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Lv Y, Qi J, Babon JJ, Cao L, Fan G, Lang J, Zhang J, Mi P, Kobe B, Wang F. The JAK-STAT pathway: from structural biology to cytokine engineering. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:221. [PMID: 39169031 PMCID: PMC11339341 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01934-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway serves as a paradigm for signal transduction from the extracellular environment to the nucleus. It plays a pivotal role in physiological functions, such as hematopoiesis, immune balance, tissue homeostasis, and surveillance against tumors. Dysregulation of this pathway may lead to various disease conditions such as immune deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, hematologic disorders, and cancer. Due to its critical role in maintaining human health and involvement in disease, extensive studies have been conducted on this pathway, ranging from basic research to medical applications. Advances in the structural biology of this pathway have enabled us to gain insights into how the signaling cascade operates at the molecular level, laying the groundwork for therapeutic development targeting this pathway. Various strategies have been developed to restore its normal function, with promising therapeutic potential. Enhanced comprehension of these molecular mechanisms, combined with advances in protein engineering methodologies, has allowed us to engineer cytokines with tailored properties for targeted therapeutic applications, thereby enhancing their efficiency and safety. In this review, we outline the structural basis that governs key nodes in this pathway, offering a comprehensive overview of the signal transduction process. Furthermore, we explore recent advances in cytokine engineering for therapeutic development in this pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- You Lv
- Center for Molecular Biosciences and Non-communicable Diseases Research, Xi'an University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710054, China
- Xi'an Amazinggene Co., Ltd, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710026, China
| | - Jianxun Qi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100080, China
| | - Jeffrey J Babon
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Longxing Cao
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310024, China
| | - Guohuang Fan
- Immunophage Biotech Co., Ltd, No. 10 Lv Zhou Huan Road, Shanghai, 201112, China
| | - Jiajia Lang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Xi'an Amazinggene Co., Ltd, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710026, China
| | - Pengbing Mi
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China.
| | - Bostjan Kobe
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, Institute for Molecular Bioscience and Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia.
| | - Faming Wang
- Center for Molecular Biosciences and Non-communicable Diseases Research, Xi'an University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710054, China.
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2
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Kaushansky K. Thrombopoietin, the Primary Regulator of Platelet Production: From Mythos to Logos, a Thirty-Year Journey. Biomolecules 2024; 14:489. [PMID: 38672505 PMCID: PMC11047867 DOI: 10.3390/biom14040489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Thrombopoietin, the primary regulator of blood platelet production, was postulated to exist in 1958, but was only proven to exist when the cDNA for the hormone was cloned in 1994. Since its initial cloning and characterization, the hormone has revealed many surprises. For example, instead of acting as the postulated differentiation factor for platelet precursors, megakaryocytes, it is the most potent stimulator of megakaryocyte progenitor expansion known. Moreover, it also stimulates the survival, and in combination with stem cell factor leads to the expansion of hematopoietic stem cells. All of these growth-promoting activities have resulted in its clinical use in patients with thrombocytopenia and aplastic anemia, although the clinical development of the native molecule illustrated that "it's not wise to mess with mother nature", as a highly engineered version of the native hormone led to autoantibody formation and severe thrombocytopenia. Finally, another unexpected finding was the role of the thrombopoietin receptor in stem cell biology, including the development of myeloproliferative neoplasms, an important disorder of hematopoietic stem cells. Overall, the past 30 years of clinical and basic research has yielded many important insights, which are reviewed in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Kaushansky
- Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
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3
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Sarson-Lawrence KTG, Hardy JM, Iaria J, Stockwell D, Behrens K, Saiyed T, Tan C, Jebeli L, Scott NE, Dite TA, Nicola NA, Leis AP, Babon JJ, Kershaw NJ. Cryo-EM structure of the extracellular domain of murine Thrombopoietin Receptor in complex with Thrombopoietin. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1135. [PMID: 38326297 PMCID: PMC10850085 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45356-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Thrombopoietin (Tpo) is the primary regulator of megakaryocyte and platelet numbers and is required for haematopoetic stem cell maintenance. Tpo functions by binding its receptor (TpoR, a homodimeric Class I cytokine receptor) and initiating cell proliferation or differentiation. Here we characterise the murine Tpo:TpoR signalling complex biochemically and structurally, using cryo-electron microscopy. Tpo uses opposing surfaces to recruit two copies of receptor, forming a 1:2 complex. Although it binds to the same, membrane-distal site on both receptor chains, it does so with significantly different affinities and its highly glycosylated C-terminal domain is not required. In one receptor chain, a large insertion, unique to TpoR, forms a partially structured loop that contacts cytokine. Tpo binding induces the juxtaposition of the two receptor chains adjacent to the cell membrane. The therapeutic agent romiplostim also targets the cytokine-binding site and the characterisation presented here supports the future development of improved TpoR agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiseal T G Sarson-Lawrence
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Royal Parade, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joshua M Hardy
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Royal Parade, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Australia
- ARC Centre for Cryo-electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Australia
| | - Josephine Iaria
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Royal Parade, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dina Stockwell
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Royal Parade, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kira Behrens
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Royal Parade, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tamanna Saiyed
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Royal Parade, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Australia
| | - Cyrus Tan
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Royal Parade, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Australia
| | - Leila Jebeli
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, 3000, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nichollas E Scott
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, 3000, Victoria, Australia
| | - Toby A Dite
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Royal Parade, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nicos A Nicola
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Royal Parade, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew P Leis
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Royal Parade, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Australia
- ARC Centre for Cryo-electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jeffrey J Babon
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Australia.
