1
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Adrees S, Imtiaz A, Yaseen A, Irfan Fareed M, Anwar W, Ashraf A, Shabbir RMK, Andlib S, Hussain M, Tariq A, Mateen RM, Saqib MAN, Parveen R. In-silico analysis of potential anticancer drug for NEK7 and PPP1CA proteins overexpressed in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024:1-17. [PMID: 38469816 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2024.2318484] [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: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
NIMA-related kinase 7 (NEK7) and phosphoprotein phosphatase-1 catalytic subunit alpha (PPP1CA) are the most common proteins overexpressed in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, which is the most common type of pancreatic cancer. The goal of the current study was to identify a possible NEK7 and PPP1CA therapeutic inhibitor. For this investigation, 5000 compounds were retrieved from the IMPPAT library of phytochemicals, which were docked with our respective target proteins. Also, a reference compound, gemcitabine, which is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved drug, was docked with the target proteins. The binding energy of the reference compound for both the targeted proteins was -6.5 kcal/mol. The common ligand with the lowest binding energy for both targets is boeravinone B (PubChem ID: 14018348) with -9.2 kcal/mol of NEK7 and -7.6 kcal/mol for PPP1CA. The compound was further investigated through density function theory (DFT) and molecular dynamic simulation analysis. The root mean square deviation (RMSD), root mean square fluctuation (RMSF), radius of gyration (Rg), and hydrogen bonding analysis indicated the stability of the boeravinone B with the target proteins (NEK7 and PPP1CA).Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safa Adrees
- Department of Life sciences, School of Science, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Anam Imtiaz
- Department of Life sciences, School of Science, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Aiman Yaseen
- Department of Life sciences, School of Science, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Irfan Fareed
- Department of Life sciences, School of Science, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Waqar Anwar
- Department of Life sciences, School of Science, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Asma Ashraf
- Department of Zoology, Division of science and Technology, University of Education, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | - Shaista Andlib
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Mureed Hussain
- Department of Life sciences, School of Science, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
- Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Agha Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Asma Tariq
- School of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Rana Muhammad Mateen
- Department of Life sciences, School of Science, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
- Centre for Applied Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | - Rukhsana Parveen
- Centre for Applied Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
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2
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Basei FL, E Silva IR, Dias PRF, Ferezin CC, Peres de Oliveira A, Issayama LK, Moura LAR, da Silva FR, Kobarg J. The Mitochondrial Connection: The Nek Kinases' New Functional Axis in Mitochondrial Homeostasis. Cells 2024; 13:473. [PMID: 38534317 DOI: 10.3390/cells13060473] [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: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria provide energy for all cellular processes, including reactions associated with cell cycle progression, DNA damage repair, and cilia formation. Moreover, mitochondria participate in cell fate decisions between death and survival. Nek family members have already been implicated in DNA damage response, cilia formation, cell death, and cell cycle control. Here, we discuss the role of several Nek family members, namely Nek1, Nek4, Nek5, Nek6, and Nek10, which are not exclusively dedicated to cell cycle-related functions, in controlling mitochondrial functions. Specifically, we review the function of these Neks in mitochondrial respiration and dynamics, mtDNA maintenance, stress response, and cell death. Finally, we discuss the interplay of other cell cycle kinases in mitochondrial function and vice versa. Nek1, Nek5, and Nek6 are connected to the stress response, including ROS control, mtDNA repair, autophagy, and apoptosis. Nek4, in turn, seems to be related to mitochondrial dynamics, while Nek10 is involved with mitochondrial metabolism. Here, we propose that the participation of Neks in mitochondrial roles is a new functional axis for the Nek family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda L Basei
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-871, Brazil
| | - Ivan Rosa E Silva
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-871, Brazil
| | - Pedro R Firmino Dias
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-871, Brazil
| | - Camila C Ferezin
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-871, Brazil
| | | | - Luidy K Issayama
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-871, Brazil
| | - Livia A R Moura
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-871, Brazil
| | | | - Jörg Kobarg
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-871, Brazil
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3
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Jeon SB, Jeong PS, Kang HG, Kim MJ, Yun JH, Lim KS, Song BS, Kim SU, Cho SK, Sim BW. NEK2 plays an essential role in porcine embryonic development by maintaining mitotic division and DNA damage response via the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway. Cell Prolif 2024:e13626. [PMID: 38426218 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
NIMA-related kinase 2 (NEK2) is a serine/threonine protein kinase that regulates mitosis and plays pivotal roles in cell cycle regulation and DNA damage repair. However, its function in porcine embryonic development is unknown. In this study, we used an NEK2-specific inhibitor, JH295 (JH), to investigate the role of NEK2 in embryonic development and the underlying regulatory mechanisms. Inhibition of NEK2 after parthenogenesis activation or in vitro fertilization significantly reduced the rates of cleavage and blastocyst formation, the numbers of trophectoderm and total cells and the cellular survival rate compared with the control condition. NEK2 inhibition delayed cell cycle progression at all stages from interphase to cytokinesis during the first mitotic division; it caused abnormal nuclear morphology in two- and four-cell stage embryos. Additionally, NEK2 inhibition significantly increased DNA damage and apoptosis, and it altered the expression levels of DNA damage repair- and apoptosis-related genes. Intriguingly, NEK2 inhibition downregulated the expression of β-catenin and its downstream target genes. To validate the relationship between Wnt/β-catenin signalling and NEK2 during porcine embryonic development, we cultured porcine embryos in JH-treated medium with or without CHIR99021, a Wnt activator. CHIR99021 co-treatment strongly restored the developmental parameters reduced by NEK2 inhibition to control levels. Our findings suggest that NEK2 plays an essential role in porcine embryonic development by regulating DNA damage repair and normal mitotic division via the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se-Been Jeon
- Futuristic Animal Resource & Research Center (FARRC), Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Cheongju, Republic of Korea
- Department of Animal Science, College of Natural Resources & Life Science, Pusan National University, Miryang, Republic of Korea
| | - Pil-Soo Jeong
- Futuristic Animal Resource & Research Center (FARRC), Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo-Gu Kang
- Futuristic Animal Resource & Research Center (FARRC), Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Cheongju, Republic of Korea
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Science, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Ju Kim
- Futuristic Animal Resource & Research Center (FARRC), Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Cheongju, Republic of Korea
- Department of Animal Science, College of Natural Resources & Life Science, Pusan National University, Miryang, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hyeon Yun
- Futuristic Animal Resource & Research Center (FARRC), Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Cheongju, Republic of Korea
- Department of Animal BioScience, School of Animal Life Convergence, Hankyong National University, Ansung, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Seob Lim
- Futuristic Animal Resource & Research Center (FARRC), Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Bong-Seok Song
- Futuristic Animal Resource & Research Center (FARRC), Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun-Uk Kim
- Futuristic Animal Resource & Research Center (FARRC), Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Cheongju, Republic of Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Keun Cho
- Department of Animal Science, Life and Industry Convergence Research Institute (RICRI), College of Natural Resources & Life Science, Pusan National University, Miryang, Republic of Korea
| | - Bo-Woong Sim
- Futuristic Animal Resource & Research Center (FARRC), Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Cheongju, Republic of Korea
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4
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Joseph BB, Naslavsky N, Binti S, Conquest S, Robison L, Bai G, Homer RO, Grant BD, Caplan S, Fay DS. Conserved NIMA kinases regulate multiple steps of endocytic trafficking. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1010741. [PMID: 37099601 PMCID: PMC10166553 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Human NIMA-related kinases have primarily been studied for their roles in cell cycle progression (NEK1/2/6/7/9), checkpoint-DNA-damage control (NEK1/2/4/5/10/11), and ciliogenesis (NEK1/4/8). We previously showed that Caenorhabditis elegans NEKL-2 (NEK8/9 homolog) and NEKL-3 (NEK6/7 homolog) regulate apical clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) in the worm epidermis and are essential for molting. Here we show that NEKL-2 and NEKL-3 also have distinct roles in controlling endosome function and morphology. Specifically, loss of NEKL-2 led to enlarged early endosomes with long tubular extensions but showed minimal effects on other compartments. In contrast, NEKL-3 depletion caused pronounced defects in early, late, and recycling endosomes. Consistently, NEKL-2 was strongly localized to early endosomes, whereas NEKL-3 was localized to multiple endosomal compartments. Loss of NEKLs also led to variable defects in the recycling of two resident cargoes of the trans-Golgi network (TGN), MIG-14/Wntless and TGN-38/TGN38, which were missorted to lysosomes after NEKL depletion. In addition, defects were observed in the uptake of clathrin-dependent (SMA-6/Type I BMP receptor) and independent cargoes (DAF-4/Type II BMP receptor) from the basolateral surface of epidermal cells after NEKL-2 or NEKL-3 depletion. Complementary studies in human cell lines further showed that siRNA knockdown of the NEKL-3 orthologs NEK6 and NEK7 led to missorting of the mannose 6-phosphate receptor from endosomes. Moreover, in multiple human cell types, depletion of NEK6 or NEK7 disrupted both early and recycling endosomal compartments, including the presence of excess tubulation within recycling endosomes, a defect also observed after NEKL-3 depletion in worms. Thus, NIMA family kinases carry out multiple functions during endocytosis in both worms and humans, consistent with our previous observation that human NEKL-3 orthologs can rescue molting and trafficking defects in C. elegans nekl-3 mutants. Our findings suggest that trafficking defects could underlie some of the proposed roles for NEK kinases in human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Braveen B. Joseph
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Agriculture Life Sciences, and Natural Resources, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, United States of America
| | - Naava Naslavsky
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
- The Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Shaonil Binti
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Agriculture Life Sciences, and Natural Resources, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, United States of America
| | - Sylvia Conquest
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Agriculture Life Sciences, and Natural Resources, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, United States of America
| | - Lexi Robison
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Agriculture Life Sciences, and Natural Resources, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, United States of America
| | - Ge Bai
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Rafael O. Homer
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Agriculture Life Sciences, and Natural Resources, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, United States of America
| | - Barth D. Grant
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Steve Caplan
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
- The Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - David S. Fay
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Agriculture Life Sciences, and Natural Resources, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, United States of America
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5
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Nguyen K, Boehling J, Tran MN, Cheng T, Rivera A, Collins-Burow BM, Lee SB, Drewry DH, Burow ME. NEK Family Review and Correlations with Patient Survival Outcomes in Various Cancer Types. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15072067. [PMID: 37046733 PMCID: PMC10093199 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15072067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The Never in Mitosis Gene A (NIMA)–related kinases (NEKs) are a group of serine/threonine kinases that are involved in a wide array of cellular processes including cell cycle regulation, DNA damage repair response (DDR), apoptosis, and microtubule organization. Recent studies have identified the involvement of NEK family members in various diseases such as autoimmune disorders, malignancies, and developmental defects. Despite the existing literature exemplifying the importance of the NEK family of kinases, this family of protein kinases remains understudied. This report seeks to provide a foundation for investigating the role of different NEKs in malignancies. We do this by evaluating the 11 NEK family kinase gene expression associations with patients’ overall survival (OS) from various cancers using the Kaplan–Meier Online Tool (KMPlotter) to correlate the relationship between mRNA expression of NEK1-11 in various cancers and patient survival. Furthermore, we use the Catalog of Somatic Mutations in Cancer (COSMIC) database to identify NEK family mutations in cancers of different tissues. Overall, the data suggest that the NEK family has varying associations with patient survival in different cancers with tumor-suppressive and tumor-promoting effects being tissue-dependent.
