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Graef J, Ehrt C, Reim T, Rarey M. Database-Driven Identification of Structurally Similar Protein-Protein Interfaces. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:3332-3349. [PMID: 38470439 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c01462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Analyzing the similarity of protein interfaces in protein-protein interactions gives new insights into protein function and assists in discovering new drugs. Usually, tools that assess the similarity focus on the interactions between two protein interfaces, while sometimes we only have one predicted interface. Herein, we present PiMine, a database-driven protein interface similarity search. It compares interface residues of one or two interacting chains by calculating and searching tetrahedral geometric patterns of α-carbon atoms and calculating physicochemical and shape-based similarity. On a dedicated, tailor-made dataset, we show that PiMine outperforms commonly used comparison tools in terms of early enrichment when considering interfaces of sequentially and structurally unrelated proteins. In an application example, we demonstrate its usability for protein interaction partner prediction by comparing predicted interfaces to known protein-protein interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Graef
- Universität Hamburg, ZBH─Center for Bioinformatics , Albert-Einstein-Ring 8-10, 22761 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christiane Ehrt
- Universität Hamburg, ZBH─Center for Bioinformatics , Albert-Einstein-Ring 8-10, 22761 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thorben Reim
- Universität Hamburg, ZBH─Center for Bioinformatics , Albert-Einstein-Ring 8-10, 22761 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Rarey
- Universität Hamburg, ZBH─Center for Bioinformatics , Albert-Einstein-Ring 8-10, 22761 Hamburg, Germany
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2
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Scarini JF, Gonçalves MWA, de Lima-Souza RA, Lavareze L, de Carvalho Kimura T, Yang CC, Altemani A, Mariano FV, Soares HP, Fillmore GC, Egal ESA. Potential role of the Eph/ephrin system in colorectal cancer: emerging druggable molecular targets. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1275330. [PMID: 38651144 PMCID: PMC11033724 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1275330] [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: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The Eph/ephrin system regulates many developmental processes and adult tissue homeostasis. In colorectal cancer (CRC), it is involved in different processes including tumorigenesis, tumor angiogenesis, metastasis development, and cancer stem cell regeneration. However, conflicting data regarding Eph receptors in CRC, especially in its putative role as an oncogene or a suppressor gene, make the precise role of Eph-ephrin interaction confusing in CRC development. In this review, we provide an overview of the literature and highlight evidence that collaborates with these ambiguous roles of the Eph/ephrin system in CRC, as well as the molecular findings that represent promising therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Figueira Scarini
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Oral Diagnosis, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Moisés Willian Aparecido Gonçalves
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Oral Diagnosis, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Reydson Alcides de Lima-Souza
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Oral Diagnosis, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luccas Lavareze
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Oral Diagnosis, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Talita de Carvalho Kimura
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Oral Diagnosis, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ching-Chu Yang
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Utah (UU), Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Albina Altemani
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Viviane Mariano
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Heloisa Prado Soares
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah (UU), Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Gary Chris Fillmore
- Biorepository and Molecular Pathology, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah (UU), Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Erika Said Abu Egal
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
- Biorepository and Molecular Pathology, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah (UU), Salt Lake City, UT, United States
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3
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Mitchell SM, Heise RM, Murray ME, Lambo DJ, Daso RE, Banerjee IA. An investigation of binding interactions of tumor-targeted peptide conjugated polyphenols with the kinase domain of ephrin B4 and B2 receptors. Mol Divers 2024; 28:817-849. [PMID: 36847923 PMCID: PMC9969393 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-023-10621-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that Ephrin receptors may be upregulated in several types of cancers including breast, ovarian and endometrial cancers, making them a target for drug design. In this work, we have utilized a target-hopping approach to design new natural product-peptide conjugates and examined their interactions with the kinase-binding domain of EphB4 and EphB2 receptors. The peptide sequences were generated through point mutations of the known EphB4 antagonist peptide TNYLFSPNGPIA. Their anticancer properties and secondary structures were analyzed computationally. Conjugates of most optimum of peptides were then designed by binding the N-terminal of the peptides with the free carboxyl group of the polyphenols sinapate, gallate and coumarate, which are known for their inherent anticancer properties. To investigate if these conjugates have a potential to bind to the kinase domain, we carried out docking studies and MMGBSA free energy calculations of the trajectories based on the molecular dynamics simulations, with both the apo and the ATP bound kinase domains of both receptors. In most cases binding interactions occurred within the catalytic loop region, while in some cases the conjugates were found to spread out across the N-lobe and the DFG motif region. The conjugates were further tested for prediction of pharmacokinetic properties using ADME studies. Our results indicated that the conjugates were lipophilic and MDCK permeable with no CYP interactions. These findings provide an insight into the molecular interactions of these peptides and conjugates with the kinase domain of the EphB4 and EphB2 receptor. As a proof of concept, we synthesized and carried out SPR analysis with two of the conjugates (gallate-TNYLFSPNGPIA and sinapate-TNYLFSPNGPIA). Results indicated that the conjugates showed higher binding with the EphB4 receptor and minimal binding to EphB2 receptor. Sinapate-TNYLFSPNGPIA showed inhibitory activity against EphB4. These studies reveal that some of the conjugates may be developed for further investigation into in vitro and in vivo studies and potential development as therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saige M Mitchell
- Department of Chemistry, Fordham University, 441 E. Fordham Rd, Bronx, NY, 10458, USA
| | - Ryan M Heise
- Department of Chemistry, Fordham University, 441 E. Fordham Rd, Bronx, NY, 10458, USA
| | - Molly E Murray
- Department of Chemistry, Fordham University, 441 E. Fordham Rd, Bronx, NY, 10458, USA
| | - Dominic J Lambo
- Department of Chemistry, Fordham University, 441 E. Fordham Rd, Bronx, NY, 10458, USA
| | - Rachel E Daso
- Department of Chemistry, Fordham University, 441 E. Fordham Rd, Bronx, NY, 10458, USA
| | - Ipsita A Banerjee
- Department of Chemistry, Fordham University, 441 E. Fordham Rd, Bronx, NY, 10458, USA.
