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Gholam Azad M, Hussaini M, Russell TM, Richardson V, Kaya B, Dharmasivam M, Richardson DR. Multi-modal mechanisms of the metastasis suppressor, NDRG1: Inhibition of WNT/β-catenin signaling by stabilization of protein kinase Cα. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107417. [PMID: 38815861 PMCID: PMC11261793 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107417] [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: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The metastasis suppressor, N-myc downstream regulated gene-1 (NDRG1), inhibits pro-oncogenic signaling in pancreatic cancer (PC). This investigation dissected a novel mechanism induced by NDRG1 on WNT/β-catenin signaling in multiple PC cell types. NDRG1 overexpression decreased β-catenin and downregulated glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) protein levels and its activation. However, β-catenin phosphorylation at Ser33, Ser37, and Thr41 are classically induced by GSK-3β was significantly increased after NDRG1 overexpression, suggesting a GSK-3β-independent mechanism. Intriguingly, NDRG1 overexpression upregulated protein kinase Cα (PKCα), with PKCα silencing preventing β-catenin phosphorylation at Ser33, Ser37, and Thr41, and decreasing β-catenin expression. Further, NDRG1 and PKCα were demonstrated to associate, with PKCα stabilization occurring after NDRG1 overexpression. PKCα half-life increased from 1.5 ± 0.8 h (3) in control cells to 11.0 ± 2.5 h (3) after NDRG1 overexpression. Thus, NDRG1 overexpression leads to the association of NDRG1 with PKCα and PKCα stabilization, resulting in β-catenin phosphorylation at Ser33, Ser37, and Thr41. The association between PKCα, NDRG1, and β-catenin was identified, with the formation of a potential metabolon that promotes the latter β-catenin phosphorylation. This anti-oncogenic activity of NDRG1 was multi-modal, with the above mechanism accompanied by the downregulation of the nucleo-cytoplasmic shuttling protein, p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4), which is involved in β-catenin nuclear translocation, inhibition of AKT phosphorylation (Ser473), and decreased β-catenin phosphorylation at Ser552 that suppresses its transcriptional activity. These mechanisms of NDRG1 activity are important to dissect to understand the marked anti-cancer efficacy of NDRG1-inducing thiosemicarbazones that upregulate PKCα and inhibit WNT signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahan Gholam Azad
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mohammed Hussaini
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Tiffany M Russell
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Vera Richardson
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Busra Kaya
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mahendiran Dharmasivam
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Des R Richardson
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Department of Pathology and Biological Responses, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.
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2
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Vanderlaan RD. Improving Outcomes in Pulmonary Vein Stenosis: Novel Pursuits and Paradigm Shifts. Semin Thorac Cardiovasc Surg Pediatr Card Surg Annu 2024; 27:92-99. [PMID: 38522879 DOI: 10.1053/j.pcsu.2024.01.003] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) remains a clinical challenge, with progressive restenosis being common. In the past five years, we have seen an exponential increase in both clinical and scientific publication related to PVS. Central to progress in PVS clinical care is the paradigm shift towards collaborative, multidisciplinary care that utilizes a multimodality approach to treatment. This manuscript will discuss recent conceptual gains in PVS treatment and research while highlighting important outstanding questions and barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel D Vanderlaan
- Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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3
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Ahmed AH, Jassim TS, Ali RW, Hameed AR, Alfalki AM. Systemic computational investigation to identify potential inhibitors against cancer by targeting P21-activated kinase 4 and D(CGATCG). J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:9356-9365. [PMID: 36326467 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2141894] [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: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Cancer accounts for more than 10 million deaths in the year 2020. Development of drugs that specifically target cancer signaling pathways and proteins attain significant importance in the recent past. The p21-activated kinase 4 enzyme, which plays diverse functions in cancer and is reported in elevated expression makes this enzyme an attractive anti-cancer drug target. Similarly, cancer cells' DNA could also serve as a good platform for anti-cancer drug development. Herein, a robust in silico framework is designed to virtually screen multiple drug libraries from diverse sources to identify potential binders of the mentioned cancer targets. The virtual screening process identified three compounds (BAS_01059603, ASN_10027856, and ASN_06916672) as best docked molecules with a binding energy score of ≤ -10 kcal/mol for p21-activated kinase 4 and ≤ -6 kcal/mol for D(CGATCG). In the docking analysis, the filtered compounds revealed stable binding to the same site to which controls bind in X-ray structures. The binding interactions of the compounds with receptors are dominated by van der Waals interactions. The average root mean square deviation (rmsd) value for p21-activated kinase 4 systems is noticed at ∼2 Å, while for D(CGATCG), the average rmsd is 2.7 Å. The MMGB/PBSA interpreted ASN_12674021 to show strong intermolecular binding energy compared to the other two systems and control in both receptors. Moreover, the entropy energy contribution is less than the mean binding energy. In short, the compounds are showing promising binding to the biomolecules and therefore must be evaluated for anti-cancer activity in experimental studies.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ameen Haider Ahmed
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technique, Al Salam University College, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Tabarak Sabah Jassim
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technique, Dijlah University College, Baghdad University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Rusul Waleed Ali
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technique, Dijlah University College, Baghdad University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Alaa R Hameed
- Department of Medical Laboratory Techniques, School of Life Sciences, Dijlah University College, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Ali Mamoon Alfalki
- College of Health Professions, University of New England, Biddeford, ME, USA
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4
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Taghehchian N, Samsami Y, Maharati A, Zangouei AS, Boroumand-Noughabi S, Moghbeli M. Molecular biology of microRNA-342 during tumor progression and invasion. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 248:154672. [PMID: 37413875 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is considered as one of the main causes of human deaths and health challenges in the world. Various factors are involved in the high death rate of cancer patients, including late diagnosis and drug resistance that result in treatment failure and tumor recurrence. Invasive diagnostic methods are one of the main reasons of late tumor detection in cancer patients. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the molecular tumor biology to introduce efficient non-invasive markers. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in regulation of the cellular mechanisms such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, and migration. MiRNAs deregulations have been also frequently shown in different tumor types. Here, we discussed the molecular mechanisms of miR-342 during tumor growth. MiR-342 mainly functions as a tumor suppressor by the regulation of transcription factors and signaling pathways such as WNT, PI3K/AKT, NF-kB, and MAPK. Therefore, miR-342 mimics can be used as a reliable therapeutic strategy to inhibit the tumor cells growth. The present review can also pave the way to introduce the miR-342 as a non-invasive diagnostic/prognostic marker in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Negin Taghehchian
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Yalda Samsami
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amirhosein Maharati
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amir Sadra Zangouei
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Samaneh Boroumand-Noughabi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Bank, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Meysam Moghbeli
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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5
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Wang DN, Ni JJ, Li JH, Gao YQ, Ni FJ, Zhang ZZ, Fang JY, Lu J, Yao YF. Bacterial infection promotes tumorigenesis of colorectal cancer via regulating CDC42 acetylation. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011189. [PMID: 36812247 PMCID: PMC9987831 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence highlights the role of bacteria in promoting tumorigenesis. The underlying mechanisms may be diverse and remain poorly understood. Here, we report that Salmonella infection leads to extensive de/acetylation changes in host cell proteins. The acetylation of mammalian cell division cycle 42 (CDC42), a member of the Rho family of GTPases involved in many crucial signaling pathways in cancer cells, is drastically reduced after bacterial infection. CDC42 is deacetylated by SIRT2 and acetylated by p300/CBP. Non-acetylated CDC42 at lysine 153 shows an impaired binding of its downstream effector PAK4 and an attenuated phosphorylation of p38 and JNK, consequently reduces cell apoptosis. The reduction in K153 acetylation also enhances the migration and invasion ability of colon cancer cells. The low level of K153 acetylation in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) predicts a poor prognosis. Taken together, our findings suggest a new mechanism of bacterial infection-induced promotion of colorectal tumorigenesis by modulation of the CDC42-PAK axis through manipulation of CDC42 acetylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan-Ni Wang
- Laboratory of Bacterial Pathogenesis, Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin-Jing Ni
- Laboratory of Bacterial Pathogenesis, Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian-Hui Li
- Laboratory of Bacterial Pathogenesis, Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Phage, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ya-Qi Gao
- State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fang-Jing Ni
- Laboratory of Bacterial Pathogenesis, Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhen-Zhen Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing-Yuan Fang
- State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Lu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail: (JL); (Y-FY)
| | - Yu-Feng Yao
- Laboratory of Bacterial Pathogenesis, Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Emergency Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Respiratory Infectious Diseases, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail: (JL); (Y-FY)
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Chetty AK, Ha BH, Boggon TJ. Rho family GTPase signaling through type II p21-activated kinases. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:598. [PMID: 36401658 PMCID: PMC10105373 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04618-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Signaling from the Rho family small GTPases controls a wide range of signaling outcomes. Key among the downstream effectors for many of the Rho GTPases are the p21-activated kinases, or PAK group. The PAK family comprises two types, the type I PAKs (PAK1, 2 and 3) and the type II PAKs (PAK4, 5 and 6), which have distinct structures and mechanisms of regulation. In this review, we discuss signal transduction from Rho GTPases with a focus on the type II PAKs. We discuss the role of PAKs in signal transduction pathways and selectivity of Rho GTPases for PAK family members. We consider the less well studied of the Rho GTPases and their PAK-related signaling. We then discuss the molecular basis for kinase domain recognition of substrates and for regulation of signaling. We conclude with a discussion of the role of PAKs in cross talk between Rho family small GTPases and the roles of PAKs in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashwin K Chetty
- Yale College, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Byung Hak Ha
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Titus J Boggon
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale University, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
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7
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Mozibullah M, Junaid M. Biological Role of the PAK4 Signaling Pathway: A Prospective Therapeutic Target for Multivarious Cancers. ARAB J CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.arabjc.2022.104438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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8
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Differential roles and regulation of the protein kinases PAK4, PAK5 and PAK6 in melanoma cells. Biochem J 2022; 479:1709-1725. [PMID: 35969127 PMCID: PMC9444074 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20220184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The protein kinases PAK4, PAK5 and PAK6 comprise a family of ohnologues. In multiple cancers including melanomas PAK5 most frequently carries non-synonymous mutations; PAK6 and PAK4 have fewer; and PAK4 is often amplified. To help interpret these genomic data, initially we compared the cellular regulation of the sister kinases and their roles in melanoma cells. In common with many ohnologue protein kinases, PAK4, PAK5 and PAK6 each have two 14-3-3-binding phosphosites of which phosphoSer99 is conserved. PAK4 localises to the leading edge of cells in response to phorbol ester-stimulated binding of 14-3-3 to phosphoSer99 and phosphoSer181, which are phosphorylated by two different PKCs or PKDs. These phosphorylations of PAK4 are essential for its phorbol ester-stimulated phosphorylation of downstream substrates. In contrast, 14-3-3 interacts with PAK5 in response to phorbol ester-stimulated phosphorylation of Ser99 and epidermal growth factor-stimulated phosphorylation of Ser288; whereas PAK6 docks onto 14-3-3 and is prevented from localising to cell–cell junctions when Ser133 is phosphorylated in response to cAMP-elevating agents via PKA and insulin-like growth factor 1 via PKB/Akt. Silencing of PAK4 impairs viability, migration and invasive behaviour of melanoma cells carrying BRAFV600E or NRASQ61K mutations. These defects are rescued by ectopic expression of PAK4, more so by a 14-3-3-binding deficient PAK4, and barely by PAK5 or PAK6. Together these genomic, biochemical and cellular data suggest that the oncogenic properties of PAK4 are regulated by PKC–PKD signalling in melanoma, while PAK5 and PAK6 are dispensable in this cancer.
