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Wang H, Sun F. UNC-45A: A potential therapeutic target for malignant tumors. Heliyon 2024; 10:e31276. [PMID: 38803956 PMCID: PMC11128996 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31276] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Uncoordinated mutant number-45 myosin chaperone A (UNC-45A), a protein highly conserved throughout evolution, is ubiquitously expressed in somatic cells. It is correlated with tumorigenesis, proliferation, metastasis, and invasion of multiple malignant tumors. The current understanding of the role of UNC-45A in tumor progression is mainly related to the regulation of non-muscle myosin II (NM-II). However, many studies have suggested that the mechanisms by which UNC-45A is involved in tumor progression are far greater than those of NM-II regulation. UNC-45A can also promote tumor cell proliferation by regulating checkpoint kinase 1 (ChK1) phosphorylation or the transcriptional activity of nuclear receptors, and induces chemoresistance to paclitaxel in tumor cells by destabilizing microtubule activity. In this review, we discuss the recent advances illuminating the role of UNC-45A in tumor progression. We also put forward therapeutic strategies targeting UNC-45A, in the hope of paving the way the development of UNC-45A-targeted therapies for patients with malignant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Wang
- School of Nursing, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, PR China
| | - Fude Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yantai Penglai Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Yantai, 265699, PR China
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2
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Almaas R, Atneosen-Åsegg M, Ytre-Arne ME, Melheim M, Sorte HS, Cízková D, Reims HM, Bezrouk A, Harrison SP, Strand J, Hermansen JU, Andersen SS, Eiklid KL, Mokrý J, Sullivan GJ, Stray-Pedersen A. Aagenaes syndrome/lymphedema cholestasis syndrome 1 is caused by a founder variant in the 5'-untranslated region of UNC45A. J Hepatol 2023; 79:945-954. [PMID: 37328071 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.05.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Lymphedema cholestasis syndrome 1 or Aagenaes syndrome is a condition characterized by neonatal cholestasis, lymphedema, and giant cell hepatitis. The genetic background of this autosomal recessive disease was unknown up to now. METHODS A total of 26 patients with Aagenaes syndrome and 17 parents were investigated with whole-genome sequencing and/or Sanger sequencing. PCR and western blot analyses were used to assess levels of mRNA and protein, respectively. CRISPR/Cas9 was used to generate the variant in HEK293T cells. Light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry for biliary transport proteins were performed in liver biopsies. RESULTS One specific variant (c.-98G>T) in the 5'-untranslated region of Unc-45 myosin chaperone A (UNC45A) was identified in all tested patients with Aagenaes syndrome. Nineteen were homozygous for the c.-98G>T variant and seven were compound heterozygous for the variant in the 5'-untranslated region and an exonic loss-of-function variant in UNC45A. Patients with Aagenaes syndrome exhibited lower expression of UNC45A mRNA and protein than controls, and this was reproduced in a CRISPR/Cas9-created cell model. Liver biopsies from the neonatal period demonstrated cholestasis, paucity of bile ducts and pronounced formation of multinucleated giant cells. Immunohistochemistry revealed mislocalization of the hepatobiliary transport proteins BSEP (bile salt export pump) and MRP2 (multidrug resistance-associated protein 2). CONCLUSIONS c.-98G>T in the 5'-untranslated region of UNC45A is the causative genetic variant in Aagenaes syndrome. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS The genetic background of Aagenaes syndrome, a disease presenting with cholestasis and lymphedema in childhood, was unknown until now. A variant in the 5'-untranslated region of the Unc-45 myosin chaperone A (UNC45A) was identified in all tested patients with Aagenaes syndrome, providing evidence of the genetic background of the disease. Identification of the genetic background provides a tool for diagnosis of patients with Aagenaes syndrome before lymphedema is evident.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runar Almaas
- Department of Pediatric Research, Division of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Pb 4950, Nydalen, Oslo, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Paediatrics, Division of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Pb 4950, Nydalen, Oslo, Norway; European Reference Network - Rare Liver.
| | | | - Mari Eknes Ytre-Arne
- Norwegian National Unit for Newborn Screening, Division of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Maria Melheim
- Department of Pediatric Research, Division of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Pb 4950, Nydalen, Oslo, Norway; European Reference Network - Rare Liver
| | - Hanne Sørmo Sorte
- Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Dana Cízková
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Henrik Mikael Reims
- European Reference Network - Rare Liver; Department of Pathology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Aleš Bezrouk
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Sean Philip Harrison
- Department of Pediatric Research, Division of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Pb 4950, Nydalen, Oslo, Norway; European Reference Network - Rare Liver
| | - Janne Strand
- Norwegian National Unit for Newborn Screening, Division of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Johanne Uthus Hermansen
- Department of Pediatric Research, Division of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Pb 4950, Nydalen, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sofie Strøm Andersen
- Department of Pediatric Research, Division of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Pb 4950, Nydalen, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Jaroslav Mokrý
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Gareth John Sullivan
- Department of Pediatric Research, Division of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Pb 4950, Nydalen, Oslo, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; European Reference Network - Rare Liver
| | - Asbjørg Stray-Pedersen
- European Reference Network - Rare Liver; Norwegian National Unit for Newborn Screening, Division of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Odunuga OO, Oberhauser AF. Beyond Chaperoning: UCS Proteins Emerge as Regulators of Myosin-Mediated Cellular Processes. Subcell Biochem 2023; 101:189-211. [PMID: 36520308 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-14740-1_7] [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] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The UCS (UNC-45/CRO1/She4p) family of proteins has emerged as chaperones specific for the folding, assembly, and function of myosin. UCS proteins participate in various myosin-dependent cellular processes including myofibril organization and muscle functions, cell differentiation, striated muscle development, cytokinesis, and endocytosis. Mutations in the genes that code for UCS proteins cause serious defects in myosin-dependent cellular processes. UCS proteins that contain an N-terminal tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) domain are called UNC-45. Vertebrates usually possess two variants of UNC-45, the ubiquitous general-cell UNC-45 (UNC-45A) and the striated muscle UNC-45 (UNC-45B), which is exclusively expressed in skeletal and cardiac muscles. Except for the TPR domain in UNC-45, UCS proteins comprise of several irregular armadillo (ARM) repeats that are organized into a central domain, a neck region, and the canonical C-terminal UCS domain that functions as the chaperoning module. With or without TPR, UCS proteins form linear oligomers that serve as scaffolds that mediate myosin folding, organization into myofibrils, repair, and motility. This chapter reviews emerging functions of these proteins with a focus on UNC-45 as a dedicated chaperone for folding, assembly, and function of myosin at protein and potentially gene levels. Recent experimental evidences strongly support UNC-45 as an absolute regulator of myosin, with each domain of the chaperone playing different but complementary roles during the folding, assembly, and function of myosin, as well as recruiting Hsp90 as a co-chaperone to optimize key steps. It is becoming increasingly clear that UNC-45 also regulates the transcription of several genes involved in myosin-dependent cellular processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Odutayo O Odunuga
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, TX, USA.
