1
|
Kim BH, Chung YH, Woo TG, Kang SM, Park S, Kim M, Park BJ. NF2-Related Schwannomatosis (NF2): Molecular Insights and Therapeutic Avenues. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6558. [PMID: 38928264 PMCID: PMC11204266 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126558] [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: 05/04/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
NF2-related schwannomatosis (NF2) is a genetic syndrome characterized by the growth of benign tumors in the nervous system, particularly bilateral vestibular schwannomas, meningiomas, and ependymomas. This review consolidates the current knowledge on NF2 syndrome, emphasizing the molecular pathology associated with the mutations in the gene of the same name, the NF2 gene, and the subsequent dysfunction of its product, the Merlin protein. Merlin, a tumor suppressor, integrates multiple signaling pathways that regulate cell contact, proliferation, and motility, thereby influencing tumor growth. The loss of Merlin disrupts these pathways, leading to tumorigenesis. We discuss the roles of another two proteins potentially associated with NF2 deficiency as well as Merlin: Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP), which may promote tumor growth, and Raf kinase inhibitory protein (RKIP), which appears to suppress tumor development. Additionally, this review discusses the efficacy of various treatments, such as molecular therapies that target specific pathways or inhibit neomorphic protein-protein interaction caused by NF2 deficiency. This overview not only expands on the fundamental understanding of NF2 pathophysiology but also explores the potential of novel therapeutic targets that affect the clinical approach to NF2 syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bae-Hoon Kim
- Rare Disease R&D Center, PRG S&T Co., Ltd., Busan 46274, Republic of Korea; (B.-H.K.)
| | - Yeon-Ho Chung
- Rare Disease R&D Center, PRG S&T Co., Ltd., Busan 46274, Republic of Korea; (B.-H.K.)
| | - Tae-Gyun Woo
- Rare Disease R&D Center, PRG S&T Co., Ltd., Busan 46274, Republic of Korea; (B.-H.K.)
| | - So-mi Kang
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Natural Science, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Soyoung Park
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Natural Science, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Minju Kim
- Rare Disease R&D Center, PRG S&T Co., Ltd., Busan 46274, Republic of Korea; (B.-H.K.)
| | - Bum-Joon Park
- Rare Disease R&D Center, PRG S&T Co., Ltd., Busan 46274, Republic of Korea; (B.-H.K.)
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Natural Science, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yuan R, Wang B, Wang Y, Liu P. Gene Therapy for Neurofibromatosis Type 2-Related Schwannomatosis: Recent Progress, Challenges, and Future Directions. Oncol Ther 2024; 12:257-276. [PMID: 38760612 PMCID: PMC11187037 DOI: 10.1007/s40487-024-00279-2] [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: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2)-related schwannomatosis is a rare autosomal dominant monogenic disorder caused by mutations in the NF2 gene. The hallmarks of NF2-related schwannomatosis are bilateral vestibular schwannomas (VS). The current treatment options for NF2-related schwannomatosis, such as observation with serial imaging, surgery, radiotherapy, and pharmacotherapies, have shown limited effectiveness and serious complications. Therefore, there is a critical demand for novel effective treatments. Gene therapy, which has made significant advancements in treating genetic diseases, holds promise for the treatment of this disease. This review covers the genetic pathogenesis of NF2-related schwannomatosis, the latest progress in gene therapy strategies, current challenges, and future directions of gene therapy for NF2-related schwannomatosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruofei Yuan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tian Tan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 119 South Fourth Ring West Road, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100070, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tian Tan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 119 South Fourth Ring West Road, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100070, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Neural Reconstruction, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Pinan Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tian Tan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 119 South Fourth Ring West Road, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100070, China.
- Department of Neural Reconstruction, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Moesslacher CS, Auernig E, Woodsmith J, Feichtner A, Jany-Luig E, Jehle S, Worseck JM, Heine CL, Stefan E, Stelzl U. Missense variant interaction scanning reveals a critical role of the FERM domain for tumor suppressor protein NF2 conformation and function. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202302043. [PMID: 37280085 PMCID: PMC10244618 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302043] [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: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
NF2 (moesin-ezrin-radixin-like [MERLIN] tumor suppressor) is frequently inactivated in cancer, where its NF2 tumor suppressor functionality is tightly coupled to protein conformation. How NF2 conformation is regulated and how NF2 conformation influences tumor suppressor activity is a largely open question. Here, we systematically characterized three NF2 conformation-dependent protein interactions utilizing deep mutational scanning interaction perturbation analyses. We identified two regions in NF2 with clustered mutations which affected conformation-dependent protein interactions. NF2 variants in the F2-F3 subdomain and the α3H helix region substantially modulated NF2 conformation and homomerization. Mutations in the F2-F3 subdomain altered proliferation in three cell lines and matched patterns of disease mutations in NF2 related-schwannomatosis. This study highlights the power of systematic mutational interaction perturbation analysis to identify missense variants impacting NF2 conformation and provides insight into NF2 tumor suppressor function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina S Moesslacher
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Elisabeth Auernig
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Jonathan Woodsmith
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Andreas Feichtner
- Institute of Biochemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Evelyne Jany-Luig
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Stefanie Jehle
- Max-Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics (MPIMG), Otto-Warburg-Laboratory, Berlin, Germany
| | - Josephine M Worseck
- Max-Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics (MPIMG), Otto-Warburg-Laboratory, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian L Heine
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Eduard Stefan
- Institute of Biochemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute (TKFI), Innsbruck, Austria
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Ulrich Stelzl
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Max-Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics (MPIMG), Otto-Warburg-Laboratory, Berlin, Germany
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
- Field of Excellence BioHealth - University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kim JE, Lee DS, Kim TH, Park H, Kim MJ, Kang TC. PLPP/CIN-mediated NF2 S10 dephosphorylation distinctly regulates kainate-induced seizure susceptibility and neuronal death through PAK1-NF-κB-COX-2-PTGES2 signaling pathway. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:99. [PMID: 37118736 PMCID: PMC10141957 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02788-9] [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: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pyridoxal-5'-phosphate phosphatase/chronophin (PLPP/CIN) selectively dephosphorylates serine (S) 10 site on neurofibromin 2 (NF2, also known as merlin (moesin-ezrin-radixin-like protein) or schwannomin). p21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1) is a serine/threonine protein kinase, which is involved in synaptic activity and plasticity in neurons. NF2 and PAK1 reciprocally regulate each other in a positive feedback manner. Thus, the aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of PLPP/CIN-mediated NF2 S10 dephosphorylation on PAK1-related signaling pathways under physiological and neuroinflammatory conditions, which are largely unknown. METHODS After kainate (KA) injection in wild-type, PLPP/CIN-/- and PLPP/CINTg mice, seizure susceptibility, PAK1 S204 autophosphorylation, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 S276 phosphorylation, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) upregulation, prostaglandin E synthase 2 (PTGES2) induction and neuronal damage were measured. The effects of 1,1'-dithiodi-2-naphthtol (IPA-3, a selective inhibitor of PAK1) pretreatment on these responses to KA were also validated. RESULTS PLPP/CIN overexpression increased PAK1 S204 autophosphorylation concomitant with the enhanced NF2 S10 dephosphorylation in hippocampal neurons under physiological condition. Following KA treatment, PLPP/CIN overexpression delayed the seizure on-set and accelerated PAK1 S204 phosphorylation, NF-κB p65 S276 phosphorylation, COX-2 upregulation and PTGES2 induction, which were ameliorated by PLPP/CIN deletion or IPA-3. Furthermore, IPA-3 pretreatment shortened the latency of seizure on-set without affecting seizure severity (intensity) and ameliorated CA3 neuronal death induced by KA. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that PLPP/CIN may regulate seizure susceptibility (the latency of seizure on-set) and CA3 neuronal death in response to KA through NF2-PAK1-NF-κB-COX-2-PTGES2 signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Eun Kim
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Institute of Epilepsy Research, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Kangwon-Do, 24252, South Korea
| | - Duk-Shin Lee
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Institute of Epilepsy Research, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Kangwon-Do, 24252, South Korea
| | - Tae-Hyun Kim
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Institute of Epilepsy Research, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Kangwon-Do, 24252, South Korea
| | - Hana Park
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Institute of Epilepsy Research, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Kangwon-Do, 24252, South Korea
| | - Min-Ju Kim
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Institute of Epilepsy Research, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Kangwon-Do, 24252, South Korea
| | - Tae-Cheon Kang
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Institute of Epilepsy Research, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Kangwon-Do, 24252, South Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hennigan RF, Thomson CS, Stachowski K, Nassar N, Ratner N. Merlin tumor suppressor function is regulated by PIP2-mediated dimerization. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0281876. [PMID: 36809290 PMCID: PMC9942953 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis Type 2 is an inherited disease characterized by Schwann cell tumors of cranial and peripheral nerves. The NF2 gene encodes Merlin, a member of the ERM family consisting of an N-terminal FERM domain, a central α-helical region, and a C-terminal domain. Changes in the intermolecular FERM-CTD interaction allow Merlin to transition between an open, FERM accessible conformation and a closed, FERM-inaccessible conformation, modulating Merlin activity. Merlin has been shown to dimerize, but the regulation and function Merlin dimerization is not clear. We used a nanobody based binding assay to show that Merlin dimerizes via a FERM-FERM interaction, orientated with each C-terminus close to each other. Patient derived and structural mutants show that dimerization controls interactions with specific binding partners, including HIPPO pathway components, and correlates with tumor suppressor activity. Gel filtration experiments showed that dimerization occurs after a PIP2 mediated transition from closed to open conformation monomers. This process requires the first 18 amino acids of the FERM domain and is inhibited by phosphorylation at serine 518. The discovery that active, open conformation Merlin is a dimer represents a new paradigm for Merlin function with implications for the development of therapies designed to compensate for Merlin loss.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert F. Hennigan
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Craig S. Thomson
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
| | - Kye Stachowski
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
| | - Nicolas Nassar
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
| | - Nancy Ratner
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Prabhakar S, Beauchamp RL, Cheah PS, Yoshinaga A, Haidar EA, Lule S, Mani G, Maalouf K, Stemmer-Rachamimov A, Jung DH, Welling DB, Giovannini M, Plotkin SR, Maguire CA, Ramesh V, Breakefield XO. Gene replacement therapy in a schwannoma mouse model of neurofibromatosis type 2. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2022; 26:169-180. [PMID: 35846573 PMCID: PMC9263409 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2022.06.012] [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: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Loss of function of the neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) tumor suppressor gene leads to the formation of schwannomas, meningiomas, and ependymomas, comprising ∼50% of all sporadic cases of primary nervous system tumors. NF2 syndrome is an autosomal dominant condition, with bi-allelic inactivation of germline and somatic alleles resulting in loss of function of the encoded protein merlin and activation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway signaling in NF2-deficient cells. Here we describe a gene replacement approach through direct intratumoral injection of an adeno-associated virus vector expressing merlin in a novel human schwannoma model in nude mice. In culture, the introduction of an AAV1 vector encoding merlin into CRISPR-modified human NF2-null arachnoidal cells (ACs) or Schwann cells (SCs) was associated with decreased size and mTORC1 pathway activation consistent with restored merlin activity. In vivo, a single injection of AAV1-merlin directly into human NF2-null SC-derived tumors growing in the sciatic nerve of nude mice led to regression of tumors over a 10-week period, associated with a decrease in dividing cells and an increase in apoptosis, in comparison with vehicle. These studies establish that merlin re-expression via gene replacement in NF2-null schwannomas is sufficient to cause tumor regression, thereby potentially providing an effective treatment for NF2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shilpa Prabhakar
- Department of Neurology and Center for Molecular Imaging Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Roberta L. Beauchamp
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Pike See Cheah
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Center for Molecular Imaging Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, JALAN UNIVERSITI 1 Serdang, 43400 Seri Kembangan, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Akiko Yoshinaga
- Department of Neurology and Center for Molecular Imaging Research, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Edwina Abou Haidar
- Department of Neurology and Center for Molecular Imaging Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Sevda Lule
- Department of Neurology and Center for Molecular Imaging Research, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Gayathri Mani
- Department of Neurology and Center for Molecular Imaging Research, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Katia Maalouf
- Department of Neurology and Center for Molecular Imaging Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Anat Stemmer-Rachamimov
- Department of Pathology and Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - David H. Jung
- Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Program in Speech and Hearing Bioscience and Technology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - D. Bradley Welling
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Program in Speech and Hearing Bioscience and Technology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Marco Giovannini
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center (JCCC), University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Scott R. Plotkin
- Department of Neurology and Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Casey A. Maguire
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and NeuroDiscovery Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Vijaya Ramesh
- Department of Neurology and Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Xandra O. Breakefield
- Department of Neurology and Center for Molecular Imaging Research, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Guo CL. Self-Sustained Regulation or Self-Perpetuating Dysregulation: ROS-dependent HIF-YAP-Notch Signaling as a Double-Edged Sword on Stem Cell Physiology and Tumorigenesis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:862791. [PMID: 35774228 PMCID: PMC9237464 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.862791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Organ development, homeostasis, and repair often rely on bidirectional, self-organized cell-niche interactions, through which cells select cell fate, such as stem cell self-renewal and differentiation. The niche contains multiplexed chemical and mechanical factors. How cells interpret niche structural information such as the 3D topology of organs and integrate with multiplexed mechano-chemical signals is an open and active research field. Among all the niche factors, reactive oxygen species (ROS) have recently gained growing interest. Once considered harmful, ROS are now recognized as an important niche factor in the regulation of tissue mechanics and topology through, for example, the HIF-YAP-Notch signaling pathways. These pathways are not only involved in the regulation of stem cell physiology but also associated with inflammation, neurological disorder, aging, tumorigenesis, and the regulation of the immune checkpoint molecule PD-L1. Positive feedback circuits have been identified in the interplay of ROS and HIF-YAP-Notch signaling, leading to the possibility that under aberrant conditions, self-organized, ROS-dependent physiological regulations can be switched to self-perpetuating dysregulation, making ROS a double-edged sword at the interface of stem cell physiology and tumorigenesis. In this review, we discuss the recent findings on how ROS and tissue mechanics affect YAP-HIF-Notch-PD-L1 signaling, hoping that the knowledge can be used to design strategies for stem cell-based and ROS-targeting therapy and tissue engineering.
