Ras and Rap1: two highly related small GTPases with distinct function

Long-chain noncoding RNA sequencing analysis reveals the molecular profiles of chemically induced mammary epithelial cells

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) were important regulators affecting the cellular reprogramming process. Previous studies from our group have demonstrated that small molecule compounds can induce goat ear fibroblasts to reprogram into mammary epithelial cells with lactation function. In this study, we used lncRNA-Sequencing (lncRNA-seq) to analyze the lncRNA expression profile of cells before and after reprogramming (CK vs. 5i8 d). The results showed that a total of 3,970 candidate differential lncRNAs were detected, 1,170 annotated and 2,800 new lncRNAs. Compared to 0 d cells, 738 lncRNAs were significantly upregulated and 550 were significantly downregulated in 8 d cells. Heat maps of lncrnas and target genes with significant differences showed that the fate of cell lineages changed. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that these differently expressed (DE) lncRNAs target genes were mainly involved in signaling pathways related to reprogramming and mammary gland development, such as the Wnt signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, arginine and proline metabolism, ECM-receptor interaction, and MAPK signaling pathway. The accuracy of sequencing was verified by real-time fluorescence quantification (RT-qPCR) of lncRNAs and key candidate genes, and it was also demonstrated that the phenotype and genes of the cells were changed. Therefore, this study offers a foundation for explaining the molecular mechanisms of lncRNAs in chemically induced mammary epithelial cells.

Small GTP-binding protein Rap1 mediates EGF and HB-EGF signaling and modulates EGF receptor expression in HTR-8/SVneo extravillous trophoblast cells

Purpose

Extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) invade the endometrium to establish a fetomaternal interaction during pregnancy. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF) stimulate EVT invasion by binding to the EGF receptor (EGFR). We examined the role of the small GTP-binding protein Rap1 in EGF- and HB-EGF-stimulated EVT invasion.

Methods

Expression of Rap1 in the first-trimester placenta was examined by immunohistochemistry. Effect of EGF or HB-EGF on Rap1 activation (GTP-Rap1) and Rap1 knockdown on invasion was assessed in EVT cell line (HTR-8/SVneo). In addition, effect of Rap1 knockdown and Rap1GAP (a Rap1 inactivator) overexpression on the activation of EGF signaling and EGFR expression were examined.

Results

Rap1 was expressed by EVTs, villous cytotrophoblasts, and syncytiotrophoblasts in the placenta. EGF and HB-EGF activated Rap1 and promoted invasion of HTR-8/SVneo, and these effects were inhibited by Rap1 knockdown. The EGF- and HB-EGF-induced phosphorylation of AKT, ERK1/2, p38MAPK, and Src was inhibited by Rap1 knockdown. Furthermore, the knockdown of Rap1 reduced the EGFR protein level. Overexpression of Rap1GAP repressed EGF- and HB-EGF-induced Rap1 activation and reduced EGFR expression.

Conclusion

Rap1 may function as a mediator of EGF and HB-EGF signaling pathways and can modulate EGFR expression in EVTs during placental development.

Genome-Wide Selection Signatures and Human-Mediated Introgression Events in Bos taurus indicus-influenced Composite Beef Cattle

Genetic introgression from interbreeding hybridization of European Bos taurus taurus (EBT) and Indian Bos taurus indicus (IBI) cattle breeds have been widely used to combine the climatic resilience of the IBI cattle and the higher productivity of EBT when forming new composite beef cattle (CB) populations. The subsequent breeding strategies have shifted their initial genomic compositions. To uncover population structure, signatures of selection, and potential introgression events in CB populations, high-density genotypes [containing 492,954 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) after the quality control] of 486 individuals from 15 cattle breeds, including EBT, IBI, and CB populations, along with two Bos grunniens genotypes as outgroup were used in this study. Then, in-depth population genetics analyses were performed for three CB breeds of Beefmaster, Brangus, and Santa Gertrudis. Neighbor-joining, principal components, and admixture analyses confirmed the historical introgression of EBT and IBI haplotypes into CB breeds. The f_dM statistics revealed that only 12.9% of CB populations' genetic components are of IBI origin. The results of signatures of selection analysis indicated different patterns of selection signals in the three CB breeds with primary pressure on pathways involved in protein processing and stress response in Beefmaster, cell proliferation regulation and immune response in Brangus, and amino acids and glucose metabolisms in Santa Gertrudis. An average of >90% of genomic regions underlying selection signatures were of EBT origin in the studied CB populations. Investigating the CB breeds' genome allows the estimation of EBT and IBI ancestral proportions and the locations within the genome where either taurine or indicine origin alleles are under selective pressure. Such findings highlight various opportunities to control the selection process more efficiently and explore complementarity at the genomic level in CB populations.

The substrate stiffness at physiological range significantly modulates vascular cell behavior

Changes in the stiffness of the cellular microenvironment are involved in many pathological processes of blood vessels. Substrate stiffness has been shown to have extensive effects on vascular endothelial cells (VECs) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). However, the material stiffness of most previously reported in-vitro models is ranging from ~100 kPa to the magnitude of MPa, which does not match the mechanical properties of natural vascular tissue (10-100 kPa). Herein, we constructed hydrogel substrates with the stiffness of 18-86 kPa to explore the effect of physiological stiffness on vascular cells. Our findings show that, with the increase of stiffness at the physiological range, the cell adhesion and proliferation behaviors of VECs and VSMCs are significantly enhanced. On the soft substrate, VECs express more nitric oxide (NO), and VSMCs tend to maintain a healthy contraction phenotype. More importantly, we find that the number of differentially expressed genes in cells cultured between 18 kPa and 86 kPa substrates (560 in VECs, 243 in VSMCs) is significantly higher than that between 86 kPa and 333 kPa (137 in VECs, 172 in VSMCs), indicating that a small increase in stiffness within the physiological range have a higher impact on vascular cell behaviors. Overall, our results expanded the exploration of how stiffness affects the behavior of vascular cells at the physiological range.

Potential Therapeutic Candidates for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Aging contributes to the risk of development of ocular diseases including, but not limited to, Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) that is a leading cause of blindness in the United States as well as worldwide. Retinal aging, that contributes to AMD pathogenesis, is characterized by accumulation of drusen deposits, alteration in the composition of Bruch’s membrane and extracellular matrix, vascular inflammation and dysregulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and subsequent retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell senescence. Since there are limited options available for the prophylaxis and treatment of AMD, new therapeutic interventions are constantly being looked into to identify new therapeutic targets for AMD. This review article discusses the potential candidates for AMD therapy and their known mechanisms of cytoprotection in AMD. These target therapeutic candidates include APE/REF-1, MRZ-99030, Ciliary NeuroTrophic Factor (CNTF), RAP1 GTPase, Celecoxib, and SS-31/Elamipretide.

