A transforming Src mutant increases the bioavailability of EGFR ligands via stimulation of the cell-surface metalloproteinase ADAM17

m6A‑modified HOXC10 promotes HNSCC progression via co‑activation of ADAM17/EGFR and Wnt/β‑catenin signaling

The homeobox (HOX) gene family plays a fundamental role in carcinogenesis. However, the oncogenic mechanism of HOXC10 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains unclear. In the present study, it was revealed that HOXC10 expression was significantly higher in HNSCC tissues than in adjacent tissues, and a high level of HOXC10 was closely associated with worse clinical outcomes. HOXC10 overexpression promoted HNSCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing revealed that HOXC10 drove the transcriptional activation of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 17 (ADAM17), and the ADAM17/epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/ERK1/2 signaling pathway facilitating the proliferation of HNSCC. Furthermore, mass spectrometric analysis indicated that HOXC10 interacted with ribosomal protein S15A (RPS15A) and enhanced RPS15A protein expression, activating the Wnt/β‑catenin pathway and contributing to invasion and metastasis of HNSCC. Additionally, the methylated RNA immune precipitation and RNA antisense purification assays showed that N6‑methyladenosine (m6A) writer, methyltransferase‑like 3, catalyzed m6A modification of the HOXC10 transcript, m6A reader insulin like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein (IGF2BP)1 and IGF2BP3 involved in recognizing and stabilizing m6A‑tagged HOXC10 mRNA. In summary, the present study identified HOXC10 as a promising candidate oncogene in HNSCC. The m6A modification‑mediated HOXC10 promoted proliferation, migration, and invasion of HNSCC through co‑activation of ADAM17/EGFR and Wnt/β‑catenin signaling, providing a novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarker and a potential therapeutic target for HNSCC.

FGFR2 mutations promote endometrial cancer progression through dual engagement of EGFR and Notch signalling pathways

BACKGROUND

Mutations in the receptor tyrosine kinase gene fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) occur at a high frequency in endometrial cancer (EC) and have been linked to advanced and recurrent disease. However, little is known about how these mutations drive carcinogenesis.

METHODS

Differential transcriptomic analysis and two-step quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) assays were applied to identify genes differentially expressed in two cohorts of EC patients carrying mutations in the FGFR2 gene as well as in EC cells harbouring mutations in the FGFR2. Candidate genes and target signalling pathways were investigated by qRT-PCR assays, immunohistochemistry and bioinformatics analysis. The functional roles of differently regulated genes were analysed using in vitro and in vivo experiments, including 3D-orthotypic co-culture systems, cell proliferation and migration protocols, as well as colony and focus formation assays together with murine xenograft tumour models. The molecular mechanisms were examined using CRISPR/Cas9-based loss-of-function and pharmacological approaches as well as luciferase reporter techniques, cell-based ectodomain shedding assays and bioinformatics analysis.

RESULTS

We show that common FGFR2 mutations significantly enhance the sensitivity to FGF7-mediated activation of a disintegrin and metalloprotease (ADAM)17 and subsequent transactivation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). We further show that FGFR2 mutants trigger the activation of ADAM10-mediated Notch signalling in an ADAM17-dependent manner, highlighting for the first time an intimate cooperation between EGFR and Notch pathways in EC. Differential transcriptomic analysis in EC cells in a cohort of patients carrying mutations in the FGFR2 gene identified a strong association between FGFR2 mutations and increased expression of members of the Notch pathway and ErbB receptor family. Notably, FGFR2 mutants are not constitutively active but require FGF7 stimulation to reprogram Notch and EGFR pathway components, resulting in ADAM17-dependent oncogenic growth.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings highlight a pivotal role of ADAM17 in the pathogenesis of EC and provide a compelling rationale for targeting ADAM17 protease activity in FGFR2-driven cancers.

iRhom2 regulates ERBB signalling to promote KRAS-driven tumour growth of lung cancer cells

Dysregulation of the ERBB/EGFR signalling pathway causes multiple types of cancer. Accordingly, ADAM17, the primary shedding enzyme that releases and activates ERBB ligands, is tightly regulated. It has recently become clear that iRhom proteins, inactive members of the rhomboid-like superfamily, are regulatory cofactors for ADAM17. Here, we show that oncogenic KRAS mutants target the cytoplasmic domain of iRhom2 (also known as RHBDF2) to induce ADAM17-dependent shedding and the release of ERBB ligands. Activation of ERK1/2 by oncogenic KRAS induces the phosphorylation of iRhom2, recruitment of the phospho-binding 14-3-3 proteins, and consequent ADAM17-dependent shedding of ERBB ligands. In addition, cancer-associated mutations in iRhom2 act as sensitisers in this pathway by further increasing KRAS-induced shedding of ERBB ligands. This mechanism is conserved in lung cancer cells, where iRhom activity is required for tumour xenograft growth. In this context, the activity of oncogenic KRAS is modulated by the iRhom2-dependent release of ERBB ligands, thus placing the cytoplasmic domain of iRhom2 as a central component of a positive feedback loop in lung cancer cells. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first authors of the paper.

TIMP3 involvement and potentiality in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of diabetic nephropathy

Diabetic kidney disease, one of the most severe complications associated with diabetes, is characterized by albuminuria, glomerulosclerosis and progressive loss of renal function. Loss of TIMP3, an Extracellular matrix-bound protein, is a hallmark of diabetic nephropathy in human and mouse models, suggesting its pivotal role in renal diseases associated to diabetes. There is currently no specific therapy for diabetic nephropathy, and the ability to restore high TIMP3 activity specifically in the kidney may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for the amelioration of renal injury under conditions in which its reduction is directly related to the disease. Increasing evidence shows that diabetic nephropathy is also regulated by epigenetic mechanisms, including noncoding RNA. This review recapitulates the pathological, diagnostic and therapeutic potential roles of TIMP3 and the noncoding RNA (microRNA, long noncoding RNA) related to its expression, in the progression of diabetic nephropathy.

Molecular switch in human diseases-disintegrin and metalloproteinases, ADAM17

The ADAMs (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase) are a family of cell surface proteins with crucial roles in the regulation of cell adhesion, cell proliferation to migration, proteolysis and cell signaling transduction pathways. Among these enzymes, the ADAM17 shows significant effects in the “ectodomain shedding” of its substrates such as cytokines (e.g., tumor necrosis factor α, TNFα), growth factors (e.g., epidermal growth factor, EGF), adhesion proteins (e.g., L-selectin), and their receptors (e.g., IL-6R and TNFα). Several studies focus on the underlying molecular mechanisms of ADAM17 in diseased conditions. Here, we took several different approaches to elucidate the function of ADAM17, the participation of ADAM17 in several human diseases, and the potential as targeted therapy reagents. As more and more studies verify the miRNA-mediated expression variation of ADAM17, the specific regulation network of miRNAs and ADAM17 was exploited in this review as well.

Members of the Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor Superfamily Are Proteolytically Cleaved by Two Differently Activated Metalloproteases

Fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) are a family of receptor tyrosine kinases that have been associated not only with various cellular processes, such as embryonic development and adult wound healing but also enhanced tumor survival, angiogenesis, and metastatic spread. Proteolytic cleavage of these single-pass transmembrane receptors has been suggested to regulate biological activities of their ligands during growth and development, yet little is known about the proteases responsible for this process. In this study, we monitored the release of membrane-anchored FGFRs 1, 2, 3, and 4 in cell-based assays. We demonstrate here that metalloprotease-dependent metalloprotease family, ADAM10 and ADAM17. Loss- and gain-of-function studies in murine embryonic fibroblasts showed that constitutive shedding as well as phorbol-ester-induced processing of FGFRs 1, 3, and 4 is mediated by ADAM17. In contrast, treatment with the calcium ionophore ionomycin stimulated ADAM10-mediated FGFR2 shedding. Cell migration assays with keratinocytes in the presence or absence of soluble FGFRs suggest that ectodomain shedding can modulate the function of ligand-induced FGFR signaling during cell movement. Our data identify ADAM10 and ADAM17 as differentially regulated FGFR membrane sheddases and may therefore provide new insight into the regulation of FGFR functions.

