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Bannoura SF, Khan HY, Uddin MH, Mohammad RM, Pasche BC, Azmi AS. Targeting guanine nucleotide exchange factors for novel cancer drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38884380 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2024.2368242] [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: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) regulate the activation of small GTPases (G proteins) of the Ras superfamily proteins controlling cellular functions. Ras superfamily proteins act as 'molecular switches' that are turned 'ON' by guanine exchange. There are five major groups of Ras family GTPases: Ras, Ran, Rho, Rab and Arf, with a variety of different GEFs regulating their GTP loading. GEFs have been implicated in various diseases including cancer. This makes GEFs attractive targets to modulate signaling networks controlled by small GTPases. AREAS COVERED In this review, the roles and mechanisms of GEFs in malignancy are outlined. The mechanism of guanine exchange activity by GEFs on a small GTPase is illustrated. Then, some examples of GEFs that are significant in cancer are presented with a discussion on recent progress in therapeutic targeting efforts using a variety of approaches. EXPERT OPINION Recently, GEFs have emerged as potential therapeutic targets for novel cancer drug development. Targeting small GTPases is challenging; thus, targeting their activation by GEFs is a promising strategy. Most GEF-targeted drugs are still in preclinical development. A deeper biological understanding of the underlying mechanisms of GEF activity and utilizing advanced technology are necessary to enhance drug discovery for GEFs in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar F Bannoura
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Husain Yar Khan
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Md Hafiz Uddin
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Ramzi M Mohammad
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Boris C Pasche
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Asfar S Azmi
- Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
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Thapa R, Afzal O, Afzal M, Gupta G, Bhat AA, Hassan Almalki W, Kazmi I, Alzarea SI, Saleem S, Arora P, Singh SK, Dua K. From LncRNA to metastasis: The MALAT1-EMT axis in cancer progression. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 253:154959. [PMID: 38029713 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a complex disease that causes abnormal genetic changes and unchecked cellular growth. It also causes a disruption in the normal regulatory processes that leads to the creation of malignant tissue. The complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and epigenetic variables influences its etiology. Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) have emerged as pivotal contributors within the intricate landscape of cancer biology, orchestrating an array of multifaceted cellular processes that substantiate the processes of carcinogenesis and metastasis. Metastasis is a crucial driver of cancer mortality. Among these, MALAT1 (Metastasis-Associated Lung Adenocarcinoma Transcript 1) has drawn a lot of interest for its function in encouraging metastasis via controlling the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) procedure. MALAT1 exerts a pivotal influence on the process of EMT, thereby promoting metastasis to distant organs. The mechanistic underpinning of this phenomenon involves the orchestration of an intricate regulatory network encompassing transcription factors, signalling cascades, and genes intricately associated with the EMT process by MALAT1. Its crucial function in transforming tumor cells into an aggressive phenotype is highlighted by its capacity to influence the expression of essential EMT effectors such as N-cadherin, E-cadherin, and Snail. An understanding of the MALAT1-EMT axis provides potential therapeutic approaches for cancer intervention. Targeting MALAT1 or its downstream EMT effectors may reduce the spread of metastatic disease and improve the effectiveness of already available therapies. Understanding the MALAT1-EMT axis holds significant clinical implications. Therefore, directing attention towards MALAT1 or its downstream mediators could present innovative therapeutic strategies for mitigating metastasis and improving patient prognosis. This study highlights the importance of MALAT1 in cancer biology and its potential for cutting back on metastatic disease with novel treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riya Thapa
- School of Pharmacy, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Mahal Road, Jagatpura, Jaipur, India
| | - Obaid Afzal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Afzal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacy Program, Batterjee Medical College, P.O. Box 6231, Jeddah 21442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gaurav Gupta
- Centre for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, India; School of Pharmacy, Graphic Era Hill University, Dehradun 248007, India.