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6
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Voltage-Gated T-Type Calcium Channel Modulation by Kinases and Phosphatases: The Old Ones, the New Ones, and the Missing Ones. Cells 2023; 12:cells12030461. [PMID: 36766802 PMCID: PMC9913649 DOI: 10.3390/cells12030461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Calcium (Ca2+) can regulate a wide variety of cellular fates, such as proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy. More importantly, changes in the intracellular Ca2+ level can modulate signaling pathways that control a broad range of physiological as well as pathological cellular events, including those important to cellular excitability, cell cycle, gene-transcription, contraction, cancer progression, etc. Not only intracellular Ca2+ level but the distribution of Ca2+ in the intracellular compartments is also a highly regulated process. For this Ca2+ homeostasis, numerous Ca2+ chelating, storage, and transport mechanisms are required. There are also specialized proteins that are responsible for buffering and transport of Ca2+. T-type Ca2+ channels (TTCCs) are one of those specialized proteins which play a key role in the signal transduction of many excitable and non-excitable cell types. TTCCs are low-voltage activated channels that belong to the family of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels. Over decades, multiple kinases and phosphatases have been shown to modulate the activity of TTCCs, thus playing an indirect role in maintaining cellular physiology. In this review, we provide information on the kinase and phosphatase modulation of TTCC isoforms Cav3.1, Cav3.2, and Cav3.3, which are mostly described for roles unrelated to cellular excitability. We also describe possible potential modulations that are yet to be explored. For example, both mitogen-activated protein kinase and citron kinase show affinity for different TTCC isoforms; however, the effect of such interaction on TTCC current/kinetics has not been studied yet.
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7
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NEK6 Regulates Redox Balance and DNA Damage Response in DU-145 Prostate Cancer Cells. Cells 2023; 12:cells12020256. [PMID: 36672191 PMCID: PMC9856815 DOI: 10.3390/cells12020256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
NEK6 is a central kinase in developing castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). However, the pathways regulated by NEK6 in CRPC are still unclear. Cancer cells have high reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and easily adapt to this circumstance and avoid cell death by increasing antioxidant defenses. We knocked out the NEK6 gene and evaluated the redox state and DNA damage response in DU-145 cells. The knockout of NEK6 decreases the clonogenic capacity, proliferation, cell viability, and mitochondrial activity. Targeting the NEK6 gene increases the level of intracellular ROS; decreases the expression of antioxidant defenses (SOD1, SOD2, and PRDX3); increases JNK phosphorylation, a stress-responsive kinase; and increases DNA damage markers (p-ATM and γH2AX). The exogenous overexpression of NEK6 also increases the expression of these same antioxidant defenses and decreases γH2AX. The depletion of NEK6 also induces cell death by apoptosis and reduces the antiapoptotic Bcl-2 protein. NEK6-lacking cells have more sensitivity to cisplatin. Additionally, NEK6 regulates the nuclear localization of NF-κB2, suggesting NEK6 may regulate NF-κB2 activity. Therefore, NEK6 alters the redox balance, regulates the expression of antioxidant proteins and DNA damage, and its absence induces the death of DU-145 cells. NEK6 inhibition may be a new strategy for CRPC therapy.
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8
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Liu F, Dai L, Li Z, Yin’s X. Novel variants of NEK9 associated with neonatal arthrogryposis: Two case reports and a literature review. Front Genet 2023; 13:989215. [PMID: 36712877 PMCID: PMC9879004 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.989215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: Pathogenic variants in NEK9 (MIM: 609798) have been identified in patients with lethal congenital contracture syndrome 10 (OMIM: 617022) and arthrogryposis, Perthes disease, and upward gaze palsy (APUG and OMIM: 614262). The shared core phenotype is multiple joint contractures or arthrogryposis. In the present study, three novel variants of NEK9 associated with neonatal arthrogryposis were reported. Methods: The clinical data of two premature infants and their parents were collected. The genomic DNA was extracted from their peripheral blood samples and subjected to trio-whole-exome sequencing (trio-WES) and copy number variation analysis. Results: Using trio-WES, a total of three novel pathogenic variants of NEK9 were detected in the two families. Patient 1 carried compound heterozygous variations of c.717C > A (p. C239*741) and c.2824delA (p.M942Cfs*21), which were inherited from his father and mother, respectively. Patient 2 also carried compound heterozygous variations of c.61G > T (p. E21*959) and c. 2824delA (p. M942Cfs*21), which were inherited from his father and mother, respectively. These variants have not been previously reported in the ClinVar, HGMD, or gnomAD databases. Conclusion: This is the first report about NEK9-related arthrogryposis in neonatal patients. The findings from this study suggest that different types of mutations in NEK9 lead to different phenotypes. Our study expanded the clinical phenotype spectrum and gene spectrum of NEK9-associated arthrogryposis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, NICU, the 980th Hospital of the People’s Liberation Army Joint Service Support Force, Bethune International Peace Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China,*Correspondence: Fang Liu,
| | - Liying Dai
- Department of Neonatology, Anhui Children’s Hospital, Hefei, China
| | - Zhi Li
- Department of Pediatrics, NICU, the 980th Hospital of the People’s Liberation Army Joint Service Support Force, Bethune International Peace Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xiaowei Yin’s
- Department of Pediatrics, NICU, the 980th Hospital of the People’s Liberation Army Joint Service Support Force, Bethune International Peace Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China
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9
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Panchal NK, Mohanty S, Prince SE. NIMA-related kinase-6 (NEK6) as an executable target in cancer. CLINICAL & TRANSLATIONAL ONCOLOGY : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE FEDERATION OF SPANISH ONCOLOGY SOCIETIES AND OF THE NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE OF MEXICO 2023; 25:66-77. [PMID: 36074296 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-022-02926-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a disease that develops when cells begin to divide uncontrollably and spreads to other parts of the body. Proliferation and invasion of cancerous cells are generally known to be influenced by cell cycle-related proteins in human malignancies. Therefore, in this review, we have emphasized on the serine/threonine kinase named NEK6. NEK6 is been deliberated to play a critical role in mitosis progression that includes mitotic spindle formation, metaphase to anaphase transition, and centrosome separation. Moreover, it has a mechanistic role in DNA repair and can cause apoptosis when inhibited. Past studies have connected NEK6 protein expression to cancer cell senescence. Besides, there are reports relating NEK6 to a range of malignancies including breast, lung, ovarian, prostate, kidney, liver, and others. Given its significance, this review attempts to describe the structural and functional aspects of NEK6 in various cellular processes, as well as how it is linked to different forms of cancer. Lastly, we have accentuated, on some of the plausible inhibitors that have been explored against NEK6 overexpression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nagesh Kishan Panchal
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014, India
| | - Shruti Mohanty
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014, India
| | - Sabina Evan Prince
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014, India.
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Langlois-Lemay L, D’Amours D. Moonlighting at the Poles: Non-Canonical Functions of Centrosomes. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:930355. [PMID: 35912107 PMCID: PMC9329689 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.930355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Centrosomes are best known as the microtubule organizing centers (MTOCs) of eukaryotic cells. In addition to their classic role in chromosome segregation, centrosomes play diverse roles unrelated to their MTOC activity during cell proliferation and quiescence. Metazoan centrosomes and their functional doppelgängers from lower eukaryotes, the spindle pole bodies (SPBs), act as important structural platforms that orchestrate signaling events essential for cell cycle progression, cellular responses to DNA damage, sensory reception and cell homeostasis. Here, we provide a critical overview of the unconventional and often overlooked roles of centrosomes/SPBs in the life cycle of eukaryotic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Langlois-Lemay
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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11
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Basei FL, de Castro Ferezin C, Rodrigues de Oliveira AL, Muñoz JP, Zorzano A, Kobarg J. Nek4 regulates mitochondrial respiration and morphology. FEBS J 2022; 289:3262-3279. [DOI: 10.1111/febs.16343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Luisa Basei
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas Universidade Estadual de Campinas Brazil
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona) The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology Spain
| | - Camila de Castro Ferezin
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas Universidade Estadual de Campinas Brazil
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Tecidual Instituto de Biologia Universidade Estadual de Campinas Brazil
| | - Ana Luisa Rodrigues de Oliveira
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas Universidade Estadual de Campinas Brazil
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Tecidual Instituto de Biologia Universidade Estadual de Campinas Brazil
| | - Juan Pablo Muñoz
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona) The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology Spain
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biomedicina Molecular Facultat de Biologia Universitat de Barcelona Spain
- CIBER de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM) Instituto de Salud Carlos III Barcelona Spain
| | - Antonio Zorzano
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona) The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology Spain
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biomedicina Molecular Facultat de Biologia Universitat de Barcelona Spain
- CIBER de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM) Instituto de Salud Carlos III Barcelona Spain
| | - Jörg Kobarg
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas Universidade Estadual de Campinas Brazil
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Tecidual Instituto de Biologia Universidade Estadual de Campinas Brazil
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12
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Identification of potent inhibitors of NEK7 protein using a comprehensive computational approach. Sci Rep 2022; 12:6404. [PMID: 35436996 PMCID: PMC9016071 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10253-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
NIMA related Kinases (NEK7) plays an important role in spindle assembly and mitotic division of the cell. Over expression of NEK7 leads to the progression of different cancers and associated malignancies. It is becoming the next wave of targets for the development of selective and potent anti-cancerous agents. The current study is the first comprehensive computational approach to identify potent inhibitors of NEK7 protein. For this purpose, previously identified anti-inflammatory compound i.e., Phenylcarbamoylpiperidine-1,2,4-triazole amide derivatives by our own group were selected for their anti-cancer potential via detailed Computational studies. Initially, the density functional theory (DFT) calculations were carried out using Gaussian 09 software which provided information about the compounds' stability and reactivity. Furthermore, Autodock suite and Molecular Operating Environment (MOE) software’s were used to dock the ligand database into the active pocket of the NEK7 protein. Both software performances were compared in terms of sampling power and scoring power. During the analysis, Autodock results were found to be more reproducible, implying that this software outperforms the MOE. The majority of the compounds, including M7, and M12 showed excellent binding energies and formed stable protein–ligand complexes with docking scores of − 29.66 kJ/mol and − 31.38 kJ/mol, respectively. The results were validated by molecular dynamics simulation studies where the stability and conformational transformation of the best protein–ligand complex were justified on the basis of RMSD and RMSF trajectory analysis. The drug likeness properties and toxicity profile of all compounds were determined by ADMETlab 2.0. Furthermore, the anticancer potential of the potent compounds were confirmed by cell viability (MTT) assay. This study suggested that selected compounds can be further investigated at molecular level and evaluated for cancer treatment and associated malignancies.
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13
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In Mitosis You Are Not: The NIMA Family of Kinases in Aspergillus, Yeast, and Mammals. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23074041. [PMID: 35409400 PMCID: PMC8999480 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23074041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The Never in mitosis gene A (NIMA) family of serine/threonine kinases is a diverse group of protein kinases implicated in a wide variety of cellular processes, including cilia regulation, microtubule dynamics, mitotic processes, cell growth, and DNA damage response. The founding member of this family was initially identified in Aspergillus and was found to play important roles in mitosis and cell division. The yeast family has one member each, Fin1p in fission yeast and Kin3p in budding yeast, also with functions in mitotic processes, but, overall, these are poorly studied kinases. The mammalian family, the main focus of this review, consists of 11 members named Nek1 to Nek11. With the exception of a few members, the functions of the mammalian Neks are poorly understood but appear to be quite diverse. Like the prototypical NIMA, many members appear to play important roles in mitosis and meiosis, but their functions in the cell go well beyond these well-established activities. In this review, we explore the roles of fungal and mammalian NIMA kinases and highlight the most recent findings in the field.