Suppression of α-catenin and adherens junctions enhances epithelial cell proliferation and motility via TACE-mediated TGF-α autocrine/paracrine signaling

Sustained cell migration is essential for wound healing and cancer metastasis. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling cascade is known to drive cell migration and proliferation. While the signal transduction downstream of EGFR has been extensively investigated, our knowledge of the initiation and maintenance of EGFR signaling during cell migration remains limited. The metalloprotease TACE (tumor necrosis factor alpha converting enzyme) is responsible for producing active EGFR family ligands in the via ligand shedding. Sustained TACE activity may perpetuate EGFR signaling and reduce a cell’s reliance on exogenous growth factors. Using a cultured keratinocyte model system, we show that depletion of α-catenin perturbs adherens junctions, enhances cell proliferation and motility, and decreases dependence on exogenous growth factors. We show that the underlying mechanism for these observed phenotypical changes depends on enhanced autocrine/paracrine release of the EGFR ligand transforming growth factor alpha in a TACE-dependent manner. We demonstrate that proliferating keratinocyte epithelial cell clusters display waves of oscillatory extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK) activity, which can be eliminated by TACE knockout, suggesting that these waves of oscillatory ERK activity depend on autocrine/paracrine signals produced by TACE. These results provide new insights into the regulatory role of adherens junctions in initiating and maintaining autocrine/paracrine signaling with relevance to wound healing and cellular transformation.

ERK-Mediated Mechanochemical Waves Direct Collective Cell Polarization

During collective migration of epithelial cells, the migration direction is aligned over a tissue-scale expanse. Although the collective cell migration is known to be directed by mechanical forces transmitted via cell-cell junctions, it remains elusive how the intercellular force transmission is coordinated with intracellular biochemical signaling to achieve collective movements. Here, we show that intercellular coupling of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-mediated mechanochemical feedback yields long-distance transmission of guidance cues. Mechanical stretch activates ERK through epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activation, and ERK activation triggers cell contraction. The contraction of the activated cell pulls neighboring cells, evoking another round of ERK activation and contraction in the neighbors. Furthermore, anisotropic contraction based on front-rear polarization guarantees unidirectional propagation of ERK activation, and in turn, the ERK activation waves direct multicellular alignment of the polarity, leading to long-range ordered migration. Our findings reveal that mechanical forces mediate intercellular signaling underlying sustained transmission of guidance cues for collective cell migration.

Feedback activation of EGFR is the main cause for STAT3 inhibition-irresponsiveness in pancreatic cancer cells

Pancreatic cancer is one of the world's leading causes of cancer-related death. Activation of STAT3 has been reported as a major contributor in pancreatic cancer tumorigenesis and chemoresistance. However, treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer patients with STAT3 inhibitors often meets drug resistance and heterogeneous response. We found that EGFR activation is a main cause for resistance to STAT3 inhibitors in pancreatic cancer cells, regardless of KRAS mutation status. Mechanistically, inhibition of STAT3 promotes STAT1- and STAT4-mediated TGF-α expression, leading to activation of the EGFR pathway. Combined treatment of pancreatic cancer cells with EGFR and STAT3 inhibitors persistently blocks EGFR and STAT3 signaling, and exerts synergistic antitumor activity both in vitro and in vivo, with or without KRAS mutation. Our results indicate that reciprocal cross-talk between STAT3 and EGFR pathways is a key molecular mechanism leading to resistance in pancreatic cancer cells. Furthermore, the study shows that combined inhibition of both EGFR and STAT3 might overcome drug resistance encountered during treatment with single agent alone. This study suggests an improved therapeutic strategy, through combined treatment with STAT3 and EGFR inhibitors, for pancreatic cancer patients.

SRC fine-tunes ADAM10 shedding activity to promote pituitary adenoma cell progression

A disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-containing protein 10 (ADAM10) is a metalloproteinase known to modulate the progression of several types of tumor. However, the role played by ADAM10 in pituitary adenomas is currently unknown, and what factors orchestrate the activation of ADAM10 in this kind of tumor is also unclear. Here, we found that SRC kinase is an ADAM10-interacting partner and that SRC kinase activity is required for this interaction. As a new positive regulator promoting the shedding activity of ADAM10, SRC could compete with calmodulin 1 (CALM1) for ADAM10 binding in a mutually exclusive manner. Strikingly, the interaction between ADAM10 and CALM1 is regulated by SRC activity. Furthermore, we proved that the cytoplasmic region of ADAM10 is required for the shedding activity of ADAM10 upon SRC activation. As a proof-of-concept, we discovered that the combination of ADAM10 and SRC inhibitors can inhibit cell proliferation and migration to a great extent. Thus, our findings shed light on a novel therapeutic strategy to block the tumorigenesis and migration of pituitary adenoma.

Novel functions of inactive rhomboid proteins in immunity and disease

iRhoms are related to a family of intramembrane serine proteinases called rhomboids but lack proteolytic activity. In mammals, there are two iRhoms, iRhom1 and iRhom2, which have similar domain structures and overlapping specificities as well as distinctive functions. These catalytically inactive rhomboids are essential regulators for the maturation and trafficking of the disintegrin metalloprotease ADAM17 from the endoplasmic reticulum to the cell surface, and are required for the cleavage and release of a variety of membrane-associated proteins, including the IL-6 receptor, l-selectin, TNF, and EGFR ligands. iRhom2-dependent regulation of ADAM17 function has been recently implicated in the development and progression of several autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus nephritis, as well as hemophilic arthropathy. In this review, we discuss our current understanding of iRhom biology, their implications in autoimmune pathologies, and their potential as therapeutic targets.

ADAM17 substrate release in proximal tubule drives kidney fibrosis

Kidney fibrosis following kidney injury is an unresolved health problem and causes significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. In a study into its molecular mechanism, we identified essential causative features. Acute or chronic kidney injury causes sustained elevation of a disintegrin and metalloprotease 17 (ADAM17); of its cleavage-activated proligand substrates, in particular of pro-TNFα and the EGFR ligand amphiregulin (pro-AREG); and of the substrates' receptors. As a consequence, EGFR is persistently activated and triggers the synthesis and release of proinflammatory and profibrotic factors, resulting in macrophage/neutrophil ingress and fibrosis. ADAM17 hypomorphic mice, specific ADAM17 inhibitor-treated WT mice, or mice with inducible KO of ADAM17 in proximal tubule (Slc34a1-Cre) were significantly protected against these effects. In vitro, in proximal tubule cells, we show that AREG has unique profibrotic actions that are potentiated by TNFα-induced AREG cleavage. In vivo, in acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD, fibrosis) patients, soluble AREG is indeed highly upregulated in human urine, and both ADAM17 and AREG expression show strong positive correlation with fibrosis markers in related kidney biopsies. Our results indicate that targeting of the ADAM17 pathway represents a therapeutic target for human kidney fibrosis.

