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Rosner M, Hengstschläger M. Oct4 controls basement membrane development during human embryogenesis. Dev Cell 2024; 59:1439-1456.e7. [PMID: 38579716 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2024.03.007] [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: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Basement membranes (BMs) are sheet-like structures of extracellular matrix (ECM) that provide structural support for many tissues and play a central role in signaling. They are key regulators of cell behavior and tissue functions, and defects in their assembly or composition are involved in numerous human diseases. Due to the differences between human and animal embryogenesis, ethical concerns, legal constraints, the scarcity of human tissue material, and the inaccessibility of the in vivo condition, BM regulation during human embryo development has remained elusive. Using the post-implantation amniotic sac embryoid (PASE), we delineate BM assembly upon post-implantation development and BM disassembly during primitive streak (PS) cell dissemination. Further, we show that the transcription factor Oct4 regulates the expression of BM structural components and receptors and controls BM development by regulating Akt signaling and the small GTPase Rac1. These results represent a relevant step toward a more comprehensive understanding of early human development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margit Rosner
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Center for Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Markus Hengstschläger
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Center for Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria.
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2
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Meizlish ML, Kimura Y, Pope SD, Matta R, Kim C, Philip NH, Meyaard L, Gonzalez A, Medzhitov R. Mechanosensing regulates tissue repair program in macrophages. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadk6906. [PMID: 38478620 PMCID: PMC10936955 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk6906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Tissue-resident macrophages play important roles in tissue homeostasis and repair. However, how macrophages monitor and maintain tissue integrity is not well understood. The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a key structural and organizational component of all tissues. Here, we find that macrophages sense the mechanical properties of the ECM to regulate a specific tissue repair program. We show that macrophage mechanosensing is mediated by cytoskeletal remodeling and can be performed in three-dimensional environments through a noncanonical, integrin-independent mechanism analogous to amoeboid migration. We find that these cytoskeletal dynamics also integrate biochemical signaling by colony-stimulating factor 1 and ultimately regulate chromatin accessibility to control the mechanosensitive gene expression program. This study identifies an "amoeboid" mode of ECM mechanosensing through which macrophages may regulate tissue repair and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew L. Meizlish
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yoshitaka Kimura
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Scott D. Pope
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Rita Matta
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Catherine Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Naomi H. Philip
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Linde Meyaard
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Anjelica Gonzalez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ruslan Medzhitov
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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Malasala S, Azimian F, Chen YH, Twiss JL, Boykin C, Akhtar SN, Lu Q. Enabling Systemic Identification and Functionality Profiling for Cdc42 Homeostatic Modulators. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.05.574351. [PMID: 38260445 PMCID: PMC10802479 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.05.574351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Homeostatic modulation is pivotal in modern therapeutics. However, the discovery of bioactive materials to achieve this functionality is often random and unpredictive. Here, we enabled a systemic identification and functional classification of chemicals that elicit homeostatic modulation of signaling through Cdc42, a classical small GTPase of Ras superfamily. Rationally designed for high throughput screening, the capture of homeostatic modulators (HMs) along with molecular re-docking uncovered at least five functionally distinct classes of small molecules. This enabling led to partial agonists, hormetic agonists, bona fide activators and inhibitors, and ligand-enhanced agonists. Novel HMs exerted striking functionality in bradykinin-Cdc42 activation of actin remodelingand modified Alzheimer's disease-like behavior in mouse model. This concurrent computer-aided and experimentally empowered HM profiling highlights a model path for predicting HM landscape. One Sentence Summary With concurrent experimental biochemical profiling and in silico computer-aided drug discovery (CADD) analysis, this study enabled a systemic identification and holistic classification of Cdc42 homeostatic modulators (HMs) and demonstrated the power of CADD to predict HM classes that can mimic the pharmacological functionality of interests. Introduction Maintainingbody