Cell cycle-dependent activation of Ras

Small GTPase ActIvitY ANalyzing (SAIYAN) system: A method to detect GTPase activation in living cells

Small GTPases are essential in various cellular signaling pathways, and detecting their activation within living cells is crucial for understanding cellular processes. The current methods for detecting GTPase activation using fluorescent proteins rely on the interaction between the GTPase and its effector. Consequently, these methods are not applicable to factors, such as Sar1, where the effector also functions as a GTPase-activating protein. Here, we present a novel method, the Small GTPase ActIvitY ANalyzing (SAIYAN) system, for detecting the activation of endogenous small GTPases via fluorescent signals utilizing a split mNeonGreen system. We demonstrated Sar1 activation at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) exit site and successfully detected its activation state in various cellular conditions. Utilizing the SAIYAN system in collagen-secreting cells, we discovered activated Sar1 localized both at the ER exit sites and ER-Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC) regions. Additionally, impaired collagen secretion confined the activated Sar1 at the ER exit sites, implying the importance of Sar1 activation through the ERGIC in collagen secretion.

Relating individual cell division events to single-cell ERK and Akt activity time courses

Biochemical correlates of stochastic single-cell fates have been elusive, even for the well-studied mammalian cell cycle. We monitored single-cell dynamics of the ERK and Akt pathways, critical cell cycle progression hubs and anti-cancer drug targets, and paired them to division events in the same single cells using the non-transformed MCF10A epithelial line. Following growth factor treatment, in cells that divide both ERK and Akt activities are significantly higher within the S-G2 time window (~ 8.5-40 h). Such differences were much smaller in the pre-S-phase, restriction point window which is traditionally associated with ERK and Akt activity dependence, suggesting unappreciated roles for ERK and Akt in S through G2. Simple metrics of central tendency in this time window are associated with subsequent cell division fates. ERK activity was more strongly associated with division fates than Akt activity, suggesting Akt activity dynamics may contribute less to the decision driving cell division in this context. We also find that ERK and Akt activities are less correlated with each other in cells that divide. Network reconstruction experiments demonstrated that this correlation behavior was likely not due to crosstalk, as ERK and Akt do not interact in this context, in contrast to other transformed cell types. Overall, our findings support roles for ERK and Akt activity throughout the cell cycle as opposed to just before the restriction point, and suggest ERK activity dynamics may be more important than Akt activity dynamics for driving cell division in this non-transformed context.

Regulation of Cell Cycle Progression by Growth Factor-Induced Cell Signaling

The cell cycle is the series of events that take place in a cell, which drives it to divide and produce two new daughter cells. The typical cell cycle in eukaryotes is composed of the following phases: G1, S, G2, and M phase. Cell cycle progression is mediated by cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks) and their regulatory cyclin subunits. However, the driving force of cell cycle progression is growth factor-initiated signaling pathways that control the activity of various Cdk–cyclin complexes. While the mechanism underlying the role of growth factor signaling in G1 phase of cell cycle progression has been largely revealed due to early extensive research, little is known regarding the function and mechanism of growth factor signaling in regulating other phases of the cell cycle, including S, G2, and M phase. In this review, we briefly discuss the process of cell cycle progression through various phases, and we focus on the role of signaling pathways activated by growth factors and their receptor (mostly receptor tyrosine kinases) in regulating cell cycle progression through various phases.

Imaging developmental cell cycles

The last decade has seen a major expansion in development of live biosensors, the tools needed to genetically encode them into model organisms, and the microscopic techniques used to visualize them. When combined, these offer us powerful tools with which to make fundamental discoveries about complex biological processes. In this review, we summarize the availability of biosensors to visualize an essential cellular process, the cell cycle, and the techniques for single-cell tracking and quantification of these reporters. We also highlight studies investigating the connection of cellular behavior to the cell cycle, particularly through live imaging, and anticipate exciting discoveries with the combination of these technologies in developmental contexts.

Expression of oncogenic HRAS in human Rh28 and RMS-YM rhabdomyosarcoma cells leads to oncogene-induced senescence

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common pediatric soft tissue sarcoma. The two predominant histologic variants of RMS, embryonal and alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (eRMS and aRMS, respectively), carry very different prognoses. While eRMS is associated with an intermediate prognosis, the 5-year survival rate of aRMS is less than 30%. The RMS subtypes are also different at the molecular level-eRMS frequently has multiple genetic alterations, including mutations in RAS and TP53, whereas aRMS often has chromosomal translocations resulting in PAX3-FOXO1 or PAX7-FOXO1 fusions, but otherwise has a "quiet" genome. Interestingly, mutations in RAS are rarely found in aRMS. In this study, we explored the role of oncogenic RAS in aRMS. We found that while ectopic oncogenic HRAS expression was tolerated in the human RAS-driven eRMS cell line RD, it was detrimental to cell growth and proliferation in the human aRMS cell line Rh28. Growth inhibition was mediated by oncogene-induced senescence and associated with increased RB pathway activity and expression of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors p16 and p21. Unexpectedly, the human eRMS cell line RMS-YM, a RAS wild-type eRMS cell line, also exhibited growth inhibition in response to oncogenic HRAS in a manner similar to aRMS Rh28 cells. This work suggests that oncogenic RAS is expressed in a context-dependent manner in RMS and may provide insight into the differential origins and therapeutic opportunities for RMS subtypes.

Regulation of the Small GTPase Ras and Its Relevance to Human Disease

Ras research has experienced a considerable boost in recent years, not least prompted by the Ras initiative launched by the NCI in 2013 ( https://www.cancer.gov/research/key-initiatives/ras ), accompanied and conditioned by a strongly reinvigorated determination within the Ras community to develop therapeutics attacking directly the Ras oncoproteins. As a member of the small G-protein superfamily, function and transforming activity of Ras all revolve about its GDP/GTP loading status. For one thing, the extent of GTP loading will determine the proportion of active Ras in the cell, with implications for intensity and quality of downstream signaling. But also the rate of nucleotide exchange, i.e., the Ras-GDP/GTP cycling rate, can have a major impact on Ras function, as illustrated perhaps most impressively by newly discovered fast-cycling oncogenic mutants of the Ras-related GTPase Rac1. Thus, while the last years have witnessed memorable new findings and technical developments in the Ras field, leading to an improved insight into many aspects of Ras biology, they have not jolted at the basics, but rather deepened our view of the fundamental regulatory principles of Ras activity control. In this brief review, we revisit the role and mechanisms of Ras nucleotide loading and its implications for cancer in the light of recent findings.

Identification of lysine methylation in the core GTPase domain by GoMADScan

RAS is the founding member of a superfamily of GTPases and regulates signaling pathways involved in cellular growth control. While recent studies have shown that the activation state of RAS can be controlled by lysine ubiquitylation and acetylation, the existence of lysine methylation of the RAS superfamily GTPases remains unexplored. In contrast to acetylation, methylation does not alter the side chain charge and it has been challenging to deduce its impact on protein structure by conventional amino acid substitutions. Herein, we investigate lysine methylation on RAS and RAS-related GTPases. We developed GoMADScan (Go language-based Modification Associated Database Scanner), a new user-friendly application that scans and extracts posttranslationally modified peptides from databases. The GoMADScan search on PhosphoSitePlus databases identified methylation of conserved lysine residues in the core GTPase domain of RAS superfamily GTPases, including residues corresponding to RAS Lys-5, Lys-16, and Lys-117. To follow up on these observations, we immunoprecipitated endogenous RAS from HEK293T cells, conducted mass spectrometric analysis and found that RAS residues, Lys-5 and Lys-147, undergo dimethylation and monomethylation, respectively. Since mutations of Lys-5 have been found in cancers and RASopathies, we set up molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to assess the putative impact of Lys-5 dimethylation on RAS structure. Results from our MD analyses predict that dimethylation of Lys-5 does not significantly alter RAS conformation, suggesting that Lys-5 methylation may alter existing protein interactions or create a docking site to foster new interactions. Taken together, our findings uncover the existence of lysine methylation as a novel posttranslational modification associated with RAS and the RAS superfamily GTPases, and putative impact of Lys-5 dimethylation on RAS structure.