FoxM1 drives ADAM17/EGFR activation loop to promote mesenchymal transition in glioblastoma

Mesenchymal transition (MES transition) is a hallmark of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), however, the mechanism regulating the process remains to be elucidated. Here we report that FoxM1 drives ADAM17/EGFR activation loop to promote MES transition in GBM. Firstly, FoxM1 expression was positively associated with ADAM17 expression, and their expression was correlated with the mesenchymal features and overall patient survival of GBM. Overexpressing FoxM1 or ADAM17 increased the mesenchymal phenotype of glioma cells, which could be reversed by silencing FoxM1 or ADAM17. Importantly, FoxM1 bound to the ADAM17 promoter to transcriptionally upregulate its expression. Using gain- and loss-of-function studies, we showed that FoxM1/ADAM17 axis promoted the MES transition in glioma cells. Moreover, tissue microarray analysis and orthotopic xenograft model further confirmed that FoxM1/ADAM17 axis played key roles in malignancy of GBM. Mechanistically, FoxM1/ADAM17 axis activated the EGFR/AKT/GSK3β signaling pathway and ADAM17/EGFR/GSK3β axis could maintain FoxM1 stability in glioma cells. Taken together, our study demonstrated that FoxM1/ADAM17 feedback loop controlled the MES transition and regulated the progression of GBM, raising the possibility that deregulation of this loop might improve the durability of therapies in GBM.

Short hairpin RNA-mediated gene silencing of ADAM17 inhibits the growth of breast cancer MCF‑7 cells in vitro and in vivo and its mechanism of action

A disintegrin and metalloprotease 17 (ADAM17) is highly expressed in many malignant tumors and is closely related to their development. We showed in a previous study that silencing of ADAM17 by siRNA inhibited the growth of MCF-7 breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. In the present study, we investigated the effects of ADAM17-short hairpin RNA (ADAM17-shRNA) on MCF-7 breast cancer cells and explored the potential action pathway. In vitro, transfection of shRNAs was performed using a lentivirus, and the effects of ADAM17-shRNA on invasion, proliferation and cell cycle distribution of MCF-7 cells were assessed by Boyden chamber method, real-time cell analysis and flow cytometry, respectively. In vivo, MCF-7 cells with different administrations were transplanted subcutaneously into nude mice, and the effect of ADAM17-shRNA on the growth of transplanted tumors was assessed. In addition, the morphological structures were observed by H&E staining, and the expression of ADAM17 and Ki-67 was assessed by immunohistochemistry; expression of ADAM17, EGFR, p-EGFR, AKT, p-AKT, ERK and p-ERK proteins was assessed by western blotting, respectively. Our data showed that ADAM17-shRNA successfully inhibited ADAM17 mRNA expression, invasion and proliferation of MCF-7 cells resulting in G0/G1 phase arrest, and significantly inhibited the growth of transplanted tumors with larger areas of necrosis, low expression of ADAM17 and Ki-67 and reduced protein expression of ADAM17, EGFR, p-EGFR, AKT, p-AKT, ERK, and p-ERK in the tumor tissues. The present research suggests that ADAM17-shRNA can inhibit MCF-7 cell invasion and proliferation in vitro and inhibit MCF-7 xenograft growth in vivo through the EGFR/PI3K/AKT and EGFR/MEK/ERK signaling pathways.

GRP78 protects a disintegrin and metalloprotease 17 against protein-disulfide isomerase A6 catalyzed inactivation

The shedding of ectodomains is a crucial mechanism in many physiological and pathological events. A disintegrin and metalloprotease-17 (ADAM17) is a key sheddase involved in essential processes, such as development, regeneration, and immune defense. ADAM17 exists in two conformations which differ in their disulfide connection in the membrane-proximal domain (MPD). Protein-disulfide isomerases (PDIs) on the cell surface convert the open MPD into a rigid closed form, which corresponds to inactive ADAM17. ADAM17 is expressed in its open activatable form in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and consequently must be protected against ER-resident PDI activity. Here, we show that the chaperone 78-kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78) protects the MPD against PDI-dependent disulfide-bond isomerization by binding to this domain and, thereby, preventing ADAM17 inhibition.

Redox Regulation of Inflammatory Processes Is Enzymatically Controlled

Redox regulation depends on the enzymatically controlled production and decay of redox active molecules. NADPH oxidases, superoxide dismutases, nitric oxide synthases, and others produce the redox active molecules superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide, and hydrogen sulfide. These react with target proteins inducing spatiotemporal modifications of cysteine residues within different signaling cascades. Thioredoxin family proteins are key regulators of the redox state of proteins. They regulate the formation and removal of oxidative modifications by specific thiol reduction and oxidation. All of these redox enzymes affect inflammatory processes and the innate and adaptive immune response. Interestingly, this regulation involves different mechanisms in different biological compartments and specialized cell types. The localization and activity of distinct proteins including, for instance, the transcription factor NFκB and the immune mediator HMGB1 are redox-regulated. The transmembrane protein ADAM17 releases proinflammatory mediators, such as TNFα, and is itself regulated by a thiol switch. Moreover, extracellular redox enzymes were shown to modulate the activity and migration behavior of various types of immune cells by acting as cytokines and/or chemokines. Within this review article, we will address the concept of redox signaling and the functions of both redox enzymes and redox active molecules in innate and adaptive immune responses.

Characterization of the catalytic properties of the membrane-anchored metalloproteinase ADAM9 in cell-based assays

ADAM9 (A Disintegrin And Metalloprotease 9) is a membrane-anchored metalloproteinase that has been implicated in pathological retinal neovascularization and in tumor progression. ADAM9 has constitutive catalytic activity in both biochemical and cell-based assays and can cleave several membrane proteins, including epidermal growth factor and Ephrin receptor B4; yet little is currently known about the catalytic properties of ADAM9 and its post-translational regulation and inhibitor profile in cell-based assays. To address this question, we monitored processing of the membrane-anchored Ephrin receptor B4 (EphB4) by co-expressing ADAM9, with the catalytically inactive ADAM9 E > A mutant serving as a negative control. We found that ADAM9-dependent shedding of EphB4 was not stimulated by three commonly employed activators of ADAM-dependent ectodomain shedding: phorbol esters, pervanadate or calcium ionophores. With respect to the inhibitor profile, we found that ADAM9 was inhibited by the hydroxamate-based metalloprotease inhibitors marimastat, TAPI-2, BB94, GM6001 and GW280264X, and by 10 nM of the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-3, but not by up to 20 nM of TIMP-1 or -2. Additionally, we screened a non-hydroxamate small-molecule library for novel ADAM9 inhibitors and identified four compounds that selectively inhibited ADAM9-dependent proteolysis over ADAM10- or ADAM17-dependent processing. Taken together, the present study provides new information about the molecular fingerprint of ADAM9 in cell-based assays by showing that it is not stimulated by strong activators of ectodomain shedding and by defining a characteristic inhibitor profile. The identification of novel non-hydroxamate inhibitors of ADAM9 could provide the basis for designing more selective compounds that block the contribution of ADAM9 to pathological neovascularization and cancer.