| | - Andres F Oberhauser
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology, & Anatomy, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
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4
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Lechuga S, Cartagena‐Rivera AX, Khan A, Crawford BI, Narayanan V, Conway DE, Lehtimäki J, Lappalainen P, Rieder F, Longworth MS, Ivanov AI. A myosin chaperone, UNC-45A, is a novel regulator of intestinal epithelial barrier integrity and repair. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22290. [PMID: 35344227 PMCID: PMC9044500 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202200154r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The actomyosin cytoskeleton serves as a key regulator of the integrity and remodeling of epithelial barriers by controlling assembly and functions of intercellular junctions and cell-matrix adhesions. Although biochemical mechanisms that regulate the activity of non-muscle myosin II (NM-II) in epithelial cells have been extensively investigated, little is known about assembly of the contractile myosin structures at the epithelial adhesion sites. UNC-45A is a cytoskeletal chaperone that is essential for proper folding of NM-II heavy chains and myofilament assembly. We found abundant expression of UNC-45A in human intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) lines and in the epithelial layer of the normal human colon. Interestingly, protein level of UNC-45A was decreased in colonic epithelium of patients with ulcerative colitis. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knock-out of UNC-45A in HT-29cf8 and SK-CO15 IEC disrupted epithelial barrier integrity, impaired assembly of epithelial adherence and tight junctions and attenuated cell migration. Consistently, decreased UNC-45 expression increased permeability of the Drosophila gut in vivo. The mechanisms underlying barrier disruptive and anti-migratory effects of UNC-45A depletion involved disorganization of the actomyosin bundles at epithelial junctions and the migrating cell edge. Loss of UNC-45A also decreased contractile forces at apical junctions and matrix adhesions. Expression of deletion mutants revealed roles for the myosin binding domain of UNC-45A in controlling IEC junctions and motility. Our findings uncover a novel mechanism that regulates integrity and restitution of the intestinal epithelial barrier, which may be impaired during mucosal inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Lechuga
- Department of Inflammation and ImmunityLerner Research InstituteCleveland Clinic FoundationClevelandOhioUSA
| | - Alexander X. Cartagena‐Rivera
- Section on MechanobiologyNational Institute of Biomedical Imaging and BioengineeringNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Afshin Khan
- Department of Inflammation and ImmunityLerner Research InstituteCleveland Clinic FoundationClevelandOhioUSA
| | - Bert I. Crawford
- Department of Inflammation and ImmunityLerner Research InstituteCleveland Clinic FoundationClevelandOhioUSA
| | - Vani Narayanan
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringVirginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmondVirginiaUSA
| | - Daniel E. Conway
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringVirginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmondVirginiaUSA
| | - Jaakko Lehtimäki
- Institute of Biotechnology and Helsinki Institute of Life SciencesUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Pekka Lappalainen
- Institute of Biotechnology and Helsinki Institute of Life SciencesUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Florian Rieder
- Department of Inflammation and ImmunityLerner Research InstituteCleveland Clinic FoundationClevelandOhioUSA,Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Digestive Diseases and Surgery InstituteCleveland Clinic FoundationClevelandOhioUSA
| | - Michelle S. Longworth
- Department of Inflammation and ImmunityLerner Research InstituteCleveland Clinic FoundationClevelandOhioUSA
| | - Andrei I. Ivanov
- Department of Inflammation and ImmunityLerner Research InstituteCleveland Clinic FoundationClevelandOhioUSA
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5
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Höhfeld J, Benzing T, Bloch W, Fürst DO, Gehlert S, Hesse M, Hoffmann B, Hoppe T, Huesgen PF, Köhn M, Kolanus W, Merkel R, Niessen CM, Pokrzywa W, Rinschen MM, Wachten D, Warscheid B. Maintaining proteostasis under mechanical stress. EMBO Rep 2021; 22:e52507. [PMID: 34309183 PMCID: PMC8339670 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202152507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell survival, tissue integrity and organismal health depend on the ability to maintain functional protein networks even under conditions that threaten protein integrity. Protection against such stress conditions involves the adaptation of folding and degradation machineries, which help to preserve the protein network by facilitating the refolding or disposal of damaged proteins. In multicellular organisms, cells are permanently exposed to stress resulting from mechanical forces. Yet, for long time mechanical stress was not recognized as a primary stressor that perturbs protein structure and threatens proteome integrity. The identification and characterization of protein folding and degradation systems, which handle force-unfolded proteins, marks a turning point in this regard. It has become apparent that mechanical stress protection operates during cell differentiation, adhesion and migration and is essential for maintaining tissues such as skeletal muscle, heart and kidney as well as the immune system. Here, we provide an overview of recent advances in our understanding of mechanical stress protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jörg Höhfeld