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Royal Parade, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Nadia J Kershaw
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Australia.
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Royal Parade, Parkville, 3052, Victoria, Australia.
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Huang M, Wang L, Zhang Q, Zhou L, Liao R, Wu A, Wang X, Luo J, Huang F, Zou W, Wu J. Interleukins in Platelet Biology: Unraveling the Complex Regulatory Network. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:109. [PMID: 38256942 PMCID: PMC10820339 DOI: 10.3390/ph17010109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Interleukins, a diverse family of cytokines produced by various cells, play crucial roles in immune responses, immunoregulation, and a wide range of physiological and pathological processes. In the context of megakaryopoiesis, thrombopoiesis, and platelet function, interleukins have emerged as key regulators, exerting significant influence on the development, maturation, and activity of megakaryocytes (MKs) and platelets. While the therapeutic potential of interleukins in platelet-related diseases has been recognized for decades, their clinical application has been hindered by limitations in basic research and challenges in drug development. Recent advancements in understanding the molecular mechanisms of interleukins and their interactions with MKs and platelets, coupled with breakthroughs in cytokine engineering, have revitalized the field of interleukin-based therapeutics. These breakthroughs have paved the way for the development of more effective and specific interleukin-based therapies for the treatment of platelet disorders. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the effects of interleukins on megakaryopoiesis, thrombopoiesis, and platelet function. It highlights the potential clinical applications of interleukins in regulating megakaryopoiesis and platelet function and discusses the latest bioengineering technologies that could improve the pharmacokinetic properties of interleukins. By synthesizing the current knowledge in this field, this review aims to provide valuable insights for future research into the clinical application of interleukins in platelet-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China; (M.H.); (Q.Z.)
| | - Long Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China; (L.W.); (L.Z.); (R.L.); (A.W.); (F.H.)
| | - Qianhui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China; (M.H.); (Q.Z.)
| | - Ling Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China; (L.W.); (L.Z.); (R.L.); (A.W.); (F.H.)
| | - Rui Liao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China; (L.W.); (L.Z.); (R.L.); (A.W.); (F.H.)
| | - Anguo Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China; (L.W.); (L.Z.); (R.L.); (A.W.); (F.H.)
| | - Xinle Wang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China; (X.W.); (J.L.)
| | - Jiesi Luo
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China; (X.W.); (J.L.)
| | - Feihong Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China; (L.W.); (L.Z.); (R.L.); (A.W.); (F.H.)
| | - Wenjun Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China; (M.H.); (Q.Z.)
| | - Jianming Wu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China; (X.W.); (J.L.)
- The Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education of China, Luzhou 646000, China
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Joubran S, Sankaran VG. Getting an aMPLe grasp on hematopoiesis. Cell 2023; 186:4005-4006. [PMID: 37714132 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.08.015] [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: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Hematopoiesis requires balance between self-renewal of stem cells and differentiation into mature blood cells, orchestrated by pathways such as thrombopoietin signaling. In this issue of Cell, Tsutsumi et al. report the structure of the thrombopoietin ligand-receptor complex and demonstrate the potential to decouple its roles in self-renewal and hematopoietic differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Joubran
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital and Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Chemical Biology PhD Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Vijay G Sankaran
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital and Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
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