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4
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Veiga RN, de Azevedo ALK, de Oliveira JC, Gradia DF. Targeting EphA2: a promising strategy to overcome chemoresistance and drug resistance in cancer. J Mol Med (Berl) 2024; 102:479-493. [PMID: 38393661 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-024-02431-x] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular A2 (EphA2) is a vital member of the Eph tyrosine kinase receptor family and has been associated with developmental processes. However, it is often overexpressed in tumors and correlates with cancer progression and worse prognosis due to the activation of its noncanonical signaling pathway. Throughout cancer treatment, the emergence of drug-resistant tumor cells is relatively common. Since the early 2000s, researchers have focused on understanding the role of EphA2 in promoting drug resistance in different types of cancer, as well as finding efficient and secure EphA2 inhibitors. In this review, the current knowledge regarding induced resistance by EphA2 in cancer treatment is summarized, and the types of cancer that lead to the most cancer-related deaths are highlighted. Some EphA2 inhibitors were also investigated. Regardless of whether the cancer treatment has reached a drug-resistance stage in EphA2-overexpressing tumors, once EphA2 is involved in cancer progression and aggressiveness, targeting EphA2 is a promising therapeutic strategy, especially in combination with other target-drugs for synergistic effect. For that reason, monoclonal antibodies against EphA2 and inhibitors of this receptor should be investigated for efficacy and drug toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela Nasser Veiga
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetics and Oncogenetics, Postgraduate Program in Genetics. Department of Genetics, Universidade Federal Do Paraná, Rua Coronel Francisco Heráclito Dos Santos, 100, Jardim das AméricasCuritiba, CEP, 81531-980, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Luiz Korte de Azevedo
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetics and Oncogenetics, Postgraduate Program in Genetics. Department of Genetics, Universidade Federal Do Paraná, Rua Coronel Francisco Heráclito Dos Santos, 100, Jardim das AméricasCuritiba, CEP, 81531-980, Brazil
| | - Jaqueline Carvalho de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetics and Oncogenetics, Postgraduate Program in Genetics. Department of Genetics, Universidade Federal Do Paraná, Rua Coronel Francisco Heráclito Dos Santos, 100, Jardim das AméricasCuritiba, CEP, 81531-980, Brazil
| | - Daniela Fiori Gradia
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetics and Oncogenetics, Postgraduate Program in Genetics. Department of Genetics, Universidade Federal Do Paraná, Rua Coronel Francisco Heráclito Dos Santos, 100, Jardim das AméricasCuritiba, CEP, 81531-980, Brazil.
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5
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Sasine JP, Kozlova NY, Valicente L, Dukov J, Tran DH, Himburg HA, Kumar S, Khorsandi S, Chan A, Grohe S, Li M, Kan J, Sehl ME, Schiller GJ, Reinhardt B, Singh BK, Ho R, Yue P, Pasquale EB, Chute JP. Inhibition of Ephrin B2 Reverse Signaling Abolishes Multiple Myeloma Pathogenesis. Cancer Res 2024; 84:919-934. [PMID: 38231476 PMCID: PMC10940855 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-1950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Bone marrow vascular endothelial cells (BM EC) regulate multiple myeloma pathogenesis. Identification of the mechanisms underlying this interaction could lead to the development of improved strategies for treating multiple myeloma. Here, we performed a transcriptomic analysis of human ECs with high capacity to promote multiple myeloma growth, revealing overexpression of the receptor tyrosine kinases, EPHB1 and EPHB4, in multiple myeloma-supportive ECs. Expression of ephrin B2 (EFNB2), the binding partner for EPHB1 and EPHB4, was significantly increased in multiple myeloma cells. Silencing EPHB1 or EPHB4 in ECs suppressed multiple myeloma growth in coculture. Similarly, loss of EFNB2 in multiple myeloma cells blocked multiple myeloma proliferation and survival in vitro, abrogated multiple myeloma engraftment in immune-deficient mice, and increased multiple myeloma sensitivity to chemotherapy. Administration of an EFNB2-targeted single-chain variable fragment also suppressed multiple myeloma growth in vivo. In contrast, overexpression of EFNB2 in multiple myeloma cells increased STAT5 activation, increased multiple myeloma cell survival and proliferation, and decreased multiple myeloma sensitivity to chemotherapy. Conversely, expression of mutant EFNB2 lacking reverse signaling capacity in multiple myeloma cells increased multiple myeloma cell death and sensitivity to chemotherapy and abolished multiple myeloma growth in vivo. Complementary analysis of multiple myeloma patient data revealed that increased EFNB2 expression is associated with adverse-risk disease and decreased survival. This study suggests that EFNB2 reverse signaling controls multiple myeloma pathogenesis and can be therapeutically targeted to improve multiple myeloma outcomes. SIGNIFICANCE Ephrin B2 reverse signaling mediated by endothelial cells directly regulates multiple myeloma progression and treatment resistance, which can be overcome through targeted inhibition of ephrin B2 to abolish myeloma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua P. Sasine
- Division of Hematology & Cellular Therapy, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
- Cedars-Sinai Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Los Angeles, California
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
- Department of Medicine, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Natalia Y. Kozlova
- Division of Hematology & Cellular Therapy, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
- Cedars-Sinai Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Los Angeles, California
| | - Lisa Valicente
- Division of Hematology & Cellular Therapy, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
- Cedars-Sinai Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jennifer Dukov
- Division of Hematology & Cellular Therapy, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
- Cedars-Sinai Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Los Angeles, California
| | - Dana H. Tran
- Division of Hematology & Cellular Therapy, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
- Cedars-Sinai Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Los Angeles, California
| | - Heather A. Himburg
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Sanjeev Kumar
- Department of Medicine, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Sarah Khorsandi
- Division of Hematology & Cellular Therapy, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Aldi Chan
- Division of Hematology & Cellular Therapy, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Samantha Grohe
- Division of Hematology & Cellular Therapy, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Michelle Li
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jenny Kan
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Mary E. Sehl
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Gary J. Schiller
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Bryanna Reinhardt
- Division of Hematology & Cellular Therapy, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Brijesh Kumar Singh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Ritchie Ho
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Peibin Yue
- Division of Hematology & Cellular Therapy, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Elena B. Pasquale
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, San Diego, California
| | - John P. Chute
- Division of Hematology & Cellular Therapy, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
- Cedars-Sinai Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Los Angeles, California
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
- Department of Medicine, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
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Chen D, Wiggins D, Sevick EM, Davis MJ, King PD. An EPHB4-RASA1 signaling complex inhibits shear stress-induced Ras-MAPK activation in lymphatic endothelial cells to promote the development of lymphatic vessel valves. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.22.568378. [PMID: 38045382 PMCID: PMC10690291 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.22.568378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
EPHB4 is a receptor protein tyrosine kinase that is required for the development of lymphatic vessel (LV) valves. We show here that EPHB4 is necessary for the specification of LV valves, their continued development after specification, and the maintenance of LV valves in adult mice. EPHB4 promotes LV valve development by inhibiting the activation of the Ras-MAPK pathway in LV endothelial cells (LEC). For LV specification, this role for EPHB4 depends on its ability to interact physically with the p120 Ras-GTPase-activating protein (RASA1) that acts as a negative regulator of Ras. Through physical interaction, EPHB4 and RASA1 dampen oscillatory shear stress (OSS)-induced Ras-MAPK activation in LEC, which is required for LV specification. We identify the Piezo1 OSS sensor as a focus of EPHB4-RASA1 regulation of OSS-induced Ras-MAPK signaling mediated through physical interaction. These findings contribute to an understanding of the mechanism by which EPHB4, RASA1 and Ras regulate lymphatic valvulogenesis.
