1
|
Okekenwa S, Tsai M, Dooley P, Wang B, Comassio P, Moreira J, Kriefall N, Martin S, Morfini G, Brady S, Song Y. Divergent Molecular Pathways for Toxicity of Selected Mutant C9ORF72-derived Dipeptide Repeats. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.09.28.558663. [PMID: 37808871 PMCID: PMC10557653 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.28.558663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Expansion of a hexanucleotide repeat in a noncoding region of the C9ORF72 gene is responsible for a significant fraction of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) cases, but mechanisms linking mutant gene products to neuronal toxicity remain debatable. Pathogenesis was proposed to involve the production of toxic RNA species and/or accumulation of toxic dipeptide repeats (DPRs) but distinguishing between these mechanisms has been challenging. In this study, we first use complementary model systems for analyzing pathogenesis in adult-onset neurodegenerative diseases to characterize the pathogenicity of DPRs produced by Repeat Associated Non-ATG translation of C9ORF72 in specific cellular compartments: isolated axoplasm and giant synapse from the squid. Results showed selective axonal and presynaptic toxicity of GP-DPRs, independent of associated RNA. These effects involved a MAPK signaling pathway that affects fast axonal transport and synaptic function, a pathogenic mechanism shared with other mutant proteins associated with familial ALS, like SOD1 and FUS. In primary cultured neurons, GP but not other DPRs promote the "dying-back" axonopathy seen in ALS. Interestingly, GR- and PR-DPRs, which had no effect on axonal transport or synaptic transmission, were found to disrupt the nuclear membrane, promoting "dying-forward" neuropathy. All C9-DPR-mediated toxic effects observed in these studies are independent of whether the corresponding mRNAs contained hexanucleotide repeats or alternative codons. Finally, C9ORF72 human tissues confirmed a close association between GP and active P38 in degenerating motor neurons as well as GR-associated nuclear damage in the cortex. Collectively, our studies establish compartment-specific toxic effects of C9-DPRs associated with degeneration, suggesting that two independent pathogenic mechanisms may contribute to disease heterogeneity and/or synergize on disease progression in C9ORF72 patients with ALS and/or FTD symptoms.
Collapse
|
2
|
Hossain MA. Targeting the RAS upstream and downstream signaling pathway for cancer treatment. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 979:176727. [PMID: 38866361 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176727] [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: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Cancer often involves the overactivation of RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK (MAPK) and PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathways due to mutations in genes like RAS, RAF, PTEN, and PIK3CA. Various strategies are employed to address the overactivation of these pathways, among which targeted therapy emerges as a promising approach. Directly targeting specific proteins, leads to encouraging results in cancer treatment. For instance, RTK inhibitors such as imatinib and afatinib selectively target these receptors, hindering ligand binding and reducing signaling initiation. These inhibitors have shown potent efficacy against Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Other inhibitors, like lonafarnib targeting Farnesyltransferase and GGTI 2418 targeting geranylgeranyl Transferase, disrupt post-translational modifications of proteins. Additionally, inhibition of proteins like SOS, SH2 domain, and Ras demonstrate promising anti-tumor activity both in vivo and in vitro. Targeting downstream components with RAF inhibitors such as vemurafenib, dabrafenib, and sorafenib, along with MEK inhibitors like trametinib and binimetinib, has shown promising outcomes in treating cancers with BRAF-V600E mutations, including myeloma, colorectal, and thyroid cancers. Furthermore, inhibitors of PI3K (e.g., apitolisib, copanlisib), AKT (e.g., ipatasertib, perifosine), and mTOR (e.g., sirolimus, temsirolimus) exhibit promising efficacy against various cancers such as Invasive Breast Cancer, Lymphoma, Neoplasms, and Hematological malignancies. This review offers an overview of small molecule inhibitors targeting specific proteins within the RAS upstream and downstream signaling pathways in cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Md Arafat Hossain
- Department of Pharmacy, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalganj, 8100, Bangladesh.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yu J, Li X, Cao J, Zhu T, Liang S, Du L, Cao M, Wang H, Zhang Y, Zhou Y, Shen B, Feng J, Zhang J, Wang J, Jin J. Components of the JNK-MAPK pathway play distinct roles in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:17495-17509. [PMID: 37902853 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05473-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), specifically the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)-MAPK subfamily, play a crucial role in the development of various cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the specific roles of JNK1/2 and their upstream regulators, MKK4/7, in HCC carcinogenesis remain unclear. METHODS In this study, we performed differential expression analysis of JNK-MAPK components at both the transcriptome and protein levels using TCGA and HPA databases. We utilized Kaplan-Meier survival plots and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to evaluate the prognostic performance of a risk scoring model based on these components in the TCGA-HCC cohort. Additionally, we conducted immunoblotting, apoptosis analysis with FACS and soft agar assays to investigate the response of JNK-MAPK pathway components to various death stimuli (TRAIL, TNF-α, anisomycin, and etoposide) in HCC cell lines. RESULTS JNK1/2 and MKK7 levels were significantly upregulated in HCC samples compared to paracarcinoma tissues, whereas MKK4 was downregulated. ROC analyses suggested that JNK2 and MKK7 may serve as suitable diagnostic genes for HCC, and high JNK2 expression correlated with significantly poorer overall survival. Knockdown of JNK1 enhanced TRAIL-induced apoptosis in hepatoma cells, while JNK2 knockdown reduced TNF-α/cycloheximide (CHX)-and anisomycin-induced apoptosis. Neither JNK1 nor JNK2 knockdown affected etoposide-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, MKK7 knockdown augmented TNF-α/CHX- and TRAIL-induced apoptosis and inhibited colony formation in hepatoma cells. CONCLUSION Targeting MKK7, rather than JNK1/2 or MKK4, may be a promising therapeutic strategy to inhibit the JNK-MAPK pathway in HCC therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jijun Yu
- School of Basic Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Xinying Li
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Junxia Cao
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Ting Zhu
- Beijing No. 80 High School, Beijing, 100102, China
| | - Shuifeng Liang
- School of Basic Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China
| | - Le Du
- School of Basic Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China
| | - Meng Cao
- School of Basic Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China
| | - Haitao Wang
- Department of Hematology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese, PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Yaolin Zhang
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Yinxi Zhou
- School of Basic Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China
| | - Beifen Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, 100850, China
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Jiannan Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Jiyan Zhang
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100850, China.
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, 100850, China.
| | - Jianfeng Jin
- School of Basic Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 571199, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lin CY, Zhang YM, Li BZ, Shu MA, Xu WB. Identification and characterization of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 4 (MKK4) from the mud crab Scylla paramamosain in response to Vibrio alginolyticus and White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV). DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 147:104755. [PMID: 37295629 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2023.104755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 4 (MKK4), serves as a critical component of the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway, facilitating the direct phosphorylation and activation of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 families of MAP kinases in response to environmental stresses. In the current research, we identified two MKK4 subtypes, namely SpMKK4-1 and SpMKK4-2, from Scylla paramamosain, followed by the analysis of their molecular characteristics and tissue distributions. The expression of SpMKK4s was induced upon WSSV and Vibrio alginolyticus challenges, and the bacteria clearance capacity and antimicrobial peptide (AMP) genes' expression upon bacterial infection were significantly decreased after knocking down SpMKK4s. Additionally, the overexpression of both SpMKK4s remarkably activated NF-κB reporter plasmid in HEK293T cells, suggesting the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. These results indicated the participation of SpMKK4s in the innate immunity of crabs, which shed light on a better understanding of the mechanisms through which MKK4s regulate innate immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Yang Lin
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yan-Mei Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Bang-Ze Li
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Miao-An Shu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Wen-Bin Xu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Manna M, Rengasamy B, Sinha AK. Revisiting the role of MAPK signalling pathway in plants and its manipulation for crop improvement. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2023. [PMID: 37157977 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is an important signalling event associated with every aspect of plant growth, development, yield, abiotic and biotic stress adaptation. Being a central metabolic pathway, it is a vital target for manipulation for crop improvement. In this review, we have summarised recent advancements in understanding involvement of MAPK signalling in modulating abiotic and biotic stress tolerance, architecture and yield of plants. MAPK signalling cross talks with reactive oxygen species (ROS) and abscisic acid (ABA) signalling events in bringing about abiotic stress adaptation in plants. The intricate involvement of MAPK pathway with plant's pathogen defence ability has also been identified. Further, recent research findings point towards participation of MAPK signalling in shaping plant architecture and yield. These make MAPK pathway an important target for crop improvement and we discuss here various strategies to tweak MAPK signalling components for designing future crops with improved physiology and phenotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mrinalini Manna
- National Institute of Plant Genome Research, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Alok Krishna Sinha
- National Institute of Plant Genome Research, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Katzengruber L, Sander P, Laufer S. MKK4 Inhibitors-Recent Development Status and Therapeutic Potential. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087495. [PMID: 37108658 PMCID: PMC10144091 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087495] [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: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
MKK4 (mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 4; also referred to as MEK4) is a dual-specificity protein kinase that phosphorylates and regulates both JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase) and p38 MAPK (p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase) signaling pathways and therefore has a great impact on cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Overexpression of MKK4 has been associated with aggressive cancer types, including metastatic prostate and ovarian cancer and triple-negative breast cancer. In addition, MKK4 has been identified as a key regulator in liver regeneration. Therefore, MKK4 is a promising target both for cancer therapeutics and for the treatment of liver-associated diseases, offering an alternative to liver transplantation. The recent reports on new inhibitors, as well as the formation of a startup company investigating an inhibitor in clinical trials, show the importance and interest of MKK4 in drug discovery. In this review, we highlight the significance of MKK4 in cancer development and other diseases, as well as its unique role in liver regeneration. Furthermore, we present the most recent progress in MKK4 drug discovery and future challenges in the development of MKK4-targeting drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leon Katzengruber
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Pascal Sander
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Laufer
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) 'Image-Guided & Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies', Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Tübingen Center for Academic Drug Discovery, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Li W, Gao M, Hu C, Chen X, Zhou Y. NMNAT2: An important metabolic enzyme affecting the disease progression. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 158:114143. [PMID: 36528916 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.114143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase 2 (NMNAT2) is an evolutionarily conserved nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) synthase located in the cytoplasm and Golgi apparatus. NMNAT2 has an important role in neurodegenerative diseases, malignant tumors, and other diseases that seriously endanger human health. NMNAT2 exerts a neuroprotective function through its NAD synthase activity and chaperone function. Among them, the NMNAT2-NAD+-Sterile alpha and Toll/interleukin-1 receptor motif-containing 1 (SARM1) axis is closely related to Wallerian degeneration. Physical injury or pathological stimulation will cause a decrease in NMNAT2, which activates SARM1, leading to axonal degeneration and the occurrence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer's disease, peripheral neuropathy, and other neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, NMNAT2 exerts a cancer-promoting role in solid tumors, including colorectal cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, and glioma, and is closely related to tumor occurrence and development. This paper reviews the chromosomal and subcellular localization of NMNAT2 and its basic biological functions. We also summarize the NMNAT2-related signal transduction pathway and the role of NMNAT2 in diseases. We aimed to provide a new perspective to comprehensively understand the relationship between NMNAT2 and its associated diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wentao Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China; Cancer Research Institute, Basic School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Mengxiang Gao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China; Cancer Research Institute, Basic School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Chunhui Hu
- Teaching and Research Section of Clinical Nursing, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Xiuwen Chen
- Teaching and Research Section of Clinical Nursing, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China.
