1
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Sahadevan P, Dingar D, Nawaito SA, Nair RS, Trépanier J, Sahmi F, Shi Y, Gillis MA, Sirois MG, Meloche S, Tardif JC, Allen BG. ERK3 is involved in regulating cardiac fibroblast function. Physiol Rep 2024; 12:e16108. [PMID: 38872461 PMCID: PMC11176743 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.16108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
ERK3/MAPK6 activates MAP kinase-activated protein kinase (MK)-5 in selected cell types. Male MK5 haplodeficient mice show reduced hypertrophy and attenuated increase in Col1a1 mRNA in response to increased cardiac afterload. In addition, MK5 deficiency impairs cardiac fibroblast function. This study determined the effect of reduced ERK3 on cardiac hypertrophy following transverse aortic constriction (TAC) and fibroblast biology in male mice. Three weeks post-surgery, ERK3, but not ERK4 or p38α, co-immunoprecipitated with MK5 from both sham and TAC heart lysates. The increase in left ventricular mass and myocyte diameter was lower in TAC-ERK3+/- than TAC-ERK3+/+ hearts, whereas ERK3 haploinsufficiency did not alter systolic or diastolic function. Furthermore, the TAC-induced increase in Col1a1 mRNA abundance was diminished in ERK3+/- hearts. ERK3 immunoreactivity was detected in atrial and ventricular fibroblasts but not myocytes. In both quiescent fibroblasts and "activated" myofibroblasts isolated from adult mouse heart, siRNA-mediated knockdown of ERK3 reduced the TGF-β-induced increase in Col1a1 mRNA. In addition, intracellular type 1 collagen immunoreactivity was reduced following ERK3 depletion in quiescent fibroblasts but not myofibroblasts. Finally, knocking down ERK3 impaired motility in both atrial and ventricular myofibroblasts. These results suggest that ERK3 plays an important role in multiple aspects of cardiac fibroblast biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pramod Sahadevan
- Montreal Heart Institute, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Dharmendra Dingar
- Montreal Heart Institute, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Sherin A Nawaito
- Montreal Heart Institute, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Reshma S Nair
- Montreal Heart Institute, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Joëlle Trépanier
- Montreal Heart Institute, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Fatiha Sahmi
- Montreal Heart Institute, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Yanfen Shi
- Montreal Heart Institute, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | | | - Martin G Sirois
- Montreal Heart Institute, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Sylvain Meloche
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Jean-Claude Tardif
- Montreal Heart Institute, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Bruce G Allen
- Montreal Heart Institute, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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2
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Elkhadragy L, Myers A, Long W. Role of the Atypical MAPK ERK3 in Cancer Growth and Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1381. [PMID: 38611058 PMCID: PMC11011113 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16071381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2024] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 3 (ERK3) is an atypical mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) whose structural and regulatory features are distinct from those of conventional MAPKs, such as ERK1/2. Since its identification in 1991, the regulation, substrates and functions of ERK3 have remained largely unknown. However, recent years have witnessed a wealth of new findings about ERK3 signaling. Several important biological functions for ERK3 have been revealed, including its role in neuronal morphogenesis, inflammation, metabolism, endothelial cell tube formation and epithelial architecture. In addition, ERK3 has been recently shown to play important roles in cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion and chemoresistance in multiple types of cancers. Furthermore, accumulating studies have uncovered various molecular mechanisms by which the expression level, protein stability and activity of ERK3 are regulated. In particular, several post-translational modifications (PTMs), including ubiquitination, hydroxylation and phosphorylation, have been shown to regulate the stability and activity of ERK3 protein. In this review, we discuss recent findings regarding biochemical and cellular functions of ERK3, with a main focus on its roles in cancers, as well as the molecular mechanisms of regulating its expression and activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lobna Elkhadragy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH 45435, USA; (L.E.); (A.M.)
- Department of Radiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Amanda Myers
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH 45435, USA; (L.E.); (A.M.)
| | - Weiwen Long
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH 45435, USA; (L.E.); (A.M.)
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3
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Wilkinson AN, Chen R, Coleborn E, Neilson T, Le K, Bhavsar C, Wang Y, Atluri S, Irgam G, Wong K, Yang D, Steptoe R, Wu SY. Let-7i enhances anti-tumour immunity and suppresses ovarian tumour growth. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2024; 73:80. [PMID: 38554167 PMCID: PMC10981620 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-024-03674-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has seen significant success in the last decade for cancer management by enhancing endogenous cancer immunity. However, immunotherapies developed thus far have seen limited success in the majority of high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) ovarian cancer patients. This is largely due to the highly immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment of HGSC and late-stage identification. Thus, novel treatment interventions are needed to overcome this immunosuppression and complement existing immunotherapies. Here, we have identified through analysis of > 600 human HGSC tumours a critical role for Let-7i in modulating the tumoural immune network. Tumoural expression of Let-7i had high positive correlation with anti-cancer immune signatures in HGSC patients. Confirming this role, enforced Let-7i expression in murine HGSC tumours resulted in a significant decrease in tumour burden with a significant increase in tumour T cell numbers in tumours. In concert with the improved tumoural immunity, Let-7i treatment also significantly increased CD86 expression in antigen presenting cells (APCs) in the draining lymph nodes, indicating enhanced APC activity. Collectively, our findings highlight an important role of Let-7i in anti-tumour immunity and its potential use for inducing an anti-tumour effect in HGSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew N Wilkinson
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Rui Chen
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Elaina Coleborn
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Trent Neilson
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Khang Le
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Chintan Bhavsar
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Sharat Atluri
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Gowri Irgam
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Kiefer Wong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Da Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Raymond Steptoe
- Frazer Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Sherry Y Wu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia.