Reversible function of RapA with the C-terminus of RapC in Dictyostelium

Rap small GTPases are involved in diverse signaling pathways associated with cell growth, proliferation, and cell migration. There are three Rap proteins in Dictyostelium, RapA, RapB, and RapC. RapA is a key regulator in the control of cell adhesion and migration. Recently RapA and RapC have been reported to have opposite functions in the regulation of cellular processes. In this study, we demonstrate that the C-terminus of RapC, which is not found in RapA, is essential for the opposite functions of RapC and is able to reverse the functions of RapA when fused to the tail of RapA. Cells lacking RapC displayed several defective phenotypes, including spread morphology, strong adhesion, and decreased cell migration compared to wild-type cells. These phenotypes were rescued by full-length RapC, but not by RapC missing the C-terminus. Furthermore, recombinant RapA fused with the C-terminus of RapC completely recovered the phenotypes of rapC null cells, indicating that the functions of RapA were modified to become similar to those of RapC by the C-terminus of RapC with respect to cell morphology, cell adhesion and migration, cytokinesis, and development. These results suggest that the C-terminal residues of RapC are able to suppress and change the functions of other Ras proteins in Ras oncogenic signaling pathways.

From Pinocytosis to Methuosis-Fluid Consumption as a Risk Factor for Cell Death

The volumes of a cell [cell volume (CV)] and its organelles are adjusted by osmoregulatory processes. During pinocytosis, extracellular fluid volume equivalent to its CV is incorporated within an hour and membrane area equivalent to the cell's surface within 30 min. Since neither fluid uptake nor membrane consumption leads to swelling or shrinkage, cells must be equipped with potent volume regulatory mechanisms. Normally, cells respond to outwardly or inwardly directed osmotic gradients by a volume decrease and increase, respectively, i.e., they shrink or swell but then try to recover their CV. However, when a cell death (CD) pathway is triggered, CV persistently decreases in isotonic conditions in apoptosis and it increases in necrosis. One type of CD associated with cell swelling is due to a dysfunctional pinocytosis. Methuosis, a non-apoptotic CD phenotype, occurs when cells accumulate too much fluid by macropinocytosis. In contrast to functional pinocytosis, in methuosis, macropinosomes neither recycle nor fuse with lysosomes but with each other to form giant vacuoles, which finally cause rupture of the plasma membrane (PM). Understanding methuosis longs for the understanding of the ionic mechanisms of cell volume regulation (CVR) and vesicular volume regulation (VVR). In nascent macropinosomes, ion channels and transporters are derived from the PM. Along trafficking from the PM to the perinuclear area, the equipment of channels and transporters of the vesicle membrane changes by retrieval, addition, and recycling from and back to the PM, causing profound changes in vesicular ion concentrations, acidification, and-most importantly-shrinkage of the macropinosome, which is indispensable for its proper targeting and cargo processing. In this review, we discuss ion and water transport mechanisms with respect to CVR and VVR and with special emphasis on pinocytosis and methuosis. We describe various aspects of the complex mutual interplay between extracellular and intracellular ions and ion gradients, the PM and vesicular membrane, phosphoinositides, monomeric G proteins and their targets, as well as the submembranous cytoskeleton. Our aim is to highlight important cellular mechanisms, components, and processes that may lead to methuotic CD upon their derangement.

Ras subfamily GTPases regulate development, aflatoxin biosynthesis and pathogenicity in the fungus Aspergillus flavus

Ras subfamily proteins are molecular switches in signal transduction pathways of many eukaryotes that regulate a variety of cellular processes. Here, the Ras subfamily, encoded by six genes, was identified in Aspergillus flavus: rasA, rasB, rasC, rab-33, rheb and rsr1. The rsr1 deletion mutant (∆rsr1), rheb deletion mutant (∆rheb) and double deletion mutant (∆rheb/rsr1) displayed significantly decreased growth and sporulation. Sclerotia formation was significantly decreased for ∆rheb or ∆rheb/rsr1 but increased for ∆rsr1. Aflatoxin production was significantly increased in ∆rheb but decreased in ∆rsr1 and ∆rheb/rsr1. We found that rsr1 and rheb are crucial for the pathogenicity of A. flavus. Quantitative proteomics identified 520 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) for the ∆rsr1 mutant and 133 DEPs for the ∆rheb mutant. These DEPs were annotated in multiple biological processes and KEGG pathways in A. flavus. Importantly, we identified the cytokinesis protein SepA in the protein-protein interaction network of rsr1, and deletion mutants showed that SepA has pleiotropic effects on growth and AF biosynthesis, which may depend on Rsr1 for regulation in A. flavus. Our results indicated that these Ras subfamily proteins exhibited functional redundancy with each other but there were also differences in A. flavus.

PKA-independent vasopressin signaling in renal collecting duct

Vasopressin regulates renal water excretion by binding to a Gα s-coupled receptor (V2R) in collecting duct cells, resulting in increased water permeability through regulation of the aquaporin-2 (AQP2) water channel. This action is widely accepted to be associated with cAMP-mediated activation of protein kinase A (PKA). Here, we use phosphoproteomics in collecting duct cells in which PKA has been deleted (CRISPR-Cas9) to identify PKA-independent responses to vasopressin. The results show that V2R-mediated vasopressin signaling is predominantly, but not entirely, PKA-dependent. Upregulated sites in PKA-null cells include Ser256 of AQP2, which is critical to regulation of AQP2 trafficking. In addition, phosphorylation changes in the protein kinases Stk39 (SPAK) and Prkci (an atypical PKC) are consistent with PKA-independent regulation of these protein kinases. Target motif analysis of the phosphopeptides increased in PKA-null cells indicates that vasopressin activates one or more members of the AMPK/SNF1-subfamily of basophilic protein kinases. In vitro phosphorylation assays using recombinant, purified SNF1-subfamily kinases confirmed postulated target specificities. Of interest, measured IBMX-dependent cAMP levels were an order of magnitude higher in PKA-null than in PKA-intact cells, indicative of a PKA-dependent feedback mechanism. Overall, the findings support the conclusion that V2-receptor mediated signaling in collecting duct cells is in part PKA-independent.

The Mystery of Rap1 Suppression of Oncogenic Ras

Decades ago, Rap1, a small GTPase very similar to Ras, was observed to suppress oncogenic Ras phenotype, reverting its transformation. The proposed reason, persisting since, has been competition between Ras and Rap1 for a common target. Yet, none was found. There was also Rap1's puzzling suppression of Raf-1 versus activation of BRAF. Reemerging interest in Rap1 envisages capturing its Ras suppression action by inhibitors. Here, we review the literature and resolve the enigma. In vivo oncogenic Ras exists in isoform-distinct nanoclusters. The presence of Rap1 within the nanoclusters reduces the number of the clustered oncogenic Ras molecules, thus suppressing Raf-1 activation and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling. Nanoclustering suggests that Rap1 suppression is Ras isoform dependent. Altogether, a potent Rap1-like inhibitor appears unlikely.

