NM23/nucleoside diphosphate kinase and signal transduction

PRUNE1 and NME/NDPK family proteins influence energy metabolism and signaling in cancer metastases

We describe here the molecular basis of the complex formation of PRUNE1 with the tumor metastasis suppressors NME1 and NME2, two isoforms appertaining to the nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDPK) enzyme family, and how this complex regulates signaling the immune system and energy metabolism, thereby shaping the tumor microenvironment (TME). Disrupting the interaction between NME1/2 and PRUNE1, as suggested, holds the potential to be an excellent therapeutic target for the treatment of cancer and the inhibition of metastasis dissemination. Furthermore, we postulate an interaction and regulation of the other Class I NME proteins, NME3 and NME4 proteins, with PRUNE1 and discuss potential functions. Class I NME1-4 proteins are NTP/NDP transphosphorylases required for balancing the intracellular pools of nucleotide diphosphates and triphosphates. They regulate different cellular functions by interacting with a large variety of other proteins, and in cancer and metastasis processes, they can exert pro- and anti-oncogenic properties depending on the cellular context. In this review, we therefore additionally discuss general aspects of class1 NME and PRUNE1 molecular structures as well as their posttranslational modifications and subcellular localization. The current knowledge on the contributions of PRUNE1 as well as NME proteins to signaling cascades is summarized with a special regard to cancer and metastasis.

Design of supramolecular nanosheets for drug delivery applications

Two specific concepts have emerged in the field of materials science over the last several decades: nanosheets and supramolecular polymers. More recently, supramolecular nanosheets, in which these two concepts are integrated, have attracted particular attention, and they exhibit many fascinating characteristics. This review focuses on the design and applications of supramolecular nanosheets consisting of tubulin proteins and phospholipid membranes.

Auxenochlorella pyrenoidosa extract supplementation replacing fetal bovine serum for Carassius auratus muscle cell culture under low-serum conditions

Cultured meat production requires large-scale cell proliferation in vitro with the supplementation of necessary media especially serum. This study investigated the capacity of Auxenochlorella pyrenoidosa extract (APE) to replace fetal bovine serum (FBS) for cell culture under low-serum conditions using Carassius auratus muscle (CAM) cells. Supplementation with APE and 5% FBS in the culture media significantly promoted the proliferation of CAM cells and increased the expression of MyoD in cells compared to that with 5% FBS through cell counting kit-8 and immunofluorescence staining assay. In addition, CAM cells in the media containing 5% FBS and APE could be continually cultured for 4 passages, and the cell number was 1.58 times higher than the counterpart without APE in long-term culture. Moreover, supplementation with APE realized large-scale culture on microcarriers under low-serum conditions, and more adherent cells were observed on microcarriers in 2% FBS supplemented with APE, compared with those in 2% FBS and 10% FBS without APE. These findings highlighted a potentially promising application of APE in muscle cell culture under low-serum conditions for cultured meat production.

Blood-Brain Barrier Disintegration in Growth-Restricted Fetuses with Brain Sparing Effect

The endothelial cells of the blood-brain barrier adhere closely, which is provided by tight junctions (TJs). The aim of the study was to assess the damage to the endothelial TJs in pregnancy, complicated by fetal growth restriction (FGR) and circulatory centralization (brain-sparing effect, BS). The serum concentrations of NR1 subunit of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NR1), nucleoside diphosphate kinase A (NME1), S100 calcium-binding protein B (S100B), occludin (OCLN), claudin-5 (CLN5), and zonula occludens protein – 1 (zo-1), and the placental expressions of OCLN, claudin-4 (CLN4), CLN5, and zo-1 were assessed with ELISA. The significantly higher serum NME1 concentrations and the serum CLN5/zo-1 index were observed in FGR pregnancy with BS, as compared to the FGR group without BS. The FGR newborns with BS were about 20 times more likely to develop an intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) than the FGR infants without BS. The cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) allowed to predict the IVH in growth-restricted fetuses. The significantly lower placental CLN4 expression was observed in the FGR group with BS and who postnatally developed an IVH, as compared to the growth-restricted infants with BS without IVH signs. Pregnancy complicated by FGR and BS is associated with the destabilization of the fetal blood-brain barrier. The IVH in newborns is reflected in the inhibition of the placental CLN4 expression, which may be a useful marker in the prediction of an IVH among growth-restricted fetuses.

Reconstitution of microtubule into GTP-responsive nanocapsules

Nanocapsules that collapse in response to guanosine triphosphate (GTP) have the potential as drug carriers for efficiently curing diseases caused by cancer and RNA viruses because GTP is present at high levels in such diseased cells and tissues. However, known GTP-responsive carriers also respond to adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is abundant in normal cells as well. Here, we report the elaborate reconstitution of microtubule into a nanocapsule that selectively responds to GTP. When the tubulin monomer from microtubule is incubated at 37 °C with a mixture of GTP (17 mol%) and nonhydrolysable GTP* (83 mol%), a tubulin nanosheet forms. Upon addition of photoreactive molecular glue to the resulting dispersion, the nanosheet is transformed into a nanocapsule. Cell death results when a doxorubicin-containing nanocapsule, after photochemically crosslinked for properly stabilizing its shell, is taken up into cancer cells that overexpress GTP.

GTP-triggered release from drug carriers has huge potential in cancer therapy but current carriers suffers from off target release due to ATP also acting as a trigger. Here, the authors report on the development of a microtubule capsule which is engineered to be responsive to only GTP not ATP and demonstrate targeted drug delivery.

Modulation of small GTPase activity by NME proteins

NME proteins are reported to influence signal transduction activity of small GTPases from the Ras superfamily by diverse mechanisms in addition to their generic NDP kinase activity, which replenishes the cytoplasmic pool of GTP. Comprehensive evidence shows that NME proteins modulate the activity of Ras GTPases, in particular members of the Rho family, via binding to their major activators GEFs. Direct interaction between several NMEs and Ras GTPases were also indicated in vitro and in vivo. These modes of regulation are mainly independent of the NME's kinase activity. NMEs also modulate the Ras-mediated signal transduction by interfering with the formation of a Ras signaling complex at the plasma membrane. In several examples, NMEs were proposed to perform the role of GAP proteins by promoting hydrolysis of the bound GTP, but this activity still requires additional verification. Early suggestions that NMEs can activate small GTPases by direct phosphorylation of the bound GDP, or by high-rate loading of GTP onto a closely apposed GTPase, were largely dismissed. In this review article, we survey and put into perspective published examples of identified and hypothetical mechanisms of Ras signaling modulation by NME proteins. We also point out involvement of NMEs in the transcriptional regulation of components of Ras GTPases-mediated signal transduction pathways, and reciprocal regulation of NME function by small GTPases, particularly related to NME's binding to membranes.