Structural modeling defines transmembrane residues in ADAM17 that are crucial for Rhbdf2-ADAM17-dependent proteolysis

A disintegrin and metalloproteinase 17 (ADAM17) controls the release of the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα, also known as TNF) and is crucial for protecting the skin and intestinal barrier by proteolytic activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) ligands. The seven-membrane-spanning protein called inactive rhomboid 2 (Rhbdf2; also known as iRhom2) is required for ADAM17-dependent TNFα shedding and crosstalk with the EGFR, and a point mutation (known as sinecure, sin) in the first transmembrane domain (TMD) of Rhbdf2 (Rhbdf2^sin) blocks TNFα shedding, yet little is known about the underlying mechanism. Here, we used a structure-function analysis informed by structural modeling to evaluate the interaction between the TMD of ADAM17 and the first TMD of Rhbdf2, and the role of this interaction in Rhbdf2-ADAM17-dependent shedding. Moreover, we show that double mutant mice that are homozygous for Rhbdf2^sin/sin and lack Rhbdf1 closely resemble Rhbdf1/2^-/- double knockout mice, highlighting the severe functional impact of the Rhbdf2^sin/sin mutation on ADAM17 during mouse development. Taken together, these findings provide new mechanistic and conceptual insights into the critical role of the TMDs of ADAM17 and Rhbdf2 in the regulation of the ADAM17 and EGFR, and ADAM17 and TNFα signaling pathways.

Growth hormone-releasing hormone induced transactivation of epidermal growth factor receptor in human triple-negative breast cancer cells

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subset of breast cancers which is negative for expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2). Chemotherapy is currently the only form of treatment for women with TNBC. Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) are autocrine/paracrine growth factors in breast cancer and a substantial proportion of TNBC expresses receptors for GHRH and EGF. The aim of this study was to evaluate the interrelationship between both these signaling pathways in MDA-MB-468 human TNBC cells. We evaluated by Western blot assays the effect of GHRH on transactivation of EGF receptor (EGFR) as well as the elements implicated. We assessed the effect of GHRH on migration capability of MDA-MB-468 cells as well as the involvement of EGFR in this process by means of wound-healing assays. Our findings demonstrate that in MDA-MB-468 cells the stimulatory activity of GHRH on tyrosine phosphorylation of EGFR is exerted by two different molecular mechanisms: i) through GHRH receptors, GHRH stimulates a ligand-independent activation of EGFR involving at least cAMP/PKA and Src family signaling pathways; ii) GHRH also stimulates a ligand-dependent activation of EGFR implicating an extracellular pathway with an important role for metalloproteinases. The cross-talk between EGFR and GHRHR may be impeded by combining drugs acting upon GHRH receptors and EGFR family members. This combination of GHRH receptors antagonists with inhibitors of EGFR signalling could enhance the efficacy of both types of agents as well as reduce their doses increasing therapeutic benefits in management of human breast cancer.

Cytokine secretion and NK cell activity in human ADAM17 deficiency

Genetic deficiencies provide insights into gene function in humans. Here we describe a patient with a very rare genetic deficiency of ADAM17. We show that the patient's PBMCs had impaired cytokine secretion in response to LPS stimulation, correlating with the clinical picture of severe bacteremia from which the patient suffered. ADAM17 was shown to cleave CD16, a major NK killer receptor. Functional analysis of patient's NK cells demonstrated that his NK cells express normal levels of activating receptors and maintain high surface levels of CD16 following mAb stimulation. Activation of individual NK cell receptors showed that the patient's NK cells are more potent when activated directly by CD16, albeit no difference was observed in Antibody Depedent Cytotoxicity (ADCC) assays. Our data suggest that ADAM17 inhibitors currently considered for clinical use to boost CD16 activity should be cautiously applied, as they might have severe side effects resulting from impaired cytokine secretion.

MET signaling in keratinocytes activates EGFR and initiates squamous carcinogenesis

The receptor tyrosine kinase MET is abundant in many human squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), but its functional significance in tumorigenesis is not clear. We found that the incidence of carcinogen-induced skin squamous tumors was substantially increased in transgenic MT-HGF (mouse metallothionein-hepatocyte growth factor) mice, which have increased abundance of the MET ligand HGF. Squamous tumors also erupted spontaneously on the skin of MT-HGF mice that were promoted by wounding or the application of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate, an activator of protein kinase C. Carcinogen-initiated tumors had Ras mutations, but spontaneous tumors did not. Cultured keratinocytes from MT-HGF mice and oncogenic RAS-transduced keratinocytes shared phenotypic and biochemical features of initiation that were dependent on autocrine activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) through increased synthesis and release of EGFR ligands, which was mediated by the kinase SRC, the pseudoproteases iRhom1 and iRhom2, and the metallopeptidase ADAM17. Pharmacological inhibition of EGFR caused the regression of MT-HGF squamous tumors that developed spontaneously in orthografts of MT-HGF keratinocytes combined with dermal fibroblasts and implanted onto syngeneic mice. The global gene expression profile in MET-transformed keratinocytes was highly concordant with that in RAS-transformed keratinocytes, and a core RAS/MET coexpression network was activated in precancerous and cancerous human skin lesions. Tissue arrays revealed that many human skin SCCs have abundant HGF at both the transcript and protein levels. Thus, through the activation of EGFR, MET activation parallels a RAS pathway to contribute to human and mouse cutaneous cancers.

Activation of the human keratinocyte B1 bradykinin receptor induces expression and secretion of metalloproteases 2 and 9 by transactivation of epidermal growth factor receptor

The B1 bradykinin receptor (BDKRB1) is a component of the kinin cascade localized in the human skin. Some of the effects produced by stimulation of BDKRB1 depend on transactivation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), but the mechanisms involved in this process have not been clarified yet. The primary purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a BDKRB1 agonist on wound healing in a mouse model and the migration and secretion of metalloproteases 2 and 9 from human HaCaT keratinocytes and delineate the signalling pathways that triggered their secretion. Although stimulation of BDKRB1 induces weak chemotactic migration of keratinocytes and wound closure in an in vitro scratch-wound assay, the BDKRB1 agonist improved wound closure in a mouse model. BDKRB1 stimulation triggers synthesis and secretion of both metalloproteases, effects that depend on the activity of EGFR and subsequent phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases and PI3K/Akt. In the mouse model, immunoreactivity for both gelatinases was concentrated around wound borders. EGFR transactivation by BDKRB1 agonist involves Src kinases family and ADAM17. In addition to extracellular matrix degradation, metalloproteases 2 and 9 regulate cell migration and differentiation, cell functions that are associated with the role of BDKRB1 in keratinocyte differentiation. Considering that BDKRB1 is up-regulated by inflammation and/or by cytokines that are abundant in the inflammatory milieu, more stable BDKRB1 agonists may be of therapeutic value to modulate wound healing.

TGR5 is essential for bile acid-dependent cholangiocyte proliferation in vivo and in vitro

OBJECTIVE

Cholestatic liver diseases in humans as well as bile acid (BA)-feeding and common bile duct ligation (CBDL) in rodents trigger hyperplasia of cholangiocytes within the portal fields. Furthermore, elevation of BA levels enhances proliferation and invasiveness of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) cells in animal models, thus promoting tumour progression. TGR5 is a G-protein coupled BA receptor, which is highly expressed in cholangiocytes and postulated to mediate the proliferative effects of BA.

DESIGN

BA-dependent cholangiocyte proliferation was examined in TGR5-knockout and wild type mice following cholic acid (CA)-feeding and CBDL. TGR5-dependent proliferation and protection from apoptosis was studied in isolated cholangiocytes and CCA cell lines following stimulation with TGR5 ligands and kinase inhibitors. TGR5 expression was analysed in human CCA tissue.

RESULTS

Cholangiocyte proliferation was significantly reduced in TGR5-knockout mice in response to CA-feeding and CBDL. Taurolithocholic acid and TGR5-selective agonists induced cholangiocyte proliferation through elevation of reactive oxygen species and cSrc mediated epidermal growth factor receptor transactivation and subsequent Erk1/2 phosphorylation only in wild type but not in TGR5-knockout-derived cells. In human CCA tissue TGR5 was overexpressed and the pathway of TGR5-dependent proliferation via epidermal growth factor receptor and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 activation also translated to CCA cell lines. Furthermore, apoptosis was inhibited by TGR5-dependent CD95 receptor serine phosphorylation.