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14
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Yan Z, Da Q, Li Z, Lin Q, Yi J, Su Y, Yu G, Ren Q, Liu X, Lin Z, Qu J, Yin W, Liu J. Inhibition of NEK7 Suppressed Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression by Mediating Cancer Cell Pyroptosis. Front Oncol 2022; 12:812655. [PMID: 35223495 PMCID: PMC8866693 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.812655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
NIMA-related kinase 7 (NEK7) is a serine/threonine kinase involved in cell cycle progression via mitotic spindle formation and cytokinesis. It has been related to multiple cancers, including breast cancer, hepatocellular cancer, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer. Moreover, NEK7 regulated the NLRP3 inflammasome to activate Caspase-1, resulting in cell pyroptosis. In the present study, we investigated whether NEK7 is involved in cell pyroptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Interestingly, we found that NEK7 was significantly related to expression of pyroptosis marker GSDMD in HCC. We found that NEK7 expression was significantly correlated with GSDMD expression in bioinformatics analysis, and NEK7 expression was significantly co-expressed with GSDMD in our HCC specimens. Cell viability, migration, and invasion capacity of HCC cell lines were inhibited, and the tumor growth in the xenograft mouse model was also suppressed following knockdown of NEK7 expression. Mechanistic studies revealed that knockdown of NEK7 in HCC cells significantly upregulated the expression of pyroptosis markers such as NLRP3, Caspase-1, and GSDMD. Coculture of HCC cells stimulated hepatic stellate cell activation by increasing p-ERK1/2 and α-SMA. Knockdown of NEK7 impaired the stimulation of HCC cells. Therefore, downregulation of NEK7 inhibited cancer–stromal interaction by triggering cancer cell pyroptosis. Taken together, this study highlights the functional role of NEK7-regulated pyroptosis in tumor progression and cancer–stromal interaction of HCC, suggesting NEK7 as a potential target for a new therapeutic strategy of HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zilong Yan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen-Peking University-Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qingen Da
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen-Peking University-Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen-Peking University-Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhangfu Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen-Peking University-Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qirui Lin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jing Yi
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yanze Su
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guanyin Yu
- Department of Pathology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qingqi Ren
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xu Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zewei Lin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jianhua Qu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Weihua Yin
- Department of Pathology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jikui Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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15
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Huang X, Zhang G, Tang T, Gao X, Liang T. One shoot, three birds: Targeting NEK2 orchestrates chemoradiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy in cancer treatment. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188696. [PMID: 35157980 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Combinational therapy has improved the cancer therapeutic landscape but is associated with a concomitant increase in adverse side reactions. Emerging evidence proposes that targeting one core target with multiple critical roles in tumors can achieve combined anti-tumor effects. This review focuses on NEK2, a member of serine/threonine kinases, with broad sequence identity to the mitotic regulator NIMA of the filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans. Elevated expression of NEK2 was initially found to promote tumorigeneses through abnormal regulation of the cell cycle. Subsequent studies report that NEK2 is overexpressed in a broad spectrum of tumor types and is associated with tumor progression and therapeutic resistance. Intriguingly, NEK2 has recently been revealed to mediate tumor immune escape by stabilizing the expression of PD-L1. Targeting NEK2 is thus becoming a promising approach for cancer treatment by orchestrating chemoradiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. It represents a novel strategy for inducing combined anti-cancer effects using a mono-agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Huang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China; Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; The Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Gang Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China; Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; The Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tianyu Tang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China; Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; The Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiang Gao
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China; Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; The Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tingbo Liang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China; Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; The Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China.
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16
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Dana D, Das T, Choi A, Bhuiyan AI, Das TK, Talele TT, Pathak SK. Nek2 Kinase Signaling in Malaria, Bone, Immune and Kidney Disorders to Metastatic Cancers and Drug Resistance: Progress on Nek2 Inhibitor Development. Molecules 2022; 27:347. [PMID: 35056661 PMCID: PMC8779408 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27020347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell cycle kinases represent an important component of the cell machinery that controls signal transduction involved in cell proliferation, growth, and differentiation. Nek2 is a mitotic Ser/Thr kinase that localizes predominantly to centrosomes and kinetochores and orchestrates centrosome disjunction and faithful chromosomal segregation. Its activity is tightly regulated during the cell cycle with the help of other kinases and phosphatases and via proteasomal degradation. Increased levels of Nek2 kinase can promote centrosome amplification (CA), mitotic defects, chromosome instability (CIN), tumor growth, and cancer metastasis. While it remains a highly attractive target for the development of anti-cancer therapeutics, several new roles of the Nek2 enzyme have recently emerged: these include drug resistance, bone, ciliopathies, immune and kidney diseases, and parasitic diseases such as malaria. Therefore, Nek2 is at the interface of multiple cellular processes and can influence numerous cellular signaling networks. Herein, we provide a critical overview of Nek2 kinase biology and discuss the signaling roles it plays in both normal and diseased human physiology. While the majority of research efforts over the last two decades have focused on the roles of Nek2 kinase in tumor development and cancer metastasis, the signaling mechanisms involving the key players associated with several other notable human diseases are highlighted here. We summarize the efforts made so far to develop Nek2 inhibitory small molecules, illustrate their action modalities, and provide our opinion on the future of Nek2-targeted therapeutics. It is anticipated that the functional inhibition of Nek2 kinase will be a key strategy going forward in drug development, with applications across multiple human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dibyendu Dana
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, Queens College of the City University of New York, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, NY 11367, USA; (D.D.); (T.D.); (A.C.); (A.I.B.)
- KemPharm Inc., 2200 Kraft Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
| | - Tuhin Das
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, Queens College of the City University of New York, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, NY 11367, USA; (D.D.); (T.D.); (A.C.); (A.I.B.)
| | - Athena Choi
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, Queens College of the City University of New York, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, NY 11367, USA; (D.D.); (T.D.); (A.C.); (A.I.B.)
- Brooklyn Technical High School, 29 Fort Greene Pl, Brooklyn, NY 11217, USA
| | - Ashif I. Bhuiyan
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, Queens College of the City University of New York, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, NY 11367, USA; (D.D.); (T.D.); (A.C.); (A.I.B.)
- Chemistry Doctoral Program, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, 365 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Tirtha K. Das
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA;
- Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Department of Genetics and Genomic Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Tanaji T. Talele
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John’s University, 8000 Utopia Parkway, Queens, NY 11439, USA;
| | - Sanjai K. Pathak
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, Queens College of the City University of New York, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, NY 11367, USA; (D.D.); (T.D.); (A.C.); (A.I.B.)
- Chemistry Doctoral Program, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, 365 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Biochemistry Doctoral Program, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, 365 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA
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17
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Anuraga G, Wang WJ, Phan NN, An Ton NT, Ta HDK, Berenice Prayugo F, Minh Xuan DT, Ku SC, Wu YF, Andriani V, Athoillah M, Lee KH, Wang CY. Potential Prognostic Biomarkers of NIMA (Never in Mitosis, Gene A)-Related Kinase (NEK) Family Members in Breast Cancer. J Pers Med 2021; 11:1089. [PMID: 34834441 PMCID: PMC8625415 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11111089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer remains the most common malignant cancer in women, with a staggering incidence of two million cases annually worldwide; therefore, it is crucial to explore novel biomarkers to assess the diagnosis and prognosis of breast cancer patients. NIMA-related kinase (NEK) protein kinase contains 11 family members named NEK1-NEK11, which were discovered from Aspergillus Nidulans; however, the role of NEK family genes for tumor development remains unclear and requires additional study. In the present study, we investigate the prognosis relationships of NEK family genes for breast cancer development, as well as the gene expression signature via the bioinformatics approach. The results of several integrative analyses revealed that most of the NEK family genes are overexpressed in breast cancer. Among these family genes, NEK2/6/8 overexpression had poor prognostic significance in distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) in breast cancer patients. Meanwhile, NEK2/6 had the highest level of DNA methylation, and the functional enrichment analysis from MetaCore and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) suggested that NEK2 was associated with the cell cycle, G2M checkpoint, DNA repair, E2F, MYC, MTORC1, and interferon-related signaling. Moreover, Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) results showed that the transcriptional levels of NEK2 were positively correlated with immune infiltration of B cells and CD4+ T Cell. Collectively, the current study indicated that NEK family genes, especially NEK2 which is involved in immune infiltration, and may serve as prognosis biomarkers for breast cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gangga Anuraga
- PhD Program for Cancer Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and Academia Sinica, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (G.A.); (H.D.K.T.); (K.-H.L.)
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (F.B.P.); (D.T.M.X.); (S.-C.K.)
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitas PGRI Adi Buana, Surabaya 60234, Indonesia;
| | - Wei-Jan Wang
- Research Center for Cancer Biology, Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung 40604, Taiwan;
| | - Nam Nhut Phan
- Institute for Environmental Science, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam; (N.N.P.); (N.T.A.T.)
| | - Nu Thuy An Ton
- Institute for Environmental Science, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam; (N.N.P.); (N.T.A.T.)
| | - Hoang Dang Khoa Ta
- PhD Program for Cancer Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and Academia Sinica, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (G.A.); (H.D.K.T.); (K.-H.L.)
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (F.B.P.); (D.T.M.X.); (S.-C.K.)
| | - Fidelia Berenice Prayugo
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (F.B.P.); (D.T.M.X.); (S.-C.K.)
| | - Do Thi Minh Xuan
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (F.B.P.); (D.T.M.X.); (S.-C.K.)
| | - Su-Chi Ku
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (F.B.P.); (D.T.M.X.); (S.-C.K.)
| | - Yung-Fu Wu
- Department of Medical Research, Tri-Service General Hospital, School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan;
| | - Vivin Andriani
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitas PGRI Adi Buana, Surabaya 60234, Indonesia;
| | - Muhammad Athoillah
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitas PGRI Adi Buana, Surabaya 60234, Indonesia;
| | - Kuen-Haur Lee
- PhD Program for Cancer Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and Academia Sinica, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (G.A.); (H.D.K.T.); (K.-H.L.)
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (F.B.P.); (D.T.M.X.); (S.-C.K.)
- Cancer Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Yang Wang
- PhD Program for Cancer Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and Academia Sinica, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (G.A.); (H.D.K.T.); (K.-H.L.)
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (F.B.P.); (D.T.M.X.); (S.-C.K.)