| | - Yanhong Zhou
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China; Cancer Research Institute, Basic School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Antileukemic properties of the kinase inhibitor OTSSP167 in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Blood Adv 2022; 7:422-435. [PMID: 36399528 PMCID: PMC9979715 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2022008548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel drugs are needed to increase treatment response in children with high-risk T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). Following up on our previous report on the activation of the MAP2K7-JNK pathway in pediatric T-ALL, here we demonstrate that OTSSP167, recently shown to inhibit MAP2K7, has antileukemic capacity in T-ALL. OTSSP167 exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity against a panel of T-ALL cell lines with IC50 in the nanomolar range (10-50 nM). OTSSP167 induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in T-ALL cell lines, associated at least partially with the inhibition of MAP2K7 kinase activity and lower activation of its downstream substrate, JNK. Other leukemic T-cell survival pathways, such as mTOR and NOTCH1 were also inhibited. Daily intraperitoneal administration of 10 mg/kg OTSSP167 was well tolerated, with mice showing no hematological toxicity, and effective at reducing the expansion of human T-ALL cells in a cell-based xenograft model. The same dosage of OTSSP167 efficiently controlled the leukemia burden in the blood, bone marrow, and spleen of 3 patient-derived xenografts, which resulted in prolonged survival. OTSSP167 exhibited synergistic interactions when combined with dexamethasone, L-asparaginase, vincristine, and etoposide. Our findings reveal novel antileukemic properties of OTSSP167 in T-ALL and support the use of OTSSP167 as an adjuvant drug to increase treatment response and reduce relapses in pediatric T-ALL.
Collapse
|
9
|
Crystal structure of the phosphorylated Arabidopsis MKK5 reveals activation mechanism of MAPK kinases. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2022; 54:1159-1170. [PMID: 35866601 PMCID: PMC9909325 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2022089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways are highly conserved in eukaryotes, regulating various cellular processes. The MAPK kinases (MKKs) are dual specificity kinases, serving as convergence and divergence points of the tripartite MAPK cascades. Here, we investigate the biochemical characteristics and three-dimensional structure of MKK5 in Arabidopsis (AtMKK5). The recombinant full-length AtMKK5 is phosphorylated and can activate its physiological substrate AtMPK6. There is a conserved kinase interacting motif (KIM) at the N-terminus of AtMKK5, indispensable for specific recognition of AtMPK6. The kinase domain of AtMKK5 adopts active conformation, of which the extended activation segment is stabilized by the phosphorylated Ser221 and Thr215 residues. In line with sequence divergence from other MKKs, the αD and αK helices are missing in AtMKK5, suggesting that the AtMKK5 may adopt distinct modes of upstream kinase/substrate binding. Our data shed lights on the molecular mechanisms of MKK activation and substrate recognition, which may help design specific inhibitors targeting human and plant MKKs.
Collapse
|
10
|
Wang H, Chi L, Yu F, Dai H, Si X, Gao C, Wang Z, Liu L, Zheng J, Ke Y, Liu H, Zhang Q. The overview of Mitogen-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK)-based dual inhibitor in the treatment of cancers. Bioorg Med Chem 2022; 70:116922. [PMID: 35849914 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2022.116922] [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: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Mitogen-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (MEK1/2) are the critical components of the mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (MAPK/ERK1/2) signaling pathway which is one of the well-characterized kinase cascades regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, growth, metabolism, survival and mobility both in normal and cancer cells. The aberrant activation of MAPK/ERK1/2 pathway is a hallmark of numerous human cancers, therefore targeting the components of this pathway to inhibit its dysregulation is a promising strategy for cancer treatment. Enormous efforts have been done in the development of MEK1/2 inhibitors and encouraging advancements have been made, including four inhibitors approved for clinical use. However, due to the multifactorial property of cancer and rapidly arising drug resistance, the clinical efficacy of these MEK1/2 inhibitors as monotherapy are far from ideal. Several alternative strategies have been developed to improve the limited clinical efficacy, including the dual inhibitor which is a single drug molecule able to simultaneously inhibit two targets. In this review, we first introduced the activation and function of the MAPK/ERK1/2 components and discussed the advantages of MEK1/2-based dual inhibitors compared with the single inhibitors and combination therapy in the treatment of cancers. Then, we overviewed the MEK1/2-based dual inhibitors for the treatment of cancers and highlighted the theoretical basis of concurrent inhibition of MEK1/2 and other targets for development of these dual inhibitors. Besides, the status and results of these dual inhibitors in both preclinical and clinical studies were also the focus of this review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Lingling Chi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Fuqiang Yu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Hongling Dai
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xiaojie Si
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Chao Gao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Zhengjie Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Limin Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Jiaxin Zheng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yu Ke
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Hongmin Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou 450052, China; Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Qiurong Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of New Drug Research and Safety Evaluation of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Gao H, Jiang L, Du B, Ning B, Ding X, Zhang C, Song B, Liu S, Zhao M, Zhao Y, Rong T, Liu D, Wu J, Xu P, Zhang S. GmMKK4-activated GmMPK6 stimulates GmERF113 to trigger resistance to Phytophthora sojae in soybean. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 111:473-495. [PMID: 35562858 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.15809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Phytophthora root and stem rot is a worldwide soybean (Glycine max) disease caused by the soil-borne pathogen Phytophthora sojae. This disease is devastating to soybean production, so improvement of resistance to P. sojae is a major target in soybean breeding. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades are important signaling modules that convert environmental stimuli into cellular responses. Compared with extensive studies in Arabidopsis, the molecular mechanism of MAPK cascades in soybean disease resistance is barely elucidated. In this work, we found that the gene expression of mitogen-activated protein kinase 6 (GmMPK6) was potently induced by P. sojae infection in the disease-resistant soybean cultivar 'Suinong 10'. Overexpression of GmMPK6 in soybean resulted in enhanced resistance to P. sojae and silencing of GmMPK6 led to the opposite phenotype. In our attempt to dissect the role of GmMPK6 in soybean resistance to phytophthora disease, we found that MAPK kinase 4 (GmMKK4) and the ERF transcription factor GmERF113 physically interact with GmMPK6, and we determined that GmMKK4 could phosphorylate and activate GmMPK6, which could subsequently phosphorylate GmERF113 upon P. sojae infection, suggesting that P. sojae can stimulate the GmMKK4-GmMPK6-GmERF113 signaling pathway in soybean. Moreover, phosphorylation of GmERF113 by the GmMKK4-GmMPK6 module promoted GmERF113 stability, nuclear localization and transcriptional activity, which significantly enhanced expression of the defense-related genes GmPR1 and GmPR10-1 and hence improved disease resistance of the transgenic soybean seedlings. In all, our data reveal that the GmMKK4-GmMPK6-GmERF113 cascade triggers resistance to P. sojae in soybean and shed light on functions of MAPK kinases in plant disease resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong Gao
- Soybean Research Institute, Northeast Agricultural University/Key Laboratory of Soybean Biology of Chinese Education Ministry, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Liangyu Jiang
- Soybean Research Institute, Northeast Agricultural University/Key Laboratory of Soybean Biology of Chinese Education Ministry, Harbin, 150030, China
- Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China
| | - Banghan Du
- Soybean Research Institute, Northeast Agricultural University/Key Laboratory of Soybean Biology of Chinese Education Ministry, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Bin Ning
- Soybean Research Institute, Northeast Agricultural University/Key Laboratory of Soybean Biology of Chinese Education Ministry, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Xiaodong Ding
- Soybean Research Institute, Northeast Agricultural University/Key Laboratory of Soybean Biology of Chinese Education Ministry, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Chuanzhong Zhang
- Soybean Research Institute, Northeast Agricultural University/Key Laboratory of Soybean Biology of Chinese Education Ministry, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Bo Song
- Soybean Research Institute, Northeast Agricultural University/Key Laboratory of Soybean Biology of Chinese Education Ministry, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Shanshan Liu
- Soybean Research Institute, Northeast Agricultural University/Key Laboratory of Soybean Biology of Chinese Education Ministry, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Ming Zhao
- Soybean Research Institute, Northeast Agricultural University/Key Laboratory of Soybean Biology of Chinese Education Ministry, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Yuxin Zhao
- Soybean Research Institute, Northeast Agricultural University/Key Laboratory of Soybean Biology of Chinese Education Ministry, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Tianyu Rong
- Soybean Research Institute, Northeast Agricultural University/Key Laboratory of Soybean Biology of Chinese Education Ministry, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Dongxue Liu
- Soybean Research Institute, Northeast Agricultural University/Key Laboratory of Soybean Biology of Chinese Education Ministry, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Junjiang Wu
- Soybean Research Institute of Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Soybean Cultivation of Ministry of Agriculture P. R. China, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Pengfei Xu
- Soybean Research Institute, Northeast Agricultural University/Key Laboratory of Soybean Biology of Chinese Education Ministry, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Shuzhen Zhang
- Soybean Research Institute, Northeast Agricultural University/Key Laboratory of Soybean Biology of Chinese Education Ministry, Harbin, 150030, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Qu F, Li J, She Q, Zeng X, Li Z, Lin Q, Tang J, Yan Y, Lu J, Li Y, Li X. Identification and characterization of MKK6 and AP-1 in Anodonta woodiana reveal their potential roles in the host defense response against bacterial challenge. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 124:261-272. [PMID: 35427776 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2022.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 6 (MKK6) and activator protein-1 (AP-1) are two of the essential regulatory proteins in the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, which participates in the innate immune response to bacterial infections. In this study, molluscan MKK6 (AwMKK6) and AP-1 (AwAP-1) genes were cloned and identified from Anodonta woodiana. The open reading frame (ORF) of AwMKK6 encodes for a putative polypeptide sequence of 345 amino acids containing a conserved serine/threonine protein kinase (S_TKc) domain, a SVAKT motif and a DVD domain. AwAP-1 consists of 294 amino acids including a typical nuclear localization signal (NLS), a Jun domain and a basic region leucine zipper (BRLZ) domain. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed that both AwMKK6 and AwAP-1 were widely expressed in all selected tissues of A. woodiana and their transcript levels in hemocytes were significantly upregulated when challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Additionally, the signaling molecules of the AwMKK6/AwAP-1 pathway including AwTLR4, AwMyD88, AwTRAF6, AwMEKK1, AwMEKK4, AwASK1, AwTAK1 and Awp38 mRNA expression showed a stronger responsiveness to LPS challenge in hemocytes of A. woodiana. RNA interference (RNAi) experiments indicated that the silencing of AwMKK6 or AwAP-1 could decrease the mRNA expression levels of immune effectors (AwTNF, AwLYZ and AwDefense). Subcellular localization studies suggested that AwMKK6 and AwAP-1 were distributed throughout the cells and nucleus, respectively, and their overexpression could significantly enhance the transcriptional activities of AP-1-Luc in HEK293T cells. These findings suggest that MKK6 and AP-1 play a major role in the host defense response to bacterial injection, which may make contributions to a better understanding of the immune function of the p38 MAPK pathway in mollusks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fufa Qu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Quality Control of Aquatic Animals, Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Changsha University, Changsha, 410022, China.