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4
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Javary J, Goupil E, Soulez M, Kanshin E, Bouchard A, Seternes OM, Thibault P, Labbé JC, Meloche S. Phosphoproteomic analysis identifies supervillin as an ERK3 substrate regulating cytokinesis and cell ploidy. J Cell Physiol 2024; 239:e30938. [PMID: 36576983 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 3 (ERK3) is a poorly characterized member of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase family. Functional analysis of the ERK3 signaling pathway has been hampered by a lack of knowledge about the substrates and downstream effectors of the kinase. Here, we used large-scale quantitative phosphoproteomics and targeted gene silencing to identify direct ERK3 substrates and gain insight into its cellular functions. Detailed validation of one candidate substrate identified the gelsolin/villin family member supervillin (SVIL) as a bona fide ERK3 substrate. We show that ERK3 phosphorylates SVIL on Ser245 to regulate myosin II activation and cytokinesis completion in dividing cells. Depletion of SVIL or ERK3 leads to increased cytokinesis failure and multinucleation, a phenotype rescued by wild type SVIL but not by the non-phosphorylatable S245A mutant. Our results unveil a new function of the atypical MAP kinase ERK3 in cell division and the regulation of cell ploidy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joaquim Javary
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Eugénie Goupil
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mathilde Soulez
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Evgeny Kanshin
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- NYU Langone Health, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Antoine Bouchard
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Pierre Thibault
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jean-Claude Labbé
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Molecular Biology Program, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sylvain Meloche
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Molecular Biology Program, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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5
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Zhou J, Xiang H, Cao Z. Dual mechanism of Let-7i in tumor progression. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1253191. [PMID: 37829341 PMCID: PMC10565035 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1253191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Let-7i regulates tumors primarily by binding to the 3' untranslated region (3' UTR) of mRNA, which indirectly regulates post-transcriptional gene expression. Let-7i also has an epigenetic function via modulating DNA methylation to directly regulate gene expression. Let-7i performs a dual role by inducing both the promotion and inhibition of various malignancies, depending on its target. The mechanism of Let-7i action involves cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, EV transmission, angiogenesis, autophagy, and drug resistance sensitization. Let-7i is closely related to cancer, and hence, is a potential biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of various cancers. Therapeutically, it can be used to promote an anti-cancer immune response by modifying exosomes, thus exerting a tumor-suppressive effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiapei Zhou
- First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Hongjie Xiang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Zhiqun Cao
- First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
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6
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Myers AK, Morel M, Gee SH, Hoffmann KA, Long W. ERK3 and DGKζ interact to modulate cell motility in lung cancer cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1192221. [PMID: 37287450 PMCID: PMC10242005 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1192221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 3 (ERK3) promotes cell migration and tumor metastasis in multiple cancer types, including lung cancer. The extracellular-regulated kinase 3 protein has a unique structure. In addition to the N-terminal kinase domain, ERK3 includes a central conserved in extracellular-regulated kinase 3 and ERK4 (C34) domain and an extended C-terminus. However, relatively little is known regarding the role(s) of the C34 domain. A yeast two-hybrid assay using extracellular-regulated kinase 3 as bait identified diacylglycerol kinase ζ (DGKζ) as a binding partner. DGKζ was shown to promote migration and invasion in some cancer cell types, but its role in lung cancer cells is yet to be described. The interaction of extracellular-regulated kinase 3 and DGKζ was confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation and in vitro binding assays, consistent with their co-localization at the periphery of lung cancer cells. The C34 domain of ERK3 was sufficient for binding to DGKζ, while extracellular-regulated kinase 3 bound to the N-terminal and C1 domains of DGKζ. Surprisingly, in contrast to extracellular-regulated kinase 3, DGKζ suppresses lung cancer cell migration, suggesting DGKζ might inhibit ERK3-mediated cell motility. Indeed, co-overexpression of exogenous DGKζ and extracellular-regulated kinase 3 completely blocked the ability of ERK3 to promote cell migration, but DGKζ did not affect the migration of cells with stable ERK3 knockdown. Furthermore, DGKζ had little effect on cell migration induced by overexpression of an ERK3 mutant missing the C34 domain, suggesting DGKζ requires this domain to prevent ERK3-mediated increase in cell migration. In summary, this study has identified DGKζ as a new binding partner and negative regulator of extracellular-regulated kinase 3 in controlling lung cancer cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda K. Myers
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, United States
| | - Marion Morel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, United States
| | - Stephen H. Gee
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Katherine A. Hoffmann
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, United States
| | - Weiwen Long
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, United States
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7
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Dai XJ, Xue LP, Ji SK, Zhou Y, Gao Y, Zheng YC, Liu HM, Liu HM. Triazole-fused pyrimidines in target-based anticancer drug discovery. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 249:115101. [PMID: 36724635 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
In recent decades, the development of targeted drugs has featured prominently in the treatment of cancer, which is among the major causes of mortality globally. Triazole-fused pyrimidines, a widely-used class of heterocycles in medicinal chemistry, have attracted considerable interest as potential anticancer agents that target various cancer-associated targets in recent years, demonstrating them as valuable templates for discovering novel anticancer candidates. The current review concentrates on the latest advancements of triazole-pyrimidines as target-based anticancer agents, including works published between 2007 and the present (2007-2022). The structure-activity relationships (SARs) and multiple pathways are also reviewed to shed light on the development of more effective and biotargeted anticancer candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing-Jie Dai
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation, Institute of Drug Discovery and Development, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan Province, China
| | - Lei-Peng Xue
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation, Institute of Drug Discovery and Development, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan Province, China
| | - Shi-Kun Ji
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation, Institute of Drug Discovery and Development, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan Province, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation, Institute of Drug Discovery and Development, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan Province, China
| | - Ya Gao
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation, Institute of Drug Discovery and Development, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan Province, China
| | - Yi-Chao Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation, Institute of Drug Discovery and Development, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan Province, China
| | - Hui-Min Liu
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation, Institute of Drug Discovery and Development, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan Province, China.