| | - Asif Ahmad Bhat
- School of Pharmacy, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Mahal Road, Jagatpura, Jaipur, India
| | - Waleed Hassan Almalki
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Imran Kazmi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sami I Alzarea
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka, Al-Jouf, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shakir Saleem
- Department of Public Health. College of Health Sciences, Saudi Electronic University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Poonam Arora
- SGT College of Pharmacy, SGT University, Gurugram, Haryana, India
| | - Sachin Kumar Singh
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, 144411, India; Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Kamal Dua
- Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia; Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
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Schaefer A, Hodge RG, Zhang H, Hobbs GA, Dilly J, Huynh M, Goodwin CM, Zhang F, Diehl JN, Pierobon M, Baldelli E, Javaid S, Guthrie K, Rashid NU, Petricoin EF, Cox AD, Hahn WC, Aguirre AJ, Bass AJ, Der CJ. RHOA L57V drives the development of diffuse gastric cancer through IGF1R-PAK1-YAP1 signaling. Sci Signal 2023; 16:eadg5289. [PMID: 38113333 PMCID: PMC10791543 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.adg5289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-associated mutations in the guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) RHOA are found at different locations from the mutational hotspots in the structurally and biochemically related RAS. Tyr42-to-Cys (Y42C) and Leu57-to-Val (L57V) substitutions are the two most prevalent RHOA mutations in diffuse gastric cancer (DGC). RHOAY42C exhibits a gain-of-function phenotype and is an oncogenic driver in DGC. Here, we determined how RHOAL57V promotes DGC growth. In mouse gastric organoids with deletion of Cdh1, which encodes the cell adhesion protein E-cadherin, the expression of RHOAL57V, but not of wild-type RHOA, induced an abnormal morphology similar to that of patient-derived DGC organoids. RHOAL57V also exhibited a gain-of-function phenotype and promoted F-actin stress fiber formation and cell migration. RHOAL57V retained interaction with effectors but exhibited impaired RHOA-intrinsic and GAP-catalyzed GTP hydrolysis, which favored formation of the active GTP-bound state. Introduction of missense mutations at KRAS residues analogous to Tyr42 and Leu57 in RHOA did not activate KRAS oncogenic potential, indicating distinct functional effects in otherwise highly related GTPases. Both RHOA mutants stimulated the transcriptional co-activator YAP1 through actin dynamics to promote DGC progression; however, RHOAL57V additionally did so by activating the kinases IGF1R and PAK1, distinct from the FAK-mediated mechanism induced by RHOAY42C. Our results reveal that RHOAL57V and RHOAY42C drive the development of DGC through distinct biochemical and signaling mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antje Schaefer
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Richard G. Hodge
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Haisheng Zhang
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - G. Aaron Hobbs
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Julien Dilly
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Minh Huynh
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Craig M. Goodwin
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Feifei Zhang
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - J. Nathaniel Diehl
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Mariaelena Pierobon
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Elisa Baldelli
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Sehrish Javaid
- Program in Oral and Craniofacial Biomedicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Karson Guthrie
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Naim U. Rashid
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Emanuel F. Petricoin
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Adrienne D. Cox
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Program in Oral and Craniofacial Biomedicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - William C. Hahn
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Andrew J. Aguirre
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Adam J. Bass
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center at Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Channing J. Der
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Program in Oral and Craniofacial Biomedicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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Shan S, Su M, Li Y, Wang Z, Liu D, Zhou Y, Fu X, Yang S, Zhang J, Qiu J, Liu H, Zeng G, Chen P, Wang X, DiSanto ME, Guo Y, Zhang X. Mechanism of RhoA regulating benign prostatic hyperplasia: RhoA-ROCK-β-catenin signaling axis and static & dynamic dual roles. Mol Med 2023; 29:139. [PMID: 37864185 PMCID: PMC10589999 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-023-00734-2] [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: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pathogenesis of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) has not been fully elucidated. Ras homology family member A (RhoA) plays an important role in regulating cell cytoskeleton, growth and fibrosis. The role of RhoA in BPH remains unclear. METHODS This study aimed to clarify the expression, functional activity and mechanism of RhoA in BPH. Human prostate tissues, human prostate cell lines, BPH rat model were used. Cell models of RhoA knockdown and overexpression were generated. Immunofluorescence staining, quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR), Western blotting, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), flow cytometry, phalloidine staining, organ bath study, gel contraction assay, protein stability analysis, isolation and extraction of nuclear protein and cytoplasmic protein were performed. RESULTS In this study we found that RhoA was localized in prostate stroma and epithelial compartments and was up-regulated in both BPH patients and BPH rats. Functionally, RhoA knockdown induced cell apoptosis and inhibited cell proliferation, fibrosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) and contraction. Consistently, overexpression