- Institute for Cell BiologyRheinische Friedrich‐Wilhelms University BonnBonnGermany
| | - Thomas Benzing
- Department II of Internal Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC)University of CologneCologneGermany
| | - Wilhelm Bloch
- Institute of Cardiovascular Research and Sports MedicineGerman Sport UniversityCologneGermany
| | - Dieter O Fürst
- Institute for Cell BiologyRheinische Friedrich‐Wilhelms University BonnBonnGermany
| | - Sebastian Gehlert
- Institute of Cardiovascular Research and Sports MedicineGerman Sport UniversityCologneGermany
- Department for the Biosciences of SportsInstitute of Sports ScienceUniversity of HildesheimHildesheimGermany
| | - Michael Hesse
- Institute of Physiology I, Life & Brain CenterMedical FacultyRheinische Friedrich‐Wilhelms UniversityBonnGermany
| | - Bernd Hoffmann
- Institute of Biological Information Processing, IBI‐2: MechanobiologyForschungszentrum JülichJülichGermany
| | - Thorsten Hoppe
- Institute for GeneticsCologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging‐Associated Diseases (CECAD) and CMMCUniversity of CologneCologneGermany
| | - Pitter F Huesgen
- Central Institute for Engineering, Electronics and Analytics, ZEA3Forschungszentrum JülichJülichGermany
- CECADUniversity of CologneCologneGermany
| | - Maja Köhn
- Institute of Biology IIIFaculty of Biology, and Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSSAlbert‐Ludwigs‐University FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | - Waldemar Kolanus
- LIMES‐InstituteRheinische Friedrich‐Wilhelms University BonnBonnGermany
| | - Rudolf Merkel
- Institute of Biological Information Processing, IBI‐2: MechanobiologyForschungszentrum JülichJülichGermany
| | - Carien M Niessen
- Department of Dermatology and CECADUniversity of CologneCologneGermany
| | | | - Markus M Rinschen
- Department of Biomedicine and Aarhus Institute of Advanced StudiesAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
- Department of MedicineUniversity Medical Center Hamburg‐EppendorfHamburgGermany
| | - Dagmar Wachten
- Institute of Innate ImmunityUniversity Hospital BonnBonnGermany
| | - Bettina Warscheid
- Institute of Biology IIFaculty of Biology, and Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSSAlbert‐Ludwigs‐University FreiburgFreiburgGermany
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Clemente V, Hoshino A, Meints J, Shetty M, Starr T, Lee M, Bazzaro M. UNC-45A Is Highly Expressed in the Proliferative Cells of the Mouse Genital Tract and in the Microtubule-Rich Areas of the Mouse Nervous System. Cells 2021; 10:1604. [PMID: 34206743 PMCID: PMC8303485 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
UNC-45A (Protein unc-45 homolog A) is a cytoskeletal-associated protein with a dual and non-mutually exclusive role as a regulator of the actomyosin system and a Microtubule (MT)-destabilizing protein, which is overexpressed in human cancers including in ovarian cancer patients resistant to the MT-stabilizing drug paclitaxel. Mapping of UNC-45A in the mouse upper genital tract and central nervous system reveals its enrichment not only in highly proliferating and prone to remodeling cells, but also in microtubule-rich areas, of the ovaries and the nervous system, respectively. In both apparatuses, UNC-45A is also abundantly expressed in the ciliated epithelium. As regulators of actomyosin contractility and MT stability are essential for the physiopathology of the female reproductive tract and of neuronal development, our findings suggest that UNC-45A may have a role in ovarian cancer initiation and development as well as in neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentino Clemente
- Masonic Cancer Center and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (V.C.); (A.H.); (M.S.); (T.S.)
| | - Asumi Hoshino
- Masonic Cancer Center and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (V.C.); (A.H.); (M.S.); (T.S.)
| | - Joyce Meints
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (J.M.); (M.L.)
| | - Mihir Shetty
- Masonic Cancer Center and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (V.C.); (A.H.); (M.S.); (T.S.)
| | - Tim Starr
- Masonic Cancer Center and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (V.C.); (A.H.); (M.S.); (T.S.)
| | - Michael Lee
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (J.M.); (M.L.)
| | - Martina Bazzaro
- Masonic Cancer Center and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (V.C.); (A.H.); (M.S.); (T.S.)