Collapse
|
8
|
Gao F, Zhang G, Liu Y, He Y, Sheng Y, Sun X, Du Y, Yang C. Activation of CD44 signaling in leader cells induced by tumor-associated macrophages drives collective detachment in luminal breast carcinomas. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:540. [PMID: 35680853 PMCID: PMC9184589 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04986-4] [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: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Collective detachment of cancer cells at the invading front could generate efficient metastatic spread. However, how cancer cell clusters shed from the leading front remains unknown. We previously reported that the dynamic expression of CD44 in breast cancers (BrCas) at collectively invading edges was associated with tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). In this study, we first observed that the highly expressed CD44 (CD44high) cancer cell clusters were located in the BrCa circulating vessels, accompanied by CD206+ TAMs. Next, we identified that the cancer cell clusters can be converted to an invasive CD44high state which was induced by TAMs, thus giving rise to CD44-associated signaling mediated cohesive detachment. Then, we showed that disrupting CD44-signaling inhibited the TAMs triggered cohesive detaching using 3D organotypic culture and mouse models. Furthermore, our mechanistic study showed that the acquisition of CD44high state was mediated by the MDM2/p53 pathway activation which was induced by CCL8 released from TAMs. Blocking of CCL8 could inhibit the signaling cascade which decreased the CD44-mediated cohesive detachment and spread. Our findings uncover a novel mechanism underlying collective metastasis in BrCas that may be helpful to seek for potential targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feng Gao
- grid.412528.80000 0004 1798 5117Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, 200233 China ,grid.412528.80000 0004 1798 5117Department of Molecular Biology Laboratory, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, 200233 China
| | - Guoliang Zhang
- grid.412528.80000 0004 1798 5117Department of Molecular Biology Laboratory, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, 200233 China
| | - Yiwen Liu
- grid.412528.80000 0004 1798 5117Department of Molecular Biology Laboratory, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, 200233 China
| | - Yiqing He
- grid.412528.80000 0004 1798 5117Department of Molecular Biology Laboratory, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, 200233 China
| | - Yumeng Sheng
- grid.412528.80000 0004 1798 5117Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, 200233 China
| | - Xiaodan Sun
- grid.412528.80000 0004 1798 5117Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, 200233 China
| | - Yan Du
- grid.412528.80000 0004 1798 5117Department of Molecular Biology Laboratory, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, 200233 China
| | - Cuixia Yang
- grid.412528.80000 0004 1798 5117Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, 200233 China ,grid.412528.80000 0004 1798 5117Department of Molecular Biology Laboratory, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, 200233 China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zhang Y, Long J, Ren J, Huang X, Zhong P, Wang B. Potential Molecular Biomarkers of Vestibular Schwannoma Growth: Progress and Prospects. Front Oncol 2021; 11:731441. [PMID: 34646772 PMCID: PMC8503266 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.731441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Vestibular schwannomas (VSs, also known as acoustic neuromas) are relatively rare benign brain tumors stem from the Schwann cells of the eighth cranial nerve. Tumor growth is the paramount factor for neurosurgeons to decide whether to choose aggressive treatment approach or careful follow-up with regular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as surgery and radiation can introduce significant trauma and affect neurological function, while tumor enlargement during long-term follow-up will compress the adjacent nerves and tissues, causing progressive hearing loss, tinnitus and vertigo. Recently, with the deepening research of VS biology, some proteins that regulate merlin conformation changes, inflammatory cytokines, miRNAs, tissue proteins and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) components have been proposed to be closely related to tumor volume increase. In this review, we discuss advances in the study of biomarkers that associated with VS growth, providing a reference for exploring the growth course of VS and determining the optimal treatment strategy for each patient.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianfei Long
- Department of Pharmacy, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junwei Ren
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiang Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Zhong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Crosas-Molist E, Samain R, Kohlhammer L, Orgaz J, George S, Maiques O, Barcelo J, Sanz-Moreno V. RhoGTPase Signalling in Cancer Progression and Dissemination. Physiol Rev 2021; 102:455-510. [PMID: 34541899 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00045.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Rho GTPases are a family of small G proteins that regulate a wide array of cellular processes related to their key roles controlling the cytoskeleton. On the other hand, cancer is a multi-step disease caused by the accumulation of genetic mutations and epigenetic alterations, from the initial stages of cancer development when cells in normal tissues undergo transformation, to the acquisition of invasive and metastatic traits, responsible for a large number of cancer related deaths. In this review, we discuss the role of Rho GTPase signalling in cancer in every step of disease progression. Rho GTPases contribute to tumour initiation and progression, by regulating proliferation and apoptosis, but also metabolism, senescence and cell stemness. Rho GTPases play a major role in cell migration, and in the metastatic process. They are also involved in interactions with the tumour microenvironment and regulate inflammation, contributing to cancer progression. After years of intensive research, we highlight the importance of relevant models in the Rho GTPase field, and we reflect on the therapeutic opportunities arising for cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Crosas-Molist
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Remi Samain
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Leonie Kohlhammer
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jose Orgaz
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom.,Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas 'Alberto Sols', CSIC-UAM, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Samantha George
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Oscar Maiques
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jaume Barcelo
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Primi MC, Rangarajan ES, Patil DN, Izard T. Conformational flexibility determines the Nf2/merlin tumor suppressor functions. Matrix Biol Plus 2021; 12:100074. [PMID: 34337379 PMCID: PMC8318988 DOI: 10.1016/j.mbplus.2021.100074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The Neurofibromatosis type 2 gene encodes the Nf2/merlin tumor suppressor protein that is responsible for the regulation of cell proliferation. Once activated, Nf2/merlin modulates adhesive signaling pathways and thereby inhibits cell growth. Nf2/merlin controls oncogenic gene expression by modulating the Hippo pathway. By responding to several physical and biochemical stimuli, Hippo signaling determines contact inhibition of proliferation as well as organ size. The large tumor suppressor (LATS) serine/threonine-protein kinase is the key enzyme in the highly conserved kinase cascade that negatively regulates the activity and localization of the transcriptional coactivators Yes-associated protein (YAP) and its paralogue transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ). Nf2/merlin belongs to the band 4.1, ezrin, radixin, moesin (FERM) gene family that links the actin cytoskeleton to adherens junctions, remodels adherens junctions during epithelial morphogenesis and maintains organized apical surfaces on the plasma cell membrane. Nf2/merlin and ERM proteins have a globular N-terminal cloverleaf head domain, the FERM domain, that binds to the plasma membrane, a central α-helical domain, and a tail domain that binds to its head domain. Here we present the high-resolution crystal structure of Nf2/merlin bound to LATS1 which shows that LATS1 binding to Nf2/merlin displaces the Nf2/merlin tail domain and causes an allosteric shift in the Nf2/merlin α-helix that extends from its FERM domain. This is consistent with the fact that full-length Nf2/merlin binds LATS1 ~10-fold weaker compared to LATS1 binding to the Nf2/merlin-PIP2 complex. Our data increase our understanding of Nf2/merlin biology by providing mechanistic insights into the Hippo pathway that are relevant to several diseases in particular oncogenic features that are associated with cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina C Primi
- Cell Adhesion Laboratory, Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter 33458, FL, United States
| | - Erumbi S Rangarajan
- Cell Adhesion Laboratory, Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter 33458, FL, United States
| | - Dipak N Patil
- Cell Adhesion Laboratory, Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter 33458, FL, United States
| | - Tina Izard
- Cell Adhesion Laboratory, Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter 33458, FL, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Johnson B, Leatherman J. Merlin and expanded integrate cell signaling that regulates cyst stem cell proliferation in the Drosophila testis niche. Dev Biol 2021; 477:133-144. [PMID: 34044021 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2021.05.012] [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: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 09/30/2022]
Abstract
The Drosophila testis is a model organism stem cell niche in which two stem cell populations coordinate together to produce sperm; thus, these stem cells must be balanced in the niche. Merlin, a tumor-suppressor and human disease gene required for contact inhibition of proliferation, is known to limit the proliferation of the somatic cyst stem cells in the testis niche. Expanded encodes a protein that is structurally similar to Merlin in Drosophila, and is semi-redundant with Merlin in multiple tissues. We found that expanded depletion caused similar cyst lineage cell over-proliferation as observed with Merlin, and double mutants showed more severe phenotypes than either gene individually. Thus, these genes have partially redundant functions in the cyst lineage cells of this niche. We also expressed non-phosphorylatable constitutively "tumor suppressing" alleles of Merlin in cyst lineage cells, and surprisingly, we observed a similar cyst lineage over-proliferation phenotype. Merlin is known to impact multiple different signaling pathways to exert its effect on proliferation. We found that the Merlin loss of function phenotype was associated with an increase in MAPK/ERK signaling, consistent with Merlin's established role in transmembrane receptor inhibition. Constitutive Merlin displayed a reduction in both MAPK/ERK signaling and PI3K/Tor signaling. PI3K/Tor signaling is required for cyst cell differentiation, and inhibition of this pathway by Merlin activation phenocopied the Tor cyst lineage loss of function phenotype. Thus, Merlin impacts and integrates the activity of multiple signaling pathways in the testis niche. The ability of Merlin to dynamically change its activity via phosphorylation in response to local contact cues provides an intriguing mechanism whereby the signaling pathways that control these stem cells might be dynamically regulated in response to the division of a neighboring germ cell.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Johnson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO, USA
