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Santio NM, Vainio V, Hoikkala T, Mung KL, Lång M, Vahakoski R, Zdrojewska J, Coffey ET, Kremneva E, Rainio EM, Koskinen PJ. PIM1 accelerates prostate cancer cell motility by phosphorylating actin capping proteins. Cell Commun Signal 2020; 18:121. [PMID: 32771000 PMCID: PMC7414696 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-020-00618-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The PIM family kinases promote cancer cell survival and motility as well as metastatic growth in various types of cancer. We have previously identified several PIM substrates, which support cancer cell migration and invasiveness. However, none of them are known to regulate cellular movements by directly interacting with the actin cytoskeleton. Here we have studied the phosphorylation-dependent effects of PIM1 on actin capping proteins, which bind as heterodimers to the fast-growing actin filament ends and stabilize them. Methods Based on a phosphoproteomics screen for novel PIM substrates, we have used kinase assays and fluorescence-based imaging techniques to validate actin capping proteins as PIM1 substrates and interaction partners. We have analysed the functional consequences of capping protein phosphorylation on cell migration and adhesion by using wound healing and real-time impedance-based assays. We have also investigated phosphorylation-dependent effects on actin polymerization by analysing the protective role of capping protein phosphomutants in actin disassembly assays. Results We have identified capping proteins CAPZA1 and CAPZB2 as PIM1 substrates, and shown that phosphorylation of either of them leads to increased adhesion and migration of human prostate cancer cells. Phosphorylation also reduces the ability of the capping proteins to protect polymerized actin from disassembly. Conclusions Our data suggest that PIM kinases are able to induce changes in actin dynamics to support cell adhesion and movement. Thus, we have identified a novel mechanism through which PIM kinases enhance motility and metastatic behaviour of cancer cells. Video abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Niina M Santio
- Section of Physiology and Genetics, Department of Biology, University of Turku, Vesilinnantie 5, FI-20500, Turku, Finland
| | - Veera Vainio
- Section of Physiology and Genetics, Department of Biology, University of Turku, Vesilinnantie 5, FI-20500, Turku, Finland
| | - Tuuli Hoikkala
- Section of Physiology and Genetics, Department of Biology, University of Turku, Vesilinnantie 5, FI-20500, Turku, Finland
| | - Kwan Long Mung
- Section of Physiology and Genetics, Department of Biology, University of Turku, Vesilinnantie 5, FI-20500, Turku, Finland
| | - Mirka Lång
- Section of Physiology and Genetics, Department of Biology, University of Turku, Vesilinnantie 5, FI-20500, Turku, Finland
| | - Riitta Vahakoski
- Section of Physiology and Genetics, Department of Biology, University of Turku, Vesilinnantie 5, FI-20500, Turku, Finland
| | - Justyna Zdrojewska
- Turku Bioscience, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, 20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Eleanor T Coffey
- Turku Bioscience, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, 20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Elena Kremneva
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Eeva-Marja Rainio
- Section of Physiology and Genetics, Department of Biology, University of Turku, Vesilinnantie 5, FI-20500, Turku, Finland
| | - Päivi J Koskinen
- Section of Physiology and Genetics, Department of Biology, University of Turku, Vesilinnantie 5, FI-20500, Turku, Finland.