| | - Hong-Min Liu
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation, Institute of Drug Discovery and Development, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan Province, China
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8
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Hatmal MM, Al-Hatamleh MAI, Olaimat AN, Alshaer W, Hasan H, Albakri KA, Alkhafaji E, Issa NN, Al-Holy MA, Abderrahman SM, Abdallah AM, Mohamud R. Immunomodulatory Properties of Human Breast Milk: MicroRNA Contents and Potential Epigenetic Effects. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10061219. [PMID: 35740242 PMCID: PMC9219990 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Infants who are exclusively breastfed in the first six months of age receive adequate nutrients, achieving optimal immune protection and growth. In addition to the known nutritional components of human breast milk (HBM), i.e., water, carbohydrates, fats and proteins, it is also a rich source of microRNAs, which impact epigenetic mechanisms. This comprehensive work presents an up-to-date overview of the immunomodulatory constituents of HBM, highlighting its content of circulating microRNAs. The epigenetic effects of HBM are discussed, especially those regulated by miRNAs. HBM contains more than 1400 microRNAs. The majority of these microRNAs originate from the lactating gland and are based on the remodeling of cells in the gland during breastfeeding. These miRNAs can affect epigenetic patterns by several mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modifications and RNA regulation, which could ultimately result in alterations in gene expressions. Therefore, the unique microRNA profile of HBM, including exosomal microRNAs, is implicated in the regulation of the genes responsible for a variety of immunological and physiological functions, such as FTO, INS, IGF1, NRF2, GLUT1 and FOXP3 genes. Hence, studying the HBM miRNA composition is important for improving the nutritional approaches for pregnancy and infant's early life and preventing diseases that could occur in the future. Interestingly, the composition of miRNAs in HBM is affected by multiple factors, including diet, environmental and genetic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ma’mon M. Hatmal
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, The Hashemite University, P.O. Box 330127, Zarqa 13133, Jordan;
- Correspondence: (M.M.H.); (R.M.)
| | - Mohammad A. I. Al-Hatamleh
- Department of Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kota Bharu 16150, Malaysia;
| | - Amin N. Olaimat
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, The Hashemite University, P.O. Box 330127, Zarqa 13133, Jordan; (A.N.O.); (M.A.A.-H.)
| | - Walhan Alshaer
- Cell Therapy Center (CTC), The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan;
| | - Hanan Hasan
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan;
| | - Khaled A. Albakri
- Faculty of Medicine, The Hashemite University, P.O. Box 330127, Zarqa 13133, Jordan;
| | - Enas Alkhafaji
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan;
| | - Nada N. Issa
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, The Hashemite University, P.O. Box 330127, Zarqa 13133, Jordan;
| | - Murad A. Al-Holy
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, The Hashemite University, P.O. Box 330127, Zarqa 13133, Jordan; (A.N.O.); (M.A.A.-H.)
| | - Salim M. Abderrahman
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences, The Hashemite University, P.O. Box 330127, Zarqa 13133, Jordan;
| | - Atiyeh M. Abdallah
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar;
| | - Rohimah Mohamud
- Department of Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kota Bharu 16150, Malaysia;
- Correspondence: (M.M.H.); (R.M.)
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9
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Yan J, Zhang Y, Zheng L, Wu Y, Wang T, Jiang T, Liu X, Peng D, Liu Y, Liu Z. Let‐7i miRNA and platinum loaded nano‐graphene oxide platform for detection/reversion of drug resistance and synergetic chemical‐photothermal inhibition of cancer cell. CHINESE CHEM LETT 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cclet.2021.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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10
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Huang Y, Liu R, Han X, Hou X, Tian Y, Zhang W. Rab31 promotes the invasion and metastasis of cervical cancer cells by inhibiting MAPK6 degradation. Int J Biol Sci 2022; 18:112-123. [PMID: 34975321 PMCID: PMC8692139 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.63388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main risk factor for cervical cancer. Our mass spectrometry data showed that the Ras-associated binding protein Rab31 was upregulated by HPV; however, little is known regarding the role of Rab31 in the metastasis of cervical cancer cells. In this study, we showed that Rab31 was highly expressed in cervical cancer tissues and cells, and both HPV E6 and E7 promoted the expression of Rab31. Rab31 knockdown inhibited while Rab31 overexpression promoted the migration and invasion capabilities of cervical cancer cells. Additionally, Rab31 knockdown inhibited the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cytoskeletal rearrangement in cervical cancer cells. Furthermore, Rab31 interacted with mitogen-activated protein kinase 6 (MAPK6), and Rab31 knockdown inhibited the expression of MAPK6, which was mainly localized in the cytoplasm. More importantly, Rab31 knockdown promoted and Rab31 overexpression inhibited MAPK6 degradation. Accordingly, MAPK6 overexpression restored the decreased migration potential caused by Rab31 knockdown. Finally, a xenograft mouse model showed that Rab31 knockdown in cervical cancer cells led to reduced tumor growth and impaired lung and liver metastasis in vivo. In conclusion, Rab31 plays a crucial role in cervical cancer metastasis by inhibiting MAPK6 degradation. Thus, Rab31 may serve as a novel therapeutic target to manage cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Huang
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Ruijuan Liu
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xuechao Han
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaoyan Hou
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yonghao Tian
- Department of Orthopedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Weifang Zhang
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
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11