| | - Judith Leatherman
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Chen T, Ni N, Yuan L, Xu L, Bahri N, Sun B, Wu Y, Ou WB. Proteasome Inhibition Suppresses KIT-Independent Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors Via Targeting Hippo/YAP/Cyclin D1 Signaling. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:686874. [PMID: 34025442 PMCID: PMC8134732 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.686874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common malignant tumor of mesenchymal origin of the digestive tract. A yet more challenging resistance mechanism involves transition from oncogenic KIT to a new imatinib-insensitive oncogenic driver, heralded by loss of KIT expression. Our recent studies have shown that inhibition of cyclin D1 and Hippo signaling, which are overexpressed in KIT-independent GIST, is accompanied by anti-proliferative and apoptosis-promoting effects. PRKCQ, JUN, and the Hippo/YAP pathway coordinately regulate GIST cyclin D1 expression. Thus, targeting of these pathways could be effective therapeutically for these now untreatable tumors. Methods: Targeting cyclin D1 expression of small molecular drugs was screened by a cell monolayer growth and western blotting. The biologic mechanisms of bortezomib to KIT-independent GISTs were assessed by immunoblotting, qRT-PCR, cell viability, colony growth, cell cycle analysis, apoptosis, migration and invasiveness. Results: In the initial small molecular inhibitor screening in KIT-independent GIST62, we found that bortezomib-mediated inhibition of the ubiquitin-proteasome machinery showed anti-proliferative effects of KIT-independent GIST cells via downregulation of cyclin D1 and induction of p53 and p21. Treatment with proteasome inhibitor, bortezomib, led to downregulation of cyclin D1 and YAP/TAZ and an increase in the cleaved PARP expression in three KIT-independent GIST cell lines (GIST48B, GIST54, and GIST226). Additionally, it induced p53 and p21 expression in GIST48B and GIST54, increased apoptosis, and led to cell cycle G1/G2-phase arrest, decreased cell viability, colony formation, as well as migration and invasiveness in all GIST cell lines. Conclusion: Although our findings are early proof-of-principle, there are signs of a potential effective treatment for KIT-independent GISTs, the data highlight that targeting of cyclin D1 and Hippo/YAP by bortezomib warrants evaluation as a novel therapeutic strategy in KIT-independent GISTs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ting Chen
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Nan Ni
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Li Yuan
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liangliang Xu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Nacef Bahri
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Boshu Sun
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuehong Wu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wen-Bin Ou
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Xu Z, Orkwis JA, Harris GM. Cell Shape and Matrix Stiffness Impact Schwann Cell Plasticity via YAP/TAZ and Rho GTPases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094821. [PMID: 34062912 PMCID: PMC8124465 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Schwann cells (SCs) are a highly plastic cell type capable of undergoing phenotypic changes following injury or disease. SCs are able to upregulate genes associated with nerve regeneration and ultimately achieve functional recovery. During the regeneration process, the extracellular matrix (ECM) and cell morphology play a cooperative, critical role in regulating SCs, and therefore highly impact nerve regeneration outcomes. However, the roles of the ECM and mechanotransduction relating to SC phenotype are largely unknown. Here, we describe the role that matrix stiffness and cell morphology play in SC phenotype specification via known mechanotransducers YAP/TAZ and RhoA. Using engineered microenvironments to precisely control ECM stiffness, cell shape, and cell spreading, we show that ECM stiffness and SC spreading downregulated SC regenerative associated proteins by the activation of RhoA and YAP/TAZ. Additionally, cell elongation promoted a distinct SC regenerative capacity by the upregulation of Rac1/MKK7/JNK, both necessary for the ECM and morphology changes found during nerve regeneration. These results confirm the role of ECM signaling in peripheral nerve regeneration as well as provide insight to the design of future biomaterials and cellular therapies for peripheral nerve regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyuan Xu
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA; (Z.X.); (J.A.O.)
| | - Jacob A. Orkwis
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA; (Z.X.); (J.A.O.)
| | - Greg M. Harris
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA; (Z.X.); (J.A.O.)
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(513)-556-4167
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Carruba G. Estrogens in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Friends or Foes? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13092085. [PMID: 33925807 PMCID: PMC8123464 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Today, we know that estrogen hormones are required for the development and function of many organs, such as the liver, in both males and females. However, in some circumstances, estrogen excess may be implicated in the appearance of various chronic diseases, including cancer. This review will inspect the results of several studies to better understand the mechanisms responsible for estrogens to change from protective into harmful hormones in human liver. Abstract Estrogens are recognized as key players in physiological regulation of various, classical and non-classical, target organs, and tissues, including liver development, homeostasis, and function. On the other hand, multiple, though dispersed, experimental evidence is highly suggestive for the implication of estrogen in development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma. In this paper, data from our own studies and the current literature are reviewed to help understanding this apparent discrepancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Carruba
- Servizio di Internazionalizzazione e Ricerca Sanitaria (SIRS), Azienda di Rilievo Nazionale e di Alta Specializzazione (ARNAS)-Civico, Di Cristina, Benfratelli-Palermo, Piazza N. Leotta 2, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Zeng R, Dong J. The Hippo Signaling Pathway in Drug Resistance in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13020318. [PMID: 33467099 PMCID: PMC7830227 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13020318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Although great breakthroughs have been made in cancer treatment following the development of targeted therapy and immune therapy, resistance against anti-cancer drugs remains one of the most challenging conundrums. Considerable effort has been made to discover the underlying mechanisms through which malignant tumor cells acquire or develop resistance to anti-cancer treatment. The Hippo signaling pathway appears to play an important role in this process. This review focuses on how components in the human Hippo signaling pathway contribute to drug resistance in a variety of cancer types. This article also summarizes current pharmacological interventions that are able to target the Hippo signaling pathway and serve as potential anti-cancer therapeutics. Abstract Chemotherapy represents one of the most efficacious strategies to treat cancer patients, bringing advantageous changes at least temporarily even to those patients with incurable malignancies. However, most patients respond poorly after a certain number of cycles of treatment due to the development of drug resistance. Resistance to drugs administrated to cancer patients greatly limits the benefits that patients can achieve and continues to be a severe clinical difficulty. Among the mechanisms which have been uncovered to mediate anti-cancer drug resistance, the Hippo signaling pathway is gaining increasing attention due to the remarkable oncogenic activities of its components (for example, YAP and TAZ) and their druggable properties. This review will highlight current understanding of how the Hippo signaling pathway regulates anti-cancer drug resistance in tumor cells, and currently available pharmacological interventions targeting the Hippo pathway to eradicate malignant cells and potentially treat cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jixin Dong
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-402-559-5596; Fax: +1-402-559-4651
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
PLPP/CIN-mediated NF2-serine 10 dephosphorylation regulates F-actin stability and Mdm2 degradation in an activity-dependent manner. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:37. [PMID: 33414453 PMCID: PMC7791067 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-03325-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Neurofibromin 2 (NF2, also known as merlin) is a tumor suppressor protein encoded by the neurofibromatosis type 2 gene NF2. NF2 is also an actin-binding protein that functions in an intrinsic signaling network critical for actin dynamics. Although protein kinase A (PKA)-mediated NF2-serin (S) 10 phosphorylation stabilizes filamentous actin (F-actin), the underlying mechanisms of NF2-S10 dephosphorylation and the role of NF2 in seizures have been elusive. Here, we demonstrate that pyridoxal-5′-phosphate phosphatase/chronophin (PLPP/CIN) dephosphorylated NF2-S10 site as well as cofilin-S3 site. In addition, NF2-S10 dephosphorylation reversely regulated murine double minute-2 (Mdm2) and postsynaptic density 95 (PSD95) degradations in an activity-dependent manner, which increased seizure intensity and its progression in response to kainic acid (KA). In addition, NF2 knockdown facilitated seizure intensity and its progress through F-actin instability independent of cofilin-mediated actin dynamics. Therefore, we suggest that PLPP/CIN may be a potential therapeutic target for epileptogenesis and NF2-associated diseases.