| | - Jialing Li
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Quality Control of Aquatic Animals, Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Changsha University, Changsha, 410022, China
| | - Qing She
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Quality Control of Aquatic Animals, Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Changsha University, Changsha, 410022, China
| | - Xuan Zeng
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Quality Control of Aquatic Animals, Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Changsha University, Changsha, 410022, China
| | - Zhenpeng Li
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Quality Control of Aquatic Animals, Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Changsha University, Changsha, 410022, China
| | - Qiang Lin
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Quality Control of Aquatic Animals, Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Changsha University, Changsha, 410022, China
| | - Jie Tang
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Quality Control of Aquatic Animals, Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Changsha University, Changsha, 410022, China
| | - Yuye Yan
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Quality Control of Aquatic Animals, Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Changsha University, Changsha, 410022, China
| | - Jieming Lu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Quality Control of Aquatic Animals, Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Changsha University, Changsha, 410022, China
| | - Yumiao Li
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Quality Control of Aquatic Animals, Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Changsha University, Changsha, 410022, China
| | - Xiaojie Li
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Quality Control of Aquatic Animals, Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Changsha University, Changsha, 410022, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Wang S, Li H, Chen R, Jiang X, He J, Li C. TAK1 confers antibacterial protection through mediating the activation of MAPK and NF-κB pathways in shrimp. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 123:248-256. [PMID: 35301113 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2022.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
MAPK and NF-κB pathways are important components of innate immune system in multicellular animals. In some model organisms, the MAP3-kinase TGF-beta-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) have been shown to regulate both MAPK and NF-κB pathways activation to tailor immune responses to pathogens or infections. However, this process is not fully understood in shrimp. In this study, we investigated the effect of TAK1 on MAPK and NF-κB activation in shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei following Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection. We found that shrimp TAK1 could activate c-Jun and Relish, the transcription factors of MAPK pathway and NF-κB pathway, respectively. Specifically, over-expression of shrimp TAK1 was able to strongly induce the activities of both AP-1 and NF-κB reporters. TAK1 was shown to bind several MAP2-kinases, including MKK4, MKK6 and MKK7, and induced their phosphorylations, the hallmarks for MAPK pathways activation. TAK1 knockdown in vivo also inhibited the nuclear translocation of c-Jun and Relish during V. parahaemolyticus infection. Accordingly, ectopic expression of shrimp TAK1 in Drosophila S2 cells increased the cleavage of co-expressed shrimp Relish, and induced the promoter activity of Relish targeted gene Diptericin (Dpt). Furthermore, knockdown of c-Jun and Relish enhanced the sensitivity of shrimp to V. parahaemolyticus infection. These findings indicated that shrimp TAK1 conferred antibacterial protection through regulating the activation of both MAPK pathway and NF-κB pathway, and suggested that the TAK1-MAPK/NF-κB axis could be a potential therapeutic target for enhancing antibacterial responses in crustaceans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol/ Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering/ Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China; Maoming Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Maoming, PR China
| | - Haoyang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol/ Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering/ Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China; Maoming Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Maoming, PR China
| | - Rongjian Chen
- Guangdong Hisenor Group Co., Ltd, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Xiewu Jiang
- Guangdong Hisenor Group Co., Ltd, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Jianguo He
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol/ Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering/ Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China; Maoming Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Maoming, PR China
| | - Chaozheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol/ Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering/ Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China; Maoming Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Maoming, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Heinen T, Xie C, Keshavarz M, Stappert D, Künzel S, Tautz D. Evolution of a New Testis-Specific Functional Promoter Within the Highly Conserved Map2k7 Gene of the Mouse. Front Genet 2022; 12:812139. [PMID: 35069705 PMCID: PMC8766832 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.812139] [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: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Map2k7 (synonym Mkk7) is a conserved regulatory kinase gene and a central component of the JNK signaling cascade with key functions during cellular differentiation. It shows complex transcription patterns, and different transcript isoforms are known in the mouse (Mus musculus). We have previously identified a newly evolved testis-specific transcript for the Map2k7 gene in the subspecies M. m. domesticus. Here, we identify the new promoter that drives this transcript and find that it codes for an open reading frame (ORF) of 50 amino acids. The new promoter was gained in the stem lineage of closely related mouse species but was secondarily lost in the subspecies M. m. musculus and M. m. castaneus. A single mutation can be correlated with its transcriptional activity in M. m. domesticus, and cell culture assays demonstrate the capability of this mutation to drive expression. A mouse knockout line in which the promoter region of the new transcript is deleted reveals a functional contribution of the newly evolved promoter to sperm motility and the spermatid transcriptome. Our data show that a new functional transcript (and possibly protein) can evolve within an otherwise highly conserved gene, supporting the notion of regulatory changes contributing to the emergence of evolutionary novelties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Chen Xie
- Max-Plank Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, Germany
| | - Maryam Keshavarz
- Max-Plank Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, Germany.,Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen e. V. (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Dominik Stappert
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen e. V. (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Sven Künzel
- Max-Plank Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, Germany
| | - Diethard Tautz
- Max-Plank Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Zhang R, Wan K, Liu Y, Wang Z, Zhang D, Yin H. Expression pattern of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 4 and regulation to antibacterial factor ABF-1/2 in response to bacterial challenge from Artemia parthenogenetica. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 115:35-42. [PMID: 33785471 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2021.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinase 4, MKK4, is a key upstream kinase in the JNK/p38 MAPK pathway that has been reported to participate in multiple immune responses. In this study, the gene that encodes ApMKK4 was isolated and identified from Artemia parthenogenetica. It was found to contain a 1134 bp open reading frame encoding 378 amino acids. The predicted protein contains D domain, DVD domain and kinase domain. Homology analysis revealed that ApMKK4 shares 38-69% identity with MKK4 homologs from other species. Results revealed that ApMKK4 was mainly expressed during early development of which highest at the gastrula stage. After challenged by Vibrio harveyi and Micrococcus lysodeikticus, ApMKK4 was remarkably upregulated at 10 and 103 cfu/mL bacterial concentrations, respectively. Through siRNAi, the transcript level of ApMKK4 was significantly decreased by 46-67%. Intriguingly, when the ApMKK4-knockdown nauplii faced with bacterial stimulation, the expression of ApMKK4 was completely restored in a short time. Moreover, this phenomenon also occurred in related antimicrobial peptide genes, ABF-1 and ABF-2. Our research reveals that ApMKK4 plays a pivotal role during early development and immune responses against bacterial infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhang
- The International Centre for Precision Environmental Health and Governance, College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, 071002, Baoding, PR China
| | - Kun Wan
- The International Centre for Precision Environmental Health and Governance, College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, 071002, Baoding, PR China
| | - Yudan Liu
- The International Centre for Precision Environmental Health and Governance, College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, 071002, Baoding, PR China
| | - Zhangping Wang
- The International Centre for Precision Environmental Health and Governance, College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, 071002, Baoding, PR China
| | - Daochuan Zhang
- The International Centre for Precision Environmental Health and Governance, College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, 071002, Baoding, PR China.
| | - Hong Yin
- The International Centre for Precision Environmental Health and Governance, College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, 071002, Baoding, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Chen M, Ni L, Chen J, Sun M, Qin C, Zhang G, Zhang A, Jiang M. Rice calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase directly phosphorylates a mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase to regulate abscisic acid responses. THE PLANT CELL 2021; 33:1790-1812. [PMID: 33630095 PMCID: PMC8254507 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koab071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Calcium (Ca2+)/calmodulin (CaM)-dependent protein kinase (CCaMK) is an important positive regulator of abscisic acid (ABA) and abiotic stress signaling in plants and is believed to act upstream of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in ABA signaling. However, it is unclear how CCaMK activates MAPK in ABA signaling. Here, we show that OsDMI3, a rice (Oryza sativa) CCaMK, directly interacts with and phosphorylates OsMKK1, a MAPK kinase (MKK) in rice, in vitro and in vivo. OsDMI3 was found to directly phosphorylate Thr-25 in the N-terminus of OsMKK1, and this Thr-25 phosphorylation is OsDMI3-specific in ABA signaling. The activation of OsMKK1 and its downstream kinase OsMPK1 is dependent on Thr-25 phosphorylation of OsMKK1 in ABA signaling. Moreover, ABA treatment induces phosphorylation in the activation loop of OsMKK1, and the two phosphorylations, in the N-terminus and in the activation loop, are independent. Further analyses revealed that OsDMI3-mediated phosphorylation of OsMKK1 positively regulates ABA responses in seed germination, root growth, and tolerance to both water stress and oxidative stress. Our results indicate that OsMKK1 is a direct target of OsDMI3, and OsDMI3-mediated phosphorylation of OsMKK1 plays an important role in activating the MAPK cascade and ABA signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Chen
- College of Life Sciences, National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Key Laboratory of Crop Physiology Ecology and Production Management, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Lan Ni
- College of Life Sciences, National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Key Laboratory of Crop Physiology Ecology and Production Management, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Jing Chen
- College of Life Sciences, National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Key Laboratory of Crop Physiology Ecology and Production Management, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Manman Sun
- College of Life Sciences, National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Key Laboratory of Crop Physiology Ecology and Production Management, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Caihua Qin
- College of Life Sciences, National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Key Laboratory of Crop Physiology Ecology and Production Management, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Gang Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Key Laboratory of Crop Physiology Ecology and Production Management, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Aying Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Key Laboratory of Crop Physiology Ecology and Production Management, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Mingyi Jiang
- College of Life Sciences, National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, Key Laboratory of Crop Physiology Ecology and Production Management, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Southern Regional Collaborative Innovation Center for Grain and Oil Crops in China, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
- Author for correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Zhang MY, Dugbartey GJ, Juriasingani S, Sener A. Hydrogen Sulfide Metabolite, Sodium Thiosulfate: Clinical Applications and Underlying Molecular Mechanisms. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:6452. [PMID: 34208631 PMCID: PMC8235480 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Thiosulfate in the form of sodium thiosulfate (STS) is a major oxidation product of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), an endogenous signaling molecule and the third member of the gasotransmitter family. STS is currently used in the clinical treatment of acute cyanide poisoning, cisplatin toxicities in cancer therapy, and calciphylaxis in dialysis patients. Burgeoning evidence show that STS has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a potential therapeutic candidate molecule that can target multiple molecular pathways in various diseases and drug-induced toxicities. This review discusses the biochemical and molecular pathways in the generation of STS from H2S, its clinical usefulness, and potential clinical applications, as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying these clinical applications and a future perspective in kidney transplantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Max Y. Zhang
- Matthew Mailing Center for Translational Transplant Studies, London Health Sciences Center, Western University, London, ON N6A 5A5, Canada; (M.Y.Z.); (G.J.D.); (S.J.)