homeostasisis the ultimate keyto health. Thereare rich resources of bioactive materials for this functionality from both natural and synthetic chemical repertories including partial agonists (PAs) and various allosteric modulators. These homeostatic modulators (HMs) play a unique role in modern therapeutics for human diseases such as mental disorders and drug addiction. Buspirone, for example, acts as a PA for serotonin 5-HT 1A receptor but is an antagonist of the dopamine D 2 receptor. Such medical useto treat general anxietydisorders (GADs) has become one of the most-commonly prescribed medications. However, most HMs in current uses target membrane proteins and are often derived from random discoveries. HMs as therapeutics targeting cytoplasmic proteins are even more rare despite that they are in paramount needs (e. g. targeting Ras superfamily small GTPases). Rationale Cdc42, a classical member of small GTPases of Ras superfamily, regulates PI3K-AKT and Raf-MEK-ERK pathways and has been implicated in various neuropsychiatric and mental disorders as well as addictive diseases and cancer. We previously reported the high-throughput in-silico screening followed by biological characterization of novel small molecule modulators (SMMs) of Cdc42-intersectin (ITSN) protein-protein interactions (PPIs). Based on a serendipitously discovered SMM ZCL278 with PA profile as a model compound, we hypothesized that there are more varieties of such HMs of Cdc42 signaling, and the model HMs can be defined by their distinct Cdc42-ITSN binding mechanisms using computer-aided drug discovery (CADD) analysis. We further reasoned that molecular modeling coupled with experimental profiling can predict HM spectrum and thus open the door for the holistic identification and classification of multifunctional cytoplasmic target-dependent HMs as therapeutics. Results The originally discovered Cdc42 inhibitor ZCL278 displaying PA properties prompted the inquiry whether this finding represented a random encounter of PAs or whether biologically significant PAs can be widely present. The top ranked compounds were initially defined by structural fitness and binding scores to Cdc42. Because higher binding scores do not necessarily translate to higher functionality, we performed exhaustive experimentations with over 2,500 independent Cdc42-GEF (guanine nucleotide exchange factor) assays to profile the GTP loading activities on all 44 top ranked compounds derived from the SMM library. The N-MAR-GTP fluorophore-based Cdc42-GEF assay platform provided the first glimpse of the breadth of HMs. A spectrum of Cdc42 HMs was uncovered that can be categorized into five functionally distinct classes: Class I-partial competitive agonists, Class II-hormetic agonists, Class III- bona fide inhibitors (or inverse agonists), Class IV- bona fide activators or agonists, and Class V-ligand-enhanced agonists. Remarkably, model HMs such as ZCL278, ZCL279, and ZCL367 elicited striking biological functionality in bradykinin-Cdc42 activation of actin remodeling and modified Alzheimer's disease (AD)-like behavior in mouse model. Concurrently, we applied Schrödinger-enabled analyses to perform CADD predicted classification of Cdc42 HMs. We modified the classic molecular docking to instill a preferential binding pocket order (PBPO) of Cdc42-ITSN, which was based on the five binding pockets in interface of Cdc42-ITSN. We additionally applied a structure-based pharmacophore hypothesis generation for the model compounds. Then, using Schrödinger's Phase Shape, 3D ligand alignments assigned HMs to Class I, II, III, IV, and V compounds. In this HM library compounds, PBPO, matching pharmacophoric featuring, and shape alignment, all put ZCL993 in Class II compound category, which was confirmed in the Cdc42-GEF assay. Conclusion HMs can target diseased cells or tissues while minimizing impacts on tissues that are unaffected. Using Cdc42 HM model compounds as a steppingstone, GTPase activation-based screening of SMM library uncovered five functionally distinct Cdc42 HM classes among which novel efficacies towards alleviating dysregulated AD-like features in mice were identified. Furthermore, molecular re-docking of HM model compounds led to the concept of PBPO. The CADD analysis with PBPO revealed similar profile in a color-coded spectrum to these five distinct classes of Cdc42 HMs identified by biochemical functionality-based screening. The current study enabled a systemic identification and holistic classification of Cdc42 HMs and demonstrated the power of CADD to predict an HM category that can mimic the pharmacological functionality of interests. With artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) on the horizon to mirror experimental pharmacological discovery like AlphaFold for protein structure prediction, our study highlights a model path to actively capture and profile HMs in potentially any PPI landscape. Graphic Abstract Identification and functional classification of Cdc42 homeostatic modulators HMs Using Cdc42 HM model compounds as reference, GTPase activation-based screening of compound libraries uncovered five functionally distinct Cdc42 HM classes. HMs showed novel efficacies towards alleviating dysregulated Alzheimer's disease (AD)-like behavioral and molecular deficits. In parallel, molecular re-docking of HM model compounds established their preferential binding pocket orders (PBPO). PBPO-based profiling (Red reflects the most, whereas green reflects the least, preferable binding pocket) revealed trends of similar pattern to the five classes from the functionality-based classification.