Collapse
|
18
|
Beauchamp RL, Erdin S, Witt L, Jordan JT, Plotkin SR, Gusella JF, Ramesh V. mTOR kinase inhibition disrupts neuregulin 1-ERBB3 autocrine signaling and sensitizes NF2-deficient meningioma cellular models to IGF1R inhibition. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100157. [PMID: 33273014 PMCID: PMC7949095 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.014960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Meningiomas (MNs), arising from the arachnoid/meningeal layer, are nonresponsive to chemotherapies, with ∼50% showing loss of the Neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) tumor suppressor gene. Previously, we established NF2 loss activates mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) and mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 2 (mTORC2) signaling, leading to clinical trials for NF2 and MN. Recently our omics studies identified activated ephrin (EPH) receptor and Src family kinases upon NF2 loss. Here, we report increased expression of several ligands in NF2-null human arachnoidal cells (ACs) and the MN cell line Ben-Men-1, particularly neuregulin-1/heregulin (NRG1), and confirm increased NRG1 secretion and activation of V-ERB-B avian erythroblastic leukemia viral oncogene homolog 3 (ERBB3) receptor kinase. Conditioned-medium from NF2-null ACs or exogenous NRG1 stimulated ERBB3, EPHA2, and mTORC1/2 signaling, suggesting pathway crosstalk. NF2-null cells treated with an ERBB3-neutralizing antibody partially downregulated mTOR pathway activation but showed no effect on viability. mTORC1/2 inhibitor treatment decreased NRG1 expression and downregulated ERBB3 while re-activating pAkt T308, suggesting a mechanism independent of NRG1-ERBB3 but likely involving activation of another upstream receptor kinase. Transcriptomics after mTORC1/2 inhibition confirmed decreased ERBB3/ERBB4 while revealing increased expression of insulin-like growth factor receptor 1 (IGF1R). Drug treatment co-targeting mTORC1/2 and IGF1R/insulin receptor attenuated pAkt T308 and showed synergistic effects on viability. Our findings indicate potential autocrine signaling where NF2 loss leads to secretion/activation of NRG1-ERBB3 signaling. mTORC1/2 inhibition downregulates NRG1-ERBB3, while upregulating pAkt T308 through an adaptive response involving IGF1R/insulin receptor and co-targeting these pathways may prove effective for treatment of NF2-deficient MN.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/pharmacology
- Autocrine Communication/genetics
- Benzamides/pharmacology
- Benzoxazoles/pharmacology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Movement/drug effects
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Humans
- Lapatinib/pharmacology
- Meningeal Neoplasms/genetics
- Meningeal Neoplasms/metabolism
- Meningeal Neoplasms/pathology
- Meningioma/genetics
- Meningioma/metabolism
- Meningioma/pathology
- Morpholines/pharmacology
- Neuregulin-1/antagonists & inhibitors
- Neuregulin-1/genetics
- Neuregulin-1/metabolism
- Neurofibromin 2/deficiency
- Neurofibromin 2/genetics
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/genetics
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism
- Pyrazoles/pharmacology
- Pyrimidines/pharmacology
- Receptor, EphA2/genetics
- Receptor, EphA2/metabolism
- Receptor, ErbB-3/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, ErbB-3/genetics
- Receptor, ErbB-3/metabolism
- Receptor, IGF Type 1/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, IGF Type 1/genetics
- Receptor, IGF Type 1/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Sirolimus/pharmacology
- TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases/antagonists & inhibitors
- TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics
- TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism
- Transcriptome
- Triazines/pharmacology
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberta L Beauchamp
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Serkan Erdin
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Luke Witt
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Justin T Jordan
- Department of Neurology and Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Scott R Plotkin
- Department of Neurology and Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - James F Gusella
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Vijaya Ramesh
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Ren Y, Chari DA, Vasilijic S, Welling DB, Stankovic KM. New developments in neurofibromatosis type 2 and vestibular schwannoma. Neurooncol Adv 2020; 3:vdaa153. [PMID: 33604573 PMCID: PMC7881257 DOI: 10.1093/noajnl/vdaa153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by the development of multiple nervous system tumors due to mutation in the NF2 tumor suppressor gene. The hallmark feature of the NF2 syndrome is the development of bilateral vestibular schwannomas (VS). Although there is nearly 100% penetrance by 60 years of age, some patients suffer from a severe form of the disease and develop multiple tumors at an early age, while others are asymptomatic until later in life. Management options for VS include surgery, stereotactic radiation, and observation with serial imaging; however, currently, there are no FDA-approved pharmacotherapies for NF2 or VS. Recent advancements in the molecular biology underlying NF2 have led to a better understanding of the etiology and pathogenesis of VS. These novel signaling pathways may be used to identify targeted therapies for these tumors. This review discusses the clinical features and treatment options for sporadic- and NF2-associated VS, the diagnostic and screening criteria, completed and ongoing clinical trials, quality of life metrics, and opportunities for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yin Ren
- Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Divya A Chari
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Eaton-Peabody Laboratories and Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sasa Vasilijic
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Eaton-Peabody Laboratories and Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - D Bradley Welling
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Eaton-Peabody Laboratories and Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Speech and Hearing Bioscience and Technology Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Konstantina M Stankovic
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Eaton-Peabody Laboratories and Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Speech and Hearing Bioscience and Technology Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.,Program in Therapeutic Science, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Wei Y, Yee PP, Liu Z, Zhang L, Guo H, Zheng H, Anderson B, Gulley M, Li W. NEDD4L-mediated Merlin ubiquitination facilitates Hippo pathway activation. EMBO Rep 2020; 21:e50642. [PMID: 33058421 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202050642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor suppressor Merlin/NF2, a key activator of the Hippo pathway in growth control, is regulated by phosphorylation. However, it is uncertain whether additional post-translational modifications regulate Merlin. Here, we show that ubiquitination is required to activate Merlin in the Hippo pathway. Ubiquitinated Merlin is mostly conjugated by one or two ubiquitin molecules. Such modification is promoted by serine 518 dephosphorylation in response to Ca2+ signaling or cell detachment. Merlin ubiquitination is mediated by the E3 ubiquitin ligase, NEDD4L, which requires a scaffold protein, AMOTL1, to approach Merlin. Several NF2-patient-derived Merlin mutations disrupt its binding to AMOTL1 and its regulation by the AMOTL1-NEDD4L apparatus. Lysine (K) 396 is the major ubiquitin conjugation residue. Disruption of Merlin ubiquitination by the K396R mutation or NEDD4L depletion diminishes its binding to Lats1 and inhibits Lats1 activation. These effects are also accompanied by loss of Merlin's anti-mitogenic and tumor suppressive properties. Thus, we propose that dephosphorylation and ubiquitination compose an intramolecular relay to activate Merlin functions in activating the Hippo pathway during growth control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yiju Wei
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Penn State Health Hershey Medical Center, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Patricia P Yee
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Penn State Health Hershey Medical Center, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Zhijun Liu
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Penn State Health Hershey Medical Center, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Lei Zhang
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Penn State Health Hershey Medical Center, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA.,Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hui Guo
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Penn State Health Hershey Medical Center, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Haiyan Zheng
- Biological Mass Spectrometry Facility, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Benjamin Anderson
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Penn State Health Hershey Medical Center, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Melissa Gulley
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Penn State Health Hershey Medical Center, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Wei Li
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Penn State Health Hershey Medical Center, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Penn State Health Hershey Medical Center, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
King B, Araki J, Palm W, Thompson CB. Yap/Taz promote the scavenging of extracellular nutrients through macropinocytosis. Genes Dev 2020; 34:1345-1358. [PMID: 32912902 PMCID: PMC7528706 DOI: 10.1101/gad.340661.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The uptake of macromolecules and cellular debris through macropinocytosis has emerged as an important nutrient acquisition strategy of cancer cells. Genetic alterations commonly found in human cancers (e.g. mutations in KRAS or loss of PTEN) have been shown to increase macropinocytosis. To identify additional effectors that enable cell growth dependent on the uptake of extracellular proteins, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) cells were selected for growth in medium where extracellular albumin was the obligate source of the essential amino acid leucine. Analysis of global changes in chromatin availability and gene expression revealed that PDA cells selected under these conditions exhibited elevated activity of the transcriptional activators Yap/Taz. Knockout of Yap/Taz prevented growth of PDA cells in leucine-deficient medium, but not in complete medium. Furthermore, constitutively active forms of Yap or Taz were sufficient to stimulate macropinocytosis of extracellular protein. In addition to promoting the uptake of plasma proteins, Yap/Taz also promoted the scavenging of apoptotic cell bodies and necrotic debris by PDA cells. The Yap/Taz transcriptional target Axl was found to be essential for cell growth dependent on the uptake of dead cells and cell debris. Together, these studies suggest that the Hippo pathway effectors Yap and Taz are important transcriptional regulators of endocytic nutrient uptake.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bryan King
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Jingwen Araki
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Wilhelm Palm
- Cell Biology and Tumor Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Craig B Thompson
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Hong AW, Meng Z, Plouffe SW, Lin Z, Zhang M, Guan KL. Critical roles of phosphoinositides and NF2 in Hippo pathway regulation. Genes Dev 2020; 34:511-525. [PMID: 32115406 PMCID: PMC7111263 DOI: 10.1101/gad.333435.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
In this study, Hong et al. provide new insights into how NF2 mediates upstream signals to regulate the Hippo pathway. They show that NF2's lipid-binding ability is critical for its function in activating the Hippo pathway in response to osmotic stress in mammalian cells, and identify the PIP5K family as novel regulators upstream of Hippo signaling. The Hippo pathway is a master regulator of tissue homeostasis and organ size. NF2 is a well-established tumor suppressor, and loss of NF2 severely compromises Hippo pathway activity. However, the precise mechanism of how NF2 mediates upstream signals to regulate the Hippo pathway is not clear. Here we report that, in mammalian cells, NF2's lipid-binding ability is critical for its function in activating the Hippo pathway in response to osmotic stress. Mechanistically, osmotic stress induces PI(4,5)P2 plasma membrane enrichment by activating the PIP5K family, allowing for NF2 plasma membrane recruitment and subsequent downstream Hippo pathway activation. An NF2 mutant deficient in lipid binding is unable to activate the Hippo pathway in response to osmotic stress, as measured by LATS and YAP phosphorylation. Our findings identify the PIP5K family as novel regulators upstream of Hippo signaling, and uncover the importance of phosphoinositide dynamics, specifically PI(4,5)P2, in Hippo pathway regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Audrey W Hong
- Department of Pharmacology and Moores Cancer Center, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Zhipeng Meng
- Department of Pharmacology and Moores Cancer Center, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Steven W Plouffe
- Department of Pharmacology and Moores Cancer Center, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Zhijie Lin
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Mingjie Zhang
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China.,Center of Systems Biology and Human Health, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, China
| | - Kun-Liang Guan
- Department of Pharmacology and Moores Cancer Center, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
White SM, Avantaggiati ML, Nemazanyy I, Di Poto C, Yang Y, Pende M, Gibney GT, Ressom HW, Field J, Atkins MB, Yi C. YAP/TAZ Inhibition Induces Metabolic and Signaling Rewiring Resulting in Targetable Vulnerabilities in NF2-Deficient Tumor Cells. Dev Cell 2020; 49:425-443.e9. [PMID: 31063758 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2019.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2018] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Merlin/NF2 is a bona fide tumor suppressor whose mutations underlie inherited tumor syndrome neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), as well as various sporadic cancers including kidney cancer. Multiple Merlin/NF2 effector pathways including the Hippo-YAP/TAZ pathway have been identified. However, the molecular mechanisms underpinning the growth and survival of NF2-mutant tumors remain poorly understood. Using an inducible orthotopic kidney tumor model, we demonstrate that YAP/TAZ silencing is sufficient to induce regression of pre-established NF2-deficient tumors. Mechanistically, YAP/TAZ depletion diminishes glycolysis-dependent growth and increases mitochondrial respiration and reactive oxygen species (ROS) buildup, resulting in oxidative-stress-induced cell death when challenged by nutrient stress. Furthermore, we identify lysosome-mediated cAMP-PKA/EPAC-dependent activation of RAF-MEK-ERK signaling as a resistance mechanism to YAP/TAZ inhibition. Finally, unbiased analysis of TCGA primary kidney tumor transcriptomes confirms a positive correlation of a YAP/TAZ signature with glycolysis and inverse correlations with oxidative phosphorylation and lysosomal gene expression, supporting the clinical relevance of our findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shannon M White
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington DC, USA
| | | | - Ivan Nemazanyy
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1151, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Cristina Di Poto
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington DC, USA
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelmen School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Mario Pende
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1151, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Geoffrey T Gibney
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington DC, USA
| | - Habtom W Ressom
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington DC, USA
| | - Jeffery Field
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelmen School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Michael B Atkins
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington DC, USA
| | - Chunling Yi
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington DC, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Mohan AS, Dean KM, Isogai T, Kasitinon SY, Murali VS, Roudot P, Groisman A, Reed DK, Welf ES, Han SJ, Noh J, Danuser G. Enhanced Dendritic Actin Network Formation in Extended Lamellipodia Drives Proliferation in Growth-Challenged Rac1 P29S Melanoma Cells. Dev Cell 2020; 49:444-460.e9. [PMID: 31063759 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2019.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Actin assembly supplies the structural framework for cell morphology and migration. Beyond structure, this actin framework can also be engaged to drive biochemical signaling programs. Here, we describe how the hyperactivation of Rac1 via the P29S mutation (Rac1P29S) in melanoma hijacks branched actin network assembly to coordinate proliferative cues that facilitate metastasis and drug resistance. Upon growth challenge, Rac1P29S-harboring melanoma cells massively upregulate lamellipodia formation by dendritic actin polymerization. These extended lamellipodia form a signaling microdomain that sequesters and phospho-inactivates the tumor suppressor NF2/Merlin, driving Rac1P29S cell proliferation in growth suppressive conditions. These biochemically active lamellipodia require cell-substrate attachment but not focal adhesion assembly and drive proliferation independently of the ERK/MAPK pathway. These data suggest a critical link between cell morphology and cell signaling and reconcile the dichotomy of Rac1's regulation of both proliferation and actin assembly by revealing a mutual signaling axis wherein actin assembly drives proliferation in melanoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashwathi S Mohan
- Lyda Hill Department of Bioinformatics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Kevin M Dean
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Tadamoto Isogai
- Lyda Hill Department of Bioinformatics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Stacy Y Kasitinon
- Children's Research Institute and the Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Vasanth S Murali
- Lyda Hill Department of Bioinformatics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Philippe Roudot
- Lyda Hill Department of Bioinformatics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Alex Groisman
- Department of Physics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Dana K Reed
- Lyda Hill Department of Bioinformatics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Erik S Welf
- Lyda Hill Department of Bioinformatics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Sangyoon J Han
- Lyda Hill Department of Bioinformatics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931, USA
| | - Jungsik Noh
- Lyda Hill Department of Bioinformatics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Gaudenz Danuser
- Lyda Hill Department of Bioinformatics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Huang SC, Liang JY, Vu LV, Yu FH, Ou AC, Ou JP, Zhang HS, Burnett KM, Benz EJ. Epithelial-specific isoforms of protein 4.1R promote adherens junction assembly in maturing epithelia. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:191-211. [PMID: 31776189 PMCID: PMC6952607 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.009650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial adherens junctions (AJs) and tight junctions (TJs) undergo disassembly and reassembly during morphogenesis and pathological states. The membrane-cytoskeleton interface plays a crucial role in junctional reorganization. Protein 4.1R (4.1R), expressed as a diverse array of spliceoforms, has been implicated in linking the AJ and TJ complex to the cytoskeleton. However, which specific 4.1 isoform(s) participate and the mechanisms involved in junctional stability or remodeling remain unclear. We now describe a role for epithelial-specific isoforms containing exon 17b and excluding exon 16 4.1R (4.1R+17b) in AJs. 4.1R+17b is exclusively co-localized with the AJs. 4.1R+17b binds to the armadillo repeats 1-2 of β-catenin via its membrane-binding domain. This complex is linked to the actin cytoskeleton via a bispecific interaction with an exon 17b-encoded peptide. Exon 17b peptides also promote fodrin-actin complex formation. Expression of 4.1R+17b forms does not disrupt the junctional cytoskeleton and AJs during the steady-state or calcium-dependent AJ reassembly. Overexpression of 4.1R-17b forms, which displace the endogenous 4.1R+17b forms at the AJs, as well as depletion of the 4.1R+17b forms both decrease junctional actin and attenuate the recruitment of spectrin to the AJs and also reduce E-cadherin during the initial junctional formation of the AJ reassembly process. Expressing 4.1R+17b forms in depleted cells rescues junctional localization of actin, spectrin, and E-cadherin assembly at the AJs. Together, our results identify a critical role for 4.1R+17b forms in AJ assembly and offer additional insights into the spectrin-actin-4.1R-based membrane skeleton as an emerging regulator of epithelial integrity and remodeling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Ching Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02115; Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115.