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9
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Yuan Y, Zhang H, Li D, Li Y, Lin F, Wang Y, Song H, Liu X, Li F, Zhang J. PAK4 in cancer development: Emerging player and therapeutic opportunities. Cancer Lett 2022; 545:215813. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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10
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Basso CG, de Araujo-Ramos AT, Martino-Andrade AJ. Exposure to phthalates and female reproductive health: a literature review. Reprod Toxicol 2022; 109:61-79. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2022.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Mao Y, Han CY, Hao L, Bang IH, Bae EJ, Park BH. p21-activated kinase 4 phosphorylates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor Υ and suppresses skeletal muscle regeneration. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2021; 12:1776-1788. [PMID: 34431242 PMCID: PMC8718036 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.12774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Skeletal muscle regeneration is an adaptive response to injury that is crucial to the maintenance of muscle mass and function. A p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) serine/threonine kinase is critical to the regulation of cytoskeletal changes, cell proliferation, and growth. However, PAK4's role in myoblast differentiation and regenerative myogenesis remains to be determined. METHODS We used a mouse model of myotoxin (notexin)-induced muscle regeneration. In vitro myogenesis was performed in the C2C12 myoblast cell line, primary myoblasts, and primary satellite cells. In vivo overexpression of PAK4 or kinase-inactive mutant PAK4S474A was conducted in skeletal muscle to examine PAK4's kinase-dependent effect on muscle regeneration. The regeneration process was evaluated by determining the number and size of multinucleated myofibres and expression patterns of myogenin and eMyHC. To explore whether PAK4 inhibition improves muscle regeneration, mice were injected intramuscularly with siRNA that targeted PAK4 or orally administered with a chemical inhibitor of PAK4. RESULTS p21-activated kinase 4 was highly expressed during the myoblast stage, but expression gradually and substantially decreased as myoblasts differentiated into myotubes. PAK4 overexpression, but not kinase-inactive mutant PAK4S474A overexpression, significantly impeded myoblast fusion and MyHC-positive myotube formation in C2C12 cells, primary myoblasts, and satellite cells (P < 0.01). Conversely, PAK4 silencing led to an 8.7% and a 20.3% increase in the number of multinucleated larger myotubes in C2C12 cells and primary myoblasts. Further, in vivo overexpression of PAK4 by adenovirus injection to mice prior to and after myotoxin-induced injury led to a 52.6% decrease in the number of eMyHC-positive myofibres on Day 5 in tibialis anterior muscles as compared with those injected with control adenoviruses (P < 0.01), while Ad-PAK4S474A showed comparable muscle regeneration parameters. PAK4-induced repression of muscle regeneration coincided with an increase in phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) expression and a decrease in phosphoinositide 3-kinase-Akt signalling. In contrast, PAK4 silencing reduced PTEN expression in mice. Consistent with these findings, prodrug of PAK4 inhibitor CZh-226 (30 mg/kg) orally administered to mice repressed PTEN expression and accelerated myotube formation. Subsequent mechanistic studies revealed that PAK4 directly phosphorylates PPARγ at S273 to increase its transcription activity, thereby up-regulating PTEN expression. Importantly, an analysis of the Genotype-Tissue Expression database showed a positive correlation between PAK4 and PTEN in human skeletal muscle tissues (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS p1-activated kinase 4 is a new member of PPARγ kinase, and PAK4 inhibition may have a therapeutic role as an accelerant of muscle regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuancheng Mao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Korea
| | - Chang Yeob Han
- School of Pharmacy, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, Korea
| | - Lihua Hao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Korea
| | - In Hyuk Bang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Korea
| | - Eun Ju Bae
- School of Pharmacy, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, Korea
| | - Byung-Hyun Park
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Korea
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Baskaran Y, Tay FPL, Ng EYW, Swa CLF, Wee S, Gunaratne J, Manser E. Proximity proteomics identifies PAK4 as a component of Afadin-Nectin junctions. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5315. [PMID: 34493720 PMCID: PMC8423818 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25011-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Human PAK4 is an ubiquitously expressed p21-activated kinase which acts downstream of Cdc42. Since PAK4 is enriched in cell-cell junctions, we probed the local protein environment around the kinase with a view to understanding its location and substrates. We report that U2OS cells expressing PAK4-BirA-GFP identify a subset of 27 PAK4-proximal proteins that are primarily cell-cell junction components. Afadin/AF6 showed the highest relative biotin labelling and links to the nectin family of homophilic junctional proteins. Reciprocally >50% of the PAK4-proximal proteins were identified by Afadin BioID. Co-precipitation experiments failed to identify junctional proteins, emphasizing the advantage of the BioID method. Mechanistically PAK4 depended on Afadin for its junctional localization, which is similar to the situation in Drosophila. A highly ranked PAK4-proximal protein LZTS2 was immuno-localized with Afadin at cell-cell junctions. Though PAK4 and Cdc42 are junctional, BioID analysis did not yield conventional cadherins, indicating their spatial segregation. To identify cellular PAK4 substrates we then assessed rapid changes (12') in phospho-proteome after treatment with two PAK inhibitors. Among the PAK4-proximal junctional proteins seventeen PAK4 sites were identified. We anticipate mammalian group II PAKs are selective for the Afadin/nectin sub-compartment, with a demonstrably distinct localization from tight and cadherin junctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohendran Baskaran
- sGSK Group, Institute of Molecular & Cell Biology, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Felicia Pei-Ling Tay
- FB Laboratory, Institute of Molecular & Cell Biology, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Elsa Yuen Wai Ng
- sGSK Group, Institute of Molecular & Cell Biology, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Claire Lee Foon Swa
- Quantitative Proteomics Group, Institute of Molecular & Cell Biology, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sheena Wee
- Quantitative Proteomics Group, Institute of Molecular & Cell Biology, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jayantha Gunaratne
- Quantitative Proteomics Group, Institute of Molecular & Cell Biology, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Edward Manser
- sGSK Group, Institute of Molecular & Cell Biology, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore.
- Department of Pharmacology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
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Shahinozzaman M, Ahmed S, Emran R, Tawata S. Molecular modelling approaches predicted 1,2,3-triazolyl ester of ketorolac (15K) to be a novel allosteric modulator of the oncogenic kinase PAK1. Sci Rep 2021; 11:17471. [PMID: 34471161 PMCID: PMC8410820 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96817-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
P21-activated kinases (PAKs) are serine/threonine protein kinase which have six different isoforms (PAK1-6). Of those, PAK1 is overexpressed in many cancers and considered to be a major chemotherapeutic target. Most of the developed PAK1 inhibitor drugs work as pan-PAK inhibitors and show undesirable toxicity due to having untargeted kinase inhibition activities. Selective PAK1 inhibitors are therefore highly desired and oncogenic drug hunters are trying to develop allosteric PAK1 inhibitors. We previously synthesized 1,2,3-triazolyl ester of ketorolac (15K) through click chemistry technique, which exhibits significant anti-cancer effects via inhibiting PAK1. Based on the selective anticancer effects of 15K against PAK1-dependent cancer cells, we hypothesize that it may act as an allosteric PAK1 inhibitor. In this study, computational analysis was done with 15K to explore its quantum chemical and thermodynamic properties, molecular interactions and binding stability with PAK1, physicochemical properties, ADMET, bioactivities, and druglikeness features. Molecular docking analysis demonstrates 15K as a potent allosteric ligand that strongly binds to a novel allosteric site of PAK1 (binding energy ranges - 8.6 to - 9.2 kcal/mol) and does not target other PAK isoforms; even 15K shows better interactions than another synthesized PAK1 inhibitor. Molecular dynamics simulation clearly supports the stable binding properties of 15K with PAK1 crystal. Density functional theory-based calculations reveal that it can be an active drug with high softness and moderate polarity, and ADMET predictions categorize it as a non-toxic drug as evidenced by in vitro studies with brine shrimp and fibroblast cells. Structure-activity relationship clarifies the role of ester bond and triazol moiety of 15K in establishing novel allosteric interactions. Our results summarize that 15K selectively inhibits PAK1 as an allosteric inhibitor and in turn shows anticancer effects without toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Shahinozzaman
- PAK Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan.
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of the Ryukyus, Senbaru 1, Nishihara-cho, Okinawa, 903-0213, Japan.
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA.
| | - Sinthyia Ahmed
- Division of Computer Aided Drug Design, The Red-Green Research Center, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Rashiduzzaman Emran
- Bioscience and Bioinformatics Research Center (BBRC), 5/2, Shehora, Dhaka Road, Mymensingh, 2200, Bangladesh
- Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Khamarbari, Farmgate, Dhaka, 1215, Bangladesh
| | - Shinkichi Tawata
- PAK Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan.
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of the Ryukyus, Senbaru 1, Nishihara-cho, Okinawa, 903-0213, Japan.