Cross-Talk in Nucleotide Signaling in Glioma C6 Cells

The chapter is focused on the mechanism of action of metabotropic P2Y nucleotide receptors: P2Y₁, P2Y₂, P2Y₁₂, P2Y₁₄ and the ionotropic P2X₇ receptor in glioma C6 cells. P2Y₁ and P2Y₁₂ both respond to ADP, but while P2Y₁ links to PLC and elevates cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration, P2Y₁₂ negatively couples to adenylate cyclase, maintaining cAMP at low level. In glioma C6, these two P2Y receptors modulate activities of ERK1/2 and PI3K/Akt signaling and the effects depend on physiological conditions of the cells. During prolonged serum deprivation, cell growth is arrested, the expression of the P2Y₁ receptor strongly decreases and P2Y₁₂ becomes a major player responsible for ADP-evoked signal transduction. The P2Y₁₂ receptor activates ERK1/2 kinase phosphorylation (a known cell proliferation regulator) and stimulates Akt activity, contributing to glioma invasiveness. In contrast, P2Y₁ has an inhibitory effect on Akt pathway signaling. Furthermore, the P2X₇ receptor, often responsible for apoptotic fate, is not involved in Ca²⁺elevation in C6 cells. The shift in nucleotide receptor expression from P2Y₁ to P2Y₁₂ during serum withdrawal, the cross talk between both receptors and the lack of P2X₇ activity shows the precise self-regulating mechanism, enhancing survival and preserving the neoplastic features of C6 cells.

Comprehensive bioinformation analysis of methylated and differentially expressed genes in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Differentially methylated genes (DMGs) play a crucial role in the etiology and pathogenesis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

Dynamic expression of Epac and Rap1 in mouse oocytes and preimplantation embryos

Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is an important secondary messenger that has long been recognized to control the initiation of meiosis through the activation of protein kinase A (PKA) in mammalian oocytes. However, PKA is not the only target for cAMP. Recent studies on cAMP-dependent and PKA-independent pathways suggest that Ras-related protein-1 (Rap1) is activated through its cAMP-responsive guanine exchange factors (cAMP-GEFs), which comprises the involvement of exchange proteins directly activated by cAMP (Epac) in various cellular processes. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible implication of a cAMP/Epac/Rap1 pathway in mouse oocytes and embryos. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry assays demonstrated the expression of Epac and Rap1 in oocytes and embryos at different stages. Immunofluorescene demonstrated that Epac and Rap1 had different dynamic subcellular localizations and expression patterns in oocytes and embryos at different stages. It was therefore indicated that Epac and Rap1 may have multiple and specific functions during oocyte maturation and embryonic development.

The tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1 promotes T cell adhesion by activating the adaptor protein CrkII in the immunological synapse

The adaptor protein CrkII regulates T cell adhesion by recruiting the guanine nucleotide exchange factor C3G, an activator of Rap1. Subsequently, Rap1 stimulates the integrin LFA-1, which leads to T cell adhesion and interaction with antigen-presenting cells (APCs). The adhesion of T cells to APCs is critical for their proper function and education. The interface between the T cell and the APC is known as the immunological synapse. It is characterized by the specific organization of proteins that can be divided into central supramolecular activation clusters (c-SMACs) and peripheral SMACs (p-SMACs). Through total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy and experiments with supported lipid bilayers, we determined that activated Rap1 was recruited to the immunological synapse and localized to the p-SMAC. C3G and the active (dephosphorylated) form of CrkII also localized to the same compartment. In contrast, inactive (phosphorylated) CrkII was confined to the c-SMAC. Activation of CrkII and its subsequent movement from the c-SMAC to the p-SMAC depended on the phosphatase SHP-1, which acted downstream of the T cell receptor. In the p-SMAC, CrkII recruited C3G, which led to Rap1 activation and LFA-1-mediated adhesion of T cells to APCs. Functionally, SHP-1 was necessary for both the adhesion and migration of T cells. Together, these data highlight a signaling pathway in which SHP-1 acts through CrkII to reshape the pattern of Rap1 activation in the immunological synapse.

Feedback regulation of G protein-coupled receptor signaling by GRKs and arrestins

GPCRs are ubiquitous in mammalian cells and present intricate mechanisms for cellular signaling and communication. Mechanistically, GPCR signaling was identified to occur vectorially through heterotrimeric G proteins that are negatively regulated by GRK and arrestin effectors. Emerging evidence highlights additional roles for GRK and Arrestin partners, and establishes the existence of interconnected feedback pathways that collectively define GPCR signaling. GPCRs influence cellular dynamics and can mediate pathologic development, such as cancer and cardiovascular remolding. Hence, a better understanding of their overall signal regulation is of great translational interest and research continues to exploit the pharmacologic potential for modulating their activity.

The small GTPase Rap1 promotes cell movement rather than stabilizes adhesion in epithelial cells responding to insulin-like growth factor I

The Ras-related GTPase Rap1 promotes cell adhesion and migration. Although the significance of Rap1 contribution to cell migration is increasingly being recognized, little is known about the biochemical mechanisms driving this process. In the present study, we discovered a previously unidentified regulatory role of insulin-like growth factor type I (IGF-I) receptor (IGF-IR) in CRK Src homology 3 (SH3)-binding guanine-nucleotide-releasing protein (C3G)-Rap1-fascin-actin axis promoting cell movement. We demonstrate that a burst of Rap1 activity, rather than presumed hyperactivation, is imperative for the onset of cell movement. We show that while autophosphorylated IGF-IR signals to C3G to activate Rap1, subsequent IGF-IR internalization promotes gradual inactivation of Rap1 by putative Rap1 GTPase-activating protein (GAP). Additionally, IGF-IR signalling recruits active Rap1 at sites of cell motile protrusions. C3G depletion prevents IGF-I-induced fascin accumulation at actin microspikes and blocks protrusions. In the absence of IGF-IR activity, the wild-type (WT) Rap1 and the constitutively active V12Rap1 mutant remain in cell-cell contacts. Forced inactivation of Rap1 signalling by overexpressing dominant negative N17Rap1, Rap1GAP or by silencing C3G has a detrimental effect on filamentous (F)-actin and cell adhesion irrespective of IGF-IR signalling. We conclude that the basal levels of Rap1 activity holds up cell adhesion, whereas sequential regulation of C3G and GAP by IGF-IR reverses the labile Rap1 function from supporting adhesion to promoting migration.