of RhoA reversed all aforementioned processes. More importantly, we found that β-catenin and the downstream of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, including C-MYC, Survivin and Snail were up-regulated in BPH rats. Downregulation of RhoA significantly reduced the expression of these proteins. Rho kinase inhibitor Y-27632 also down-regulated β-catenin protein in a concentration-dependent manner. However, overexpression of β-catenin did not affect RhoA-ROCK levels, suggesting that β-catenin was the downstream of RhoA-ROCK regulation. Further data suggested that RhoA increased nuclear translocation of β-catenin and up-regulated β-catenin expression by inhibiting its proteasomal degradation, thereby activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Overexpression of β-catenin partially reversed the changes in cell growth, fibrosis and EMT except cell contraction caused by RhoA downregulation. Finally, Y-27632 partially reversed prostatic hyperplasia in vivo, further suggesting the potential of RhoA-ROCK signaling in BPH treatment. CONCLUSION Our novel data demonstrated that RhoA regulated both static and dynamic factors of BPH, RhoA-ROCK-β-catenin signaling axis played an important role in the development of BPH and might provide more possibilities for the formulation of subsequent clinical treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shidong Shan
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Su
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, People's Republic of China
| | - Daoquan Liu
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongying Zhou
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, People's Republic of China
| | - Xun Fu
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, People's Republic of China
| | - Shu Yang
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, People's Republic of China
| | - Junchao Zhang
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, People's Republic of China
| | - Jizhang Qiu
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, People's Republic of China
| | - Huan Liu
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, People's Republic of China
| | - Guang Zeng
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Chen
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinghuan Wang
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, People's Republic of China
| | - Michael E DiSanto
- Department of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ, USA
| | - Yuming Guo
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xinhua Zhang
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, 169 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, People's Republic of China.
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Constantin M, Mătanie C, Petrescu L, Bolocan A, Andronic O, Bleotu C, Mitache MM, Tudorache S, Vrancianu CO. Landscape of Genetic Mutations in Appendiceal Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3591. [PMID: 37509254 PMCID: PMC10377024 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15143591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In appendiceal cancers, the most frequently mutated genes are (i) KRAS, which, when reactivated, restores signal transduction via the RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK signaling pathway and stimulates cell proliferation in the early stages of tumor transformation, and then angiogenesis; (ii) TP53, whose inactivation leads to the inhibition of programmed cell death; (iii) GNAS, which, when reactivated, links the cAMP pathway to the RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK signaling pathway, stimulating cell proliferation and angiogenesis; (iv) SMAD4, exhibiting typical tumor-suppressive activity, blocking the transmission of oncogenic TGFB signals via the SMAD2/SMAD3 heterodimer; and (v) BRAF, which is part of the RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK signaling pathway. Diverse mutations are reported in other genes, which are part of secondary or less critical signaling pathways for tumor progression, but which amplify the phenotypic diversity of appendiceal cancers. In this review, we will present the main genetic mutations involved in appendix tumors and their roles in cell proliferation and survival, and in tumor invasiveness, angiogenesis, and acquired resistance to anti-growth signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marian Constantin
- Institute of Biology of Romanian Academy, 060031 Bucharest, Romania
- The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest (ICUB), 050095 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristina Mătanie
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Physiology and Biophysics (DAFAB), Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Livia Petrescu
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Physiology and Biophysics (DAFAB), Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandra Bolocan
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Octavian Andronic
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Coralia Bleotu
- Life, Environmental and Earth Sciences Division, The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest (ICUB), 050095 Bucharest, Romania
- Stefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, 030304 Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Sorin Tudorache
- Faculty of Medicine, "Titu Maiorescu" University, 040441 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Corneliu Ovidiu Vrancianu
- The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest (ICUB), 050095 Bucharest, Romania
- Microbiology-Immunology Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
- National Institute of Research and Development for Biological Sciences, 060031 Bucharest, Romania