The NDPK/NME superfamily: state of the art

Nucleoside diphosphate kinases (NDPK) are nucleotide metabolism enzymes encoded by NME genes (also called NM23). Given the fact that not all NME-encoded proteins are catalytically active NDPKs and that NM23 generally refers to clinical studies on metastasis, we use here NME/NDPK to denote the proteins. Since their discovery in the 1950's, NMEs/NDPKs have been shown to be involved in multiple physiological and pathological cellular processes, but the molecular mechanisms have not been fully determined. Recent progress in elucidating these underlying mechanisms has been presented by experts in the field at the 10th International Congress on the NDPK/NME/AWD protein family in October 2016 in Dubrovnik, Croatia, and is summarized in review articles or original research in this and an upcoming issue of Laboratory Investigation. Within this editorial, we discuss three major cellular processes that involve members of the multi-functional NME/NDPK family: (i) cancer and metastasis dissemination, (ii) membrane remodeling and nucleotide channeling, and iii) protein histidine phosphorylation.

Comparative proteomic and physiological characterisation of two closely related rice genotypes with contrasting responses to salt stress

Salinity is a limiting factor affecting crop growth. We evaluated the responses of a salt-tolerant recombinant inbred rice (Oryza sativa L.) line, FL478, and the salt-sensitive IR29. Seedlings were exposed to salt stress and the growth rate was monitored to decipher the effect of long-term stress. At Day 16, IR29 produced lower shoot biomass than FL478. Significant differences for Na+ and K+ concentrations and Na+ : K+ ratios in roots and shoots were observed between genotypes. Changes in the proteomes of control and salt-stressed plants were analysed, identifying 59 and 39 salt-responsive proteins in roots and leaves, respectively. Proteomic analysis showed greater downregulation of proteins in IR29. In IR29, proteins related to pathways involved in salt tolerance (e.g. oxidative stress response, amino acid biosynthesis, polyamine biosynthesis, the actin cytoskeleton and ion compartmentalisation) changed to combat salinity. We found significant downregulation of proteins related to photosynthetic electron transport in IR29, indicating that photosynthesis was influenced, probably increasing the risk of reactive oxygen species formation. The sensitivity of IR29 might be related to its inability to exclude salt from its transpiration stream, to compartmentalise excess ions and to maintain a healthy photosynthetic apparatus during salt stress, or might be because of the leakiness of its roots, allowing excess salt to enter apoplastically. In FL478, superoxide dismutase, ferredoxin thioredoxin reductase, fibre protein and inorganic pyrophosphatase, which may participate in salt tolerance, increased in abundance. Our analyses provide novel insights into the mechanisms behind salt tolerance and sensitivity in genotypes with close genetic backgrounds.

Review of recent transgenic studies on abiotic stress tolerance and future molecular breeding in potato

Global warming has become a major issue within the last decade. Traditional breeding programs for potato have focused on increasing productivity and quality and disease resistance, thus, modern cultivars have limited tolerance of abiotic stresses. The introgression of abiotic stress tolerance into modern cultivars is essential work for the future. Recently, many studies have investigated abiotic stress using transgenic techniques. This manuscript focuses on the study of abiotic stress, in particular drought, salinity and low temperature, during this century. Dividing studies into these three stress categories for this review was difficult. Thus, based on the study title and the transgene property, transgenic studies were classified into five categories in this review; oxidative scavengers, transcriptional factors, and above three abiotic categories. The review focuses on studies that investigate confer of stress tolerance and the identification of responsible factors, including wild relatives. From a practical application perspective, further evaluation of transgenic potato with abiotic stress tolerance is required. Although potato plants, including wild species, have a large potential for abiotic stress tolerance, exploration of the factors responsible for conferring this tolerance is still developing. Molecular breeding, including genetic engineering and conventional breeding using DNA markers, is expected to develop in the future.

Modulation of cytoskeletal dynamics by mammalian nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDPK) proteins

Nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDPK) proteins comprise a family of ten human isoforms that participate in the regulation of multiple cellular processes via enzymatic and nonenzymatic functions. The major enzymatic function of NDPKs is the generation of nucleoside triphosphates, such as guanosine triphosphate (GTP). Mechanisms behind the nonenzymatic NDPK functions are not clear but likely involve context-dependent signaling roles of NDPK within multi-protein complexes. This is most evident for NDPK-A, which is encoded by the human NME1 gene, the first tumor metastasis suppressor gene to be identified. Understanding which protein interactions are most relevant for the biological and metastasis-related functions of NDPK will be important in the potential utilization of NDPK as a disease target. Accumulating evidence suggests that NDPK interacts with and affects various components and regulators of the cytoskeleton, including actin-binding proteins, intermediate filaments, and cytoskeletal attachment structures (adherens junctions, desmosomes, and focal adhesions). We review the existing literature on this topic and highlight outstanding questions and potential future directions that should clarify the impact of NDPK on the different cytoskeletal systems.

Phosphoproteomic analysis reveals the effects of PilF phosphorylation on type IV pilus and biofilm formation in Thermus thermophilus HB27

Thermus thermophilus HB27 is an extremely thermophilic eubacteria with a high frequency of natural competence. This organism is therefore often used as a thermophilic model to investigate the molecular basis of type IV pili-mediated functions, such as the uptake of free DNA, adhesion, twitching motility, and biofilm formation, in hot environments. In this study, the phosphoproteome of T. thermophilus HB27 was analyzed via a shotgun approach and high-accuracy mass spectrometry. Ninety-three unique phosphopeptides, including 67 in vivo phosphorylated sites on 53 phosphoproteins, were identified. The distribution of Ser/Thr/Tyr phosphorylation sites was 57%/36%/7%. The phosphoproteins were mostly involved in central metabolic pathways and protein/cell envelope biosynthesis. According to this analysis, the ATPase motor PilF, a type IV pili-related component, was first found to be phosphorylated on Thr-368 and Ser-372. Through the point mutation of PilF, mimic phosphorylated mutants T368D and S372E resulted in nonpiliated and nontwitching phenotypes, whereas nonphosphorylated mutants T368V and S372A displayed piliation and twitching motility. In addition, mimic phosphorylated mutants showed elevated biofilm-forming abilities with a higher initial attachment rate, caused by increasing exopolysaccharide production. In summary, the phosphorylation of PilF might regulate the pili and biofilm formation associated with exopolysaccharide production.