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7
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Habicht J, Mooneyham A, Hoshino A, Shetty M, Zhang X, Emmings E, Yang Q, Coombes C, Gardner MK, Bazzaro M. UNC-45A breaks the microtubule lattice independently of its effects on non-muscle myosin II. J Cell Sci 2021; 134:jcs.248815. [PMID: 33262310 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.248815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In invertebrates, UNC-45 regulates myosin stability and functions. Vertebrates have two distinct isoforms of the protein: UNC-45B, expressed in muscle cells only, and UNC-45A, expressed in all cells and implicated in regulating both non-muscle myosin II (NMII)- and microtubule (MT)-associated functions. Here, we show that, in vitro and in human and rat cells, UNC-45A binds to the MT lattice, leading to MT bending, breakage and depolymerization. Furthermore, we show that UNC-45A destabilizes MTs independent of its C-terminal NMII-binding domain and even in the presence of the NMII inhibitor blebbistatin. These findings identified UNC-45A as a novel type of MT-severing protein with a dual non-mutually exclusive role in regulating NMII activity and MT stability. Because many human diseases, from cancer to neurodegenerative diseases, are caused by or associated with deregulation of MT stability, our findings have profound implications in the biology of MTs, as well as the biology of human diseases and possible therapeutic implications for their treatment.This article has an associated First Person interview with the joint first authors of the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juri Habicht
- Bradenburg Medical School - Theodor Fontane, Neuruppin 16816, Germany.,Masonic Cancer Center and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Ashley Mooneyham
- Masonic Cancer Center and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Asumi Hoshino
- Masonic Cancer Center and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Mihir Shetty
- Masonic Cancer Center and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Xiaonan Zhang
- Bradenburg Medical School - Theodor Fontane, Neuruppin 16816, Germany.,Masonic Cancer Center and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Edith Emmings
- Bradenburg Medical School - Theodor Fontane, Neuruppin 16816, Germany
| | - Qing Yang
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Courtney Coombes
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Melissa K Gardner
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Martina Bazzaro
- Masonic Cancer Center and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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8
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Mutational Analysis of the Structure and Function of the Chaperoning Domain of UNC-45B. Biophys J 2020; 119:780-791. [PMID: 32755562 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2020.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
UNC-45B is a multidomain molecular chaperone that is essential for the proper folding and assembly of myosin into muscle thick filaments in vivo. It has previously been demonstrated that the UCS domain is responsible for the chaperone-like properties of the UNC-45B. To better understand the chaperoning function of the UCS domain of the UNC-45B chaperone, we engineered mutations designed to 1) disrupt chaperone-client interactions by removing and altering the structure of a putative client-interacting loop and 2) disrupt chaperone-client interactions by changing highly conserved residues in a putative client-binding groove. We tested the effect of these mutations by using a, to our knowledge, novel combination of complementary biophysical assays (circular dichroism, chaperone activity, and small-angle x-ray scattering) and in vivo tools (Caenorhabditis elegans sarcomere structure). Removing the putative client-binding loop altered the secondary structure of the UCS domain (by decreasing the α-helix content), leading to a significant change in its solution conformation and a reduced chaperoning function. Additionally, we found that mutating several conserved residues in the putative client-binding groove did not alter the UCS domain secondary structure or structural stability but reduced its chaperoning activity. In vivo, these groove mutations were found to significantly alter the structure and organization of C. elegans sarcomeres. Furthermore, we tested the effect of R805W, a mutation distant from the putative client-binding region, which in humans, has been known to cause congenital and infantile cataracts. Our in vivo data show that, to our surprise, the R805W mutation appeared to have the most drastic detrimental effect on the structure and organization of the worm sarcomeres, indicating a crucial role of R805 in UCS-client interactions. Hence, our experimental approach combining biophysical and biological tools facilitates the study of myosin-chaperone interactions in mechanistic detail.
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Habicht J, Mooneyham A, Shetty M, Zhang X, Shridhar V, Winterhoff B, Zhang Y, Cepela J, Starr T, Lou E, Bazzaro M. UNC-45A is preferentially expressed in epithelial cells and binds to and co-localizes with interphase MTs. Cancer Biol Ther 2019; 20:1304-1313. [PMID: 31328624 PMCID: PMC6783119 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2019.1632637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
UNC-45A is an ubiquitously expressed protein highly conserved throughout evolution. Most of what we currently know about UNC-45A pertains to its role as a regulator of the actomyosin system. However, emerging studies from both our and other laboratories support a role of UNC-45A outside of actomyosin regulation. This includes studies showing that UNC-45A: regulates gene transcription, co-localizes and biochemically co-fractionates with gamma tubulin and regulates centrosomal positioning, is found in the same subcellular fractions where MT-associated proteins are, and is a mitotic spindle-associated protein with MT-destabilizing activity in absence of the actomyosin system. Here, we extended our previous findings and show that UNC45A is variably expressed across a spectrum of cell lines with the highest level being found in HeLa cells and in ovarian cancer cells inherently paclitaxel-resistant. Furthermore, we show that UNC-45A is preferentially expressed in epithelial cells, localizes to mitotic spindles in clinical tumor specimens of cancer and co-localizes and co-fractionates with MTs in interphase cells independent of actin or myosin. In sum, we report alteration of UNC45A localization in the setting of chemotherapeutic treatment of cells with paclitaxel, and localization of UNC45A to MTs both in vitro and in vivo. These findings will be important to ongoing and future studies in the field that further identify the important role of UNC45A in cancer and other cellular processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juri Habicht
- Masonic Cancer Center and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Heath, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis , MN , USA.,Department of Medicine, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane , Neuruppin , Germany
| | - Ashley Mooneyham
- Masonic Cancer Center and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Heath, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis , MN , USA
| | - Mihir Shetty
- Masonic Cancer Center and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Heath, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis , MN , USA
| | - Xiaonan Zhang
- Masonic Cancer Center and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Heath, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis , MN , USA.,Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Vijayalakshmi Shridhar
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine , Rochester , MN , USA
| | - Boris Winterhoff
- Masonic Cancer Center and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Heath, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis , MN , USA
| | - Ying Zhang
- Minnesota Supercomputing Institute, University of MN , Minneapolis , MN , USA