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Wu PR, Chiang SY, Midence R, Kao WC, Lai CL, Cheng IC, Chou SJ, Chen CC, Huang CY, Chen RH. Wdr4 promotes cerebellar development and locomotion through Arhgap17-mediated Rac1 activation. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:52. [PMID: 36681682 PMCID: PMC9867761 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05442-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Patients with mutations of WDR4, a substrate adaptor of the CUL4 E3 ligase complex, develop cerebellar atrophy and gait phenotypes. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unexplored. Here, we identify a crucial role of Wdr4 in cerebellar development. Wdr4 deficiency in granule neuron progenitors (GNPs) not only reduces foliation and the sizes of external and internal granular layers but also compromises Purkinje neuron organization and the size of the molecular layer, leading to locomotion defects. Mechanistically, Wdr4 supports the proliferation of GNPs by preventing their cell cycle exit. This effect is mediated by Wdr4-induced ubiquitination and degradation of Arhgap17, thereby activating Rac1 to facilitate cell cycle progression. Disease-associated Wdr4 variants, however, cannot provide GNP cell cycle maintenance. Our study identifies Wdr4 as a previously unappreciated participant in cerebellar development and locomotion, providing potential insights into treatment strategies for diseases with WDR4 mutations, such as primordial dwarfism and Galloway-Mowat syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Rung Wu
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan.
- Cardiovascular and Mitochondrial Related Disease Research Center, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, 970, Taiwan.
| | - Shang-Yin Chiang
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan
| | - Robert Midence
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chao Kao
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Lun Lai
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan
| | - I-Cheng Cheng
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan
| | - Shen-Ju Chou
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Cheng Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Yang Huang
- Cardiovascular and Mitochondrial Related Disease Research Center, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, 970, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
| | - Ruey-Hwa Chen
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan.
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5
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Johnson JL, Meneses-Salas E, Ramadass M, Monfregola J, Rahman F, Carvalho Gontijo R, Kiosses WB, Pestonjamasp K, Allen D, Zhang J, Osborne DG, Zhu YP, Wineinger N, Askari K, Chen D, Yu J, Henderson SC, Hedrick CC, Ursini MV, Grinstein S, Billadeau DD, Catz SD. Differential dysregulation of granule subsets in WASH-deficient neutrophil leukocytes resulting in inflammation. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5529. [PMID: 36130971 PMCID: PMC9492659 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33230-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulated secretion in neutrophil leukocytes associates with human inflammatory disease. The exocytosis response to triggering stimuli is sequential; gelatinase granules modulate the initiation of the innate immune response, followed by the release of pro-inflammatory azurophilic granules, requiring stronger stimulation. Exocytosis requires actin depolymerization which is actively counteracted under non-stimulatory conditions. Here we show that the actin nucleator, WASH, is necessary to maintain azurophilic granules in their refractory state by granule actin entrapment and interference with the Rab27a-JFC1 exocytic machinery. On the contrary, gelatinase granules of WASH-deficient neutrophil leukocytes are characterized by decreased Rac1, shortened granule-associated actin comets and impaired exocytosis. Rac1 activation restores exocytosis of these granules. In vivo, WASH deficiency induces exacerbated azurophilic granule exocytosis, inflammation, and decreased survival. WASH deficiency thus differentially impacts neutrophil granule subtypes, impairing exocytosis of granules that mediate the initiation of the neutrophil innate response while exacerbating pro-inflammatory granule secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Johnson
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Elsa Meneses-Salas
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Mahalakshmi Ramadass
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jlenia Monfregola
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078, Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Farhana Rahman
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - William B Kiosses
- Division of Inflammation Biology, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Kersi Pestonjamasp
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Dale Allen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jinzhong Zhang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Douglas G Osborne
- The Division of Oncology Research, Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Yanfang Peipei Zhu
- Division of Inflammation Biology, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Nathan Wineinger
- Research Translational Institute, Statistics, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Kasra Askari
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Danni Chen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Juan Yu
