1
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Khaje NA, Eletsky A, Biehn SE, Mobley CK, Rogals MJ, Kim Y, Mishra SK, Doerksen RJ, Lindert S, Prestegard JH, Sharp JS. Validated determination of NRG1 Ig-like domain structure by mass spectrometry coupled with computational modeling. Commun Biol 2022; 5:452. [PMID: 35551273 PMCID: PMC9098640 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03411-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
High resolution hydroxyl radical protein footprinting (HR-HRPF) is a mass spectrometry-based method that measures the solvent exposure of multiple amino acids in a single experiment, offering constraints for experimentally informed computational modeling. HR-HRPF-based modeling has previously been used to accurately model the structure of proteins of known structure, but the technique has never been used to determine the structure of a protein of unknown structure. Here, we present the use of HR-HRPF-based modeling to determine the structure of the Ig-like domain of NRG1, a protein with no close homolog of known structure. Independent determination of the protein structure by both HR-HRPF-based modeling and heteronuclear NMR was carried out, with results compared only after both processes were complete. The HR-HRPF-based model was highly similar to the lowest energy NMR model, with a backbone RMSD of 1.6 Å. To our knowledge, this is the first use of HR-HRPF-based modeling to determine a previously uncharacterized protein structure. A mass spectrometry-based method guides computational modeling for de novo protein structure prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niloofar Abolhasani Khaje
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA.,Analytical Operations Department, Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA, USA
| | - Alexander Eletsky
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Sarah E Biehn
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Charles K Mobley
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA.,Protein Discovery Department, Impossible Foods, Redwood City, CA, USA
| | - Monique J Rogals
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Yoonkyoo Kim
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Sushil K Mishra
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA.,Glycoscience Center of Research Excellence, University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA
| | - Robert J Doerksen
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA.,Glycoscience Center of Research Excellence, University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA
| | - Steffen Lindert
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - James H Prestegard
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Joshua S Sharp
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA. .,Glycoscience Center of Research Excellence, University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA. .,Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA.
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2
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Centa A, Rodríguez-Barrueco R, Montero JC, Pandiella A. The immunoglobulin-like domain of neuregulins potentiates ErbB3/HER3 activation and cellular proliferation. Mol Oncol 2018; 12:1061-1076. [PMID: 29683256 PMCID: PMC6026874 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Revised: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuregulins (NRGs) represent a large family of membrane‐anchored growth factors, whose deregulation may contribute to the pathogenesis of several tumors. In fact, targeting of NRG‐activated pathways has demonstrated clinical benefit. To improve the efficacy of anti‐NRG therapies, it is essential to gain insights into the regions of NRGs that favor their pro‐oncogenic properties. Here, we have addressed the protumorigenic impact of different NRG domains. To do this, deletion mutants affecting different NRG domains were expressed in 293 and MCF7 cells. Of the five forms studied, only the wild‐type and a mutant lacking the Ig‐like domain (NRGΔIg) were properly sorted to the plasma membrane. Both forms were released as soluble forms to the culture media. However, the mutant NRGΔIg failed to efficiently activate HER2 and HER3 receptors, signaling pathways, and cell proliferation when compared to wild‐type NRG. Treatment with trastuzumab, a humanized antibody used in the breast cancer clinic, inhibited the constitutive activation of HER2, HER3, and downstream signaling in MCF7 cells constitutively expressing wild‐type NRG. In contrast, this treatment had a marginal effect on MCF7‐NRGΔIg cells. This study demonstrates that the Ig‐like region of NRGs exerts an important role in their capability to activate ErbB/HER receptors and mitogenic responses. Strategies aimed at targeting NRGs should consider that fact to improve neutralization of the pro‐oncogenic properties of NRGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariana Centa
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, IBSAL, CSIC and CIBERONC, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Ruth Rodríguez-Barrueco
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, IBSAL, CSIC and CIBERONC, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Montero
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, IBSAL, CSIC and CIBERONC, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Atanasio Pandiella
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, IBSAL, CSIC and CIBERONC, Salamanca, Spain
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3