Insights into the biology and prevention of tumor metastasis provided by the Nm23 metastasis suppressor gene

Metastatic disease is the major cause of death among cancer patients. A class of genes, named metastasis suppressors, has been described to specifically regulate the metastatic process. The metastasis suppressor genes are downregulated in the metastatic lesion compared to the primary tumor. In this review, we describe the body of research surrounding the first metastasis suppressor identified, Nm23. Nm23 overexpression in aggressive cancer cell lines reduced their metastatic potential in vivo with no significant reduction in primary tumor size. A complex mechanism of anti-metastatic action is unfolding involving several known Nm23 enzymatic activities (nucleotide diphosphate kinase, histidine kinase, and 3'-5' exonuclease), protein-protein interactions, and downstream gene regulation properties. Translational approaches involving Nm23 have progressed to the clinic. The upregulation of Nm23 expression by medroxyprogesterone acetate has been tested in a phase II trial. Other approaches with significant preclinical success include gene therapy using traditional or nanoparticle delivery, and cell permeable Nm23 protein. Recently, based on the inverse correlation of Nm23 and LPA1 expression, a LPA1 inhibitor has been shown to both inhibit metastasis and induce metastatic dormancy.

Targeting tumor metastasis by regulating Nm23 gene expression

The Nm23 gene is a metastatic suppressor identified in a melanoma cell line and expressed in different tumors where their levels of expression are associated with reduced or increased metastatic potential. Nm23 is one of the over 20 metastasis suppressor genes (MSGs) confirmed in vivo. It is highly conserved from yeast to human, implying a critical developmental function. Tumors with alteration of the p53 gene and reduced expression of the Nm23 gene are more prone to metastasis. Nm23-H1 has 3'-5' exonuclease activity. This review focuses on the role of Nm23 in cancer progression and also a potential novel target for cancer therapy.

Diva/BclB regulates differentiation by inhibiting NDPKB/Nm23H2-mediated neuronal differentiation in PC-12 cells

Background

Diva (death inducer binding to vBcl-2 and Apaf-1)/BclB is a Bcl-2 family member, which is known for its function in apoptosis. Diva/BclB has been shown to interact with NDPKB/Nm23H2, which is involved in cellular differentiation. Thus far, there has been no direct evidence of Diva/BclB having a role in differentiation. In the present study, we investigated the expression of Diva/BclB and NDPKB/Nm23H2 during differentiation in PC-12 cell line.

Results

Our results show that after differentiation, Diva/BclB expression was decreased and reciprocally, NDPKB/Nm23H2 expression was increased and it translocated into the nucleus. Overexpression of NDPKB/Nm23H2 promoted PC-12 neuronal differentiation by increasing neurite outgrowth and arresting cell cycle progression. There was a concurrent downregulation of Diva/Boo when NDPKB/Nm23H2 was overexpressed, which mirrors the effect of NGF on PC-12 cell differentiation. Overexpression of Diva/BclB did not change the expression level of NDPKB/Nm23H2, but inhibited its nuclear localization. Cells that overexpressed Diva/BclB presented a decreased percentage of differentiated cells and average neurite length was shortened. This was due to an increase in the formation of Diva/BclB and NDPKB/Nm23H2 complexes as well as Diva/BclB and β-tubulin complexes. Concomitantly, there was a decrease in formation of NDPKB/Nm23H2 and β-tubulin complexes. Overexpression of Diva/BclB also resulted in a higher percentage of S-phase cells.

Conclusion

Our results showed a novel role for Diva/BclB in neuronal differentiation. Its downregulation during neuronal differentiation may be necessary to allow NDPKB/Nm23H2 and β-tubulin interaction that promotes NDPKB/Nm23H2 mediated differentiation.

Dictyostelium discoideum nucleoside diphosphate kinase C plays a negative regulatory role in phagocytosis, macropinocytosis and exocytosis

Nucleoside diphosphate kinases (NDPKs) are ubiquitous phosphotransfer enzymes responsible for producing most of the nucleoside triphosphates except for ATP. This role is important for the synthesis of nucleic acids and proteins and the metabolism of sugars and lipids. Apart from this housekeeping role NDPKs have been shown to have many regulatory functions in diverse cellular processes including proliferation and endocytosis. Although the protein has been shown to have a positive regulatory role in clathrin- and dynamin-mediated micropinocytosis, its roles in macropinocytosis and phagocytosis have not been studied. The additional non-housekeeping roles of NDPK are often independent of enzyme activity but dependent on the expression level of the protein. In this study we altered the expression level of NDPK in the model eukaryotic organism Dictyostelium discoideum through antisense inhibition and overexpression. We demonstrate that NDPK levels affect growth, endocytosis and exocytosis. In particular we find that Dictyostelium NDPK negatively regulates endocytosis in contrast to the positive regulatory role identified in higher eukaryotes. This can be explained by the differences in types of endocytosis that have been studied in the different systems - phagocytosis and macropinocytosis in Dictyostelium compared with micropinocytosis in mammalian cells. This is the first report of a role for NDPK in regulating macropinocytosis and phagocytosis, the former being the major fluid phase uptake mechanism for macrophages, dendritic cells and other (non dendritic) cells exposed to growth factors.

Protein-protein interactions: a mechanism regulating the anti-metastatic properties of Nm23-H1

Nm23-H1, also known as NDPK-A, was the first of a class of metastasis suppressor genes to be identified. Overexpression of Nm23-H1 in metastatic cell lines (melanoma, breast carcinoma, prostate, colon, hepatocellular, and oral squamous cell carcinoma) reduced cell motility in in vitro assays and metastatic potential in xenograft models, without a significant effect on primary tumor size. The mechanism of Nm23-H1 suppression of metastasis, however, is incompletely understood. Nm23-H1 has been reported to bind proteins, including those in small G-protein complexes, transcriptional complexes, the Map kinase, the TGF-β signaling pathways and the cytoskeleton. Evidence supporting these associations is presented together with evidence of resultant biochemical and phenotypic consequences of association. Cumulatively, the data suggest that part of the anti-metastatic function of Nm23-H1 lies in pathways that it interrupts via binding and inactivation of proteins.