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18
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Yan Z, Qu J, Li Z, Yi J, Su Y, Lin Q, Yu G, Lin Z, Yin W, Lu F, Liu J. NEK7 Promotes Pancreatic Cancer Progression And Its Expression Is Correlated With Poor Prognosis. Front Oncol 2021; 11:705797. [PMID: 34295827 PMCID: PMC8290842 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.705797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The prognosis for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients is still dismal. Elucidation of associated genomic alteration may provide effective therapeutic strategies for PDAC treatment. NIMA-related protein kinase 7 is widely expressed in various tumors, including breast cancer, colorectal cancer and lung cancer, and promotes the proliferation of liver cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. We investigated the protein expression level of NEK7 in tumor tissues and adjacent normal tissues using immunohistochemistry of 90 patients with PADC. Meanwhile, the RNA expression level of NEK7 was examined using database-based bioinformatic analysis. Correlation and significance of NEK7 expression with patient clinicopathological features and prognosis were examined. Cell proliferation, cell adhesion, migration and invasion capabilities were measured following downregulation of NEK7 expression. 3D tumor organoids of pancreatic cancer were established and splenic xenografted into nude mice, then liver metastatic ability of NEK7 was evaluated in following 4 weeks. We observed NEK7 expression was upregulated in tumor tissues compared to normal tissues at both RNA and protein levels using bioinformatic analysis and immunohistochemistry analysis in PDAC. NEK7 expression was undetectable in normal pancreatic ducts; NEK7 was overexpressed in primary tumor of PDAC; NEK7 expression was highly correlated with advanced T stage, poorly differentiated histological grade invasive ductal carcinoma, and lymphatic invasion. Meanwhile, patients with higher NEK7 expression accompanied by worse survival outcome. Moreover, NEK7 promoted migration, invasion, adhesion, proliferation and liver metastatic ability of pancreatic cancer cells. Taken together, our data indicate that NEK7 promotes pancreatic cancer progression and it may be a potential marker for PDAC prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zilong Yan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen-Peking University-Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jianhua Qu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhangfu Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen-Peking University-Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jing Yi
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yanze Su
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qirui Lin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guangyin Yu
- Department of Pathology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zewei Lin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Weihua Yin
- Department of Pathology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Fengmin Lu
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Jikui Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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19
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Melo-Hanchuk TD, Kobarg J. Polyglutamylase activity of tubulin tyrosine ligase-like 4 is negatively regulated by the never in mitosis gene A family kinase never in mitosis gene A -related kinase 5. World J Biol Chem 2021; 12:38-51. [PMID: 34084286 PMCID: PMC8160597 DOI: 10.4331/wjbc.v12.i3.38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tubulins, building blocks of microtubules, are modified substrates of diverse post-translational modifications including phosphorylation, polyglycylation and polyglutamylation. Polyglutamylation of microtubules, catalyzed by enzymes from the tubulin tyrosine ligase-like (TTLL) family, can regulate interactions with molecular motors and other proteins. Due to the diversity and functional importance of microtubule modifications, strict control of the TTLL enzymes has been suggested.
AIM To characterize the interaction between never in mitosis gene A-related kinase 5 (NEK5) and TTLL4 proteins and the effects of TTLL4 phosphorylation.
METHODS The interaction between NEK5 and TTLL4 was identified by yeast two-hybrid screening using the C-terminus of NEK5 (a.a. 260–708) as bait and confirmed by immunoprecipitation. The phosphorylation sites of TTLL4 were identified by mass spectrometry and point mutations were introduced.
RESULTS Here, we show that NEK5 interacts with TTLL4 and regulates its polyglutamylation activity. We further show that NEK5 can also interact with TTLL5 and TTLL7. The silencing of NEK5 increases the levels of polyglutamylation of proteins by increasing the activity of TTLL4. The same effects were observed after the expression of the catalytically inactive form of NEK5. This regulation of TTLL4 activity involves its phosphorylation at Y815 and S1136 amino acid residues.
CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate, for the first time, the regulation of TTLL activity through phosphorylation, pointing to NEK5 as a potential effector kinase. We also suggest a general control of tubulin polyglutamylation through NEK family members in human cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jörg Kobarg
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-862, Brazil
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20
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Liu M, Ju X, Zou J, Shi J, Jia G. Recent researches for dual Aurora target inhibitors in antitumor field. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 203:112498. [PMID: 32693295 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Non-infectious and chronic diseases such as malignant tumors are now one of the main causes of human death. Its occurrence is a multi-factor, multi-step complex process with biological characteristics such as cell differentiation, abnormal proliferation, uncontrolled growth, and metastasis. It has been found that a variety of human malignant tumors are accompanied by over-expression and proliferation of Aurora kinase, which causes abnormalities in the mitotic process and is related to the instability of the genome that causes tumors. Therefore, the use of Aurora kinase inhibitors to target tumors is becoming a research hotspot. However, in cancer, because of the complexity of signal transduction system and the participation of different proteins and enzymes, the anticancer effect of selective single-target drugs is limited. After inhibiting one pathway, signal molecules can be conducted through other pathways, resulting in poor therapeutic effect of single-target drug treatment. Multi-target drugs can solve this problem very well. It can regulate the various links that cause disease at the same time without completely eliminating the relationship between the signal transmission systems, and it is not easy to cause drug resistance. Currently, studies have shown that Aurora dual-target inhibitors generated with the co-inhibition of Aurora and another target (such as CDK, PLK, JAK2, etc.) have better therapeutic effects on tumors. In this paper, we reviewed the studies of dual Aurora inhibitors that have been discovered in recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maoyu Liu
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Standardization of Chinese Herbal Medicines of Ministry, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources, Pharmacy College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Xueming Ju
- Department of Ultrasound, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Jing Zou
- Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Jianyou Shi
- Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China.
| | - Guiqing Jia
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, China.
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21
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Hennessey KM, Alas GCM, Rogiers I, Li R, Merritt EA, Paredez AR. Nek8445, a protein kinase required for microtubule regulation and cytokinesis in Giardia lamblia. Mol Biol Cell 2020; 31:1611-1622. [PMID: 32459558 PMCID: PMC7521801 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e19-07-0406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Giardia has 198 Nek kinases whereas humans have only 11. Giardia has a complex microtubule cytoskeleton that includes eight flagella and several unique microtubule arrays that are utilized for parasite attachment and facilitation of rapid mitosis and cytokinesis. The need to regulate these structures may explain the parallel expansion of the number of Nek family kinases. Here we use live and fixed cell imaging to uncover the role of Nek8445 in regulating Giardia cell division. We demonstrate that Nek8445 localization is cell cycle regulated and this kinase has a role in regulating overall microtubule organization. Nek8445 depletion results in short flagella, aberrant ventral disk organization, loss of the funis, defective axoneme exit, and altered cell shape. The axoneme exit defect is specific to the caudal axonemes, which exit from the posterior of the cell, and this defect correlates with rounding of the cell posterior and loss of the funis. Our findings implicate a role for the funis in establishing Giardia’s cell shape and guiding axoneme docking. On a broader scale our results support the emerging view that Nek family kinases have a general role in regulating microtubule organization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Germain C M Alas
- Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
| | - Ilse Rogiers
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
| | - Renyu Li
- Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
| | - Ethan A Merritt
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
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22
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Fractionation-Dependent Radiosensitization by Molecular Targeting of Nek1. Cells 2020; 9:cells9051235. [PMID: 32429458 PMCID: PMC7291120 DOI: 10.3390/cells9051235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
NIMA (never-in-mitosis gene A)-related kinase 1 (Nek1) is shown to impact on different cellular pathways such as DNA repair, checkpoint activation, and apoptosis. Its role as a molecular target for radiation sensitization of malignant cells, however, remains elusive. Stably transduced doxycycline (Dox)-inducible Nek1 shRNA HeLa cervix and siRNA-transfected HCT-15 colorectal carcinoma cells were irradiated in vitro and 3D clonogenic radiation survival, residual DNA damage, cell cycle distribution, and apoptosis were analyzed. Nek1 knockdown (KD) sensitized both cell lines to ionizing radiation following a single dose irradiation and more pronounced in combination with a 6 h fractionation (3 × 2 Gy) regime. For preclinical analyses we focused on cervical cancer. Nek1 shRNA HeLa cells were grafted into NOD/SCID/IL-2Rγc−/− (NSG) mice and Nek1 KD was induced by Dox-infused drinking water resulting in a significant cytostatic effect if combined with a 6 h fractionation (3 × 2 Gy) regime. In addition, we correlated Nek1 expression in biopsies of patients with cervical cancer with histopathological parameters and clinical follow-up. Our results indicate that elevated levels of Nek1 were associated with an increased rate of local or distant failure, as well as with impaired cancer-specific and overall survival in univariate analyses and for most endpoints in multivariable analyses. Finally, findings from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) validation cohort confirmed a significant association of high Nek1 expression with a reduced disease-free survival. In conclusion, we consider Nek1 to represent a novel biomarker and potential therapeutic target for drug development in the context of optimized fractionation intervals.
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23
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Al Mutairi F, Alkhalaf R, Alkhorayyef A, Alroqi F, Yusra A, Umair M, Nouf F, Khan A, Meshael A, Hamad A, Monira A, Asiri A, Alhamoudi KM, Alfadhel M. Homozygous truncating NEK10 mutation, associated with primary ciliary dyskinesia: a case report. BMC Pulm Med 2020; 20:141. [PMID: 32414360 PMCID: PMC7229615 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-020-1175-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD) is also known as immotile-cilia syndrome, an autosomal recessive disorder of ciliary function, leading to mucus retention in the respiratory system in childhood. Our knowledge in the pathophysiological aspect of this devastating disorder is increasing with the advancement of genetic and molecular testing. Case presentation Here in, we report two siblings with a classical clinical and radiological presentation of PCD. Using whole exome sequencing we identified a homozygous truncating variant (c.3402 T > A); p.(Tyr1134*) in the NEK10 gene. Western bolt analysis revealed a decrease in the expression of NEK10 protein in the patient cells. Conclusions NEK10 plays a central role in the post-mitotic process of cilia assembly, regulating ciliary length and functions during physiological and pathological status. This study highlights the challenges of identifying disease-causing variants for a highly heterogeneous disorder and reports on the identification of a novel variant in NEK10 which recently associated with PCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuad Al Mutairi
- Medical Genetics Division, Department of Pediatrics, King Abdullah specialized Children's Hospital, King Abdulaziz Medical City, P. O Box 22490, Riyadh, 11426, Saudi Arabia. .,Medical Genomics Research Department, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGH), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Randa Alkhalaf
- Medical Genetics Division, Department of Pediatrics, King Abdullah specialized Children's Hospital, King Abdulaziz Medical City, P. O Box 22490, Riyadh, 11426, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Alkhorayyef
- Pulmonary Division, Department of Pediatrics, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fayhan Alroqi
- Medical Genomics Research Department, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGH), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Immunology Division, Department of Pediatrics, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alyafee Yusra
- Medical Genomics Research Department, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGH), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Umair
- Medical Genomics Research Department, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGH), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fetaini Nouf
- Medical Genomics Research Department, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGH), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amjad Khan
- Medical Genomics Research Department, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGH), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alharbi Meshael
- Medical Genomics Research Department, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGH), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aleidi Hamad
- Medical Genomics Research Department, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGH), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alaujan Monira
- Medical Genomics Research Department, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGH), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulaziz Asiri
- Medical Genomics Research Department, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGH), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kheloud M Alhamoudi
- Medical Genomics Research Department, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGH), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Majid Alfadhel
- Medical Genetics Division, Department of Pediatrics, King Abdullah specialized Children's Hospital, King Abdulaziz Medical City, P. O Box 22490, Riyadh, 11426, Saudi Arabia.,Medical Genomics Research Department, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGH), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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24
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Takatani S, Verger S, Okamoto T, Takahashi T, Hamant O, Motose H. Microtubule Response to Tensile Stress Is Curbed by NEK6 to Buffer Growth Variation in the Arabidopsis Hypocotyl. Curr Biol 2020; 30:1491-1503.e2. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2020.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 01/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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25
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Xu Z, Shen W, Pan A, Sun F, Zhang J, Gao P, Li L. Decreased Nek9 expression correlates with aggressive behaviour and predicts unfavourable prognosis in breast cancer. Pathology 2020; 52:329-335. [PMID: 32098687 DOI: 10.1016/j.pathol.2019.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 11/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
As a new member of Neks family, Nek9 regulates spindle assembly and controls chromosome alignment and centrosome separation. In the current study we aimed to investigate the expression of Nek9 in breast cancer and its clinical significance. We evaluated the expression of Nek9 in invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC, n=316), ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), usual ductal hyperplasia, atypical ductal hyperplasia, fibroadenoma and normal breast tissues using immunohistochemistry. The results revealed significantly reduced Nek9 in IDCs (41.8%) compared to benign breast lesions. Moreover, gradually reduced Nek9 was found from DCIS to invasive carcinoma and metastatic tumour within the same tumours. The decrease in Nek9 expression was associated with larger tumour size (p=0.0087), high grade (p<0.0001) and high Ki-67 index (p<0.0020). TCGA and GEO datasets analysis revealed low level of Nek9 mRNA was more frequent in triple negative breast cancers, and associated with poor overall survival and distant metastasis-free survival. These findings suggest an important role of Nek9 in the progression of breast cancer, and aberrantly expressed Nek9 correlates with more aggressive clinicopathological variables and predicts poor clinical prognosis. Nek9 may serve as a potential predictive factor for patients with breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziru Xu
- Department of Pathology, Shandong University, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Wenping Shen
- Department of Pathology, Shandong University, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Aifeng Pan
- Department of Pathology, Shandong University, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Feifei Sun
- Department of Pathology, Shandong University, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Shandong University, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Peng Gao
- Department of Pathology, Shandong University, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Pathology, Shandong University, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, PR China.