- London Health Sciences Center, Multi-Organ Transplant Program, Western University, London, ON N6A 5A5, Canada
| | - George J. Dugbartey
- Matthew Mailing Center for Translational Transplant Studies, London Health Sciences Center, Western University, London, ON N6A 5A5, Canada; (M.Y.Z.); (G.J.D.); (S.J.)
- London Health Sciences Center, Multi-Organ Transplant Program, Western University, London, ON N6A 5A5, Canada
- London Health Sciences Center, Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Western University, London, ON N6A 5A5, Canada
| | - Smriti Juriasingani
- Matthew Mailing Center for Translational Transplant Studies, London Health Sciences Center, Western University, London, ON N6A 5A5, Canada; (M.Y.Z.); (G.J.D.); (S.J.)
- London Health Sciences Center, Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Western University, London, ON N6A 5A5, Canada
| | - Alp Sener
- Matthew Mailing Center for Translational Transplant Studies, London Health Sciences Center, Western University, London, ON N6A 5A5, Canada; (M.Y.Z.); (G.J.D.); (S.J.)
- London Health Sciences Center, Multi-Organ Transplant Program, Western University, London, ON N6A 5A5, Canada
- London Health Sciences Center, Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Western University, London, ON N6A 5A5, Canada
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Han J, Liu Y, Yang S, Wu X, Li H, Wang Q. MEK inhibitors for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. J Hematol Oncol 2021; 14:1. [PMID: 33402199 PMCID: PMC7786519 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-020-01025-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BRAF and KRAS are two key oncogenes in the RAS/RAF/MEK/MAPK signaling pathway. Concomitant mutations in both KRAS and BRAF genes have been identified in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). They lead to the proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis of tumor cells by activating the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathway. To date, agents that target RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathway have been investigated in NSCLC patients harboring BRAF mutations. BRAF and MEK inhibitors have gained approval for the treatment of patients with NSCLC. According to the reported findings, the combination of MEK inhibitors with chemotherapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors, epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors or BRAF inhibitors is highly significant for improving clinical efficacy and causing delay in the occurrence of drug resistance. This review summarized the existing experimental results and presented ongoing clinical studies as well. However, further researches need to be conducted to indicate how we can combine other drugs with MEK inhibitors to significantly increase therapeutic effects on patients with lung cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Han
- Department of Internal Medicine, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, 127 Dong Ming Road, Zhengzhou, 450008, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Radiotherapy, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, 127 Dong Ming Road, Zhengzhou, 450008, China
| | - Sen Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, 127 Dong Ming Road, Zhengzhou, 450008, China
| | - Xuan Wu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, 127 Dong Ming Road, Zhengzhou, 450008, China
| | - Hongle Li
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, 127 Dong Ming Road, Zhengzhou, 450008, China.
| | - Qiming Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, 127 Dong Ming Road, Zhengzhou, 450008, China.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Tomida T, Adachi-Akahane S. [Roles of p38 MAPK signaling in the skeletal muscle formation, regeneration, and pathology]. Nihon Yakurigaku Zasshi 2020; 155:241-247. [PMID: 32612037 DOI: 10.1254/fpj20030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Sarcopenia and frailty in aging, or cancer cachexia shows an abnormal decrease in skeletal muscle mass and muscle strength. However, the underlying mechanisms are not clear, and the promising drug seeds have not been discovered. The formation of skeletal muscle occurs not only during embryonic development but also in adulthood, and the muscle can be regenerated even if it is damaged by exercise overload or physical injury. Although p38MAPK is ubiquitous among tissues and transmits signal of inflammation and environmental stress into the nucleus, it has been revealed that this kinase is deeply involved in maintaining skeletal muscle homeostasis. Knowledge of p38MAPK accumulated so far suggests that it not only functions as an on-off switch for gene expression, but also it balances cell proliferation and differentiation of progenitor cells to properly respond to muscle damage and repair muscle according to its surrounding environmental cues. In addition, its role in cell fusion to induce myotube formation has been recently revealed. On the other hand, it has been pointed out that in aging and chronic inflammation, excessive enhancement of the p38MAPK activity may disrupt skeletal muscle homeostasis and lead to muscle pathology. Interestingly, animal models have shown that pharmacological manipulation of p38MAPK activity can re-activate aged muscle satellite cells, suggesting the possibility of plastically manipulating skeletal muscle aging. Furthermore, it has become possible to track the dynamics of intracellular signaling of skeletal muscle cells or muscle progenitor cells in time and space by using advanced imaging techniques. In this review, we focus on the functional roles and regulatory mechanism of p38MAPK in skeletal muscle and its relation to the pathology in the context of dysregulation of skeletal muscle formation and regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taichiro Tomida
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Toho University
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Schröder M, Tan L, Wang J, Liang Y, Gray NS, Knapp S, Chaikuad A. Catalytic Domain Plasticity of MKK7 Reveals Structural Mechanisms of Allosteric Activation and Diverse Targeting Opportunities. Cell Chem Biol 2020; 27:1285-1295.e4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2020.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
|
21
|
Han S, Wang Y, Ma J, Wang Z, Wang HMD, Yuan Q. Sulforaphene inhibits esophageal cancer progression via suppressing SCD and CDH3 expression, and activating the GADD45B-MAP2K3-p38-p53 feedback loop. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:713. [PMID: 32873775 PMCID: PMC7463232 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-02859-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Esophageal cancer is one of the most common cancer with limited therapeutic strategies, thus it is important to develop more effective strategies to against it. Sulforaphene (SFE), an isothiocyanate isolated from radish seeds, was proved to inhibit esophageal cancer progression in the current study. Flow cytometric analysis showed SFE induced cell apoptosis and cycle arrest in G2/M phase. Also, scrape motility and transwell assays presented SFE reduced esophageal cancer cell metastasis. Microarray results showed the influence of SFE on esophageal cancer cells was related with stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD), cadherin 3 (CDH3), mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 3 (MAP2K3) and growth arrest and DNA damage inducible beta (GADD45B). SCD and CDH3 could promote esophageal cancer metastasis via activating the Wnt pathway, while the latter one was involved in a positive feedback loop, GADD45B-MAP2K3-p38-p53, to suppress esophageal cancer growth. GADD45B was known to be the target gene of p53, and we proved in this study, it could increase the phosphorylation level of MAP2K3 in esophageal cancer cells, activating p38 and p53 in turn. SFE treatment elevated MAP2K3 and GADD45B expression and further stimulated this feedback loop to better exert antitumor effect. In summary, these results demonstrated that SFE had the potential for developing as a chemotherapeutic agent because of its inhibitory effects on esophageal cancer metastasis and proliferation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sichong Han
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, P.R. China
| | - Yandong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, P.R. China
| | - Jie Ma
- Department of Biotherapy, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, P.R. China
| | - Zhe Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, P.R. China
| | - Hui-Min David Wang
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City, 402, Taiwan.
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, China Medical University, Taichung City, 404, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, 807, Taiwan.
- College of Food and Biological Engineering, Jimei University, Xiamen City, 361021, Fujian Province, P.R. China.
- Undergraduate Program Study of Biomedical Engineering, Physics Department, Airlangga University, Surabaya City, 60115, Indonesia.
| | - Qipeng Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, P.R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Metabolic memory and diabetic nephropathy: Beneficial effects of natural epigenetic modifiers. Biochimie 2020; 170:140-151. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2020.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
|
23
|
Park JG, Aziz N, Cho JY. MKK7, the essential regulator of JNK signaling involved in cancer cell survival: a newly emerging anticancer therapeutic target. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2019; 11:1758835919875574. [PMID: 31579105 PMCID: PMC6759727 DOI: 10.1177/1758835919875574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), c-Jun NH2-terminal protein kinase (JNK) plays an important role in regulating cell fate, such as proliferation, differentiation, development, transformation, and apoptosis. Its activity is induced through the interaction of MAPK kinase kinases (MAP3Ks), MAPK kinases (MAP2Ks), and various scaffolding proteins. Because of the importance of the JNK cascade to intracellular bioactivity, many studies have been conducted to reveal its precise intracellular functions and mechanisms, but its regulatory mechanisms remain elusive. In this review, we discuss the molecular characterization, activation process, and physiological functions of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 7 (MKK7), the MAP2K that most specifically controls the activity of JNK. Understanding the role of MKK7/JNK signaling in physiological conditions could spark new hypotheses for targeted anticancer therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jae Gwang Park
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Nur Aziz
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Youl Cho
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Shi C, Hao B, Yang Y, Muhammad I, Zhang Y, Chang Y, Li Y, Li C, Li R, Liu F. JNK Signaling Pathway Mediates Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatotoxicity Accompanied by Changes of Glutathione S-Transferase A1 Content and Expression. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:1092. [PMID: 31620005 PMCID: PMC6763582 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Acetaminophen (APAP) is an analgesic-antipyretic drug and widely used in clinics. Its overdose may cause serious liver damage. Here, we examined the mechanistic role of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway in liver injury induced by different doses of APAP. Male mice were treated with APAP (150 and 175 mg·kg-1), and meanwhile JNK inhibitor SP600125 was used to interfere APAP-induced liver damage. The results showed that JNK signaling pathway was activated by APAP in a dose-dependent manner. C-Jun N-terminal kinase inhibitor decreased JNK and c-Jun activation significantly (P < 0.01) at 175 mg·kg-1 APAP dose, and phosphorylation levels of upstream proteins of JNK were also decreased markedly (P < 0.05). In addition, serum aminotransferases activities and hepatic oxidative stress increased in a dose-dependent manner with APAP treatment, but the levels of aminotransferases and oxidative stress decreased in mice treated with JNK inhibitor, which implied that JNK inhibition ameliorated APAP-induced liver damage. It was observed that apoptosis was increased in APAP-induced liver injury, and SP600125 can attenuate apoptosis through the inhibition of JNK phosphorylation. Meanwhile, glutathione S-transferases A1 (GSTA1) content in serum was enhanced, while GSTA1 content and expression in liver reduced significantly with administration of APAP (150 and 175 mg·kg-1). After inhibiting JNK, GSTA1 content in serum decreased significantly (P < 0.01); meanwhile, GSTA1 content and expression in liver enhanced. These findings suggested that JNK signaling pathway mediated APAP-induced hepatic injury, which was accompanied by varying GSTA1 content and expression in liver and serum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chenxi Shi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Beili Hao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Yang Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Ishfaq Muhammad
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Yicong Chang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Ying Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Changwen Li
- Harbin Veterinary Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Rui Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China.,Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Pharmaceutical Development, Harbin, China
| | - Fangping Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China.,Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Pharmaceutical Development, Harbin, China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Liu K, Zhang C, Li B, Xie W, Zhang J, Nie X, Tan P, Zheng L, Wu S, Qin Y, Cui J, Zhi F. Mutual Stabilization between TRIM9 Short Isoform and MKK6 Potentiates p38 Signaling to Synergistically Suppress Glioblastoma Progression. Cell Rep 2019; 23:838-851. [PMID: 29669288 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.03.096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2017] [Revised: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
p38 signaling is broadly involved in controlling inflammation and stress-induced cell death; however, the mechanisms controlling its activity have seldom been studied. Here, we report that TRIM9 short isoform (TRIM9s) potentiates p38 signaling by stabilizing MKK6. Mechanistic studies revealed that TRIM9s promotes the K63-linked ubiquitination of MKK6 at Lys82, thus inhibiting the degradative K48-linked ubiquitination of MKK6 at the same lysine. MKK6 could also stabilize TRIM9s by promoting the phosphorylation of TRIM9s at Ser76/80 via p38, thereby blocking the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Further functional analyses showed that p38 signaling plays a critical role in suppressing glioblastoma progression. Co-reduction of MKK6 and TRIM9s is significantly associated with overall poor survival of glioblastoma patients. We identify a positive feedback loop in p38 signaling generated by MKK6-TRIM9s, which suppresses glioblastoma progression, and we provide insights into the mechanisms by which TRIM9s and MKK6 potentiate p38 signaling through mutual stabilization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kunpeng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Chuanxia Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Bowen Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213000, China; Modern Medical Research Center, Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213000, China
| | - Weihong Xie
- Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Jindong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Xichen Nie
- Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Peng Tan
- Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University, Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Limin Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Song Wu
- Department of Urology Institute of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Luohu People's Hospital, Shenzhen 518000, China.