CONCLUSIONS

TGR5 is an important mediator of BA-induced cholangiocyte proliferation in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, TGR5 protects cholangiocytes from death receptor-mediated apoptosis. These mechanisms may protect cholangiocytes from BA toxicity under cholestatic conditions, however, they may trigger proliferation and apoptosis resistance in malignantly transformed cholangiocytes, thus promoting CCA progression.

Caveolin-1-dependent activation of the metalloprotease TACE/ADAM17 by TGF-β in hepatocytes requires activation of Src and the NADPH oxidase NOX1

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) plays a dual role in hepatocytes, inducing both pro- and anti-apoptotic responses, the balance between which decides cell fate. Survival signals are mediated by the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway, which is activated by TGF-β. We have previously shown that caveolin-1 (CAV1) is required for activation of the metalloprotease tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α-converting enzyme/a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 17 (TACE/ADAM17), and hence transactivation of the EGFR pathway. The specific mechanism by which TACE/ADAM17 is activated has not yet been determined. Here we show that TGF-β induces phosphorylation of sarcoma kinase (Src) in hepatocytes, a process that is impaired in Cav1(-/-) hepatocytes, coincident with a decrease in phosphorylated Src in detergent-resistant membrane fractions. TGF-β-induced activation of TACE/ADAM17 and EGFR phosphorylation were blocked using the Src inhibitor PP2. Cav1(+/+) hepatocytes showed early production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by TGF-β, which was not seen in Cav1(-/-) cells. Production of ROS was inhibited by both the NADPH oxidase 1 (NOX1) inhibitor STK301831 and NOX1 knock-down, which also impaired TACE/ADAM17 activation and thus EGFR phosphorylation. Finally, neither STK301831 nor NOX1 silencing impaired Src phosphorylation, but PP2 blocked early ROS production, showing that Src is involved in NOX1 activation. As expected, inhibition of Src or NOX1 increased TGF-β-induced cell death in Cav1(+/+) cells. In conclusion, CAV1 is required for TGF-β-mediated activation of TACE/ADAM17 through a mechanism that involves phosphorylation of Src and NOX1-mediated ROS production.

Deletions in the cytoplasmic domain of iRhom1 and iRhom2 promote shedding of the TNF receptor by the protease ADAM17

The protease ADAM17 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 17) catalyzes the shedding of various transmembrane proteins from the surface of cells, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and its receptors. Liberation of TNF receptors (TNFRs) from cell surfaces can dampen the cellular response to TNF, a cytokine that is critical in the innate immune response and promotes programmed cell death but can also promote sepsis. Catalytically inactive members of the rhomboid family of proteases, iRhom1 and iRhom2, mediate the intracellular transport and maturation of ADAM17. Using a genetic screen, we found that the presence of either iRhom1 or iRhom2 lacking part of their extended amino-terminal cytoplasmic domain (herein referred to as ΔN) increases ADAM17 activity, TNFR shedding, and resistance to TNF-induced cell death in fibrosarcoma cells. Inhibitors of ADAM17, but not of other ADAM family members, prevented the effects of iRhom-ΔN expression. iRhom1 and iRhom2 were functionally redundant, suggesting a conserved role for the iRhom amino termini. Cells from patients with a dominantly inherited cancer susceptibility syndrome called tylosis with esophageal cancer (TOC) have amino-terminal mutations in iRhom2. Keratinocytes from TOC patients exhibited increased TNFR1 shedding compared with cells from healthy donors. Our results explain how loss of the amino terminus in iRhom1 and iRhom2 impairs TNF signaling, despite enhancing ADAM17 activity, and may explain how mutations in the amino-terminal region contribute to the cancer predisposition syndrome TOC.

Loss of Trop2 causes ErbB3 activation through a neuregulin-1-dependent mechanism in the mesenchymal subtype of HNSCC

In head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC), four intrinsic subtypes (or groups) have been identified, and each one possesses a unique biology that will require specific treatment strategies. We previously reported that mesenchymal (group 2) tumors exhibit reduced levels of Trop2 expression. In this study, we investigated the functional role of Trop2 in HNSCC and find that loss results in autocrine activation of the EGFR family member ErbB3 via neuregulin-1. Trop2 localizes to both the cell surface and cytosol of HNSCC cells and forms a complex with neuregulin-1, which is predominantly cytosolic. Inactivation of Trop2 increases the concentration of neuregulin-1 at the cell surface where it is cleaved to activate ErbB3. In primary HNSCC, detection of ErbB3 activation was limited to Trop2 negative tumors. An analysis of the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) HNSCC dataset confirms enrichment for ErbB3 activity in mesenchymal tumors. Notably, Trop2 loss triggers sensitivity to anti-ErbB3 antibodies, which results in reduced proliferation and tumorigenic growth of Trop2 negative HNSCC cancer cells. These results uncover a molecular mechanism by which tumor cells control the amount of cell-surface neuregulin-1 available for cleavage and ErbB3 activation. Moreover, we demonstrate that Trop2 is a potential surrogate biomarker to identify tumors with ErbB3 activation and may therefore respond to anti-ErbB3 therapeutics.

A Monoclonal Antibody to ADAM17 Inhibits Tumor Growth by Inhibiting EGFR and Non-EGFR-Mediated Pathways

ADAM17 is the primary sheddase for HER pathway ligands. We report the discovery of a potent and specific ADAM17 inhibitory antibody, MEDI3622, which induces tumor regression or stasis in many EGFR-dependent tumor models. The inhibitory activity of MEDI3622 correlated with EGFR activity both in a series of tumor models across several indications as well in as a focused set of head and neck patient-derived xenograft models. The antitumor activity of MEDI3622 was superior to that of EGFR/HER pathway inhibitors in the OE21 esophageal model and the COLO205 colorectal model suggesting additional activity outside of the EGFR pathway. Combination of MEDI3622 and cetuximab in the OE21 model was additive and eradicated tumors. Proteomics analysis revealed novel ADAM17 substrates that function outside of the HER pathways and may contribute toward the antitumor activity of the monoclonal antibody.

A biosensor for the activity of the "sheddase" TACE (ADAM17) reveals novel and cell type-specific mechanisms of TACE activation

Diverse environmental conditions stimulate protein "shedding" from the cell surface through proteolytic cleavage. The protease TACE [tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα)--converting enzyme, encoded by ADAM17] mediates protein shedding, thereby regulating the maturation and release of various extracellular substrates, such as growth factors and cytokines, that induce diverse cellular responses. We developed a FRET (fluorescence resonance energy transfer)-based biosensor called TSen that quantitatively reports the kinetics of TACE activity in live cells. In combination with chemical biology approaches, we used TSen to probe the dependence of TACE activation on the induction of the kinases p38 and ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) in various epithelial cell lines. Using TSen, we found that disruption of the actin cytoskeleton in keratinocytes induced rapid and robust TSen cleavage and the accumulation of TACE at the plasma membrane. Cytoskeletal disruption also increased the cleavage of endogenous TACE substrates, including transforming growth factor-α. Thus, TSen is a useful tool for unraveling the mechanisms underlying the spatiotemporal activation of TACE in live cells.