Ras signals principally via Erk in G1 but cooperates with PI3K/Akt for Cyclin D induction and S-phase entry

Numerous studies exploring oncogenic Ras or manipulating physiological Ras signalling have established an irrefutable role for Ras as driver of cell cycle progression. Despite this wealth of information the precise signalling timeline and effectors engaged by Ras, particularly during G1, remain obscure as approaches for Ras inhibition are slow-acting and ill-suited for charting discrete Ras signalling episodes along the cell cycle. We have developed an approach based on the inducible recruitment of a Ras-GAP that enforces endogenous Ras inhibition within minutes. Applying this strategy to inhibit Ras stepwise in synchronous cell populations revealed that Ras signaling was required well into G1 for Cyclin D induction, pocket protein phosphorylation and S-phase entry, irrespective of whether cells emerged from quiescence or G2/M. Unexpectedly, Erk, and not PI3K/Akt or Ral was activated by Ras at mid-G1, albeit PI3K/Akt signalling was a necessary companion of Ras/Erk for sustaining cyclin-D levels and G1/S transition. Our findings chart mitogenic signaling by endogenous Ras during G1 and identify limited effector engagement restricted to Raf/MEK/Erk as a cogent distinction from oncogenic Ras signalling.

Coordination of Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Signaling and Interfacial Tension Dynamics Drives Radial Intercalation and Tube Elongation

We sought to understand how cells collectively elongate epithelial tubes. We first used 3D culture and biosensor imaging to demonstrate that epithelial cells enrich Ras activity, phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate (PIP₃), and F-actin to their leading edges during migration within tissues. PIP₃ enrichment coincided with, and could enrich despite inhibition of, F-actin dynamics, revealing a conserved migratory logic compared with single cells. We discovered that migratory cells can intercalate into the basal tissue surface and contribute to tube elongation. We then connected molecular activities to subcellular mechanics using force inference analysis. Migration and transient intercalation required specific and similar anterior-posterior ratios of interfacial tension. Permanent intercalations were distinguished by their capture at the boundary through time-varying tension dynamics. Finally, we integrated our experimental and computational data to generate a finite element model of tube elongation. Our model revealed that intercalation, interfacial tension dynamics, and high basal stress are together sufficient for mammary morphogenesis.

KRAS-dependent suppression of MYC enhances the sensitivity of cancer cells to cytotoxic agents

KRAS is the most commonly mutated oncogene, frequently associated with some of the deadliest forms of cancer. However, the need for potent and specific KRAS inhibitors remains unmet. Here, we evaluated the effects of selected cytotoxic agents on oncogenic KRAS signaling and drug response. The data provided new insights into the functional interaction between the KRAS and MYC pathways and revealed key differences between WT and mutant KRAS expressing cells. Systematic investigation of non-small cell lung cancer cell lines revealed that KRAS mutation can paradoxically increase the sensitivity of cells to cytotoxic agents. We identify MYC as a key regulator of the cellular stress responses and tumor cell viability as MYC expression was suppressed in drug-sensitive but not resistant cells. Furthermore, this suppression was driven by hyperactive KRAS/MAPK signaling. Our findings support a direct link between MYC and cancer cell viability, and raise the possibility that inactivation of MYC may be an effective therapeutic strategy for KRAS mutant tumors across various cancer types.

Natural Compounds in Cancer Prevention: Effects of Coffee Extracts and Their Main Polyphenolic Component, 5-O-Caffeoylquinic Acid, on Oncogenic Ras Proteins

Recent epidemiological studies have demonstrated that the consumption of healthy foods that are particularly rich in polyphenols might reduce the incidence of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. In particular, chlorogenic acids (CGAs) occur ubiquitously in food and represent the most abundant polyphenols in the human diet. A number of beneficial biological effects of CGAs, such as anti-inflammatory activity, anti-carcinogenic activity, and protection against neurodegenerative diseases, have been reported. However, the molecular mechanisms at the base of these biological activities have not yet been investigated in depth. By combining NMR spectroscopy, molecular docking, surface plasmon resonance and ex vivo assays of the Ras-dependent breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231, we contribute to the elucidation of the molecular basis of the activity of CGAs and natural extracts from green and roasted coffee beans as chemoprotective dietary supplements.

In situ detection of the activation of Rac1 and RalA small GTPases in mouse adipocytes by immunofluorescent microscopy following in vivo and ex vivo insulin stimulation

Rac1 has been implicated in insulin-dependent glucose uptake by mechanisms involving plasma membrane translocation of the glucose transporter GLUT4 in skeletal muscle. Although the uptake of glucose is also stimulated by insulin in adipose tissue, the role for Rac1 in adipocyte insulin signaling remains controversial. As a step to reveal the role for Rac1 in adipocytes, we aimed to establish immunofluorescent microscopy to detect the intracellular distribution of activated Rac1. The epitope-tagged Rac1-binding domain of a Rac1-specific target was utilized as a probe that specifically recognizes the activated form of Rac1. Rac1 activation in response to ex vivo and in vivo insulin stimulations in primary adipocyte culture and mouse white adipose tissue, respectively, was successfully observed by immunofluorescent microscopy. These Rac1 activations were mediated by phosphoinositide 3-kinase. Another small GTPase RalA has also been implicated in insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. Similarly to Rac1, immunofluorescent microscopy using an activated RalA-specific polypeptide probe allowed us to detect intracellular distribution of insulin-activated RalA in adipocytes. These novel approaches to visualize the activation status of small GTPases in adipocytes will largely contribute to the understanding of signal transduction mechanisms particularly for insulin action.

Catfish rhamnose-binding lectin induces G0/1 cell cycle arrest in Burkitt's lymphoma cells via membrane surface Gb3

Silurus asotus egg lectin (SAL), an α-galactoside-binding protein isolated from the eggs of catfish, is a member of the rhamnose-binding lectin family that binds to Gb3 glycan (Galα1-4Galβ1-4Glc). We have previously demonstrated that SAL reduces the proliferation of Gb3-expressing Burkitt's lymphoma Raji cells and confirm here that it does not reduce their viability, indicating that unlike other lectins, it is not cytotoxic. The aim of this study was to determine the signal transduction mechanism(s) underlying this novel SAL/Gb3 binding-mediated effect profile. SAL/Gb3 interaction arrested the cell cycle through increasing the G_0/1 phase population of Raji cells. SAL suppressed the transcription of cell cycle-related factors such as c-MYC, cyclin D3, and cyclin-dependent protein kinase (CDK)-4. Conversely, the CDK inhibitors p21 and p27 were elevated by treatment with SAL. In particular, the production of p27 in response to SAL treatment increased steadily, whereas p21 production was maximal at 12 h and lower at 24 h. Activation of Ras-MEK-ERK pathway led to an increase in expression of p21. Notably, treatment of Raji cells with anti-Gb3 mAb alone did not produce the above effects. Taken together, our findings suggest that Gb3 on the Raji cell surface interacts with SAL to trigger sequential GDP-Ras phosphorylation, Ras-MEK-ERK pathway activation, p21 production, and cell cycle arrest at the G_0/1 phase.