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Cai Q, Zhou W, Wang W, Dong B, Han D, Shen T, Creighton CJ, Moore DD, Yang F. MAPK6-AKT signaling promotes tumor growth and resistance to mTOR kinase blockade. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eabi6439. [PMID: 34767444 PMCID: PMC8589317 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abi6439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinase 6 (MAPK6) is an atypical MAPK. Its function in regulating cancer growth remains elusive. Here, we reported that MAPK6 directly activated AKT and induced oncogenic outcomes. MAPK6 interacted with AKT through its C34 region and the C-terminal tail and phosphorylated AKT at S473 independent of mTORC2, the major S473 kinase. mTOR kinase inhibitors have not made notable progress in the clinic. Our identified MAPK6-AKT axis may provide a major resistance pathway. Besides repressing growth, inhibiting MAPK6 sensitized cancer cells to mTOR kinase inhibitors. MAPK6 overexpression is associated with decreased overall survival and the survival of patients with lung adenocarcinoma, mesothelioma, uveal melanoma, and breast cancer. MAPK6 expression also correlated with AKT phosphorylation at S473 in human cancer tissues. We conclude that MAPK6 can promote cancer by activating AKT independent of mTORC2 and targeting MAPK6, either alone or in combination with mTOR blockade, may be effective in cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinbo Cai
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Wolong Zhou
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Bingning Dong
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77070, USA
| | - Dong Han
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Tao Shen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Chad J. Creighton
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77070, USA
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - David D. Moore
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Feng Yang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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12
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Vallabhaneni S, Liu J, Morel M, Wang J, DeMayo FJ, Long W. Conditional ERK3 overexpression cooperates with PTEN deletion to promote lung adenocarcinoma formation in mice. Mol Oncol 2021; 16:1184-1199. [PMID: 34719109 PMCID: PMC8895443 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
ERK3, officially known as mitogen‐activated protein kinase 6 (MAPK6), is a poorly studied mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK). Recent studies have revealed the upregulation of ERK3 expression in cancer and suggest an important role for ERK3 in promoting cancer cell growth and invasion in some cancers, in particular lung cancer. However, it is unknown whether ERK3 plays a role in spontaneous tumorigenesis in vivo. To determine the role of ERK3 in lung tumorigenesis, we created a conditional ERK3 transgenic mouse line in which ERK3 transgene expression is controlled by Cre recombinase. By crossing these transgenic mice with a mouse line harboring a lung tissue–specific Cre recombinase transgene driven by a club cell secretory protein gene promoter (CCSP‐iCre), we have found that conditional ERK3 overexpression cooperates with phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) deletion to induce the formation of lung adenocarcinomas (LUADs). Mechanistically, ERK3 overexpression stimulates activating phosphorylations of erb‐b2 receptor tyrosine kinases 2 and 3 (ERBB2 and ERBB3) by upregulating Sp1 transcription factor (SP1)–mediated gene transcription of neuregulin 1 (NRG1), a potent ligand for ERBB2/ERBB3. Our study has revealed a bona fide tumor‐promoting role for ERK3 using genetically engineered mouse models. Together with previous findings showing the roles of ERK3 in cultured cells and in a xenograft lung tumor model, our findings corroborate that ERK3 acts as an oncoprotein in promoting LUAD development and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sreeram Vallabhaneni
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, USA
| | - Jian Liu
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, International Campus, Zhejiang University, Haining, 314400, China.,Hangzhou Cancer Institution, Affiliated Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310002, China
| | - Marion Morel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, USA
| | - Jixin Wang
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, International Campus, Zhejiang University, Haining, 314400, China.,Hangzhou Cancer Institution, Affiliated Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310002, China
| | - Francesco J DeMayo
- Reproductive & Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), Research Triangle Park (RTP), NC, USA
| | - Weiwen Long
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, USA
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13
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Alshammari ES, Aljagthmi AA, Stacy AJ, Bottomley M, Shamma HN, Kadakia MP, Long W. ERK3 is transcriptionally upregulated by ∆Np63α and mediates the role of ∆Np63α in suppressing cell migration in non-melanoma skin cancers. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:155. [PMID: 33579235 PMCID: PMC7881562 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-07866-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND p63, a member of the p53 gene family, is an important regulator for epithelial tissue growth and development. ∆Np63α is the main isoform of p63 and highly expressed in Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 3 (ERK3) is an atypical mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) whose biochemical features and cellular regulation are distinct from those of conventional MAPKs such as ERK1/2. While ERK3 has been shown to be upregulated in lung cancers and head and neck cancers, in which it promotes cancer cell migration and invasion, little is known about the implication of ERK3 in NMSCs. METHODS Fluorescent immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate the expression levels of ΔNp63α and ERK3 in normal and NMSC specimens. Dunnett's test was performed to compare mean fluorescence intensity (MFI, indicator of expression levels) of p63 or ERK3 between normal cutaneous samples and NMSC samples. A mixed effects (ANOVA) test was used to determine the correlation between ΔNp63α and ERK3 expression levels (MFI). The regulation of ERK3 by ΔNp63α was studied by qRT-PCR, Western blot and luciferase assay. The effect of ERK3 regulation by ΔNp63α on cell migration was measured by performing trans-well migration assay. RESULTS The expression level of ∆Np63α is upregulated in NMSCs compared to normal tissue. ERK3 level is significantly upregulated in AK and SCC in comparison to normal tissue and there is a strong positive correlation between ∆Np63α and ERK3 expression in normal skin and skin specimens of patients with AK, SCC or BCC. Further, we found that ∆Np63α positively regulates ERK3 transcript and protein levels in A431 and HaCaT skin cells, underlying the upregulation of ERK3 expression and its positive correlation with ∆Np63α in NMSCs. Moreover, similar to the effect of ∆Np63α depletion, silencing ERK3 greatly enhanced A431 cell migration. Restoration of ERK3 expression under the condition of silencing ∆Np63α counteracted the increase in cell migration induced by the depletion of ∆Np63α. Mechanistically, ERK3 inhibits the phosphorylation of Rac1 G-protein and the formation of filopodia of A431 skin SCC cells. CONCLUSIONS ERK3 is positively regulated by ∆Np63α and mediates the role of ∆Np63α in suppressing cell migration in NMSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eid S Alshammari