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Scott C Henderson
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Catherine C Hedrick
- Division of Inflammation Biology, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Sergio Grinstein
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Daniel D Billadeau
- The Division of Oncology Research, Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Sergio D Catz
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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Jordan KL, Koss DJ, Outeiro TF, Giorgini F. Therapeutic Targeting of Rab GTPases: Relevance for Alzheimer’s Disease. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10051141. [PMID: 35625878 PMCID: PMC9138223 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10051141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Rab GTPases (Rabs) are small proteins that play crucial roles in vesicle transport and membrane trafficking. Owing to their widespread functions in several steps of vesicle trafficking, Rabs have been implicated in the pathogenesis of several disorders, including cancer, diabetes, and multiple neurodegenerative diseases. As treatments for neurodegenerative conditions are currently rather limited, the identification and validation of novel therapeutic targets, such as Rabs, is of great importance. This review summarises proof-of-concept studies, demonstrating that modulation of Rab GTPases in the context of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) can ameliorate disease-related phenotypes, and provides an overview of the current state of the art for the pharmacological targeting of Rabs. Finally, we also discuss the barriers and challenges of therapeutically targeting these small proteins in humans, especially in the context of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate L. Jordan
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK;
| | - David J. Koss
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK; (D.J.K.); (T.F.O.)
| | - Tiago F. Outeiro
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK; (D.J.K.); (T.F.O.)
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Natural Sciences, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Scientific Employee with a Honorary Contract at Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Flaviano Giorgini
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK;
- Correspondence:
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Hatstat AK, Pupi MD, Reinhart MC, McCafferty DG. Small Molecule Improvement of Trafficking Defects in Models of Neurodegeneration. ACS Chem Neurosci 2021; 12:3972-3984. [PMID: 34652126 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Disrupted cellular trafficking and transport processes are hallmarks of many neurodegenerative disorders (NDs). Recently, efforts have been made toward developing and implementing experimental platforms to identify small molecules that may help restore normative trafficking functions. There have been a number of successes in targeting endomembrane trafficking with the identification of compounds that restore cell viability through rescue of protein transport and trafficking. Here, we describe some of the experimental platforms implemented for small molecule screening efforts for rescue of trafficking defects in neurodegeneration. A survey of phenotypically active small molecules identified to date is provided, including a summary of medicinal chemistry efforts and insights into putative targets and mechanisms of action. In particular, emphasis is put on ligands that demonstrate activity in more than one model of neurodegeneration as retention of phenotypic activity across ND models suggests conservation of biological targets across NDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Katherine Hatstat
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Michael D. Pupi
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Michaela C. Reinhart
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Dewey G. McCafferty
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
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8
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Guiler W, Koehler A, Boykin C, Lu Q. Pharmacological Modulators of Small GTPases of Rho Family in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:661612. [PMID: 34054432 PMCID: PMC8149604 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.661612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Classical Rho GTPases, including RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42, are members of the Ras small GTPase superfamily and play essential roles in a variety of cellular functions. Rho GTPase signaling can be turned on and off by specific GEFs and GAPs, respectively. These features empower Rho GTPases and their upstream and downstream modulators as targets for scientific research and therapeutic intervention. Specifically, significant therapeutic potential exists for targeting Rho GTPases in neurodegenerative diseases due to their widespread cellular activity and alterations in neural tissues. This study will explore the roles of Rho GTPases in neurodegenerative diseases with focus on the applications of pharmacological modulators in recent discoveries. There have been exciting developments of small molecules, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and natural products and toxins for each classical Rho GTPase category. A brief overview of each category followed by examples in their applications will be provided. The