PGA1-induced apoptosis involves specific activation of H-Ras and N-Ras in cellular endomembranes

The cyclopentenone prostaglandin A₁ (PGA₁) is an inducer of cell death in cancer cells. However, the mechanism that initiates this cytotoxic response remains elusive. Here we report that PGA₁ triggers apoptosis by a process that entails the specific activation of H- and N-Ras isoforms, leading to caspase activation. Cells without H- and N-Ras did not undergo apoptosis upon PGA₁ treatment; in these cells, the cellular demise was rescued by overexpression of either H-Ras or N-Ras. Consistently, the mutant H-Ras-C118S, defective for binding PGA₁, did not produce cell death. Molecular analysis revealed a key role for the RAF-MEK-ERK signaling pathway in the apoptotic process through the induction of calpain activity and caspase-12 cleavage. We propose that PGA₁ evokes a specific physiological cell death program, through H- and N-Ras, but not K-Ras, activation at endomembranes. Our results highlight a novel mechanism that may be of potential interest for tumor treatment.

PKCθ and HIV-1 Transcriptional Regulator Tat Co-exist at the LTR Promoter in CD4(+) T Cells

PKCθ is essential for the activation of CD4⁺ T cells. Upon TCR/CD28 stimulation, PKCθ is phosphorylated and migrates to the immunological synapse, inducing the activation of cellular transcription factors such as NF-κB and kinases as ERK that are critical for HIV-1 replication. We previously demonstrated that PKCθ is also necessary for HIV-1 replication but the precise mechanism is unknown. Efficient HIV-1 transcription and elongation are absolutely dependent on the synergy between NF-κB and the viral regulator Tat. Tat exerts its function by binding a RNA stem-loop structure proximal to the viral mRNA cap site termed TAR. Besides, due to its effect on cellular metabolic pathways, Tat causes profound changes in infected CD4⁺ T cells such as the activation of NF-κB and ERK. We hypothesized that the aberrant upregulation of Tat-mediated activation of NF-κB and ERK occurred through PKCθ signaling. In fact, Jurkat TetOff cells with stable and doxycycline-repressible expression of Tat (Jurkat-Tat) expressed high levels of mRNA for PKCθ. In these cells, PKCθ located at the plasma membrane was phosphorylated at T⁵³⁸ residue in undivided cells, in the absence of stimulation. Treatment with doxycycline inhibited PKCθ phosphorylation in Jurkat-Tat, suggesting that Tat expression was directly related to the activation of PKCθ. Both NF-κB and Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathway were significantly activated in Jurkat-Tat cells, and this correlated with high transactivation of HIV-1 LTR promoter. RNA interference for PKCθ inhibited NF-κB and ERK activity, as well as LTR-mediated transactivation even in the presence of Tat. In addition to Tat-mediated activation of PKCθ in the cytosol, we demonstrated by sequential ChIP that Tat and PKCθ coexisted in the same complex bound at the HIV-1 LTR promoter, specifically at the region containing TAR loop. In conclusion, PKCθ-Tat interaction seemed to be essential for HIV-1 replication in CD4⁺ T cells and could be used as a therapeutic target.

ERK Plays a Role in Chromosome Alignment and Participates in M-Phase Progression

Cell division, a prerequisite for cell proliferation, is a process in which each daughter cell inherits one complete set of chromosomes. The mitotic spindle is a dedicated apparatus for the alignment and segregation of chromosomes. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 plays crucial roles in cell cycle progression, particularly during M-phase. Although, association with the mitotic spindle has been reported, the precise roles played by ERK in the dynamics of the mitotic spindle and in M-phase progression remain to be elucidated. In this study, we used MEK inhibitors U0126 and GSK1120212 to dissect the roles of ERK in M-phase progression and chromosome alignment. Fluorescence microscopy revealed that ERK is localized to the spindle microtubules in a manner independent of Src kinase, which is one of the kinases upstream of ERK at mitotic entry. ERK inhibition induces an increase in the number of prophase cells and a decrease in the number of anaphase cells. Time-lapse imaging revealed that ERK inhibition perturbs chromosome alignment, thereby preventing cells from entering anaphase. These results suggest that ERK plays a role in M-phase progression by regulating chromosome alignment and demonstrate one of the mechanisms by which the aberration of ERK signaling may produce cancer cells.

MECP2 Is a Frequently Amplified Oncogene with a Novel Epigenetic Mechanism That Mimics the Role of Activated RAS in Malignancy

An unbiased genome-scale screen for unmutated genes that drive cancer growth when overexpressed identified methyl cytosine-guanine dinucleotide (CpG) binding protein 2 (MECP2) as a novel oncogene. MECP2 resides in a region of the X-chromosome that is significantly amplified across 18% of cancers, and many cancer cell lines have amplified, overexpressed MECP2 and are dependent on MECP2 expression for growth. MECP2 copy-number gain and RAS family member alterations are mutually exclusive in several cancer types. The MECP2 splicing isoforms activate the major growth factor pathways targeted by activated RAS, the MAPK and PI3K pathways. MECP2 rescued the growth of a KRAS(G12C)-addicted cell line after KRAS downregulation, and activated KRAS rescues the growth of an MECP2-addicted cell line after MECP2 downregulation. MECP2 binding to the epigenetic modification 5-hydroxymethylcytosine is required for efficient transformation. These observations suggest that MECP2 is a commonly amplified oncogene with an unusual epigenetic mode of action.

SIGNIFICANCE

MECP2 is a commonly amplified oncogene in human malignancies with a unique epigenetic mechanism of action. Cancer Discov; 6(1); 45-58. ©2015 AACR.This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1.

Effect of cholesterol reduction on receptor signaling in neurons

Diabetes mellitus is associated with a variety of complications, including alterations in the central nervous system (CNS). We have recently shown that diabetes results in a reduction of cholesterol synthesis in the brain due to decreased insulin stimulation of SREBP2-mediated cholesterol synthesis in neuronal and glial cells. In the present study, we explored the effects of the decrease in cholesterol on neuronal cell function using GT1-7 hypothalamic cells subjected to cholesterol depletion in vitro using three independent methods: 1) exposure to methyl-β-cyclodextrin, 2) treatment with the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor simvastatin, and 3) shRNA-mediated knockdown of SREBP2. All three methods produced 20-31% reductions in cellular cholesterol content, similar to the decrease in cholesterol synthesis observed in diabetes. All cholesterol-depleted neuron-derived cells, independent of the method of reduction, exhibited decreased phosphorylation/activation of IRS-1 and AKT following stimulation by insulin, insulin-like growth factor-1, or the neurotrophins (NGF and BDNF). ERK phosphorylation/activation was also decreased after methyl-β-cyclodextrin and statin treatment but increased in cells following SREBP2 knockdown. In addition, apoptosis in the presence of amyloid-β was increased. Reduction in cellular cholesterol also resulted in increased basal autophagy and impairment of induction of autophagy by glucose deprivation. Together, these data indicate that a reduction in neuron-derived cholesterol content, similar to that observed in diabetic brain, creates a state of insulin and growth factor resistance that could contribute to CNS-related complications of diabetes, including increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer disease.