| | - Jia Y Liang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Long V Vu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Faye H Yu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Alexander C Ou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Jennie Park Ou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Henry S Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Kimberly M Burnett
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Edward J Benz
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02115; Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115; Department of Pediatrics and Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115; Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Coordinated targeting of CK2 and KIT in gastrointestinal stromal tumours. Br J Cancer 2019; 122:372-381. [PMID: 31776458 PMCID: PMC7000686 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-019-0657-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Most gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) are driven by activating oncogenic mutations of KIT/PDGFRA, which provide a compelling therapeutic target. Our previous studies showed that CDC37, regulated by casein kinase 2 (CK2), is a crucial HSP90 cofactor for KIT oncogenic function and a promising and more selective therapeutic target in GIST. Methods Biologic mechanisms of CK2-mediated CDC37 regulation were assessed in GISTs by immunoblotting, immunoprecipitations, knockdown and inactivation assays. The effects of a combination of KIT and CK2 inhibition were assessed by immunoblotting, cell viability, colony growth, cell cycle analysis, apoptosis, migration and invasiveness. Results CK2 overexpression was demonstrated by immunoblotting in GIST cell lines and patient biopsies. Treatment with a specific CK2 inhibitor, CX4945, leads to CDC37 dephosphorylation and inhibits KIT signalling in imatinib-sensitive and in imatinib-resistant GIST cell lines. Immunoprecipitation demonstrated that CK2 inhibition blocks KIT:HSP90:CDC37 interaction in GIST cells. Coordinated inhibition of CK2 and KIT by CX4945 (or CK2 shRNA) and imatinib, respectively, leads to increased apoptosis, anti-proliferative effects and cell cycle arrest and decreased p-AKT and p-S6 expression, migration and invasiveness in all GIST cell lines compared with either intervention alone, indicating additive effects of inhibiting these two important regulators of GIST biology. Conclusion Our findings suggest that combinatorial inhibition of CK2 and KIT warrants evaluation as a novel therapeutic strategy in GIST, especially in imatinib-resistant GIST.
Collapse
|
27
|
Xu WF, Ma YC, Ma HS, Shi L, Mu H, Ou WB, Peng J, Li TT, Qin T, Zhou HM, Fu XQ, Li XH. Co-targeting CK2α and YBX1 suppresses tumor progression by coordinated inhibition of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Cell Cycle 2019; 18:3472-3490. [PMID: 31713447 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2019.1689474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein kinase CK2 alpha (CK2α) is involved in the development of multiple malignancies. Overexpression of Y-box binding protein 1 (YBX1) is related to tumor proliferation, drug resistance, and poor prognosis. Studies have demonstrated that both CK2 and YBX1 could regulate the PI3K/AKT pathway. In addition, we predicted that CK2 might be the upstream kinase of YBX1 through the Human Protein Reference Database (HPRD). Herein, we hypothesize that CK2 may interact with YBX1 and they regulate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway together. Expressions of CK2α and YBX1 in cancer cell lines were evaluated by immunoblotting. The results showed that CK2α could regulate the expression of YBX1 at the transcriptional level, which is dependent on its enzymatic activity. Synergistic effects of PI3K/AKT pathway inactivation could be observed through combined inhibition of CK2α and YBX1, and YBX1 was required for CK2α-induced PI3K/AKT pathway activation. Further results demonstrated that CK2α could interact with YBX1 and PI3K/AKT antagonist decreased cell resistance to doxorubicin induced by co-activation of CK2α and YBX1. These results indicated that combined inhibition of CK2α and YBX1 showed synergistic effects in inactivating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and may be one of the mechanisms involved in tumor growth and migration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Fei Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Enzymology, Yangtze Delta Region Institute of Tsinghua University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yi-Cong Ma
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Enzymology, Yangtze Delta Region Institute of Tsinghua University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hou-Shi Ma
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Enzymology, Yangtze Delta Region Institute of Tsinghua University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Long Shi
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Enzymology, Yangtze Delta Region Institute of Tsinghua University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hang Mu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Enzymology, Yangtze Delta Region Institute of Tsinghua University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wen-Bin Ou
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jie Peng
- Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ting-Ting Li
- Department of Geriatric Gastroenterology, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tianyi Qin
- Department of Biology, Georgetown Preparatory School, North Bethesda, USA
| | - Hai-Meng Zhou
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Enzymology, Yangtze Delta Region Institute of Tsinghua University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xue-Qi Fu
- College of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xu-Hui Li
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Enzymology, Yangtze Delta Region Institute of Tsinghua University, Zhejiang, China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Xu WF, Liu F, Ma YC, Qian ZR, Shi L, Mu H, Ding F, Fu XQ, Li XH. Baicalin Regulates Proliferation, Apoptosis, Migration, and Invasion in Mesothelioma. Med Sci Monit 2019; 25:8172-8180. [PMID: 31670317 PMCID: PMC6844144 DOI: 10.12659/msm.919872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Baicalin, one of the main bioactive components extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine baical Skullcap root, has an anti-tumor activity which had been studied in several cancers. However, its role in human mesothelioma remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the anti-tumor mechanisms of baicalin in the mesothelioma cell line MESO924. Material/Methods Effects of baicalin on mesothelioma were assessed by measuring cell viability, apoptosis, migration, invasion, inactivation of signaling intermediates, and cell-cycle alterations. Results Baicalin inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of human mesothelioma cells and increased their apoptosis, all in a dose-dependent manner. Specifically, baicalin decreased the expression of p-EGFR, p-AKT, p-MAPK, p-S6, Bcl-2, and VEGF and increased the expression of Bax in mesothelioma cells. The suppressed mesothelioma cellular proliferation is due to the arrest of the S cell cycle by baicalin. Inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway by a PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitor augmented the anti-proliferation effects induced by baicalin. In addition, baicalin increased the sensitivity of MESO924 to the chemotherapeutic drugs doxorubicin, cisplatin, and pemetrexed. Conclusions These results highlight the roles of baicalin in inhibiting cell growth, migration, and invasion of mesothelioma cells while increasing apoptosis and sensitizing cells to chemotherapeutic agents through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, which indicates that baicalin could be a useful drug for mesothelioma therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Fei Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China (mainland).,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Enzymology, Yangtze Delta Region Institute of Tsinghua University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China (mainland)
| | - Feng Liu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Enzymology, Yangtze Delta Region Institute of Tsinghua University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China (mainland)
| | - Yi-Cong Ma
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Enzymology, Yangtze Delta Region Institute of Tsinghua University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China (mainland)
| | - Zhi-Rong Qian
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China (mainland)
| | - Long Shi
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Enzymology, Yangtze Delta Region Institute of Tsinghua University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China (mainland)
| | - Hang Mu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Enzymology, Yangtze Delta Region Institute of Tsinghua University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China (mainland)
| | - Feng Ding
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Enzymology, Yangtze Delta Region Institute of Tsinghua University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China (mainland)
| | - Xue-Qi Fu
- College of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China (mainland)
| | - Xu-Hui Li
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Enzymology, Yangtze Delta Region Institute of Tsinghua University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China (mainland)
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Lee S, Karas PJ, Hadley CC, Bayley V JC, Khan AB, Jalali A, Sweeney AD, Klisch TJ, Patel AJ. The Role of Merlin/NF2 Loss in Meningioma Biology. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11111633. [PMID: 31652973 PMCID: PMC6893739 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11111633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the neurofibromin 2 (NF2) gene were among the first genetic alterations implicated in meningioma tumorigenesis, based on analysis of neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) patients who not only develop vestibular schwannomas but later have a high incidence of meningiomas. The NF2 gene product, merlin, is a tumor suppressor that is thought to link the actin cytoskeleton with plasma membrane proteins and mediate contact-dependent inhibition of proliferation. However, the early recognition of the crucial role of NF2 mutations in the pathogenesis of the majority of meningiomas has not yet translated into useful clinical insights, due to the complexity of merlin’s many interacting partners and signaling pathways. Next-generation sequencing studies and increasingly sophisticated NF2-deletion-based in vitro and in vivo models have helped elucidate the consequences of merlin loss in meningioma pathogenesis. In this review, we seek to summarize recent findings and provide future directions toward potential therapeutics for this tumor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sungho Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Patrick J Karas
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Caroline C Hadley
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - James C Bayley V
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - A Basit Khan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Ali Jalali
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Alex D Sweeney
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Tiemo J Klisch
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Akash J Patel