Of von Willebrand factor and platelets

Hemostasis and pathological thrombus formation are dynamic processes that require multiple adhesive receptor-ligand interactions, with blood platelets at the heart of such events. Many studies have contributed to shed light on the importance of von Willebrand factor (VWF) interaction with its platelet receptors, glycoprotein (GP) Ib-IX-V and αIIbβ3 integrin, in promoting primary platelet adhesion and aggregation following vessel injury. This review will recapitulate our current knowledge on the subject from the rheological aspect to the spatio-temporal development of thrombus formation. We will also discuss the signaling events generated by VWF/GPIb-IX-V interaction, leading to platelet activation. Additionally, we will review the growing body of evidence gathered from the recent development of pathological mouse models suggesting that VWF binding to GPIb-IX-V is a promising target in arterial and venous pathological thrombosis. Finally, the pathological aspects of VWF and its impact on platelets will be addressed.

von Willebrand factor mutation promotes thrombocytopathy by inhibiting integrin αIIbβ3

von Willebrand disease type 2B (vWD-type 2B) is characterized by gain-of-function mutations in von Willebrand factor (vWF) that enhance its binding to the glycoprotein Ib-IX-V complex on platelets. Patients with vWD-type 2B have a bleeding tendency that is linked to loss of vWF multimers and/or thrombocytopenia. In this study, we uncovered evidence that platelet dysfunction is a third possible mechanism for bleeding tendency. We found that platelet aggregation, secretion, and spreading were diminished due to inhibition of integrin αIIbβ3 in platelets from mice expressing a vWD-type 2B-associated vWF (vWF/p.V1316M), platelets from a patient with the same mutation, and control platelets pretreated with recombinant vWF/p.V1316M. Impaired platelet function coincided with reduced thrombus growth. Further, αIIbβ3 activation and activation of the small GTPase Rap1 were impaired by vWF/p.V1316M following exposure to platelet agonists (thrombin, ADP, or convulxin). Conversely, thrombin- or ADP-induced Ca2+ store release, which is required for αIIbβ3 activation, was normal, indicating that vWF/p.V1316M acts downstream of Ca2+ release and upstream of Rap1. We found normal Syk phosphorylation and PLCγ2 activation following collagen receptor signaling, further implying that vWF/p.V1316M acts directly on or downstream of Ca2+ release. These data indicate that the vWD-type 2B mutation p.V1316M is associated with severe thrombocytopathy, which likely contributes to the bleeding tendency in vWD-type 2B.

Rap1 GTPase activation and barrier enhancement in rpe inhibits choroidal neovascularization in vivo

Loss of barrier integrity precedes the development of pathologies such as metastasis, inflammatory disorders, and blood-retinal barrier breakdown present in neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Rap1 GTPase is involved in regulating both endothelial and epithelial cell junctions; the specific role of Rap1A vs. Rap1B isoforms is less clear. Compromise of retinal pigment epithelium barrier function is a contributing factor to the development of AMD. We utilized shRNA of Rap1 isoforms in cultured human retinal pigment epithelial cells, along with knockout mouse models to test the role of Rap1 on promoting RPE barrier properties, with emphasis on the dynamic junctional regulation that is triggered when the adhesion between cells is challenged. In vitro, Rap1A shRNA reduced steady-state barrier integrity, whereas Rap1B shRNA affected dynamic junctional responses. In a laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) model of macular degeneration, Rap1b^−/− mice exhibited larger CNV volumes compared to wild-type or Rap1a^−/−. In vivo, intravitreal injection of a cAMP analog (8CPT-2′-O-Me-cAMP) that is a known Rap1 activator significantly reduced laser-induced CNV volume, which correlated with the inhibition of CEC transmigration across 8CPT-2′O-Me-cAMP-treated RPE monolayers in vitro. Rap1 activation by 8CPT-2′-O-Me-cAMP treatment increased recruitment of junctional proteins and F-actin to cell-cell contacts, increasing both the linearity of junctions in vitro and in cells surrounding laser-induced lesions in vivo. We conclude that in vitro, Rap1A may be important for steady state barrier integrity, while Rap1B is involved more in dynamic junctional responses such as resistance to junctional disassembly induced by EGTA and reassembly of cell junctions following disruption. Furthermore, activation of Rap1 in vivo inhibited development of choroidal neovascular lesions in a laser-injury model. Our data suggest that targeting Rap1 isoforms in vivo with 8CPT-2′-O-Me-cAMP may be a viable pharmacological means to strengthen the RPE barrier against the pathological choroidal endothelial cell invasion that occurs in macular degeneration.

Phosphorylation of the guanine-nucleotide-exchange factor CalDAG-GEFI by protein kinase A regulates Ca(2+)-dependent activation of platelet Rap1b GTPase

In blood platelets the small GTPase Rap1b is activated by cytosolic Ca2+ and promotes integrin αIIbβ3 inside-out activation and platelet aggregation. cAMP is the major inhibitor of platelet function and antagonizes Rap1b stimulation through a mechanism that remains unclear. In the present study we demonstrate that the Ca2+-dependent exchange factor for Rap1b, CalDAG-GEFI (calcium and diacylglycerol-regulated guanine-nucleotide-exchange factor I), is a novel substrate for the cAMP-activated PKA (protein kinase A). CalDAG-GEFI phosphorylation occurred in intact platelets treated with the cAMP-increasing agent forskolin and was inhibited by the PKA inhibitor H89. Purified recombinant CalDAG-GEFI was also phosphorylated in vitro by the PKA catalytic subunit. By screening a panel of specific serine to alanine residue mutants, we identified Ser116 and Ser586 as PKA phosphorylation sites in CalDAG-GEFI. In transfected HEK (human embryonic kidney)-293 cells, as well as in platelets, forskolin-induced phosphorylation of CalDAG-GEFI prevented the activation of Rap1b induced by the Ca2+ ionophore A23187. In platelets this effect was associated with the inhibition of aggregation. Moreover, cAMP-mediated inhibition of Rap1b was lost in HEK-293 cells transfected with a double mutant of CalDAG-GEFI unable to be phosphorylated by PKA. The results of the present study demonstrate that phosphorylation of CalDAG-GEFI by PKA affects its activity and represents a novel mechanism for cAMP-mediated inhibition of Rap1b in platelets.

Cross-talk in nucleotide signaling in glioma C6 cells

The chapter is focused on the mechanism of action of metabotropic P2Y nucleotide receptors: P2Y(1), P2Y(2), P2Y(12), P2Y(14) and the ionotropic P2X(7) receptor in glioma C6 cells. P2Y(1) and P2Y(12) both respond to ADP, but while P2Y(1) links to PLC and elevates cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration, P2Y(12) negatively couples to adenylate cyclase, maintaining cAMP at low level. In glioma C6, these two P2Y receptors modulate activities of ERK1/2 and PI3K/Akt signaling and the effects depend on physiological conditions of the cells. During prolonged serum deprivation, cell growth is arrested, the expression of the P2Y(1) receptor strongly decreases and P2Y(12) becomes a major player responsible for ADP-evoked signal transduction. The P2Y(12) receptor activates ERK1/2 kinase phosphorylation (a known cell proliferation regulator) and stimulates Akt activity, contributing to glioma invasiveness. In contrast, P2Y(1) has an inhibitory effect on Akt pathway signaling. Furthermore, the P2X(7) receptor, often responsible for apoptotic fate, is not involved in Ca(2+)elevation in C6 cells. The shift in nucleotide receptor expression from P2Y(1) to P2Y(12) during serum withdrawal, the cross talk between both receptors and the lack of P2X(7) activity shows the precise self-regulating mechanism, enhancing survival and preserving the neoplastic features of C6 cells.