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, 112 Diggs Laboratory, 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Dayton, OH, 45435, USA.,Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Sakakah, 72388, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amjad A Aljagthmi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, 112 Diggs Laboratory, 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Dayton, OH, 45435, USA
| | - Andrew J Stacy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, 112 Diggs Laboratory, 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Dayton, OH, 45435, USA
| | - Mike Bottomley
- Department of Math and Microbiology, College of Science and Mathematics, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, 45435, USA
| | - H Nicholas Shamma
- Department of Dermatology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Dayton, OH, 45435, USA
| | - Madhavi P Kadakia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, 112 Diggs Laboratory, 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Dayton, OH, 45435, USA.
| | - Weiwen Long
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, 112 Diggs Laboratory, 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Dayton, OH, 45435, USA.
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14
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Hirschfeld M, Rücker G, Weiß D, Berner K, Ritter A, Jäger M, Erbes T. Urinary Exosomal MicroRNAs as Potential Non-invasive Biomarkers in Breast Cancer Detection. Mol Diagn Ther 2021; 24:215-232. [PMID: 32112368 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-020-00453-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequent malignant disease in women worldwide and is therefore challenging for the healthcare system. Early BC detection remains a leading factor that improves overall outcome and disease management. Aside from established screening procedures, there is a constant demand for additional BC detection methods. Routine BC screening via non-invasive liquid biopsy biomarkers is one auspicious approach to either complete or even replace the current state-of-the-art diagnostics. The study explores the diagnostic potential of urinary exosomal microRNAs with specific BC biomarker characteristics to initiate the potential prospective application of non-invasive BC screening as routine practice. METHODS Based on a case-control study (69 BC vs. 40 healthy controls), expression level quantification and subsequent biostatistical computation of 13 urine-derived microRNAs were performed to evaluate their diagnostic relevance in BC. RESULTS Multilateral statistical assessment determined and repeatedly confirmed a specific panel of four urinary microRNA types (miR-424, miR-423, miR-660, and let7-i) as a highly specific combinatory biomarker tool discriminating BC patients from healthy controls, with 98.6% sensitivity and 100% specificity. DISCUSSION Urine-based BC diagnosis may be achieved through the analysis of distinct microRNA panels with proven biomarker abilities. Subject to further validation, the implementation of urinary BC detection in routine screening offers a promising non-invasive alternative in women's healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Hirschfeld
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Georg-August-University Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Gerta Rücker
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Daniela Weiß
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Kai Berner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andrea Ritter
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Markus Jäger
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thalia Erbes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany. .,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
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15
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Schröder M, Filippakopoulos P, Schwalm MP, Ferrer CA, Drewry DH, Knapp S, Chaikuad A. Crystal Structure and Inhibitor Identifications Reveal Targeting Opportunity for the Atypical MAPK Kinase ERK3. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E7953. [PMID: 33114754 PMCID: PMC7663056 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21217953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 3 (ERK3), known also as mitogen-activated protein kinase 6 (MAPK6), is an atypical member of MAPK kinase family, which has been poorly studied. Little is known regarding its function in biological processes, yet this atypical kinase has been suggested to play important roles in the migration and invasiveness of certain cancers. The lack of tools, such as a selective inhibitor, hampers the study of ERK3 biology. Here, we report the crystal structure of the kinase domain of this atypical MAPK kinase, providing molecular insights into its distinct ATP binding pocket compared to the classical MAPK ERK2, explaining differences in their inhibitor binding properties. Medium-scale small molecule screening identified a number of inhibitors, several of which unexpectedly exhibited remarkably high inhibitory potencies. The crystal structure of CLK1 in complex with CAF052, one of the most potent inhibitors identified for ERK3, revealed typical type-I binding mode of the inhibitor, which by structural comparison could likely be maintained in ERK3. Together with the presented structural insights, these diverse chemical scaffolds displaying both reversible and irreversible modes of action, will serve as a starting point for the development of selective inhibitors for ERK3, which will be beneficial for elucidating the important functions of this understudied kinase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Schröder
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Goethe University Frankfurt, Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Max-von-Laue-Straße 15, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany;
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Straße 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany;
| | - Panagis Filippakopoulos
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK;
| | - Martin P. Schwalm
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Straße 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany;
| | - Carla A. Ferrer
- Structural Genomics Consortium, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (C.A.F.); (D.H.D.)
