interacting proteins other than nuclear receptors, a PNRC fragment was used as bait in a yeast two-hybrid screening of a human mammary gland cDNA expression library.

Results

RNA pol III/RPC39 fragments were repeatedly identified as PNRC-interacting partners in two independent screenings. The interaction between these RPC39 fragments and PNRC was further confirmed in the independent yeast two-hybrid assays. The association of endogenous PNRC and RPC39 in MCF7 cells was demonstrated by co-immunoprecipitation. Furthermore, ChIP analysis detected co-recruitment of PNRC and RPC39 to tRNA and U6 RNA promoters. The biological consequence of the interaction between PNRC and RPC39 was further studied. Overexpression of PNRC, either by transient or stable transfection, increased RNA pol III-dependent transcription in MCF7 cells, while a decrease in transcription in MCF7 cells treated with PNRC/siRNA was observed.

Conclusion

Here, we demonstrate that human PNRC stimulates RNA pol III transcription through its interaction with the subunit RPC39 of RNA pol III.

PNRC is a unique coactivator that has profound effects on many aspects of cellular function by directly influencing both RNA pol II- and RNA pol III-dependent transcription.

The silencing mediator of retinoic acid and thyroid hormone receptor (SMRT) corepressor is required for full estrogen receptor alpha transcriptional activity

Multiple factors influence estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) transcriptional activity. Current models suggest that the silencing mediator of retinoic acid and thyroid hormone receptor (SMRT) corepressor functions within a histone deactylase-containing protein complex that binds to antiestrogen-bound ERalpha and contributes to negative regulation of gene expression. In this report, we demonstrate that SMRT is required for full agonist-dependent ERalpha activation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays demonstrate that SMRT, like ERalpha and the SRC-3 coactivator, is recruited to an estrogen-responsive promoter in estrogen-treated MCF-7 cells. Depletion of SMRT, but not histone deacetylases 1 or 3, negatively impacts estradiol-stimulated ERalpha transcriptional activity, while exogenous expression of SMRT's receptor interaction domains blocks ERalpha activity, indicating a functional interaction between this corepressor and agonist-bound ERalpha. Stimulation of estradiol-induced ERalpha activity by SMRT overexpression occurred in HeLa and MCF-7 cells, but not HepG2 cells, indicating that these positive effects are cell type specific. Similarly, the ability of SMRT depletion to promote the agonist activity of tamoxifen was observed for HeLa but not MCF-7 cells. Furthermore, impairment of agonist-stimulated activity by SMRT depletion is specific to ERalpha and not observed for receptors for vitamin D, androgen, or thyroid hormone. Nuclear receptor corepressor (N-CoR) depletion increased the transcriptional activity of all four tested receptors. SMRT is required for full expression of the ERalpha target genes cyclin D1, BCL-2, and progesterone receptor but not pS2, and its depletion significantly attenuated estrogen-dependent proliferation of MCF-7 cells. Taken together, these data indicate that SMRT, in conjunction with gene-specific and cell-dependent factors, is required for positively regulating agonist-dependent ERalpha transcriptional activity.

Ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis of trihydrophobin 1 (TH1) by the human papilloma virus E6-associated protein (E6-AP)

Human Papilloma virus E6-associated protein (E6-AP), which is known as an E3 ubiquitin ligase, mediates ubiquitination and subsequent degradation of a series of cellular proteins. In this paper, we identify here trihydrophobin 1 (TH1), an integral subunit of the human negative transcription elongation factor (NELF) complex, as a novel E6-AP interaction protein and a target of E6-AP-mediated degradation. Overexpression of E6-AP results in degradation of TH1 in a dose-dependent manner, whereas knock-down of endogenous E6-AP elevates the TH1 protein level. TH1 protein turnover is substantially faster, compared to controls, in cells that overexpressed E6-AP. Wild-type E6-AP promotes the ubiquitination of TH1, while a catalytically inactive point mutant of E6-AP abolishes its ubiquitination. Furthermore, in vitro ubiquitination assay also demonstrates that TH1 can be ubiquitinated by E6-AP. The degradation is blocked by treatment with proteasome inhibitor MG132. Herein, we provide strong evidence that TH1 is a specific substrate that is targeted for degradation through E6-AP-catalyzed polyubiquitination.