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Arai T, Ono Y, Arimura Y, Sayama K, Suzuki T, Shinjo S, Kanai M, Abe SI, Semba K, Goda N. Type I neuregulin1α is a novel local mediator to suppress hepatic gluconeogenesis in mice. Sci Rep 2017; 7:42959. [PMID: 28218289 PMCID: PMC5317163 DOI: 10.1038/srep42959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuregulin1 is an epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like domain-containing protein that has multiple isoforms and functions as a local mediator in the control of various cellular functions. Here we show that type I isoform of neuregulin1 with an α-type EGF-like domain (Nrg1α) is the major isoform in mouse liver and regulates hepatic glucose production. Forced expression of Nrg1α in mouse liver enhanced systemic glucose disposal and decreased hepatic glucose production with reduced fasting blood glucose levels. Nuclear forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1) and its downstream targets, PEPCK and G6Pase, were suppressed in liver and isolated hepatocytes by Nrg1α overexpression. In contrast, silencing of Nrg1α enhanced glucose production with increased PEPCK and G6Pase expressions in cAMP/dexamethasone-stimulated hepatocytes. Mechanistically, the recombinant α-type EGF-like domain of NRG1α (rNRG1α) stimulated the ERBB3 signalling pathway in hepatocytes, resulting in decreased nuclear FoxO1 accumulation via activation of both the AKT and ERK pathways. In addition, acute treatment with rNRG1α also suppressed elevation of blood glucose levels after both glucose and pyruvate challenge. Although a liver-specific deletion of Nrg1 gene in mice showed little effect on systemic glucose metabolism, these results suggest that NRG1α have a novel regulatory function in hepatic gluconeogenesis by regulating the ERBB3-AKT/ERK-FoxO1 cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takatomo Arai
- Department of Life Science and Medical Bioscience, School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, 162-8480, Japan
| | - Yumika Ono
- Department of Life Science and Medical Bioscience, School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, 162-8480, Japan
| | - Yujiro Arimura
- Department of Life Science and Medical Bioscience, School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, 162-8480, Japan
| | - Keimon Sayama
- Department of Life Science and Medical Bioscience, School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, 162-8480, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Suzuki
- Department of Life Science and Medical Bioscience, School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, 162-8480, Japan
| | - Satoko Shinjo
- Department of Life Science and Medical Bioscience, School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, 162-8480, Japan
| | - Mai Kanai
- Department of Life Science and Medical Bioscience, School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, 162-8480, Japan
| | - Shin-Ichi Abe
- Center for General Education, Kumamoto Health Science University, Kumamoto, 861-5598, Japan
| | - Kentaro Semba
- Department of Life Science and Medical Bioscience, School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, 162-8480, Japan
| | - Nobuhito Goda
- Department of Life Science and Medical Bioscience, School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, 162-8480, Japan
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4
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Parry TJ, Ganguly A, Troy EL, Luis Guerrero J, Iaci JF, Srinivas M, Vecchione AM, Button DC, Hackett CS, Zolty R, Sawyer DB, Caggiano AO. Effects of neuregulin GGF2 (cimaglermin alfa) dose and treatment frequency on left ventricular function in rats following myocardial infarction. Eur J Pharmacol 2016; 796:76-89. [PMID: 27993643 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2016.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Revised: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Neuregulins are important growth factors involved in cardiac development and response to stress. Certain isoforms and fragments of neuregulin have been found to be cardioprotective. The effects of a full-length neuregulin-1β isoform, glial growth factor 2 (GGF2; USAN/INN; also called cimaglermin) were investigated in vitro. Various dosing regimens were then evaluated for their effects on left ventricular (LV) function in rats with surgically-induced myocardial infarction. In vitro, GGF2 bound with high affinity to erythroblastic leukemia viral oncogene (ErbB) 4 receptors, potently promoted Akt phosphorylation, as well as reduced cell death following doxorubicin exposure in HL1 cells. Daily GGF2 treatment beginning 7-14 days after left anterior descending coronary artery ligation produced improvements in LV ejection fraction and other measures of LV function and morphology. The improvements in LV function (e.g. 10% point increase in absolute LV ejection fraction) with GGF2 were dose-dependent. LV performance was substantially improved when GGF2 treatment was delivered infrequently, despite a serum half-life of less than 2h and could be maintained for more than 10 months with treatment once weekly or once every 2 weeks. These studies confirm previous findings that GGF2 may improve contractile performance in the failing rat heart and that infrequent exposure to GGF2 may improve LV function and impact remodeling in the failing myocardium. GGF2 is now being developed for the treatment of heart failure in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom J Parry
- Acorda Therapeutics, Inc., 420 Saw Mill River Rd, Ardsley, NY 10502, USA.