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Kim Y, Ahmed S, Miller WT. Colorectal cancer-associated mutations impair EphB1 kinase function. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105115. [PMID: 37527777 PMCID: PMC10463257 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Erythropoietin-producing hepatoma (Eph) receptor tyrosine kinases regulate the migration and adhesion of cells that are required for many developmental processes and adult tissue homeostasis. In the intestinal epithelium, Eph signaling controls the positioning of cell types along the crypt-villus axis. Eph activity can suppress the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). The most frequently mutated Eph receptor in metastatic CRC is EphB1. However, the functional effects of EphB1 mutations are mostly unknown. We expressed and purified the kinase domains of WT and five cancer-associated mutant EphB1 and developed assays to assess the functional effects of the mutations. Using purified proteins, we determined that CRC-associated mutations reduce the activity and stability of the folded structure of EphB1. By mammalian cell expression, we determined that CRC-associated mutant EphB1 receptors inhibit signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 signaling. In contrast to the WT, the mutant EphB1 receptors are unable to suppress the migration of human CRC cells. The CRC-associated mutations also impair cell compartmentalization in an assay in which EphB1-expressing cells are cocultured with ligand (ephrin B1)-expressing cells. These results suggest that somatic mutations impair the kinase-dependent tumor suppressor function of EphB1 in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunyoung Kim
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Sultan Ahmed
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - W Todd Miller
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA; Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Northport, New York, USA.
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Jia X, Zhang D, Zhou C, Yan Z, Jiang Z, Xie L, Jiang J. Eph receptor B6 shapes a cold immune microenvironment, inhibiting anti-cancer immunity and immunotherapy response in bladder cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1175183. [PMID: 37637034 PMCID: PMC10450340 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1175183] [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: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The role of Eph receptors and related ephrin (EFN) ligands (as the largest family of transmembrane-bound RTKs) in immunomodulation in many types of cancer, especially bladder cancer (BLCA), is scarcely known. Methods A pan-cancer dataset was retrieved from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to explore the relation between Eph receptor/EFN ligand family genes and immunomodulators and tumor-infiltrated immune cells (TIICs). Local BLCA, GSE32894, and GSE31684 cohorts were applied to validate. The IMvigor210 cohort was employed to explore the relationship between EPHB6 and immunotherapy response. Moreover, association between EPHB6 and molecular subtype was investigated to explore potential therapeutic strategies. Immunohistochemical staining of CD8 and CD68 was performed to validate the correlation between EPHB6 and TIICs. Results The pan-cancer analysis revealed variations in the immunological effects of Eph receptor/EFN ligand family genes across different types of cancer. EPHB6 expression negatively correlated with the expression of the majority of immunomodulators (including HLA and immune checkpoints), and CD8 T cells and macrophages in both the TCGA-BLCA and validation BLCA cohorts, shaping a cold immune microenvironment with inhibited immunity. In the IMvigor210 cohort, patients with high-EPHB6 highly correlated with a non-inflamed, low PD-L1 expression immune phenotype, and correspondingly, with less responders to immunotherapy. The high-EPHB6 group, enriched with the basal subtype, presented significantly fewer TP53 and more FGFR3 genomic alterations. Finally, a novel EPHB6-related Genes signature, with reliable and robust ability in prognosis prediction, was constructed. Conclusions This study comprehensively investigated the immunological effects of Eph receptor/EFN ligand family genes pan-cancer, and specially identified the immunosuppressive role of EPHB6 in BLCA. Furthermore, EPHB6 may predict the molecular subtype and prognosis of BLCA, and serve as a novel therapeutic target to improve the sensitivity of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Jia
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Urology, Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo Hospital of Zhejiang University, Ningbo, China
| | - Dongxu Zhang
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Urology, Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo Hospital of Zhejiang University, Ningbo, China
| | - Cheng Zhou
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Urology, Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo Hospital of Zhejiang University, Ningbo, China
| | - Zejun Yan
- Department of Urology, Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo Hospital of Zhejiang University, Ningbo, China
| | - Zhaohui Jiang
- Department of Urology, Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo Hospital of Zhejiang University, Ningbo, China
| | - Liping Xie
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Junhui Jiang
- Department of Urology, Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo Hospital of Zhejiang University, Ningbo, China
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Yan K, Bormuth I, Bormuth O, Tutukova S, Renner A, Bessa P, Schaub T, Rosário M, Tarabykin V. TrkB-dependent EphrinA reverse signaling regulates callosal axon fasciculate growth downstream of Neurod2/6. Cereb Cortex 2023; 33:1752-1767. [PMID: 35462405 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhac170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal development of corpus callosum is relatively common and causes a broad spectrum of cognitive impairments in humans. We use acallosal Neurod2/6-deficient mice to study callosal axon guidance within the ipsilateral cerebral cortex. Initial callosal tracts form but fail to traverse the ipsilateral cingulum and are not attracted towards the midline in the absence of Neurod2/6. We show that the restoration of Ephrin-A4 (EfnA4) expression in the embryonic neocortex of Neurod2/6-deficient embryos is sufficient to partially rescue targeted callosal axon growth towards the midline. EfnA4 cannot directly mediate reverse signaling within outgrowing axons, but it forms co-receptor complexes with TrkB (Ntrk2). The ability of EfnA4 to rescue the guided growth of a subset of callosal axons in Neurod2/6-deficient mice is abolished by the co-expression of dominant negative TrkBK571N (kinase-dead) or TrkBY515F (SHC-binding deficient) variants, but not by TrkBY816F (PLCγ1-binding deficient). Additionally, EphA4 is repulsive to EfnA4-positive medially projecting axons in organotypic brain slice culture. Collectively, we suggest that EfnA4-mediated reverse signaling acts via TrkB-SHC and is required for ipsilateral callosal axon growth accuracy towards the midline downstream of Neurod family factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuo Yan
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, D-10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ingo Bormuth
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, D-10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Olga Bormuth
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, D-10117, Berlin, Germany.,Institute of Neuroscience, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 603950, Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, Russia
| | - Svetlana Tutukova
- Institute of Neuroscience, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 603950, Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, Russia.,Research Institute of Medical Genetics, Tomsk National Research Medical Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 634009, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Ana Renner
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, D-10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Paraskevi Bessa
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, D-10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Theres Schaub
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, D-10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marta Rosário
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, D-10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Victor Tarabykin
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, D-10117, Berlin, Germany.,Institute of Neuroscience, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 603950, Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, Russia.,Research Institute of Medical Genetics, Tomsk National Research Medical Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 634009, Tomsk, Russia
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10
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Chen D, Van der Ent MA, Lartey NL, King PD. EPHB4-RASA1-Mediated Negative Regulation of Ras-MAPK Signaling in the Vasculature: Implications for the Treatment of EPHB4- and RASA1-Related Vascular Anomalies in Humans. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:165. [PMID: 37259315 PMCID: PMC9959185 DOI: 10.3390/ph16020165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Ephrin receptors constitute a large family of receptor tyrosine kinases in mammals that through interaction with cell surface-anchored ephrin ligands regulate multiple different cellular responses in numerous cell types and tissues. In the cardiovascular system, studies performed in vitro and in vivo have pointed to a critical role for Ephrin receptor B4 (EPHB4) as a regulator of blood and lymphatic vascular development and function. However, in this role, EPHB4 appears to act not as a classical growth factor receptor but instead functions to dampen the activation of the Ras-mitogen activated protein signaling (MAPK) pathway induced by other growth factor receptors in endothelial cells (EC). To inhibit the Ras-MAPK pathway, EPHB4 interacts functionally with Ras p21 protein activator 1 (RASA1) also known as p120 Ras GTPase-activating protein. Here, we review the evidence for an inhibitory role for an EPHB4-RASA1 interface in EC. We further discuss the mechanisms by which loss of EPHB4-RASA1 signaling in EC leads to blood and lymphatic vascular abnormalities in mice and the implications of these findings for an understanding of the pathogenesis of vascular anomalies in humans caused by mutations in EPHB4 and RASA1 genes. Last, we provide insights into possible means of drug therapy for EPHB4- and RASA1-related vascular anomalies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Philip D. King