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Haapalainen AM, Daddali R, Hallman M, Rämet M. Human CPPED1 belongs to calcineurin-like metallophosphoesterase superfamily and dephosphorylates PI3K-AKT pathway component PAK4. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:6304-6317. [PMID: 34009729 PMCID: PMC8366450 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein kinases and phosphatases regulate cellular processes by reversible phosphorylation and dephosphorylation events. CPPED1 is a recently identified serine/threonine protein phosphatase that dephosphorylates AKT1 of the PI3K-AKT signalling pathway. We previously showed that CPPED1 levels are down-regulated in the human placenta during spontaneous term birth. In this study, based on sequence comparisons, we propose that CPPED1 is a member of the class III phosphodiesterase (PDE) subfamily within the calcineurin-like metallophosphoesterase (MPE) superfamily rather than a member of the phosphoprotein phosphatase (PPP) or metal-dependent protein phosphatase (PPM) protein families. We used a human proteome microarray to identify 36 proteins that putatively interact with CPPED1. Of these, GRB2, PAK4 and PIK3R2 are known to regulate the PI3K-AKT pathway. We further confirmed CPPED1 interactions with PAK4 and PIK3R2 by coimmunoprecipitation analyses. We characterized the effect of CPPED1 on phosphorylation of PAK4 and PIK3R2 in vitro by mass spectrometry. CPPED1 dephosphorylated specific serine residues in PAK4, while phosphorylation levels in PIK3R2 remained unchanged. Our findings indicate that CPPED1 may regulate PI3K-AKT pathway activity at multiple levels. Higher CPPED1 levels may inhibit PI3K-AKT pathway maintaining pregnancy. Consequences of decreased CPPED1 expression during labour remain to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antti M. Haapalainen
- PEDEGO Research Unit and Medical Research Center OuluUniversity of OuluOuluFinland
- Department of Children and AdolescentsOulu University HospitalOuluFinland
| | - Ravindra Daddali
- PEDEGO Research Unit and Medical Research Center OuluUniversity of OuluOuluFinland
- Department of Children and AdolescentsOulu University HospitalOuluFinland
| | - Mikko Hallman
- PEDEGO Research Unit and Medical Research Center OuluUniversity of OuluOuluFinland
- Department of Children and AdolescentsOulu University HospitalOuluFinland
| | - Mika Rämet
- PEDEGO Research Unit and Medical Research Center OuluUniversity of OuluOuluFinland
- Department of Children and AdolescentsOulu University HospitalOuluFinland
- Faculty of Medicine and Health TechnologyTampere UniversityTampereFinland
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15
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Zhu R, Nasu K, Hijiya N, Yoshihashi M, Hirakawa T, Aoyagi Y, Narahara H. hsa-miR-199a-3p Inhibits Motility, Invasiveness, and Contractility of Ovarian Endometriotic Stromal Cells. REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCES (THOUSAND OAKS, CALIF.) 2021; 28:3498-3507. [PMID: 33987822 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00604-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
It is suggested that aberrantly expressed microRNAs are involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Our previous study demonstrated that expression of the microRNA hsa-miR-199a-3p is attenuated in human endometriotic cyst stromal cells (ECSCs). The current study aimed to define the roles of hsa-miR-199a-3p in the development of endometriosis. ECSCs and normal endometrial stromal cells (NESCs) were isolated from ovarian endometrioma and normal endometrial tissues, respectively. We evaluated the effect of transfected hsa-miR-199a-3p on the migration, invasion, and contractility of ECSCs using Transwell migration assays, in vitro wound healing assays, Transwell invasion assays, and collagen gel contraction assays. We also examined the downstream target of hsa-miR-199a-3p with an online public database search and luciferase reporter assay. Expression of hsa-miR-199a-3p in ECSCs was significantly lower than that in NESCs, whereas the expression of p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) mRNA was significantly higher. Transfection of hsa-miR-199a-3p inhibited the migration, invasion, and contractility of ECSCs via inhibition of PAK4 mRNA expression. PAK4 was confirmed to be the direct target of hsa-miR-199a-3p. Transfection of PAK4 small interfering RNA and the PAK4 inhibitor PF-3758309 also inhibited ECSC migration, invasion, and contractility. These findings suggest that hsa-miR-199a-3p may act as a tumor suppressor in endometriosis development. Attenuation of hsa-miR-199a-3p expression was favorable for ECSCs to acquire the highly invasive, motile, and contractile characteristics of endometriotic cells and is involved in the development of endometriosis. Accordingly, PAK4 inhibitors may be promising for the treatment of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruofei Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Idaigaoka 1-1, Hasama-machi, Yufu-shi, Oita, 879-5593, Japan
| | - Kaei Nasu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Idaigaoka 1-1, Hasama-machi, Yufu-shi, Oita, 879-5593, Japan.
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Support System for Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita, Yufu-shi, Japan.
| | - Naoki Hijiya
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita, Yufu-shi, Japan
| | - Masato Yoshihashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Idaigaoka 1-1, Hasama-machi, Yufu-shi, Oita, 879-5593, Japan
| | - Tomoko Hirakawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Idaigaoka 1-1, Hasama-machi, Yufu-shi, Oita, 879-5593, Japan
| | - Yoko Aoyagi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Idaigaoka 1-1, Hasama-machi, Yufu-shi, Oita, 879-5593, Japan
| | - Hisashi Narahara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Idaigaoka 1-1, Hasama-machi, Yufu-shi, Oita, 879-5593, Japan
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16
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A latent subset of human hematopoietic stem cells resists regenerative stress to preserve stemness. Nat Immunol 2021; 22:723-734. [PMID: 33958784 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-021-00925-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Continuous supply of immune cells throughout life relies on the delicate balance in the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) pool between long-term maintenance and meeting the demands of both normal blood production and unexpected stress conditions. Here we identified distinct subsets of human long-term (LT)-HSCs that responded differently to regeneration-mediated stress: an immune checkpoint ligand CD112lo subset that exhibited a transient engraftment restraint (termed latency) before contributing to hematopoietic reconstitution and a primed CD112hi subset that responded rapidly. This functional heterogeneity and CD112 expression are regulated by INKA1 through direct interaction with PAK4 and SIRT1, inducing epigenetic changes and defining an alternative state of LT-HSC quiescence that serves to preserve self-renewal and regenerative capacity upon regeneration-mediated stress. Collectively, our data uncovered the molecular intricacies underlying HSC heterogeneity and self-renewal regulation and point to latency as an orchestrated physiological response that balances blood cell demands with preserving a stem cell reservoir.
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17
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PAK4 methylation by the methyltransferase SETD6 attenuates cell adhesion. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17068. [PMID: 33051544 PMCID: PMC7555502 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74081-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
P21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4), a member of serine/threonine kinases family is over-expressed in numerous cancer tumors and is associated with oncogenic cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Our recent work demonstrated that the SET-domain containing protein 6 (SETD6) interacts with and methylates PAK4 at chromatin in mammalian cells, leading to activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. In our current work, we identified lysine 473 (K473) on PAK4 as the primary methylation site by SETD6. Methylation of PAK4 at K473 activates β-catenin transcriptional activity and inhibits cell adhesion. Specific methylation of PAK4 at K473 also attenuates paxillin localization to focal adhesions leading to overall reduction in adhesion-related features, such as filopodia and actin structures. The altered adhesion of the PAK4 wild-type cells is accompanied with a decrease in the migrative and invasive characteristics of the cells. Taken together, our results suggest that methylation of PAK4 at K473 plays a vital role in the regulation of cell adhesion and migration.
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18
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Chetty AK, Sexton JA, Ha BH, Turk BE, Boggon TJ. Recognition of physiological phosphorylation sites by p21-activated kinase 4. J Struct Biol 2020; 211:107553. [PMID: 32585314 PMCID: PMC7395882 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2020.107553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Many serine/threonine protein kinases discriminate between serine and threonine substrates as a filter to control signaling output. Among these, the p21-activated kinase (PAK) group strongly favors phosphorylation of Ser over Thr residues. PAK4, a group II PAK, almost exclusively phosphorylates its substrates on serine residues. The only well documented exception is LIM domain kinase 1 (LIMK1), which is phosphorylated on an activation loop threonine (Thr508) to promote its catalytic activity. To understand the molecular and kinetic basis for PAK4 substrate selectivity we compared its mode of recognition of LIMK1 (Thr508) with that of a known serine substrate, β-catenin (Ser675). We determined X-ray crystal structures of PAK4 in complex with synthetic peptides corresponding to its phosphorylation sites in LIMK1 and β-catenin to 1.9 Å and 2.2 Å resolution, respectively. We found that the PAK4 DFG + 1 residue, a key determinant of phosphoacceptor preference, adopts a sub-optimal orientation when bound to LIMK1 compared to β-catenin. In peptide kinase activity assays, we find that phosphoacceptor identity impacts catalytic efficiency but does not affect the Km value for both phosphorylation sites. Although catalytic efficiency of wild-type LIMK1 and β-catenin are equivalent, T508S mutation of LIMK1 creates a highly efficient substrate. These results suggest suboptimal phosphorylation of LIMK1 as a mechanism for controlling the dynamics of substrate phosphorylation by PAK4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashwin K. Chetty
- Yale College, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.,Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Joel A. Sexton
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Byung Hak Ha
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Benjamin E. Turk
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.,Yale Cancer Center, Yale University, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Titus J. Boggon
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, Yale University, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.,Yale Cancer Center, Yale University, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.,To whom correspondence should be addressed
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19
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Mpilla GB, Philip PA, El-Rayes B, Azmi AS. Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: Therapeutic challenges and research limitations. World J Gastroenterol 2020; 26:4036-4054. [PMID: 32821069 PMCID: PMC7403797 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i28.4036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) are known to be the second most common epithelial malignancy of the pancreas. PNETs can be listed among the slowest growing as well as the fastest growing human cancers. The prevalence of PNETs is deceptively low; however, its incidence has significantly increased over the past decades. According to the American Cancer Society’s estimate, about 4032 (> 7% of all pancreatic malignancies) individuals will be diagnosed with PNETs in 2020. PNETs often cause severe morbidity due to excessive secretion of hormones (such as serotonin) and/or overall tumor mass. Patients can live for many years (except for those patients with poorly differentiated G3 neuroendocrine tumors); thus, the prevalence of the tumors that is the number of patients actually dealing with the disease at any given time is fairly high because the survival is much longer than pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Due to significant heterogeneity, the management of PNETs is very complex and remains an unmet clinical challenge. In terms of research studies, modest improvements have been made over the past decades in the identification of potential oncogenic drivers in order to enhance the quality of life and increase survival for this growing population of patients. Unfortunately, the majority of systematic therapies approved for the management of advanced stage PNETs lack objective response or at most result in modest benefits in survival. In this review, we aim to discuss the broad challenges associated with the management and the study of PNETs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Benyomo Mpilla
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
| | - Philip Agop Philip
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
| | - Bassel El-Rayes
- Department of Hematology Oncology, Emory Winship Institute, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
| | - Asfar Sohail Azmi
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
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20