Ras history: The saga continues

Although the roots of Ras sprouted from the rich history of retrovirus research, it was the discovery of mutationally activated RAS genes in human cancer in 1982 that stimulated an intensive research effort to understand Ras protein structure, biochemistry and biology. While the ultimate goal has been developing anti-Ras drugs for cancer treatment, discoveries from Ras have laid the foundation for three broad areas of science. First, they focused studies on the origins of cancer to the molecular level, with the subsequent discovery of genes mutated in cancer that now number in the thousands. Second, elucidation of the biochemical mechanisms by which Ras facilitates signal transduction established many of our fundamental concepts of how a normal cell orchestrates responses to extracellular cues. Third, Ras proteins are also founding members of a large superfamily of small GTPases that regulate all key cellular processes and established the versatile role of small GTP-binding proteins in biology. We highlight some of the key findings of the last 28 years.

Effector recruitment method to study spatially regulated activation of Ras and Rho GTPases

Ras and Rho family GTPases control a wide variety of cellular processes, and the signaling downstream of these GTPases is influenced by their subcellular localization when activated. Since only a minority of total cellular GTPases is active, observation of the total subcellular distribution of GTPases does not reveal where active GTPases are localized. In this chapter, we describe the use of effector recruitment assays to monitor the subcellular localization of active Ras and Rho family GTPases. The recruitment assay relies on preferential binding of downstream effectors to active GTPases versus inactive GTPases. Tagging the GTPase-binding-domain (GBD) of a downstream effector with a fluorescent protein produces a probe that is recruited to compartments where GTPases are active. We describe an example of a recruitment assay using the GBD of PAK1 to monitor Rac1 activity and explain how the assay can be expanded to determine the subcellular localization of activation of other GTPases.

Methods to study the Ras2 protein activation state and the subcellular localization of Ras-GTP in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Ras proteins were highly conserved during evolution. They function as a point of convergence for different signalling pathways in eukaryotes and are involved in a wide range of cellular responses (shift from gluconeogenic to fermentative growth, breakdown of storage carbohydrates, stress resistance, growth control and determination of life span, morphogenesis and development, and others). These proteins are members of the small GTPase superfamily, which are active in the GTP-bound form and inactive in the GDP-bound form. Given the importance of studies on the Ras protein activation state to understand the detailed mechanism of Ras-mediated signal transduction, we provide here a simple, sensitive, and reliable method, based on the high affinity interaction of Ras-GTP with the Ras binding domain (RBD) of Raf1, to measure the level of Ras2-GTP on total Ras2 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Moreover, to study the localization of Ras-GTP in vivo in single S. cerevisiae cells, we expressed a probe consisting of a GFP fusion with a trimeric Ras Binding Domain of Raf1 (eGFP-RBD3), which was proven to be a useful live-cell biosensor for Ras-GTP in mammalian cells.

Moving towards a paradigm: common mechanisms of chemotactic signaling in Dictyostelium and mammalian leukocytes

Chemotaxis, or directed migration of cells along a chemical gradient, is a highly coordinated process that involves gradient sensing, motility, and polarity. Most of our understanding of chemotaxis comes from studies of cells undergoing amoeboid-type migration, in particular the social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum and leukocytes. In these amoeboid cells the molecular events leading to directed migration can be conceptually divided into four interacting networks: receptor/G protein, signal transduction, cytoskeleton, and polarity. The signal transduction network occupies a central position in this scheme as it receives direct input from the receptor/G protein network, as well as feedback from the cytoskeletal and polarity networks. Multiple overlapping modules within the signal transduction network transmit the signals to the actin cytoskeleton network leading to biased pseudopod protrusion in the direction of the gradient. The overall architecture of the networks, as well as the individual signaling modules, is remarkably conserved between Dictyostelium and mammalian leukocytes, and the similarities and differences between the two systems are the subject of this review.

Tyrosine phosphorylation of Dbl regulates GTPase signaling

Rho GTPases are molecular "switches" that cycle between "on" (GTP-bound) and "off" (GDP-bound) states and regulate numerous cellular activities such as gene expression, protein synthesis, cytoskeletal rearrangements, and metabolic responses. Dysregulation of GTPases is a key feature of many diseases, especially cancers. Guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) of the Dbl family are activated by mitogenic cell surface receptors and activate the Rho family GTPases Cdc42, Rac1, and RhoA. The molecular mechanisms that regulate GEFs from the Dbl family are poorly understood. Our studies reveal that Dbl is phosphorylated on tyrosine residues upon stimulation by growth factors and that this event is critical for the regulated activation of the GEF. These findings uncover a novel layer of complexity in the physiological regulation of this protein.

The efficacy of Raf kinase recruitment to the GTPase H-ras depends on H-ras membrane conformer-specific nanoclustering

Solution structures and biochemical data have provided a wealth of mechanistic insight into Ras GTPases. However, information on how much the membrane organization of these lipid-modified proteins impacts on their signaling is still scarce. Ras proteins are organized into membrane nanoclusters, which are necessary for Ras-MAPK signaling. Using quantitative conventional and super-resolution fluorescence methods, as well as mathematical modeling, we investigated nanoclustering of H-ras helix α4 and hypervariable region mutants that have different bona fide conformations on the membrane. By following the emergence of conformer-specific nanoclusters in the plasma membrane of mammalian cells, we found that conformers impart distinct nanoclustering responses depending on the cytoplasmic levels of the nanocluster scaffold galectin-1. Computational modeling revealed that complexes containing H-ras conformers and galectin-1 affect both the number and lifetime of nanoclusters and thus determine the specific Raf effector recruitment. Our results show that mutations in Ras can affect its nanoclustering response and thus allosterically effector recruitment and downstream signaling. We postulate that cancer- and developmental disease-linked mutations that are associated with the Ras membrane conformation may exhibit so far unrecognized Ras nanoclustering and therefore signaling alterations.

Analyzing Ras-associated cell proliferation signaling

Ras-dependent signaling is an important regulator of cell cycle progression, proliferation, senescence, and apoptosis. Several of the downstream effectors of Ras play dual roles in each of these processes. Under one set of conditions, they promote cell cycle progression and proliferation; yet, in a different paradigm, they drive cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Furthermore, there is cross talk between certain downstream effectors of Ras including the PI3K-AKT and Raf-MEK-ERK pathways. Here we describe a series of experiments used to dissect the effect of different Ras-dependent signaling pathways on cell cycle progression, proliferation, senescence, and apoptosis. Furthermore, we highlight the importance of consistent growth conditions of cells in culture when studying Ras-dependent signaling as we show that the activation of downstream effectors of Ras changes with the confluency at which the cells are grown.