literature on their roles in various diseases [e.g., Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and Multiple sclerosis (MS)] highlights the unique and broad implications targeting Rho GTPases for potential therapeutic intervention. Clearly, there is increasing knowledge of therapeutic promise from the discovery of pharmacological modulators of Rho GTPases for managing and treating these conditions. The progress is also accompanied by the recognition of complex Rho GTPase modulation where targeting its signaling can improve some aspects of pathogenesis while exacerbating others in the same disease model. Future directions should emphasize the importance of elucidating how different Rho GTPases work in concert and how they produce such widespread yet different cellular responses during neurodegenerative disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Qun Lu
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The Harriet and John Wooten Laboratory for Alzheimer’s and Neurogenerative Diseases Research, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
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9
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Koss DJ, Campesan S, Giorgini F, Outeiro TF. Dysfunction of RAB39B-Mediated Vesicular Trafficking in Lewy Body Diseases. Mov Disord 2021; 36:1744-1758. [PMID: 33939203 DOI: 10.1002/mds.28605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Intracellular vesicular trafficking is essential for neuronal development, function, and homeostasis and serves to process, direct, and sort proteins, lipids, and other cargo throughout the cell. This intricate system of membrane trafficking between different compartments is tightly orchestrated by Ras analog in brain (RAB) GTPases and their effectors. Of the 66 members of the RAB family in humans, many have been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases and impairment of their functions contributes to cellular stress, protein aggregation, and death. Critically, RAB39B loss-of-function mutations are known to be associated with X-linked intellectual disability and with rare early-onset Parkinson's disease. Moreover, recent studies have highlighted altered RAB39B expression in idiopathic cases of several Lewy body diseases (LBDs). This review contextualizes the role of RAB proteins in LBDs and highlights the consequences of RAB39B impairment in terms of endosomal trafficking, neurite outgrowth, synaptic maturation, autophagy, as well as alpha-synuclein homeostasis. Additionally, the potential for therapeutic intervention is examined via a discussion of the recent progress towards the development of specific RAB modulators. © 2021 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Koss
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Susanna Campesan
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester, UK
| | - Flaviano Giorgini
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester, UK
| | - Tiago F Outeiro
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany.,Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, Goettingen, Germany.,Scientific employee with a honorary contract at Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany
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10
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ARHGEF10L Promotes Cervical Tumorigenesis via RhoA-Mediated Signaling. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:6683264. [PMID: 33833821 PMCID: PMC8012150 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6683264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor 10-like protein (ARHGEF10L) is a member of the guanine nucleotide exchange factor family, which regulates Rho GTPase activities, thus contributing to tumorigenesis. Our previous study demonstrated a strong association between the ARHGEF10L gene and the risk of cervical carcinoma. This study investigated the pathogenic role and mechanism of ARHGEF10L in cervical tumors. Methods The HeLa cell line, which was derived from cervical carcinoma, was transfected with ARHGEF10L-overexpressing plasmids or anti-ARHGEF10L siRNA. Cell counting kit-8 assays, wound-healing assays, and cell apoptosis assays were performed to investigate the effects of ARHGEF10L on cell activities. A Rho pull-down assay and RNA-sequencing analysis were performed to investigate the pathogenic pathway of ARHGEF10L involvement in cervical tumors. Results ARHGEF10L overexpression promoted cell proliferation and migration, reduced cell apoptosis, and induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) via downregulation of E-cadherin and upregulation of N-cadherin and Slug in transfected HeLa cells. The overexpression of ARHGEF10L also upregulated GTP-RhoA, ROCK1, and phospho-ezrin/radixin/moesin (ERM) expression in HeLa cells. RNA-sequencing analysis detected altered transcription of 31 genes in HeLa cells with ARHGEF10L overexpression. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and gene ontology (GO) pathway analyses identified significant differences in cyclin-dependent protein serine/threonine kinase activity, cell responses to vitamin A, and Toll-like receptor signaling pathways. Both real-time PCR and Western blotting verified the increased expression of heat shock 70 kDa protein 6 (HSPA6) in ARHGEF10L-overexpressing HeLa cells. Since we reported that ARHGEF10L played a role through RhoA-ROCK1-ERM signaling, an important pathway in tumorigenesis, and stimulated EMT and HSPA6 expression in liver tumors and gastric tumor cells, we suggest that ARHGEF10L is a novel oncogene in many tumors.