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Angus SP, Oblinger JL, Stuhlmiller TJ, DeSouza PA, Beauchamp RL, Witt L, Chen X, Jordan JT, Gilbert TSK, Stemmer-Rachamimov A, Gusella JF, Plotkin SR, Haggarty SJ, Chang LS, Johnson GL, Ramesh V. EPH receptor signaling as a novel therapeutic target in NF2-deficient meningioma. Neuro Oncol 2019; 20:1185-1196. [PMID: 29982664 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noy046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Meningiomas are the most common primary brain tumor in adults, and somatic loss of the neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) tumor suppressor gene is a frequent genetic event. There is no effective treatment for tumors that recur or continue to grow despite surgery and/or radiation. Therefore, targeted therapies that either delay tumor progression or cause tumor shrinkage are much needed. Our earlier work established mammalian target of rapamycin complex mTORC1/mTORC2 activation in NF2-deficient meningiomas. Methods High-throughput kinome analyses were performed in NF2-null human arachnoidal and meningioma cell lines to identify functional kinome changes upon NF2 loss. Immunoblotting confirmed the activation of kinases and demonstrated effectiveness of drugs to block the activation. Drugs, singly and in combination, were screened in cells for their growth inhibitory activity. Antitumor drug efficacy was tested in an orthotopic meningioma model. Results Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular receptor tyrosine kinases (EPH RTKs), c-KIT, and Src family kinase (SFK) members, which are biological targets of dasatinib, were among the top candidates activated in NF2-null cells. Dasatinib significantly inhibited phospho-EPH receptor A2 (pEPHA2), pEPHB1, c-KIT, and Src/SFK in NF2-null cells, showing no cross-talk with mTORC1/2 signaling. Posttreatment kinome analyses showed minimal adaptive changes. While dasatinib treatment showed some activity, dual mTORC1/2 inhibitor and its combination with dasatinib elicited stronger growth inhibition in meningiomas. Conclusion Co-targeting mTORC1/2 and EPH RTK/SFK pathways could be a novel effective treatment strategy for NF2-deficient meningiomas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven P Angus
- Department of Pharmacology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Janet L Oblinger
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital.,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Timothy J Stuhlmiller
- Department of Pharmacology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Patrick A DeSouza
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Roberta L Beauchamp
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Luke Witt
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Justin T Jordan
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Thomas S K Gilbert
- Department of Pharmacology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | | | - James F Gusella
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Scott R Plotkin
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Stephen J Haggarty
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Long-Sheng Chang
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital.,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Gary L Johnson
- Department of Pharmacology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Vijaya Ramesh
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Toledo A, Lang F, Doengi M, Morrison H, Stein V, Baader SL. Merlin modulates process outgrowth and synaptogenesis in the cerebellum. Brain Struct Funct 2019; 224:2121-2142. [PMID: 31165301 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-019-01897-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) patients are prone to develop glial-derived tumors in the peripheral and central nervous system (CNS). The Nf2 gene product -Merlin is not only expressed in glia, but also in neurons of the CNS, where its function still remains elusive. Here, we show that cerebellar Purkinje cells (PCs) of isoform-specific Merlin-deficient mice were innervated by smaller vGluT2-positive clusters at presynaptic terminals than those of wild-type mice. This was paralleled by a reduction in frequency and amplitude of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSC). On the contrary, in conditional transgenic mice in which Merlin expression was specifically ablated in PCs (L7Cre;Nf2fl/fl), we found enlarged vGluT2-positive clusters in their presynaptic buttons together with increased amplitudes of miniature postsynaptic currents. The presynaptic terminals of these PCs innervating neurons of the deep cerebellar nuclei were also enlarged. When exploring mice with Merlin-deficient granule cells (GCs) (Math1Cre;Nf2fl/fl), we found cerebellar extracts to contain higher amounts of vGluT1 present in parallel fiber terminals. In parallel, mEPSC frequency was increased in Math1Cre;Nf2fl/fl mice. On the contrary, VGluT2 clusters in cerebellar glomeruli composed of NF2-deficient presynaptic Mossy fiber terminals and NF2-deficient postsynaptic GC were reduced in size as shown for isoform-specific knockout mice. These changes in Math1Cre;Nf2fl/fl-deficient mice were paralleled by an increased activation of Rac1-Cofilin signaling which is known to impact on cytoskeletal reorganization and synapse formation. Consistent with the observed synaptic alterations in these transgenic mice, we observed altered ultrasonic vocalization, which is known to rely on proper cerebellar function. No gross morphological changes or motor coordination deficits were observed in any of these transgenic mice. We therefore conclude that Merlin does not regulate overall cerebellar development, but impacts on pre- and post-synaptic terminal organization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Toledo
- Institute of Anatomy, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Bonn University, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - F Lang
- Institute of Anatomy, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Bonn University, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - M Doengi
- Institute of Physiology II, Bonn University, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - H Morrison
- Leibniz Institute for Age Research, Fritz Lipmann Institute, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - V Stein
- Institute of Physiology II, Bonn University, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - S L Baader
- Institute of Anatomy, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Bonn University, 53115, Bonn, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Hennigan RF, Fletcher JS, Guard S, Ratner N. Proximity biotinylation identifies a set of conformation-specific interactions between Merlin and cell junction proteins. Sci Signal 2019; 12:12/578/eaau8749. [PMID: 31015291 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aau8749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 2 is an inherited, neoplastic disease associated with schwannomas, meningiomas, and ependymomas and that is caused by inactivation of the tumor suppressor gene NF2 The NF2 gene product, Merlin, has no intrinsic catalytic activity; its tumor suppressor function is mediated through the proteins with which it interacts. We used proximity biotinylation followed by mass spectrometry and direct binding assays to identify proteins that associated with wild-type and various mutant forms of Merlin in immortalized Schwann cells. We defined a set of 52 proteins in close proximity to wild-type Merlin. Most of the Merlin-proximal proteins were components of cell junctional signaling complexes, suggesting that additional potential interaction partners may exist in adherens junctions, tight junctions, and focal adhesions. With mutant forms of Merlin that cannot bind to phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) or that constitutively adopt a closed conformation, we confirmed a critical role for PIP2 binding in Merlin function and identified a large cohort of proteins that specifically interacted with Merlin in the closed conformation. Among these proteins, we identified a previously unreported Merlin-binding protein, apoptosis-stimulated p53 protein 2 (ASPP2, also called Tp53bp2), that bound to closed-conformation Merlin predominately through the FERM domain. Our results demonstrate that Merlin is a component of cell junctional mechanosensing complexes and defines a specific set of proteins through which it acts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert F Hennigan
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
| | - Jonathan S Fletcher
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Steven Guard
- Department of Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Nancy Ratner
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Michie KA, Bermeister A, Robertson NO, Goodchild SC, Curmi PMG. Two Sides of the Coin: Ezrin/Radixin/Moesin and Merlin Control Membrane Structure and Contact Inhibition. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20081996. [PMID: 31018575 PMCID: PMC6515277 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20081996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The merlin-ERM (ezrin, radixin, moesin) family of proteins plays a central role in linking the cellular membranes to the cortical actin cytoskeleton. Merlin regulates contact inhibition and is an integral part of cell–cell junctions, while ERM proteins, ezrin, radixin and moesin, assist in the formation and maintenance of specialized plasma membrane structures and membrane vesicle structures. These two protein families share a common evolutionary history, having arisen and separated via gene duplication near the origin of metazoa. During approximately 0.5 billion years of evolution, the merlin and ERM family proteins have maintained both sequence and structural conservation to an extraordinary level. Comparing crystal structures of merlin-ERM proteins and their complexes, a picture emerges of the merlin-ERM proteins acting as switchable interaction hubs, assembling protein complexes on cellular membranes and linking them to the actin cytoskeleton. Given the high level of structural conservation between the merlin and ERM family proteins we speculate that they may function together.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katharine A Michie
- School of Physics, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia.
| | - Adam Bermeister
- School of Physics, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia.
| | - Neil O Robertson
- School of Physics, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia.
| | - Sophia C Goodchild
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney 2109, Australia.
| | - Paul M G Curmi
- School of Physics, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Cancer as an Embryological Phenomenon and Its Developmental Pathways: A Hypothesis regarding the Contribution of the Noncanonical Wnt Pathway. ScientificWorldJournal 2019; 2019:4714781. [PMID: 30940992 PMCID: PMC6421044 DOI: 10.1155/2019/4714781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
For gastrulation to occur in human embryos, a mechanism that simultaneously regulates many different processes, such as cell differentiation, proliferation, migration, and invasion, is required to consistently and effectively create a human being during embryonic morphogenesis. The striking similarities in the processes of cancer and gastrulation have prompted speculation regarding the developmental pathways involved in their regulation. One of the fundamental requirements for the developmental pathways in gastrulation and cancer is the ability to respond to environmental stimuli, and it has been proposed that the Kaiso and noncanonical Wnt pathways participate in the mechanisms regulating these developmental pathways. In particular, these pathways might also explain the notable differences in invasive capacity between cancers of endodermal and mesodermal origins and cancers of ectodermal origin. Nevertheless, the available information indicates that cancer is an abnormal state of adult human cells in which developmental pathways are reactivated in inappropriate temporal and spatial contexts.