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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11
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Ganguly D, Thomas JA, Ali A, Kumar R. Mechanistic and therapeutic implications of EphA-4 receptor tyrosine kinase in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Eur J Neurosci 2022; 56:5532-5546. [PMID: 34989046 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15591] [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: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Erythropoietin-producing hepatoma (Eph) receptors belong to a family of tyrosine kinase receptors that plays a pivotal role in the development of the brain. Eph can be divided broadly into two groups, namely, EphA and EphB, comprising nine and five members, respectively. In recent years, the role of EphA-4 has become increasingly apparent in the onset of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Emerging evidence suggests that EphA-4 results in synaptic dysfunction, which in turn promotes the progression of AD. Moreover, pharmacological or genetic ablation of EphA-4 in the murine model of AD can alleviate the symptoms. The current review summarizes different pathways by which EphA-4 can influence pathogenesis. Since, majority of the studies had reported the protective effect of EphA-4 inhibition during AD, designing therapeutics based on decreasing its enzymatic activity might be necessary for introducing the novel interventions. Therefore, the review described peptide and nanobodies inhibitors of EphA-4 that exhibit the potential to modulate EphA-4 and could be used as lead molecules for the targeted therapy of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devargya Ganguly
- Department of Biotechnology, GITAM Institute of Sciences, GITAM (Deemed to be) University, Vishakhapatnam, India
| | - Joshua Abby Thomas
- Department of Biotechnology, GITAM Institute of Sciences, GITAM (Deemed to be) University, Vishakhapatnam, India
| | - Abid Ali
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, India
| | - Rahul Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, GITAM Institute of Sciences, GITAM (Deemed to be) University, Vishakhapatnam, India
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12
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Su CJ, Murugan A, Linton JM, Yeluri A, Bois J, Klumpe H, Langley MA, Antebi YE, Elowitz MB. Ligand-receptor promiscuity enables cellular addressing. Cell Syst 2022; 13:408-425.e12. [PMID: 35421362 PMCID: PMC10897978 DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2022.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
In multicellular organisms, secreted ligands selectively activate, or "address," specific target cell populations to control cell fate decision-making and other processes. Key cell-cell communication pathways use multiple promiscuously interacting ligands and receptors, provoking the question of how addressing specificity can emerge from molecular promiscuity. To investigate this issue, we developed a general mathematical modeling framework based on the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathway architecture. We find that promiscuously interacting ligand-receptor systems allow a small number of ligands, acting in combinations, to address a larger number of individual cell types, defined by their receptor expression profiles. Promiscuous systems outperform seemingly more specific one-to-one signaling architectures in addressing capability. Combinatorial addressing extends to groups of cell types, is robust to receptor expression noise, grows more powerful with increases in the number of receptor variants, and is maximized by specific biochemical parameter relationships. Together, these results identify design principles governing cellular addressing by ligand combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina J Su
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Arvind Murugan
- Department of Physics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - James M Linton
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Akshay Yeluri
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Justin Bois
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Heidi Klumpe
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA; Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Matthew A Langley
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Yaron E Antebi
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel.
| | - Michael B Elowitz
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA; Department of Applied Physics, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA.
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13
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Kamath RAD, Benson MD. EphB3 as a Potential Mediator of Developmental and Reparative Osteogenesis. Cells Tissues Organs 2021; 212:125-137. [PMID: 34695818 PMCID: PMC9397499 DOI: 10.1159/000520369] [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: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The ephrin-B family of membrane-bound ligands is involved in skeletal patterning, osteogenesis, and bone homeostasis. Yet, despite the increasing collection of data affirming their importance in bone, the Eph tyrosine kinases that serve as the receptors for these ephrins in osteoblast stem cell niches remain unidentified. Here we report the expression of EphB3 at sites of bone growth in the embryo, especially at the calvaria suture fronts, periosteum, chondrocytes, and trabeculae of developing long bones. Strong EphB3 expression persisted in the adult calvarial sutures and in the proliferative chondrocytes of long bones, both of which are documented niches for osteoblastic stem cells. We observed EphB3-positive cells in the tissue filling a created calvarial injury, further implying EphB3 involvement in bone healing. Genetic knockout of EphB3 caused an increase in the bone tissue volume as a fraction of total volume in 6-week-old calvaria and in femoral trabecular density, compared to wild type controls. This difference resolved by 12 weeks of age, when we instead observed an increase in the bone volume of femoral trabeculae and in trabecular thickness. Our data identify EphB3 as a candidate regulator of osteogenesis either alone or in combination with other bone-expressed Ephs, and indicate that it appears to function as a limiter of bone growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajay A. D. Kamath
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Center for Craniofacial Research and Diagnosis, Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, 3302 Gaston Ave., Dallas TX 75246, USA
| | - M. Douglas Benson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Center for Craniofacial Research and Diagnosis, Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, 3302 Gaston Ave., Dallas TX 75246, USA
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14
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M Gagné L, Morin N, Lavoie N, Bisson N, Lambert JP, Mallette FA, Huot MÉ. Tyrosine phosphorylation of DEPTOR functions as a molecular switch to activate mTOR signaling. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:101291. [PMID: 34634301 PMCID: PMC8551655 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.101291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction is a major driver of tumorigenesis. The serine/threonine kinase mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) constitutes a key central regulator of metabolic pathways promoting cancer cell proliferation and survival. mTOR activity is regulated by metabolic sensors as well as by numerous factors comprising the phosphatase and tensin homolog/PI3K/AKT canonical pathway, which are often mutated in cancer. However, some cancers displaying constitutively active mTOR do not carry alterations within this canonical pathway, suggesting alternative modes of mTOR regulation. Since DEPTOR, an endogenous inhibitor of mTOR, was previously found to modulate both mTOR complexes 1 and 2, we investigated the different post-translational modification that could affect its inhibitory function. We found that tyrosine (Tyr) 289 phosphorylation of DEPTOR impairs its interaction with mTOR, leading to increased mTOR activation. Using proximity biotinylation assays, we identified SYK (spleen tyrosine kinase) as a kinase involved in DEPTOR Tyr 289 phosphorylation in an ephrin (erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular carcinoma) receptor–dependent manner. Altogether, our work reveals that phosphorylation of Tyr 289 of DEPTOR represents a novel molecular switch involved in the regulation of both mTOR complex 1 and mTOR complex 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence M Gagné
- Centre de Recherche sur le Cancer de l'Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, Canada; Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nadine Morin
- Centre de Recherche sur le Cancer de l'Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, Canada; Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Noémie Lavoie
- Centre de Recherche sur le Cancer de l'Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, Canada; Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, Canada; PROTEO - Regroupement québécois de recherche sur la fonction, l'ingénierie et les applications des protéines, Québec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nicolas Bisson
- Centre de Recherche sur le Cancer de l'Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, Canada; Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, Canada; PROTEO - Regroupement québécois de recherche sur la fonction, l'ingénierie et les applications des protéines, Québec, Quebec, Canada; Département de Biologie moléculaire, biochimie médicale et pathologie, Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jean-Philippe Lambert
- Centre de Recherche sur le Cancer de l'Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, Canada; Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, Canada; Département de Médecine Moléculaire, Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Frédérick A Mallette
- Département de Biochimie et Médecine moléculaire, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada; Chromatin Structure and Cellular Senescence Research Unit, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Centre, Montréal, Quebec, Canada; Département de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marc-Étienne Huot
- Centre de Recherche sur le Cancer de l'Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, Canada; Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, Canada; Département de Biologie moléculaire, biochimie médicale et pathologie, Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, Canada.