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11
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Ding M, Baker D. Recent advances in high-throughput flow cytometry for drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2020; 16:303-317. [PMID: 33054417 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2021.1826433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION High-throughput flow cytometry (HTFC) has proven to be an important technology in drug discovery. The use of HTFC enables multi-parametric screening of suspension cells containing heterogenous cell populations and coated particles for screening proteins of interest. Novel targets, novel cell markers and compound clusters for drug development have been identified from HTFC screens. AREAS COVERED In this article, the authors focus on reviewing the recent HTFC applications reported during the last 5-6 years, including drug discovery screens and studies for immune, immune-oncology, infectious and inflammatory diseases. The main HTFC approaches, development of HTFC systems, and automated sample preparation systems for HTFC are also discussed. EXPERT OPINION The advance of HTFC technology coupled with automated sample acquisition and sample preparation has demonstrated its utility in screening large numbers of compounds using suspension cells, facilitated screening of disease-relevant human primary cells, and enabled deep understanding of mechanism of action by analyzing multiple parameters. The authors see HTFC as a very valuable tool in immune, immune-oncology, infectious and inflammatory diseases where immune cells play essential roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Ding
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - David Baker
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
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Wei Z, Xu H, Zhang Y, Yi X, Yang X, Chen Y, Mao N, Li S, Xu D, Li S, Zhang H, Li D, Zhang G, Zhang B, Jin F, Gao X, Cai W, Zhang L, Wang R, Yang F. Rho GDP dissociation inhibitor α silencing attenuates silicosis by inhibiting RhoA/Rho kinase signalling. Exp Cell Res 2019; 380:131-140. [PMID: 31029634 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2019.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 04/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) alters the fibroblast phenotype by promoting transdifferentiation into myofibroblasts, which exhibit the ability to promote collagen synthesis and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, thereby playing a significant role in the pathology of silicosis. In this study, we investigated the regulatory mechanisms involved in myofibroblast transdifferentiation. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis showed that Rho GDP-dissociation inhibitor α (RhoGDIα) was upregulated following myofibroblast transdifferentiation stimulated by TGF-β1. We hypothesised that RhoGDIα may induce myofibroblast transdifferentiation and thus result in silicosis. Accordingly, the biological significance of RhoGDIα in cell proliferation and apoptosis was investigated by deletion of RhoGDIα in MRC-5 cells. In addition, a mechanistic study showed that fasudil, an inhibitor of the RhoA/Rho kinase (ROCK) signalling pathway, reduced the levels of RhoGDIα, RhoA, and phospho-myosin phosphatase (phospho-MYPT) in MRC-5 cells and silicosis model rats. Knockdown of RhoGDIα inhibited myofibroblast transdifferentiation and collagen deposition through RhoGDIα/RhoA/ROCK signalling in silicosis model mice. Overall, downregulation of RhoGDIα may significantly promote cell apoptosis and inhibit cell growth, resulting in reversal of myofibroblast transdifferentiation by RhoA/ROCK in vitro and in vivo. These data will facilitate further exploration of the potential use of RhoGDIα as a target for silicosis therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongqiu Wei
- Basic Medical College, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Hong Xu
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Xue Yi
- Key Laboratory of Functional and Clinical Translational Medicine, Fujian Province University, Department of Basic Medicine, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen, China
| | - Xinyu Yang
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Yingying Chen
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Na Mao
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Shifeng Li
- Basic Medical College, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Dingjie Xu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Shumin Li
- Basic Medicine College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Dan Li
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Guizhen Zhang
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Bonan Zhang
- Basic Medicine College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Fuyu Jin
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Xuemin Gao
- Basic Medical College, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Wenchen Cai
- College of Preventive Medicine, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Lijuan Zhang
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Ruimin Wang
- Medical Research Center, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Fang Yang
- Basic Medical College, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.
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