Epithelial cell ADAM17 activation by Helicobacter pylori: role of ADAM17 C-terminus and Threonine-735 phosphorylation

Helicobacter pylori transactivates the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) on gastric epithelial cells via a signalling cascade involving a disintegrin and metalloprotease 17 (ADAM17) cleavage of membrane bound heparin binding-epidermal growth factor (HB-EGF). The effects of H. pylori on ADAM17 C-terminus in epithelial cells have been examined. Total cellular ADAM17 and surface expression of ADAM17 were significantly increased by H. pylori in AGS gastric epithelial cells. These changes were associated with ADAM17 C-terminal phosphorylation at T375 and S791. AGS cells lacking the ADAM17 C-terminal domain induced significantly attenuated cleavage of HB-EGF and were also unable to upregulate HB-EGF and EGFR transcripts to the same extent as cells expressing full length ADAM17. In mitotic unstimulated AGS and ADAM17 over-expressing AGS cells, ADAM17 was highly T735 phosphorylated indicating ADAM17 T735 phosphorylation is modified during the cell cycle. In conclusion, H. pylori induced ADAM17 C-terminal T735 and/or S791 phosphorylation in gastric epithelial cells are likely to be an important trigger inducing ADAM17 activation and shedding of HB-EGF leading to EGFR transactivation. ADAM17 over-expression in gastric cancer represents a potential target for therapeutic intervention.

Novel mechanistic insights into ectodomain shedding of EGFR Ligands Amphiregulin and TGF-α: impact on gastrointestinal cancers driven by secondary bile acids

Secondary bile acids (BA) such as deoxycholic acid (DCA) promote the development of several gastrointestinal malignancies, but how they mediate this effect is unclear. In this study, we offer evidence of a mechanism involving ectodomain shedding of the EGFR ligands amphiregulin (AREG) and TGF-α, which rely upon the cell surface protease TACE/ADAM-17. Specifically, we show that AREG participates in DCA-induced EGFR and STAT3 signaling, cell-cycle progression, and tumorigenicity in human colorectal cancer and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). TACE and AREG, but not TGF-α, were overexpressed in both colorectal cancer and PDAC tissues compared with normal tissues. Exposure of colorectal cancer and PDAC cells to DCA resulted in colocalization of Src and TACE to the cell membrane, resulting in AREG-dependent activation of EGFR, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and STAT3 signaling. Src or TACE inhibition was sufficient to attenuate DCA-induced AREG, but not TGF-α shedding. We also examined a role for the BA transporter TGR5 in DCA-mediated EGFR and STAT3 signaling. RNA interference-mediated silencing of TGR5 or AREG inhibited DCA-induced EGFR, MAPK, and STAT3 signaling, blunted cyclin D1 expression and cell-cycle progression, and attenuated DCA-induced colorectal cancer or PDAC tumorigenicity. Together, our findings define an AREG-dependent signaling pathway that mediates the oncogenic effects of secondary BAs in gastrointestinal cancers, the targeting of which may enhance therapeutic responses in their treatment.

Polo-like kinase 2, a novel ADAM17 signaling component, regulates tumor necrosis factor α ectodomain shedding

ADAM17 (a disintegrin and metalloprotease 17) controls pro- and anti-inflammatory signaling events by promoting ectodomain shedding of cytokine precursors and cytokine receptors. Despite the well documented substrate repertoire of ADAM17, little is known about regulatory mechanisms, leading to substrate recognition and catalytic activation. Here we report a direct interaction of the acidophilic kinase Polo-like kinase 2 (PLK2, also known as SNK) with the cytoplasmic portion of ADAM17 through the C-terminal noncatalytic region of PLK2 containing the Polo box domains. PLK2 activity leads to ADAM17 phosphorylation at serine 794, which represents a novel phosphorylation site. Activation of ADAM17 by PLK2 results in the release of pro-TNFα and TNF receptors from the cell surface, and pharmacological inhibition of PLK2 leads to down-regulation of LPS-induced ADAM17-mediated shedding on primary macrophages and dendritic cells. Importantly, PLK2 expression is up-regulated during inflammatory conditions increasing ADAM17-mediated proteolytic events. Our findings suggest a new role for PLK2 in the regulation of inflammatory diseases by modulating ADAM17 activity.

Src plays a key role in ADAM28 expression in v-src-transformed epithelial cells and human carcinoma cells

ADAM28, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 28, is overexpressed by carcinoma cells with direct correlations with carcinoma cell proliferation and progression in human lung and breast carcinomas. However, the molecular mechanisms of ADAM28 gene expression in carcinoma cells remain elusive. Herein, we investigated the expression of ADAM28 in Madin-Darby canine kidney epithelial cells transformed by oncogenes, including v-src, LMP1, ErbB2, Ha-Ras, and c-Fos, and found that v-src transformants selectively induce ADAM28. Implantation of the v-src transformants showed a progressively growing tumor, which was significantly suppressed by local injections of anti-ADAM28 antibody. ADAM28 expression in v-src transformants was partially inhibited by treatment with inhibitors to Src kinase, mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), or mammalian target of rapamycin, and abrogated by v-Src kinase inhibitor, radicicol, or a mixture of MEK and PI3K inhibitors. Human carcinoma cell lines of the lung, breast, ovary, kidney, and colon showed ADAM28 expression, which was correlated with phosphorylation of c-Src and suppressed by the inhibitors in a similar way to v-src transformants. IHC of the human tumor tissues demonstrated co-expression of ADAM28 and phosphorylated Src in neoplastic cells of the breast, lung, and colon carcinomas and some adenomas of the colon, but not in nonneoplastic colon mucosa. Our data provide, to the best of our knowledge, the first evidence that Src is an inducer of ADAM28 gene expression through the MEK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase and PI3K/mammalian target of rapamycin pathways.

Complexity of receptor tyrosine kinase signal processing

Our knowledge of molecular mechanisms of receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling advances with ever-increasing pace. Yet our understanding of how the spatiotemporal dynamics of RTK signaling control specific cellular outcomes has lagged behind. Systems-centered experimental and computational approaches can help reveal how overlapping networks of signal transducers downstream of RTKs orchestrate specific cell-fate decisions. We discuss how RTK network regulatory structures, which involve the immediate posttranslational and delayed transcriptional controls by multiple feed forward and feedback loops together with pathway cross talk, adapt cells to the combinatorial variety of external cues and conditions. This intricate network circuitry endows cells with emerging capabilities for RTK signal processing and decoding. We illustrate how mathematical modeling facilitates our understanding of RTK network behaviors by unraveling specific systems properties, including bistability, oscillations, excitable responses, and generation of intricate landscapes of signaling activities.

Targeting natural killer cells to acute myeloid leukemia in vitro with a CD16 x 33 bispecific killer cell engager and ADAM17 inhibition

PURPOSE

The graft versus leukemia effect by natural killer (NK) cells prevents relapse following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. We determined whether a novel bispecific killer cell engager (BiKE) signaling through CD16 and targeting CD33 could activate NK cells at high potency against acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) targets.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

We investigated the ability of our fully humanized CD16 × CD33 (CD16 × 33) BiKE to trigger in vitro NK cell activation against HL60 (CD33(+)), RAJI (CD33(-)), and primary AML targets (de novo and refractory) to determine whether treatment with CD16 × 33 BiKE in combination with an ADAM17 inhibitor could prevent CD16 shedding (a novel inhibitory mechanism induced by NK cell activation) and overcome inhibition of class I MHC recognizing inhibitory receptors.

RESULTS

NK cell cytotoxicity and cytokine release were specifically triggered by the CD16 × 33 BiKE when cells were cultured with HL60 targets, CD33(+) de novo and refractory AML targets. Combination treatment with CD16 × 33 BiKE and ADAM17 inhibitor resulted in inhibition of CD16 shedding in NK cells, and enhanced NK cell activation. Treatment of NK cells from double umbilical cord blood transplant (UCBT) recipients with the CD16 × 33 BiKE resulted in activation, especially in those recipients with cytomegalovirus reactivation.