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26
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Xu X, Li M, Deng Z, Hu J, Jiang Z, Liu Y, Chang K, Hu C. Grass Carp ( Ctenopharyngodon idellus) NIMA-Related Kinase 6 Blocks dsRNA-Induced IFN I Response by Targeting IRF3. Front Immunol 2020; 11:597775. [PMID: 33488591 PMCID: PMC7820699 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.597775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence indicates that mammalian NIMA (never in mitosis, gene A)-related kinase 6 (NEK6) plays potential roles during the course of tumorigenesis, but little is known about NEK6 in lower vertebrates. Herein, we reported a mammalian ortholog of NEK6 in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) (CiNEK6). Multiple alignment of amino acid sequences and phylogenetic analysis showed that CiNEK6 shares a high level of sequence similarity with its counterparts in birds. CiNEK6 was ubiquitously expressed in all tested tissues, and its expression level was increased under treatment with GCRV (dsRNA virus) or poly I:C (dsRNA analog). Q-PCR and dual-luciferase assays suggested that CiNEK6 overexpression suppressed IFN I activity in CIK cells treated with poly I:C. Knockdown of CiNEK6 resulted in a higher level of IFN I expression in CIK cells treated with poly I:C compared to those which received PBS. Interestingly, analysis of subcellular localization demonstrated that CiNEK6 protein scattered throughout the cytoplasm is gradually congregated together at the edges of karyotheca upon stimulation with poly I:C. Co-IP and co-localization assays suggested that CiNEK6 interacts with CiIRF3 after poly I:C challenge. In poly I:C-treated cells, the phosphorylation of CiIRF3 was increased by CiNEK6 knockdown, but was suppressed by CiNEK6 overexpression, suggesting that CiNEK6 decreases IFN I expression through inhibiting CiIRF3 activity. Cell viability assay, crystal violet staining, and detection of Vp5 also showed that CiNEK6 plays an inhibitory role in IRF3-mediated antiviral responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowen Xu
- College of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Meifeng Li
- College of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zeyuan Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jihuan Hu
- College of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zeyin Jiang
- College of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yapeng Liu
- College of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Kaile Chang
- College of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Chengyu Hu
- College of Life Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- *Correspondence: Chengyu Hu,
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27
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Vavrdová T, ˇSamaj J, Komis G. Phosphorylation of Plant Microtubule-Associated Proteins During Cell Division. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2019; 10:238. [PMID: 30915087 PMCID: PMC6421500 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2019.00238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Progression of mitosis and cytokinesis depends on the reorganization of cytoskeleton, with microtubules driving the segregation of chromosomes and their partitioning to two daughter cells. In dividing plant cells, microtubules undergo global reorganization throughout mitosis and cytokinesis, and with the aid of various microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs), they form unique systems such as the preprophase band (PPB), the acentrosomal mitotic spindle, and the phragmoplast. Such proteins include nucleators of de novo microtubule formation, plus end binding proteins involved in the regulation of microtubule dynamics, crosslinking proteins underlying microtubule bundle formation and members of the kinesin superfamily with microtubule-dependent motor activities. The coordinated function of such proteins not only drives the continuous remodeling of microtubules during mitosis and cytokinesis but also assists the positioning of the PPB, the mitotic spindle, and the phragmoplast, affecting tissue patterning by controlling cell division plane (CDP) orientation. The affinity and the function of such proteins is variably regulated by reversible phosphorylation of serine and threonine residues within the microtubule binding domain through a number of protein kinases and phosphatases which are differentially involved throughout cell division. The purpose of the present review is to provide an overview of the function of protein kinases and protein phosphatases involved in cell division regulation and to identify cytoskeletal substrates relevant to the progression of mitosis and cytokinesis and the regulation of CDP orientation.
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28
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He Z, Ni X, Xia L, Shao Z. Overexpression of NIMA-related kinase 6 (NEK6) contributes to malignant growth and dismal prognosis in Human Breast Cancer. Pathol Res Pract 2018; 214:1648-1654. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2018.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2018] [Revised: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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29
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Ding NH, Zhang L, Xiao Z, Rong ZX, Li Z, He J, Chen L, Ou DM, Liao WH, Sun LQ. NEK4 kinase regulates EMT to promote lung cancer metastasis. J Cell Mol Med 2018; 22:5877-5887. [PMID: 30247800 PMCID: PMC6237562 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.13857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2018] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a dynamic transitional state from the epithelial to mesenchymal phenotypes. Numerous studies have suggested that EMT and its intermediate states play important roles in tumor invasion and metastasis. To identify novel regulatory molecules of EMT, we screened a siRNA library targeting human 720 kinases in A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells harboring E‐cadherin promoter‐luciferase reporter vectors. NIMA‐related kinase‐4 (NEK4) was identified and characterized as a positive regulator of EMT in the screening. Suppression of NEK4 resulted in the inhibition of cell migration and invasion, accompanying with an increased expression of cell adhesion‐related proteins such as E‐cadherin and ZO1. Furthermore, NEK4 knockdown caused the decreased expression of the transcriptional factor Zeb1 and Smads proteins, which are known to play key roles in EMT regulation. Consistently, overexpression of NEK4 resulted in the decreased expression of E‐cadherin and increased expression of Smad3. Using a mouse model with tail vein injection of NEK4 knockdown stable cell line, we found a lower rate of tumor formation and metastasis of the NEK4‐knockdown cells in vivo. Thus, this study demonstrates NEK4 as a novel kinase involved in regulation of EMT and suggests that NEK4 may be further explored as a potential therapeutic target for lung cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nian-Hua Ding
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China.,Key laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology Hunan Province, Changsha, China.,Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China.,Key laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Zhi Xiao
- Deparment of Breast Cancer Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhuo-Xian Rong
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China.,Key laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Zhi Li
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China.,Key laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Jiang He
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China.,Key laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China.,Key laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Dan-Min Ou
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China.,Key laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Wei-Hua Liao
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Lun-Quan Sun
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, China.,Key laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology Hunan Province, Changsha, China
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30
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Hinojosa AJ, Deogracias R, Rico B. The Microtubule Regulator NEK7 Coordinates the Wiring of Cortical Parvalbumin Interneurons. Cell Rep 2018; 24:1231-1242. [PMID: 30067978 PMCID: PMC6088228 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.06.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Revised: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Functional networks in the mammalian cerebral cortex rely on the interaction between glutamatergic pyramidal cells and GABAergic interneurons. Both neuronal populations exhibit an extraordinary divergence in morphology and targeting areas, which ultimately dictate their precise function in cortical circuits. How these prominent morphological differences arise during development is not well understood. Here, we conducted a high-throughput screen for genes differentially expressed by pyramidal cells and interneurons during cortical wiring. We found that NEK7, a kinase involved in microtubule polymerization, is mostly expressed in parvalbumin (PV+) interneurons at the time when they establish their connectivity. Functional experiments revealed that NEK7-deficient PV+ interneurons show altered microtubule dynamics, axon growth cone steering and reduced axon length, arbor complexity, and total number of synaptic contacts formed with pyramidal cells. Altogether, our results reveal a molecular mechanism by which the microtubule-associated kinase NEK7 regulates the wiring of PV+ interneurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Jesús Hinojosa
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK; MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK; Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas & Universidad Miguel Hernández, Sant Joan d'Alacant 03550, Spain
| | - Rubén Deogracias
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK; MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK; Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas & Universidad Miguel Hernández, Sant Joan d'Alacant 03550, Spain
| | - Beatriz Rico
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK; MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London SE1 1UL, UK; Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas & Universidad Miguel Hernández, Sant Joan d'Alacant 03550, Spain.
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31
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Zhang B, Wei W, Qiu J. ALK is required for NLRP3 inflammasome activation in macrophages. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018; 501:246-252. [PMID: 29723525 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.04.226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 04/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The NLRP3 inflammasome is a key mediator of host immune responses through the induction of pyroptosis and the release of cytokines. Although the pathologic role of inflammasome in infection and sterile inflammation is well known, the mechanism and regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome activation remains obscure. Here, we report that anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) is a novel regulator of NLRP3 inflammasome activation in macrophages. Pharmacologic or genetic inhibition of ALK through targeted drugs (ceritinib and lorlatinib) or RNAi blocked extracellular ATP-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation in macrophages. Mechanically, ALK-mediated NF-κB activation was required for the priming step of NLRP3 upregulation, whereas ALK-mediated lipid peroxidation contributed to the sensing step of NLRP3-NEK7 complex formation. These studies indicate that inhibition of ALK could be utilized to treat NLRP3-related inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bibo Zhang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Second People's Hospital of Changshu City, Changshu, Jiangsu, 215500, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Pathology, The Second People's Hospital of Changshu City, Changshu, Jiangsu, 215500, China
| | - Jiaming Qiu
- Department of Pathology, The Second People's Hospital of Changshu City, Changshu, Jiangsu, 215500, China.