| | - Yunfei Qin
- Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease, Cell-Gene Therapy Translational Medicine Research Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China.
| | - Jun Cui
- Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China; Department of Urology Institute of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Luohu People's Hospital, Shenzhen 518000, China.
| | - Feng Zhi
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213000, China; Modern Medical Research Center, Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Su YL, Chen JP, Mo ZQ, Zheng JY, Lv SY, Li PH, Wei YS, Liang YL, Wang SW, Yang M, Dan XM, Huang XH, Huang YH, Qin QW, Sun HY. A novel MKK gene (EcMKK6) in Epinephelus coioides: Identification, characterization and its response to Vibrio alginolyticus and SGIV infection. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 92:500-507. [PMID: 31247318 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2019.06.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2019] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/23/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinase 6 (MKK6) is one of the major important central regulatory proteins response to environmental and physiological stimuli. In this study, a novel MKK6, EcMKK6, was isolated from Epinephelus coioides, an economically important cultured fish in China and Southeast Asian counties. The open reading frame (ORF) of EcMKK6 is 1077 bp encoding 358 amino acids. EcMKK6 contains a serine/threonine protein kinase (S_TKc) domain, a tyrosine kinase catalytic domain, a conserved dual phosphorylation site in the SVAKT motif and a conserved DVD domain. By in situ hybridization (ISH) with Digoxigenin-labeled probe, EcMKK6 mainly located at the cytoplasm of cells, and a little appears in the nucleus. EcMKK6 mRNA can be detected in all eleven tissues examined, but the expression level is different in these tissues. After challenge with Vibrio alginolyticus and Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV), the transcription level of EcMKK6 was apparently up-regulated in the tissues examined. The data demonstrated that the sequence and the characters of EcMKK6 were conserved, EcMKK6 showed tissue-specific expression profiles in healthy grouper, and the expression was significantly varied after pathogen infection, indicating that EcMKK6 may play important roles in E. coioides during pathogen-caused inflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ling Su
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Regions on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong Province, PR China
| | - Jin-Peng Chen
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Regions on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong Province, PR China
| | - Ze-Quan Mo
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Regions on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong Province, PR China
| | - Jia-Ying Zheng
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Regions on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong Province, PR China
| | - Shun-You Lv
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Regions on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong Province, PR China
| | - Pin-Hong Li
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Regions on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong Province, PR China
| | - Yu-Si Wei
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Regions on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong Province, PR China
| | - Yu-Lin Liang
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Regions on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong Province, PR China
| | - Shao-Wen Wang
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Regions on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong Province, PR China
| | - Min Yang
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Regions on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong Province, PR China
| | - Xue-Ming Dan
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Regions on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong Province, PR China
| | - Xiao-Hong Huang
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Regions on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong Province, PR China
| | - You-Hua Huang
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Regions on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong Province, PR China
| | - Qi-Wei Qin
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Regions on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong Province, PR China.
| | - Hong-Yan Sun
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Regions on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong Province, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Yamazaki Y, Arita K, Harada S, Tokuyama S. Activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase and p38 after cerebral ischemia upregulates cerebral sodium-glucose transporter type 1. J Pharmacol Sci 2018; 138:240-246. [PMID: 30503674 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphs.2017.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Revised: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cerebral ischemic stress increases cerebral sodium-glucose transporter type 1 (SGLT-1). However, the mechanism by which cerebral ischemia leads to the up-regulation of SGLT-1 remains unclear. In peripheral tissue, the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) increases SGLT-1. MAPK pathways [c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), p38 MAPK, and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK)] are activated by cerebral ischemic stress. Therefore, we confirmed the involvement of MAPKs in the up-regulation of cerebral SGLT-1 after cerebral ischemia. Male ddY mice were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Protein expression was assessed by western blotting. Mice received an intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of SP600125 (JNK inhibitor), SB203580 (p38 inhibitor), and PD98059 (MEK inhibitor) immediately after reperfusion. The infarction and behavioral abnormalities were assessed on days 1 and 3 after MCAO. The MAPK inhibitors suppressed the activation of JNK, p38, and ERK 3 h after MCAO. SP600125 and SB203580 administration ameliorated cerebral ischemic neuronal damage, whereas PD98059 administration exacerbated cerebral ischemic neuronal damage. SP600125 and SB203580 significantly suppressed the increase in SGLT-1 12 h after MCAO. PD98059 had no effect on SGLT-1 expression after MCAO. Our results indicate that the activation of JNK and p38 participate in the up-regulation of cerebral SGLT-1 after MCAO.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yui Yamazaki
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kobe Gakuin University, 1-1-3 Minatojima, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-8586, Japan
| | - Kyoko Arita
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kobe Gakuin University, 1-1-3 Minatojima, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-8586, Japan
| | - Shinichi Harada
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kobe Gakuin University, 1-1-3 Minatojima, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-8586, Japan
| | - Shogo Tokuyama
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kobe Gakuin University, 1-1-3 Minatojima, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-8586, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Farzaei MH, Tewari D, Momtaz S, Argüelles S, Nabavi SM. Targeting ERK signaling pathway by polyphenols as novel therapeutic strategy for neurodegeneration. Food Chem Toxicol 2018; 120:183-195. [PMID: 29981370 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2018.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2018] [Revised: 06/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Numerous chemicals, such as phenolic compounds are strong radical scavengers, capable of alleviating oxidative stress induced neurodegeneration. Dietary antioxidants, especially flavonoids, are being considered as a promising approach to prevent or slow the pathological development of neurological illness and aging. One of the major advantage of natural products is that of their anti-amyloid effects over synthetic counterpart, however a healthy diet provides these beneficial natural substances as nutraceuticals. The extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) is one of the main pharmacological target of natural phenolic compounds, participating in several therapeutic effects. Mounting evidence revealed that numerous bioflavonoids, obtained from a variety of dietary fruits or plants as well as medicinal herbal sources, exhibit protective or therapeutic functions versus development of neurodegenerative diseases mainly through modulation of different compartments of ERK signaling pathway. Currently, there is remarkable interest in the beneficial effects of natural flavonoids to improve neural performance and prevent the onset and development of major neurodegenerative diseases. Natural products originated from medicinal plants, in particular antioxidants, have gained a great deal of attention due to their safe and non-toxic natures. Here, we summarized the effect of natural bioflavonoids on ERK signaling pathway and their molecular mechanism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Hosein Farzaei
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran; Medical Biology Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
| | - Devesh Tewari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Technology, Bhimtal Campus, Kumaun University, Nainital, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Saeideh Momtaz
- Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR, Karaj, Iran; Toxicology and Diseases Group, The Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (TIPS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Sandro Argüelles
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Seyed Mohammad Nabavi
- Applied Biotechnology Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Yamazaki Y, Harada S, Tokuyama S. [Potential of the Cerebral Sodium-Glucose Transporter as a Novel Therapeutic Target in Cerebral Ischemia]. YAKUGAKU ZASSHI 2018; 138:955-962. [PMID: 29962475 DOI: 10.1248/yakushi.17-00223-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Cerebral ischemic stress often induces a hyperglycemic condition. This postischemic hyperglycemia exacerbates the development of cerebral ischemic neuronal damage, although the mechanism of this exacerbation remains to be clarified. We previously discovered that the cerebral sodium-glucose transporter (SGLT) was closely involved in the development of cerebral ischemic neuronal damage. SGLT is a member of the glucose transporter family and moves glucose together with sodium ions. SGLT-1, -3, -4, and -6 are distributed in the brain. We conducted further experiments to elucidate the detailed mechanism of the exacerbation of cerebral ischemia by cerebral SGLT. The results clarified: 1) the relationship between cerebral SGLT and postischemic hyperglycemia; 2) the involvement of cerebral SGLT-1 (a cerebral SGLT isoform) in cerebral ischemic neuronal damage; and 3) the effects of sodium influx through cerebral SGLT on the development of cerebral ischemic neuronal damage. This paper presents our data on the involvement of cerebral SGLT in the exacerbation of cerebral ischemic neuronal damage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yui Yamazaki
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kobe Gakuin University
| | - Shinichi Harada
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kobe Gakuin University
| | - Shogo Tokuyama
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kobe Gakuin University