The Small GTPase Rap1b: A Bidirectional Regulator of Platelet Adhesion Receptors

Integrins and other families of cell adhesion receptors are responsible for platelet adhesion and aggregation, which are essential steps for physiological haemostasis, as well as for the development of thrombosis. The modulation of platelet adhesive properties is the result of a complex pattern of inside-out and outside-in signaling pathways, in which the members of the Rap family of small GTPases are bidirectionally involved. This paper focuses on the regulation of the main Rap GTPase expressed in circulating platelets, Rap1b, downstream of adhesion receptors, and summarizes the most recent achievements in the investigation of the function of this protein as regulator of platelet adhesion and thrombus formation.

Inhibition and Termination of Physiological Responses by GTPase Activating Proteins

Physiological processes are strictly organized in space and time. However, in cell physiology research, more attention is given to the question of space rather than to time. To function as a signal, environmental changes must be restricted in time; they need not only be initiated but also terminated. In this review, we concentrate on the role of one specific protein family involved in biological signal termination. GTPase activating proteins (GAPs) accelerate the endogenously low GTP hydrolysis rate of monomeric guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (GNBPs), limiting thereby their prevalence in the active, GTP-bound form. We discuss cases where defective or excessive GAP activity of specific proteins causes significant alteration in the function of the nervous, endocrine, and hemopoietic systems, or contributes to development of infections and tumors. Biochemical and genetic data as well as observations from human pathology support the notion that GAPs represent vital elements in the spatiotemporal fine tuning of physiological processes.

Elucidating biological risk factors in suicide: role of protein kinase A

Suicide is a major public health concern. Although there have been several studies of suicidal behavior that focused on the roles of psychosocial and sociocultural factors, these factors are of too little predictive value to be clinically useful. Therefore, research on the biological perspective of suicide has gained a stronghold and appears to provide a promising approach to identify biological risk factors associated with suicidal behavior. Recent studies demonstrate that an alteration in synaptic and structural plasticity is key to affective illnesses and suicide. Signal transduction molecules play an important role in such plastic events. Protein kinase A (PKA) is a crucial enzyme in the adenylyl cyclase signal transduction pathway and is involved in regulating gene transcription, cell survival, and plasticity. In this review, we critically and comprehensively discuss the role of PKA in suicidal behavior. Because stress is an important component of suicide, we also discuss whether stress affects PKA and how this may be associated with suicidal behavior. In addition, we also discuss the functional significance of the findings regarding PKA by describing the role of important PKA substrates (i.e., Rap1, cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein, and target gene brain-derived neurotrophic factor). These studies suggest the interesting possibility that PKA and related signaling molecules may serve as important neurobiological factors in suicide and may be relevant in target-specific therapeutic interventions for these disorders.

Glycosides, depression and suicidal behaviour: the role of glycoside-linked proteins

Nowadays depression and suicide are two of the most important worldwide public health problems. Although their specific molecular mechanisms are still largely unknown, glycosides can play a fundamental role in their pathogenesis. These molecules act presumably through the up-regulation of plasticity-related proteins: probably they can have a presynaptic facilitatory effect, through the activation of several intracellular signaling pathways that include molecules like protein kinase A, Rap-1, cAMP, cADPR and G proteins. These proteins take part in a myriad of brain functions such as cell survival and synaptic plasticity. In depressed suicide victims, it has been found that their activity is strongly decreased, primarily in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. These studies suggest that glycosides can regulate neuroprotection through Rap-1 and other molecules, and may play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of depression and suicide.

Rap1 mediates galanin receptor 2-induced proliferation and survival in squamous cell carcinoma

Previously we showed that galanin, a neuropeptide, is secreted by human squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) in which it exhibits an autocrine mitogenic effect. We also showed that rap1, a ras-like signaling protein, is a critical mediator of SCCHN progression. Given the emerging importance of the galanin cascade in regulating proliferation and survival, we investigated the effect of GAL on SCCHN progression via induction of galanin receptor 2 (GALR2)-mediated rap1 activation. Studies were performed in multiple SCCHN cell lines by inducing endogenous GALR2, by stably overexpressing GALR2 and by downregulating endogenous GALR2 with siGALR2. Cell proliferation and survival, mediated by the ERK and AKT signaling cascades, respectively, were evaluated by functional and immunoblot analysis. The role of rap1 in GALR2-mediated proliferation and survival was evaluated by modulating expression. Finally, the effect of GALR2 on tumor growth was determined. GALR2 stimulated proliferation and survival via ERK and AKT activation, respectively. Knockdown or inactivation of rap1 inhibited GALR2-induced, AKT and ERK-mediated survival and proliferation. Overexpression of GALR2 promoted tumor growth in vivo. GALR2 promotes proliferation and survival in vitro, and promotes tumor growth in vivo, consistent with an oncogenic role for GALR2 in SCCHN.

RapGEF2 is essential for embryonic hematopoiesis but dispensable for adult hematopoiesis

RapGEF2 is one of many guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) that specifically activate Rap1. Here, we generated RapGEF2 conditional knockout mice and studied its role in embryogenesis and fetal as well as adult hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) regulation. RapGEF2 deficiency led to embryonic lethality at ~ E11.5 due to severe yolk sac vascular defects. However, a similar number of Flk1(+) cells were present in RapGEF2(+/+) and RapGEF2(-/-) yolk sacs indicating that the bipotential early progenitors were in fact generated in the absence of RapGEF2. Further analysis of yolk sacs and embryos revealed a significant reduction of CD41 expressing cells in RapGEF2(-/-) genotype, suggesting a defect in the maintenance of definitive hematopoiesis. RapGEF2(-/-) cells displayed defects in proliferation and migration, and the in vitro colony formation ability of hematopoietic progenitors was also impaired. At the molecular level, Rap1 activation was impaired in RapGEF2(-/-) cells that in turn lead to defective B-raf/ERK signaling. Scl/Gata transcription factor expression was significantly reduced, indicating that the defects observed in RapGEF2(-/-) cells could be mediated through Scl/Gata deregulation. Inducible deletion of RapGEF2 during late embryogenesis in RapGEF2(cko/cko)ER(cre) mice leads to defective fetal liver erythropoiesis. Conversely, inducible deletion in the adult bone marrow, or specific deletion in B cells, T cells, HSCs, and endothelial cells has no impact on hematopoiesis.

Viral vector approaches to modify gene expression in the brain

The use of viral vectors as gene transfer tools for the central nervous system has seen a significant growth in the last decade. Improvements in the safety, efficiency and specificity of vectors for clinical applications have proven to be beneficial also for basic neuroscience research. This review will discuss the viral systems currently available to neuroscientists and some of the recent achievements in the study of synaptic function, memory and drug addiction.

The interactome of the amyloid beta precursor protein family members is shaped by phosphorylation of their intracellular domains

BACKGROUND

Brain tissue from patients with Alzheimer's disease has shown an increase of phosphorylation of Tyr-682, located on the conserved Y682ENPTY motif, and Thr-668 residues, both in the intracellular domain (AID) of amyloid beta precursor protein (APP), although the role of these two residues is not yet known.