| | - David H. Drewry
- Structural Genomics Consortium, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (C.A.F.); (D.H.D.)
| | - Stefan Knapp
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Goethe University Frankfurt, Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Max-von-Laue-Straße 15, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany;
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Straße 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany;
- German Cancer network DKTK and Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI), Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Apirat Chaikuad
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Goethe University Frankfurt, Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Max-von-Laue-Straße 15, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany;
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Straße 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany;
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16
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The C-Terminus Tail Regulates ERK3 Kinase Activity and Its Ability in Promoting Cancer Cell Migration and Invasion. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21114044. [PMID: 32516969 PMCID: PMC7312006 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21114044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 3 (ERK3) is an atypical member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family. It harbors a kinase domain in the N-terminus and a long C-terminus extension. The C-terminus extension comprises a conserved in ERK3 and ERK4 (C34) region and a unique C-terminus tail, which was shown to be required for the interaction of ERK3 with the cytoskeletal protein septin 7. Recent studies have elucidated the role of ERK3 signaling in promoting the motility and invasiveness of cancer cells. However, little is known about the intramolecular regulation of the enzymatic activity and cellular functions of ERK3. In this study, we investigated the role of the elongated C-terminus extension in regulating ERK3 kinase activity and its ability to promote cancer cell migration and invasion. Our study revealed that the deletion of the C-terminus tail greatly diminishes the ability of ERK3 to promote the migration and invasion of lung cancer cells. We identified two molecular mechanisms underlying this effect. Firstly, the deletion of the C-terminus tail decreases the kinase activity of ERK3 towards substrates, including the oncogenic protein steroid receptor co-activator 3 (SRC-3), an important downstream target for ERK3 signaling in cancer. Secondly, in line with the previous finding that the C-terminus tail mediates the interaction of ERK3 with septin 7, we found that the depletion of septin 7 abolished the ability of ERK3 to promote migration, indicating that septin 7 acts as a downstream effector for ERK3-induced cancer cell migration. Taken together, the findings of this study advance our understanding of the molecular regulation of ERK3 signaling by unraveling the role of the C-terminus tail in regulating ERK3 kinase activity and functions in cancer cells. These findings provide useful insights for the development of therapeutic agents targeting ERK3 signaling in cancer.
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17
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Ge P, Guo Y, Shen J. IcarisideII facilitates the differentiation of ADSCs to SCs via let-7i/STAT3 axis to preserve erectile function. Biol Res 2019; 52:54. [PMID: 31581950 PMCID: PMC6777035 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-019-0262-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND IcarisideII (ICAII) could promote the differentiation of adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) to Schwann cells (SCs), leading to improvement of erectile function (EF) and providing a realistic therapeutic option for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of ADSCs and ICAII in this process remain largely unclear. METHODS ADSCs were treated with different concentrations of ICAII. Cell proliferation was determined by MTT assay. qRT-PCR and western blot were performed to detect expressions of SCs markers, signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3), and microRNA-let-7i (let-7i). Luciferase reporter assay was conducted to verify the regulatory relationship between let-7i and STAT3. The detection of intracavernosal pressure (ICP) and the ratio of ICP/mean arterial pressure (MAP) were used to evaluate the EF in bilateral cavernous nerve injury (BCNI) rat models. RESULTS ICAII promoted cell proliferation of ADSCs in a dose-dependent manner. The mRNA and protein levels of SCs markers were increased by ICAII treatment in a dose-dependent manner in ADSCs. Moreover, let-7i was significantly decreased in ICAII-treated ADSCs and upregulation of let-7i attenuated ICAII-induced promotion of SCs markers. In addition, STAT3 was a direct target of let-7i and upregulated in ICAII-treated ADSCs. Interestingly, overexpression of STAT3 abated the let-7i-mediated inhibition effect on differentiation of ADSCs to SCs and rescued the ICAII-mediated promotion effect on it. Besides, combination treatment of ADSCs and ICAII preserved the EF of BCNI rat models, which was undermined by let-7i overexpression. CONCLUSION ICAII was effective for preserving EF by promoting the differentiation of ADSCs to SCs via modulating let-7i/STAT3 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pingyu Ge
- Department of Urology Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 71, Baoshan North Road, Guiyang, 550001, Guizhou, China.