Proteomics of rat hypothalamus, hippocampus and pre-frontal/frontal cortex after central administration of the neuropeptide PACAP

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a neuropeptide that exerts pleiotropic functions, acting as a hypophysiotropic factor, a neurotrophic and a neuroprotective agent. The molecular pathways activated by PACAP to exert its physiological roles in brain are incompletely understood. In this study, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), prolactin, luteinising hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), brain-derived neurotrophic factor and corticosterone blood levels were determined before and 20, 40, 60, and 120 min after PACAP intracerebroventricular administration. PACAP treatment increased ACTH, corticosterone, LH and FSH blood concentrations, while it decreased TSH levels. A proteomics investigation was carried out in hypothalamus, hippocampus and pre-frontal/frontal cortex (P/FC) using 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis at 120 min, the end-point suggested by studies on PACAP hypophysiotropic activities. Spots showing statistically significant alterations after PACAP treatment were identified by Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-Time of flight mass spectrometry. Identified proteins were consistent with PACAP involvement in different molecular processes in brain. Altered expression levels were observed for proteins involved in cytoskeleton modulation and synaptic plasticity: actin in the hypothalamus; stathmin, dynamin, profilin and cofilin in hippocampus; synapsin in P/FC. Proteins involved in cellular differentiation were also modulated: glutathione-S-transferase α and peroxiredoxin in hippocampus; nucleoside diphosphate kinase in P/FC. Alterations were detected in proteins involved in neuroprotection, neurodegeneration and apoptosis: ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase isozyme L1 and heat shock protein 90-β in hypothalamus; α-synuclein in hippocampus; glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and prohibitin in P/FC. This proteomics study identified new proteins involved in molecular mechanisms mediating PACAP functions in the central nervous system.

Learning about the functions of NME/NM23: lessons from knockout mice to silencing strategies

The human NME gene family (also known as NM23) comprises ten genes that are involved in diverse physiological and pathological processes including proliferation, differentiation, development, ciliary functions, and metastasis. For the moment, only the NME1, NME2, and NME7 genes have been inactivated in transgenic knockout mice, as well as a double NME1-NME2 gene knockout. Mice lacking NME1 or NME2 grow to adulthood without health problems, although NME1 (-/-) mice have modest growth retardation. Double knockout NME1 (-/-)-NME2 (-/-) mice, by contrast, are highly hypotrophic and die at birth from profound anemia due to impaired erythroblast development. Evidence for a metastasis suppressor function of NME1 in vivo comes from crossing NME1 (-/-) mice with mice prone to develop hepatocellular carcinoma; the double transgenic mice present a higher incidence of lung metastases. Silencing of NME1 by siRNA interference has confirmed this function by conferring a "metastatic phenotype" on non-invasive human epithelial cancer cell lines. This function is specific to NME1 and is not observed when the NME2 is silenced. The data indicate that NME1 loss is causally involved at the early stages of the metastatic cascade. NME2 (-/-) mice and NME2 silencing experiments reveal a specific role of NME2 in activation of heterotrimeric G proteins and of KCa3.1 channel in T cells, pointing to a role of NME2 as a histidine phosphotransferase. Regarding NME7, consistent with its expression in axonemal structures, NME7 (-/-) mice present lesions similar to primary ciliary dyskinesia. This review summarizes the recent data obtained by knockout and silencing of NME/NM23 genes that provide mechanistic insights into their respective roles in physiology and pathology.

A preliminary X-ray study of human nucleoside diphosphate kinase A under oxidative conditions

Nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDPK) catalyzes transfer of the γ-phosphoryl group from a nucleoside triphosphate (NTP) to a nucleoside diphosphate. The high-energy phosphate for this reaction is usually supplied by ATP. NDPK plays a primary role not only in maintaining cellular pools of all NTPs but also in the regulation of important cellular processes. NDPK-A (or Nm23-H1), one of eight human NDPKs, acts as a metastasis suppressor for some tumour types. A recent study showed that homohexameric human NDPK-A is regulated in response to oxidative stress. The activity of NDPK-A is reduced, with a concomitant increase in the population of dimeric NDPK-A, under oxidative conditions. In this study, human NDPK-A has been crystallized under oxidative conditions and X-ray data have been collected to 2.80 Å resolution using synchrotron radiation. The crystal belonged to the primitive cubic space group P2(1)3, with unit-cell parameters a = b = c = 106.8 Å. There is one NDPK-A dimer in the asymmetric unit. The preliminary electron-density map shows a large conformational change of the C-terminal domain of NDPK-A induced by a novel disulfide bond that is formed under oxidative conditions.

Substrate specificity and nucleotides binding properties of NM23H2/nucleoside diphosphate kinase homolog from Plasmodium falciparum

Nucleoside diphosphate kinases (NDKs) play a key role in maintaining the intracellular energy resources as well as the balance of nucleotide pools. Recently, attention has been directed to NDKs owing to its role in activating various chemotherapeutic agents. The binding affinity of different nucleotides with P. falciparum NDK was varied according to the following order ADP ~ GDP > dGDP > dADP > dTDP > CDP > dCDP > UDP. The binding of purines nucleotides was stronger than pyrimidines. Furthermore, PfNDK showed more preferences to ribonucleotides over deoxyribonucleotides. Pyrimidines showed lower negative free energy compared with that of purines. The interaction of all nucleotides showed favorable enthalpic and entropic terms. However, the enthalpic terms were the main deriving forces for purine nucleotides, while the entropic contributions were the predominant forces for pyrimidines. Interestingly, TDP showed marked affinity and more favorable enthalpic and less entropic contributions. In conclusion, the size of nucleotide was the critical factor in PfNDK ligand affinity.