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Zhang S, Yin Y, Li C, Zhao Y, Wang Q, Zhang X. PAK4 suppresses TNF-induced release of endothelial microparticles in HUVECs cells. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:12740-12749. [PMID: 32657762 PMCID: PMC7377857 DOI: 10.18632/aging.103173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine upregulated in many inflammatory diseases, and a potent inducer of endothelial cell-derived microparticle (EMP) formation. In this study, we identified the protein kinase PAK4 as a key regulator of the TNF-induced EMP release from human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). TNF induces dose- and time-dependent EMP release and downregulation of PAK4 and upstream cdc42 in HUVECs. PAK4 suppression or inhibition of its kinase activity increases TNF-induced EMP release and apoptosis in HUVECs, while PAK4 overexpression reduces EMP release and apoptosis in TNF-stimulated cells. Collectively, these data indicate that PAK4 suppresses TNF-induced EMP generation occurring during apoptosis, and suggest that modulation of PAK4 activity may represent a novel approach to suppress the TNF-induced EMP levels in pro-inflammatory disorders and other pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shouqin Zhang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Jing'an, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingjie Yin
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Ningbo, Jiangbei District, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Congye Li
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Jing'an, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Zhao
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Jing'an, Shanghai, China
| | - Qixing Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Jing'an, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangyu Zhang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Jing'an, Shanghai, China
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21
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Trott JF, Abu Aboud O, McLaughlin B, Anderson KL, Modiano JF, Kim K, Jen KY, Senapedis W, Chang H, Landesman Y, Baloglu E, Pili R, Weiss RH. Anti-Cancer Activity of PAK4/NAMPT Inhibitor and Programmed Cell Death Protein-1 Antibody in Kidney Cancer. KIDNEY360 2020; 1:376-388. [PMID: 35224510 PMCID: PMC8809296 DOI: 10.34067/kid.0000282019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Kidney cancer (or renal cell carcinoma, RCC) is the sixth most common malignancy in the United States and is increasing in incidence. Despite new therapies, including targeted therapies and immunotherapies, most RCCs are resistant to treatment. Thus, several laboratories have been evaluating new approaches to therapy, both with single agents as well as combinations. Although we have previously shown efficacy of the dual PAK4/nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) inhibitor KPT-9274, and the immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPI) have shown utility in the clinic, there has been no evaluation of this combination either clinically or in an immunocompetent animal model of kidney cancer. METHODS In this study, we use the renal cell adenocarcinoma (RENCA) model of spontaneous murine kidney cancer. Male BALB/cJ mice were injected subcutaneously with RENCA cells and, after tumors were palpable, they were treated with KPT-9274 and/or anti-programmed cell death 1 (PDCD1; PD1) antibody for 21 days. Tumors were measured and then removed at animal euthanasia for subsequent studies. RESULTS We demonstrate a significant decrease in allograft growth with the combination treatment of KPT-9274 and anti-PD1 antibody without significant weight loss by the animals. This is associated with decreased (MOUSE) Naprt expression, indicating dependence of these tumors on NAMPT in parallel to what we have observed in human RCC. Histology of the tumors showed substantial necrosis regardless of treatment condition, and flow cytometry of antibody-stained tumor cells revealed that the enhanced therapeutic effect of KPT-9274 and anti-PD1 antibody was not driven by infiltration of T cells into tumors. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the potential of the RENCA model for evaluating immunologic responses to KPT-9274 and checkpoint inhibitor (CPI) and suggests that therapy with this combination could improve efficacy in RCC beyond what is achievable with CPI alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephine F. Trott
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Omran Abu Aboud
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Bridget McLaughlin
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Katie L. Anderson
- Animal Cancer Care and Research Program, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St Paul, Minnesota
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St Paul, Minnesota
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Jaime F. Modiano
- Animal Cancer Care and Research Program, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St Paul, Minnesota
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St Paul, Minnesota
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Kyoungmi Kim
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Kuang-Yu Jen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Davis, California
| | - William Senapedis
- Research and Translational Development, Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc., Newton, Massachusetts
| | - Hua Chang
- Research and Translational Development, Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc., Newton, Massachusetts
| | - Yosef Landesman
- Research and Translational Development, Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc., Newton, Massachusetts
| | - Erkan Baloglu
- Research and Translational Development, Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc., Newton, Massachusetts
| | - Roberto Pili
- Simon Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Robert H. Weiss
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis, California
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Davis, California
- Medical Service, Veterans Affairs Northern California Health Care System, Sacramento, California
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Li ZF, Yao YD, Zhao YY, Liu Y, Liu ZH, Hu P, Zhu ZR. Effects of PAK4/LIMK1/Cofilin-1 signaling pathway on proliferation, invasion, and migration of human osteosarcoma cells. J Clin Lab Anal 2020; 34:e23362. [PMID: 32463132 PMCID: PMC7521293 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.23362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To explore the effects of PAK4/LIMK1/Cofilin‐1 signaling pathway on the proliferation, invasion, and migration of human osteosarcoma cells. Methods The expression of PAK4/LIMK1/Cofilin‐1 was detected by immunohistochemistry in osteosarcoma tissues. The osteosarcoma cell line MG63 was transfected and divided into Mock, Control siRNA, si‐PAK4, LIMK1, and si‐PAK4+LIMK1 groups. Then, the cellular biological features of MG63 cells were detected by CCK‐8, wound‐healing, Transwell, and flow cytometry methods. The relationship of PAK4 and LIMK1 was performed by co‐immunoprecipitation test, and the protein expression of PAK4/LIMK1/Cofilin‐1 was determined by Western blotting. Finally, the effect of PAK4 on the growth of osteosarcoma was verified by subcutaneous transplantation model of osteosarcoma in nude mice. Results The expression of PAK4/LIMK1/Cofilin‐1 in both osteosarcoma tissues and cells was up‐regulated. Positive PAK4, LIMK1, and Cofilin‐1 expressions in osteosarcoma were associated with the clinical stage, distant metastasis, and tumor grade. The MG63 cell viability, migration, and invasion, as well as the expression of PAK4, p‐LIMK/LIMK, and p‐Cofilin‐1/Cofilin‐1, were restrained by the knock down of PAK4 while it promoted apoptosis. PAK4 silencing also suppressed the growth of subcutaneous transplanted tumor in nude mice. Co‐immunocoprecipitation showed that LIMK and PAK4 protein can form complex in osteosarcoma cells. Besides, LIMK1 overexpression reversed the inhibition effect of PAK4 siRNA on the growth of osteosarcoma cells. Conclusion The expression of PAK4/LIMK1/Cofilin‐1 pathway in osteosarcoma tissues was up‐regulated. Thus, PAK4 inhibition may restrict the osteosarcoma cell proliferation, invasion, and migration but promote its apoptosis via decreasing the activity of LIMK1/Cofilin‐1 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Feng Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Yin-Di Yao
- College of Nursing, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Yin-Yin Zhao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Zhen-Hua Liu
- Department of Radiology, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Pei Hu
- Department of Ultrasound, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Zhuo-Ran Zhu
- Department of Anatomy, Basic Medical College, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
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23
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Ramos-Álvarez I, Lee L, Jensen RT. Group II p21-activated kinase, PAK4, is needed for activation of focal adhesion kinases, MAPK, GSK3, and β-catenin in rat pancreatic acinar cells. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2020; 318:G490-G503. [PMID: 31984786 PMCID: PMC7099487 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00229.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
PAK4 is the only member of the Group II p21-activated kinases (PAKs) present in rat pancreatic acinar cells and is activated by gastrointestinal hormones/neurotransmitters stimulating PLC/cAMP and by various pancreatic growth factors. However, little is known of the role of PAK4 activation in cellular signaling cascades in pancreatic acinar cells. In the present study, we examined the role of PAK4's participation in five different cholecystokinin-8 (CCK-8)-stimulated signaling pathways (PI3K/Akt, MAPK, focal adhesion kinase, GSK3, and β-catenin), which mediate many of its physiological acinar-cell effects, as well as effects in pathophysiological conditions. To define PAK4's role, the effect of two different PAK4 inhibitors, PF-3758309 and LCH-7749944, was examined under experimental conditions that only inhibited PAK4 activation and not activation of the other pancreatic PAK, Group I PAK2. The inhibitors' effects on activation of these five signaling cascades by both physiological and pathophysiological concentrations of CCK, as well as by 12-O-tetradecanoylphobol-13-acetate (TPA), a PKC-activator, were examined. CCK/TPA activation of focal adhesion kinases(PYK2/p125FAK) and the accompanying adapter proteins (paxillin/p130CAS), Mek1/2, and p44/42, but not c-Raf or other MAPKs (JNK/p38), were mediated by PAK4. Activation of PI3K/Akt/p70s6K was independent of PAK4, whereas GSK3 and β-catenin stimulation was PAK4-dependent. These results, coupled with recent studies showing PAK4 is important in pancreatic fluid/electrolyte/enzyme secretion and acinar cell growth, show that PAK4 plays an important role in different cellular signaling cascades, which have been shown to mediate numerous physiological and pathophysiological processes in pancreatic acinar cells.NEW & NOTEWORTHY In pancreatic acinar cells, cholecystokinin (CCK) or 12-O-tetradecanoylphobol-13-acetate (TPA) activation of focal adhesion kinases (p125FAK,PYK2) and its accompanying adapter proteins, p130CAS/paxillin; Mek1/2, p44/42, GSK3, and β-catenin are mediated by PAK4. PI3K/Akt/p70s6K, c-Raf, JNK, or p38 pathways are independent of PAK4 activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Ramos-Álvarez
- Digestive Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Lingaku Lee
- Digestive Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Robert T. Jensen
- Digestive Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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Peng M, Pang C. MicroRNA-140-5p inhibits the tumorigenesis of oral squamous cell carcinoma by targeting p21-activated kinase 4. Cell Biol Int 2020; 44:145-154. [PMID: 31393040 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a serious global health problem. Recently, accumulating microRNA (miRNA) has emerged as crucial players in the development and progression of carcinomas including OSCC. Our study aimed to further investigate the roles of miR-140-5p in OSCC tumorigenesis and related molecular basis. In this study, OSCC tissues and adjacent normal tissues were isolated from 34 OSCC patients who suffered from surgical resection at our hospital. MiR-140-5p level was measured by reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay. p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) protein level was determined by western blot assay in OSCC cells at 48 h posttransfection or OSCC xenograft tumors at day 35 after OSCC cell injection. The cell proliferative ability was assessed by cell counting kit-8 assay in OSCC cells at 0, 24, 48, 72 h after transfection. Cell apoptosis and cell-cycle analysis was conducted using a flow cytometry in OSCC cells at 48 h after transfection. The interaction between miR-140-5p and PAK4 3'-untranslated region was tested by bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay in OSCC cells at 48 h after transfection. Mouse xenograft models of OSCC were established to examine the influence of miR-140-5p on OSCC tumorigenesis in vivo during 35 days after OSCC cell injection. Our data showed that miR-140-5p expression was notably downregulated in OSCC tissues and cell lines. MiR-140-5p inhibited the expression of PAK4 by direct interaction in OSCC cells. Functional analysis disclosed that miR-140-5p overexpression or PAK4 knockdown suppressed cell proliferation, promoted cell apoptosis, and induced cell-cycle arrest in OSCC. Moreover, PAK4 upregulation rescued the detrimental effects of miR-140-5p on cell proliferation and cell-cycle progression and hampered cell apoptosis induced by miR-140-5p in OSCC. In vivo experiments demonstrated that miR-140-5p overexpression suppressed the growth of OSCC xenograft tumors by downregulating PAK4. In conclusion, our data revealed miR-140-5p suppressed OSCC tumorigenesis by targeting PAK4 in vitro and in vivo, deepening our understanding on the function and molecular basis of miR-140-5p in the development of OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Peng