FE65 interacts with ADP-ribosylation factor 6 to promote neurite outgrowth

FE65 is an adaptor protein that binds to the amyloid precursor protein (APP). As such, FE65 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. In addition, evidence suggests that FE65 is involved in brain development. It is generally believed that FE65 participates in these processes by recruiting various interacting partners to form functional complexes. Here, we show that via its first phosphotyrosine binding (PTB) domain, FE65 binds to the small GTPase ADP-ribosylation factor 6 (ARF6). FE65 preferentially binds to ARF6-GDP, and they colocalize in neuronal growth cones. Interestingly, FE65 stimulates the activation of both ARF6 and its downstream GTPase Rac1, a regulator of actin dynamics, and functions in growth cones to stimulate neurite outgrowth. We show that transfection of FE65 and/or ARF6 promotes whereas small interfering RNA knockdown of FE65 or ARF6 inhibits neurite outgrowth in cultured neurons as compared to the mock-transfected control cells. Moreover, knockdown of ARF6 attenuates FE65 stimulation of neurite outgrowth and defective neurite outgrowth seen in FE65-deficient neurons is partially corrected by ARF6 overexpression. Notably, the stimulatory effect of FE65 and ARF6 on neurite outgrowth is abrogated either by dominant-negative Rac1 or knockdown of Rac1. Thus, we identify FE65 as a novel regulator of neurite outgrowth via controlling ARF6-Rac1 signaling.

Plekhg4 is a novel Dbl family guanine nucleotide exchange factor protein for rho family GTPases

Mutations in the PLEKHG4 (puratrophin-1) gene are associated with the heritable neurological disorder autosomal dominant spinocerebellar ataxia. However, the biochemical functions of this gene product have not been described. We report here that expression of Plekhg4 in the murine brain is developmentally regulated, with pronounced expression in the newborn midbrain and brainstem that wanes with age and maximal expression in the cerebellar Purkinje neurons in adulthood. We show that Plekhg4 is subject to ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation, and its steady-state expression levels are regulated by the chaperones Hsc70 and Hsp90 and by the ubiquitin ligase CHIP. On the functional level, we demonstrate that Plekhg4 functions as a bona fide guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) that facilitates activation of the small GTPases Rac1, Cdc42, and RhoA. Overexpression of Plekhg4 in NIH3T3 cells induces rearrangements of the actin cytoskeleton, specifically enhanced formation of lamellopodia and fillopodia. These findings indicate that Plekhg4 is an aggregation-prone member of the Dbl family GEFs and that regulation of GTPase signaling is critical for proper cerebellar function.

Crosstalk of small GTPases at the Golgi apparatus

Small GTPases regulate a wide range of homeostatic processes such as cytoskeletal dynamics, organelle homeostasis, cell migration and vesicle trafficking, as well as in pathologic conditions such as carcinogenesis and metastatic spreading. Therefore, it is important to understand the regulation of small GTPase signaling, but this is complicated by the fact that crosstalk exists between different GTPase families and that we have to understand how they signal in time and space. The Golgi apparatus represents a hub for several signaling molecules and its importance in this field is constantly increasing. In this review we will discuss small GTPases signaling at the Golgi apparatus. Then, we will highlight recent work that contributed to a better understanding of crosstalk between different small GTPase families, with a special emphasis on their crosstalk at the Golgi apparatus. Finally, we will give a brief overview of available methods and tools to investigate spatio-temporal small GTPase crosstalk.

Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) enhances the protein expression of CFTR

Low levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) have been observed in the serum of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. However, the effects of low serum IGF-1 on the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), whose defective function is the primary cause of cystic fibrosis, have not been studied. Here, we show in human cells that IGF-1 increases the steady-state levels of mature wildtype CFTR in a CFTR-associated ligand (CAL)- and TC10-dependent manner; moreover, IGF-1 increases CFTR-mediated chloride transport. Using an acceptor photobleaching fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) assay, we have confirmed the binding of CAL and CFTR in the Golgi. We also show that CAL overexpression inhibits forskolin-induced increases in the cell-surface expression of CFTR. We found that IGF-1 activates TC10, and active TC10 alters the functional association between CAL and CFTR. Furthermore, IGF-1 and active TC10 can reverse the CAL-mediated reduction in the cell-surface expression of CFTR. IGF-1 does not increase the expression of ΔF508 CFTR, whose processing is arrested in the ER. This finding is consistent with our observation that IGF-1 alters the functional interaction of CAL and CFTR in the Golgi. However, when ΔF508 CFTR is rescued with low temperature or the corrector VRT-325 and proceeds to the Golgi, IGF-1 can increase the expression of the rescued ΔF508 CFTR. Our data support a model indicating that CAL-CFTR binding in the Golgi inhibits CFTR trafficking to the cell surface, leading CFTR to the degradation pathway instead. IGF-1-activated TC10 changes the interaction of CFTR and CAL, allowing CFTR to progress to the plasma membrane. These findings offer a potential strategy using a combinational treatment of IGF-1 and correctors to increase the post-Golgi expression of CFTR in cystic fibrosis patients bearing the ΔF508 mutation.

Ras protein/cAMP-dependent protein kinase signaling is negatively regulated by a deubiquitinating enzyme, Ubp3, in yeast

Ras proteins and cAMP-dependent protein kinase (protein kinase A, PKA) are important components of a nutrient signaling pathway that mediates cellular responses to glucose in yeast. The molecular mechanisms that regulate Ras/PKA-mediated signaling remain to be fully understood. Here, we provide evidence that Ras/PKA signaling is negatively regulated by a deubiquitinating enzyme, Ubp3. Disrupting the activity of Ubp3 leads to hyperactivation of PKA, as evidenced by much enhanced phosphorylation of PKA substrates, decreased accumulation of glycogen, larger cell size, and increased sensitivity to heat shock. Levels of intracellular cAMP and the active forms of Ras proteins are also elevated in the ubp3Δ mutant. Consistent with a possibility that the increased cAMP is responsible for the abnormal signaling behavior of the ubp3Δ mutant, overexpressing PDE2, which encodes a phosphodiesterase that hydrolyzes cAMP, significantly relieves the cell size increase and heat shock sensitivity of the mutant. Further analysis reveals that Ubp3 interacts with a Ras GTPase-accelerating protein, Ira2, and regulates its level of ubiquitination. Together, our data indicate that Ubp3 is a new regulator of the Ras/PKA signaling pathway and suggest that Ubp3 regulates this pathway by controlling the ubiquitination of Ras GTPase-accelerating protein Ira2.

A genome-scale RNA-interference screen identifies RRAS signaling as a pathologic feature of Huntington's disease

A genome-scale RNAi screen was performed in a mammalian cell-based assay to identify modifiers of mutant huntingtin toxicity. Ontology analysis of suppressor data identified processes previously implicated in Huntington's disease, including proteolysis, glutamate excitotoxicity, and mitochondrial dysfunction. In addition to established mechanisms, the screen identified multiple components of the RRAS signaling pathway as loss-of-function suppressors of mutant huntingtin toxicity in human and mouse cell models. Loss-of-function in orthologous RRAS pathway members also suppressed motor dysfunction in a Drosophila model of Huntington's disease. Abnormal activation of RRAS and a down-stream effector, RAF1, was observed in cellular models and a mouse model of Huntington's disease. We also observe co-localization of RRAS and mutant huntingtin in cells and in mouse striatum, suggesting that activation of R-Ras may occur through protein interaction. These data indicate that mutant huntingtin exerts a pathogenic effect on this pathway that can be corrected at multiple intervention points including RRAS, FNTA/B, PIN1, and PLK1. Consistent with these results, chemical inhibition of farnesyltransferase can also suppress mutant huntingtin toxicity. These data suggest that pharmacological inhibition of RRAS signaling may confer therapeutic benefit in Huntington's disease.