Mitochondrial kinases and their molecular interaction with cardiolipin

Mitochondrial isoforms of creatine kinase (MtCK) and nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDPK-D) are not phylogenetically related but share functionally important properties. They both use mitochondrially generated ATP with the ultimate goal of maintaining proper nucleotide pools, are located in the intermembrane/cristae space, have symmetrical oligomeric structures, and show high affinity binding to anionic phospholipids, in particular cardiolipin. The structural basis and functional consequences of the cardiolipin interaction have been studied and are discussed in detail in this review. They mainly result in a functional interaction of MtCK and NDPK-D with inner membrane adenylate translocator, probably by forming proteolipid complexes. These interactions allow for privileged exchange of metabolites (channeling) that ultimately regulate mitochondrial respiration. Further functions of the MtCK/membrane interaction include formation of cardiolipin membrane patches, stabilization of mitochondria and a role in apoptotic signaling, as well as in case of both kinases, a role in facilitating lipid transfer between two membranes. Finally, disturbed cardiolipin interactions of MtCK, NDPK-D and other proteins like cytochrome c and truncated Bid are discussed more generally in the context of apoptosis and necrosis.

Targeted deletion of Nm23/nucleoside diphosphate kinase A and B reveals their requirement for definitive erythropoiesis in the mouse embryo

The ubiquitously expressed nucleoside diphosphate kinases (Nm23/NDPK/Awd) are a large family of multifunctional enzymes implicated in nucleic acid metabolism and in normal and abnormal development. Here, we describe the generation and characterization of NDPK A- and B-deficient (Nme1(-/-)/Nme2(-/-)) mice in which >95% of the enzyme activity is eliminated. These mice are undersized, die perinatally, and exhibit a spectrum of hematological phenotypes including severe anemia, impaired maturation of erythrocytes, and abnormal hematopoiesis in the liver and bone marrow. Flow cytometric analysis of developing Nme1(-/-)/Nme2(-/-) erythroid cells indicated that the major iron transport receptor molecule TfR1 is attenuated concomitant with a reduction of intracellular iron, suggesting that TfR1 is a downstream target of NDPKs and that reduced iron in Nme1(-/-)/Nme2(-/-) erythroblasts is inhibiting their development. We conclude that Nm23/NDPKs play critical roles in definitive erythroid development. Our novel mouse model also links erythropoiesis and nucleotide metabolism.

The mammalian Nm23/NDPK family: from metastasis control to cilia movement

Nucleoside diphosphate kinases (NDPK) are encoded by the NME genes, also called NM23. They catalyze the transfer of gamma-phosphate from nucleoside triphosphates to nucleoside diphosphates by a ping-pong mechanism involving the formation of a high energy phospho-histidine intermediate [1, 2]. Besides their known functions in the control of intracellular nucleotide homeostasis, they are involved in multiple physiological and pathological cellular processes such as differentiation, development, metastastic dissemination or cilia functions. Over the past 15 years, ten human genes have been discovered encoding partial, full length, and/or tandemly repeated Nm23/NDPK domains, with or without N-or C-terminal extensions and/or additional domains. These genes encode proteins exhibiting different functions at various tissular and subcellular localizations. Most of these genes appear late in evolution with the emergence of the vertebrate lineage. This review summarizes the present knowledge on these multitalented proteins.

The mammalian Nm23/NDPK family: from metastasis control to cilia movement

Nucleoside diphosphate kinases (NDPK) are encoded by the NME genes, also called NM23. They catalyze the transfer of gamma-phosphate from nucleoside triphosphates to nucleoside diphosphates by a ping-pong mechanism involving the formation of a high energy phospho-histidine intermediate [1, 2]. Besides their known functions in the control of intracellular nucleotide homeostasis, they are involved in multiple physiological and pathological cellular processes such as differentiation, development, metastastic dissemination or cilia functions. Over the past 15 years, ten human genes have been discovered encoding partial, full length, and/or tandemly repeated Nm23/NDPK domains, with or without N-or C-terminal extensions and/or additional domains. These genes encode proteins exhibiting different functions at various tissular and subcellular localizations. Most of these genes appear late in evolution with the emergence of the vertebrate lineage. This review summarizes the present knowledge on these multitalented proteins.

Double knockout Nme1/Nme2 mouse model suggests a critical role for NDP kinases in erythroid development

Nm23/NDP kinases A and B encoded by the Nme1/Nme2 genes are multifunctional enzymes responsible for the majority of NDP kinase activity in mammals. This review summarizes recent studies on their physiological roles using a mouse model in which both Nme1 and Nme2 genes have been deleted. The double knockout mice are stunted in growth and die perinatally. Additionally, these mice display hematologic phenotypes, including severe anemia, abnormal erythroid cell development, loss of the iron transport receptor molecule TfR1, and reduced iron uptake by Nme1 ( -/- ) /Nme2 ( -/- ) erythroid cells. We hypothesize that Nm23/NDP kinases regulate TfR1 gene expression in erythroid cells in some manner, and that defective iron transport into these cells is responsible for the anemia and death. This Nme1/Nme2 mouse model also links nucleotide metabolism with erythropoiesis, suggesting alternative or additional mechanisms that may explain the observed phenomena.

Nm23-H1/nucleoside diphosphate kinase as a key molecule in breast tumor angiogenesis

BACKGROUND

Neo-angiogenesis seems to be a critical feature of breast tumor growth, migration and metastasis. Inhibition of angiogenesis may provide information regarding treatment. Since angiogenesis is the result of complex processes, controlled by several angiogenic (pro- and/or -anti) factors and their receptors, multiple ways to prevent or retrogress tumor-induced angiogenesis have been proposed. The clinically significant activity of bevacizumab and other antiangiogenic treatments have attracted a great deal of interest.

OBJECTIVE/METHODS

We discuss biological aspects of breast cancer angiogenesis and nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDPK) as a key molecule in this process.

RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS

In clinical and experimental trials, it was reported that NDPK is inversely related to breast cancer metastasis and angiogenesis. To inhibit the metastatic potential of cancer cells, Nm23-H1/NDP kinase appears to interact with many proteins involved in cellular signal transduction in angiogenesis and tumorigenesis, and therefore reduces the activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/MAPK in response to those signals.