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, 4#, The second North Jianshe Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610054, China.,Department of Stomatology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, 32#, West 2, the First Ring Road, 610072, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Chunyan Pang
- Department of Stomatology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, 32#, West 2, the First Ring Road, 610072, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Rabieifar P, Zhuang T, Costa TDF, Zhao M, Strömblad S. Normal mammary gland development after MMTV-Cre mediated conditional PAK4 gene depletion. Sci Rep 2019; 9:14436. [PMID: 31594963 PMCID: PMC6783434 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50819-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
p21-activated kinases (PAKs) are serine/threonine kinases functioning as downstream effectors of the small GTPases Rac1 and Cdc42. Members of the PAK family are overexpressed in human breast cancer, but their role in mammary gland development is not fully explored. Here we examined the functional role of PAK4 in mammary gland development by creating a mouse model of MMTV-Cre driven conditional PAK4 gene depletion in the mammary gland. The PAK4 conditional knock-out mice were born healthy, with no observed developmental deficits. Mammary gland whole-mounts revealed no defects in ductal formation or elongation of the mammary tree through the fat pad. PAK4 gene depletion also did not alter proliferation and invasion of the mammary epithelium in young virgin mice. Moreover, adult mice gave birth to healthy pups with normal body weight upon weaning. This implies that MMTV-Cre induced gene depletion of PAK4 in mice does not impair normal mammary gland development and thereby provides an in vivo model that can be explored for examination of the potential function of PAK4 in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Rabieifar
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ting Zhuang
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Molecular Diagnosis and Laboratory Medicine, School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province, P.R. China
| | - Tânia D F Costa
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Miao Zhao
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Neuro-Oncology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Staffan Strömblad
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Demirbakan B, Sezgintürk MK. A novel electrochemical immunosensor based on disposable ITO-PET electrodes for sensitive detection of PAK 2 antigen. J Electroanal Chem (Lausanne) 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jelechem.2019.113304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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A stemness screen reveals C3orf54/INKA1 as a promoter of human leukemia stem cell latency. Blood 2019; 133:2198-2211. [DOI: 10.1182/blood-2018-10-881441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
There is a growing body of evidence that the molecular properties of leukemia stem cells (LSCs) are associated with clinical outcomes in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and LSCs have been linked to therapy failure and relapse. Thus, a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms that contribute to the persistence and regenerative potential of LSCs is expected to result in the development of more effective therapies. We therefore interrogated functionally validated data sets of LSC-specific genes together with their known protein interactors and selected 64 candidates for a competitive in vivo gain-of-function screen to identify genes that enhanced stemness in human cord blood hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. A consistent effect observed for the top hits was the ability to restrain early repopulation kinetics while preserving regenerative potential. Overexpression (OE) of the most promising candidate, the orphan gene C3orf54/INKA1, in a patient-derived AML model (8227) promoted the retention of LSCs in a primitive state manifested by relative expansion of CD34+ cells, accumulation of cells in G0, and reduced output of differentiated progeny. Despite delayed early repopulation, at later times, INKA1-OE resulted in the expansion of self-renewing LSCs. In contrast, INKA1 silencing in primary AML reduced regenerative potential. Mechanistically, our multidimensional confocal analysis found that INKA1 regulates G0 exit by interfering with nuclear localization of its target PAK4, with concomitant reduction of global H4K16ac levels. These data identify INKA1 as a novel regulator of LSC latency and reveal a link between the regulation of stem cell kinetics and pool size during regeneration.
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Ramos-Alvarez I, Lee L, Jensen RT. Cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase A and EPAC mediate VIP and secretin stimulation of PAK4 and activation of Na +,K +-ATPase in pancreatic acinar cells. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2019; 316:G263-G277. [PMID: 30520694 PMCID: PMC6397337 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00275.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Rat pancreatic acinar cells possess only the p21-activated kinase (PAKs), PAK4 of the group II PAK, and it is activated by gastrointestinal hormones/neurotransmitters stimulating PLC and by a number of growth factors. However, little is known generally of cAMP agents causing PAK4 activation, and there are no studies with gastrointestinal hormones/neurotransmitters activating cAMP cascades. In the present study, we examined the ability of VIP and secretin, which stimulate cAMP generation in pancreatic acini, to stimulate PAK4 activation, the signaling cascades involved, and their possible role in activating sodium-potassium adenosine triphosphatase (Na+,K+-ATPase). PAK4 activation was compared with activation of the well-established cAMP target, cyclic AMP response element binding protein (CREB). Secretin-stimulated PAK4 activation was inhibited by KT-5720 and PKA Type II inhibitor (PKI), protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitors, whereas VIP activation was inhibited by ESI-09 and HJC0197, exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (EPAC) inhibitors. In contrast, both VIP/secretin-stimulated phosphorylation of CREB (pCREB) via EPAC activation; however, it was inhibited by the p44/42 inhibitor PD98059 and the p38 inhibitor SB202190. The specific EPAC agonist 8-CPT-2- O-Me-cAMP as well 8-Br-cAMP and forskolin stimulated PAK4 activation. Secretin/VIP activation of Na+,K+-ATPase, was inhibited by PAK4 inhibitors (PF-3758309, LCH-7749944). These results demonstrate PAK4 is activated in pancreatic acini by stimulation of both VIP-/secretin-preferring receptors, as is CREB. However, they differ in their signaling cascades. Furthermore, PAK4 activation is needed for Na+,K+ATPase activation, which mediates pancreatic fluid secretion. These results, coupled with recent studies reporting PAKs are involved in both pancreatitis/pancreatic cancer growth/enzyme secretion, show that PAK4, similar to PAK2, likely plays an important role in both pancreatic physiological/pathological responses. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Pancreatic acini possess only the group II p21-activated kinase, PAK4, which is activated by PLC-stimulating agents/growth factors and is important in enzyme-secretion/growth/pancreatitis. Little information exists on cAMP-activating agents stimulating group II PAKs. We studied ability/effect of cyclic AMP-stimulating agents [vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), secretin] on PAK4 activity in rat pancreatic-acini. Both VIP/secretin activated PAK4/CREB, but the cAMP signaling cascades differed for EPAC, MAPK, and PKA pathways. Both hormones require PAK4 activation to stimulate sodium-potassium adenosine triphosphatase activity. This study shows PAK4 plays an important role in VIP-/secretin-stimulated pancreatic fluid secretion and suggests it plays important roles in pancreatic acinar physiological/pathophysiological responses mediated by cAMP-activating agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Ramos-Alvarez
- Digestive Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Lingaku Lee
- Digestive Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - R. T. Jensen
- Digestive Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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Ramos-Alvarez I, Jensen RT. P21-activated kinase 4 in pancreatic acinar cells is activated by numerous gastrointestinal hormones/neurotransmitters and growth factors by novel signaling, and its activation stimulates secretory/growth cascades. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2018; 315:G302-G317. [PMID: 29672153 PMCID: PMC6139648 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00005.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Revised: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
p21-activated kinases (PAKs) are highly conserved serine/threonine protein kinases, which are divided into two groups: group-I (PAKs1-3) and group-II (PAKs4-6). In various tissues, Group-II PAKs play important roles in cytoskeletal dynamics and cell growth as well as neoplastic development/progression. However, little is known about Group-II PAK's role in a number of physiological events, including their ability to be activated by gastrointestinal (GI) hormones/neurotransmitters/growth factors (GFs). We used rat pancreatic acini to explore the ability of GI hormones/neurotransmitters/GFs to activate Group-II-PAKs and the signaling cascades involved. Only PAK4 was detected in pancreatic acini. PAK4 was activated by endothelin, secretagogues-stimulating phospholipase C (bombesin, CCK-8, and carbachol), by pancreatic GFs (insulin, insulin-like growth factor 1, hepatocyte growth factor, epidermal growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, and platelet-derived growth factor), and by postreceptor stimulants (12-O-tetradecanoylphobol-13-acetate and A23187 ). CCK-8 activation of PAK4 required both high- and low-affinity CCK1-receptor state activation. It was reduced by PKC-, Src-, p44/42-, or p38-inhibition but not with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-inhibitors and only minimally by thapsigargin. A protein kinase D (PKD)-inhibitor completely inhibited CCK-8-stimulated PKD-activation; however, stimulated PAK4 phosphorylation was only inhibited by 60%, demonstrating that it is both PKD-dependent and PKD-independent. PF-3758309 and LCH-7749944, inhibitors of PAK4, decreased CCK-8-stimulated PAK4 activation but not PAK2 activation. Each inhibited ERK1/2 activation and amylase release induced by CCK-8 or bombesin. These results show that PAK4 has an important role in modulating signal cascades activated by a number of GI hormones/neurotransmitters/GFs that have been shown to mediate both physiological/pathological responses in acinar cells. Therefore, in addition to the extensive studies on PAK4 in pancreatic cancer, PAK4 should also be considered an important signaling molecule for pancreatic acinar physiological responses and, in the future, should be investigated for a possible role in pancreatic acinar pathophysiological responses, such as in pancreatitis. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study demonstrates that the only Group-II p21-activated kinase (PAK) in rat pancreatic acinar cells is PAK4, and thus differs from islets/pancreatic cancer. Both gastrointestinal hormones/neurotransmitters stimulating PLC and pancreatic growth factors activate PAK4. With cholecystokinin (CCK), activation is PKC-dependent/-independent, requires both CCK1-R affinity states, Src, p42/44, and p38 activation. PAK4 activation is required for CCK-mediated p42/44 activation/amylase release. These results show PAK4 plays an important role in mediating CCK physiological signal cascades and suggest it may be a target in pancreatic acinar diseases besides cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Ramos-Alvarez
- Digestive Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, Maryland
| | - R T Jensen
- Digestive Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, Maryland
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The role of Rac in tumor susceptibility and disease progression: from biochemistry to the clinic. Biochem Soc Trans 2018; 46:1003-1012. [PMID: 30065108 DOI: 10.1042/bst20170519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Revised: 06/16/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The family of Rho GTPases are involved in the dynamic control of cytoskeleton reorganization and other fundamental cellular functions, including growth, motility, and survival. Rac1, one of the best characterized Rho GTPases, is an established effector of receptors and an important node in signaling networks crucial for tumorigenesis and metastasis. Rac1 hyperactivation is common in human cancer and could be the consequence of overexpression, abnormal upstream inputs, deregulated degradation, and/or anomalous intracellular localization. More recently, cancer-associated gain-of-function mutations in Rac1 have been identified which contribute to tumor phenotypes and confer resistance to targeted therapies. Deregulated expression/activity of Rac guanine nucleotide exchange factors responsible for Rac activation has been largely associated with a metastatic phenotype and drug resistance. Translating our extensive knowledge in Rac pathway biochemistry into a clinical setting still remains a major challenge; nonetheless, remarkable opportunities for cancer therapeutics arise from promising lead compounds targeting Rac and its effectors.