RESULTS

Here, we report that the phosphorylation status of Tyr-682, and in some cases Thr-668, shapes the APP interactome. It creates a docking site for SH2-domain containing proteins, such as ShcA, ShcB, ShcC, Grb7, Grb2, as well as adapter proteins, such as Crk and Nck, that regulate important biological processes, cytosolic tyrosine kinases, such as Abl, Lyn and Src, which regulate signal transduction pathways, and enzymes that control phosphatidylinositols levels and signaling, such as PLC-gamma. At the same time, it either reduces (like for JIP1, NUMB, NUMBL and ARH) or abolishes (like for Fe65, Fe65L1 and Fe65L2) binding of other APP interactors. Phosphorylation of Thr-668, unlike Tyr-682, does not seem to affect APP's ability to interact with the various proteins, with Pin1 and X11 being the exclusions. We also found that there are some differences between the interactions to AID and to ALID1 and ALID2, its two homologues.

CONCLUSION

Our data indicates that APP can regulate diverse cellular processes and that, vice versa, a network of signaling events can impact APP processing. Our results also suggest that phosphorylation of the APP Intracellular Domain will dramatically shape the APP interactome and, consequently, will regulate APP processing, APP transport and APP/AID-mediated functions.

Mechanisms of biphasic insulin-granule exocytosis - roles of the cytoskeleton, small GTPases and SNARE proteins

The release of insulin from pancreatic islets requires negative regulation to ensure low levels of insulin release under resting conditions, as well as positive regulation to facilitate robust responsiveness to conditions of elevated fuel or glucose. The first phase of release involves the plasma-membrane fusion of a small pool of granules, termed the readily releasable pool; these granules are already at the membrane under basal conditions, and discharge their cargo in response to nutrient and also non-nutrient secretagogues. By contrast, second-phase secretion is evoked exclusively by nutrients, and involves the mobilization of intracellular granules to t-SNARE sites at the plasma membrane to enable the distal docking and fusion steps of insulin exocytosis. Nearly 40 years ago, the actin cytoskeleton was first recognized as a key mediator of biphasic insulin release, and was originally presumed to act as a barrier to block granule docking at the cell periphery. More recently, however, the discovery of cycling GTPases that are involved in F-actin reorganization in the islet beta-cell, combined with the availability of reagents that are more specific and tools with which to study the mechanisms that underlie granule movement, have contributed greatly to our understanding of the role of the cytoskeleton in regulating biphasic insulin secretion. Herein, we provide historical perspective and review recent progress that has been made towards integrating cytoskeletal reorganization and cycling of small Rho-, Rab- and Ras-family GTPases into our current models of stimulus-secretion coupling and second-phase insulin release.

cAMP-Epac2-mediated activation of Rap1 in developing male germ cells: RA-RhoGAP as a possible direct down-stream effector

Rap1 is a small GTPase that functions as a positional signal and organizer of cell architecture. Recently Rap1 is emerged to play a critical role during sperm differentiation since its inactivation in haploid cells leads to a premature release of spermatids from the supporting Sertoli cell resulting in male infertility. How Rap1 is activated in spermatogenic cells has not yet been determined. Our objective was to investigate on a possible cAMP-mediated activation of Rap1 employing a cAMP analogue selective to Epac, the Rap1 activator directly responsive to cAMP, for stimulating cultured testis germ cells. Here we provide biochemical, cellular and functional evidence that the Epac variant known as Epac2 is expressed as both a transcript and a protein and that it is able to promote Rap1 activation in the cultured cells. A time course immunofluorescence analysis carried out on stimulated cells revealed the translocation of endogenous Epac2, which is cytosolic, towards the site where Rap1 is located, i.e., the Golgi complex, thus documenting the effective Rap1-Epac2 protein interaction 'in vivo' leading to Rap1-GTP loading. A combination of biochemical and molecular techniques supported the immunofluorescence data. The search for the presence of a putative Rap1 downstream effector, described in differentiating somatic cells as a target of cAMP-Epac-activated Rap1, revealed the presence in spermatogenic cells of RA-RhoGAP, a Rap1-activated Rho GTPase-activating protein. Taken together, our results, obtained with endogenously expressed proteins, are consistent with a cAMP/Epac2/Rap1-mediated signaling that could exert its action, among others, through RA-RhoGAP to promote the progression of spermatogenesis.

Small G proteins as key regulators of pancreatic digestive enzyme secretion

Small GTP-binding (G) proteins act as molecular switches to regulate a number of cellular processes, including vesicular transport. Emerging evidence indicates that small G proteins regulate a number of steps in the secretion of pancreatic acinar cells. Diverse small G proteins have been localized at discrete compartments along the secretory pathway and particularly on the secretory granule. Rab3D, Rab27B, and Rap1 are present on the granule membrane and play a role in the steps leading up to exocytosis. Whether the function of these G proteins is simply to ensure appropriate targeting or if they are involved as regulatory molecules is discussed. Most evidence suggests that Rab3D and Rab27B play a role in tethering the secretory granule to its target membrane. Other Rabs have been identified on the secretory granule that are associated with different steps in the secretory pathway. The Rho family small G proteins RhoA and Rac1 also regulate secretion through remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton. Possible mechanisms for regulation of these G proteins and their effector molecules are considered.

Phosphorylation of Rap1GAP, a striatally enriched protein, by protein kinase A controls Rap1 activity and dendritic spine morphology

Protein kinase A (PKA)-dependent signaling cascades play an important role in mediating the effects of dopamine and other neurotransmitters in striatal medium spiny neurons. We have identified a prominent striatal PKA substrate as Rap1-GTPase activating protein (Rap1GAP), a negative regulator of Rap1 signaling. Although present throughout the brain, Rap1GAP is enriched in striatal medium spiny neurons and is phosphorylated by PKA at Ser-441 and Ser-499 in response to activation of D1 dopamine receptors. Phosphorylation of Rap1GAP is associated with inhibition of GAP activity, as demonstrated by increased Rap1 activity in striatal neurons. Phosphorylation of Rap1GAP is also associated with decreased [corrected] dendritic spine head size in cultured neurons. These findings suggest that phosphorylation of Rap1GAP by PKA plays an important role in striatal neurons by modulating Rap1 actions.

Temporal phases of activity-dependent plasticity and memory are mediated by compartmentalized routing of MAPK signaling in aplysia sensory neurons

An activity-dependent form of intermediate memory (AD-ITM) for sensitization is induced in Aplysia by a single tail shock that gives rise to plastic changes (AD-ITF) in tail sensory neurons (SNs) via the interaction of action potential firing in the SN coupled with the release of serotonin in the CNS. Activity-dependent long-term facilitation (AD-LTF, lasting >24hr) requires protein synthesis dependent persistent mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation and translocation to the SN nucleus. We now show that the induction of the earlier temporal phase (AD-ITM and AD-ITF), which is translation and transcription independent, requires the activation of a compartmentally distinct novel signaling cascade that links second messengers, MAPK and PKC into a unified pathway within tail SNs. Since both AD-ITM and AD-LTM require MAPK activity, these collective findings suggest that presynaptic SNs route the flow of molecular information to distinct subcellular compartments during the induction of activity-dependent long-lasting memories.