| | - Anindita Ganguly
- Acorda Therapeutics, Inc., 420 Saw Mill River Rd, Ardsley, NY 10502, USA.
| | - Erika L Troy
- Acorda Therapeutics, Inc., 420 Saw Mill River Rd, Ardsley, NY 10502, USA.
| | - J Luis Guerrero
- Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit St, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - Jennifer F Iaci
- Acorda Therapeutics, Inc., 420 Saw Mill River Rd, Ardsley, NY 10502, USA.
| | - Maya Srinivas
- Acorda Therapeutics, Inc., 420 Saw Mill River Rd, Ardsley, NY 10502, USA.
| | - Andrea M Vecchione
- Acorda Therapeutics, Inc., 420 Saw Mill River Rd, Ardsley, NY 10502, USA.
| | - Donald C Button
- Acorda Therapeutics, Inc., 420 Saw Mill River Rd, Ardsley, NY 10502, USA.
| | - Craig S Hackett
- Acorda Therapeutics, Inc., 420 Saw Mill River Rd, Ardsley, NY 10502, USA.
| | - Ronald Zolty
- University of Nebraska Medical Center, 982265 S 42nd St & Emile St, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
| | | | - Anthony O Caggiano
- Acorda Therapeutics, Inc., 420 Saw Mill River Rd, Ardsley, NY 10502, USA.
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5
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Lenihan DJ, Anderson SA, Lenneman CG, Brittain E, Muldowney JA, Mendes L, Zhao PZ, Iaci J, Frohwein S, Zolty R, Eisen A, Sawyer DB, Caggiano AO. A Phase I, Single Ascending Dose Study of Cimaglermin Alfa (Neuregulin 1β3) in Patients With Systolic Dysfunction and Heart Failure. JACC Basic Transl Sci 2016; 1:576-586. [PMID: 30167542 PMCID: PMC6113538 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacbts.2016.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2016] [Revised: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 09/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
A first-in-human, phase 1, double blind, placebo-controlled, single ascending dose study examined the safety, tolerability, and exploratory efficacy of intravenous infusion of a recombinant growth factor, cimaglermin alfa, in patients with heart failure and left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD). In these patients on optimal guideline-directed medical therapy, cimaglermin treatment was generally tolerated except for transient nausea and headache and a dose-limiting toxicity was noted at the highest planned dose. There was a dose-dependent improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction lasting 90 days following infusion. Thus, cimaglermin is a potential therapy to enhance cardiac function in LVSD and warrants further investigation.