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Eerola SK, Santio NM, Rinne S, Kouvonen P, Corthals GL, Scaravilli M, Scala G, Serra A, Greco D, Ruusuvuori P, Latonen L, Rainio EM, Visakorpi T, Koskinen PJ. Phosphorylation of NFATC1 at PIM1 target sites is essential for its ability to promote prostate cancer cell migration and invasion. Cell Commun Signal 2019; 17:148. [PMID: 31730483 PMCID: PMC6858710 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-019-0463-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Progression of prostate cancer from benign local tumors to metastatic carcinomas is a multistep process. Here we have investigated the signaling pathways that support migration and invasion of prostate cancer cells, focusing on the role of the NFATC1 transcription factor and its post-translational modifications. We have previously identified NFATC1 as a substrate for the PIM1 kinase and shown that PIM1-dependent phosphorylation increases NFATC1 activity without affecting its subcellular localization. Both PIM kinases and NFATC1 have been reported to promote cancer cell migration, invasion and angiogenesis, but it has remained unclear whether the effects of NFATC1 are phosphorylation-dependent and which downstream targets are involved. Methods We used mass spectrometry to identify PIM1 phosphorylation target sites in NFATC1, and analysed their functional roles in three prostate cancer cell lines by comparing phosphodeficient mutants to wild-type NFATC1. We used luciferase assays to determine effects of phosphorylation on NFAT-dependent transcriptional activity, and migration and invasion assays to evaluate effects on cell motility. We also performed a microarray analysis to identify novel PIM1/NFATC1 targets, and validated one of them with both cellular expression analyses and in silico in clinical prostate cancer data sets. Results Here we have identified ten PIM1 target sites in NFATC1 and found that prevention of their phosphorylation significantly decreases the transcriptional activity as well as the pro-migratory and pro-invasive effects of NFATC1 in prostate cancer cells. We observed that also PIM2 and PIM3 can phosphorylate NFATC1, and identified several novel putative PIM1/NFATC1 target genes. These include the ITGA5 integrin, which is differentially expressed in the presence of wild-type versus phosphorylation-deficient NFATC1, and which is coexpressed with PIM1 and NFATC1 in clinical prostate cancer specimens. Conclusions Based on our data, phosphorylation of PIM1 target sites stimulates NFATC1 activity and enhances its ability to promote prostate cancer cell migration and invasion. Therefore, inhibition of the interplay between PIM kinases and NFATC1 may have therapeutic implications for patients with metastatic forms of cancer. Graphical abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Sini K Eerola
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Vesilinnantie 5, FI-20500, Turku, Finland.,Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Niina M Santio
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Vesilinnantie 5, FI-20500, Turku, Finland
| | - Sanni Rinne
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Vesilinnantie 5, FI-20500, Turku, Finland
| | - Petri Kouvonen
- Turku Centre for Biotechnology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Garry L Corthals
- Turku Centre for Biotechnology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Mauro Scaravilli
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland.,Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Giovanni Scala
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland.,University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Angela Serra
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Dario Greco
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland.,University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pekka Ruusuvuori
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland.,Signal processing laboratory, Tampere University of Technology, Pori, Finland
| | - Leena Latonen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland.,Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Eeva-Marja Rainio
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Vesilinnantie 5, FI-20500, Turku, Finland
| | - Tapio Visakorpi
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University and Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland.,Fimlab Laboratories, Tampere, Finland
| | - Päivi J Koskinen
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Vesilinnantie 5, FI-20500, Turku, Finland.
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Zou Y, Cao Y, Liu Y, Zhang X, Li J, Xiong Y. The role of dorsal root ganglia PIM1 in peripheral nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain. Neurosci Lett 2019; 709:134375. [PMID: 31349016 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2019.134375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2019] [Revised: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain induced by peripheral nerve injury is a complex and chronic state that is accompanied by poor quality of life. However, whether PIM1 (proviral integration site 1) contributes to the development of nociceptive hypersensitivity induced by nerve injury remains unknown. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of PIM1 on spinal nerve ligation (SNL) induced pain hypersensitivity. Here, we found that PIM1 positive neurons in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) were colocalized with nociceptive neuronal markers CGRP, IB4 and substance P and were upregulated after SNL surgery. Knockdown PIM1 in the DRG by AAV5-shPIM1 alleviated SNL-induced pain hypersensitivity. In neuroblastoma cells (neuro-2a), PIM1 regulated the expression of CXCR4 phosphorylated at ser339 (pCXCR4) as well as the CXCL12/CXCR4 pathway. In the DRG tissues, we found that PIM1 was co-expressed with CXCR4, and knockdown of PIM1 attenuated pCXCR4 (ser339) protein expression but had little effect on total CXCR4 protein expression after SNL surgery. These findings suggest that PIM1 contributes to nerve injury-induced nociceptive hypersensitivity. Based on these findings and the characteristics of PIM1, we speculate that PIM1 might be a viable therapeutic target for the treatment of neuropathic pain in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Zou
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China; Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 20080, China
| | - Yumeng Cao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 20080, China
| | - Yuqi Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 20080, China
| | - Xinyi Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 20080, China
| | - Jinbao Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 20080, China.