Differential Regulation of Estrogen Receptor α Turnover and Transactivation by Mdm2 and Stress-Inducing Agents

In mammalian cells, the level of estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) is rapidly decreased upon estrogen treatment, and this regulation involves proteasome degradation. Using different approaches, we showed that the Mdm2 oncogenic ubiquitin-ligase directly interacts with ERalpha in a ternary complex with p53 and is involved in the regulation of ERalpha turnover (both in the absence or presence of estrogens). Several lines of evidence indicated that this effect of Mdm2 required its ubiquitin-ligase activity and involved the ubiquitin/proteasome pathway. Moreover, in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells, various p53-inducing agents (such as UV irradiation) or treatment with RITA (which inhibits the interaction of p53 with Mdm2) stabilized ERalpha and abolished its 17beta-estradiol-dependent turnover. Interestingly, our data indicated that ligand-dependent receptor turnover was not required for efficient transactivation. Altogether, our results indicate that the Mdm2 oncoprotein and stress-inducing agents complexly and differentially regulate ERalpha stability and transcriptional activity in human cancer cells.

Marinobufagenin interferes with the function of the mineralocorticoid receptor

Marinobufagenin (MBG) is a cardiotonic steroid of the bufadienolide class of compounds which has the ability to inhibit the ubiquitous enzyme, Na+/K+-ATPase, resulting in natriuresis. The involvement of MBG in the pathogenesis of volume expansion-mediated forms of hypertension has been suggested for some time, and we have proposed that MBG participates in the hypertension noted in preeclampsia. We examined the hypothesis that MBG might contribute to these forms of hypertension by promoting the activity of the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR). However, our data demonstrate that instead, MBG interferes with the functioning of the MR by inhibiting the transcriptional activity of the receptor, and this is reflected in a reduced interaction between the SRC-3 coactivator and the MR. Thus, the ability of MBG to cause a natriuresis may be due, not only to inhibition of Na+/K+-ATPase activity, but also to its ability to interfere with MR-dependent expression of the Na/K/H exchanger in the late distal nephron.

Sequence determinants of E2-E6AP binding affinity and specificity

The conjugation of ubiquitin to substrates requires a series of enzymatic reactions consisting of an activating enzyme (E1), conjugating enzymes (E2) and ligases (E3). Tagging the appropriate substrate with ubiquitin is achieved by specific E2-E3 and E3-substrate interactions. E6AP, a member of the HECT family of E3s, has been previously shown to bind and function with the E2s UbcH7 and UbcH8. To decipher the sequence determinants of this specificity we have developed a quantitative E2-E3 binding assay based on fluorescence polarization and used this assay to measure the affinity of wild-type and mutant E2-E6AP interactions. Alanine scanning of the E6AP-UbcH7 binding interface identified four side-chains on UbcH7 and six side-chains on E6AP that contribute more than 1 kcal/mol to the binding free energy. Two of the hot spot residues from UbcH7 (K96 and K100) are conserved in UbcH8 but vary across other E2s. To determine if these are key specificity determining residues, we attempted to induce a tighter association between the E2 UbcH5b and E6AP by mutating the corresponding positions in UbcH5b to lysine residues. Surprisingly, the mutations had little effect, but rather a mutation at UbcH7 position 4, which is not at a hot spot on the UbcH7-E6AP interface, significantly strengthened UbcH5bs affinity for E6AP. This result indicates that E2-E3 binding specificities are a function of both favorable interactions that promote binding, and unfavorable interactions that prevent binding with unwanted partners.