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Key Words
- AE, adverse event
- AUC, area under the curve
- DLT, dose-limiting toxicity
- GGF, glial growth factor
- HF, heart failure
- LVEF, left ventricular ejection fraction
- LVSD, left ventricular systolic dysfunction
- NRG, neuregulin
- NYHA, New York Heart Association functional class
- TEAE, treatment-emergent adverse event
- cardiac repair
- growth factor
- neuregulin
- systolic dysfunction
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Lenihan
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Sarah A. Anderson
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | | | - Evan Brittain
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - James A.S. Muldowney
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Lisa Mendes
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | | | | | - Stephen Frohwein
- Emory Heart and Vascular Center at Emory Saint Joseph’s, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Ronald Zolty
- University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
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6
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Proteolytic processing of Neuregulin-1. Brain Res Bull 2016; 126:178-182. [PMID: 27393467 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2016.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2016] [Revised: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 07/03/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Neuregulin-1 (NRG1), known also as heregulin, acetylcholine receptor inducing activity (ARIA), glial growth factor (GGF), or sensory and motor neuron derived factor (SMDF), is a key factor for many developmental processes and in adult brain. All known splice variants contain an epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like domain, which is mediating signaling via receptors of the ErbB family. In particular, NRG1 acts as an essential signaling molecule expressed on the axonal surface, where it signals to Schwann cells throughout development and regulates the thickness of the myelin sheath. NRG1 is required also by other cell types in the nervous system, for instance as an axonal signal released by proprioceptive afferents to induce development of the muscle spindle, and it controls aspects of cortical interneuron development as well as the formation of thalamo-cortical projections. The precursor protein of NRG1 can be activated and released from the membrane through limited proteolysis by the β-Secretase (β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1, BACE1) which was first identified through its function as the rate limiting enzyme of amyloid-β-peptide (Aβ) production. Aβ is the major component of amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Due to the hairpin nature of NRG1 type III two membrane-bound stubs with a type 1 and a type 2 orientation are generated by an initial proteolytic cleavage and successive release of the EGF-like domain either by dual cleavage by BACE1 or by ADAM17 (a disintegrin and metalloprotease) which is also called TACE (Tumor Necrosis Factor-α-converting enzyme). The cleavages activate NRG1 to allow juxtacrine or paracrine signaling. The type 1 oriented stub is further cleaved by γ-secretase in the transmembrane domain with a putative role in intracellular domain (ICD) signaling, while the type II oriented stub is cleaved by signal peptidase like proteases (SPPLs). Neuregulin-1 was identified as a major physiological substrate of BACE1 during early postnatal development when similarities in BACE1 KO mice and NRG1 heterozygous mice were discovered. Both display severe hypomyelination of peripheral nerves. Later it was shown with genetic and pharmacological evidence that the developmental effect of type I NRG1 on the formation and the maintenance of muscle spindles is BACE1 dependent. Thus, NRG1 functions in PNS and CNS are likely to set limits to an Alzheimer disease therapy with relatively strong BACE1 inhibition.
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7
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Rösler TW, Depboylu C, Arias-Carrión O, Wozny W, Carlsson T, Höllerhage M, Oertel WH, Schrattenholz A, Höglinger GU. Biodistribution and brain permeability of the extracellular domain of neuregulin-1-β1. Neuropharmacology 2011; 61:1413-8. [PMID: 21903113 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2011.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2011] [Revised: 07/26/2011] [Accepted: 08/19/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Neuregulin-1 (NRG1) belongs to a large family of growth and differentiation factors with a key role in the development and maintenance of the brain. Genetic association of NRG1 within brain disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia and neuroprotective properties of certain NRG1 isoforms have led to a variety of studies in corresponding disease models. In the present work, we investigated NRG1 with regard to its peripheral and central biodistribution after systemic application. We first-time radiolabeled the entire biologically active extracellular domain of NRG1 isotype-β1 (NRG1-β1 ECD; aa 2-246) with iodine-125 and administered it peripherally to healthy adult C57Bl6 mice. Blood kinetics and relative organ distribution of (125)I-labeled NRG1-β1 ECD were determined. The