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Kwon DH, Zhang F, McCray BA, Feng S, Kumar M, Sullivan JM, Im W, Sumner CJ, Lee SY. TRPV4-Rho GTPase complex structures reveal mechanisms of gating and disease. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3732. [PMID: 37353484 PMCID: PMC10290081 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39345-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Crosstalk between ion channels and small GTPases is critical during homeostasis and disease, but little is known about the structural underpinnings of these interactions. TRPV4 is a polymodal, calcium-permeable cation channel that has emerged as a potential therapeutic target in multiple conditions. Gain-of-function mutations also cause hereditary neuromuscular disease. Here, we present cryo-EM structures of human TRPV4 in complex with RhoA in the ligand-free, antagonist-bound closed, and agonist-bound open states. These structures reveal the mechanism of ligand-dependent TRPV4 gating. Channel activation is associated with rigid-body rotation of the intracellular ankyrin repeat domain, but state-dependent interaction with membrane-anchored RhoA constrains this movement. Notably, many residues at the TRPV4-RhoA interface are mutated in disease and perturbing this interface by introducing mutations into either TRPV4 or RhoA increases TRPV4 channel activity. Together, these results suggest that RhoA serves as an auxiliary subunit for TRPV4, regulating TRPV4-mediated calcium homeostasis and disruption of TRPV4-RhoA interactions can lead to TRPV4-related neuromuscular disease. These insights will help facilitate TRPV4 therapeutics development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Do Hoon Kwon
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Feng Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Brett A McCray
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Shasha Feng
- Departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry, and Bioengineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, 18015, USA
| | - Meha Kumar
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Jeremy M Sullivan
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Wonpil Im
- Departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry, and Bioengineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA, 18015, USA
| | - Charlotte J Sumner
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Seok-Yong Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
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7
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Yin G, Huang J, Petela J, Jiang H, Zhang Y, Gong S, Wu J, Liu B, Shi J, Gao Y. Targeting small GTPases: emerging grasps on previously untamable targets, pioneered by KRAS. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:212. [PMID: 37221195 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01441-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Small GTPases including Ras, Rho, Rab, Arf, and Ran are omnipresent molecular switches in regulating key cellular functions. Their dysregulation is a therapeutic target for tumors, neurodegeneration, cardiomyopathies, and infection. However, small GTPases have been historically recognized as "undruggable". Targeting KRAS, one of the most frequently mutated oncogenes, has only come into reality in the last decade due to the development of breakthrough strategies such as fragment-based screening, covalent ligands, macromolecule inhibitors, and PROTACs. Two KRASG12C covalent inhibitors have obtained accelerated approval for treating KRASG12C mutant lung cancer, and allele-specific hotspot mutations on G12D/S/R have been demonstrated as viable targets. New methods of targeting KRAS are quickly evolving, including transcription, immunogenic neoepitopes, and combinatory targeting with immunotherapy. Nevertheless, the vast majority of small GTPases and hotspot mutations remain elusive, and clinical resistance to G12C inhibitors poses new challenges. In this article, we summarize diversified biological functions, shared structural properties, and complex regulatory mechanisms of small GTPases and their relationships with human diseases. Furthermore, we review the status of drug discovery for targeting small GTPases and the most recent strategic progress focused on targeting KRAS. The discovery of new regulatory mechanisms and development of targeting approaches will together promote drug discovery for small GTPases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guowei Yin
- The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China.
| | - Jing Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Johnny Petela
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27101, USA
| | - Hongmei Jiang
- The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Yuetong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Siqi Gong
- The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
- School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Jiaxin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Bei Liu
- National Biomedical Imaging Center, School of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Jianyou Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology, Chengdu, 610072, China.
| | - Yijun Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
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8
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Kwon DH, Zhang F, McCray BA, Kumar M, Sullivan JM, Sumner CJ, Lee SY. Structural insights into TRPV4-Rho GTPase signaling complex function and disease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.15.532784. [PMID: 36993766 PMCID: PMC10055143 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.15.532784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Crosstalk between ion channels and small GTPases is critical during homeostasis and disease 1 , but little is known about the structural underpinnings of these interactions. TRPV4 is a polymodal, calcium-permeable cation channel that has emerged as a potential therapeutic target in multiple conditions 2-5 . Gain-of-function mutations also cause hereditary neuromuscular disease 6-11 . Here, we present cryo-EM structures of human TRPV4 in complex with RhoA in the apo, antagonist-bound closed, and agonist-bound open states. These structures reveal the mechanism of ligand-dependent TRPV4 gating. Channel activation is associated with rigid-body rotation of the intracellular ankyrin repeat domain, but state-dependent interaction with membrane-anchored RhoA constrains this movement. Notably, many residues at the TRPV4-RhoA interface are mutated in disease and perturbing this interface by introducing mutations into either TRPV4 or RhoA increases TRPV4 channel activity. Together, these results suggest that the interaction strength between TRPV4 and RhoA tunes TRPV4-mediated calcium homeostasis and actin remodeling, and that disruption of TRPV4-RhoA interactions leads to TRPV4-related neuromuscular disease, findings that will guide TRPV4 therapeutics development.