Identification of mutant K-Ras-dependent phenotypes using a panel of isogenic cell lines

To assess the consequences of endogenous mutant K-Ras, we analyzed the signaling and biological properties of a small panel of isogenic cell lines. These include the cancer cell lines DLD1, HCT116, and Hec1A, in which either the WT or mutant K-ras allele has been disrupted, and SW48 colorectal cancer cells and human mammary epithelial cells in which a single copy of mutant K-ras was introduced at its endogenous genomic locus. We find that single copy mutant K-Ras causes surprisingly modest activation of downstream signaling to ERK and Akt. In contrast, a negative feedback signaling loop to EGFR and N-Ras occurs in some, but not all, of these cell lines. Mutant K-Ras also had relatively minor effects on cell proliferation and cell migration but more dramatic effects on cell transformation as assessed by growth in soft agar. Surprisingly, knock-out of the wild type K-ras allele consistently increased growth in soft agar, suggesting tumor-suppressive properties of this gene under these conditions. Finally, we examined the effects of single copy mutant K-Ras on global gene expression. Although transcriptional programs triggered by mutant K-Ras were generally quite distinct in the different cell lines, there was a small number of genes that were consistently overexpressed, and these could be used to monitor K-Ras inhibition in a panel of human tumor cell lines. We conclude that there are conserved components of mutant K-Ras signaling and phenotypes but that many depend on cell context and environmental cues.

Probing the GTPase cycle with real-time NMR: GAP and GEF activities in cell extracts

The Ras superfamily of small GTPases is a large family of switch-like proteins that control diverse cellular functions, and their deregulation is associated with multiple disease processes. When bound to GTP they adopt a conformation that interacts with effector proteins, whereas the GDP-bound state is generally biologically inactive. GTPase activating proteins (GAPs) promote hydrolysis of GTP, thus impeding the biological activity of GTPases, whereas guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) promote exchange of GDP for GTP and activate GTPase proteins. A number of methods have been developed to assay GTPase nucleotide hydrolysis and exchange, as well as the activity of GAPs and GEFs. The kinetics of these reactions are often studied with purified proteins and fluorescent nucleotide analogs, which have been shown to non-specifically impact hydrolysis and exchange. Most GAPs and GEFs are large multidomain proteins subject to complex regulation that is challenging to reconstitute in vitro. In cells, the activities of full-length GAPs or GEFs are typically assayed indirectly on the basis of nucleotide loading of the cognate GTPase, or by exploiting their interaction with effector proteins. Here, we describe a recently developed real-time NMR method to assay kinetics of nucleotide exchange and hydrolysis reactions by direct monitoring of nucleotide-dependent structural changes in an isotopically labeled GTPase. The unambiguous readout of this method makes it possible to precisely measure GAP and GEF activities from extracts of mammalian cells, enabling studies of their catalytic and regulatory mechanisms. We present examples of NMR-based assays of full-length GAPs and GEFs overexpressed in mammalian cells.

c-Src but not Fyn promotes proper spindle orientation in early prometaphase

Src family tyrosine kinases (SFKs) participate in mitotic signal transduction events, including mitotic entry, cleavage furrow ingression, and cytokinesis abscission. Although SFKs have been shown to associate with the mitotic spindle, the role of SFKs in mitotic spindle formation remains unclear. Here, we show that c-Src promotes proper spindle orientation in early prometaphase. Src localizes close to spindle poles in a manner independent of Src kinase activity. Three-dimensional analyses showed that Src inhibition induced spindle misorientation, exhibiting a tilting spindle in early prometaphase. Spindle misorientation is frequently seen in SYF cells, which harbor triple knock-out mutations of c-Src, c-Yes, and Fyn, and reintroduction of c-Src but not Fyn into SYF cells rescued spindle misorientation. Spindle misorientation was also observed upon Src inhibition under conditions in which Aurora B was inhibited. Inducible expression of c-Src promoted a properly oriented bipolar spindle, which was suppressed by Src inhibition. Aster formation was severely inhibited in SYF cells upon Aurora B inhibition, which was rescued by reintroduction of c-Src into SYF cells. Furthermore, reintroduction of c-Src facilitated microtubule regrowth from cold-induced depolymerization and accelerated M phase progression. These results suggest that c-Src is involved in spindle orientation through centrosome-mediated aster formation.

Twists in views on RB functions in cellular signaling, metabolism and stem cells

One-quarter of a century ago, identification of the human retinoblastoma gene (RB) loci proved Knudson's 'two-hit theory' that tumor suppressor genes exist. Since then, numerous works delineated crucial roles for the RB protein (pRB)-E2F transcription factor complex in G1-S phase transition. In addition, discovering the relationship between pRB and tissue-specific transcription factors enabled a better understanding of how cell cycle exit and terminal differentiation are coupled. Recent works provoked many exciting twists in views on pRB functions during cancer initiation and progression beyond its previously well-appreciated roles. Various mitogenic and cytostatic cellular signals appeared to modulate pRB functions and thus affect a wide variety of effector molecules. In addition, genetic studies in mice as well as other creatures incessantly force us to revise our views on pRB functions. This review will focus particularly on the roles of pRB in regulating intracellular signaling, cell metabolism, chromatin function, stem cells and cancer stem cells.

IGFBP5 induces cell adhesion, increases cell survival and inhibits cell migration in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells

Maintenance of tissue boundaries is crucial for control of metastasis. We describe a new signalling pathway in which epithelial cell disruption can be minimised and thereby restricts epithelial-mesenchymal transgressions. This involves the release of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-binding protein 5 (IGFBP5) from apoptotic cells, which increases the adhesion of epithelial cells on mesenchymal but not epithelial extracellular matrix (ECM), and involves the direct interaction of IGFBP5 and α2β1 integrins. IGFBP5 also induced cell adhesion to vitronectin in the absence of αVβ3 integrin, the vitronectin receptor, again through an α2β1-integrin-dependent action, suggesting that IGFBP5 can induce spreading on matrices, even in the absence of the integrins normally used in this process. Using IGFBP5 mutants we demonstrate that the effect is IGF-independent but requires the heparin-binding domain in the C-terminus of IGFBP5. A truncated mutant containing only the C-terminal of IGFBP5 also induced adhesion. Adhesion induced by IGFBP5 was dependent on Cdc42 and resulted in activation of integrin-linked kinase (ILK) and Akt. Consistent with these changes, IGFBP5 facilitated prolonged cell survival in nutrient-poor conditions and decreased phosphorylation of the stress-activated kinase p38 MAPK (MAPK14). Whereas IGFBP5 enhanced adhesion, it inhibited cell migration, although this was not evident using the truncated C-terminal mutant, suggesting that effects of IGFBP5 on adhesion and migration involve different mechanisms. We anticipate that these responses to IGFBP5 would reduce the metastatic potential of cells.

NOX2 activated by α1-adrenoceptors modulates hepatic metabolic routes stimulated by β-adrenoceptors

The NADPH oxidase (NOX) family of enzymes oxidase catalyzes the transport of electrons from NADPH to molecular oxygen and generates O(2)(•-), which is rapidly converted into H(2)O(2). We aimed to identify in hepatocytes the protein NOX complex responsible for H(2)O(2) synthesis after α(1)-adrenoceptor (α(1)-AR) stimulation, its activation mechanism, and to explore H(2)O(2) as a potential modulator of hepatic metabolic routes, gluconeogenesis, and ureagenesis, stimulated by the ARs. The dormant NOX2 complex present in hepatocyte plasma membrane (HPM) contains gp91(phox), p22(phox), p40(phox), p47(phox), p67(phox) and Rac 1 proteins. In HPM incubated with NADPH and guanosine triphosphate (GTP), α(1)-AR-mediated H(2)O(2) synthesis required all of these proteins except for p40(phox). A functional link between α(1)-AR and NOX was identified as the Gα(13) protein. Alpha(1)-AR stimulation in hepatocytes promotes Rac1-GTP generation, a necessary step for H(2)O(2) synthesis. Negative cross talk between α(1)-/β-ARs for H(2)O(2) synthesis was observed in HPM. In addition, negative cross talk of α(1)-AR via H(2)O(2) to β-AR-mediated stimulation was recorded in hepatocyte gluconeogenesis and ureagenesis, probably involving aquaporine activity. Based on previous work we suggest that H(2)O(2), generated after NOX2 activation by α(1)-AR lightening in hepatocytes, reacts with cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) subunits to form an oxidized PKA, insensitive to cAMP activation that prevented any rise in the rate of gluconeogenesis and ureagenesis.