blood level of NRG1-β1 ECD peaked within the first hour after intraperitoneal (i.p.) application. The brain-blood ratios of (125)I-labeled NRG1-β1 ECD were time-dependently 150-370% higher compared to the brain impermeable control, (131)I-labeled bovine serum albumin. Autoradiographs of brain slices demonstrated that (125)I-labeled NRG1-β1 ECD accumulated in several regions of the brain e.g. frontal cortex, striatum and ventral midbrain containing the substantia nigra. In addition we found histochemical and biochemical evidence that phosphorylation of the NRG1 prototype receptor ErbB4 was increased in these regions after systemic application of NRG1-β1 ECD. Our data suggest that NRG1-β1 ECD passes the blood-brain barrier and activates cerebral ErbB4 receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas W Rösler
- Experimental Neurology, Department of Neurology, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany
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8
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Sawyer DB, Caggiano A. Neuregulin-1β for the treatment of systolic heart failure. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2011; 51:501-5. [PMID: 21729703 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2011.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2011] [Revised: 05/13/2011] [Accepted: 06/20/2011] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The Neuregulin-1 gene encodes a family of ligands that act through the ErbB family of receptor tyrosine kinases to regulate morphogenesis of many tissues. Work in isolated cardiac cells as well as genetically altered mice demonstrates that neuregulin-1/ErbB signaling is a paracrine signaling system that functions in endocardial-endothelial/cardiomyocyte interactions to regulate tissue organization during development as well as maintain cardiac function throughout life. Treatment of animals with cardiac dysfunction with recombinant neuregulin-1beta improves cardiac function. This has led to ongoing early phase clinical studies examining neuregulin-1beta as a potential novel therapeutic for heart failure. In this review we synthesize the literature behind this rapidly evolving area of translational research. This article is part of a special issue entitled "Key Signaling Molecules in Hypertrophy and Heart Failure."
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas B Sawyer
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical School, Nashville, TN, USA.
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9
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Phosphorylated SAP155, the spliceosomal component, is localized to chromatin in postnatal mouse testes. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2010; 393:577-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2010.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2010] [Accepted: 02/03/2010] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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10
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Eto K, Hommyo A, Yonemitsu R, Abe SI. ErbB4 signals Neuregulin1-stimulated cell proliferation and c-fos gene expression through phosphorylation of serum response factor by mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade. Mol Cell Biochem 2010; 339:119-25. [DOI: 10.1007/s11010-009-0375-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2009] [Accepted: 12/21/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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11
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Pedrosa E, Nolan KA, Stefanescu R, Hershcovitz P, Novak T, Zukov I, Stopkova P, Lachman HM, Lachman HM. Analysis of a promoter polymorphism in the SMDF neuregulin 1 isoform in Schizophrenia. Neuropsychobiology 2009; 59:205-12. [PMID: 19521112 PMCID: PMC2790772 DOI: 10.1159/000223732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2008] [Accepted: 03/02/2009] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Neuregulin 1 (NRG1) is a positional candidate gene in schizophrenia (SZ). Two major susceptibility loci in the NRG1 gene approximately one million nucleotides apart have been identified in genetic studies. Several candidate functional allelic variants have been described that might be involved in disease susceptibility. However, the findings are still preliminary. We recently mapped active promoters and other regulatory domains in several SZ and bipolar disorder (BD) candidate genes using ChIP-chip (chromatin immunoprecipitation hybridized to microarrays). One was the promoter for the NRG1 isoform, SMDF, which maps to the 3' end of the gene complex. Analysis of the SNP database revealed several polymorphisms within the approximate borders of the region immunoprecipitated in our ChIP-chip experiments, one of which is rs7825588. METHODS This SNP was analyzed in patients with SZ and BD and its effect on promoter function was assessed by electromobility gel shift assays and luciferase reporter constructs. RESULTS A significant increase in homozygosity for the minor allele was found in patients with SZ (genotype distribution chi(2) = 7.32, p = 0.03) but not in BD (genotype distribution chi(2) = 0.52, p = 0.77). Molecular studies demonstrated modest, but statistically significant allele-specific differences in protein binding and promoter function. CONCLUSION The findings suggest that homozygosity for rs725588 could be a risk genotype for SZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Pedrosa