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Epstein-Barr Virus and the Pathogenesis of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13020521. [PMID: 36836878 PMCID: PMC9967091 DOI: 10.3390/life13020521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), defined as a group I carcinogen by the World Health Organization (WHO), is present in the tumour cells of patients with different forms of B-cell lymphoma, including Burkitt lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders, and, most recently, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Understanding how EBV contributes to the development of these different types of B-cell lymphoma has not only provided fundamental insights into the underlying mechanisms of viral oncogenesis, but has also highlighted potential new therapeutic opportunities. In this review, we describe the effects of EBV infection in normal B-cells and we address the germinal centre model of infection and how this can lead to lymphoma in some instances. We then explore the recent reclassification of EBV+ DLBCL as an established entity in the WHO fifth edition and ICC 2022 classifications, emphasising the unique nature of this entity. To that end, we also explore the unique genetic background of this entity and briefly discuss the potential role of the tumour microenvironment in lymphomagenesis and disease progression. Despite the recent progress in elucidating the mechanisms of this malignancy, much work remains to be done to improve patient stratification, treatment strategies, and outcomes.
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Boudreau HE, Robinson J, Kasid UN. Illuminating DEPDC1B in Multi-pronged Regulation of Tumor Progression. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2660:295-310. [PMID: 37191806 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3163-8_21] [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: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
DEPDC1B (aliases BRCC3, XTP8, XTP1) is a DEP (Dishevelled, Egl-1, Pleckstrin) and Rho-GAP-like domains containing predominately membrane-associated protein. Earlier, we and others have reported that DEPDC1B is a downstream effector of Raf-1 and long noncoding RNA lncNB1, and an upstream positive effector of pERK. Consistently, DEPDC1B knockdown is associated with downregulation of ligand-stimulated pERK expression. We demonstrate here that DEPDC1B N-terminus binds to the p85 subunit of PI3K, and DEPDC1B overexpression results in decreased ligand-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of p85 and downregulation of pAKT1. Collectively, we propose that DEPDC1B is a novel cross-regulator of AKT1 and ERK, two of the prominent pathways of tumor progression. Our data showing high levels of DEPDC1B mRNA and protein during the G2/M phase have significant implications in cell entry into mitosis. Indeed, DEPDC1B accumulation during the G2/M phase has been associated with disassembly of focal adhesions and cell de-adhesion, referred to as a DEPDC1B-mediated de-adhesion mitotic checkpoint. DEPDC1B is a direct target of transcription factor SOX10, and SOX10-DEPDC1B-SCUBE3 axis has been associated with angiogenesis and metastasis. The Scansite analysis of the DEPDC1B amino acid sequence shows binding motifs for three well-established cancer therapeutic targets CDK1, DNA-PK, and aurora kinase A/B. These interactions and functionalities, if validated, may further implicate DEPDC1B in regulation of DNA damage-repair and cell cycle progression processes. Finally, a survey of the publicly available datasets indicates that high DEPDC1B expression is a viable biomarker in breast, lung, pancreatic and renal cell carcinomas, and melanoma. Currently, the systems and integrative biology of DEPDC1B is far from comprehensive. Future investigations are necessary in order to understand how DEPDC1B might impact AKT, ERK, and other networks, albeit in a context-dependent manner, and influence the actionable molecular, spatial, and temporal vulnerabilities within these networks in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Howard E Boudreau
- Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, USA, D.C
| | - Jennifer Robinson
- Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, USA, D.C
| | - Usha N Kasid
- Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, USA, D.C..
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