| | - Yuanchang Xiong
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
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Zhu T, Luo J, Wang Y, Xiong X, Sheng B, Yang X, Ndongala NAMT, Li J. Elevated plasma Pim-1 and its clinical significance in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2019; 46:752-760. [PMID: 31066078 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This study was aimed to determine plasma Pim-1 levels in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and to estimate the clinical value of Pim-1 as a biomarker of PAH. This was a single-centre retrospective study in 111 patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) and idiopathic PAH (IPAH). Those CHD patients were divided into two groups: PAH associated with CHD (PAH-CHD) and CHD without PAH (nPAH-CHD). Plasma Pim-1 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. (a) Plasma Pim-1 levels were significantly increased in patients with PAH-CHD and IPAH compared with the healthy control group (27.81 ± 11.34 ng/mL vs 13.02 ± 5.30 ng/mL; 32.81 ± 12.28 ng/mL vs 13.02 ± 5.30 ng/mL, P < 0.05) and nPAH-CHD (27.81 ± 11.34 ng/mL vs 17.33 ± 7.99 ng/mL; 32.81 ± 12.28 ng/mL vs 17.33 ± 7.99 ng/mL, P < 0.05). Pim-1 levels were substantially increased in patients with severe PAH-CHD compared with mild-to-moderate PAH-CHD (19.12 ± 6.70 ng/mL vs 8.54 ± 3.71 ng/mL, P < 0.05). (b) Pim-1 levels were correlated positively with the mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) (r = 0.582, 0.516; P < 0.001, respectively), while negatively with tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), tricuspid annular plane systolic velocity (S') and right ventricular fractional area changes (RVFAC) (r = -0.375, -0.354, -0.507; P < 0.05, respectively). (c) PAH-CHD and severe PAH-CHD was identified by plasma Pim-1 with a cutoff value of 16.8 ng/mL (P < 0.001) with a sensitivity of 87.3% and a specificity of 65%, and a cutoff value of 20.53 ng/mL (P < 0.001) with a sensitivity of 87.3% and a specificity of 52%, respectively. Plasma Pim-1 levels were significantly higher in patients with PAH-CHD and IPAH. Plasma Pim-1 may represent an effectively biomarker in patients with PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tengteng Zhu
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jun Luo
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Chenzhou No. 1 People's Hospital, Chenzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Xianliang Xiong
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Bin Sheng
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaojie Yang
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | | | - Jiang Li
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Zhang S, Wang D, Huang T, Liu F, Shuai L, Xu J. Pim-1 Expression in Rat Retina and its Changes after Optic Nerve Crush. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2018; 301:1968-1976. [PMID: 30299595 DOI: 10.1002/ar.23947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Revised: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Pim-1 is a proto-oncogene which has been discovered to involve in cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. In this study, we observed the expression of Pim-1 in neonatal and adult rat retina and the changes in rat retina following optic nerve crush (ONC) in order to explore the relationship between Pim-1 and the survival of retinal ganglion cells (RGC). We discovered that Pim-1 was distributed mainly in retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE) and retinal ganglion cell layer (GCL) in normal newborn rats, and it appeared in RPE, cone rod cell layer and GCL in normal adult rats by immunohistochemistry. Our double immunofluorescent staining of Pim-1 and γ-synuclein further confirmed that Pim-1 was localized in 80% of RGC. Moreover, we found that the amount of Pim-1 mRNA and protein in adult rat retina was transiently increased after ONC and then decreased 2 weeks after ONC, and the expression level was lower than that of neonatal rat retina under all conditions. We also discovered that Pim-1 expression in GCL detected by immunohistochemistry was upregulated at Day 1 and Day 3 after ONC, but downregulated at Day 14 after ONC when the survival of RGC was decreased and the apoptotic cells in GCL were increased by hematoxylin-eosin staining, immunohistochemistry, and TUNEL detection. We suggest that the overexpression of Pim-1 in the RGC is related to the optic nerve repair while the low expression of Pim-1 in RGC may be associated with apoptosis and weak intrinsic regeneration ability of RGC. Anat Rec, 301:1968-1976, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoumei Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dong Wang
- Department of Anatomy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tingting Huang
- Department of Anatomy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fang Liu