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31
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Transcription factor activating protein 4 is synthetically lethal and a master regulator of MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma. Oncogene 2018; 37:5451-5465. [PMID: 29880876 PMCID: PMC6172192 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-018-0326-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Revised: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Despite the identification of MYCN amplification as an adverse prognostic marker in neuroblastoma, MYCN inhibitors have yet to be developed. Here, by integrating evidence from a whole-genome shRNA library screen and the computational inference of master regulator proteins, we identify transcription factor activating protein 4 (TFAP4) as a critical effector of MYCN amplification in neuroblastoma, providing a novel synthetic lethal target. We demonstrate that TFAP4 is a direct target of MYCN in neuroblastoma cells, and that its expression and activity strongly negatively correlate with neuroblastoma patient survival. Silencing TFAP4 selectively inhibits MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma cell growth both in vitro and in vivo, in xenograft mouse models. Mechanistically, silencing TFAP4 induces neuroblastoma differentiation, as evidenced by increased neurite outgrowth and upregulation of neuronal markers. Taken together, our results demonstrate that TFAP4 is a key regulator of MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma and may represent a valuable novel therapeutic target.
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Callegari E, D'Abundo L, Guerriero P, Simioni C, Elamin BK, Russo M, Cani A, Bassi C, Zagatti B, Giacomelli L, Blandamura S, Moshiri F, Ultimo S, Frassoldati A, Altavilla G, Gramantieri L, Neri LM, Sabbioni S, Negrini M. miR-199a-3p Modulates MTOR and PAK4 Pathways and Inhibits Tumor Growth in a Hepatocellular Carcinoma Transgenic Mouse Model. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2018; 11:485-493. [PMID: 29858083 PMCID: PMC5992479 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2018.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Revised: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Prognosis is poor, and therapeutic options are limited. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as potential therapeutic molecules against cancer. Here, we investigated the therapeutic efficacy of miR-199a-3p, an miRNA highly expressed in normal liver and downregulated in virtually all HCCs. The therapeutic value of miR-199a-3p mimic molecules was assayed in the TG221 mouse, a transgenic model highly predisposed to the development of liver cancer. Administration of miR-199a-3p mimics in the TG221 transgenic mouse showing liver cancer led to a significant reduction of number and size of tumor nodules compared to control animals. In vivo delivery confirmed protein downregulation of the miR-199a-3p direct targets, mechanistic target of rapamycin (MTOR) and p21 activated kinase 4 (PAK4), ultimately leading to the repression of FOXM1. Remarkably, the anti-tumor activity of miR-199a-3p mimics was comparable to that obtained with sorafenib. These results suggested that miR-199a-3p may be considered a promising HCC therapeutic option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Callegari
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Lucilla D'Abundo
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paola Guerriero
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carolina Simioni
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Bahaeldin K Elamin
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Bisha, 61922 Bisha, Saudi Arabia; Microbiology Department, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Khartoum, 11115 Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Marta Russo
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alice Cani
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Cristian Bassi
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Barbara Zagatti
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Stella Blandamura
- Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Farzaneh Moshiri
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, 11369 Tehran, Iran
| | - Simona Ultimo
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Antonio Frassoldati
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Laura Gramantieri
- Center for Applied Biomedical Research, St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Maria Neri
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Silvia Sabbioni
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Massimo Negrini
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
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Zhang W, Fei J, Yu S, Shen J, Zhu X, Sadhukhan A, Lu W, Zhou J. LINC01088 inhibits tumorigenesis of ovarian epithelial cells by targeting miR-24-1-5p. Sci Rep 2018; 8:2876. [PMID: 29440672 PMCID: PMC5811426 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-21164-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The roles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), a class of long non-protein-coding RNAs, in the tumorigenesis of ovarian epithelial cells remain unknown. In this study, we discovered that the expression of long intergenic non-coding RNA 1088 (LINC01088) was clearly reduced in benign epithelial ovarian tumor tissues compared to matched normal ovarian tissues. This was shown by global cDNA gene chip scanning and real-time qPCR, and validated in 42 clinical specimens. Furthermore, we found that LINC01088 inhibited the growth of ovarian cancer xenografts in nude mice. Correlation analysis between LINC01088 and mircoRNAs (miRNAs) conducted using primary clinical samples and RNA co-precipitation experiments revealed that miR-24-1-5p was one of the targets of LINC01088. Overexpression of miR-24-1-5p facilitated cell proliferation both in vitro and in vivo, however, LINC01088 could partially reverse the cell proliferation induced by miR-24-1-5p. Finally, we demonstrated that p21 activated kinase 4 (PAK4) was one of the downstream key targets of miR-24-1-5p by luciferase reporter assay and Western blotting; and our results showed a remarkable decrease in cell proliferation after overexpression of PAK4. We conclude that LINC01088 might function as a tumor suppressor, inhibiting the tumorigenesis of ovarian epithelial cells through LINC01088/ miR-24-1-5p/ PAK4 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijiang Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310051, China
| | - Jing Fei
- Department of Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310051, China
| | - Shuqian Yu
- Department of Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310051, China
| | - Jiayu Shen
- Department of Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310051, China
| | - Xiaoqing Zhu
- Department of Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310051, China
| | - Annapurna Sadhukhan
- Department of Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310051, China
| | - Weiguo Lu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Women's Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310006, China.
| | - Jianwei Zhou
- Department of Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310051, China.
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Hao C, Li X, Song S, Guo B, Guo J, Zhang J, Zhang Q, Huang W, Wang J, Lin B, Cheng M, Li F, Zhao D. Advances in the 1-phenanthryl-tetrahydroisoquinoline series of PAK4 inhibitors: potent agents restrain tumor cell growth and invasion. Org Biomol Chem 2018; 14:7676-90. [PMID: 27454186 DOI: 10.1039/c6ob01072e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
A new series of novel 1-phenanthryl-tetrahydroisoquinoline derivatives were designed, synthesized and biologically evaluated for their PAK4 inhibitory activities and anti-proliferative effects against three cancer cell lines A549, MCF-7 and HT-1080. Among them, compound 12a exhibited the most potent inhibitory activity against PAK4 with an IC50 value of 0.42 μM. Moreover, this compound inhibited the invasion of A549 tumor cells by regulating the PAK4-LIMK1-cofilin signaling pathway in vitro, and exhibited anti-tumor activity in vivo in the A549 tumor xenograft model. To further evaluate the binding mode of 12a with PAK4, the biotinylated 12a derivative has been synthesized and it was used for immunoprecipitation assay. Intriguingly, our observations suggest that 12a interacts with both the N- and C-termini of PAK4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenzhou Hao
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Xiaodong Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China.
| | - Shuai Song
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Bingyu Guo
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China.
| | - Jing Guo
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China.
| | - Qiaoling Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Wanxu Huang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Jian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Bin Lin
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Maosheng Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China.
| | - Dongmei Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
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Rane CK, Patel M, Cai L, Senapedis W, Baloglu E, Minden A. Decrypting the PAK4 transcriptome profile in mammary tumor forming cells using Next Generation Sequencing. Genomics 2017; 110:S0888-7543(17)30128-3. [PMID: 29055713 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2017.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2017] [Revised: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The p-21 Activated Kinase 4 (PAK4) protein kinase is implicated in many cancers, including breast cancer. Overexpression of PAK4 is sufficient to cause mouse mammary epithelial cells (iMMECs) to become tumorigenic. To gain insight into the long-term gene expression changes that occur downstream to PAK4, we performed Next Generation Sequencing of RNA collected from PAK4 overexpressing iMMECs and wild-type iMMECs. We identified a list of genes whose expression levels were altered in response to PAK4 overexpression in iMMECs. Some of these genes, including FoxC2 and ParvB, are consistent with a role for PAK4 in cancer. In addition, PAK4 regulates many genes that are frequently associated with the inflammatory response, raising the possibility that there is a connection between PAK4, inflammation, and the tumor microenvironment. This study delineates the PAK4 transcriptome profile in transformed mammary cells and can provide translational utility in other types of cancers as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chetan K Rane
- Susan Lehman Cullman Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Chemical Biology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 164 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States
| | - Misaal Patel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 599 Taylor Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States
| | - Li Cai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 599 Taylor Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States
| | - William Senapedis
- Karyopharm Therapeutics, Inc., 85 Wells Avenue, Newton, MA 02459, United States
| | - Erkan Baloglu
- Karyopharm Therapeutics, Inc., 85 Wells Avenue, Newton, MA 02459, United States
| | - Audrey Minden
- Susan Lehman Cullman Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Chemical Biology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 164 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States.