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15
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The EphB6 Receptor: Kinase-Dead but Very Much Alive. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158211. [PMID: 34360976 PMCID: PMC8347583 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The Eph receptor tyrosine kinase member EphB6 is a pseudokinase, and similar to other pseudoenzymes has not attracted an equivalent amount of interest as its enzymatically-active counterparts. However, a greater appreciation for the role pseudoenzymes perform in expanding the repertoire of signals generated by signal transduction systems has fostered more interest in the field. EphB6 acts as a molecular switch that is capable of modulating the signal transduction output of Eph receptor clusters. Although the biological effects of EphB6 activity are well defined, the molecular mechanisms of EphB6 function remain enigmatic. In this review, we use a comparative approach to postulate how EphB6 acts as a scaffold to recruit adaptor proteins to an Eph receptor cluster and how this function is regulated. We suggest that the evolutionary repurposing of EphB6 into a kinase-independent molecular switch in mammals has involved repurposing the kinase activation loop into an SH3 domain-binding site. In addition, we suggest that EphB6 employs the same SAM domain linker and juxtamembrane domain allosteric regulatory mechanisms that are used in kinase-positive Eph receptors to regulate its scaffold function. As a result, although kinase-dead, EphB6 remains a strategically active component of Eph receptor signaling.
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16
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Kubo H, Yagyu S, Nakamura K, Yamashima K, Tomida A, Kikuchi K, Iehara T, Nakazawa Y, Hosoi H. Development of non-viral, ligand-dependent, EPHB4-specific chimeric antigen receptor T cells for treatment of rhabdomyosarcoma. MOLECULAR THERAPY-ONCOLYTICS 2021; 20:646-658. [PMID: 33816783 PMCID: PMC7985479 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2021.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Ephrin type-B receptor 4 (EPHB4), expressed in tumors including rhabdomyosarcoma, is a suitable target for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells. Ligand-independent activation of EPHB4 causes cell proliferation and malignant transformation in rhabdomyosarcoma, whereas ligand-dependent stimulation of EPHB4 induces apoptosis in rhabdomyosarcoma. Therefore, we hypothesized that ligand-based, EPHB4-specific CAR-T cells may kill rhabdomyosarcoma cells without stimulating downstream cell proliferation mechanisms. We developed novel CAR-T cells by targeting EPHB4 via EPHRIN B2, a natural ligand of EPHB4. The generation of EPHB4-CAR-T cells via piggyBac (PB) transposon-based gene transfer resulted in sufficient T cell expansion and CAR positivity (78.5% ± 5.9%). PB-EPHB4-CAR-T cells displayed a dominant stem cell memory fraction (59.4% ± 7.2%) as well as low PD-1 expression (0.60% ± 0.21%) after 14 days of expansion. The PB-EPHB4-CAR-T cells inhibited EPHB4-positive tumor cells without activating cell proliferation downstream of EPHB4, even after multiple tumor re-challenges and suppressed tumor growth in xenograft-bearing mice. Therefore, PB-EPHB4-CAR-T cells possess a memory-rich fraction without early T cell exhaustion and show potential as promising therapeutic agents for treating rhabdomyosarcoma and other EPHB4-positive tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Kubo
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Shigeki Yagyu
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Kayoko Nakamura
- Department of Pediatrics, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Kumiko Yamashima
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Akimasa Tomida
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Ken Kikuchi
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Tomoko Iehara
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Yozo Nakazawa
- Department of Pediatrics, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan.,Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Interdisciplinary Cluster for Cutting Edge Research, Shinshu University, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Hajime Hosoi
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
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17
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Tamura K, Chiu YW, Shiohara A, Hori Y, Tomita T. EphA4 regulates Aβ production via BACE1 expression in neurons. FASEB J 2020; 34:16383-16396. [PMID: 33090569 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202001510r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Several lines of evidence suggest that the aggregation and deposition of amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) initiate the pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recently, a genome-wide association study demonstrated that a single-nucleotide polymorphism proximal to the EPHA4 gene, which encodes a receptor tyrosine kinase, is associated with AD risk. However, the molecular mechanism of EphA4 in the pathogenesis of AD, particularly in Aβ production, remains unknown. Here, we performed several pharmacological and biological experiments both in vitro and in vivo and demonstrated that EphA4 is responsible for the regulation of Aβ production. Pharmacological inhibition of EphA4 signaling and knockdown of Epha4 led to increased Aβ levels accompanied by increased expression of β-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1), which is an enzyme responsible for Aβ production. Moreover, EPHA4 overexpression and activation of EphA4 signaling via ephrin ligands decreased Aβ levels. In particular, the sterile-alpha motif domain of EphA4 was necessary for the regulation of Aβ production. Finally, EPHA4 mRNA levels were significantly reduced in the brains of AD patients, and negatively correlated with BACE1 mRNA levels. Our results indicate a novel mechanism of Aβ regulation by EphA4, which is involved in AD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kensuke Tamura
- Laboratory of Neuropathology and Neuroscience, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yung-Wen Chiu
- Laboratory of Neuropathology and Neuroscience, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Azusa Shiohara
- Laboratory of Neuropathology and Neuroscience, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukiko Hori
- Laboratory of Neuropathology and Neuroscience, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Taisuke Tomita
- Laboratory of Neuropathology and Neuroscience, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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18
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Liang LY, Patel O, Janes PW, Murphy JM, Lucet IS. Eph receptor signalling: from catalytic to non-catalytic functions. Oncogene 2019; 38:6567-6584. [PMID: 31406248 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-019-0931-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Eph receptors, the largest subfamily of receptor tyrosine kinases, are linked with proliferative disease, such as cancer, as a result of their deregulated expression or mutation. Unlike other tyrosine kinases that have been clinically targeted, the development of therapeutics against Eph receptors remains at a relatively early stage. The major reason is the limited understanding on the Eph receptor regulatory mechanisms at a molecular level. The complexity in understanding Eph signalling in cells arises due to following reasons: (1) Eph receptors comprise 14 members, two of which are pseudokinases, EphA10 and EphB6, with relatively uncharacterised function; (2) activation of Eph receptors results in dimerisation, oligomerisation and formation of clustered signalling centres at the plasma membrane, which can comprise different combinations of Eph receptors, leading to diverse downstream signalling outputs; (3) the non-catalytic functions of Eph receptors have been overlooked. This review provides a structural perspective of the intricate molecular mechanisms that drive Eph receptor signalling, and investigates the contribution of intra- and inter-molecular interactions between Eph receptors intracellular domains and their major binding partners. We focus on the non-catalytic functions of Eph receptors with relevance to cancer, which are further substantiated by exploring the role of the two pseudokinase Eph receptors, EphA10 and EphB6. Throughout this review, we carefully analyse and reconcile the existing/conflicting data in the field, to allow researchers to further the current understanding of Eph receptor signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lung-Yu Liang
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Onisha Patel
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Peter W Janes
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, 145 Studley Road, Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia
| | - James M Murphy
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia. .,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.
| | - Isabelle S Lucet
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia. .,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.