Control of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor fate by the ubiquitinproteasome system

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) alpha, gamma, and delta belong to the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily of ligand-activated transcription factors. PPARs regulate metabolic, developmental, and differentiation pathways and play important roles in human diseases, such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, cancer, and chronic inflammation. PPARs are the targets of drugs of widespread clinical use and represent promising targets for discovery of new therapeutics. The interaction of PPARs with the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) has been the subject of limited investigation. The UPS plays an important role in regulating the levels and modulating ligand-dependent and-independent activity of nuclear receptors. This review highlights the current knowledge regarding the interactions of the UPS with PPARs and focuses on the differential regulation of the level and activity of the PPAR isotypes by the UPS in response to selective ligands. Understanding the connections between the UPS and PPARs can provide insights in the actions of existing drugs and raise the possibilities for development of more effective PPAR-based therapeutics.

The micro-ribonucleic acid (miRNA) miR-206 targets the human estrogen receptor-alpha (ERalpha) and represses ERalpha messenger RNA and protein expression in breast cancer cell lines

Micro-RNAs are small noncoding RNAs, which diminish the stability and/or translation of mRNAs. This study examined whether miR-206, previously shown to be elevated in estrogen receptor (ER)alpha-negative breast cancer, regulates the expression of ERalpha. Two putative miR-206 sites, (hERalpha1 and hERalpha2), were found in silico within the 3'-untranslated region of human ERalpha mRNA. Transfection of MCF-7 cells with pre-miR-206 or 2'-O-methyl antagomiR-206 specifically decreased or increased, respectively, ERalpha mRNA levels. Overexpression of pre-miR-206 reduced ERalpha and beta-actin protein levels, with no effect on ERbeta, E-cadherin, or glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase. Reporter constructs containing the hERalpha1 or hERalpha2 binding sites inserted into the 3'-untranslated region of the luciferase mRNA conferred a 1.6- and 2.2-fold repression of luciferase activity, respectively, in HeLa cells. Both miR-206 sites responded accordingly to exogenous hsa-pre-miR-206 and 2'-O-methyl antagomiR-206, and both sites were rendered inactive by mutations that disrupted hybridization to the 5'-seed of miR-206. A C-->T single nucleotide polymorphism in the hERalpha1 site increased repression of luciferase activity to approximately 3.3-fold in HeLa cells. MiR-206 levels were higher in ERalpha-negative MB-MDA-231 cells than ERalpha-positive MCF-7 cells, but only the ERalpha1 site mediated significantly more repression in reporter constructs. MiR-206 expression was strongly inhibited by ERalpha agonists, but not by an ERbeta agonist or progesterone, indicating a mutually inhibitory feedback loop. These findings provide the first evidence for the posttranscriptional regulation of ERalpha by a micro-RNA in the context of breast cancer.

Association of E6AP (UBE3A) with human papillomavirus type 11 E6 protein

The cellular E3 ubiquitin ligase E6AP (UBE3A) interacts with the cancer-associated HPV E6 oncoproteins, where together with the viral E6 oncoprotein it binds and targets the degradation of the p53 tumor suppressor. We find that the HPV-11E6 protein also associates with E6AP in vivo, and thereby can target the degradation of an E6-associated protein. Mutation of an E6-binding LXXLL peptide motif on E6AP eliminated the association, revealing a common mode of interaction between high- and low-risk E6 proteins and E6AP. E6AP was required for the in vivo degradation of DLG1 by both HVP-18 E6 and a chimeric HPV-11E6. The common functional interaction of both cancer-associated and non-cancer-associated E6 proteins with E6AP establishes a common mechanism for E6 proteins trophic to mucosal squamous epithelium.

Regulation of SRC family coactivators by post-translational modifications

Initially identified as a group of auxiliary protein factors involved in transcriptional regulation by steroid hormone receptors as well as by other members of the nuclear receptor superfamily, the steroid receptor coactivators (SRCs) have since then been implicated in the transcriptional regulation of other transcription factors which are important components of very different signaling pathways. Members of the SRC family have been shown to interact with myogenin, MEF-2, transcriptional enhancer factor (TEF), NF-kappaB, AP-1, STAT, p53, and E2F1, suggesting that SRC coactivators participate in diverse cellular processes. Recent evidence indicates that various post-translational modifications play critical roles in determining the final transcriptional output and specificity of SRC coactivators. In this review, we summarized the current knowledge concerning post-translational modifications, dynamic interplay between different modifications, and patho-physiological relevance of the modifications of SRC proteins.