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32
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Fry AM, Bayliss R, Roig J. Mitotic Regulation by NEK Kinase Networks. Front Cell Dev Biol 2017; 5:102. [PMID: 29250521 PMCID: PMC5716973 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2017.00102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic studies in yeast and Drosophila led to identification of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), Polo-like kinases (PLKs) and Aurora kinases as essential regulators of mitosis. These enzymes have since been found in the majority of eukaryotes and their cell cycle-related functions characterized in great detail. However, genetic studies in another fungal species, Aspergillus nidulans, identified a distinct family of protein kinases, the NEKs, that are also widely conserved and have key roles in the cell cycle, but which remain less well studied. Nevertheless, it is now clear that multiple NEK family members act in networks to regulate specific events of mitosis, including centrosome separation, spindle assembly and cytokinesis. Here, we describe our current understanding of how the NEK kinases contribute to these processes, particularly through targeted phosphorylation of proteins associated with the microtubule cytoskeleton. We also present the latest findings on molecular events that control the activation state of the NEKs and how these are revealing novel modes of enzymatic regulation relevant not only to other kinases but also to pathological mechanisms of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M. Fry
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Bayliss
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Joan Roig
- Institut de Biologia Molecular de Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
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Zhang J, Wang L, Zhang Y. Downregulation of NIMA-related kinase-7 inhibits cell proliferation by inducing cell cycle arrest in human retinoblastoma cells. Exp Ther Med 2017; 15:1360-1366. [PMID: 29434721 PMCID: PMC5774400 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2017.5558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
NIMA-related kinase-7 (Nek7) is a centrosomal kinase involved in various types of cancer, including gallbladder cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the biological function and the potential underlying mechanism of Nek7 in retinoblastoma remain largely unknown. Therefore, the present study investigated the effects of Nek7 in retinoblastoma cells. The expression of Nek7 was initially determined and observed to be commonly upregulated in retinoblastoma cell lines (Y79, SO-RB50 and WERI-RB1) as compared with that in normal retinal pigment epithelium cells. Next, the endogenous expression of Nek7 was efficiently knocked down in Y79 and SO-RB50 cells using a lentivirus-mediated RNA interference approach, as confirmed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. Loss-of-function assays, including MTT, colony formation and flow cytometry, indicated that knockdown of Nek7 significantly inhibited cell growth, impaired the colony formation ability and induced cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase. Furthermore, mechanistic studies demonstrated that silencing of Nek7 resulted in reduced cyclin-dependent kinase 2, cyclin D1 and cyclin E levels in vitro. In conclusion, the present study highlights the crucial role of Nek7 in promoting retinoblastoma cell proliferation, and Nek7-silencing may serve as a novel therapeutic target for retinoblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710068, P.R. China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ankang City Central Hospital, Ankang, Shaanxi 725000, P.R. China
| | - Yongkang Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shaanxi Provincial Rehabilitation Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710065, P.R. China
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Eng RC, Halat LS, Livingston SJ, Sakai T, Motose H, Wasteneys GO. The ARM Domain of ARMADILLO-REPEAT KINESIN 1 is Not Required for Microtubule Catastrophe But Can Negatively Regulate NIMA-RELATED KINASE 6 in Arabidopsis thaliana. PLANT & CELL PHYSIOLOGY 2017; 58:1350-1363. [PMID: 28505371 DOI: 10.1093/pcp/pcx070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Microtubules are dynamic filaments, the assembly and disassembly of which are under precise control of various associated proteins, including motor proteins and regulatory enzymes. In Arabidopsis thaliana, two such proteins are the ARMADILLO-REPEAT KINESIN 1 (ARK1), which promotes microtubule disassembly, and the NIMA-RELATED KINASE 6 (NEK6), which has a role in organizing microtubule arrays. Previous yeast two-hybrid and in vitro pull-down assays determined that NEK6 can interact with ARK1 through the latter protein's Armadillo-repeat (ARM) cargo domain. To explore the function of the ARM domain, we generated fluorescent reporter fusion proteins to ARK1 lacking the ARM domain (ARK1ΔARM-GFP) and to the ARM domain alone (ARM-GFP). Both of these constructs strongly associated with the growing plus ends of microtubules, but only ARK1ΔARM-GFP was capable of inducing microtubule catastrophe and rescuing the ark1-1 root hair phenotype. These results indicate that neither the ARM domain nor NEK6's putative interaction with it is required for ARK1 to induce microtubule catastrophe. In further exploration of the ARK1-NEK6 relationship, we demonstrated that, despite evidence that NEK6 can phosphorylate ARK1 in vitro, the in vivo distribution and function of ARK1 were not affected by the loss of NEK6, and vice versa. Moreover, NEK6 and ARK1 were found to have overlapping but non-identical distribution on microtubules, and hormone treatments known to affect NEK6 activity did not stimulate interaction. These findings suggest that ARK1 and NEK6 function independently in microtubule dynamics and cell morphogenesis. Despite the results of this functional analysis, we found that overexpression of the ARM domain led to complete loss of NEK6 transcription, suggesting that the ARM domain might have a regulatory role in NEK6 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan C Eng
- Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z4
| | - Laryssa S Halat
- Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z4
| | - Samuel J Livingston
- Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z4
| | - Tatsuya Sakai
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Niigata University, Niigata 950-2181, Japan
| | - Hiroyasu Motose
- Graduate School of Natural Science & Technology, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| | - Geoffrey O Wasteneys
- Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z4
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35
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Zhou L, Wang Z, Xu X, Wan Y, Qu K, Fan H, Chen Q, Sun X, Liu C. Nek7 is overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma and promotes hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Oncotarget 2017; 7:18620-30. [PMID: 26921196 PMCID: PMC4951314 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2015] [Accepted: 01/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
NIMA-related kinase-7 (Nek7) is a serine/threonine kinase involved in cell-cycle progression via mitotic spindle formation and cytokinesis. In this study, we investigated whether Nek7 involves in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Interestingly, we found that Nek7 was significantly overexpressed in HCC than in liver tissues. In HCC patients, high Nek7 expression was significantly correlated with tumor numbers, tumor diameter, adjacent organs invasion, tumor grade and TNM stage. Furthermore, Nek7 expression pattern showed close relationship with that of Ki-67, a well-stablished cell proliferation marker. More importantly, patients with higher expression levels of Nek7 had significantly lower 5-years survival rate. Likewise, Nek7 expression was significantly higher in HCC cell lines than normal hepatic cell line. By Nek7 silencing using lentivirus-mediated Nek7 interference approach, the growth of HCC cell lines was inhibited and the tumor growth in xenograft mouse model was also suppressed. Mechanistic studies showed that silencing of Nek7 resulted in decreasing cyclinB1 level both in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, this study highlights for the first time the possible role of Nek7 in HCC progression. Nek7 would be a useful biomarker that early predicts HCC patients at higher risk of poor prognosis. Also, Nek7 could be a novel HCC therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, China.,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhixin Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Xinsen Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yong Wan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Kai Qu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Haining Fan
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Qiangpu Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, China
| | - Xuejun Sun
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
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Li G, Zhong Y, Shen Q, Zhou Y, Deng X, Li C, Chen J, Zhou Y, He M. NEK2 serves as a prognostic biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma. Int J Oncol 2017; 50:405-413. [PMID: 28101574 PMCID: PMC5238800 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2017.3837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Never in mitosis gene A (NIMA)-related kinase 2 (NEK2) is a microtubule-associated protein that regulates spindle assembly in human cells and is overexpressed in various malignancies. However, the role of NEK2 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains undetermined. We performed RNA-seq of the HCC cell line SMMC-7721 and the normal liver cell line HL-7702 using the Ion Proton System. NEK2 expression was detected using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in two cell lines and 5 matched HCC and adjacent non-tumorous liver tissues. The correlation between survival and NEK2 expression was analyzed in 359 patients with HCC using RNASeqV2 data available from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) website (https://tcga-data.nci.nih.gov/tcga/). The expression of NEK2, phospho-AKT and MMP-2 was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in 63 cases of HCC and matched adjacent non-tumorous liver tissues. Relationships between protein expression and clinicopathological parameters were assessed, and the correlations between NEK2 with phospho-AKT and MMP-2 expressions were evaluated. A total of 610 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were revealed in the transcriptome comparison, 297 of which were upregulated and 313 were downregulated in HCC. NEK2, as the most obviously different DEG in cells and tissues from the RNA-seq data, was listed as an HCC candidate biomarker for further verification. NEK2 was overexpressed in HCC cells and tissues (P=0.002, P=0.013) and HCC patients with a high expression of NEK2 had a poor prognosis (P=0.0145). Clinical analysis indicated that the overexpression of NEK2 in HCC was significantly correlated with diolame complete (P<0.001), tumor nodule number (P=0.012) and recurrence (P=0.004). NEK2 expression was positively correlated with the expression of phospho-AKT (r=0.883, P<0.01) and MMP-2 (r=0.781, P<0.01). Overexpression of NEK2 was associated with clinicopathological characteristics and poor patient outcomes, suggesting that NEK2 serves as a prognostic biomarker for HCC. Alteration of NEK2 protein levels may contribute to invasion and metastasis of HCC, which may occur through activation of AKT signaling and promotion of MMP-2 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Li
- Medical Scientific Research Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Yanping Zhong
- Medical Scientific Research Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Qingrong Shen
- Department of Pharmacy, The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, P.R. China
| | - Yi Zhou
- Medical Scientific Research Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Xiaofang Deng
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Cuiping Li
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Jiagui Chen
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Ying Zhou
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Min He
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
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Abeyta A, Castella M, Jacquemont C, Taniguchi T. NEK8 regulates DNA damage-induced RAD51 foci formation and replication fork protection. Cell Cycle 2016; 16:335-347. [PMID: 27892797 PMCID: PMC5324754 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2016.1259038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteins essential for homologous recombination play a pivotal role in the repair of DNA double strand breaks, DNA inter-strand crosslinks and replication fork stability. Defects in homologous recombination also play a critical role in the development of cancer and the sensitivity of these cancers to chemotherapy. RAD51, an essential factor for homologous recombination and replication fork protection, accumulates and forms immunocytochemically detectable nuclear foci at sites of DNA damage. To identify kinases that may regulate RAD51 localization to sites of DNA damage, we performed a human kinome siRNA library screen, using DNA damage-induced RAD51 foci formation as readout. We found that NEK8, a NIMA family kinase member, is required for efficient DNA damage-induced RAD51 foci formation. Interestingly, knockout of Nek8 in murine embryonic fibroblasts led to cellular sensitivity to the replication inhibitor, hydroxyurea, and inhibition of the ATR kinase. Furthermore, NEK8 was required for proper replication fork protection following replication stall with hydroxyurea. Loading of RAD51 to chromatin was decreased in NEK8-depleted cells and Nek8-knockout cells. Single-molecule DNA fiber analyses revealed that nascent DNA tracts were degraded in the absence of NEK8 following treatment with hydroxyurea. Consistent with this, Nek8-knockout cells showed increased chromosome breaks following treatment with hydroxyurea. Thus, NEK8 plays a critical role in replication fork stability through its regulation of the DNA repair and replication fork protection protein RAD51.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Abeyta
- a Divisions of Human Biology and Public Health Sciences , Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center , Seattle , WA , USA.,b Molecular & Cellular Biology Graduate Program , University of Washington , Seattle , WA , USA
| | - Maria Castella
- a Divisions of Human Biology and Public Health Sciences , Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center , Seattle , WA , USA
| | - Celine Jacquemont
- a Divisions of Human Biology and Public Health Sciences , Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center , Seattle , WA , USA
| | - Toshiyasu Taniguchi
- a Divisions of Human Biology and Public Health Sciences , Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center , Seattle , WA , USA
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38
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Kokuryo T, Hibino S, Suzuki K, Watanabe K, Yokoyama Y, Nagino M, Senga T, Hamaguchi M. Nek2 siRNA therapy using a portal venous port-catheter system for liver metastasis in pancreatic cancer. Cancer Sci 2016; 107:1315-20. [PMID: 27316377 PMCID: PMC5021025 DOI: 10.1111/cas.12993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2016] [Revised: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Nek2 (NIMA-related kinase 2) is a serine-threonine kinase and human homolog of the mitotic regulator NIMA of Aspergillus nidulan. We reported the efficiency of Nek2 siRNA in several cancer xenograft models using cholangiocarcinoma, breast cancer and colorectal cancer. Pancreatic cancer is difficult to treat due to its rapid progression and resistance to chemotherapy. Novel treatments are urgently required to improve survival in pancreatic cancer, and siRNA are a promising therapeutic option. However, finding an in vivo drug delivery system of siRNA remains a major problem for clinical application. In this study, the overexpression of Nek2 was identified in pancreatic cancer cell lines. Nek2 siRNA inhibited tumor growth in a subcutaneous xenograft mouse model of pancreatic cancer, prolonged the survival time in an intraperitoneal xenograft mouse model and efficiently prevented the progression of liver metastasis using a portal venous port-catheter system. Taken together, Nek2 is an effective therapeutic target in pancreatic cancer. An adequate delivery system is considered important in treating advanced pancreatic cancer, such as peritoneal dissemination and liver metastasis. Further investigations are required on the safety and side effects of the portal venous port-catheter system. We hope that Nek2 siRNA will be a novel therapeutic strategy for pancreatic cancer with liver metastasis and peritoneal dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshio Kokuryo
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan. .,Division of Cancer Biology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.