NM23H2 inhibits EGF- and Ras-induced proliferation of NIH3T3 cells by blocking the ERK pathway

The NM23 family proteins are involved in a variety of biological processes including tumor metastasis, development, and differentiation; however, their functions in the regulation of cellular proliferation are poorly understood. We have investigated the role of one NM23 family protein, NM23H2, in the regulation of cellular proliferation directed by the extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) pathway. The activity of ERKs was enhanced by knockdown of endogenous NM23H2 and blocked by overexpression of NM23H2 in both NIH3T3 and HEK293 cells. Additionally, the epidermal growth factor (EGF)- and oncogenic Ras(G12R)-induced proliferation of both HEK293 and NIH3T3 cells was reduced by NM23H2 overexpression. Furthermore, activation of Raf-1, MEK and the ERKs by either EGF or Ras(G12R) was inhibited by NM23H2 overexpression. Together, our data indicate that NM23H2 is a negative regulator of cellular proliferation stimulated by EGF- and Ras-mediated activation of the ERK pathway.

Molecular cloning and analysis of function of nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDPK) from the scallop Chlamys farreri

Nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDPK) is a key metabolic enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of non-adenine nucleoside triphosphate (NTP) by transferring the terminal phosphate between nucleoside diphosphate (NDP) and NTP. NDPK regulates a variety of eukaryotic cellular activities including cell proliferation, development, and differentiation. The ndpk cDNA was cloned from the hemocytes of the scallop Chlamys farreri and designated Cf-ndpk. The full-length sequence of Cf-ndpk consists of 715 bp encoding a polypeptide of 153 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 16927.52 daltons and pI of 7.64. The mRNA expression and distribution of Cf-ndpk in both bacterially challenged and unchallenged scallops were studied by Northern blotting and in situ hybridization. The results showed that Cf-ndpk transcripts were present in hemocytes, gill, adductor muscle, mantle, digestive gland, foot, and gonad, and the expression level increased in hemocytes after bacterial challenge. Recombinant Cf-NDPK expressed in Escherichia coli could transfer the terminal phosphate between UDP and ATP. The Cf-NDPK protein was present in all tested tissues including foot, adductor muscle, digestive gland, gonad, mantle, gill, and hemolymph. It was up-regulated in hemolymph after bacterial challenge. Taken together, these results suggest that NDPK may play roles in the innate immune response of scallop.

Direct interaction between NM23-H1 and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is critical for alleviation of MIF-mediated suppression of p53 activity

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a pluripotent cytokine that is involved in host immune and inflammatory responses, as well as tumorigenesis. However, the regulatory mechanism of MIF function is unclear. Here we report that the NM23-H1 interacts with MIF in cells, as demonstrated by cotransfection and coimmunoprecipitation experiments. Analysis of cysteine (Cys) to serine (Ser) substitution mutants of NM23-H1 (C4S, C109S, and C145S) and MIF (C57S, C60S, and C81S) revealed that Cys(145) of NM23-H1 and Cys(60) of MIF are responsible for complex formation. NM23-H1-MIF complexes were dependent on reducing conditions, such as the presence of dithiothreitol or beta-mercaptoethanol, but not H(2)O(2). NM23-H1 alleviated the MIF-mediated suppression of p53-induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest by promoting the dissociation of MIF from MIF-p53 complexes. In addition, NM23-H1 significantly inhibited the MIF-induced proliferation of quiescent NIH 3T3 cells through a direct interaction with MIF, and decreased the MIF-induced activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/PDK1 and p44/p42 extracellular signal-regulated (ERK) mitogen-activated protein kinase. The results of the current study suggest that the NM23-H1 functions as a negative regulator of MIF.

Nucleotide-dependent self-assembly of Nucleoside Diphosphate Kinase (NDPK) in vitro

In addition to their role in nucleotide homeostasis, members of the Nucleoside Diphosphate Kinase (NDPK) family have been implicated in tumor metastasis, cell migration and vesicle trafficking. Although its role in most cases depends on nucleotide catalysis, a precise understanding of how the catalytic activity of NDPK supports its function in diverse processes is lacking. Here we report that wild type, but not catalytically inactive (H118C) NDPKB, undergoes dynamic self-assembly into ordered 20-25 nm diameter filaments in vitro. Self-assembly is nucleoside triphosphate dependent, GTP being most effective at promoting polymer formation. In addition, polymerization appears to depend on formation of the phosphoryl-Histidine intermediate of the enzyme, suggesting a previously unappreciated conformational change in NDPK during its catalytic cycle. We hypothesize that the observed nucleotide-dependent self-assembly property of NDPKB may reflect a key feature of NDPK enzymes that enables their function in diverse processes.

Nucleotide- and nucleoside-converting ectoenzymes: Important modulators of purinergic signalling cascade

The involvement of extracellular nucleotides and adenosine in an array of cell-specific responses has long been known and appreciated, but the integrative view of purinergic signalling as a multistep coordinated cascade has emerged recently. Current models of nucleotide turnover include: (i) transient release of nanomolar concentrations of ATP and ADP; (ii) triggering of signalling events via a series of ligand-gated (P2X) and metabotropic (P2Y) receptors; (iii) nucleotide breakdown by membrane-bound and soluble nucleotidases, including the enzymes of ecto-nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (E-NTPDase) family, ecto-nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase (E-NPP) family, ecto-5'-nucleotidase/CD73, and alkaline phosphatases; (iv) interaction of the resulting adenosine with own nucleoside-selective receptors; and finally, (v) extracellular adenosine inactivation via adenosine deaminase and purine nucleoside phosphorylase reactions and/or nucleoside uptake by the cells. In contrast to traditional paradigms that focus on purine-inactivating mechanisms, it has now become clear that "classical" intracellular ATP-regenerating enzymes, adenylate kinase, nucleoside diphosphate (NDP) kinase and ATP synthase can also be co-expressed on the cell surface. Furthermore, data on the ability of various cells to retain micromolar ATP levels in their pericellular space, as well as to release other related compounds (adenosine, UTP, dinucleotide polyphosphates and nucleotide sugars) gain another important insight into our understanding of mechanisms regulating a signalling cascade. This review summarizes recent advances in this rapidly evolving field, with particular emphasis on the nucleotide-releasing and purine-converting pathways in the vasculature.