The ubiquitin–proteasome system regulates p53-mediated transcription at p21waf1 promoter

The ubiquitin (Ub)-proteasome system (UPS) promotes the proteasomal degradation of target proteins by decorating them with Ub labels. Emerging evidence indicates a role of UPS in regulating gene transcription. In this study, we provided evidence for the involvement of UPS in the transcriptional activation function of tumor suppressor p53. We showed that both ubiquitylation and proteasomal functions are required for efficient transcription mediated by p53. Disruption of transcription by actinomycin D, 5,6-dichloro-1-beta-D-ribofuranosyl-benzimadazole or alpha-amanitin leads to accumulation of cellular p53 protein. Proteasome inhibition by MG132 increases the occupancy of p53 protein at p53-responsive p21(waf1) promoter. In addition, the Sug-1 component of 19S proteasome physically interacts with p53 in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, in response to ultraviolet-induced DNA damage, both the 19S proteasomal components, Sug1 and S1, are recruited to p21(waf1) promoter region in a kinetic pattern similar to that of p53. These results suggested that UPS positively regulates p53-mediated transcription at p21(waf1) promoter.

Improved anti-tumoral capacity of mixed and pure anti-oestrogens in breast cancer cell xenografts after their administration by entrapment in colloidal nanosystems

Anti-oestrogens (AEs) are currently used for treating hormone-dependent breast cancers. They specifically bind to oestrogen receptors (ERs) and inhibit their transactivation capacity. However, ERs are present in various other tissues in which AEs may have either a beneficial or detrimental action. AE administration via systems targeting breast tumours may be an important therapeutic improvement. Thus, several biodegradable drug delivery systems containing either "mixed" (4-hydroxytamoxifen - 4-HT) or "pure" (RU 58668 - RU) AEs were prepared. Liposomes and nanospheres (NS, composed of non-toxic and biodegradable lipids and poly(d,l-lactic acid) incorporated up to 1 and 0.5 mM AE, respectively. Nanocapsules (NCs) in which an oily core solubilises the AE incorporated no more than 0.02 mM of the drug. PEG-functionalised nanoparticles survived longer in plasma and had better controlled release of the drug. The small size of the vectors (100-250 nm) was compatible with their extravasation through the discontinuous endothelium of tumour vasculature, allowing their accumulation in MCF-7 cell xenografts and leading to a prolonged exposure of the tumour to AEs. In these tumours and in MCF-7/ras xenografts, RU-NS and RU-NC (6.5mg/kg/week and 0.27 mg/kg/week, respectively, doses at which free RU had a very weak effect), both inhibited tumour growth. Entrapped RU significantly induced involution of tumours and strongly induced apoptosis in tumour cells, concomitantly with inhibiting tumour angiogenesis. 4-HT-nanoparticles also arrest oestradiol-induced tumour growth, inducing apoptosis and inhibiting angiogenesis. However, unlike RU-nanoparticles, they did not promote ERalpha subtype loss in tumour cells. Subcutaneous administration of both RU- and 4-HT-NS in MCF-7 xenografts strongly arrested tumour growth for prolonged periods and RUNS decreased the number of tumour epithelial cells. Analysis of the proteins involved in cell cycle proliferation and apoptosis confirmed that RU-nanoparticles were more efficient than 4-HT-nanoparticles. Their lack of toxicity and high anti-tumour potency that affects only tumour cells in the xenograft models mean these AE-loaded colloidal systems are a breakthrough in hormone-dependent breast cancer treatment.