CONCLUSION

CD16 × 33 BiKE can overcome self-inhibitory signals and effectively elicit NK cell effector activity against AML. These in vitro studies highlight the potential of CD16 × 33 BiKE ± ADAM17 inhibition to enhance NK cell activation and specificity against CD33(+) AML, which optimally could be applied in patients with relapsed AML or for adjuvant antileukemic therapy posttransplantation.

Human breast cancer-associated fibroblasts enhance cancer cell proliferation through increased TGF-α cleavage by ADAM17

We demonstrate here increased expression of ADAM17 protein in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) extracted from human breast carcinomas compared with donor-matched normal fibroblasts, and TGF-α secretion positively correlates with ADAM17 expression in these cells. In SK-BR-3 cells co-cultured with CAFs, CAF-secreted TGF-α promotes cell proliferation by activation of EGFR, Akt, and ERK, but it does not promote cell migration. Furthermore, anti-TGF-α neutralizing antibodies antagonize the CAF-dependent increase in proliferation and activation of EGFR, Akt and ERK. Thus, pharmacologic inhibition of ADAM17 and TGF-α may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of breast cancer when fibroblast-directed therapy is considered.

Central role of the exchange factor GEF-H1 in TNF-α-induced sequential activation of Rac, ADAM17/TACE, and RhoA in tubular epithelial cells

Tumor necrosis factor-α activates the enzyme TACE/ADAM17 through the guanine nucleotide exchange factor GEF-H1, Rac, and p38, leading to activation of the epidermal growth factor. GEF-H1 mediates hierarchical activation of Rac and RhoA through differential phosphorylation.

Transactivation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) by tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is a key step in mediating RhoA activation and cytoskeleton and junction remodeling in the tubular epithelium. In this study we explore the mechanisms underlying TNF-α–induced EGFR activation. We show that TNF-α stimulates the TNF-α convertase enzyme (TACE/a disintegrin and metalloproteinase-17), leading to activation of the EGFR/ERK pathway. TACE activation requires the mitogen-activated protein kinase p38, which is activated through the small GTPase Rac. TNF-α stimulates both Rac and RhoA through the guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF)-H1 but by different mechanisms. EGFR- and ERK-dependent phosphorylation at the T678 site of GEF-H1 is a prerequisite for RhoA activation only, whereas both Rac and RhoA activation require GEF-H1 phosphorylation on S885. Of interest, GEF-H1-mediated Rac activation is upstream from the TACE/EGFR/ERK pathway and regulates T678 phosphorylation. We also show that TNF-α enhances epithelial wound healing through TACE, ERK, and GEF-H1. Taken together, our findings can explain the mechanisms leading to hierarchical activation of Rac and RhoA by TNF-α through a single GEF. This mechanism could coordinate GEF functions and fine-tune Rac and RhoA activation in epithelial cells, thereby promoting complex functions such as sheet migration.

iRHOM2 is a critical pathogenic mediator of inflammatory arthritis

iRHOM2, encoded by the gene Rhbdf2, regulates the maturation of the TNF-α convertase (TACE), which controls shedding of TNF-α and its biological activity in vivo. TACE is a potential target to treat TNF-α-dependent diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, but there are concerns about potential side effects, because TACE also protects the skin and intestinal barrier by activating EGFR signaling. Here we report that inactivation of Rhbdf2 allows tissue-specific regulation of TACE by selectively preventing its maturation in immune cells, without affecting its homeostatic functions in other tissues. The related iRHOM1, which is widely expressed, except in hematopoietic cells, supported TACE maturation and shedding of the EGFR ligand TGF-α in Rhbdf2-deficient cells. Remarkably, mice lacking Rhbdf2 were protected from K/BxN inflammatory arthritis to the same extent as mice lacking TACE in myeloid cells or Tnfa-deficient mice. In probing the underlying mechanism, we found that two main drivers of K/BxN arthritis, complement C5a and immune complexes, stimulated iRHOM2/TACE-dependent shedding of TNF-α in mouse and human cells. These data demonstrate that iRHOM2 and myeloid-expressed TACE play a critical role in inflammatory arthritis and indicate that iRHOM2 is a potential therapeutic target for selective inactivation of TACE in myeloid cells.

ATP-mediated transactivation of the epidermal growth factor receptor in airway epithelial cells involves DUOX1-dependent oxidation of Src and ADAM17

The respiratory epithelium is subject to continuous environmental stress and its responses to injury or infection are largely mediated by transactivation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and downstream signaling cascades. Based on previous studies indicating involvement of ATP-dependent activation of the NADPH oxidase homolog DUOX1 in epithelial wound responses, the present studies were performed to elucidate the mechanisms by which DUOX1-derived H₂O₂ participates in ATP-dependent redox signaling and EGFR transactivation. ATP-mediated EGFR transactivation in airway epithelial cells was found to involve purinergic P2Y₂ receptor stimulation, and both ligand-dependent mechanisms as well as ligand-independent EGFR activation by the non-receptor tyrosine kinase Src. Activation of Src was also essential for ATP-dependent activation of the sheddase ADAM17, which is responsible for liberation and activation of EGFR ligands. Activation of P2Y₂R results in recruitment of Src and DUOX1 into a signaling complex, and transient siRNA silencing or stable shRNA transfection established a critical role for DUOX1 in ATP-dependent activation of Src, ADAM17, EGFR, and downstream wound responses. Using thiol-specific biotin labeling strategies, we determined that ATP-dependent EGFR transactivation was associated with DUOX1-dependent oxidation of cysteine residues within Src as well as ADAM17. In aggregate, our findings demonstrate that DUOX1 plays a central role in overall epithelial defense responses to infection or injury, by mediating oxidative activation of Src and ADAM17 in response to ATP-dependent P2Y₂R activation as a proximal step in EGFR transactivation and downstream signaling.

Growth of v-src-transformed cells in serum-free medium through the induction of growth factors

The v-src oncogene is one of only two oncogenes capable of transforming mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs) lacking the IGF-IR gene (R-cells). R-/v-src cells grow robustly in the absence of serum, suggesting the hypothesis that they may produce one or more growth factors that would sustain their ability to proliferate in serum-free condition. Using proteomic approaches on serum-free conditioned media derived from v-src-transformed cells, we have identified two growth promoting factors: ostepontin and proliferin. Subsequent experiments have indicated that osteopontin plays a prevalent role in promoting growth of v-src-transformed cells in serum-deprived condition.

The membrane-proximal domain of A Disintegrin and Metalloprotease 17 (ADAM17) is responsible for recognition of the interleukin-6 receptor and interleukin-1 receptor II

A great number of physiological processes are regulated by the release of ectodomains of membrane proteins. A Disintegrin And Metalloprotease 17 (ADAM17) is one of the important enzymes, which mediate this process called shedding. Today, more than 70 substrates of this transmembrane metalloprotease are known. This broad spectrum raises the question how ADAM17 recognizes its substrates specifically. Differently tagged ADAM17 deletion variants were used to demonstrate that exclusively the extracellular domains of ADAM17 are needed for interaction with two of its substrates, the IL-6R and the IL-1RII; whereas the transmembrane- and cytoplasmic-region are dispensable for this process. In the extracellular part solely the membrane-proximal domain of ADAM17 is mandatory for recognition of the two type-I transmembrane proteins, but not for the interaction with the type-II transmembrane molecule TNF-α.