- Division of Basic Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, N.Y., USA
| | - Karen A. Nolan
- Nathan Kline Institute, Orangeburg, N.Y., and Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, N.Y., USA
| | - Radu Stefanescu
- Division of Basic Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, N.Y., USA
| | - Pnina Hershcovitz
- Division of Basic Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, N.Y., USA
| | - Tomas Novak
- Prague Psychiatric Center, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ilja Zukov
- Psychiatric Clinic, First Faculty of Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavla Stopkova
- Prague Psychiatric Center, Prague, Czech Republic,Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Herbert M. Lachman
- Division of Basic Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, N.Y., USA,*Dr. H. Lachman, Department of Psychiatry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461 (USA), Tel. +1 718 430 2428, Fax +1 718 430 8772, E-Mail
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12
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Eto K, Eda K, Hayano M, Goto S, Nagao K, Kawasaki T, Kashimura H, Tarui H, Nishimura O, Agata K, Abe SI. Reduced expression of an RNA-binding protein by prolactin leads to translational silencing of programmed cell death protein 4 and apoptosis in newt spermatogonia. J Biol Chem 2009; 284:23260-71. [PMID: 19556246 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m109.018622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies indicate that the balance between cell survival and proapoptotic signals determines which cells commit to life or death. We have shown that the balance between follicle-stimulating hormone and prolactin determines differentiation or apoptosis in 7th generation spermatogonia during newt spermatogenesis; however, the molecular mechanisms specifying their fate are poorly understood. Here we show that the newt RNA-binding protein (nRBP) plays a critical role in determining their fate. nRBP was identified as a clone whose mRNA is decreased by prolactin, resulting in the reduction of the protein, which is otherwise expressed predominantly in the spermatogonia. nRBP protein associated with the mRNA for newt programmed cell death protein 4 (nPdcd4) at the 3'-untranslated region. nRBP reduction increased nPdcd4 mRNA but decreased its protein. In a cell-free system, cytoplasmic extracts containing reduced amounts of nRBP and nPdcd4 protein induced apoptosis, whereas adding nRBP protein to the extracts blocked apoptosis. Furthermore, overexpression of nRBP protected cells from apoptosis, stabilized the chimeric transcript containing the nPdcd4 3'-untranslated region, and accelerated its translation. These data suggest that, in the absence of nRBP, nPdcd4 mRNA is not stabilized and its translation is suppressed, leading to apoptosis in the spermatogonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ko Eto
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-8555, Japan.
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13
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Konrad A, Vucurevic G, Musso F, Stoeter P, Dahmen N, Winterer G. ErbB4 genotype predicts left frontotemporal structural connectivity in human brain. Neuropsychopharmacology 2009; 34:641-50. [PMID: 18668031 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2008.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Diminished left frontotemporal connectivity is among the most frequently reported findings in schizophrenia and there is evidence that altered neuronal myelination may in part account for this deficit. Several investigations have suggested that variations of the genes that encode the Neuregulin 1 (NRG1)-ErbB4 receptor complex are associated with schizophrenia illness. As NRG1--ErbB4 has been implicated in neuronal myelination, we investigated with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) whether fractional anisotropy (FA)--a putative measure of neuronal myelination--is predicted by a risk haplotype of the ErbB4 gene. The effects of the ErbB4 genotype were investigated in healthy subjects (N=59; mean age: 22.6+/-1.8 years). We also measured reaction time (RT) during a selective attention/working memory paradigm (visual oddball). In the schizophrenia risk genotype group, we found lower FA in the temporal lobe white matter (WM) including frontotemporal fiber tracts, predominantly in the left hemisphere. RT was increased in the risk genotype group and correlated with FA in the affected brain region. As FA is considered to index structural integrity of WM, to which neuronal fiber myelination is contributing, our results suggest that variations of the ErbB4 genotype may confer risk for schizophrenia illness via its impact on left frontotemporal connectivity in human brain. Reliability and validity of the result is suggested by our observation that (1) the FA-genotype association was not only obtained in the entire sample but also in both the split halves and (2) a statistical relationship was found among RT, genotype and FA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Konrad
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany.