| | - Jason Cepela
- Masonic Cancer Center and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Heath, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis , MN , USA
| | - Timothy Starr
- Masonic Cancer Center and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Heath, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis , MN , USA
| | - Emil Lou
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis , MN , USA.,Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis , MN , USA
| | - Martina Bazzaro
- Masonic Cancer Center and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Heath, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis , MN , USA
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10
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Eisa NH, Jilani Y, Kainth K, Redd P, Lu S, Bougrine O, Abdul Sater H, Patwardhan CA, Shull A, Shi H, Liu K, Elsherbiny NM, Eissa LA, El-Shishtawy MM, Horuzsko A, Bollag R, Maihle N, Roig J, Korkaya H, Cowell JK, Chadli A. The co-chaperone UNC45A is essential for the expression of mitotic kinase NEK7 and tumorigenesis. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:5246-5260. [PMID: 30737284 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.006597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Revised: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cumulative evidence suggests that the heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) co-chaperone UNC-45 myosin chaperone A (UNC45A) contributes to tumorigenesis and that its expression in cancer cells correlates with proliferation and metastasis of solid tumors. However, the molecular mechanism by which UNC45A regulates cancer cell proliferation remains largely unknown. Here, using siRNA-mediated gene silencing and various human cells, we report that UNC45A is essential for breast cancer cell growth, but is dispensable for normal cell proliferation. Immunofluorescence microscopy, along with gene microarray and RT-quantitative PCR analyses, revealed that UNC45A localizes to the cancer cell nucleus, where it up-regulates the transcriptional activity of the glucocorticoid receptor and thereby promotes expression of the mitotic kinase NIMA-related kinase 7 (NEK7). We observed that UNC45A-deficient cancer cells exhibit extensive pericentrosomal material disorganization, as well as defects in centrosomal separation and mitotic chromosome alignment. Consequently, these cells stalled in metaphase and cytokinesis and ultimately underwent mitotic catastrophe, phenotypes that were rescued by heterologous NEK7 expression. Our results identify a key role for the co-chaperone UNC45A in cell proliferation and provide insight into the regulatory mechanism. We propose that UNC45A represents a promising new therapeutic target to inhibit cancer cell growth in solid tumor types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nada H Eisa
- From the Georgia Cancer Center.,the Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt 35516
| | | | | | | | - Su Lu
- From the Georgia Cancer Center
| | - Oulia Bougrine
- the Department of Pathology, Augusta University, CN-3151, Augusta, Georgia 30912
| | - Houssein Abdul Sater
- the Department of Pathology, Augusta University, CN-3151, Augusta, Georgia 30912
| | | | | | | | - Kebin Liu
- the Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt 35516
| | - Nehal M Elsherbiny
- the Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt 35516
| | - Laila A Eissa
- the Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt 35516
| | - Mamdouh M El-Shishtawy
- the Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt 35516
| | | | - Roni Bollag
- From the Georgia Cancer Center.,the Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt 35516.,the Georgia Cancer Center Biorepository, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia 30912, and
| | | | - Joan Roig
- the Institut de Biologia Molecular de Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), Parc Científic de Barcelona, c/Baldiri i Reixac, 10-12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
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11
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Mooneyham A, Iizuka Y, Yang Q, Coombes C, McClellan M, Shridhar V, Emmings E, Shetty M, Chen L, Ai T, Meints J, Lee MK, Gardner M, Bazzaro M. UNC-45A Is a Novel Microtubule-Associated Protein and Regulator of Paclitaxel Sensitivity in Ovarian Cancer Cells. Mol Cancer Res 2019; 17:370-383. [PMID: 30322860 PMCID: PMC6359974 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-18-0670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Revised: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
UNC-45A, a highly conserved member of the UCS (UNC45A/CRO1/SHE4P) protein family of cochaperones, plays an important role in regulating cytoskeletal-associated functions in invertebrates and mammalian cells, including cytokinesis, exocytosis, cell motility, and neuronal development. Here, for the first time, UNC-45A is demonstrated to function as a mitotic spindle-associated protein that destabilizes microtubules (MT) activity. Using in vitro biophysical reconstitution and total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy analysis, we reveal that UNC-45A directly binds to taxol-stabilized MTs in the absence of any additional cellular cofactors or other MT-associated proteins and acts as an ATP-independent MT destabilizer. In cells, UNC-45A binds to and destabilizes mitotic spindles, and its depletion causes severe defects in chromosome congression and segregation. UNC-45A is overexpressed in human clinical specimens from chemoresistant ovarian cancer and that UNC-45A-overexpressing cells resist chromosome missegregation and aneuploidy when treated with clinically relevant concentrations of paclitaxel. Lastly, UNC-45A depletion exacerbates paclitaxel-mediated stabilizing effects on mitotic spindles and restores sensitivity to paclitaxel. IMPLICATIONS: These findings reveal novel and significant roles for UNC-45A in regulation of cytoskeletal dynamics, broadening our understanding of the basic mechanisms regulating MT stability and human cancer susceptibility to paclitaxel, one of the most widely used chemotherapy agents for the treatment of human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Mooneyham
- Masonic Cancer Center and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Heath, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Yoshie Iizuka
- Masonic Cancer Center and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Heath, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Qing Yang
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Courtney Coombes
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Mark McClellan
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Vijayalakshmi Shridhar
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905 USA
| | - Edith Emmings
- Masonic Cancer Center and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Heath, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Mihir Shetty
- Masonic Cancer Center and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Heath, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Liqiang Chen
- Center for Drug Design, Academic Health Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA
| | - Teng Ai
- Center for Drug Design, Academic Health Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA
| | - Joyce Meints
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA
| | - Michael K Lee
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA
| | - Melissa Gardner
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Martina Bazzaro
- Masonic Cancer Center and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Heath, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA,,Corresponding author: Martina Bazzaro, Masonic Cancer Center, 420 Delaware Street S.E, Room 490, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, Tel: 612-6252889, Fax: 612-626-0665,
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12