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Jiang M, Chu Z. Comparative analysis of plant MKK gene family reveals novel expansion mechanism of the members and sheds new light on functional conservation. BMC Genomics 2018; 19:407. [PMID: 29843611 PMCID: PMC5975520 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-018-4793-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades play critical functions in almost every aspect of plant growth and development, which regulates many physiological and biochemical processes. As a middle nodal point of the MAPK cascades, although evolutionary analysis of MKK from individual plant families had some reports, their evolutionary history in entire plants is still not clear. Results To better understand the evolution and function of plant MKKs, we performed systematical molecular evolutionary analysis of the MAPKK gene family and also surveyed their gene organizations, sequence features and expression patterns in different subfamilies. Phylogenetic analysis showed that plant MAPKK fall into five different groups (Group A–E). Majority orthology groups seemed to be a single or low-copy genes in all plant species analyzed in Group B, C and D, whereas group A MKKs undergo several duplication events, generating multiple gene copies. Further analysis showed that these duplication events were on account of whole genome duplications (WGDs) in plants and the duplicate genes maybe have undergone functional divergence. We also found that group E MKKs had mutation with one change of serine or theronine might lead to inactivity originated through the ancient tandem duplicates in monocots. Moreover, we also identified MKK3 integrated NTF2 domain that might have gradually lost the cytoplasmic-nuclear trafficking activity, which suggests that they may involve with the gene function more and more sophistication in the evolutionary process. Moreover, expression analyses indicated that plant MKK genes play probable roles in UV-B signaling. Conclusion In general, ancient gene and genome duplications are significantly conducive to the expansion of the plant MKK gene family. Our study reveals two distinct evolutionary patterns for plant MKK proteins and sheds new light on the functional evolution of this gene family. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-018-4793-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Jiang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Resources, Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Chenshan Plant Science Research Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhaoqing Chu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Plant Functional Genomics and Resources, Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden, Shanghai, China. .,Shanghai Chenshan Plant Science Research Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Wengier DL, Lampard GR, Bergmann DC. Dissection of MAPK signaling specificity through protein engineering in a developmental context. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2018; 18:60. [PMID: 29636017 PMCID: PMC5894206 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-018-1274-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling affects many processes, some of which have different outcomes in the same cell. In Arabidopsis, activation of a MAPK cascade consisting of YODA, MKK4/5 and MPK3/6 inhibits early stages of stomatal developmental, but the ability to halt stomatal progression is lost at the later stage when guard mother cells (GMCs) transition to guard cells (GCs). Rather than downregulating cascade components, stomatal precursors must have a mechanism to prevent late stage inhibition because the same MKKs and MPKs mediate other physiological responses. RESULTS We artificially activated the MAPK cascade using MKK7, another MKK that can modulate stomatal development, and found that inhibition of stomatal development is still possible in GMCs. This suggests that MKK4/5, but not MKK7, are specifically prevented from inhibiting stomatal development. To identify regions of MKKs responsible for cell-type specific regulation, we used a domain swap approach with MKK7 and a battery of in vitro and in vivo kinase assays. We found that N-terminal regions of MKK5 and MKK7 establish specific signal-to-output connections like they do in other organisms, but they do so in combination with previously undescribed modules in the C-terminus. One of these modules encoding the GMC-specific regulation of MKK5, when swapped with sequences from the equivalent region of MKK7, allows MKK5 to mediate robust inhibition of late stomatal development. CONCLUSIONS Because MKK structure is conserved across species, the identification of new MKK specificity modules and signaling rules furthers our understanding of how eukaryotes create specificity in complex biological systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diego L. Wengier
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, USA
- Instituto de Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular INGEBI - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Dominique C. Bergmann
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, USA
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, 371 Serra Mall, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Srinivas NR. Pharmacology of Pimasertib, A Selective MEK1/2 Inhibitor. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 2018; 43:373-382. [PMID: 29488172 DOI: 10.1007/s13318-018-0466-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Pimasertib belongs to the growing family of mitogen activated protein kinase (MEK1/2) inhibitors undergoing clinical development for various cancer indications. Since the MEK inhibition in several cell signalling transduction cascades within tumours was considered therapeutically beneficial, number of clinical investigations of pimasertib have been reported. Despite being orally bioavailable in cancer patients, pimasertib undergoes faster clearance with a short elimination half-life. In addition, due to occurrence of toxicity, the development of pimasertib appears to be stalled. Case studies are provided on the possible utilization of pimasertib in combination therapies with other approved drugs. Based on the review, it appeared that there was the need to identify the optimal dose and the dosing regimen of pimasertib to provide a balance between safety and efficacy when combined with approved therapies.
Collapse
|
33
|
Syk and Src-targeted anti-inflammatory activity of aripiprazole, an atypical antipsychotic. Biochem Pharmacol 2018; 148:1-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2017.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
|
34
|
Parveen A, Jin M, Kim SY. Bioactive phytochemicals that regulate the cellular processes involved in diabetic nephropathy. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2018; 39:146-159. [PMID: 29433676 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2017.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Revised: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 12/17/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Owing to the multiple causative factors, the current advances in medication for diabetic nephropathy (DN) do not appear to have improved therapies for patients. Furthermore, use of multiple synthetic medications has shown various adverse effects and ultimately leads to deterioration of the condition. Medicinal plants and their bioactive constituents are considered to be safer and more effective than synthetic medicines against various chronic diseases. Therefore, the use of natural products in the management of DN has been suggested. In this article, we review medicinal plants and their specific bioactive phytochemicals that regulate the various cellular processes involved in the initiation of DN. A wide range of literature on phytochemicals and medicinal plants that may ameliorate DN was explored from the online available English works in various electronic databases, including Embase, Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct. RESULTS Medicinal plants possess various bioactive constituents, which may slow or ameliorate the progression of DN and improve renal function through the targeting of multiple pathological causes via different pathways, including p38MAPK, JNK, ERK, TGF-β, RhoA, NF-κB, Wnt, JAK-STAT, AMPK, mTOR, Akt, and TXNIP. Depletion or inhibition of these accelerating factors may provide a significant treatment for DN. CONCLUSION Based on various experimental studies, traditional herbs and their bioactive constituents regulate the cellular processes involved in the initiation of DN owing to their significant pharmacological activities; however, the efficacy in animal models and humans has not yet been explored. Therefore, studies should be performed to evaluate the nephroprotective effects of medicinal plants in preclinical animal models and in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amna Parveen
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan; Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Gachon University, 191 Hambakmoe-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21936, Republic of Korea
| | - Mirim Jin
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Gachon University, Gaetbeol-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Yeou Kim
- Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Gachon University, 191 Hambakmoe-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21936, Republic of Korea; Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, 191 Hambakmoe-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21936, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Wang S, Yin B, Li H, Xiao B, Lǚ K, Feng C, He J, Li C. MKK4 from Litopenaeus vannamei is a regulator of p38 MAPK kinase and involved in anti-bacterial response. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2018; 78:61-70. [PMID: 28939483 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2017.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Revised: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/17/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
LvMKK4, a homologue of the mammalian mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 4 (MKK4), was isolated and identified from Litopenaeus vannamei in the present study. The full-length cDNA of LvMKK4 is 1947 bp long, with an open reading frame (ORF) of 1185 bp encoding a putative protein of 388 amino acids. LvMKK4 contains several characteristic domains such as D domain, SIAKT motif and kinase domain, all of which are conserved in MAP kinase kinase family. Like mammalian MKK4 but not Drosophila MKK4, LvMKK4 could bind to, phosphorylate and activate p38 MAPK, which provided some insights into the signal transduction mechanism of MKK4-p38 cascade in invertebrates. Our real-time PCR data indicated that LvMKK4 was ubiquitously expressed in all tested tissues and extraordinarily abundant in muscle. Dual luciferase reporter assays in Drosophila S2 cells revealed that LvMKK4 activated the transcription of antimicrobial peptide genes (AMPs), including Drosophila Attacin A, Drosomycin, and shrimp Penaeidins. Additionally, LvMKK4 was up-regulated in both intestine and hepatopancreas by a variety of inflammatory stimuli including LPS, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Staphhylococcu saureus, Poly (I: C) and white spot syndrome virus. Furthermore, RNAi-mediated knockdown of LvMKK4 enhanced the sensitivity of L. vannamei to V. parahaemolyticus infection. These findings suggested that LvMKK4 played an important role in anti-bacterial response and could be a potential target for inflammation treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Improved Variety Reproduction in Aquatic Economic Animals, Sun Yat-sen University, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, PR China
| | - Bin Yin
- State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Improved Variety Reproduction in Aquatic Economic Animals, Sun Yat-sen University, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, PR China
| | - Haoyang Li
- State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Improved Variety Reproduction in Aquatic Economic Animals, Sun Yat-sen University, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, PR China
| | - Bang Xiao
- State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Improved Variety Reproduction in Aquatic Economic Animals, Sun Yat-sen University, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, PR China
| | - Kai Lǚ
- State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Improved Variety Reproduction in Aquatic Economic Animals, Sun Yat-sen University, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, PR China
| | - Chiguang Feng
- School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Maryland, USA
| | - Jianguo He
- State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Improved Variety Reproduction in Aquatic Economic Animals, Sun Yat-sen University, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, PR China; School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China; South China Sea Resource Exploitation and Protection Collaborative Innovation Center (SCS-REPIC), PR China.