Endothelial signaling in paracellular and transcellular leukocyte transmigration

As the primary physical barrier between blood and tissue compartments within the body, blood vessel endothelial cells and integrity of the cell junctions connecting them must be carefully regulated to support leukocyte transendothelial migration only when necessary. Leukocytes utilize two independent routes across the endothelium: the paracellular route involves migration in-between adjacent endothelial cells and requires the transient disassembly of endothelial cell junctions, while the transcellular route occurs directly through an individual endothelial cell, likely requiring the formation of a channel or pore. In this review, I will first summarize the signaling events that are transduced by leukocyte engagement of endothelial cell-surface receptors like ICAM-1 and VCAM-1. Some of these signals include activation of GTPases, production of reactive oxygen species, and phosphorylation of target proteins. These signaling pathways converge to cause junctional disruption, cytoskeletal remodeling, and/or the membrane fusion events that are associated with leukocyte transendothelial migration. The review will conclude with a detailed discussion of the newly characterized transmigratory cup structure, and the recent advances made towards understanding the mechanisms of transcellular transendothelial migration.

Small G proteins exhibit pattern sensitivity in MAPK activation during the induction of memory and synaptic facilitation in Aplysia

Memory formation is highly sensitive to specific patterns of training, but the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying pattern sensitivity are not well understood. We explored this general question by using Aplysia californica as a model system. We examined the regulation of MAPK (ERK1/2) activation by small G proteins in the CNS by using different patterns of analog stimuli that mimic different patterns of behavioral training for memory induction. We first cloned and characterized the Aplysia homologs of the small G proteins, Ras and Rap1 (ApRas and ApRap, respectively). We next examined changes in ApRas and ApRap activity that accompany MAPK activation. Last, by delivering recombinant ApRas and ApRap into the CNS, we directly manipulated their activity and examined the resultant MAPK activation. We found that MAPK activation induced by analog training depends on the combined activity of ApRas and ApRap, rather than the individual activity of either one alone. Also, ApRas and ApRap have a complex role in MAPK activation: they can act as activators or inhibitors, depending on the specific pattern of the training. The pattern-sensitive regulation of MAPK by interactive ApRas and ApRap activity that we have identified could contribute to the molecular routing of different downstream effects of spatially localized MAPK required for the induction of specific pattern-sensitive forms of synaptic facilitation and memory.

Rap1 activation plays a regulatory role in pancreatic amylase secretion

Rap1 is a member of the Ras superfamily of small GTP-binding proteins and is localized on pancreatic zymogen granules. The current study was designed to determine whether GTP-Rap1 is involved in the regulation of amylase secretion. Rap1A/B and the two Rap1 guanine nucleotide exchange factors, Epac1 and CalDAG-GEF III, were identified in mouse pancreatic acini. A fraction of both Rap1 and Epac1 colocalized with amylase in zymogen granules, but only Rap1 was integral to the zymogen granule membranes. Stimulation with cholecystokinin (CCK), carbachol, and vasoactive intestinal peptide all induced Rap1 activation, as did calcium ionophore A23187, phorbol ester, forskolin, 8-bromo-cyclic AMP, and the Epac-specific cAMP analog 8-pCPT-2'-O-Me-cAMP. The phospholipase C inhibitor U-73122 abolished carbachol- but not forskolin-induced Rap1 activation. Co-stimulation with carbachol and 8-pCPT-2'-O-Me-cAMP led to an additive effect on Rap1 activation, whereas a synergistic effect was seen on amylase release. Although the protein kinase A inhibitor H-89 abolished forskolin-stimulated CREB phosphorylation, it did not modify forskolin-induced GTP-Rap1 levels, excluding PKA participation. Overexpression of Rap1 GTPase-activating protein, which blocked Rap1 activation, reduced the effect of 8-bromo-cyclic AMP, 8-pCPT-2'-O-Me-cAMP, and vasoactive intestinal peptide on amylase release by 60% and reduced CCK- as well as carbachol-stimulated pancreatic amylase release by 40%. These findings indicate that GTP-Rap1 is required for pancreatic amylase release. Rap1 activation not only mediates the cAMP-evoked response via Epac1 but is also involved in CCK- and carbachol-induced amylase release, with their action most likely mediated by CalDAG-GEF III.

SKAP-55, SKAP-55-related and ADAP adaptors modulate integrin-mediated immune-cell adhesion

Integrin adhesion is essential for aspects of immune function, including antigen presentation and migration in lymph nodes, germinal centers and sites of inflammation. Antigen receptors on B and T cells generate 'inside-out' signals for increased integrin clustering and adhesion. Although upstream components of B-cell-receptor or T-cell-receptor signaling are needed, the identity of key downstream effectors that mediate integrin adhesion is only just emerging. New candidates include immune-cell-specific adaptor proteins ADAP, SKAP-55 and SKAP-55-related (SKAP-55R). SKAP-55 has recently been identified as an effector in T cells in SKAP-55-deficient mice, whereas SKAP-55R is needed for B-cell adhesion. ADAP is required for SKAP-55 and SKAP-55R protein stability. SKAP-55 and SKAP-55R have unexpectedly specialized roles in T- and B-cell adhesion of the immune system.

Epac and PKA: a tale of two intracellular cAMP receptors

cAMP-mediated signaling pathways regulate a multitude of important biological processes under both physiological and pathological conditions, including diabetes, heart failure and cancer. In eukaryotic cells, the effects of cAMP are mediated by two ubiquitously expressed intracellular cAMP receptors, the classic protein kinase A (PKA)/cAMP-dependent protein kinase and the recently discovered exchange protein directly activated by camp (Epac)/cAMP-regulated guanine nucleotide exchange factors. Like PKA, Epac contains an evolutionally conserved cAMP binding domain that acts as a molecular switch for sensing intracellular second messenger cAMP levels to control diverse biological functions. The existence of two families of cAMP effectors provides a mechanism for a more precise and integrated control of the cAMP signaling pathways in a spatial and temporal manner. Depending upon the specific cellular environments as well as their relative abundance, distribution and localization, Epac and PKA may act independently, converge synergistically or oppose each other in regulating a specific cellular function.

Choose your own path: specificity in Ras GTPase signaling

The Ras superfamily of small G proteins contributes importantly to numerous cellular and physiological processes (M. F. Olsen and R. Marais, Semin. Immunol., 2000, 12, 63). This family comprises a large class of proteins (more than 150) which all share a common enzymatic function: hydrolysis of the gamma-phosphate of guanosine triphosphate (GTP) to create the products guanosine diphosphate (GDP) and inorganic phosphate (Y. Takai, T. Sasaki and T. Matozaki, Physiol. Rev., 2001, 81, 153). For this reason Ras family proteins, which include the Ras, Rho, Arf/Sara, Ran and Rab subfamilies, are classified as GTPases (G. W. Reuther and C. J. Der, Curr. Opin. Cell Biol., 2000, 12, 157). Guanine nucleotide coupling is a key regulator of enzymatic function; thus, Ras family GTPases participate in signal transduction. Ras signaling depends on binding to effectors. Many of the known effectors can bind to multiple Ras isotypes, often leading to common cellular outcomes, but each Ras isotype also engages specific effector pathways to mediate unique functions. Further, each Ras isotype can propagate multiple signaling pathways, indicating the presence of cellular determinants which allow for promiscuity in Ras-effector interactions while also maintaining specificity. Small distinctions in sequence, structure, and/or cellular regulation contribute to these differences in Ras-effector binding and subsequent cellular effects. A major focus of investigation in the Ras signaling field is identifying the determinants of these individualized functions. This review will attempt to summarize the current state of understanding of this question (with a particular focus on the Ras subfamily) and the approaches being taken to address it, and will discuss prospective areas for future investigation.