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Lehtimäki JI, Fenix AM, Kotila TM, Balistreri G, Paavolainen L, Varjosalo M, Burnette DT, Lappalainen P. UNC-45a promotes myosin folding and stress fiber assembly. J Cell Biol 2017; 216:4053-4072. [PMID: 29055011 PMCID: PMC5716280 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201703107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Revised: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Contractile actomyosin bundles, stress fibers, are crucial for adhesion, morphogenesis, and mechanosensing in nonmuscle cells. However, the mechanisms by which nonmuscle myosin II (NM-II) is recruited to those structures and assembled into functional bipolar filaments have remained elusive. We report that UNC-45a is a dynamic component of actin stress fibers and functions as a myosin chaperone in vivo. UNC-45a knockout cells display severe defects in stress fiber assembly and consequent abnormalities in cell morphogenesis, polarity, and migration. Experiments combining structured-illumination microscopy, gradient centrifugation, and proteasome inhibition approaches revealed that a large fraction of NM-II and myosin-1c molecules fail to fold in the absence of UNC-45a. The remaining properly folded NM-II molecules display defects in forming functional bipolar filaments. The C-terminal UNC-45/Cro1/She4p domain of UNC-45a is critical for NM-II folding, whereas the N-terminal tetratricopeptide repeat domain contributes to the assembly of functional stress fibers. Thus, UNC-45a promotes generation of contractile actomyosin bundles through synchronized NM-II folding and filament-assembly activities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aidan M Fenix
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN
| | - Tommi M Kotila
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Giuseppe Balistreri
- Department of Biosciences, Division of General Microbiology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Lassi Paavolainen
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Markku Varjosalo
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Dylan T Burnette
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN
| | - Pekka Lappalainen
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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13
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Iizuka Y, Mooneyham A, Sieben A, Chen K, Maile M, Hellweg R, Schütz F, Teckle K, Starr T, Thayanithy V, Vogel RI, Lou E, Lee MK, Bazzaro M. UNC-45A is required for neurite extension via controlling NMII activation. Mol Biol Cell 2017; 28:1337-1346. [PMID: 28356421 PMCID: PMC5426848 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e16-06-0381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2016] [Revised: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
UNC-45A is a novel regulator of neuronal differentiation. UNC-45A localizes at the growth cone, binds to NMIIA and NMIIB, and is disposable for neuronal survival but is required for neurite initiation and extension via regulating NMII activation. Thus UNC-45A is a potential master regulator of a number of NMII-mediated cellular processes. UNC-45A is a highly conserved member of the UNC-45/CRO1/She4p family of proteins, which act as chaperones for conventional and nonconventional myosins. NMII mediates contractility and actin-based motility, which are fundamental for proper growth cone motility and neurite extension. The presence and role of UNC-45A in neuronal differentiation have been largely unknown. Here we demonstrate that UNC-45A is a novel growth cone–localized, NMII-associated component of the multiprotein complex regulating growth cone dynamics. We show that UNC-45A is dispensable for neuron survival but required for neurite elongation. Mechanistically, loss of UNC-45A results in increased levels of NMII activation. Collectively our results provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of neurite growth and define UNC-45A as a novel and master regulator of NMII-mediated cellular processes in neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshie Iizuka
- Masonic Cancer Center and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Heath, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Ashley Mooneyham
- Masonic Cancer Center and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Heath, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Andrew Sieben
- Masonic Cancer Center and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Heath, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Kevin Chen
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21250
| | - Makayla Maile
- Masonic Cancer Center and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Heath, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Raffaele Hellweg
- Breast Unit, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Florian Schütz
- Breast Unit, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kebebush Teckle
- Masonic Cancer Center and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Heath, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Timothy Starr
- Masonic Cancer Center and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Heath, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Venugopal Thayanithy
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Rachel Isaksson Vogel
- Masonic Cancer Center and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Heath, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Emil Lou
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Michael K Lee
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Martina Bazzaro
- Masonic Cancer Center and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Heath, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN 55455
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14
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Iizuka Y, Cichocki F, Sieben A, Sforza F, Karim R, Coughlin K, Isaksson Vogel R, Gavioli R, McCullar V, Lenvik T, Lee M, Miller J, Bazzaro M. UNC-45A Is a Nonmuscle Myosin IIA Chaperone Required for NK Cell Cytotoxicity via Control of Lytic Granule Secretion. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 195:4760-70. [PMID: 26438524 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1500979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2015] [Accepted: 09/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
NK cell's killing is a tightly regulated process under the control of specific cytoskeletal proteins. This includes Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein-interacting protein, cofilin, Munc13-4, and nonmuscle myosin IIA (NMIIA). These proteins play a key role in controlling NK-mediated cytotoxicity either via regulating the attachment of lytic granules to the actin-based cytoskeleton or via promoting the cytoskeletal reorganization that is requisite for lytic granule release. UNC-45A is a highly conserved member of the UNC-45/CRO1/She4p family of proteins that act as chaperones for both conventional and nonconventional myosin. Although we and others have shown that in lower organisms and in mammalian cells NMIIA-associated functions, such as cytokinesis, cell motility, and organelle trafficking, are dependent upon the presence of UNC-45A, its role in NK-mediated functions is largely unknown. In this article, we describe UNC-45A as a key regulator of NK-mediated cell toxicity. Specifically we show that, in human NK cells, UNC-45A localize at the NK cell immunological synapse of activated NK cells and is part of the multiprotein complex formed during NK cell activation. Furthermore, we show that UNC-45A is disposable for NK cell immunological synapse formation and lytic granules reorientation but crucial for lytic granule exocytosis. Lastly, loss of UNC-45A leads to reduced NMIIA binding to actin, suggesting that UNC-45A is a crucial component in regulating human NK cell cytoskeletal dynamics via promoting the formation of actomyosin complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshie Iizuka
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Heath, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Frank Cichocki
- Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Andrew Sieben
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Heath, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Fabio Sforza