Pathogenic and apathogenic courses of SIV infection are associated with distinct and characteristic regulatory patterns of G1/S and G2/M cell cycle checkpoints in CD4+ T cells

Dysregulation of both the cell cycle within the CD4(+) T cells and T cell responses is characteristic for pathogenic HIV infection in humans and experimental SIV infection in rhesus macaques. However, SIV infection in sooty mangabeys does not lead to either an AIDS-like disease or such CD4(+) T cell dysregulation. A previous study has highlighted a potential role for cell cycle regulatory proteins in these distinct clinical outcomes. This study was performed to characterize the effect of SIV infection on the expression of cell cycle-related molecules in CD4(+) T cells of rhesus macaques and sooty mangabeys in attempts to define activation-induced gene expression patterns associated with disease resistance or susceptibility. First, T cell receptor (TCR)-mediated cell activation induced gene expression profiles that were unique to CD4(+) T cells from SIV-naive sooty mangabeys and rhesus macaques. More importantly, distinct and reproducible gene expression patterns were detected in CD4(+) T cells as a result of in vivo SIV infection in animals from each of the two species. In addition, SIV infection in both species showed significant differential effects on TCR activation-induced expression with a reproducible alteration of 10 genes highlighted by discordant effects on expression of Cyclin D3, Cyclin B, and RAD17. Therefore SIV infection in rhesus macaques and sooty mangabeys exhibits distinct and reproducible effects on cell cycle regulation in CD4(+) T cells during T cell activation that may be the basis for disease susceptibility vs. resistance in these two species, respectively.

Human PIRH2 enhances androgen receptor signaling through inhibition of histone deacetylase 1 and is overexpressed in prostate cancer

The androgen receptor (AR) is a hormone-dependent transcription factor critically involved in human prostate carcinogenesis. Optimal transcriptional control of androgen-responsive genes by AR may require complex interaction among multiple coregulatory proteins. We have previously shown that the AR coregulator TIP60 can interact with human PIRH2 (hPIRH2). In this study, we uncover important new functional role(s) for hPIRH2 in AR signaling: (i) hPIRH2 interacts with AR and enhances AR-mediated transcription with a dynamic pattern of recruitment to androgen response elements in the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) gene; (ii) hPIRH2 interacts with the AR corepressor HDAC1, leading to reduced HDAC1 protein levels and inhibition of transcriptional repression; (iii) hPIRH2 is required for optimal PSA expression; and (iv) hPIRH2 is involved in prostate cancer cell proliferation. In addition, overexpression of hPIRH2 protein was detected in 73 of 82 (89%) resected prostate cancers, with a strong correlation between increased hPIRH2 expression and aggressive disease, as signified by high Gleason sum scores and the presence of metastatic disease (P = <0.0001 and 0.0004, respectively). Collectively, our data establish hPIRH2 as a key modulator of AR function, opening a new direction for targeted therapy in aggressive human prostate cancer.

The role of ubiquitin-protein ligases in neurodegenerative disease

Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease are the most common neurodegenerative conditions associated with the ageing process. The pathology of these and other neurodegenerative disorders, including polyglutamine diseases, is characterised by the presence of inclusion bodies in brain tissue of affected patients. In general, these inclusion bodies consist of insoluble, unfolded proteins that are commonly tagged with the small protein, ubiquitin. Covalent tagging of proteins with chains of ubiquitin generally targets them for degradation. Indeed, the ubiquitin/proteasome system (UPS) is the major route through which intracellular proteolysis is regulated. This strongly implicates the UPS in these disease-associated inclusions, either due to malfunction (of specific UPS components) or overload of the system (due to aggregation of unfolded/mutant proteins), resulting in subsequent cellular toxicity. Protein targeting for degradation is a highly regulated process. It relies on transfer of ubiquitin molecules to the target protein via an enzyme cascade and specific recognition of a substrate protein by ubiquitin-protein ligases (E3s). Recent advances in our knowledge gained from the Human Genome Mapping Project have revealed the presence of potentially hundreds of E3s within the human genome. The discovery that parkin, mutations in which are found in at least 50% of patients with autosomal recessive juvenile parkinsonism, is an E3 further highlights the importance of the UPS in neurological disease. To date, parkin is the only E3 confirmed to have a direct causal role in neurodegenerative disorders. However, a number of other (putative) E3s have now been identified that may cause disease directly or interact with neurological disease-associated proteins. Many of these are either lost or mutated in a given disease or fail to process disease-associated mutant proteins correctly. In this review, we will discuss the role(s) of E3s in neurodegenerative disorders.