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19
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Krishnan A, Degnan BM, Degnan SM. The first identification of complete Eph-ephrin signalling in ctenophores and sponges reveals a role for neofunctionalization in the emergence of signalling domains. BMC Evol Biol 2019; 19:96. [PMID: 31023220 PMCID: PMC6485061 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-019-1418-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Animals have a greater diversity of signalling pathways than their unicellular relatives, consistent with the evolution and expansion of these pathways occurring in parallel with the origin of animal multicellularity. However, the genomes of sponges and ctenophores – non-bilaterian basal animals – typically encode no, or far fewer, recognisable signalling ligands compared to bilaterians and cnidarians. For instance, the largest subclass of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) in bilaterians, the Eph receptors (Ephs), are present in sponges and ctenophores, but their cognate ligands, the ephrins, have not yet been detected. Results Here, we use an iterative HMM analysis to identify for the first time membrane-bound ephrins in sponges and ctenophores. We also expand the number of Eph-receptor subtypes identified in these animals and in cnidarians. Both sequence and structural analyses are consistent with the Eph ligand binding domain (LBD) and the ephrin receptor binding domain (RBD) having evolved via the co-option of ancient galactose-binding (discoidin-domain)-like and monodomain cupredoxin domains, respectively. Although we did not detect a complete Eph-ephrin signalling pathway in closely-related unicellular holozoans or in other non-metazoan eukaryotes, truncated proteins with Eph receptor LBDs and ephrin RBDs are present in some choanoflagellates. Together, these results indicate that Eph-ephrin signalling was present in the last common ancestor of extant metazoans, and perhaps even in the last common ancestor of animals and choanoflagellates. Either scenario pushes the origin of Eph-ephrin signalling back much earlier than previously reported. Conclusions We propose that the Eph-LBD and ephrin-RBD, which were ancestrally localised in the cytosol, became linked to the extracellular parts of two cell surface proteins before the divergence of sponges and ctenophores from the rest of the animal kingdom. The ephrin-RBD lost the ancestral capacity to bind copper, and the Eph-LBD became linked to an ancient RTK. The identification of divergent ephrin ligands in sponges and ctenophores suggests that these ligands evolve faster than their cognate receptors. As this may be a general phenomena, we propose that the sequence-structure approach used in this study may be usefully applied to other signalling systems where no, or a small number of, ligands have been identified. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12862-019-1418-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arunkumar Krishnan
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Present Address: National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20894, USA
| | - Bernard M Degnan
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sandie M Degnan
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
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20
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Wu B, Rockel JS, Lagares D, Kapoor M. Ephrins and Eph Receptor Signaling in Tissue Repair and Fibrosis. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2019; 21:23. [PMID: 30980212 DOI: 10.1007/s11926-019-0825-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Fibrosis is a pathological feature of many human diseases that affect multiple organs. The development of anti-fibrotic therapies has been a difficult endeavor due to the complexity of signaling pathways associated with fibrogenic processes, complicating the identification and modulation of specific targets. Evidence suggests that ephrin ligands and Eph receptors are crucial signaling molecules that contribute to physiological wound repair and the development of tissue fibrosis. Here, we discuss recent advances in the understanding of ephrin and Eph signaling in tissue repair and fibrosis. RECENT FINDINGS Ephrin-B2 is implicated in fibrosis of multiple organs. Intercepting its signaling may help counteract fibrosis. Ephrins and Eph receptors are candidate mediators of fibrosis. Ephrin-B2, in particular, promotes fibrogenic processes in multiple organs. Thus, therapeutic strategies targeting Ephrin-B2 signaling could yield new ways to treat organ fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Wu
- The Arthritis Program, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jason S Rockel
- The Arthritis Program, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Lagares
- Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. .,Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. .,Fibrosis Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Mohit Kapoor
- The Arthritis Program, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. .,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. .,Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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21
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Wolf K, Hu H, Isaji T, Dardik A. Molecular identity of arteries, veins, and lymphatics. J Vasc Surg 2019; 69:253-262. [PMID: 30154011 PMCID: PMC6309638 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2018.06.195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Arteries, veins, and lymphatic vessels are distinguished by structural differences that correspond to their different functions. Each of these vessels is also defined by specific molecular markers that persist throughout adult life; these markers are some of the molecular determinants that control the differentiation of embryonic undifferentiated cells into arteries, veins, or lymphatics. METHODS This is a review of experimental literature. RESULTS The Eph-B4 receptor and its ligand, ephrin-B2, are critical molecular determinants of vessel identity, arising on endothelial cells early in embryonic development. Eph-B4 and ephrin-B2 continue to be expressed on adult vessels and mark vessel identity. However, after vascular surgery, vessel identity can change and is marked by altered Eph-B4 and ephrin-B2 expression. Vein grafts show loss of venous identity, with less Eph-B4 expression. Arteriovenous fistulas show gain of dual arterial-venous identity, with both Eph-B4 and ephrin-B2 expression, and manipulation of Eph-B4 improves arteriovenous fistula patency. Patches used to close arteries and veins exhibit context-dependent gain of identity, that is, patches in the arterial environment gain arterial identity, whereas patches in the venous environment gain venous identity; these results show the importance of the host infiltrating cells in determining vascular identity after vascular surgery. CONCLUSIONS Changes in the vessel's molecular identity after vascular surgery correspond to structural changes that depend on the host's postsurgical environment. Regulation of vascular identity and the underlying molecular mechanisms may allow new therapeutic approaches to improve vascular surgical procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine Wolf
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program and Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn
| | - Haidi Hu
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program and Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn
| | - Toshihiko Isaji
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program and Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn
| | - Alan Dardik
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program and Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn; VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Conn.