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Zhao M, Spiess M, Johansson HJ, Olofsson H, Hu J, Lehtiö J, Strömblad S. Identification of the PAK4 interactome reveals PAK4 phosphorylation of N-WASP and promotion of Arp2/3-dependent actin polymerization. Oncotarget 2017; 8:77061-77074. [PMID: 29100370 PMCID: PMC5652764 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.20352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) regulates cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell motility and F-actin remodeling, but the PAK4 interactome has not been systematically analyzed. Here, we comprehensively characterized the human PAK4 interactome by iTRAQ quantitative mass spectrometry of PAK4-immunoprecipitations. Consistent with its multiple reported functions, the PAK4 interactome was enriched in diverse protein networks, including the 14-3-3, proteasome, replication fork, CCT and Arp2/3 complexes. Because PAK4 co-immunoprecipitated most subunits of the Arp2/3 complex, we hypothesized that PAK4 may play a role in Arp2/3 dependent actin regulation. Indeed, we found that PAK4 interacts with and phosphorylates the nucleation promoting factor N-WASP at Ser484/Ser485 and promotes Arp2/3-dependent actin polymerization in vitro. Also, PAK4 ablation in vivo reduced N-WASP Ser484/Ser485 phosphorylation and altered the cellular balance between G- and F-actin as well as the actin organization. By presenting the PAK4 interactome, we here provide a powerful resource for further investigations and as proof of principle, we also indicate a novel mechanism by which PAK4 regulates actin cytoskeleton remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Zhao
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Matthias Spiess
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Henrik J Johansson
- Cancer Proteomics Mass Spectrometry, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Helene Olofsson
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jianjiang Hu
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Janne Lehtiö
- Cancer Proteomics Mass Spectrometry, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Staffan Strömblad
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Pdx1-Cre-driven conditional gene depletion suggests PAK4 as dispensable for mouse pancreas development. Sci Rep 2017; 7:7031. [PMID: 28765528 PMCID: PMC5539201 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-07322-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Constitutive depletion of p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) in the mouse causes embryonic lethality associated with heart and brain defects. Given that conventional gene depletion of PAK1 or PAK3 caused functional deficits in the mouse pancreas, while gene depletion of PAK5 or PAK6 did not, we asked if PAK4 might have a functional role in pancreas development. We therefore introduced conditional, Pdx1-Cre-mediated, pancreatic PAK4 gene depletion in the mouse, verified by loss of PAK4 protein expression in the pancreas. PAK4 knock-out (KO) mice were born at Mendelian ratios in both genders. Further, morphological and immunohistochemical examinations and quantifications indicated that exocrine, endocrine and ductal compartments retained the normal proportions and distributions upon PAK4 gene depletion. In addition, body weight records and a glucose tolerance test revealed no differences between WT and PAK4 KO mice. Together, this suggests that PAK4 is dispensable for mouse pancreas development. This will facilitate future use of our Pdx1-Cre-driven conditional PAK4 KO mouse model for testing in vivo potential functions of PAK4 in pancreatic disease models such as for pancreatitis and different pancreatic cancer forms.
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38
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Lu X, Wang H, Su Z, Cai L, Li W. MicroRNA-342 inhibits the progression of glioma by directly targeting PAK4. Oncol Rep 2017; 38:1240-1250. [PMID: 28677773 DOI: 10.3892/or.2017.5783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioma is an extremely aggressive and lethal type of brain tumour that originates from glial cells. MicroRNA (miRNA) dysregulation has been implicated in the occurrence and progression of many human cancers, including glioma. Thus, some specific miRNAs are potential therapeutic targets for glioma diagnosis, therapy and prognosis. MicroRNA-342 (miR‑342) has been reported to be abnormally expressed in various types of cancer. However, the precise roles of miR‑342 in glioma remain unknown. The present study showed that miR‑342 is relatively downregulated in glioma tissues and cell lines compared with that in adjacent normal tissues and normal human astrocytes. We observed that low miR‑342 expression levels are correlated with advanced WHO grades and low KPS scores of glioma patients. In addition, the results of the functional assays demonstrated that miR‑342 overexpression inhibits the proliferation and invasion of glioma cells and induces apoptosis. Further investigation revealed that P21 activated kinases 4 (PAK4) is a direct target of miR‑342 in glioma. PAK4 was significantly upregulated in glioma tissues and inversely correlated with miR‑342 expression. Moreover, PAK4 knockdown can mimic the effects of miR‑342 on glioma cell proliferation, invasion and apoptosis. Notably, restoration of expression of PAK4 reversed the suppressive effects induced by the miR‑342 in the glioma cells. The upregulation of miR‑342 inactivated the AKT and ERK pathways in glioma. These findings may contribute to the understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying the carcinogenesis and progression of glioma, and to provide novel therapeutic target for the treatment of glioma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianghe Lu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Haowen Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Zhipeng Su
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Lin Cai
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Wenfeng Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
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p21-Activated Kinase 4 Promotes Intimal Hyperplasia and Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Proliferation during Superficial Femoral Artery Restenosis after Angioplasty. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 2017:5296516. [PMID: 28706947 PMCID: PMC5494543 DOI: 10.1155/2017/5296516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to explore the function of p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) in intimal hyperplasia (IH) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) proliferation. We choose vascular samples from patients undergoing angioplasty in superficial femoral artery (SFA) as the experimental group and vascular samples from donors without clinical SFA restenosis as the control group, respectively. We draw from the results that both levels of mRNA and protein of PAK4 in the experimental group increased dramatically compared with the control group. IH arose from angioplasty of SFA. Moreover, overexpression of PAK4 dramatically contributed to cell proliferation of VSMCs and promoted cell cycle progression from G0/G1 phase (71.12 ± 0.69% versus 58.77 ± 0.77%, P < 0.001) into S phase (23.99 ± 0.21% versus 31.35 ± 0.33%, P < 0.001). Besides, PAK4 downregulated the level of p21 and enhanced the activity of Akt as well. And we conclude that PAK4 acts as a regulator of cell cycle progression of VSMC by mediating Akt signaling and controlling p21 levels, which further modulate IH and VSMCs' proliferation.
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Hwang VJ, Zhou X, Chen X, Trott J, Abu Aboud O, Shim K, Dionne LK, Chmiel KJ, Senapedis W, Baloglu E, Mahjoub MR, Li X, Weiss RH. Anticystogenic activity of a small molecule PAK4 inhibitor may be a novel treatment for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. Kidney Int 2017; 92:922-933. [PMID: 28545714 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2017.03.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Revised: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/16/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) is a common hereditary renal disease with no currently available targeted therapies. Based on the established connection between β-catenin signaling and renal ciliopathies, and on data from our and other laboratories showing striking similarities of this disease and cancer, we evaluated the use of an orally bioavailable small molecule, KPT-9274 (a dual inhibitor of the protein kinase PAK4 and nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase), for treatment of ADPKD. Treatment of PKD-derived cells with this compound not only reduces PAK4 steady-state protein levels and regulates β-catenin signaling, but also inhibits nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase, the rate-limiting enzyme in a key NAD salvage pathway. KPT-9274 can attenuate cellular proliferation and induce apoptosis associated with a decrease in active (phosphorylated) PAK4 and β-catenin in several Pkd1-null murine cell lines, with a less pronounced effect on the corresponding phenotypically normal cells. Additionally, KPT-9274 shows inhibition of cystogenesis in an ex vivo model of cyclic AMP-induced cystogenesis as well as in the early stage Pkd1flox/flox:Pkhd1-Cre mouse model, the latter showing confirmation of specific anti-proliferative, apoptotic, and on-target effects. NAD biosynthetic attenuation by KPT-9274, while critical for highly proliferative cancer cells, does not appear to be important in the slower growing cystic epithelial cells during cystogenesis. KPT-9274 was not toxic in our ADPKD animal model or in other cancer models. Thus, this small molecule inhibitor could be evaluated in a clinical trial as a viable therapy of ADPKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicki J Hwang
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Xia Zhou
- Kidney Institute, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Xiaonan Chen
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA; Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Josephine Trott
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Omran Abu Aboud
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Kyuhwan Shim
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Lai Kuan Dionne
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Kenneth J Chmiel
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - William Senapedis
- Department of Biology, Karyopharm Therapeutics, Inc., Newton, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Erkan Baloglu
- Department of Biology, Karyopharm Therapeutics, Inc., Newton, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Moe R Mahjoub
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Xiaogang Li
- Kidney Institute, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Robert H Weiss
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA; Cancer Center, University of California, Davis, California, USA; Medical Service, VA Northern California Health Care System, Mather, California, USA.
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Multiple myeloma cells sent "PAKing"! Blood 2017; 129:2208-2209. [PMID: 28428234 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2017-02-764662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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42
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Kim H, Woo DJ, Kim SY, Yang EG. p21-activated kinase 4 regulates HIF-1α translation in cancer cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2017; 486:270-276. [PMID: 28288786 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2017.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The p21-activated kinases (Paks) interact with Rac/Cdc42 GTPases to regulate the actin cytoskeleton as well as various signaling pathways. Although activation of Paks in many human cancers is known to mediate cancer progression, the role of Pak proteins in hypoxia is poorly understood. In this study, we found that both Pak1 and Pak4 are highly expressed in HeLa cervical cancer cells, but only Pak4 knockdown attenuates expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) in hypoxia. We further discovered that Pak4 regulates HIF-1α translation via the Akt-mTOR-4E-BP1 pathway under hypoxic conditions. These results support a novel connection between HIF-1α and Pak4 in hypoxic cancer cells, and provide insights into mechanisms whereby tumors respond to and thrive under oxygen-deficient conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunju Kim
- Center for Theragnosis, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Hwarangno 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Dustin J Woo
- Center for Theragnosis, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Hwarangno 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; Department of Biological Chemistry, KIST Campus, University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - So Yeon Kim
- Center for Theragnosis, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Hwarangno 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomedical Engineering, KIST Campus, University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea.
| | - Eun Gyeong Yang
- Center for Theragnosis, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Hwarangno 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; Department of Biological Chemistry, KIST Campus, University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea.
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King H, Thillai K, Whale A, Arumugam P, Eldaly H, Kocher HM, Wells CM. PAK4 interacts with p85 alpha: implications for pancreatic cancer cell migration. Sci Rep 2017; 7:42575. [PMID: 28205613 PMCID: PMC5312077 DOI: 10.1038/srep42575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
It has been reported that p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) is amplified in pancreatic cancer tissue. PAK4 is a member of the PAK family of serine/threonine kinases, which act as effectors for several small GTPases, and has been specifically identified to function downstream of HGF-mediated c-Met activation in a PI3K dependent manner. However, the functionality of PAK4 in pancreatic cancer and the contribution made by HGF signalling to pancreatic cancer cell motility remain to be elucidated. We now find that elevated PAK4 expression is coincident with increased expression levels of c-Met and the p85α subunit of PI3K. Furthermore, we demonstrate that pancreatic cancer cells have a specific motility response to HGF both in 2D and 3D physiomimetic organotypic assays; which can be suppressed by inhibition of PI3K. Significantly, we report a specific interaction between PAK4 and p85α and find that PAK4 deficient cells exhibit a reduction in Akt phosphorylation downstream of HGF signalling. These results implicate a novel role for PAK4 within the PI3K pathway via interaction with p85α. Thus, PAK4 could be an essential player in PDAC progression representing an interesting therapeutic opportunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen King
- Division of Cancer Studies, King's College London, UK
| | | | - Andrew Whale
- Division of Cancer Studies, King's College London, UK
| | - Prabhu Arumugam
- Barts Cancer Institute, a CRUK centre of Excellance, Queen Mary University of London, UK
| | - Hesham Eldaly
- Dept of Haematopathology Oncology Diagnostic Service, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Hemant M Kocher
- Barts Cancer Institute, a CRUK centre of Excellance, Queen Mary University of London, UK
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Functional role and therapeutic targeting of p21-activated kinase 4 in multiple myeloma. Blood 2017; 129:2233-2245. [PMID: 28096095 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2016-06-724831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysregulated oncogenic serine/threonine kinases play a pathological role in diverse forms of malignancies, including multiple myeloma (MM), and thus represent potential therapeutic targets. Here, we evaluated the biological and functional role of p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) and its potential as a new target in MM for clinical applications. PAK4 promoted MM cell growth and survival via activation of MM survival signaling pathways, including the MEK-extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway. Furthermore, treatment with orally bioavailable PAK4 allosteric modulator (KPT-9274) significantly impacted MM cell growth and survival in a large panel of MM cell lines and primary MM cells alone and in the presence of bone marrow microenvironment. Intriguingly, we have identified FGFR3 as a novel binding partner of PAK4 and observed significant activity of KPT-9274 against t(4;14)-positive MM cells. This set of data supports PAK4 as an oncogene in myeloma and provide the rationale for the clinical evaluation of PAK4 modulator in myeloma.