Discovery of NM23-H2 as an estrogen receptor beta-associated protein: role in estrogen-induced gene transcription and cell migration

The regulation of the estrogenic responses may be influenced by the proteins that associate with estrogen receptors (ERs) rather than solely with the receptors themselves. ERbeta is expressed in blood vessels and may play an important role in vascular disease. We hypothesized that specific proteins interact with ERbeta to modulate its response to estrogens. By means of a yeast two hybrid screen, we discovered that NM23-H2, a multi-faceted protein associates specifically with ERbeta. NM23-H2 and ERbeta consistently co-localize in a variety of human tissues (e.g. breast tissue), whereas ERalpha and NM23-H2 did not co-localize. Estrogen response element-mediated transcription increased by 97% when NM23-H2 and ERbeta were over-expressed in MCF-7 cells (p< or =0.001). Moreover, there was a synergistic effect of NM23-H2 over-expression with estrogen treatment on the reduction of MCF-7 cell migration (p< or =0.001). These results suggest that NM23-H2 associates with ERbeta and is capable of modulating estrogen-induced gene transcription, as well as cell migration. Hence, NM23-H2 may play an important role in modulating the response to endogenous and exogenous estrogens, perhaps even within the context of vascular disease.

Investigation of chimerical and tagged forms of recombinant rat nucleoside diphosphate kinases alpha and beta. Interaction with rhodopsin-transducin complex and thermal stability

To elucidate the physicochemical basis of differences between the isoforms of mammalian multifunctional nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDP), we investigated the recombinant rat homohexameric NDP kinases alpha and beta, consisting of highly homologous alpha or beta subunits of 152 residues each and differing only in variable regions V1 and V2, and their chimerical forms (NDP kinase alpha(1-130)beta(131-152) and NDP kinase beta(1-130)alpha(131-152)) and tagged derivatives (NDP kinase HA-alpha(1-130)beta(131-152), NDP kinase HA-beta(1-130)alpha(131-152), and NDP kinase HA-beta). The thermal stability of these proteins and the ability of some of them to interact with the rhodopsin-transducin (R*Gt) complex have been studied. It was found that NDP kinase alpha, NDP kinase alpha(1-130)beta(131-152), and NDP kinase HA-alpha(1-130)beta(131-152) were similar in their thermal stability (T(1/2) = 61-63 degrees C). NDP kinase beta, NDP kinase beta(1-130)alpha(131-152), NDP kinase HA-beta(1-130)alpha(131-152), and NDP kinase HA-beta were inactivated at a lower temperature (T(1/2) = 51-54 degrees C). NDP kinase HA-alpha(1-130)beta(131-152) interacted with the R*Gt complex in the same manner as NDP kinase alpha, whereas the interaction of NDP kinase HA-beta(1-130)alpha(131-152) and NDP kinase beta with the photoreceptor membranes under the same conditions was very weak. It is suggested that the variability of the region V1 is a structural basis for the multifunctionality of NDP kinase hexamers in the cell.

NM23-H1 tumor suppressor and its interacting partner STRAP activate p53 function

p53 plays a critical role in a variety of growth inhibitory responses, including cell cycle arrest, differentiation, and apoptosis, and contributes to tumor suppression. Here we show that NM23-H1 and its binding partner STRAP (serine-threonine kinase receptor-associated protein) interact with p53 and potentiate p53 activity. Both NM23-H1 and STRAP directly interact with the central DNA binding domain within residues 113-290. The use of NM23-H1 and STRAP mutants revealed that Cys(145) of NM23-H1 and Cys(152) (or Cys(270)) of STRAP were responsible for p53 binding. Furthermore, Cys(176) and Cys(135) of p53 were required to bind NM23-H1 and STRAP, respectively. Ectopic expression of wild-type NM23-H1 and STRAP, but not NM23-H1(C145S) and STRAP(C152S/C270S), positively regulated p53-mediated transcription in a dose-dependent manner. Knockdown of endogenous NM23-H1 or STRAP produced an opposite trend and inhibited the p53-mediated transcription. Similarly, NM23-H1 and STRAP stimulated p53-induced apoptosis and growth inhibition, whereas the NM23-H1(C145S) and STRAP(C152S/C270S) mutants had no effect. We also demonstrated that p53 activation by NM23-H1 and STRAP was mediated by removing Mdm2, a negative regulator of p53, from the p53-Mdm2 complex. These results suggest that NM23-H1 and its interacting partner STRAP physically interact with p53 and positively regulate its functions, including p53-induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest.

Regulations of marker genes involved in biotic and abiotic stress by overexpression of the AtNDPK2 gene in rice

AtNDPK2 is involved in transcriptional regulation in response to pathogen and abiotic stresses. AtNDPK2-expressing transgenic rice plants showed regulation of the marker genes for chilling and oxidative stresses. In the present study, we produced AtNDPK2-overexpressing transgenic rice lines using the co-transformation method. Morphologically, the transgenic plants, compared with the control plants, were growth retarded. We investigated how AtNDPK2 overexpression influences the response of rice plants to marker genes related to chilling and ROS stress. The accumulation of transcripts of pBC442 and pBC601, related to chilling stress, was induced in AtNDPK2-overexpressed rice plants. On further investigation, we found that OsAPX1-, OsAPX2-, and OsSodB-scavenging free-oxygen radicals, such as superoxide (O2-) and hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), could be induced in AtNDPK2-overexpressed rice plants. In particular, transcripts encoding pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins OsPR2 and OsPR4, as well as oxidative stress response proteins, were confirmed to change the gene expression in the transgenic rice plants. Together, these results suggest that AtNDPK2 plays a regulatory role in chilling and antioxidant signaling in plants.

Nm23/NDP kinases in hepatocellular carcinoma

One of the most aggressive cancers is hepatocellular carcinoma, which is associated with a very poor patient outcome due to a high recurrence rate and metastatic spread. NM23, the first metastasis suppressor gene to be identified, has been widely studied in human cancers. However, conflicting results have been obtained depending on the tumor type and the evaluation protocol. The current knowledge of NM23 as a diagnostic and/or prognostic marker in hepatocellular carcinoma is reviewed herein. Most studies demonstrate an inverse association between the expression of NM23-H1 and the metastatic potential, which is not observed with the closely related NM23-H2 isoform. Transfection of metastatic hepatoma cells with NM23 reduced their metastatic potential, as for other tumor cell lines. The demonstration of a causative role of NM23 in metastatic dissemination in a mouse model of hepatocarcinoma suggests that hepatocarcinoma-derived cells could be good models for the analysis of the molecular mechanisms involved in NM23 action.