| | - Chaozheng Li
- State Key Laboratory for Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Improved Variety Reproduction in Aquatic Economic Animals, Sun Yat-sen University, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, PR China; School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China; South China Sea Resource Exploitation and Protection Collaborative Innovation Center (SCS-REPIC), PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Bai F, Matton DP. The Arabidopsis Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinase Kinase 20 (MKKK20) C-terminal domain interacts with MKK3 and harbors a typical DEF mammalian MAP kinase docking site. PLANT SIGNALING & BEHAVIOR 2018; 13:e1503498. [PMID: 30081740 PMCID: PMC6149407 DOI: 10.1080/15592324.2018.1503498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs) constitute a major component in plant cellular signaling considering the sheer number of MAPKKKKs, MAPKKKs, MAPKKs and MAPKs when compared to yeast and animal systems. Nevertheless, only few complete MAPK cascades have been deciphered and the same hold true for their substrates. Furthermore, cascades often share kinase components, but little is known about their specific interactions and domains. The Arabidopsis thaliana MAP kinase kinase kinase 20 (MKKK20) was recently showed to interact with MKK3 and MPK18 in two non-complementary signaling cascades involved in root cortical microtubule functions. Here, MKKK20 and MKK3 proteins where dissected and tested in yeast two-hybrid assays followed by an in planta validation through bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assays and showed that the MKKK20 C-terminal region interacted with MKK3 that comprised a typical DEF domain akin to MAPKs docking domains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fangwen Bai
- Institut de Recherche en Biologie Végétale, Département de Sciences Biologiques, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Daniel P. Matton
- Institut de Recherche en Biologie Végétale, Département de Sciences Biologiques, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
- CONTACT Daniel P. Matton Institut de Recherche en Biologie Végétale, Département de Sciences Biologiques, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Rui Q, Ni H, Li D, Gao R, Chen G. The Role of LRRK2 in Neurodegeneration of Parkinson Disease. Curr Neuropharmacol 2018; 16:1348-1357. [PMID: 29473513 PMCID: PMC6251048 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x16666180222165418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2017] [Revised: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) gene and α-synuclein gene (SNCA) are the key influencing factors of Parkinson's disease (PD). It is reported that dysfunction of LRRK2 may influence the accumulation of α-synuclein and its pathology to alter cellular functions and signaling pathways by the kinase activation of LRRK2. The accumulation of α-synuclein is one of the main stimulants of microglial activation. Microglia are macrophages that reside in the brain, and activation of microglia is believed to contribute to neuroinflammation and neuronal death in PD. Therefore, clarifying the complex relationship among LRRK2, α-synuclein and microglials could offer targeted clinical therapies for PD. Here, we provide an updated review focused on the discussion of the evidence supporting some of the key mechanisms that are important for LRRK2-dependent neurodegeneration in PD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Rong Gao
- Address correspondence to this author at the Department of Neurosurgery, The First People’s Hospital of Zhangjiagang City, No.68 Jiyang Western Road, Suzhou, P.R. China; Tel: +86-18921962599; E-mail:
| | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Kinoshita T, Hashimoto T, Sogabe Y, Fukada H, Matsumoto T, Sawa M. High-resolution structure discloses the potential for allosteric regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 7. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2017; 493:313-317. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2017.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
39
|
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 3 (MKK3) is a dual threonine/tyrosine protein kinase that regulates inflammation, proliferation and apoptosis through specific phosphorylation and activation of the p38 MAPK. However, the role of MKK3 beyond p38-signaling remains elusive. Recently, we reported a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of cancer-associated genes, termed OncoPPi, as a resource for the scientific community to generate new biological models. Analysis of the OncoPPi connectivity identified MKK3 as one of the major hub proteins in the network. Here, we show that MKK3 interacts with a large number of proteins critical for cell growth and metabolism, including the major oncogenic driver MYC. Multiple complementary approaches were employed to demonstrate the direct interaction of MKK3 with MYC in vitro and in vivo. Computational modeling and experimental studies mapped the interaction interface to the MYC helix-loop-helix domain and a novel 15-residue MYC-binding motif in MKK3 (MBM). The MBM in MKK3 is distinct from the known binding sites for p38 or upstream kinases. Functionally, MKK3 stabilized MYC protein, enhanced its transcriptional activity and increased expression of MYC-regulated genes. The defined MBM peptide mimicked the MKK3 effect in promoting MYC activity. Together, the exploration of OncoPPi led to a new biological model in which MKK3 operates by two distinct mechanisms in cellular regulation through its phosphorylation of p38 and its activation of MYC through protein-protein interaction.
Collapse
|
40
|
Procaccia S, Ordan M, Cohen I, Bendetz-Nezer S, Seger R. Direct binding of MEK1 and MEK2 to AKT induces Foxo1 phosphorylation, cellular migration and metastasis. Sci Rep 2017; 7:43078. [PMID: 28225038 PMCID: PMC5320536 DOI: 10.1038/srep43078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Crosstalk between the ERK cascade and other signaling pathways is one of the means by which it acquires its signaling specificity. Here we identified a direct interaction of both MEK1 and MEK2 with AKT. The interaction is mediated by the proline rich domain of MEK1/2 and regulated by phosphorylation of Ser298 in MEK1, or Ser306 in MEK2, which we identified here as a novel regulatory site. We further developed a blocking peptide, which inhibits the interaction between MEK and AKT, and when applied to cells, affects migration and adhesion, but not proliferation. The specific mechanism of action of the MEK-AKT complex involves phosphorylation of the migration-related transcription factor FoxO1. Importantly, prevention of the interaction results in a decreased metastasis formation in a breast cancer mouse model. Thus, the identified interaction both sheds light on how signaling specificity is determined, and represents a possible new therapeutic target for metastatic cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shiri Procaccia
- Department of Biological Regulation, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Merav Ordan
- Department of Biological Regulation, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Izel Cohen
- Department of Biological Regulation, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Sarit Bendetz-Nezer
- Department of Biological Regulation, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Rony Seger
- Department of Biological Regulation, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Pleinis JM, Davis CW, Cantrell CB, Qiu DY, Zhan X. Purification, auto-activation and kinetic characterization of apoptosis signal-regulating kinase I. Protein Expr Purif 2017; 132:34-43. [PMID: 28082061 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2017.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Revised: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase I (ASK1) is a mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase (MAP3K) that activates the downstream MAP kinase kinases (MKKs) from two MAP kinase cascades: c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38. The essential physiological functions of ASK1 have attracted extensive attention. However, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of ASK1, including the activation mechanism of ASK1 and the catalytic mechanism of ASK1-mediated MKK phosphorylation, remain unclear. The lack of purified ASK1 protein has hindered the elucidation of ASK1-initiated signal transduction mechanisms. Here, we report a one-step chromatography method for the expression and purification of functional full-length ASK1 from Escherichia coli. The purified ASK1 demonstrates auto-phosphorylation activity. The kinase activity of auto-phosphorylated ASK1 (pASK1) was also evaluated on two MKK substrates, MKK4 and 7, from the JNK cascades. Our results show that MKK7 can be phosphorylated by pASK1 more effectively than MKK4. The steady-state kinetic analysis demonstrates that MKK7 is a better ASK1 substrate than MKK4. These observations are further confirmed by direct pull-down assays which shows ASK1 binds MKK7 significantly stronger than MKK4. Furthermore, robust phospho-tyrosine signal is observed in MKK4 phosphorylation by pASK1 in addition to the phospho-serine and phospho-threonine. This study provides novel mechanistic and kinetic insights into the ASK1-initiated MAPK signal transduction via highly controlled reconstructed protein systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John M Pleinis
- Department of Chemistry, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, TN 38505, USA
| | - Cameron W Davis
- Department of Chemistry, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, TN 38505, USA
| | - Caleb B Cantrell
- Department of Chemistry, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, TN 38505, USA
| | - David Y Qiu
- Department of Chemistry, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, TN 38505, USA
| | - Xuanzhi Zhan
- Department of Chemistry, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, TN 38505, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Berth SH, Mesnard-Hoaglin N, Wang B, Kim H, Song Y, Sapar M, Morfini G, Brady ST. HIV Glycoprotein Gp120 Impairs Fast Axonal Transport by Activating Tak1 Signaling Pathways. ASN Neuro 2016; 8:8/6/1759091416679073. [PMID: 27872270 PMCID: PMC5119683 DOI: 10.1177/1759091416679073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Revised: 09/24/2016] [Accepted: 10/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Sensory neuropathies are the most common neurological complication of HIV. Of these, distal sensory polyneuropathy (DSP) is directly caused by HIV infection and characterized by length-dependent axonal degeneration of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Mechanisms for axonal degeneration in DSP remain unclear, but recent experiments revealed that the HIV glycoprotein gp120 is internalized and localized within axons of DRG neurons. Based on these findings, we investigated whether intra-axonal gp120 might impair fast axonal transport (FAT), a cellular process critical for appropriate maintenance of the axonal compartment. Significantly, we found that gp120 severely impaired both anterograde and retrograde FAT. Providing a mechanistic basis for these effects, pharmacological experiments revealed an involvement of various phosphotransferases in this toxic effect, including members of mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways (Tak-1, p38, and c-Jun N-terminal Kinase (JNK)), inhibitor of kappa-B-kinase 2 (IKK2), and PP1. Biochemical experiments and axonal outgrowth assays in cell lines and primary cultures extended these findings. Impairments in neurite outgrowth in DRG neurons by gp120 were rescued using a Tak-1 inhibitor, implicating a Tak-1 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway in gp120 neurotoxicity. Taken together, these observations indicate that kinase-based impairments in FAT represent a novel mechanism underlying gp120 neurotoxicity consistent with the dying-back degeneration seen in DSP. Targeting gp120-based impairments in FAT with specific kinase inhibitors might provide a novel therapeutic strategy to prevent axonal degeneration in DSP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah H Berth
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL, USA.,Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA, USA
| | | | - Bin Wang
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Hajwa Kim
- Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Yuyu Song
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL, USA.,Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA, USA.,Department of Systems Biology and Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Maria Sapar
- Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Hunter College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gerardo Morfini
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL, USA.,Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA, USA
| | - Scott T Brady
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago, IL, USA .,Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Qiu YY, Tang LQ. Roles of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. Pharmacol Res 2016; 114:251-264. [PMID: 27826011 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2016.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Revised: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 11/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a serious complication of diabetes mellitus, and persistent inflammation in circulatory and renal tissues is an important pathophysiological basis for DN. The essence of the microinflammatory state is the innate immune response, which is central to the occurrence and development of DN. Members of the inflammasome family, including both "receptors" and "regulators", are key to the inflammatory immune response. Nucleotide binding and oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) and other inflammasome components are able to detect endogenous danger signals, resulting in activation of caspase-1 as well as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-18 and other cytokines; these events stimulate the inflammatory cascade reaction, which is crucial for DN. Hyperglycaemia, hyperlipidaemia and hyperuricaemia can activate the NLRP3 inflammasome, which then mediates the occurrence and development of DN through the K+ channel model, the lysosomal damage model and the active oxygen cluster model. In this review, we survey the involvement of the NLRP3 inflammasome in various signalling pathways and highlight different aspects of their influence on DN. We also explore the important effects of the NLRP3 inflammasome on kidney function and structural changes that occur during DN development and progression. It is becoming more evident that NLRP3 inflammasome targeting has therapeutic potential for the treatment of DN.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Ye Qiu
- Anhui Provincial Hospital, Anhui Medical University, 17# Lu-jiang Road, Hefei 230001, Anhui, China.