- Department of Anatomy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Shuai
- Department of Health Administration, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiajun Xu
- Department of Anatomy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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Crawford RR, Potukuchi PK, Schuetz EG, Schuetz JD. Beyond Competitive Inhibition: Regulation of ABC Transporters by Kinases and Protein-Protein Interactions as Potential Mechanisms of Drug-Drug Interactions. Drug Metab Dispos 2018. [PMID: 29514827 DOI: 10.1124/dmd.118.080663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are transmembrane efflux transporters mediating the extrusion of an array of substrates ranging from amino acids and lipids to xenobiotics, and many therapeutic compounds, including anticancer drugs. The ABC transporters are also recognized as important contributors to pharmacokinetics, especially in drug-drug interactions and adverse drug effects. Drugs and xenobiotics, as well as pathologic conditions, can influence the transcription of ABC transporters, or modify their activity or intracellular localization. Kinases can affect the aforementioned processes for ABC transporters as do protein interactions. In this review, we focus on the ABC transporters ABCB1, ABCB11, ABCC1, ABCC4, and ABCG2 and illustrate how kinases and protein-protein interactions affect these transporters. The clinical relevance of these factors is currently unknown; however, these examples suggest that our understanding of drug-drug interactions will benefit from further knowledge of how kinases and protein-protein interactions affect ABC transporters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca R Crawford
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Praveen K Potukuchi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Erin G Schuetz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - John D Schuetz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
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Paulin R, Courboulin A, Barrier M, Bonnet S. From oncoproteins/tumor suppressors to microRNAs, the newest therapeutic targets for pulmonary arterial hypertension. J Mol Med (Berl) 2011; 89:1089-101. [DOI: 10.1007/s00109-011-0788-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2011] [Revised: 06/26/2011] [Accepted: 06/30/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Meloche J, Paulin R, Courboulin A, Lambert C, Barrier M, Bonnet P, Bisserier M, Roy M, Sussman MA, Agharazii M, Bonnet S. RAGE-dependent activation of the oncoprotein Pim1 plays a critical role in systemic vascular remodeling processes. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2011; 31:2114-24. [PMID: 21680901 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.111.230573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Vascular remodeling diseases (VRD) are mainly characterized by inflammation and a vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) proproliferative and anti-apoptotic phenotype. Recently, the activation of the advanced glycation endproducts receptor (RAGE) has been shown to promote VSMC proliferation and resistance to apoptosis in VRD in a signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3-dependant manner. Interestingly, we previously described in both cancer and VRD that the sustainability of this proproliferative and antiapoptotic phenotype requires activation of the transcription factor NFAT (nuclear factor of activated T-cells). In cancer, NFAT activation is dependent of the oncoprotein provirus integration site for Moloney murine leukemia virus (Pim1), which is regulated by STAT3 and activated in VRD. Therefore, we hypothesized that RAGE/STAT3 activation in VSMC activates Pim1, promoting NFAT and thus VSMC proliferation and resistance to apoptosis. Methods/Results- In vitro, freshly isolated human carotid VSMCs exposed to RAGE activator Nε-(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML) for 48 hours had (1) activated STAT3 (increased P-STAT3/STAT3 ratio and P-STAT3 nuclear translocation); (2) increased STAT3-dependent Pim1 expression resulting in NFATc1 activation; and (3) increased Pim1/NFAT-dependent VSMC proliferation (PCNA, Ki67) and resistance to mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis (TMRM, Annexin V, TUNEL). Similarly to RAGE inhibition (small interfering RNA [siRNA]), Pim1, STAT3 and NFATc1 inhibition (siRNA) reversed these abnormalities in human carotid VSMC. Moreover, carotid artery VSMCs isolated from Pim1 knockout mice were resistant to CML-induced VSMC proliferation and resistance to apoptosis. In vivo, RAGE inhibition decreases STAT3/Pim1/NFAT activation, reversing vascular remodeling in the rat carotid artery-injured model. CONCLUSIONS RAGE activation accounts for many features of VRD including VSMC proliferation and resistance to apoptosis by the activation of STAT3/Pim1/NFAT axis. Molecules aimed to inhibit RAGE could be of a great therapeutic interest for the treatment of VRD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolyane Meloche