Ras-induced modulation of CXCL10 and its receptor splice variant CXCR3-B in MDA-MB-435 and MCF-7 cells: relevance for the development of human breast cancer

Interactions between chemokines and chemokine receptors have been proposed recently to be of importance in the development and progression of cancer. Human breast cancer cells express the chemokine CXCL10 (IP-10) and also its receptor CXCR3. In this study, we have investigated the role of Ras activation in the regulation of CXCL10 and its receptor splice variant CXCR3-B in two human breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-435 and MCF-7. In cotransfection assays, using a full-length CXCL10 promoter-luciferase construct, we found that the activated form of Ras, Ha-Ras(12V), promoted CXCL10 transcriptional activation. Ras significantly increased CXCL10 mRNA and protein expression as observed by real-time PCR, fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis, and ELISA. Selective inhibition of Ha-Ras by small interfering RNA (siRNA) decreased CXCL10 mRNA expression in a dose-dependent manner. Further, using effector domain mutants of Ras, we found that Ras-induced overexpression of CXCL10 is mediated primarily through the Raf and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling pathways. We also observed that the expression of the splice variant CXCR3-B, known to inhibit cell proliferation, was significantly down-regulated by Ras. Selective inhibition of CXCR3-B using siRNA resulted in an increase in CXCL10-mediated breast cancer cell proliferation through G(i) proteins and likely involving CXCR3-A. Finally, we observed intense expression of CXCL10 and CXCR3 in association with human breast cancer in situ, indicating that these observations may be of pathophysiologic significance. Together, these results suggest that activation of Ras plays a critical role in modulating the expression of both CXCL10 and CXCR3-B, which may have important consequences in the development of breast tumors through cancer cell proliferation.

Essential role of Pyk2 and Src kinase activation in neuropeptide-induced proliferation of small cell lung cancer cells

Neuropeptide hormones like bombesin/gastrin-releasing peptide, galanin or bradykinin, acting via auto and paracrine growth loops, represent the principal mitogens of small cell lung cancer (SCLC). These mitogenic neuropeptides activate G(q/11)-coupled receptors which stimulate phospholipase Cbeta activity, followed by rises of the intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+](i)) and activation of protein kinase C (PKC). We report here that proline-rich tyrosine kinase Pyk2 is highly expressed in SCLC cells and provides a functional link between neuropeptide-induced increases in [Ca2+](i) and tumor cell proliferation. Activation of Pyk2 and its association with Src kinases critically depends on the elevation of [Ca2+](i), but is independent of PKC. Src kinase activities are crucial for neuropeptide-mediated GTP-loading of Ras and activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases in SCLC cells. Pyk2 and Src kinases essentially contribute to anchorage-independent proliferation of SCLC cells. Inhibition of either Pyk2 or Src kinases by lentiviral RNAi or pharmacological inhibition with PP2, respectively, attenuated basal and neuropeptide-elicited survival and proliferation of SCLC cells in liquid culture and in soft agar. Thus, neuropeptides stimulate anchorage-independent survival and proliferation of SCLC cells via pathways involving Pyk2 and Src kinases. Therefore, Ca2+-induced Pyk2/Src complex formation may be a rewarding molecular target for novel therapeutic strategies in SCLC cells.

C3G mediated suppression of malignant transformation involves activation of PP2A phosphatases at the subcortical actin cytoskeleton

In previous work, we demonstrated that C3G suppresses Ras oncogenic transformation by a mechanism involving inhibition of ERK phosphorylation. Here we present evidences indicating that this suppression mechanism is mediated, at least in part, by serine/threonine phosphatases of the PP2A family. Thus: (i) ectopic expression of C3G or C3GDeltaCat (mutant lacking the GEF activity) increases specific ERK-associated PP2A phosphatase activities; (ii) C3G and PP2A interact, as demonstrated by immunofluorescence and co-immunoprecipitation experiments; (iii) association between PP2A and MEK or ERK increases in C3G overexpressing cells; (iv) phosphorylated-inactive PP2A level decreases in C3G expressing clones and, most importantly, (v) okadaic acid reverts the inhibitory effect of C3G on ERK phosphorylation. Moreover, C3G interacts with Ksr-1, a scaffold protein of the Ras-ERK pathway that also associates with PP2A. The fraction of C3G involved in transformation suppression is restricted to the subcortical actin cytoskeleton where it interacts with actin. Furthermore, the association between C3G and PP2A remains stable even after cytoskeleton disruption with cytochalasin D, suggesting that the three proteins form a complex at this subcellular compartment. Finally, C3G- and C3GDeltaCat-mediated inhibition of ERK phosphorylation is reverted by incubation with cytochalasin D. We hypothesize that C3G triggers PP2A activation and binding to MEK and ERK at the subcortical actin cytoskeleton, thus favouring ERK dephosphorylation.

Interactome of transforming growth factor-beta type I receptor (TbetaRI): inhibition of TGFbeta signaling by Epac1

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGFbeta) is a potent regulator of cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis. Type I TGFbeta receptor (TbetaRI) is the key receptor for initiation of intracellular signaling by TGFbeta. Here we report proteomics-based identification of proteins that form a complex with TbetaRI. Using 2D-GE and MALDI TOF mass spectrometry, we identified 16 proteins that specifically interacted with a GST-fused TbetaRI Thr204Asp construct with constitutively active serine/threonine kinase. We confirmed interactions of the receptor with cAMP regulated guanine nucleotide exchange factor 1 (Epac1), beta-spectrin, PIASy, and beta-catenin proteins using immunoblotting. Interaction of the receptor with Epac1 required intact kinase activity of TbetaRI but was not affected by deletion of cAMP-binding domain of Epac1. TGFbeta1-induced C-terminal phosphorylation of Smad2 was inhibited in vivo and in vitro in the presence of Epac1. Epac1 inhibited also TGFbeta1/TbetaRI-dependent transcriptional activation, as evaluated by luciferase reporter assays. We observed that expression of Epac1 counteracted TGFbeta/TbetaRI-dependent decrease of cell adhesion and TGFbeta/TbetaRI-induced stimulation of cell migration. Thus, we have reported novel TRI-interacting proteins and have shown that Epac1 inhibited TGFbeta-dependent regulation of cell migration and adhesion.