| | - Li-Qin Tang
- Anhui Provincial Hospital, Anhui Medical University, 17# Lu-jiang Road, Hefei 230001, Anhui, China.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Guo M, Wei J, Zhou Y, Qin Q. MKK7 confers different activities to viral infection of Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV) and nervous necrosis virus (NNV) in grouper. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 57:419-427. [PMID: 27601297 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2016.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2016] [Revised: 08/13/2016] [Accepted: 09/02/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinase 7 (MKK7) is one of the major stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK)-activating kinases in response to environmental or physiological stimuli. Here a MKK7 named as Ec-MKK7 was identified from orange-spotted grouper, Epinephelus coioides. The full-length cDNA of Ec-MKK7 was 1853 bp, with an open reading frame (ORF) of 1272 bp encoding a putative protein of 423 amino acids. A characteristic S-K-A-K-T motif was contained in the domain of dual-specificity protein kinase, mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 7 (PKc_MKK7). Intracellular localization showed that Ec-MKK7 was localized in both the cytoplasm and the nucleus of grouper spleen (GS) and/or grouper brain (EAGB) cells. Moreover, Ec-MKK7 was universally expressed in all examined tissues and showed expression modulation to challenges of lipopolysacchride (LPS), Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV) and polyriboinosinic polyribocytidylic acid (poly I:C) in vivo. A gene targeting strategy over-expressing Ec-MKK7 was performed to examine the activities of MKK7 to viral infection in vitro. Our data showed that Ec-MKK7 was involved in the evasion and replication of SGIV but played an antiviral role to the infection of nervous necrosis virus (NNV). All results demonstrated that Ec-MKK7 could play important roles in grouper innate immunity and show distinct functions on virus infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minglan Guo
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, PR China
| | - Jingguang Wei
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, PR China
| | - Yongcan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, College of Marine Science, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, PR China.
| | - Qiwei Qin
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, PR China; College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510301, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
JNK Signaling: Regulation and Functions Based on Complex Protein-Protein Partnerships. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2016; 80:793-835. [PMID: 27466283 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00043-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 321] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs), as members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family, mediate eukaryotic cell responses to a wide range of abiotic and biotic stress insults. JNKs also regulate important physiological processes, including neuronal functions, immunological actions, and embryonic development, via their impact on gene expression, cytoskeletal protein dynamics, and cell death/survival pathways. Although the JNK pathway has been under study for >20 years, its complexity is still perplexing, with multiple protein partners of JNKs underlying the diversity of actions. Here we review the current knowledge of JNK structure and isoforms as well as the partnerships of JNKs with a range of intracellular proteins. Many of these proteins are direct substrates of the JNKs. We analyzed almost 100 of these target proteins in detail within a framework of their classification based on their regulation by JNKs. Examples of these JNK substrates include a diverse assortment of nuclear transcription factors (Jun, ATF2, Myc, Elk1), cytoplasmic proteins involved in cytoskeleton regulation (DCX, Tau, WDR62) or vesicular transport (JIP1, JIP3), cell membrane receptors (BMPR2), and mitochondrial proteins (Mcl1, Bim). In addition, because upstream signaling components impact JNK activity, we critically assessed the involvement of signaling scaffolds and the roles of feedback mechanisms in the JNK pathway. Despite a clarification of many regulatory events in JNK-dependent signaling during the past decade, many other structural and mechanistic insights are just beginning to be revealed. These advances open new opportunities to understand the role of JNK signaling in diverse physiological and pathophysiological states.
Collapse
|
46
|
Mathea S, Abdul Azeez KR, Salah E, Tallant C, Wolfreys F, Konietzny R, Fischer R, Lou HJ, Brennan PE, Schnapp G, Pautsch A, Kessler BM, Turk BE, Knapp S. Structure of the Human Protein Kinase ZAK in Complex with Vemurafenib. ACS Chem Biol 2016; 11:1595-602. [PMID: 26999302 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.6b00043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The mixed lineage kinase ZAK is a key regulator of the MAPK pathway mediating cell survival and inflammatory response. ZAK is targeted by several clinically approved kinase inhibitors, and inhibition of ZAK has been reported to protect from doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy. On the other hand, unintended targeting of ZAK has been linked to severe adverse effects such as the development of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Therefore, both specific inhibitors of ZAK, as well as anticancer drugs lacking off-target activity against ZAK, may provide therapeutic benefit. Here, we report the first crystal structure of ZAK in complex with the B-RAF inhibitor vemurafenib. The cocrystal structure displayed a number of ZAK-specific features including a highly distorted P loop conformation enabling rational inhibitor design. Positional scanning peptide library analysis revealed a unique substrate specificity of the ZAK kinase including unprecedented preferences for histidine residues at positions -1 and +2 relative to the phosphoacceptor site. In addition, we screened a library of clinical kinase inhibitors identifying several inhibitors that potently inhibit ZAK, demonstrating that this kinase is commonly mistargeted by currently used anticancer drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Mathea
- Structural
Genomics Consortium (SGC), Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX37DQ, United Kingdom
- Target
Discovery Institute (TDI), Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX37FZ, United Kingdom
| | - Kamal R. Abdul Azeez
- Structural
Genomics Consortium (SGC), Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX37DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Eidarus Salah
- Structural
Genomics Consortium (SGC), Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX37DQ, United Kingdom
- Target
Discovery Institute (TDI), Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX37FZ, United Kingdom
| | - Cynthia Tallant
- Structural
Genomics Consortium (SGC), Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX37DQ, United Kingdom
- Target
Discovery Institute (TDI), Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX37FZ, United Kingdom
| | - Finn Wolfreys
- Target
Discovery Institute (TDI), Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX37FZ, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca Konietzny
- Target
Discovery Institute (TDI), Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX37FZ, United Kingdom
| | - Roman Fischer
- Target
Discovery Institute (TDI), Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX37FZ, United Kingdom
| | - Hua Jane Lou
- Department
of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States
| | - Paul E. Brennan
- Target
Discovery Institute (TDI), Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX37FZ, United Kingdom
| | - Gisela Schnapp
- Lead Discovery and Optimisation Support, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co KG, Biberach, 88400, Germany
| | - Alexander Pautsch
- Lead Discovery and Optimisation Support, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co KG, Biberach, 88400, Germany
| | - Benedikt M. Kessler
- Target
Discovery Institute (TDI), Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX37FZ, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin E. Turk
- Department
of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States
| | - Stefan Knapp
- Target
Discovery Institute (TDI), Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX37FZ, United Kingdom
- Institute
for Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Buchmann Institute for Molecular
Life Sciences (BMLS), Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, 60438, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Shang J, Lu S, Jiang Y, Zhang J. Allosteric modulators of MEK1: drug design and discovery. Chem Biol Drug Des 2016; 88:485-97. [PMID: 27115708 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.12780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Revised: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MAPKK, MEK) mediates signal transduction, controlling cell proliferation and survival. MEK occupies a key downstream position in the Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK signaling pathway, implying that inhibition of MEK will potently suppress tumor cell growth, with potential applications in cancer therapy. Based on the promising therapeutic effects of MEK modulators, continued efforts have been made in this class. Here, we review the discovery and development of MEK1 allosteric modulators, classifying them into four structural groups. The allosteric mechanisms and recent clinical progress involving these modulators are also reviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jialin Shang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shaoyong Lu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongjun Jiang
- School of Biotechnology and Chemical Engineering, Ningbo Institute of Technology, Zhejiang University, Ningbo, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China. .,Medicinal Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Wei XW, Hao LY, Qi SH. Inhibition on the S-nitrosylation of MKK4 can protect hippocampal CA1 neurons in rat cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. Brain Res Bull 2016; 124:123-8. [PMID: 27091695 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2016.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2015] [Revised: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 04/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
S-nitrosylation, the nitric oxide-derived post-translational modification of proteins, plays critical roles in various physiological and pathological functions. In this present study, a rat model of cerebral ischemia and reperfusion by four-vessel occlusion was generated to assess MKK4 S-nitrosylation. Immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting were performed to evaluate MKK4 S-nitrosylation and phosphorylation. Neuronal loss was observed using histological detection. These results indicated that endogenous NO promoted the S-nitrosylation of MKK4. However, application of the exogenous NO donor S-nitrosoglutathione (GNSO), an inhibitor of the neuronal nitric oxide synthase 7-nitroindazole (7-NI), and the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist MK801 diminished I/R-induced S-nitrosylation and phosphorylation. These compounds also markedly decreased cerebral I/R-induced degeneration and death of neurons in hippocampal CA1 region in rats. Taken together, we demonstrated for the first time, that cerebral ischemia/reperfusion can induce S-nitrosylation of MKK4. We also found that inhibiting S-nitrosylation and activation of MKK4 resulted in marked decreases in neuronal degeneration and apoptosis, potentially via NMDAR-mediated mechanisms. These findings may lead to a new field of inquiry to investigate the underlying pathogenesis of stoke and the development of novel treatment strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xue Wen Wei
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Brain Disease Bioinformation, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, 221002, PR China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Municipal Hospital of Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221002, PR China
| | - Ling Yun Hao
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Brain Disease Bioinformation, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, 221002, PR China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou, 221002, PR China
| | - Su Hua Qi
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Brain Disease Bioinformation, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, 221002, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Zhang X, Cao J, Pei Y, Zhang J, Wang Q. Smad4 inhibits cell migration via suppression of JNK activity in human pancreatic carcinoma PANC-1 cells. Oncol Lett 2016; 11:3465-3470. [PMID: 27123137 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2016.4427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2014] [Accepted: 01/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Smad4 is a common Smad and is a key downstream regulator of the transforming growth factor-β signaling pathway, in which Smad4 often acts as a potent tumor suppressor and functions in a highly context-dependent manner, particularly in pancreatic cancer. However, little is known regarding whether Smad4 regulates other signaling pathways involved in pancreatic cancer. The present study demonstrated that Smad4 downregulates c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activity using a Smad4 loss-of-function or gain-of-function analysis. Additionally, stable overexpression of Smad4 clearly affected the migration of human pancreatic epithelioid carcinoma PANC-1 cells, but did not affect cell growth. In addition, the present study revealed that upregulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 is required for the reduction of JNK activity by Smad4, leading to a decrease in vascular endothelial growth factor expression and inhibiting cell migration. Overall, the present findings indicate that Smad4 may suppress JNK activation and inhibit the tumor characteristics of pancreatic cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xueying Zhang
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, P.R. China
| | - Junxia Cao
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, P.R. China
| | - Yujun Pei
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, P.R. China
| | - Jiyan Zhang
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, P.R. China
| | - Qingyang Wang
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Facciorusso A, Licinio R, Carr BI, Di Leo A, Barone M. MEK 1/2 inhibitors in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2015; 9:993-1003. [PMID: 25915713 DOI: 10.1586/17474124.2015.1040763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Sorafenib is the only approved systemic treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma patients and all the recently published randomized controlled trials on new systemic drugs have been unsuccessful. This is likely due to a lack of understanding of tumor progression, molecular drivers, and liver toxicity, as well as flaws in trial design. An important signaling pathway in hepatocarcinogenesis is the MEK cascade involved in various cellular responses, including adaptation and survival. A key role in this cascade is played by MEK, of which MEK 1/2 represent the prototypes and an interesting target for new oncological drugs. This review analyzes recent developments and future perspectives on the role of MEK inhibitors in hepatocellular carcinoma treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Facciorusso
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Ospedali Riuniti Foggia, Italy
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|