- Department of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
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Paulin R, Courboulin A, Meloche J, Mainguy V, Dumas de la Roque E, Saksouk N, Côté J, Provencher S, Sussman MA, Bonnet S. Signal transducers and activators of transcription-3/pim1 axis plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of human pulmonary arterial hypertension. Circulation 2011; 123:1205-15. [PMID: 21382889 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.110.963314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) is a proliferative disorder associated with enhanced pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell proliferation and suppressed apoptosis. The sustainability of this phenotype required the activation of a prosurvival transcription factor like signal transducers and activators of transcription-3 (STAT3) and nuclear factor of activated T cell (NFAT). Because these factors are implicated in several physiological processes, their inhibition in PAH patients could be associated with detrimental effects. Therefore, a better understanding of the mechanism accounting for their expression/activation in PAH pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells is of great therapeutic interest. METHODS AND RESULTS Using multidisciplinary and translational approaches, we demonstrated that STAT3 activation in both human and experimental models of PAH accounts for the expression of both NFATc2 and the oncoprotein kinase Pim1, which trigger NFATc2 activation. Because Pim1 expression correlates with the severity of PAH in humans and is confined to the PAH pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell, Pim1 was identified as an attractive therapeutic target for PAH. Indeed, specific Pim1 inhibition in vitro decreases pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell proliferation and promotes apoptosis, all of which are sustained by NFATc2 inhibition. In vivo, tissue-specific inhibition of Pim1 by nebulized siRNA reverses monocrotaline-induced PAH in rats, whereas Pim1 knockout mice are resistant to PAH development. CONCLUSION We demonstrated for the first time that inhibition of the inappropriate activation of STAT3/Pim1 axis is a novel, specific, and attractive therapeutic strategy to reverse PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxane Paulin
- Centre de recherche de L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, 10 Rue McMahon, Québec, QC G1R 2J6, Canada
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Courboulin A, Paulin R, Giguère NJ, Saksouk N, Perreault T, Meloche J, Paquet ER, Biardel S, Provencher S, Côté J, Simard MJ, Bonnet S. Role for miR-204 in human pulmonary arterial hypertension. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 208:535-48. [PMID: 21321078 PMCID: PMC3058572 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20101812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 408] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Reduced miR-204 expression facilitates the excessive proliferation and apoptosis resistance of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells characteristic of human pulmonary arterial hypertension. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by enhanced proliferation and reduced apoptosis of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). Because microRNAs have been recently implicated in the regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis, we hypothesized that these regulatory molecules might be implicated in the etiology of PAH. In this study, we show that miR-204 expression in PASMCs is down-regulated in both human and rodent PAH. miR-204 down-regulation correlates with PAH severity and accounts for the proliferative and antiapoptotic phenotypes of PAH-PASMCs. STAT3 activation suppresses miR-204 expression, and miR-204 directly targets SHP2 expression, thereby SHP2 up-regulation, by miR-204 down-regulation, activates the Src kinase and nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT). STAT3 also directly induces NFATc2 expression. NFAT and SHP2 were needed to sustain PAH-PASMC proliferation and resistance to apoptosis. Finally, delivery of synthetic miR-204 to the lungs of animals with PAH significantly reduced disease severity. This study uncovers a new regulatory pathway involving miR-204 that is critical to the etiology of PAH and indicates that reestablishing miR-204 expression should be explored as a potential new therapy for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Courboulin
- Département de médecine, Faculté de médecine, Hôtel-Dieude Québec, Canada
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