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22
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Zhao J, Nussinov R, Ma B. Antigen binding allosterically promotes Fc receptor recognition. MAbs 2019; 11:58-74. [PMID: 30212263 PMCID: PMC6343797 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2018.1522178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Revised: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A key question in immunology is whether antigen recognition and Fc receptor (FcR) binding are allosterically linked. This question is also relevant for therapeutic antibody design. Antibody Fab and Fc domains are connected by flexible unstructured hinge region. Fc chains have conserved glycosylation sites at Asn297, with each conjugated to a core heptasaccharide and forming biantennary Fc glycan. The glycans modulate the Fc conformations and functions. It is well known that the antibody Fab and Fc domains and glycan affect antibody activity, but whether these elements act independently or synergistically is still uncertain. We simulated four antibody complexes: free antibody, antigen-bound antibody, FcR-bound antibody, and an antigen-antibody-FcR complex. We found that, in the antibody's "T/Y" conformation, the glycans, and the Fc domain all respond to antigen binding, with the antibody population shifting to two dominant clusters, both with the Fc-receptor binding site open. The simulations reveal that the Fc-glycan-receptor complexes also segregate into two conformational clusters, one corresponding to the antigen-free antibody-FcR baseline binding, and the other with an antigen-enhanced antibody-FcR interaction. Our study confirmed allosteric communications in antibody-antigen recognition and following FcR activation. Even though we observed allosteric communications through the IgG domains, the most important mechanism that we observed is the communication via population shift, stimulated by antigen binding and propagating to influence FcR recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhao
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Ruth Nussinov
- Basic Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Cancer and Inflammation Program, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, USA
- Sackler Inst. of Molecular Medicine, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Buyong Ma
- Basic Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Cancer and Inflammation Program, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, USA
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23
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Wang M, Zhu D, Zhu J, Nussinov R, Ma B. Local and global anatomy of antibody-protein antigen recognition. J Mol Recognit 2018; 31:e2693. [PMID: 29218757 PMCID: PMC5903993 DOI: 10.1002/jmr.2693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Revised: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Deciphering antibody-protein antigen recognition is of fundamental and practical significance. We constructed an antibody structural dataset, partitioned it into human and murine subgroups, and compared it with nonantibody protein-protein complexes. We investigated the physicochemical properties of regions on and away from the antibody-antigen interfaces, including net charge, overall antibody charge distributions, and their potential role in antigen interaction. We observed that amino acid preference in antibody-protein antigen recognition is entropy driven, with residues having low side-chain entropy appearing to compensate for the high backbone entropy in interaction with protein antigens. Antibodies prefer charged and polar antigen residues and bridging water molecules. They also prefer positive net charge, presumably to promote interaction with negatively charged protein antigens, which are common in proteomes. Antibody-antigen interfaces have large percentages of Tyr, Ser, and Asp, but little Lys. Electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions in the Ag binding sites might be coupled with Fab domains through organized charge and residue distributions away from the binding interfaces. Here we describe some features of antibody-antigen interfaces and of Fab domains as compared with nonantibody protein-protein interactions. The distributions of interface residues in human and murine antibodies do not differ significantly. Overall, our results provide not only a local but also a global anatomy of antibody structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meryl Wang
- Basic Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. Cancer and Inflammation Program, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702
| | - David Zhu
- Basic Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. Cancer and Inflammation Program, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702
| | - Jianwei Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 DongChuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Ruth Nussinov
- Basic Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. Cancer and Inflammation Program, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702
- Sackler Inst. of Molecular Medicine, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Buyong Ma
- Basic Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. Cancer and Inflammation Program, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702
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24
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Salgia R, Kulkarni P, Gill PS. EphB4: A promising target for upper aerodigestive malignancies. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2018; 1869:128-137. [PMID: 29369779 PMCID: PMC5955724 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2018.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Revised: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular carcinoma (Eph) receptors are the largest family of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) that include two major subclasses, EphA and EphB. They form an important cell communication system with critical and diverse roles in a variety of biological processes during embryonic development. However, dysregulation of the Eph/ephrin interactions is implicated in cancer contributing to tumour growth, metastasis, and angiogenesis. Here, we focus on EphB4 and review recent developments in elucidating its role in upper aerodigestive malignancies to include lung cancer, head and neck cancer, and mesothelioma. In particular, we summarize information regarding EphB4 structure/function and role in disease pathobiology. We also review the data supporting EphB4 as a potential pharmacological and immunotherapy target and finally, progress in the development of new therapeutic strategies including small molecule inhibitors of its activity is discussed. The emerging picture suggests that EphB4 is a valuable and attractive therapeutic target for upper aerodigestive malignancies.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use
- Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics
- Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/genetics
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/pathology
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Head and Neck Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Head and Neck Neoplasms/genetics
- Head and Neck Neoplasms/metabolism
- Head and Neck Neoplasms/pathology
- Humans
- Lung Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Lung Neoplasms/genetics
- Lung Neoplasms/metabolism
- Lung Neoplasms/pathology
- Mesothelioma/drug therapy
- Mesothelioma/genetics
- Mesothelioma/metabolism
- Mesothelioma/pathology
- Mesothelioma, Malignant
- Molecular Targeted Therapy
- Receptor, EphB4/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, EphB4/genetics
- Receptor, EphB4/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi Salgia
- Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 East Duarte Road, Duarte, CA, United States.
| | - Prakash Kulkarni
- Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 East Duarte Road, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Prakash S Gill
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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25
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Locke C, Machida K, Tucker CL, Wu Y, Yu J. Optogenetic activation of EphB2 receptor in dendrites induced actin polymerization by activating Arg kinase. Biol Open 2017; 6:1820-1830. [PMID: 29158322 PMCID: PMC5769660 DOI: 10.1242/bio.029900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular (Eph) receptors regulate a wide array of developmental processes by responding to cell-cell contacts. EphB2 is well-expressed in the brain and known to be important for dendritic spine development, as well as for the maintenance of the synapses, although the mechanisms of these functions have not been fully understood. Here we studied EphB2's functions in hippocampal neurons with an optogenetic approach, which allowed us to specify spatial regions of signal activation and monitor in real-time the consequences of signal activation. We designed and constructed OptoEphB2, a genetically encoded photoactivatable EphB2. Photoactivation of OptoEphB2 in fibroblast cells induced receptor phosphorylation and resulted in cell rounding ------- a well-known cellular response to EphB2 activation. In contrast, local activation of OptoEphb2 in dendrites of hippocampal neurons induces rapid actin polymerization, resulting dynamic dendritic filopodial growth. Inhibition of Rac1 and CDC42 did not abolish OptoEphB2-induced actin polymerization. Instead, we identified Abelson tyrosine-protein kinase 2 (Abl2/Arg) as a necessary effector in OptoEphB2-induced filopodia growth in dendrites. These findings provided new mechanistic insight into EphB2's role in neural development and demonstrated the advantage of OptoEphB as a new tool for studying EphB signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clifford Locke
- Richard D. Berlin Center for Cell Analysis and Modeling, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Kazuya Machida
- Richard D. Berlin Center for Cell Analysis and Modeling, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | | | - Yi Wu
- Richard D. Berlin Center for Cell Analysis and Modeling, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Ji Yu
- Richard D. Berlin Center for Cell Analysis and Modeling, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
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26
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Chen Y, Zhang H, Zhang Y. Targeting receptor tyrosine kinase EphB4 in cancer therapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2017; 56:37-46. [PMID: 28993206 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2017.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2017] [Revised: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Eph receptors and their Eph receptor-interacting (ephrin) ligands together form an important cell communication system with diverse roles. Experimental evidence demonstrated Eph receptor bidirectional signaling with both tumor-suppressing and tumor-promoting activities in cancer cells. The tyrosine kinase EphB4, a member of the Eph receptor family, has been associated with tumor angiogenesis, growth and metastasis, thus making it a valuable and attractive target for drug design for therapeutic applications. In the past decade, many studies have focused on elucidating the structure and function of EphB4 in complex with its ligand ephrinB2 for their role in carcinogenesis. Meanwhile, an array of compounds targeting EphB4 have been studied and several selective inhibitors have been tested in clinical studies. This review discusses the structure and function of the EphB4 receptor, analyzes its potential as a target for anticancer therapy, and summarizes the information about inhibitors of EphB4 kinase activity. Conclusively, EphB4 is a challenging but promising therapeutic target in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinnan Chen
- School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - Hongmei Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Xinhua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
| | - Yanmin Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 76, Yanta West Street, #54, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province 710061, PR China.