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; and
| | - Razaul Karim
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Kathleen Coughlin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Heath, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Rachel Isaksson Vogel
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Heath, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Riccardo Gavioli
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; and
| | - Valarie McCullar
- Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Todd Lenvik
- Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Michael Lee
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Jeffrey Miller
- Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
| | - Martina Bazzaro
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Heath, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN 55455;
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15
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Li Y, Wang X, Vural S, Mishra NK, Cowan KH, Guda C. Exome analysis reveals differentially mutated gene signatures of stage, grade and subtype in breast cancers. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0119383. [PMID: 25803781 PMCID: PMC4372331 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0119383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2014] [Accepted: 01/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancers exhibit highly heterogeneous molecular profiles. Although gene expression profiles have been used to predict the risks and prognostic outcomes of breast cancers, the high variability of gene expression limits its clinical application. In contrast, genetic mutation profiles would be more advantageous than gene expression profiles because genetic mutations can be stably detected and the mutational heterogeneity widely exists in breast cancer genomes. We analyzed 98 breast cancer whole exome samples that were sorted into three subtypes, two grades and two stages. The sum deleterious effect of all mutations in each gene was scored to identify differentially mutated genes (DMGs) for this case-control study. DMGs were corroborated using extensive published knowledge. Functional consequences of deleterious SNVs on protein structure and function were also investigated. Genes such as ERBB2, ESP8, PPP2R4, KIAA0922, SP4, CENPJ, PRCP and SELP that have been experimentally or clinically verified to be tightly associated with breast cancer prognosis are among the DMGs identified in this study. We also identified some genes such as ARL6IP5, RAET1E, and ANO7 that could be crucial for breast cancer development and prognosis. Further, SNVs such as rs1058808, rs2480452, rs61751507, rs79167802, rs11540666, and rs2229437 that potentially influence protein functions are observed at significantly different frequencies in different comparison groups. Protein structure modeling revealed that many non-synonymous SNVs have a deleterious effect on protein stability, structure and function. Mutational profiling at gene- and SNV-level revealed differential patterns within each breast cancer comparison group, and the gene signatures correlate with expected prognostic characteristics of breast cancer classes. Some of the genes and SNVs identified in this study show high promise and are worthy of further investigation by experimental studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- You Li
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Xiaosheng Wang
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Suleyman Vural
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Nitish K. Mishra
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Kenneth H. Cowan
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
- Eppley Institute for Cancer Research, Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Chittibabu Guda
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
- Eppley Institute for Cancer Research, Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Core, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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16
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Abstract
The UCS (UNC-45/CRO1/She4p) family of proteins has emerged as chaperones that are specific for the folding, assembly and function of myosin. These proteins participate in various important myosin-dependent cellular processes that include myofibril organization and muscle functions, cell differentiation, cardiac and skeletal muscle development, cytokinesis and endocytosis. Mutations in the genes that code for UCS proteins cause serious defects in these actomyosin-based processes. Homologs of UCS proteins can be broadly divided into (1) animal UCS proteins, generally known as UNC-45 proteins, which contain an N-terminal tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) domain in addition to the canonical UCS domain, and (2) fungal UCS proteins, which lack the TPR domain. Structurally, except for TPR domain, both sub-classes of UCS proteins comprise of several irregular armadillo (ARM) repeats that are divided into two-domain architecture: a combined central-neck domain and a C-terminal UCS domain. Structural analyses suggest that UNC-45 proteins form elongated oligomers that serve as scaffolds to recruit Hsp90 and/or Hsp70 to form a multi-protein chaperoning complex that assists myosin heads to fold and simultaneously organize them into myofibrils. Similarly, fungal UCS proteins may dimerize to promote folding of non-muscle myosins as well as determine their step size along actin filaments. These findings confirm UCS proteins as a new class of myosin-specific chaperones and co-chaperones for Hsp90. This chapter reviews the implications of the outcome of studies on these proteins in cellular processes such as muscle formation, and disease states such as myopathies and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiming Ni
- Department of Genetics, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Yale School of Medicine, 06520, New Haven, CT, USA,
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17
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Jilani Y, Lu S, Lei H, Karnitz LM, Chadli A. UNC45A localizes to centrosomes and regulates cancer cell proliferation through ChK1 activation. Cancer Lett 2014; 357:114-120. [PMID: 25444911 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2014.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2014] [Revised: 11/05/2014] [Accepted: 11/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The UCS family of proteins regulates cellular functions through their interactions with myosin. Here we show that one member of this family, UNC45A, is also a novel centrosomal protein. UNC45A is required for cellular proliferation of cancer cell in vitro and for tumor growth in vivo through its ability to bind and regulate ChK1 nuclear-cytoplasmic localization in an Hsp90-independent manner. Immunocytochemical and biochemical fractionation studies revealed that UNC45A and ChK1 co-localize to the centrosome. Inhibition of UNC45A expression reduced ChK1 activation and its tethering to the centrosome, events required for proper centrosome function. Lack of UNC45A caused the accumulation of multi-nucleated cells, consistent with a defect in Chk1 regulation of centrosomes. These findings identify a novel centrosomal function for UNC45A and its role in cell proliferation and tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmeen Jilani
- Molecular Oncology and Biomarkers Program, GRU Cancer Center, Georgia Regents University, 1410 Laney Walker Blvd, CN-3151, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Su Lu
- Molecular Oncology and Biomarkers Program, GRU Cancer Center, Georgia Regents University, 1410 Laney Walker Blvd, CN-3151, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Huang Lei
- Cancer Immunology, Inflammation, and Tolerance Program, Georgia Regents University Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, GA 30912
| | - Larry M Karnitz
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Ahmed Chadli
- Molecular Oncology and Biomarkers Program, GRU Cancer Center, Georgia Regents University, 1410 Laney Walker Blvd, CN-3151, Augusta, GA 30912, USA.