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Shen HL, Xu ZG, Huang LY, Liu D, Lin DH, Cao JB, Zhang X, Wang ZQ, Wang WH, Yang PY, Han ZG. Liver-specific ZP domain-containing protein (LZP) as a new partner of Tamm-Horsfall protein harbors on renal tubules. Mol Cell Biochem 2008; 321:73-83. [DOI: 10.1007/s11010-008-9921-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2008] [Accepted: 09/15/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Hayes NVL, Gullick WJ. The neuregulin family of genes and their multiple splice variants in breast cancer. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 2008; 13:205-14. [PMID: 18415007 DOI: 10.1007/s10911-008-9078-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2008] [Accepted: 03/17/2008] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The neuregulin family consists of four genes, NRG1-4 which can each encode products containing a domain related to the epidermal growth factor family of ligands. Each gene is subject to complex control of transcription and to splicing of their mRNA product to give many variant proteins. These do not contain secretory sequences but some, through their transmembrane sequence, are routed via the Golgi where they are glycosylated, to the cell surface. Here they may be released by regulated proteolysis to act as soluble proteins which can interact and activate members of the EGF receptor family of receptor tyrosine kinases. Other splice variants do not encode transmembrane sequences and these are found either in the cytoplasm or, if they encode a nuclear localisation sequence, in distinct compartments in the nucleoplasm. It has been shown that the variants containing a full EGF domain can act as receptor agonists but the function of the cytoplasmic and nuclear products is unknown as yet. All four neuregulin genes are expressed and play an important role in mammary gland development. They are also expressed at elevated levels in some cases of ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast and breast cancer. They seem to be active in this setting and their presence may affect the efficacy of treatment with endocrine agents or with signal transduction inhibitors directed at the EGF receptor family members. Much remains to be learned however of their normal function and their influence on breast cancer development, progression and response to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nandini V L Hayes
- Department of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NJ, UK
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Abé K, Eto K, Abé SI. Epidermal growth factor mediates spermatogonial proliferation in newt testis. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2008; 6:7. [PMID: 18254942 PMCID: PMC2276507 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-6-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2007] [Accepted: 02/06/2008] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The complex processes of spermatogenesis are regulated by various factors. The aim of the current study is to determine the effect of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on spermatogonial proliferation and clarify the mechanism causing the proliferation in newt testis. In the organ culture, EGF stimulated spermatogonial proliferation, but not their differentiation into spermatocytes. cDNA cloning identified 3 members of the EGF receptors, ErbB1, ErbB2, and ErbB4, in the testis. RT-PCR showed that all the receptors cloned were expressed in both Sertoli and germ cells at the spermatogonial stage. In the organ cultures with inhibitors for the EGF receptors, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), the EGF-induced spermatogonial proliferation was suppressed. Furthermore, when the organ culture was exposed to EGF, the expressions of stem cell factor (SCF), immunoglobulin-like domain containing neuregulin1 (Ig-NRG1), and ErbB4 mRNA were increased. These results suggested that, since the spermatogonia are sequestered within cysts by the blood-testis barrier consisted of Sertoli cells, EGF possibly mediates spermatogonial proliferation in an endocrine manner through the receptors including ErbB1, ErbB2, and ErbB4 expressed on Sertoli cells via activation of MAPK cascade or/and PI3K cascade by elevating the expressions of SCF, Ig-NRG1, and ErbB4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Abé
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kumamoto University, 2-39-1 Kurokami, Kumamoto 860-8555, Japan
| | - Ko Eto
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kumamoto University, 2-39-1 Kurokami, Kumamoto 860-8555, Japan
| | - Shin-ichi Abé
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kumamoto University, 2-39-1 Kurokami, Kumamoto 860-8555, Japan
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Ali N, Knaüper V. Phorbol Ester-induced Shedding of the Prostate Cancer Marker Transmembrane Protein with Epidermal Growth Factor and Two Follistatin Motifs 2 Is Mediated by the Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase-17. J Biol Chem 2007; 282:37378-88. [DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m702170200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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