Collapse
|
35
|
Elaimy AL, Mercurio AM. Convergence of VEGF and YAP/TAZ signaling: Implications for angiogenesis and cancer biology. Sci Signal 2018; 11:11/552/eaau1165. [PMID: 30327408 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aau1165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) stimulates endothelial cells to promote both developmental and pathological angiogenesis. VEGF also directly affects tumor cells and is associated with the initiation, progression, and recurrence of tumors, as well as the emergence and maintenance of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Studies have uncovered the importance of the transcriptional regulators YAP and TAZ in mediating VEGF signaling. For example, VEGF stimulates the GTPase activity of Rho family members and thereby alters cytoskeletal dynamics, which contributes to the activation of YAP and TAZ. In turn, YAP- and TAZ-mediated changes in gene expression sustain Rho family member activity and cytoskeletal effects to promote both vascular growth and remodeling in endothelial cells and the acquisition of stem-like traits in tumor cells. In this Review, we discuss how these findings further explain the pathophysiological roles of VEGF and YAP/TAZ, identify their connections to other receptor-mediated pathways, and reveal ways of therapeutically targeting their convergent signals in patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ameer L Elaimy
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.,Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Arthur M Mercurio
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Zhao F, Yang Z, Chen Y, Zhou Q, Zhang J, Liu J, Wang B, He Q, Zhang L, Yu Y, Liu P. Deregulation of the Hippo Pathway Promotes Tumor Cell Proliferation Through YAP Activity in Human Sporadic Vestibular Schwannoma. World Neurosurg 2018; 117:e269-e279. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2018.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Revised: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
|
37
|
Toledo A, Grieger E, Karram K, Morrison H, Baader SL. Neurofibromatosis type 2 tumor suppressor protein is expressed in oligodendrocytes and regulates cell proliferation and process formation. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0196726. [PMID: 29715273 PMCID: PMC5929554 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0196726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) tumor suppressor protein Merlin functions as a negative regulator of cell growth and actin dynamics in different cell types amongst which Schwann cells have been extensively studied. In contrast, the presence and the role of Merlin in oligodendrocytes, the myelin forming cells within the CNS, have not been elucidated. In this work, we demonstrate that Merlin immunoreactivity was broadly distributed in the white matter throughout the central nervous system. Following Merlin expression during development in the cerebellum, Merlin could be detected in the cerebellar white matter tract at early postnatal stages as shown by its co-localization with Olig2-positive cells as well as in adult brain sections where it was aligned with myelin basic protein containing fibers. This suggests that Merlin is expressed in immature and mature oligodendrocytes. Expression levels of Merlin were low in oligodendrocytes as compared to astrocytes and neurons throughout development. Expression of Merlin in oligodendroglia was further supported by its identification in either immortalized cell lines of oligodendroglial origin or in primary oligodendrocyte cultures. In these cultures, the two main splice variants of Nf2 could be detected. Merlin was localized in clusters within the nuclei and in the cytoplasm. Overexpressing Merlin in oligodendrocyte cell lines strengthened reduced impedance in XCELLigence measurements and Ki67 stainings in cultures over time. In addition, the initiation and elongation of cellular projections were reduced by Merlin overexpression. Consistently, cell migration was retarded in scratch assays done on Nf2-transfected oligodendrocyte cell lines. These data suggest that Merlin actively modulates process outgrowth and migration in oligodendrocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Toledo
- Institute of Anatomy, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Bonn, Germany
- Laboratorio de Cultivo de Tejidos, Sección Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, UdelaR, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Elena Grieger
- Institute of Anatomy, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Bonn, Germany
| | - Khalad Karram
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Helen Morrison
- Leibniz Institute for Age Research, Fritz Lipmann Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Stephan L. Baader
- Institute of Anatomy, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Bonn, Germany
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Elaimy AL, Guru S, Chang C, Ou J, Amante JJ, Zhu LJ, Goel HL, Mercurio AM. VEGF-neuropilin-2 signaling promotes stem-like traits in breast cancer cells by TAZ-mediated repression of the Rac GAP β2-chimaerin. Sci Signal 2018; 11:11/528/eaao6897. [PMID: 29717062 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aao6897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling in cancer is not only well known in the context of angiogenesis but also important in the functional regulation of tumor cells. Autocrine VEGF signaling mediated by its co-receptors called neuropilins (NRPs) appears to be essential for sustaining the proliferation and survival of cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are implicated in mediating tumor growth, progression, and drug resistance. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms involved in VEGF-mediated support of CSCs is critical to successfully treating cancer patients. The expression of the Hippo effector TAZ is associated with breast CSCs and confers stem cell-like properties. We found that VEGF-NRP2 signaling contributed to the activation of TAZ in various breast cancer cells, which mediated a positive feedback loop that promoted mammosphere formation. VEGF-NRP2 signaling activated the GTPase Rac1, which inhibited the Hippo kinase LATS, thus leading to TAZ activity. In a complex with the transcription factor TEAD, TAZ then bound and repressed the promoter of the gene encoding the Rac GTPase-activating protein (Rac GAP) β2-chimaerin. By activating GTP hydrolysis, Rac GAPs effectively turn off Rac signaling; hence, the TAZ-mediated repression of β2-chimaerin resulted in sustained Rac1 activity in CSCs. Depletion of β2-chimaerin in non-CSCs increased Rac1 activity, TAZ abundance, and mammosphere formation. Analysis of a breast cancer patient database revealed an inverse correlation between β2-chimaerin and TAZ expression in tumors. Our findings highlight an unexpected role for β2-chimaerin in a feed-forward loop of TAZ activation and the acquisition of CSC properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ameer L Elaimy
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.,Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Santosh Guru
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Cheng Chang
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.,Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Jianhong Ou
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - John J Amante
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Lihua Julie Zhu
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.,Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.,Department of Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Hira Lal Goel
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Arthur M Mercurio
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Lipid binding promotes the open conformation and tumor-suppressive activity of neurofibromin 2. Nat Commun 2018; 9:1338. [PMID: 29626191 PMCID: PMC5889391 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-03648-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is a tumor-forming disease of the nervous system caused by deletion or by loss-of-function mutations in NF2, encoding the tumor suppressing protein neurofibromin 2 (also known as schwannomin or merlin). Neurofibromin 2 is a member of the ezrin, radixin, moesin (ERM) family of proteins regulating the cytoskeleton and cell signaling. The correlation of the tumor-suppressive function and conformation (open or closed) of neurofibromin 2 has been subject to much speculation, often based on extrapolation from other ERM proteins, and controversy. Here we show that lipid binding results in the open conformation of neurofibromin 2 and that lipid binding is necessary for inhibiting cell proliferation. Collectively, our results provide a mechanism in which the open conformation is unambiguously correlated with lipid binding and localization to the membrane, which are critical for the tumor-suppressive function of neurofibromin 2, thus finally reconciling the long-standing conformation and function debate. Neurofibromin 2 (NF2) is a tumour suppressor that inhibits cell growth. Here the authors combine functional, biochemical, and structural studies and show that lipid-bound NF2 adopts an open conformation and that NF2 lipid binding is required for inhibition of cell proliferation.
Collapse
|
40
|
NF2/Merlin Inactivation and Potential Therapeutic Targets in Mesothelioma. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19040988. [PMID: 29587439 PMCID: PMC5979333 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19040988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) gene encodes merlin, a tumor suppressor protein frequently inactivated in schwannoma, meningioma, and malignant mesothelioma (MM). The sequence of merlin is similar to that of ezrin/radixin/moesin (ERM) proteins which crosslink actin with the plasma membrane, suggesting that merlin plays a role in transducing extracellular signals to the actin cytoskeleton. Merlin adopts a distinct closed conformation defined by specific intramolecular interactions and regulates diverse cellular events such as transcription, translation, ubiquitination, and miRNA biosynthesis, many of which are mediated through Hippo and mTOR signaling, which are known to be closely involved in cancer development. MM is a very aggressive tumor associated with asbestos exposure, and genetic alterations in NF2 that abrogate merlin’s functional activity are found in about 40% of MMs, indicating the importance of NF2 inactivation in MM development and progression. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of molecular events triggered by NF2/merlin inactivation, which lead to the development of mesothelioma and other cancers, and discuss potential therapeutic targets in merlin-deficient mesotheliomas.
Collapse
|
41
|
Bruner HC, Derksen PWB. Loss of E-Cadherin-Dependent Cell-Cell Adhesion and the Development and Progression of Cancer. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2018; 10:a029330. [PMID: 28507022 PMCID: PMC5830899 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a029330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Classical cadherins are the key molecules that control cell-cell adhesion. Notwithstanding this function, it is also clear that classical cadherins are more than just the "glue" that keeps the cells together. Cadherins are essential regulators of tissue homeostasis that govern multiple facets of cellular function and development, by transducing adhesive signals to a complex network of signaling effectors and transcriptional programs. In cancer, cadherins are often inactivated or functionally inhibited, resulting in disease development and/or progression. This review focuses on E-cadherin and its causal role in the development and progression of breast and gastric cancer. We provide a summary of the biochemical consequences and consider the conceptual impact of early (mutational) E-cadherin loss in cancer. We advocate that carcinomas driven by E-cadherin loss should be considered "actin-diseases," caused by the specific disruption of the E-cadherin-actin connection and a subsequent dependence on sustained actomyosin contraction for tumor progression. Based on the available data from mouse and human studies we discuss opportunities for targeted clinical intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heather C Bruner
- Department of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093
| | - Patrick W B Derksen
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3584CX, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Sabra H, Brunner M, Mandati V, Wehrle-Haller B, Lallemand D, Ribba AS, Chevalier G, Guardiola P, Block MR, Bouvard D. β1 integrin-dependent Rac/group I PAK signaling mediates YAP activation of Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) via NF2/merlin. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:19179-19197. [PMID: 28972170 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m117.808063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Revised: 09/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix or to surrounding cells plays a key role in cell proliferation and differentiation and is critical for proper tissue homeostasis. An important pathway in adhesion-dependent cell proliferation is the Hippo signaling cascade, which is coregulated by the transcription factors Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ). However, how cells integrate extracellular information at the molecular level to regulate YAP1's nuclear localization is still puzzling. Herein, we investigated the role of β1 integrins in regulating this process. We found that β1 integrin-dependent cell adhesion is critical for supporting cell proliferation in mesenchymal cells both in vivo and in vitro β1 integrin-dependent cell adhesion relied on the relocation of YAP1 to the nucleus after the down-regulation of its phosphorylated state mediated by large tumor suppressor gene 1 and 2 (LATS1/2). We also found that this phenotype relies on β1 integrin-dependent local activation of the small GTPase RAC1 at the plasma membrane to control the activity of P21 (RAC1)-activated kinase (PAK) of group 1. We further report that the regulatory protein merlin (neurofibromin 2, NF2) interacts with both YAP1 and LATS1/2 via its C-terminal moiety and FERM domain, respectively. PAK1-mediated merlin phosphorylation on Ser-518 reduced merlin's interactions with both LATS1/2 and YAP1, resulting in YAP1 dephosphorylation and nuclear shuttling. Our results highlight RAC/PAK1 as major players in YAP1 regulation triggered by cell adhesion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiba Sabra
- From the Institute for Advanced Bioscience, Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM 1209, CNRS 5309, F-38042 Grenoble, France
| | - Molly Brunner
- From the Institute for Advanced Bioscience, Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM 1209, CNRS 5309, F-38042 Grenoble, France
| | - Vinay Mandati
- the Department of Cancer Biology, Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida 33458
| | - Bernhard Wehrle-Haller
- the Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Centre Médical Universitaire, University of Geneva, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Dominique Lallemand
- the Ecole Polytechnique, Department of Biochemistry, CNRS 7654, F-91128 Palaiseau, France, and
| | - Anne-Sophie Ribba
- From the Institute for Advanced Bioscience, Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM 1209, CNRS 5309, F-38042 Grenoble, France
| | - Genevieve Chevalier
- From the Institute for Advanced Bioscience, Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM 1209, CNRS 5309, F-38042 Grenoble, France
| | - Philippe Guardiola
- the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire and Université d'Angers, Plateform, Institute for Biological Health, Transcriptome and Epigenomic, F-49933 Angers, France
| | - Marc R Block
- From the Institute for Advanced Bioscience, Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM 1209, CNRS 5309, F-38042 Grenoble, France
| | - Daniel Bouvard
- From the Institute for Advanced Bioscience, Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM 1209, CNRS 5309, F-38042 Grenoble, France,