| | - Yinxue Guo
- Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Jun Shen
- Department of Urology Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 71, Baoshan North Road, Guiyang, 550001, Guizhou, China
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18
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Müller S, Bley N, Glaß M, Busch B, Rousseau V, Misiak D, Fuchs T, Lederer M, Hüttelmaier S. IGF2BP1 enhances an aggressive tumor cell phenotype by impairing miRNA-directed downregulation of oncogenic factors. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 46:6285-6303. [PMID: 29660014 PMCID: PMC6158595 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The oncofetal IGF2 mRNA binding proteins (IGF2BPs) are upregulated in most cancers but their paralogue-specific roles in tumor cells remain poorly understood. In a panel of five cancer-derived cell lines, IGF2BP1 shows highly conserved oncogenic potential. Consistently, the deletion of IGF2BP1 impairs the growth and metastasis of ovarian cancer-derived cells in nude mice. Gene expression analyses in ovarian cancer-derived cells reveal that the knockdown of IGF2BPs is associated with the downregulation of mRNAs that are prone to miRNA regulation. All three IGF2BPs preferentially associate upstream of miRNA binding sites (MBSs) in the 3′UTR of mRNAs. The downregulation of mRNAs co-regulated by miRNAs and IGF2BP1 is abrogated at low miRNA abundance or when miRNAs are depleted. IGF2BP1 associates with these target mRNAs in RISC-free complexes and its deletion enhances their association with AGO2. The knockdown of most miRNA-regulated target mRNAs of IGF2BP1 impairs tumor cell properties. In four primary cancers, elevated synthesis of these target mRNAs is largely associated with upregulated IGF2BP1 mRNA levels. In ovarian cancer, the enhanced expression of IGF2BP1 and most of its miRNA-controlled target mRNAs is associated with poor prognosis. In conclusion, these findings indicate that IGF2BP1 enhances an aggressive tumor cell phenotype by antagonizing miRNA-impaired gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Müller
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Section for Molecular Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 3a, 06120 Halle, Germany
| | - Nadine Bley
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Section for Molecular Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 3a, 06120 Halle, Germany
| | - Markus Glaß
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Section for Molecular Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 3a, 06120 Halle, Germany
| | - Bianca Busch
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Section for Molecular Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 3a, 06120 Halle, Germany
| | - Vanessa Rousseau
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Section for Molecular Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 3a, 06120 Halle, Germany
| | - Danny Misiak
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Section for Molecular Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 3a, 06120 Halle, Germany
| | - Tommy Fuchs
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Section for Molecular Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 3a, 06120 Halle, Germany
| | - Marcell Lederer
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Section for Molecular Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 3a, 06120 Halle, Germany
| | - Stefan Hüttelmaier
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Section for Molecular Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 3a, 06120 Halle, Germany
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19
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Function of p21 (Cip1/Waf1/ CDKN1A) in Migration and Invasion of Cancer and Trophoblastic Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11070989. [PMID: 31311187 PMCID: PMC6678555 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11070989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor progression and pregnancy have several features in common. Tumor cells and placental trophoblasts share many signaling pathways involved in migration and invasion. Preeclampsia, associated with impaired differentiation and migration of trophoblastic cells, is an unpredictable and unpreventable disease leading to maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity. Like in tumor cells, most pathways, in which p21 is involved, are deregulated in trophoblasts of preeclamptic placentas. The aim of the present study was to enlighten p21’s role in tumorigenic choriocarcinoma and trophoblastic cell lines. We show that knockdown of p21 induces defects in chromosome movement during mitosis, though hardly affecting proliferation and cell cycle distribution. Moreover, suppression of p21 compromises the migration and invasion capability of various trophoblastic and cancer cell lines mediated by, at least partially, a reduction of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 3, identified using transcriptome-wide profiling, real-time PCR, and Western blot. Further analyses show that downregulation of p21 is associated with reduced matrix metalloproteinase 2 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 2. This work evinces that p21 is involved in chromosome movement during mitosis as well as in the motility and invasion capacity of trophoblastic and cancer cell lines.
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20
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Chen M, Myers AK, Markey MP, Long W. The atypical MAPK ERK3 potently suppresses melanoma cell growth and invasiveness. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:13220-13232. [PMID: 30569573 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinase 6 (MAPK6) represents an atypical MAPK also known as extracellular signal-regulated kinase 3 (ERK3), which has been shown to play roles in cell motility and metastasis. ERK3 promotes migration and invasion of lung cancer cells and head and neck cancer cells by regulating the expression and/or activity of proteins involved in cancer progression. For instance, ERK3 upregulates matrix metallopeptidases and thereby promotes cancer cell invasiveness, and it phosphorylates tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 2, thereby enhancing chemoresistance in lung cancer. Here we discovered that ERK3 plays a converse role in melanoma. We observed that BRAF, an oncogenic Ser/Thr kinase, upregulates ERK3 expression levels by increasing both ERK3 messenger RNA levels and protein stability. Interestingly, although BRAF's kinase activity was required for upregulating ERK3 gene transcription, BRAF stabilized ERK3 protein in a kinase-independent fashion. We further demonstrate that ERK3 inhibits the migration, proliferation and colony formation of melanoma cells. In line with this, high level of ERK3 predicted increased survival among patients with melanomas. Taken together, these results indicate that ERK3 acts as a potent suppressor of melanoma cell growth and invasiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minyi Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio
| | - Amanda K Myers
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio
| | - Michael P Markey
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio
| | - Weiwen Long
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio
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21