Interleukin-1 stimulates ADAM17 through a mechanism independent of its cytoplasmic domain or phosphorylation at threonine 735

ADAM17 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase) is a membrane-anchored metalloproteinase that regulates the release of EGFR-ligands, TNFα and other membrane proteins from cells. ADAM17 can be rapidly activated by a variety of signaling pathways, yet little is known about the underlying mechanism. Several studies have demonstrated that the cytoplasmic domain of ADAM17 is not required for its rapid activation by a variety of stimuli, including phorbol esters, tyrosine kinases and some G-protein coupled receptors. However, phosphorylation of cytoplasmic residue T735 was recently reported as a crucial step for activation of ADAM17 by IL-1β and by the p38 MAP-kinase pathway. One possible mechanism to reconcile these results would be that T735 has an inhibitory role and that it must be phosphorylated as a pre-requisite for the activation of ADAM17, which would then proceed via a mechanism that is independent of its cytoplasmic domain. To test this hypothesis, we performed rescue experiments of Adam17−/− cells with wild type and mutant forms of ADAM17. However, these experiments showed that an inactivating mutation (T735A) or an activating mutation (T735D) of cytoplasmic residue T735 or the removal of the cytoplasmic domain of ADAM17 did not significantly affect the stimulation of ADAM17 by IL-1β or by activation of MAP-kinase with anisomycin. Moreover, we found that the MAP-kinase inhibitor SB203580 blocked activation of cytoplasmic tail-deficient ADAM17 and of the T735A mutant by IL-1β or by anisomycin, providing further support for a model in which the activation mechanism of ADAM17 does not rely on its cytoplasmic domain or phosphorylation of T735.

Involvement of TACE/ADAM17 and ADAM10 in etoposide-induced apoptosis of germ cells in rat spermatogenesis

Germ cell apoptosis is important to regulate sperm production in the mammalian testis, but the molecular mechanisms underlying apoptosis are still poorly understood. We have recently shown that in vitro, etoposide induces upregulation of TACE/ADAM17 and ADAM10, two membrane-bound extracellular metalloproteases. Here we show that in vivo these enzymes are involved in etoposide-, but not in heat shock-, induced apoptosis in rat spermatogenesis. Germ cell apoptosis induced by DNA damage was associated with an increase in protein levels and cell surface localization of TACE/ADAM17 and ADAM10. On the contrary, apoptosis of germ cells induced by heat stress, another cell death stimulus, did not change levels or localization of these proteins. Pharmacological in vivo inhibition of TACE/ADAM17 and ADAM10 prevents etoposide-induced germ cell apoptosis. Finally, Gleevec (STI571) a pharmacological inhibitor of p73, a master gene controlling apoptosis induced by etoposide, prevented the increase of TACE/ADAM17 levels. Our results strongly suggest that TACE/ADAM17 participates in in vivo apoptosis of male germ cells induced by DNA damage.

ADAM17: a molecular switch to control inflammation and tissue regeneration

A disintegrin and metalloproteinase 17 (ADAM17), also known as tumor necrosis factor-α converting enzyme (TACE), is a membrane-bound enzyme that cleaves cell surface proteins, such as cytokines (e.g. TNFα), cytokine receptors (e.g. IL-6R and TNF-R), ligands of ErbB (e.g. TGFα and amphiregulin) and adhesion proteins (e.g. L-selectin and ICAM-1). Here we examine how ectodomain shedding of these molecules can alter their biology and impact on immune and inflammatory responses and cancer development. Gene targeting of Adam17 is embryonic lethal, highlighting the importance of ectodomain shedding during development. Tissue-specific deletion, or hypomorphic knock-in, of Adam17 demonstrates an in vivo role for ADAM17 in controlling inflammation and tissue regeneration. The potential of ADAM17 as therapeutic target is also discussed.

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) ligand release by substrate-specific a disintegrin and metalloproteases (ADAMs) involves different protein kinase C (PKC) isoenzymes depending on the stimulus

The dysregulation of EGF family ligand cleavage has severe consequences for the developing as well as the adult organism. Therefore, their production is highly regulated. The limiting step is the ectodomain cleavage of membrane-bound precursors by one of several a disintegrin and metalloprotease (ADAM) metalloproteases, and understanding the regulation of cleavage is an important goal of current research. We have previously reported that in mouse lung epithelial cells, the pro-EGF ligands TGFα, neuregulin 1β (NRG), and heparin-binding EGF are differentially cleaved depending on the cleavage stimulus (Herrlich, A., Klinman, E., Fu, J., Sadegh, C., and Lodish, H. (2008) FASEB J.). In this study in mouse embryonic fibroblasts that lack different ADAMs, we show that induced cleavage of EGF ligands can involve the same substrate-specific metalloprotease but does require different stimulus-dependent signaling pathways. Cleavage was stimulated by phorbol ester (12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), a mimic of diacylglycerol and PKC activator), hypertonic stress, lysophosphatidic acid (LPA)-induced G protein-coupled receptor activation, or by ionomycin-induced intracellular calcium release. Although ADAMs showed substrate preference (ADAM17, TGFα and heparin-binding EGF; and ADAM9, NRG), substrate cleavage differed substantially with the stimulus, and cleavage of the same substrate depended on the presence of different, sometimes multiple, PKC isoforms. For instance, classical PKC was required for TPA-induced but not hypertonic stress-induced cleavage of all EGF family ligands. Inhibition of PKCζ enhanced NRG release upon TPA stimulation, but it blocked NRG release in response to hypertonic stress. Our results suggest a model in which substantial regulation of ectodomain cleavage occurs not only on the metalloprotease level but also on the level of the substrate or of a third protein.

Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) Crosstalks in Liver Cancer

Hepatocarcinogenesis is a complex multistep process in which many different molecular pathways have been implicated. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is refractory to conventional chemotherapeutic agents, and the new targeted therapies are meeting with limited success. Interreceptor crosstalk and the positive feedback between different signaling systems are emerging as mechanisms of targeted therapy resistance. The identification of such interactions is therefore of particular relevance to improve therapeutic efficacy. Among the different signaling pathways activated in hepatocarcinogenesis the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) system plays a prominent role, being recognized as a “signaling hub” where different extracellular growth and survival signals converge. EGFR can be transactivated in response to multiple heterologous ligands through the physical interaction with multiple receptors, the activity of intracellular kinases or the shedding of EGFR-ligands. In this article we review the crosstalk between the EGFR and other signaling pathways that could be relevant to liver cancer development and treatment.

Migration of growth factor-stimulated epithelial and endothelial cells depends on EGFR transactivation by ADAM17

The fibroblast growth factor receptor 2-IIIb (FGFR2b) and the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) are tyrosine kinases that can promote cell migration and proliferation and have important roles in embryonic development and cancer. Here we show that FGF7/FGFR2b-dependent activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/ERK1/2 signalling and cell migration in epithelial cells require stimulation of the membrane-anchored metalloproteinase ADAM17 and release of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor (HB-EGF). Moreover, VEGF-A/VEGFR2-induced migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells also depends on EGFR/ERK1/2 signalling and shedding of the ADAM17 substrate HB-EGF. The pathway used by the FGF7/FGFR2b signalling axis to stimulate shedding of substrates of ADAM17, including ligands of the EGFR, involves Src, p38 mitogen-activated protein-kinase and PI3K, but does not require the cytoplasmic domain of ADAM17. Based on these findings, ADAM17 emerges as a central component in a triple membrane-spanning pathway between FGFR2b or VEGFR2 and EGFR/ERK1/2 that is required for cell migration in keratinocytes and presumably also in endothelial cells.