Interleukin-1α, -6, and -8 decrease Cdc42 activity resulting in loss of articular chondrocyte phenotype

Small GTPase proteins mediate changes in cellular morphology and other cellular functions. The aim of this study was to examine signaling of the small GTPase Cdc42 by stimulating chondrocytes grown in monolayer with long- (96 h) or short- (2 and 30 min) term exposure to interleukin-1α (IL-1α), IL-6, or IL-8. Quantitative PCR was used to determine changes in collagen type IIB (COL2A1), aggrecan (AGG), and matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) gene expression after prolonged cytokine exposure. Effects of short-term treatment with IL-α, IL-6, or IL-8 on endogenous GTP-bound Cdc42 levels were assessed using an affinity assay, and on actin filament organization using confocal microscopy. Cytokine treatments significantly decreased COL2A1 and AGG expression and increased MMP-13 expression. Short exposure to IL-1α, IL-6, or IL-8 decreased endogenous GTP-Cdc42 and increased stress fibers, which were reversed with cytochalasin D treatment. These results show that IL-mediated Cdc42 signaling modifies chondrocyte phenotype and morphology. This may lend insight into the altered chondrocyte phenotype in catabolic conditions such as osteoarthritis.

Homogeneous single-label biochemical Ras activation assay using time-resolved luminescence

Mutations of the small GTP-binding protein Ras have been commonly found in tumors, and Ras oncogenes have been established to be involved in the early steps of cancerogenesis. The detection of Ras activity is critical in the determination of the cell signaling events controlling cell growth and differentiation. Therefore, development of improved methods for primary screening of novel potential drugs that target small GTPase or their regulators and their signaling pathways is important. Several assays have been developed for small GTPases studies, but all these methods have limitations for a high-throughput screening (HTS) use. Multiple steps including separation, use of radioactive labels or time-consuming immunoblotting, and a need of large quantities of purified proteins are decreasing the user-friendliness of these methods. Here, we have developed a homogeneous H-Ras activity assay based on a single-label utilizing the homogeneous quenching resonance energy transfer technique (QRET). In the QRET method, the binding of a terbium-labeled GTP (Tb-GTP) to small GTPase protein H-Ras protects the signal of the label from quenching, whereas the signal of the nonbound fraction of Tb-GTP is quenched by a soluble quencher. This enables a rapid determination of the changes in the activity status of Ras. The assay optimization showed that only 60 nM concentration of purified H-Ras protein was needed. The functionality of the assay was proved by detecting the effect of H-Ras guanine nucleotide exchange factor, Son of Sevenless. The signal-to-background ratio up to 7.7 was achieved with an average assay coefficient of variation of 9.1%. The use of a low concentration of purified protein is desirable and the signal-to-background ratio of 3.4 was achieved in the assay at a concentration of 60 nM for H-Ras and SOS proteins. The need of only one labeled molecule and the ability to decrease the quantities of purified proteins used in the experiments are valuable qualities in HTS showing the potential of the QRET method.

Functional specificity of ras isoforms: so similar but so different

H-ras, N-ras, and K-ras are canonical ras gene family members frequently activated by point mutation in human cancers and coding for 4 different, highly related protein isoforms (H-Ras, N-Ras, K-Ras4A, and K-Ras4B). Their expression is nearly ubiquitous and broadly conserved across eukaryotic species, although there are quantitative and qualitative differences of expression depending on the tissue and/or developmental stage under consideration. Extensive functional studies have determined during the last quarter century that these Ras gene products are critical components of signaling pathways that control eukaryotic cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation. However, because of their homology and frequent coexpression in various cellular contexts, it remained unclear whether the different Ras proteins play specific or overlapping functional roles in physiological and pathological processes. Initially, their high degree of sequence homology and the observation that all Ras isoforms share common sets of downstream effectors and upstream activators suggested that they were mostly redundant functionally. In contrast, the notion of functional specificity for each of the different Ras isoforms is supported at present by an increasing body of experimental observations, including 1) the fact that different ras isoforms are preferentially mutated in specific types of tumors or developmental disorders; 2) the different transforming potential of transfected ras genes in different cell contexts; 3) the distinct sensitivities exhibited by the various Ras family members for modulation by different GAPs or GEFs; 4) the demonstration that different Ras isoforms follow distinct intracellular processing pathways and localize to different membrane microdomains or subcellular compartments; 5) the different phenotypes displayed by genetically modified animal strains for each of the 3 ras loci; and 6) the specific transcriptional networks controlled by each isoform in different cellular settings.

"Competence" progress

Zwang et al. (2011) have identified outputs of two EGF pulses that commit cells to cycle. The first induces components for lipid biosynthesis and sets up an inhibitory latch through p53. The second works through ERK to EGR1 and releases the latch to promote restriction point traverse.

Novel RasGRF1-derived Tat-fused peptides inhibiting Ras-dependent proliferation and migration in mouse and human cancer cells

Mutations of RAS genes are critical events in the pathogenesis of different human tumors and Ras proteins represent a major clinical target for the development of specific inhibitors to use as anticancer agents. Here we present RasGRF1-derived peptides displaying both in vitro and in vivo Ras inhibitory properties. These peptides were designed on the basis of the down-sizing of dominant negative full-length RasGRF1 mutants. The over-expression of these peptides can revert the phenotype of K-RAS transformed mouse fibroblasts to wild type, as monitored by several independent biological readouts, including Ras-GTP intracellular levels, ERK activity, morphology, proliferative potential and anchorage independent growth. Fusion of the RasGRF1-derived peptides with the Tat protein transduction domain allows their uptake into mammalian cells. Chemically synthesized Tat-fused peptides, reduced to as small as 30 residues on the basis of structural constraints, retain Ras inhibitory activity. These small peptides interfere in vitro with the GEF catalyzed nucleotide dissociation and exchange on Ras, reduce cell proliferation of K-RAS transformed mouse fibroblasts, and strongly reduce Ras-dependent IGF-I-induced migration and invasion of human bladder cancer cells. These results support the use of RasGRF1-derived peptides as model compounds for the development of Ras inhibitory anticancer agents.

Spatiotemporal regulation of small GTPases as revealed by probes based on the principle of Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET): Implications for signaling and pharmacology

Low molecular weight ("small") GTPases are key regulators of a number of signaling cascades. Each GTPase is regulated by numerous guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) and GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs), and each GTPase binds to numerous effector proteins in a GTP-dependent manner. In many instances, individual regulators activate more than one GTPase, and each effector binds to one or more GTPases belonging to the same family. To untangle these complex networks, probes based on the principle of Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) are widely used. Here, we provide an overview of the probes based on FRET and examples of discoveries achieved with them. In the process, we attempt to delineate the merits, current limitations, and future applications of this technique to pharmacological studies.