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Gamboa NT, Taussky P, Park MS, Couldwell WT, Mahan MA, Kalani MYS. Neurovascular patterning cues and implications for central and peripheral neurological disease. Surg Neurol Int 2017; 8:208. [PMID: 28966815 PMCID: PMC5609400 DOI: 10.4103/sni.sni_475_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The highly branched nervous and vascular systems run along parallel trajectories throughout the human body. This stereotyped pattern of branching shared by the nervous and vascular systems stems from a common reliance on specific cues critical to both neurogenesis and angiogenesis. Continually emerging evidence supports the notion of later-evolving vascular networks co-opting neural molecular mechanisms to ensure close proximity and adequate delivery of oxygen and nutrients to nervous tissue. As our understanding of these biologic pathways and their phenotypic manifestations continues to advance, identification of where pathways go awry will provide critical insight into central and peripheral nervous system pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas T Gamboa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neurosciences Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Philipp Taussky
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neurosciences Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Min S Park
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neurosciences Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - William T Couldwell
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neurosciences Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Mark A Mahan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neurosciences Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - M Yashar S Kalani
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neurosciences Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Cocciadiferro L, Miceli V, Granata OM, Carruba G. Merlin, the product of NF2 gene, is associated with aromatase expression and estrogen formation in human liver tissues and liver cancer cells. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2017; 172:222-230. [PMID: 27289045 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2016.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Revised: 05/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The product of neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) gene, also known as Merlin/neurofibromin 2, homeostatically regulates liver stem cells by controlling abundance and signaling of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), with a mechanism independent of the Hippo pathway. We have reported that locally elevated estrogen formation, driven by abnormally high expression and function of aromatase, may be implicated in development and progression of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) through activation of a rapid signaling pathway mediated by amphiregulin (AREG) and EGFR. We have recently presented a model by which the aromatase-estrogen-amphiregulin-EGFR axis is activated in response to tissue injury and/or inflammatory disease, with its alteration eventually leading to development of major human tumors (liver, breast, prostate) and other chronic diseases (diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer's and heart disease). In this study, we investigated NF2 expression in liver cancer cells and tissues in relation to aromatase expression/function, estrogen receptor (ER) status and amphiregulin. Our data indicate that NF2 expression is associated with aromatase and AREG expression, being elevated in HCC tissues and HepG2 cells, intermediate in cirrhotic tissues and Huh7 cells, and lower in nontumoral liver and HA22T cells. In addition, NF2 expression is inversely related to wild type hERα66 and proportional to the expression of the membrane-associated hERα36 splice variant, as measured by exon-specific RT-PCR analysis, both in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, incubation with estradiol induced a significant decrease of NF2 expression in both HA22T and Huh7 cells (over 54% and 22%, respectively), while no change could be observed in HepG2 cells, this effect being inversely related to aromatase expression and activity in HCC cell lines. Based on the above combined evidence, we hypothesize that NF2 behaves as a protein sensing tissue damage and aromatase-driven local estrogen formation, eventually leading to regulation of stem cells differentiation and tissue repair.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Letizia Cocciadiferro
- Unit of Research & Internationalization, ARNAS-Civico Di Cristina Benfratelli (ARNAS-CDB), Piazzale N. Leotta 2, 90127 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Vitale Miceli
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Advanced Biotechnologies, IRCCS-ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad alta specializzazione), Via Tricomi 5, 90127 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Orazia M Granata
- Unit of Clinical Pathology, "G. Di Cristina" Children Hospital, ARNAS-CDB, Via dei Benedettini 1, 90127 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Carruba
- Unit of Research & Internationalization, ARNAS-Civico Di Cristina Benfratelli (ARNAS-CDB), Piazzale N. Leotta 2, 90127 Palermo, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Dual Targeting of Insulin Receptor and KIT in Imatinib-Resistant Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors. Cancer Res 2017; 77:5107-5117. [DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-17-0917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Revised: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
46
|
Huang X, Schurman N, Handa K, Hakomori S. Functional role of glycosphingolipids in contact inhibition of growth in a human mammary epithelial cell line. FEBS Lett 2017; 591:1918-1928. [DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.12709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Revised: 05/22/2017] [Accepted: 05/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohua Huang
- Division of Biomembrane Research; Pacific Northwest Research Institute; Seattle WA USA
| | - Nathan Schurman
- Division of Biomembrane Research; Pacific Northwest Research Institute; Seattle WA USA
| | - Kazuko Handa
- Division of Biomembrane Research; Pacific Northwest Research Institute; Seattle WA USA
| | - Senitiroh Hakomori
- Division of Biomembrane Research; Pacific Northwest Research Institute; Seattle WA USA
- Department of Pathobiology and Global Health; University of Washington; Seattle WA USA
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Hilliard TS, Miklossy G, Chock C, Yue P, Williams P, Turkson J. 15α-methoxypuupehenol Induces Antitumor Effects In Vitro and In Vivo against Human Glioblastoma and Breast Cancer Models. Mol Cancer Ther 2017; 16:601-613. [PMID: 28069875 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-16-0291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Revised: 12/25/2016] [Accepted: 12/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Studies with 15α-methoxypuupehenol (15α-MP), obtained from the extracts of Hyrtios species, identified putative targets that are associated with its antitumor effects against human glioblastoma and breast cancer. In the human glioblastoma (U251MG) or breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) cells, treatment with 15α-MP repressed pY705Stat3, pErk1/2, pS147CyclinB1, pY507Alk (anaplastic lymphoma kinase), and pY478ezrin levels and induced pS10merlin, without inhibiting pJAK2 (Janus kinase) or pAkt induction. 15α-MP treatment induced loss of viability of breast cancer (MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468) and glioblastoma (U251MG) lines and glioblastoma patient-derived xenograft cells (G22) that harbor aberrantly active Stat3, with only moderate or little effect on the human breast cancer, MCF7, colorectal adenocarcinoma Caco-2, normal human lung fibroblast, WI-38, or normal mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF Stat3fl/fl) lines that do not harbor constitutively active Stat3 or the Stat3-null (Stat3-/-) mouse astrocytes. 15α-MP-treated U251MG cells have severely impaired F-actin organization and altered morphology, including the cells rounding up, and undergo apoptosis, compared with a moderate, reversible morphology change observed for similarly treated mouse astrocytes. Treatment further inhibited U251MG or MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation, anchorage-independent growth, colony formation, and migration in vitro while only moderately or weakly affecting MCF7 cells or normal mouse astrocytes. Oral gavage delivery of 15α-MP inhibited the growth of U251MG subcutaneous tumor xenografts in mice, associated with apoptosis in the treated tumor tissues. Results together suggest that the modulation of Stat3, CyclinB1, Alk, ezrin, merlin, and Erk1/2 functions contributes to the antitumor effects of 15α-MP against glioblastoma and breast cancer progression. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(4); 601-13. ©2017 AACR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tyvette S Hilliard
- Cancer Biology and Natural Products Program, University of Hawai'i Cancer Center, Honolulu, Hawaii
| | - Gabriella Miklossy
- Cancer Biology and Natural Products Program, University of Hawai'i Cancer Center, Honolulu, Hawaii
| | - Christopher Chock
- Department of Chemistry, University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii
| | - Peibin Yue
- Cancer Biology and Natural Products Program, University of Hawai'i Cancer Center, Honolulu, Hawaii
| | - Philip Williams
- Department of Chemistry, University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii
| | - James Turkson
- Cancer Biology and Natural Products Program, University of Hawai'i Cancer Center, Honolulu, Hawaii.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Huang SC, Zhou A, Nguyen DT, Zhang HS, Benz EJ. Protein 4.1R Influences Myogenin Protein Stability and Skeletal Muscle Differentiation. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:25591-25607. [PMID: 27780863 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.761296] [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: 10/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein 4.1R (4.1R) isoforms are expressed in both cardiac and skeletal muscle. 4.1R is a component of the contractile apparatus. It is also associated with dystrophin at the sarcolemma in skeletal myofibers. However, the expression and function of 4.1R during myogenesis have not been characterized. We now report that 4.1R expression increases during C2C12 myoblast differentiation into myotubes. Depletion of 4.1R impairs skeletal muscle differentiation and is accompanied by a decrease in the levels of myosin heavy and light chains and caveolin-3. Furthermore, the expression of myogenin at the protein, but not mRNA, level is drastically decreased in 4.1R knockdown myocytes. Similar results were obtained using MyoD-induced differentiation of 4.1R-/- mouse embryonic fibroblast cells. von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) protein is known to destabilize myogenin via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. We show that 4.1R associates with VHL and, when overexpressed, reverses myogenin ubiquitination and stability. This suggests that 4.1R may influence myogenesis by preventing VHL-mediated myogenin degradation. Together, our results define a novel biological function for 4.1R in muscle differentiation and provide a molecular mechanism by which 4.1R promotes myogenic differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Ching Huang
- From the Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, .,the Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115.,the Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, and
| | - Anyu Zhou
- From the Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Dan T Nguyen
- From the Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Henry S Zhang
- From the Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Edward J Benz
- From the Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02115.,the Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115.,the Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, and.,the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Merlin inhibits Wnt/β-catenin signaling by blocking LRP6 phosphorylation. Cell Death Differ 2016; 23:1638-47. [PMID: 27285107 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2016.54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2015] [Revised: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Merlin, encoded by the NF2 gene, is a tumor suppressor that acts by inhibiting mitogenic signaling and is mutated in Neurofibromatosis type II (NF2) disease, although its molecular mechanism is not fully understood. Here, we observed that Merlin inhibited Wnt/β-catenin signaling by blocking phosphorylation of LRP6, which is necessary for Wnt signal transduction, whereas mutated Merlin in NF2 patients did not. Treatment with Wnt3a enhanced phosphorylation of Ser518 in Merlin via activation of PAK1 in a PIP2-dependent manner. Phosphorylated Merlin dissociated from LRP6, allowing for phosphorylation of LRP6. Tissues from NF2 patients exhibited higher levels of β-catenin, and proliferation of RT4-D6P2T rat schwannoma cells was significantly reduced by treatment with chemical inhibitors of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Taken together, our findings suggest that sustained activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling due to abrogation of Merlin-mediated inhibition of LRP6 phosphorylation may be a cause of NF2 disease.
Collapse
|
50
|
Bakker AC, La Rosa S, Sherman LS, Knight P, Lee H, Pancza P, Nievo M. Neurofibromatosis as a gateway to better treatment for a variety of malignancies. Prog Neurobiol 2016; 152:149-165. [PMID: 26854064 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2016.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2015] [Revised: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The neurofibromatoses (NF) are a group of rare genetic disorders that can affect all races equally at an incidence from 1:3000 (NF1) to a log unit lower for NF2 and schwannomatosis. Since the research community is reporting an increasing number of malignant cancers that carry mutations in the NF genes, the general interest of both the research and pharma community is increasing and the authors saw an opportunity to present a novel, fresh approach to drug discovery in NF. The aim of the paper is to challenge the current drug discovery approach to NF, whereby existing targeted therapies that are either in the clinic or on the market for other disease indications are repurposed for NF. We offer a suggestion for an alternative drug discovery approach. In the new approach, selective and tolerable targeted therapies would be developed for NF and later expanded to patients with more complex diseases such as malignant cancer in which the NF downstream pathways are deregulated. The Children's Tumor Foundation, together with some other major NF funders, is playing a key role in funding critical initiatives that will accelerate the development of better targeted therapies for NF patients, while these novel, innovative treatments could potentially be beneficial to molecularly characterized cancer patients in which NF mutations have been identified.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annette C Bakker
- Children's Tumor Foundation, 120, Wall Street, 16th Floor, New York 10005, United States
| | - Salvatore La Rosa
- Children's Tumor Foundation, 120, Wall Street, 16th Floor, New York 10005, United States
| | - Larry S Sherman
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, 505 NW 185th Avenue, Beaverton, OR 97006, United States
| | - Pamela Knight
- Children's Tumor Foundation, 120, Wall Street, 16th Floor, New York 10005, United States
| | - Hyerim Lee
- Children's Tumor Foundation, 120, Wall Street, 16th Floor, New York 10005, United States
| | - Patrice Pancza
- Children's Tumor Foundation, 120, Wall Street, 16th Floor, New York 10005, United States
| | - Marco Nievo
- Children's Tumor Foundation, 120, Wall Street, 16th Floor, New York 10005, United States.
| |
Collapse
|