High energy phosphate transfer by NDPK B/Gbetagammacomplexes--an alternative signaling pathway involved in the regulation of basal cAMP production

The activation of heterotrimeric G proteins induced by G protein coupled receptors (GPCR) is generally believed to occur by a GDP/GTP exchange at the G protein alpha -subunit. Nevertheless, nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDPK) and the beta-subunit of G proteins (Gbeta) participate in G protein activation by phosphate transfer reactions leading to the formation of GTP from GDP. Recent work elucidated the role of these reactions. Apparently, the NDPK isoform B (NDPK B) forms a complex with Gbetagamma dimers in which NDPK B acts as a histidine kinase phosphorylating Gbeta at His266. Out of this high energetic phosphoamidate bond the phosphate can be transferred specifically onto GDP. The formed GTP binds to the G protein alpha-subunit and thus activates the respective G protein. Evidence is presented, that this process occurs independent of the classical GPCR-induced GTP/GTP exchange und thus contributes, e.g. to the regulation of basal cAMP synthesis in cells.

NM23-H1 tumor suppressor physically interacts with serine-threonine kinase receptor-associated protein, a transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) receptor-interacting protein, and negatively regulates TGF-beta signaling

NM23-H1 is a member of the NM23/NDP kinase gene family and a putative metastasis suppressor. Previously, a screen for NM23-H1-interacting proteins that could potentially modulate its activity identified serine-threonine kinase receptor-associated protein (STRAP), a transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta receptor-interacting protein. Through the use of cysteine to serine amino acid substitution mutants of NM23-H1 (C4S, C109S, and C145S) and STRAP (C152S, C270S, and C152S/C270S), we demonstrated that the association between these two proteins is dependent on Cys(145) of NM23-H1 and Cys(152) and Cys(270) of STRAP but did not appear to involve Cys(4) and Cys(109) of NM23-H1, suggesting that a disulfide linkage involving Cys(145) of NM23-H1 and Cys(152) or Cys(270) of STRAP mediates complex formation. The interaction was dependent on the presence of dithiothreitol or beta-mercaptoethanol but not H(2)O(2). Ectopic expression of wild-type NM23-H1, but not NM23-H1(C145S), negatively regulated TGF-beta signaling in a dose-dependent manner, enhanced stable association between the TGF-beta receptor and Smad7, and prevented nuclear translocation of Smad3. Similarly, wild-type NM23-H1 inhibited TGF-beta-induced apoptosis and growth inhibition, whereas NM23-H1(C145S) had no effect. Knockdown of NM23-H1 by small interfering RNA stimulated TGF-beta signaling. Coexpression of wild-type STRAP, but not STRAP(C152S/C270S), significantly stimulated NM23-H1-induced growth of HaCaT cells. These results suggest that the direct interaction of NM23-H1 and STRAP is important for the regulation of TGF-beta-dependent biological activity as well as NM23-H1 activity.

Nm23-H1: a metastasis-associated gene

The protein product of nm23-H1 gene has activity of nucleoside diphosphate (NDP) kinase, which catalyzes the phosphorylation of nucleoside diphosphates to the corresponding nucleoside triphosphates. Reductions in nm23 expression have been significantly associated with aggressive behavior in melanoma, breast, colon, and gastric carcinomas. On the contrary, high levels of nm23 gene expression are noted in the advanced stage of thyroid carcinomas and associated with significant reductions in survival for neuroblastoma and osteosarcoma patients. Although expression of nm23/NDP kinase is divergent in various malignant tumors, its reduced expression seems to be related to increased metastatic potential in most carcinoma types. However, it is hypothesized that nm23 may play a tissue-specific role, and that different regulatory mechanisms may act in different tumors. In ovarian carcinoma, nm23-H1/NDP kinase may be correlated with some clinicopathologic characteristics. In cervical cancer, nm23-H1 is probably involved in cervical carcinogenesis and correlated with some aggressive parameters. Overexpression of nm23-H1 protein may indicate poor survival for cervical cancer patients. Other than histidine 118 residue (amino acid sequence 118: histidine) concerned with NDP kinase activity of nm23-H1, serine 120 (amino acid sequence 120: serine) related activity of histidine-dependent protein phosphotransfer was recently reported to be responsible for its biological suppressive effects. To inhibit metastatic potential, nm23-H1 is also demonstrated to co-immunoprecipitate the kinase suppressor of Ras and phosphorylate it, and therefore reduce activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway in response to signaling.

Interaction of nucleoside diphosphate kinase B with heterotrimeric G protein betagamma dimers: consequences on G protein activation and stability

It is generally accepted that G protein coupled receptors (GPCR) activate heterotrimeric G proteins by inducing a GDP/GTP exchange at the G protein alpha subunit. In addition, the transfer of high energetic phosphate by nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDPK) and/or the beta subunit of G proteins (Gbeta) can induce G protein activation. Recent evidence suggests that the NDPK isoform B (NDPK B) forms a complex with Gbetagamma dimers. In this complex, NDPK B acts as a protein histidine kinase phosphorylating Gbeta at histidine residue 266 (His266). The high energetic phosphoamidate bond on His266 allows for a phosphate transfer specifically onto GDP and thus local formation of GTP, which binds to and thereby activates the respective G protein alpha subunit. Apparently, this process occurs independent of the classical GPCR-induced GDP/GTP exchange at least for members of the G(s) and G(i) subfamilies of heterotrimeric G proteins. By using a mutant of Gbeta(1) in which His266 was replaced by Leu, it was recently demonstrated that NDPK B/Gbetagamma-mediated G(s) activation contributes by about 50% to basal cAMP formation and contractility in rat cardiac myocytes. Besides its apparent role in G protein activation, the complex formation of NDPK B with Gbetagamma dimers might be essential for G protein stability. Depletion of either the NDPK B orthologue or Gbeta(1) isoforms in zebrafish embryos led to a similar phenotype displaying contractile dysfunction in the heart accompanied by a complete loss of heterotrimeric G protein expression. In conclusion, the interaction of NDKP B with Gbetagamma dimers might play an important role in signal transduction, and alterations in this novel pathway might be of pathophysiological importance.