Antagonistic interactions between the cAMP-dependent protein kinase and Tor signaling pathways modulate cell growth in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Eukaryotic cells integrate information from multiple sources to respond appropriately to changes in the environment. Here, we examined the relationship between two signaling pathways in Saccharomyces cerevisiae that are essential for the coordination of cell growth with nutrient availability. These pathways involve the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) and Tor proteins, respectively. Although these pathways control a similar set of processes important for growth, it was not clear how their activities were integrated in vivo. The experiments here examined this coordination and, in particular, tested whether the PKA pathway was primarily a downstream effector of the TORC1 signaling complex. Using a number of reporters for the PKA pathway, we found that the inhibition of TORC1 did not result in diminished PKA signaling activity. To the contrary, decreased TORC1 signaling was generally associated with elevated levels of PKA activity. Similarly, TORC1 activity appeared to increase in response to lower levels of PKA signaling. Consistent with these observations, we found that diminished PKA signaling partially suppressed the growth defects associated with decreased TORC1 activity. In all, these data suggested that the PKA and TORC1 pathways were functioning in parallel to promote cell growth and that each pathway might restrain, either directly or indirectly, the activity of the other. The potential significance of this antagonism for the regulation of cell growth and overall fitness is discussed.

TLN-4601 suppresses growth and induces apoptosis of pancreatic carcinoma cells through inhibition of Ras-ERK MAPK signaling

BACKGROUND

TLN-4601 is a structurally novel farnesylated dibenzodiazepinone discovered using Thallion's proprietary DECIPHER® technology, a genomics and bioinformatics platform that predicts the chemical structures of secondary metabolites based on gene sequences obtained by scanning bacterial genomes. Our recent studies suggest that TLN-4601 inhibits the Ras-ERK MAPK pathway post Ras prenylation and prior to MEK activation. The Ras-ERK MAPK signaling pathway is a well-validated oncogenic cascade based on its central role in regulating the growth and survival of cells from a broad spectrum of human tumors. Furthermore, RAS isoforms are the most frequently mutated oncogenes, occurring in approximately 30% of all human cancers, and KRAS is the most commonly mutated RAS gene, with a greater than 90% incidence of mutation in pancreatic cancer.

RESULTS

To evaluate whether TLN-4601 interferes with K-Ras signaling, we utilized human pancreatic epithelial cells and demonstrate that TLN-4601 treatment resulted in a dose- and time-dependent inhibition of Ras-ERK MAPK signaling. The compound also reduced Ras-GTP levels and induced apoptosis. Finally, treatment of MIA PaCa-2 tumor-bearing mice with TLN-4601 resulted in antitumor activity and decreased tumor Raf-1 protein levels.

CONCLUSION

These data, together with phase I/II clinical data showing tolerability of TLN-4601, support conducting a clinical trial in advanced pancreatic cancer patients.

Candida albicans PHO81 is required for the inhibition of hyphal development by farnesoic acid

Farnesoic acid is a signaling molecule that inhibits the transition from budding yeast to filament formation in Candida albicans, but the molecular mechanism regulated by this substance is unknown. In this study, we analyzed the function of CaPHO81, which is induced by farnesoic acid. The pho81Δ mutant cells existed exclusively as filaments under favorable yeast growth conditions. Furthermore, the inhibition of hyphal growth and repression of CPH1, EFG1, HWP1, and GAP1 mRNA expression in response to farnesoic acid were defective in pho81Δ mutant cells. These data suggest a role for CaPHO81 in the inhibition of hyphal development by farnesoic acid.

Genetic and functional characterization of putative Ras/Raf interaction inhibitors in C. elegans and mammalian cells

Background

Activation of the mammalian Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK MAPK signaling cascade promotes cellular proliferation, and activating Ras mutations are implicated in cancer onset and maintenance. This pathway, a therapeutic target of interest, is highly conserved and required for vulval development in C. elegans. Gain-of-function mutations in the Ras ortholog lead to constitutive pathway signaling and a multivulva (Muv) phenotype. MCP compounds were identified in a yeast two-hybrid screen for their ability to disrupt Ras-Raf interactions. However, this had not been confirmed in another system, and conflicting results were reported regarding selective MCP-mediated blockade of Ras- and Raf-mediated biological activities in mammalian cells. Here we used the easily-scored Muv phenotype as an in vivo readout to characterize the selectivity of MCP110 and its analogs, and performed biochemical studies in mammalian cells to determine whether MCP treatment results in impaired interaction between Ras and its effector Raf.

Results

Our genetic analyses showed significant dose-dependent MCP-mediated reduction of Muv in C. elegans strains with activating mutations in orthologs of Ras (LET-60) or Raf (LIN-45), but not MAP kinases or an Ets-like transcription factor. Thus, these inhibitors selectively impair pathway function downstream of Ras and upstream of or at the level of Raf, consistent with disruption of the Ras/Raf interaction. Our biochemical analyses of MCP110-mediated disruption of Ras-Raf interactions in mammalian cells showed that MCP110 dose-dependently reduced Raf-RBD pulldown of Ras, displaced a fluorescently-tagged Raf-RBD probe from plasma membrane locations of active Ras to the cytosol and other compartments, and decreased active, phosphorylated ERK1/2.

Conclusions

We have effectively utilized C. elegans as an in vivo genetic system to evaluate the activity and selectivity of inhibitors intended to target the Ras-Raf-MAPK pathway. We demonstrated the ability of MCP110 to disrupt, at the level of Ras/Raf, the Muv phenotype induced by chronic activation of this pathway in C. elegans. In mammalian cells, we not only demonstrated MCP-mediated blockade of the physical interaction between Ras and Raf, but also narrowed the site of interaction on Raf to the RBD, and showed consequent functional impairment of the Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK pathway in both in vivo and cell-based systems.

Differential requirement of the epidermal growth factor receptor for G protein-mediated activation of transcription factors by lysophosphatidic acid

Background

The role of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and other receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) in provoking biological actions of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) has been one of the most disputed subjects in the field of GPCR signal transduction. The purpose of the current study is to identify EGFR-mediated mechanisms involved in activation of G protein cascades and the downstream transcription factors by lysophosphatidic acid (LPA).

Results

In ovarian cancer cells highly responsive to LPA, activation of AP-1 by LPA was suppressed by inhibition of EGFR, an effect that could be reversed by co-stimulation of another receptor tyrosine kinase c-Met with hepatocyte growth factor, indicating that LPA-mediated activation of AP-1 requires activity of a RTK, not necessarily EGFR. Induction of AP-1 components by LPA lied downstream of Gi, G12/13, and Gq. Activation of the effectors of Gi, but not Gq or G12/13 was sensitive to inhibition of EGFR. In contrast, LPA stimulated another prominent transcription factor NF-κB via the Gq-PKC pathway in an EGFR-independent manner. Consistent with the importance of Gi-elicited signals in a plethora of biological processes, LPA-induced cytokine production, cell proliferation, migration and invasion require intact EGFR.

Conclusions

An RTK activity is required for activation of the AP-1 transcription factor and other Gi-dependent cellular responses to LPA. In contrast, activation of G12/13, Gq and Gq-elicited NF-κB by LPA is independent of such an input. These results provide a novel insight into the role of RTK in GPCR signal transduction and biological functions.