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18
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Lee CF, Melkani GC, Bernstein SI. The UNC-45 myosin chaperone: from worms to flies to vertebrates. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2014; 313:103-44. [PMID: 25376491 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-800177-6.00004-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
UNC-45 (uncoordinated mutant number 45) is a UCS (UNC-45, CRO1, She4p) domain protein that is critical for myosin stability and function. It likely aides in folding myosin during cellular differentiation and maintenance, and protects myosin from denaturation during stress. Invertebrates have a single unc-45 gene that is expressed in both muscle and nonmuscle tissues. Vertebrates possess one gene expressed in striated muscle (unc-45b) and another that is more generally expressed (unc-45a). Structurally, UNC-45 is composed of a series of α-helices connected by loops. It has an N-terminal tetratricopeptide repeat domain that binds to Hsp90 and a central domain composed of armadillo repeats. Its C-terminal UCS domain, which is also comprised of helical armadillo repeats, interacts with myosin. In this chapter, we present biochemical, structural, and genetic analyses of UNC-45 in Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila melanogaster, and various vertebrates. Further, we provide insights into UNC-45 functions, its potential mechanism of action, and its roles in human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi F Lee
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Girish C Melkani
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
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19
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Stark BC, James ML, Pollard LW, Sirotkin V, Lord M. UCS protein Rng3p is essential for myosin-II motor activity during cytokinesis in fission yeast. PLoS One 2013; 8:e79593. [PMID: 24244528 PMCID: PMC3828377 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0079593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2013] [Accepted: 09/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
UCS proteins have been proposed to operate as co-chaperones that work with Hsp90 in the de novo folding of myosin motors. The fission yeast UCS protein Rng3p is essential for actomyosin ring assembly and cytokinesis. Here we investigated the role of Rng3p in fission yeast myosin-II (Myo2p) motor activity. Myo2p isolated from an arrested rng3-65 mutant was capable of binding actin, yet lacked stability and activity based on its expression levels and inactivity in ATPase and actin filament gliding assays. Myo2p isolated from a myo2-E1 mutant (a mutant hyper-sensitive to perturbation of Rng3p function) showed similar behavior in the same assays and exhibited an altered motor conformation based on limited proteolysis experiments. We propose that Rng3p is not required for the folding of motors per se, but instead works to ensure the activity of intrinsically unstable myosin-II motors. Rng3p is specific to conventional myosin-II and the actomyosin ring, and is not required for unconventional myosin motor function at other actin structures. However, artificial destabilization of myosin-I motors at endocytic actin patches (using a myo1-E1 mutant) led to recruitment of Rng3p to patches. Thus, while Rng3p is specific to myosin-II, UCS proteins are adaptable and can respond to changes in the stability of other myosin motors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin C. Stark
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, United States of America
| | - Michael L. James
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, State University of New York - Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States of America
| | - Luther W. Pollard
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, United States of America
| | - Vladimir Sirotkin
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, State University of New York - Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, United States of America
| | - Matthew Lord
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Fratev F, Ósk Jónsdóttir S, Pajeva I. Structural insight into the UNC-45-myosin complex. Proteins 2013; 81:1212-21. [DOI: 10.1002/prot.24270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2012] [Revised: 01/06/2013] [Accepted: 01/31/2013] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Svava Ósk Jónsdóttir
- Department of Toxicology and Risk Assessment; Technical University of Denmark; National Food Institute; DK-2860 S⊘borg; Denmark
| | - Ilza Pajeva
- Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering; Bulgarian Academy of Sciences; 1113 Sofia; Bulgaria
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Chen D, Li S, Singh R, Spinette S, Sedlmeier R, Epstein HF. Dual function of the UNC-45b chaperone with myosin and GATA4 in cardiac development. J Cell Sci 2012; 125:3893-903. [PMID: 22553207 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.106435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac development requires interplay between the regulation of gene expression and the assembly of functional sarcomeric proteins. We report that UNC-45b recessive loss-of-function mutations in C3H and C57BL/6 inbred mouse strains cause arrest of cardiac morphogenesis at the formation of right heart structures and failure of contractile function. Wild-type C3H and C57BL/6 embryos at the same stage, E9.5, form actively contracting right and left atria and ventricles. The known interactions of UNC-45b as a molecular chaperone are consistent with diminished accumulation of the sarcomeric myosins, but not their mRNAs, and the resulting decreased contraction of homozygous mutant embryonic hearts. The novel finding that GATA4 accumulation is similarly decreased at the protein but not mRNA levels is also consistent with the function of UNC-45b as a chaperone. The mRNAs of known downstream targets of GATA4 during secondary cardiac field development, the cardiogenic factors Hand1, Hand2 and Nkx-2.5, are also decreased, consistent with the reduced GATA4 protein accumulation. Direct binding studies show that the UNC-45b chaperone forms physical complexes with both the alpha and beta cardiac myosins and the cardiogenic transcription factor GATA4. Co-expression of UNC-45b with GATA4 led to enhanced transcription from GATA promoters in naïve cells. These novel results suggest that the heart-specific UNC-45b isoform functions as a molecular chaperone mediating contractile function of the sarcomere and gene expression in cardiac development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisi Chen
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, TX 77555-0641, USA
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