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Wang Q, Li Z, Wu Y, Huang R, Zhu Y, Zhang W, Wang Y, Cheng J. Pharmacological inhibition of Bmi1 by PTC-209 impaired tumor growth in head neck squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer Cell Int 2017; 17:107. [PMID: 29200967 PMCID: PMC5697105 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-017-0481-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bmi1 (B lymphoma Mo-MLV insertion region 1 homolog) contributes to human tumorigenesis via epigenetic transcriptional silencing and represents a novel therapeutic target with great potentials. Here we sought to determine the therapeutic efficiency of PTC-209, a potent and selective Bmi1 inhibitor, in head neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells and a HNSCC xenograft model. Methods The mutation pattern, mRNA level of Bmi1 in HNSCC and its associations with clinicopathological parameters were determined through comprehensive data mining and interrogation using publicly available databases GENT, cBioPortal, Oncomine and TCGA. The PTC-209, a selective and potent Bmi1 inhibitor, was exploited and its effect on Bmi1 expression was measured in two HNSCC cell lines Cal27 and FaDu. The phenotypical changes of HNSCC cells were observed upon PTC-209 treatment in vitro. Moreover, the therapeutic effects of PTC-209 for HNSCC were determined in a xenograft animal model. Results Through comprehensive data mining and interrogation, we found that Bmi1 mRNA was frequently overexpressed in a subset of HNSCC samples. Our data revealed that PTC-209 robustly reduced the expression of Bmi1 in Cal27 and FaDu cells presumably by post-transcriptional repression and ubiquitin-proteasomal degradation. PTC-209 treatment resulted in impaired cell proliferation, G1-phase cell cycle arrest, compromised migration and invasiveness, and increased cell apoptosis and chemosensitivity to 5-FU and cisplatin in vitro. Moreover, PTC-209 exposure reduced colony formation, tumorsphere formation and the percentage of ALDH1+ subpopulation in both Cal27 and FaDu cells. Importantly, in vivo PTC-209 administration significantly reduced tumor growth in a HNSCC xenograft model probably by Bmi1 inhibition and impaired cell proliferation. Conclusions Our findings indicate that pharmacological inhibition of Bmi1 is a novel therapeutic strategy for HNSCC patients, especially with those with aberrant Bmi1 overexpression. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12935-017-0481-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Disease, Nanjing Medical University, 136 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029 Jiangsu China
| | - Zhongwu Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Disease, Nanjing Medical University, 136 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029 Jiangsu China
| | - Yaping Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Disease, Nanjing Medical University, 136 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029 Jiangsu China.,Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 136 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029 Jiangsu China
| | - Rong Huang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Disease, Nanjing Medical University, 136 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029 Jiangsu China.,Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 136 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029 Jiangsu China
| | - Yumin Zhu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 136 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029 Jiangsu China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Stomatology, Nanjing Medical University, 136 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029 Jiangsu China
| | - Yanling Wang
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Stomatology, Nanjing Medical University, 136 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029 Jiangsu China
| | - Jie Cheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Disease, Nanjing Medical University, 136 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029 Jiangsu China.,Department of Oral Pathology, School of Stomatology, Nanjing Medical University, 136 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029 Jiangsu China
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22
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Zhang C, Xiao X, Chen M, Aldharee H, Chen Y, Long W. Liver kinase B1 restoration promotes exosome secretion and motility of lung cancer cells. Oncol Rep 2017; 39:376-382. [PMID: 29138862 PMCID: PMC5783601 DOI: 10.3892/or.2017.6085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver kinase B1 (LKB1) regulates a variety of cellular functions, including cell polarity, energy metabolism and cell growth, by targeting multiple signaling pathways such as AMPK/mTOR and p53. LKB1 functions as a tumor suppressor in sporadic cancers including lung cancer. Extracellular vesicles such as exosomes secreted by cancer cells modulate the tumor microenvironment and progression by targeting both tumor cells (autocrine actions) and other types of cells associated with tumors (paracrine actions). While the roles of LKB1 in cellular signaling in general is well-studied, its specific role in exosome-mediated signaling remains to be explored. To this purpose, we reintroduced LKB1 into H460 and A549 lung cancer cells that are endogenously deficient in LKB1 expression. Notably, we found that while restoration of LKB1 significantly reduced lung cancer cell growth as expected, it greatly promoted cell motility and enhanced the release of exosomes. In addition, exosomes isolated from H460 cells with stable restoration of LKB1 had much higher ability in stimulating lung cancer cell migration than did those from H460 cells lacking LKB1. Mechanistically, restoration of LKB1 in H460 cells inhibited cellular expression and exosomal secretion of migration-suppressing microRNAs (miRNAs), including miR-125a, miR-126 and let7b. Taken together, the present study revealed a new role for LKB1 in promoting cell motility by downregulating migration-suppressing miRNA expression and exosome secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wright State University, Dayton, OH 45435, USA
| | - Xiang Xiao
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Wright State University, Dayton, OH 45435, USA
| | - Minyi Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wright State University, Dayton, OH 45435, USA
| | - Hitham Aldharee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wright State University, Dayton, OH 45435, USA
| | - Yanfang Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Wright State University, Dayton, OH 45435, USA
| | - Weiwen Long
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wright State University, Dayton, OH 45435, USA
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23
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Alsaran H, Elkhadragy L, Shakya A, Long W. L290P/V mutations increase ERK3's cytoplasmic localization and migration/invasion-promoting capability in cancer cells. Sci Rep 2017; 7:14979. [PMID: 29101390 PMCID: PMC5670241 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-15135-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein kinases are frequently mutated in human cancers, which leads to altered signaling pathways and contributes to tumor growth and progression. ERK3 is an atypical mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) containing an S-E-G activation motif rather than the conserved T-X-Y motif in conventional MAPKs such as ERK1/2. Recent studies have revealed important roles for ERK3 in cancers. ERK3 promotes cancer cell migration/invasion and tumor metastasis, and its expression is upregulated in multiple cancers. Little is known, however, regarding ERK3 mutations in cancers. In the present study, we functionally and mechanistically characterized ERK3 L290P/V mutations, which are located within ERK3’s kinase domain, and are shown to exist in several cancers including lung cancer and colon cancer. We found that in comparison with wild type ERK3, both L290P and L290V mutants have greatly increased activity in promoting cancer cell migration and invasion, but have little impact on ERK3’s role in cell proliferation. Mechanistically, while they have no clear effect on kinase activity, L290P/V mutations enhance ERK3’s cytoplasmic localization by increasing the interaction with the nuclear export factor CRM1. Our findings suggest that L290P/V mutations of ERK3 may confer increased invasiveness to cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadel Alsaran
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio, USA
| | - Lobna Elkhadragy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio, USA
| | - Astha Shakya
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio, USA
| | - Weiwen Long
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio, USA.
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