Evolutionary identification of a subtype specific functional site in the ligand binding domain of steroid receptors

Nuclear receptors are ubiquitous eukaryotic ligand-activated transcription factors that modulate gene expression through varied interactions. However, the highly conserved functional sites known today seem insufficient to explain receptor specific recruitment of different coactivator and corepressor proteins and regulation of transcription. To search for new receptor-subtype specific functional sites, we applied difference evolutionary trace (difference ET) analysis to the ligand binding domain of steroid receptors, a subgroup of the nuclear receptor (NR) family. This computational approach identified a new functional site located on a surface opposite to currently known protein-protein interaction sites and distinct from the ligand binding pocket. Strikingly, the literature shows that in vivo variations at residues in the new site are linked to androgen resistance and leukemia, and our own targeted mutations to this site lower but do not eradicate transcriptional activation by estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha), with reduced ligand binding affinity and SRC-1 interaction. Thus, these data demonstrate that this evolutionary important surface can function as an allosteric site that modulates some but not all receptor binding interactions. Evolutionary analysis further shows that this allosteric regulatory site is shared among all NRs from groups 2 (HNF4-like) and 4 (NGFIB-like), suggesting a role among many nuclear receptors. Its concave structure, hydrophobic composition, and residue variability among nuclear receptors further suggest that it would be amenable for specific drug design. This highlights the power of evolutionary information for the identification of new functional sites even in a protein family as well studied as NRs.

The catalytic subunit of the proteasome is engaged in the entire process of estrogen receptor-regulated transcription

The ubiquitin-proteasome system plays an important role in a variety of cellular functions by means of its proteolytic activity. Interestingly, recent studies have indicated that the proteasome components are also integral parts of transcription complexes. In genome-wide screening for steroid receptor coactivator (SRC)-interacting proteins using yeast two-hybrid system, we found that the 20S proteasome beta subunit LMP2 (Low Molecular mass Polypeptide 2) interacts directly with the SRC coactivators. We showed that LMP2 is required for estrogen receptor (ER)-mediated gene transcription and for estrogen-stimulated cell cycle progression. We found that LMP2-associated proteasome is recruited to the entire sequence of ER target genes, implicating a role for the proteasome in both transcription initiation and elongation. We demonstrated that the recruitment of LMP2 by SRC coactivators is necessary for cyclic association of ER-regulated transcription complexes on ER targets. These results revealed a mechanism by which the proteasome machinery is recruited in ER-mediated gene transcription. Our experiments also provided evidence implicating SRC coactivators in gene transcription elongation.

E6AP Mediates Regulated Proteasomal Degradation of the Nuclear Receptor Coactivator Amplified in Breast Cancer 1 in Immortalized Cells

The steroid receptor coactivator oncogene, amplified in breast cancer 1 (AIB1; also known as ACTR/RAC-3/TRAM-1/SRC-3/p/CIP), is amplified and overexpressed in a variety of epithelial tumors. AIB1 has been reported to have roles in both steroid-dependent and steroid-independent transcription during tumor progression. In this report, we describe that the cellular levels of AIB1 are controlled through regulated proteasomal degradation. We found that serum withdrawal or growth in high cell density caused rapid degradation of AIB1 protein, but not mRNA, in immortalized cell lines. Proteasome inhibitors prevented this process, and high molecular weight ubiquitylated species of AIB1 were detected. Nuclear export was required for proteasomal degradation of AIB1 and involved the ubiquitin ligase, E6AP. AIB1/E6AP complexes were detected in cellular extracts, and reduction of cellular E6AP levels with E6AP short interfering RNA prevented proteasomal degradation of AIB1. Conversely, overexpression of E6AP promoted AIB1 degradation. The COOH terminus of AIB1 interacted with E6AP in vitro and deletion of this region in AIB1 rendered it resistant to degradation in cells. From our results, we propose a model whereby signals promoted by changes in the cellular milieu initiate E6AP-mediated proteasomal degradation of AIB1 and thus contribute to the control of steady-state levels of this protein.