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27
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Fuchs JE, Schilling O, Liedl KR. Determinants of Macromolecular Specificity from Proteomics-Derived Peptide Substrate Data. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2017; 18:905-913. [PMID: 27455965 PMCID: PMC5898033 DOI: 10.2174/1389203717666160724211231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2017] [Revised: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 04/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent advances in proteomics methodologies allow for high throughput profiling of proteolytic cleavage events. The resulting substrate peptide distributions provide deep insights in the underlying macromolecular recognition events, as determinants of biomolecular specificity identified by proteomics approaches may be compared to structure-based analysis of corresponding protein-protein interfaces. METHOD Here, we present an overview of experimental and computational methodologies and tools applied in the area and provide an outlook beyond the protein class of proteases. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION We discuss here future potential, synergies and needs of the emerging overlap disciplines of proteomics and structure-based modelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian E. Fuchs
- Centre for Molecular Informatics, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, CambridgeCB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Oliver Schilling
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research, University of Freiburg, Stefan-Meier-Str. 17, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany and BIOSS Centre for Biological Signaling Studies, University of Freiburg, D-79104Freiburg, Germany
| | - Klaus R. Liedl
- Institute of General, Inorganic and Theoretical Chemistry, Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80/82, A-6020Innsbruck, Austria
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28
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Wei G, Xi W, Nussinov R, Ma B. Protein Ensembles: How Does Nature Harness Thermodynamic Fluctuations for Life? The Diverse Functional Roles of Conformational Ensembles in the Cell. Chem Rev 2016; 116:6516-51. [PMID: 26807783 PMCID: PMC6407618 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.5b00562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 253] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
All soluble proteins populate conformational ensembles that together constitute the native state. Their fluctuations in water are intrinsic thermodynamic phenomena, and the distributions of the states on the energy landscape are determined by statistical thermodynamics; however, they are optimized to perform their biological functions. In this review we briefly describe advances in free energy landscape studies of protein conformational ensembles. Experimental (nuclear magnetic resonance, small-angle X-ray scattering, single-molecule spectroscopy, and cryo-electron microscopy) and computational (replica-exchange molecular dynamics, metadynamics, and Markov state models) approaches have made great progress in recent years. These address the challenging characterization of the highly flexible and heterogeneous protein ensembles. We focus on structural aspects of protein conformational distributions, from collective motions of single- and multi-domain proteins, intrinsically disordered proteins, to multiprotein complexes. Importantly, we highlight recent studies that illustrate functional adjustment of protein conformational ensembles in the crowded cellular environment. We center on the role of the ensemble in recognition of small- and macro-molecules (protein and RNA/DNA) and emphasize emerging concepts of protein dynamics in enzyme catalysis. Overall, protein ensembles link fundamental physicochemical principles and protein behavior and the cellular network and its regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanghong Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics, Key Laboratory for Computational Physical Sciences (MOE), and Department of Physics, Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Wenhui Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics, Key Laboratory for Computational Physical Sciences (MOE), and Department of Physics, Fudan University, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Ruth Nussinov
- Basic Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. Cancer and Inflammation Program, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, USA
- Sackler Inst. of Molecular Medicine Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Buyong Ma
- Basic Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. Cancer and Inflammation Program, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, USA
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29
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Abstract
Specific conformations of signaling proteins can serve as “signals” in signal transduction by being recognized by receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Tompa
- VIB Structural Biology Research Center (SBRC)
- Brussels
- Belgium
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel
- Brussels
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30
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Expression of the Receptor Tyrosine Kinase EphB2 on Dendritic Cells Is Modulated by Toll-Like Receptor Ligation but Is Not Required for T Cell Activation. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0138835. [PMID: 26407069 PMCID: PMC4583388 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0138835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2015] [Accepted: 09/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The Eph receptor tyrosine kinases interact with their ephrin ligands on adjacent cells to facilitate contact-dependent cell communication. Ephrin B ligands are expressed on T cells and have been suggested to act as co-stimulatory molecules during T cell activation. There are no detailed reports of the expression and modulation of EphB receptors on dendritic cells, the main antigen presenting cells that interact with T cells. Here we show that mouse splenic dendritic cells (DC) and bone-marrow derived DCs (BMDC) express EphB2, a member of the EphB family. EphB2 expression is modulated by ligation of TLR4 and TLR9 and also by interaction with ephrin B ligands. Co-localization of EphB2 with MHC-II is also consistent with a potential role in T cell activation. However, BMDCs derived from EphB2 deficient mice were able to present antigen in the context of MHC-II and produce T cell activating cytokines to the same extent as intact DCs. Collectively our data suggest that EphB2 may contribute to DC responses, but that EphB2 is not required for T cell activation. This result may have arisen because DCs express other members of the EphB receptor family, EphB3, EphB4 and EphB6, all of which can interact with ephrin B ligands, or because EphB2 may be playing a role in another aspect of DC biology such as migration.
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31
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Ma B, Kolb S, Diprima M, Karna M, Tosato G, Yang Q, Huang Q, Nussinov R. Investigation of the interactions between the EphB2 receptor and SNEW peptide variants. Growth Factors 2014; 32:236-46. [PMID: 25410963 PMCID: PMC4627370 DOI: 10.3109/08977194.2014.985786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
EphB2 interacts with cell surface-bound ephrin ligands to relay bidirectional signals. Overexpression of the EphB2 receptor protein has been linked to different types of cancer. The SNEW (SNEWIQPRLPQH) peptide binds with high selectivity and moderate affinity to EphB2, inhibiting Eph-ephrin interactions by competing with ephrin ligands for the EphB2 high-affinity pocket. We used rigorous free energy perturbation (FEP) calculations to re-evaluate the binding interactions of SNEW peptide with the EphB2 receptor, followed by experimental testing of the computational results. Our results provide insight into dynamic interactions of EphB2 with SNEW peptide. While the first four residues of the SNEW peptide are already highly optimized, change of the C-terminal end of the peptide has the potential to improve SNEW-binding affinity. We identified a PXSPY motif that can be similarly aligned with several other EphB2-binding peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Buyong Ma
- Basic Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. Cancer and Inflammation Program, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Stephanie Kolb
- Basic Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. Cancer and Inflammation Program, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Michael Diprima
- Laboratory of Cellular Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Molleshree Karna
- Laboratory of Cellular Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Giovanna Tosato
- Laboratory of Cellular Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Qiqi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Qiang Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Ruth Nussinov
- Basic Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. Cancer and Inflammation Program, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
- Sackler Inst. of Molecular Medicine, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
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