| | - Shigeru Hibino
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.,Division of Cancer Biology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kazushi Suzuki
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.,Division of Cancer Biology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Katsutaka Watanabe
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yukihiro Yokoyama
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Masato Nagino
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takeshi Senga
- Division of Cancer Biology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Michinari Hamaguchi
- Division of Cancer Biology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
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Zuo J, Ma H, Cai H, Wu Y, Jiang W, Yu L. An inhibitory role of NEK6 in TGFβ/Smad signaling pathway. BMB Rep 2016; 48:473-8. [PMID: 25523445 PMCID: PMC4576956 DOI: 10.5483/bmbrep.2015.48.8.225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The NEK6 (NIMA-related kinases 6) is reported to play po-tential roles in tumorigenesis. Although it is suggested to function in several cellular pathways, the underlying mechanism in tumorigenesis is still largely unknown. In the present study, we discovered interaction of NEK6 with Smad4, a key member of transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) pathway. Over-expression of NEK6 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines suppresses TGFβ-mediated transcription activity in a kinase activity-dependent manner. In addition, NEK6 suppresses the cell growth arrest induced by TGFβ. Mechanically, NEK6 blocks nuclear translocation of Smad4, which is essential for TGFβ function. Moreover, we identified that NEK6 could be regulated by TGFβ and hypoxia. Our study sheds new light on the roles of NEK6 in canonical TGFβ/Smad pathway and tum-origenesis. [BMB Reports 2015; 48(8): 473-478]
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zuo
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Genetics, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, PR China
| | - Haijie Ma
- Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Zhoushan Hospital, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hao Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Genetics, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, PR China
| | - Yanhua Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Genetics, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, PR China
| | - Wei Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Genetics, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, PR China
| | - Long Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Genetics, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, PR China
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40
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Zhu J, Cai Y, Liu P, Zhao W. Frequent Nek1 overexpression in human gliomas. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2016; 476:522-527. [PMID: 27251576 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.05.156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/28/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Never in mitosis A (NIMA)-related kinase 1 (Nek1) regulates cell cycle progression to mitosis. Its expression and potential functions in human gliomas have not been studied. Here, our immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay and Western blot assay results showed that Nek1 expression was significantly upregulated in fresh and paraffin-embedded human glioma tissues. Its level in normal brain tissues was low. Nek1 overexpression in human gliomas was correlated with the proliferation marker (Ki-67), tumor grade, Karnofsky performance scale (KPS) and more importantly, patients' poor survival. Further studies showed that Nek1 expression level was also increased in multiple human glioma cell lines (U251-MG, U87-MG, U118, H4 and U373). Significantly, siRNA-mediated knockdown of Nek1 inhibited glioma cell (U87-MG/U251-MG) growth. Nek1 siRNA also sensitized U87-MG/U251-MG cells to temozolomide (TMZ), causing a profound apoptosis induction and growth inhibition. The current study indicates Nek1 might be a novel and valuable oncotarget of glioma, it is important for glioma cell growth and TMZ-resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Neurosurgery Department, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Cai
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Neurosurgery Department, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Pin Liu
- Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiguo Zhao
- Neurosurgery Department, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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41
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Guo L, Wang ZB, Wang HH, Zhang T, Qi ST, Ouyang YC, Hou Y, Sun QY. Nek11 regulates asymmetric cell division during mouse oocyte meiotic maturation. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2016; 474:667-672. [PMID: 27150633 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2016] [Accepted: 05/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Nek11, a member of the never in mitosis gene A (NIMA) family, is activated in somatic cells associated with G1/S or G2/M arrest. However, its function in meiosis is unknown. In this research, the expression, localization and functions of NEK11 in the mouse oocyte meiotic maturation were examined. Western blotting indicated that NEK11S was the major NEK11 protein in mouse oocyte. MYC-tagged Nek11 mRNA microinjection and immunofluorescent staining showed that NEK11 was localized to the meiotic spindles at MI and MII stage. Knockdown of Nek11 by microinjection of siRNA did not affect germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) and the first polar body extrusion, but caused formation of 2-cell-like eggs. These results demonstrate that Nek11 regulates asymmetric cell division during oocyte meiotic maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, PR China
| | - Zhen-Bo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, PR China
| | - Hong-Hui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, PR China
| | - Teng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, PR China
| | - Shu-Tao Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, PR China
| | - Ying-Chun Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, PR China
| | - Yi Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, PR China
| | - Qing-Yuan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, PR China.
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Meng D, Pan J. A NIMA-related kinase, CNK4, regulates ciliary stability and length. Mol Biol Cell 2016; 27:838-47. [PMID: 26764095 PMCID: PMC4803309 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e15-10-0707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Revised: 12/07/2015] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
NIMA-related kinases (Nrks or Neks) have emerged as key regulators of ciliogenesis. In human, mutations in Nek1 and Nek8 cause cilia-related disorders. The ciliary functions of Nrks are mostly revealed by genetic studies; however, the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Here we show that a Chlamydomonas Nrk, CNK4, regulates ciliary stability and length. CNK4 is localized to the basal body region and the flagella. The cnk4-null mutant exhibited long flagella, with formation of flagellar bulges. The flagella gradually became curled at the bulge formation site, leading to flagellar loss. Electron microscopy shows that the curled flagella involved curling and degeneration of axonemal microtubules. cnk4 mutation resulted in flagellar increases of IFT trains, as well as its accumulation at the flagellar bulges. IFT speeds were not affected, however, IFT trains frequently stalled, leading to reduced IFT frequencies. These data are consistent with a model in which CNK4 regulates microtubule dynamics and IFT to control flagellar stability and length.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Meng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Junmin Pan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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43
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The Dual Nature of Nek9 in Adenovirus Replication. J Virol 2015; 90:1931-43. [PMID: 26676776 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02392-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2015] [Accepted: 11/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED To successfully replicate in an infected host cell, a virus must overcome sophisticated host defense mechanisms. Viruses, therefore, have evolved a multitude of devices designed to circumvent cellular defenses that would lead to abortive infection. Previous studies have identified Nek9, a cellular kinase, as a binding partner of adenovirus E1A, but the biology behind this association remains a mystery. Here we show that Nek9 is a transcriptional repressor that functions together with E1A to silence the expression of p53-inducible GADD45A gene in the infected cell. Depletion of Nek9 in infected cells reduces virus growth but unexpectedly enhances viral gene expression from the E2 transcription unit, whereas the opposite occurs when Nek9 is overexpressed. Nek9 localizes with viral replication centers, and its depletion reduces viral genome replication, while overexpression enhances viral genome numbers in infected cells. Additionally, Nek9 was found to colocalize with the viral E4 orf3 protein, a repressor of cellular stress response. Significantly, Nek9 was also shown to associate with viral and cellular promoters and appears to function as a transcriptional repressor, representing the first instance of Nek9 playing a role in gene regulation. Overall, these results highlight the complexity of virus-host interactions and identify a new role for the cellular protein Nek9 during infection, suggesting a role for Nek9 in regulating p53 target gene expression. IMPORTANCE In the arms race that exists between a pathogen and its host, each has continually evolved mechanisms to either promote or prevent infection. In order to successfully replicate and spread, a virus must overcome every mechanism that a cell can assemble to block infection. On the other hand, to counter viral spread, cells must have multiple mechanisms to stifle viral replication. In the present study, we add to our understanding of how the human adenovirus is able to circumvent cellular roadblocks to replication. We show that the virus uses a cellular protein, Nek9, in order to block activation of p53-regulated gene GADD45A, which is an important player in stress response and p53-mediated cell cycle arrest. Importantly, our study also identifies Nek9 as a transcriptional repressor.
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44
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de Souza EE, Hehnly H, Perez AM, Meirelles GV, Smetana JHC, Doxsey S, Kobarg J. Human Nek7-interactor RGS2 is required for mitotic spindle organization. Cell Cycle 2015; 14:656-67. [PMID: 25664600 DOI: 10.4161/15384101.2014.994988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The mitotic spindle apparatus is composed of microtubule (MT) networks attached to kinetochores organized from 2 centrosomes (a.k.a. spindle poles). In addition to this central spindle apparatus, astral MTs assemble at the mitotic spindle pole and attach to the cell cortex to ensure appropriate spindle orientation. We propose that cell cycle-related kinase, Nek7, and its novel interacting protein RGS2, are involved in mitosis regulation and spindle formation. We found that RGS2 localizes to the mitotic spindle in a Nek7-dependent manner, and along with Nek7 contributes to spindle morphology and mitotic spindle pole integrity. RGS2-depletion leads to a mitotic-delay and severe defects in the chromosomes alignment and congression. Importantly, RGS2 or Nek7 depletion or even overexpression of wild-type or kinase-dead Nek7, reduced γ-tubulin from the mitotic spindle poles. In addition to causing a mitotic delay, RGS2 depletion induced mitotic spindle misorientation coinciding with astral MT-reduction. We propose that these phenotypes directly contribute to a failure in mitotic spindle alignment to the substratum. In conclusion, we suggest a molecular mechanism whereupon Nek7 and RGS2 may act cooperatively to ensure proper mitotic spindle organization.
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Key Words
- CREST, calcium-responsive transactivator
- EB1, end-binding protein 1
- GAP, GTPase-activating protein
- MT, microtubule
- Nek, NIMA-related kinase
- Nek7
- PCM, centrosomal pericentriolar material
- PD, pull-down
- PPI, protein-protein interaction
- RGS, regulators of G protein signaling
- RGS2
- WB, Western blotting
- cell division
- mitotic spindle
- mitotic spindle orientation
- shRNA, short-interfering RNA
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Affiliation(s)
- Edmarcia Elisa de Souza
- a Laboratório Nacional de Biociências-LNBio ; Centro Nacional de Pesquisa em Energia e Materiais-CNPEM ; Campinas , SP Brasil
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Takatani S, Otani K, Kanazawa M, Takahashi T, Motose H. Structure, function, and evolution of plant NIMA-related kinases: implication for phosphorylation-dependent microtubule regulation. JOURNAL OF PLANT RESEARCH 2015; 128:875-91. [PMID: 26354760 DOI: 10.1007/s10265-015-0751-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2015] [Accepted: 08/20/2015] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Microtubules are highly dynamic structures that control the spatiotemporal pattern of cell growth and division. Microtubule dynamics are regulated by reversible protein phosphorylation involving both protein kinases and phosphatases. Never in mitosis A (NIMA)-related kinases (NEKs) are a family of serine/threonine kinases that regulate microtubule-related mitotic events in fungi and animal cells (e.g. centrosome separation and spindle formation). Although plants contain multiple members of the NEK family, their functions remain elusive. Recent studies revealed that NEK6 of Arabidopsis thaliana regulates cell expansion and morphogenesis through β-tubulin phosphorylation and microtubule destabilization. In addition, plant NEK members participate in organ development and stress responses. The present phylogenetic analysis indicates that plant NEK genes are diverged from a single NEK6-like gene, which may share a common ancestor with other kinases involved in the control of microtubule organization. On the contrary, another mitotic kinase, polo-like kinase, might have been lost during the evolution of land plants. We propose that plant NEK members have acquired novel functions to regulate cell growth, microtubule organization, and stress responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shogo Takatani
- Division of Bioscience, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Tsushimanaka 3-1-1, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan
| | - Kento Otani
- Division of Bioscience, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Tsushimanaka 3-1-1, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan
| | - Mai Kanazawa
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Okayama University, Tsushimanaka 3-1-1, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan
| | - Taku Takahashi
- Division of Bioscience, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Tsushimanaka 3-1-1, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Okayama University, Tsushimanaka 3-1-1, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan
| | - Hiroyasu Motose
- Division of Bioscience, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Tsushimanaka 3-1-1, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan.