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45
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Aboukameel A, Muqbil I, Senapedis W, Baloglu E, Landesman Y, Shacham S, Kauffman M, Philip PA, Mohammad RM, Azmi AS. Novel p21-Activated Kinase 4 (PAK4) Allosteric Modulators Overcome Drug Resistance and Stemness in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Mol Cancer Ther 2017; 16:76-87. [PMID: 28062705 PMCID: PMC5221563 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-16-0205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Revised: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) is a key downstream effector of the Rho family GTPases and is found to be overexpressed in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells but not in normal human pancreatic ductal epithelia (HPDE). Gene copy number amplification studies in PDAC patient cohorts confirmed PAK4 amplification making it an attractive therapeutic target in PDAC. We investigated the antitumor activity of novel PAK4 allosteric modulators (PAM) on a panel of PDAC cell lines and chemotherapy-resistant flow-sorted PDAC cancer stem cells (CSC). The toxicity and efficacy of PAMs were evaluated in multiple subcutaneous mouse models of PDAC. PAMs (KPT-7523, KPT-7189, KPT-8752, KPT-9307, and KPT-9274) show antiproliferative activity in vitro against different PDAC cell lines while sparing normal HPDE. Cell growth inhibition was concurrent with apoptosis induction and suppression of colony formation in PDAC. PAMs inhibited proliferation and antiapoptotic signals downstream of PAK4. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments showed disruption of PAK4 complexes containing vimentin. PAMs disrupted CSC spheroid formation through suppression of PAK4. Moreover, PAMs synergize with gemcitabine and oxaliplatin in vitro KPT-9274, currently in a phase I clinical trial (clinicaltrials.gov; NCT02702492), possesses desirable pharmacokinetic properties and is well tolerated in mice with the absence of any signs of toxicity when 200 mg/kg daily is administered either intravenously or orally. KPT-9274 as a single agent showed remarkable antitumor activity in subcutaneous xenograft models of PDAC cell lines and CSCs. These proof-of-concept studies demonstrated the antiproliferative effects of novel PAMs in PDAC and warrant further clinical investigations. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(1); 76-87. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amro Aboukameel
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Irfana Muqbil
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Philip A Philip
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Ramzi M Mohammad
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Asfar S Azmi
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan.
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Zhuang T, Zhu J, Li Z, Lorent J, Zhao C, Dahlman-Wright K, Strömblad S. p21-activated kinase group II small compound inhibitor GNE-2861 perturbs estrogen receptor alpha signaling and restores tamoxifen-sensitivity in breast cancer cells. Oncotarget 2016; 6:43853-68. [PMID: 26554417 PMCID: PMC4791272 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) is highly expressed in most breast cancers. Consequently, ERα modulators, such as tamoxifen, are successful in breast cancer treatment, although tamoxifen resistance is commonly observed. While tamoxifen resistance may be caused by altered ERα signaling, the molecular mechanisms regulating ERα signaling and tamoxifen resistance are not entirely clear. Here, we found that PAK4 expression was consistently correlated to poor patient outcome in endocrine treated and tamoxifen-only treated breast cancer patients. Importantly, while PAK4 overexpression promoted tamoxifen resistance in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells, pharmacological treatment with a group II PAK (PAK4, 5, 6) inhibitor, GNE-2861, sensitized tamoxifen resistant MCF-7/LCC2 breast cancer cells to tamoxifen. Mechanistically, we identified a regulatory positive feedback loop, where ERα bound to the PAK4 gene, thereby promoting PAK4 expression, while PAK4 in turn stabilized the ERα protein, activated ERα transcriptional activity and ERα target gene expression. Further, PAK4 phosphorylated ERα-Ser305, a phosphorylation event needed for the PAK4 activation of ERα-dependent transcription. In conclusion, PAK4 may be a suitable target for perturbing ERα signaling and tamoxifen resistance in breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Zhuang
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Novum, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Jian Zhu
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Novum, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Zhilun Li
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Novum, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Julie Lorent
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Chunyan Zhao
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Novum, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Karin Dahlman-Wright
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Novum, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden.,Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab), Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Staffan Strömblad
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Novum, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
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47
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Abu Aboud O, Chen CH, Senapedis W, Baloglu E, Argueta C, Weiss RH. Dual and Specific Inhibition of NAMPT and PAK4 By KPT-9274 Decreases Kidney Cancer Growth. Mol Cancer Ther 2016; 15:2119-29. [PMID: 27390344 PMCID: PMC5010932 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-16-0197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Kidney cancer (or renal cell carcinoma, RCC) is the sixth most common malignancy in the United States and one of the relatively few whose incidence is increasing. Because of the near universal resistance which occurs with the use of current treatment regimens, reprogrammed metabolic pathways are being investigated as potential targets for novel therapies of this disease. Borrowing from studies on other malignancies, we have identified the PAK4 and NAD biosynthetic pathways as being essential for RCC growth. We now show, using the dual PAK4/NAMPT inhibitor KPT-9274, that interference with these signaling pathways results in reduction of G2-M transit as well as induction of apoptosis and decrease in cell invasion and migration in several human RCC cell lines. Mechanistic studies demonstrate that inhibition of the PAK4 pathway by KPT-9274 attenuates nuclear β-catenin as well as the Wnt/β-catenin targets cyclin D1 and c-Myc. Furthermore, NAPRT1 downregulation, which we show occurs in all RCC cell lines tested, makes this tumor highly dependent on NAMPT for its NAD requirements, such that inhibition of NAMPT by KPT-9274 leads to decreased survival of these rapidly proliferating cells. When KPT-9274 was administered in vivo to a 786-O (VHL-mut) human RCC xenograft model, there was dose-dependent inhibition of tumor growth with no apparent toxicity; KPT-9274 demonstrated the expected on-target effects in this mouse model. KPT-9274 is being evaluated in a phase I human clinical trial in solid tumors and lymphomas, which will allow this data to be rapidly translated into the clinic for the treatment of RCC. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(9); 2119-29. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omran Abu Aboud
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Ching-Hsien Chen
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | | | | | | | - Robert H Weiss
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California. Cancer Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, California. Medical Service, Sacramento VA Medical Center, Sacramento, California.
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Significance of kinase activity in the dynamic invadosome. Eur J Cell Biol 2016; 95:483-492. [PMID: 27465307 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2016.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Revised: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 07/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Invadosomes are actin rich protrusive structures that facilitate invasive migration in multiple cell types. Comprised of invadopodia and podosomes, these highly dynamic structures adhere to and degrade the extracellular matrix, and are also thought to play a role in mechanosensing. Many extracellular signals have been implicated in invadosome stimulation, activating complex signalling cascades to drive the formation, activity and turnover of invadosomes. While the structural components of invadosomes have been well studied, the regulation of invadosome dynamics is still poorly understood. Protein kinases are essential to this regulation, affecting all stages of invadosome dynamics and allowing tight spatiotemporal control of their activity. Invadosome organisation and function have been linked to pathophysiological states such as cancer invasion and metastasis; therapeutic targeting of invadosome regulatory components is thus warranted. In this review, we discuss the involvement of kinase signalling in every stage of the invadosome life cycle and evaluate its significance.
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Yue K, Wang X, Wu Y, Zhou X, He Q, Duan Y. microRNA-7 regulates cell growth, migration and invasion via direct targeting of PAK1 in thyroid cancer. Mol Med Rep 2016; 14:2127-34. [PMID: 27430434 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.5477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2015] [Accepted: 06/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The expression and function of microRNA-7 (miR-7) has been studied in a variety of different cancer types. However, to date, no studies have investigated the expression of miR‑7 in human thyroid cancer. In the present study, the expression levels and biological function of miR‑7 were investigated in human thyroid cancer, with the aim of evaluating whether it may serve as a therapeutic biomarker. The expression levels of miR‑7 in human thyroid cancer tissues, matched, adjacent normal tissues, normal thyroid tissues and human thyroid cancer cell lines were determined using RT‑qPCR and western blot analysis. To explore the functional role of miR‑7 in human thyroid cancer cell lines, MTT assays, cell migration and invasion assays were employed. TargetScan software identified p21 activated kinase‑1 (PAK1) as a putative interacting partner of miR‑7. Therefore, functional assays were performed to explore the effects of endogenous PAK1 in thyroid cancer. In the present study, miR‑7 was significantly downregulated in thyroid cancer tissues and cells compared with normal thyroid tissue samples. A correlation between miR‑7 expression and thyroid tumor stage was also observed. Ectopic expression of miR‑7 was found to suppress the proliferation, migra-tion and invasion of thyroid cancer cells in vitro. Dual-luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that PAK1 was a direct target of miR-7 in vitro. RT-qPCR and western blot analysis demonstrated that miR‑7 negatively regulates PAK1 protein expression but has no effect on PAK1 mRNA expression. Knockdown of PAK1 expression markedly suppressed thyroid cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion. These results suggest that miR‑7 functions as a tumor suppressor by targeting PAK1 directly and may therefore present a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of thyroid cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Yue
- Department of Maxillofacial and E.N.T Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
| | - Xudong Wang
- Department of Maxillofacial and E.N.T Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
| | - Yansheng Wu
- Department of Maxillofacial and E.N.T Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
| | - Xuan Zhou
- Department of Maxillofacial and E.N.T Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
| | - Qinghua He
- Department of Maxillofacial and E.N.T Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
| | - Yuansheng Duan
- Department of Maxillofacial and E.N.T Oncology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
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50
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Park JK, Kim S, Han YJ, Kim SH, Kang NS, Lee H, Park S. The discovery and the structural basis of an imidazo[4,5- b ]pyridine-based p21-activated kinase 4 inhibitor. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2016; 26:2580-3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2016.04.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2016] [Revised: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 04/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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