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Okayama University, Tsushimanaka 3-1-1, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan.
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Prosser SL, Sahota NK, Pelletier L, Morrison CG, Fry AM. Nek5 promotes centrosome integrity in interphase and loss of centrosome cohesion in mitosis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 209:339-48. [PMID: 25963817 PMCID: PMC4427792 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201412099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The Nek5 protein kinase contributes not only to uncoupling of the centrosome linker but also to integrity of the pericentriolar material and centrosomal microtubule nucleation, which together ensure the timely separation of centrosomes during early mitosis. Nek5 is a poorly characterized member of the NIMA-related kinase family, other members of which play roles in cell cycle progression and primary cilia function. Here, we show that Nek5, similar to Nek2, localizes to the proximal ends of centrioles. Depletion of Nek5 or overexpression of kinase-inactive Nek5 caused unscheduled separation of centrosomes in interphase, a phenotype also observed upon overexpression of active Nek2. However, separated centrosomes that resulted from Nek5 depletion remained relatively close together, exhibited excess recruitment of the centrosome linker protein rootletin, and had reduced levels of Nek2. In addition, Nek5 depletion led to loss of PCM components, including γ-tubulin, pericentrin, and Cdk5Rap2, with centrosomes exhibiting reduced microtubule nucleation. Upon mitotic entry, Nek5-depleted cells inappropriately retained centrosome linker components and exhibited delayed centrosome separation and defective chromosome segregation. Hence, Nek5 is required for the loss of centrosome linker proteins and enhanced microtubule nucleation that lead to timely centrosome separation and bipolar spindle formation in mitosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanna L Prosser
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 9HN, England, UK Centre for Chromosome Biology, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Navdeep K Sahota
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 9HN, England, UK
| | - Laurence Pelletier
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X5, Canada Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Ciaran G Morrison
- Centre for Chromosome Biology, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Andrew M Fry
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 9HN, England, UK
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Anks3 alters the sub-cellular localization of the Nek7 kinase. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2015; 464:901-7. [PMID: 26188091 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.07.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2015] [Accepted: 07/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Nephronophthisis (NPH) is an autosomal recessive cystic kidney disease, and a frequent cause of end-stage renal failure in children. To date, 17 NPH-associated gene products (NPHPs) have been identified. Most NPHPs participate in large multi-protein complexes that localize to the cilium and/or basal body; however, the precise composition of these complexes and their biological function remain largely unknown. We recently observed that the ankyrin repeat protein Anks3 interacts with the NPH family member Anks6. Both Anks3 and Anks6 form complexes with multiple other NPHPs, suggesting that both proteins function in similar or overlapping signaling pathways. Here, we show that Anks3, but not Anks6 interacted with the NIMA-related kinase Nek7, and was heavily modified in the presence of Nek7, resulting in an approximately 20 kD increase in molecular weight. Although mass spectrometry revealed increased serine and threonine phosphorylation of Anks3 primarily within the N-terminal ankyrin repeats also required for Nek7 interaction, the molecular weight increase occurred even in the presence of a kinase-dead Nek7 mutant, indicating that this modification was not caused by Nek7-dependent Anks3 phosphorylation. Furthermore, the Anks3 modification was specific for Nek7, and did not occur in the presence of Nek8. Importantly, Anks3 retained Nek7 in the cytoplasm, suggesting that, Nek7 triggers the modification of Anks3, which in turn prevents the nuclear localization of Nek7.
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48
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O'Regan L, Sampson J, Richards MW, Knebel A, Roth D, Hood FE, Straube A, Royle SJ, Bayliss R, Fry AM. Hsp72 is targeted to the mitotic spindle by Nek6 to promote K-fiber assembly and mitotic progression. J Cell Biol 2015; 209:349-58. [PMID: 25940345 PMCID: PMC4427782 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201409151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2014] [Accepted: 03/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hsp70 proteins represent a family of chaperones that regulate cellular homeostasis and are required for cancer cell survival. However, their function and regulation in mitosis remain unknown. In this paper, we show that the major inducible cytoplasmic Hsp70 isoform, Hsp72, is required for assembly of a robust bipolar spindle capable of efficient chromosome congression. Mechanistically, Hsp72 associates with the K-fiber-stabilizing proteins, ch-TOG and TACC3, and promotes their interaction with each other and recruitment to spindle microtubules (MTs). Targeting of Hsp72 to the mitotic spindle is dependent on phosphorylation at Thr-66 within its nucleotide-binding domain by the Nek6 kinase. Phosphorylated Hsp72 concentrates on spindle poles and sites of MT-kinetochore attachment. A phosphomimetic Hsp72 mutant rescued defects in K-fiber assembly, ch-TOG/TACC3 recruitment and mitotic progression that also resulted from Nek6 depletion. We therefore propose that Nek6 facilitates association of Hsp72 with the mitotic spindle, where it promotes stable K-fiber assembly through recruitment of the ch-TOG-TACC3 complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura O'Regan
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 9HN, England, UK
| | - Josephina Sampson
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 9HN, England, UK
| | - Mark W Richards
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 9HN, England, UK
| | - Axel Knebel
- Kinasource Ltd, The Sir James Black Center, Dundee DD1 5EH, Scotland, UK
| | - Daniel Roth
- Centre for Mechanochemical Cell Biology, Warwick Medical School, Coventry CV4 7AL, England, UK
| | - Fiona E Hood
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, England, UK
| | - Anne Straube
- Centre for Mechanochemical Cell Biology, Warwick Medical School, Coventry CV4 7AL, England, UK
| | - Stephen J Royle
- Centre for Mechanochemical Cell Biology, Warwick Medical School, Coventry CV4 7AL, England, UK Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, England, UK
| | - Richard Bayliss
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 9HN, England, UK
| | - Andrew M Fry
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 9HN, England, UK
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Malikov V, da Silva ES, Jovasevic V, Bennett G, de Souza Aranha Vieira DA, Schulte B, Diaz-Griffero F, Walsh D, Naghavi MH. HIV-1 capsids bind and exploit the kinesin-1 adaptor FEZ1 for inward movement to the nucleus. Nat Commun 2015; 6:6660. [PMID: 25818806 PMCID: PMC4380233 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms7660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2014] [Accepted: 02/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Intracellular transport of cargos, including many viruses, involves directed movement on microtubules mediated by motor proteins. Although a number of viruses bind motors of opposing directionality, how they associate with and control these motors to accomplish directed movement remains poorly understood. Here we show that human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) associates with the kinesin-1 adaptor protein, Fasiculation and Elongation Factor zeta 1 (FEZ1). RNAi-mediated FEZ1 depletion blocks early infection, with virus particles exhibiting bi-directional motility but no net movement to the nucleus. Furthermore, both dynein and kinesin-1 motors are required for HIV-1 trafficking to the nucleus. Finally, the ability of exogenously expressed FEZ1 to promote early HIV-1 infection requires binding to kinesin-1. Our findings demonstrate that opposing motors both contribute to early HIV-1 movement and identify the kinesin-1 adaptor, FEZ1 as a capsid-associated host regulator of this process usurped by HIV-1 to accomplish net inward movement towards the nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viacheslav Malikov
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | - Eveline Santos da Silva
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
| | - Vladimir Jovasevic
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
| | - Geoffrey Bennett
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | | | - Bianca Schulte
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461, USA
| | - Felipe Diaz-Griffero
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461, USA
| | - Derek Walsh
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
| | - Mojgan H Naghavi
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA
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50
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Basei FL, Meirelles GV, Righetto GL, Dos Santos Migueleti DL, Smetana JHC, Kobarg J. New interaction partners for Nek4.1 and Nek4.2 isoforms: from the DNA damage response to RNA splicing. Proteome Sci 2015; 13:11. [PMID: 25798074 PMCID: PMC4367857 DOI: 10.1186/s12953-015-0065-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2014] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neks are serine-threonine kinases that are similar to NIMA, a protein found in Aspergillus nidulans which is essential for cell division. In humans there are eleven Neks which are involved in different biological functions besides the cell cycle control. Nek4 is one of the largest members of the Nek family and has been related to the primary cilia formation and in DNA damage response. However, its substrates and interaction partners are still unknown. In an attempt to better understand the role of Nek4, we performed an interactomics study to find new biological processes in which Nek4 is involved. We also described a novel Nek4 isoform which lacks a region of 46 amino acids derived from an insertion of an Alu sequence and showed the interactomics profile of these two Nek4 proteins. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Isoform 1 and isoform 2 of Nek4 were expressed in human cells and after an immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry, 474 interacting proteins were identified for isoform 1 and 149 for isoform 2 of Nek4. About 68% of isoform 2 potential interactors (102 proteins) are common between the two Nek4 isoforms. Our results reinforce Nek4 involvement in the DNA damage response, cilia maintenance and microtubule stabilization, and raise the possibility of new functional contexts, including apoptosis signaling, stress response, translation, protein quality control and, most intriguingly, RNA splicing. We show for the first time an unexpected difference between both Nek4 isoforms in RNA splicing control. Among the interacting partners, we found important proteins such as ANT3, Whirlin, PCNA, 14-3-3ε, SRSF1, SRSF2, SRPK1 and hNRNPs proteins. CONCLUSIONS This study provides new insights into Nek4 functions, identifying new interaction partners and further suggests an interesting difference between isoform 1 and isoform 2 of this kinase. Nek4 isoform 1 may have similar roles compared to other Neks and these roles are not all preserved in isoform 2. Besides, in some processes, both isoforms showed opposite effects, indicating a possible fine controlled regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Luisa Basei
- Laboratório Nacional de Biociências, Centro Nacional de Pesquisa em Energia e Materiais, Rua Giuseppe Máximo Scolfaro 10.000, C.P.6192, 13084-971 Campinas, São Paulo Brazil ; Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia Funcional e Molecular, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo Brazil
| | - Gabriela Vaz Meirelles
- Laboratório Nacional de Biociências, Centro Nacional de Pesquisa em Energia e Materiais, Rua Giuseppe Máximo Scolfaro 10.000, C.P.6192, 13084-971 Campinas, São Paulo Brazil
| | - Germanna Lima Righetto
- Laboratório Nacional de Biociências, Centro Nacional de Pesquisa em Energia e Materiais, Rua Giuseppe Máximo Scolfaro 10.000, C.P.6192, 13084-971 Campinas, São Paulo Brazil
| | - Deivid Lucas Dos Santos Migueleti
- Laboratório Nacional de Biociências, Centro Nacional de Pesquisa em Energia e Materiais, Rua Giuseppe Máximo Scolfaro 10.000, C.P.6192, 13084-971 Campinas, São Paulo Brazil ; Programa de Pós-graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo Brazil
| | - Juliana Helena Costa Smetana
- Laboratório Nacional de Biociências, Centro Nacional de Pesquisa em Energia e Materiais, Rua Giuseppe Máximo Scolfaro 10.000, C.P.6192, 13084-971 Campinas, São Paulo Brazil
| | - Jörg Kobarg
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia Funcional e Molecular, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo Brazil ; Programa de Pós-graduação em Genética e Biologia Molecular, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo Brazil ; Instituto de Biologia, Departamento de Bioquímica e de Biologia Tecidual, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, SP Brazil ; Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Campinas, São Paulo Brazil
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