Interaction of LATS1 with SMAC links the MST2/Hippo pathway with apoptosis in an IAP-dependent manner

Molecular mechanisms of Mmd2 gene in regulating growth of the Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei

Growth of the Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei, the most important farmed crustacean, has consistently been a focal point for breeders. Over the past decades, some candidate genes for shrimp growth have been identified. However, further research is needed to elucidate the molecular regulatory mechanism of these genes. LvMmd2 was previously identified as a candidate gene that may inhibit the growth of L. vannamei. In this study, we analyzed the genotype and expression of the LvMmd2 gene in a breeding family and indicated its role as a growth-inhibiting gene. We found that LvMmd2 co-localized with its homolog LvPAQR3 at the Golgi apparatus. Using co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and DUAL membrane system yeast two-hybrid (MbY2H), we indicated the interactions between LvMmd2 and LvPAQR3, LvPAQR3 and LvRaf1, as well as LvMmd2 and LvRho. These results suggest that LvMmd2 directly and indirectly regulates the Ras signaling pathway. Furthermore, we show that the LvMmd2 gene may indirectly affect the PI3K/AKT, insulin, and Hippo signaling pathways to regulate cell proliferation and differentiation via LvPAQR3 and LvRaf1. Through transcriptome and MbY2H analyses, we have also revealed the interaction between LvMmd2 and proteins involved in growth, immunity, protein transport, synthesis, and modification. These findings demonstrate the various molecular pathways through which LvMmd2 regulates L. vannamei growth. This study provides insights into the mechanism of shrimp growth regulated by Mmd2, enhances our understanding of LvMmd2 function, and highlights its potential application in shrimp breeding.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42995-024-00273-7.

The correlation between Smac, IAPs and mitochondrial apoptosis, muscle tenderness during postmortem aging of Oula Tibetan sheep meat

Oula Tibetan sheep meat has rich nutritional value but relatively poor tenderness. Recently, apoptosis of muscle cells has gradually become a research hotspot for improving meat tenderness during postmortem aging. Smac can promote the decrease of IAPs expression in tumor cells, thereby inducing mitochondrial apoptosis. However, the relationship between Smac, IAPs and mitochondrial apoptosis, muscle tenderness during postmortem meat aging is still unclear. Thus, the aim of this work was to explore the relationship between Smac, IAPs and mitochondrial apoptosis as well as muscle tenderness during postmortem meat aging. Smac concentration, IAPs concentration, pH value, ATP content, SDH activity, MPTP opening degree, MMP, caspase-3/9 activity, apoptotic rate, MFI and shear force value of Oula Tibetan sheep meat were measured at different aging times and correlation analysis was performed. Correlation analysis revealed that Smac, IAPs were markedly related to mitochondrial apoptosis and muscle tenderness during postmortem aging of Tibetan sheep meat. The results suggest that Smac may regulate IAPs to promote mitochondrial apoptosis and muscle tenderization in Oula Tibetan sheep meat during postmortem aging.

Exploring STK3 in melanoma: a systematic review of signaling networks and therapeutic opportunities

Melanoma is an aggressive cancer that disregards both the MAPK and Hippo signaling pathways. This systematic review explores STK3 function in the Hippo pathway to regulate networks and its therapeutic potential in melanoma. From 1991 to 2024, we studied how STK3 interacts with the MAPK/ERK pathway to promote apoptosis and inhibit tumor growth. STK3 controls cell growth, apoptosis, and metastasis via the Hippo and MAPK pathways. It is a melanoma tumor suppressor. Some ways to target STK3 are to directly activate it, stop downstream effectors like YAP/TAZ from working, or use existing BRAF inhibitors together with other methods. Despite advancements, challenges in STK3 drug development persist, warranting further investigation. This review examined the role of STK3 in the development of melanoma and identified potential vulnerabilities for therapeutic intervention.

Targeting the Hippo Pathway in Cutaneous Melanoma

Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer. In the advanced stage of development, it is resistant to currently available therapeutic modalities. Increased invasiveness and metastatic potential depend on several proteins involved in various signal transduction pathways. Hippo signaling plays a vital role in malignant transformation. Dysfunctions of the Hippo pathway initiate the expression of tumor growth factors and are associated with tumor growth and metastasis formation. This review summarizes the recent achievements in studying the role of the Hippo pathway in melanoma pathogenesis and points to the potential specific targets for anti-melanoma therapy.

The NDR family of kinases: essential regulators of aging

Aging is defined as a progressive decline of cognitive and physiological functions over lifetime. Since the definition of the nine hallmarks of aging in 2013 by López-Otin, numerous studies have attempted to identify the main regulators and contributors in the aging process. One interesting group of proteins whose participation has been implicated in several aging hallmarks are the nuclear DBF2-related (NDR) family of serine-threonine AGC kinases. They are one of the core components of the Hippo signaling pathway and include NDR1, NDR2, LATS1 and LATS2 in mammals, along with its highly conserved metazoan orthologs; Trc in Drosophila melanogaster, SAX-1 in Caenorhabditis elegans, CBK1, DBF20 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and orb6 in Saccharomyces pombe. These kinases have been independently linked to the regulation of widely diverse cellular processes disrupted during aging such as the cell cycle progression, transcription, intercellular communication, nutrient homeostasis, autophagy, apoptosis, and stem cell differentiation. However, a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art knowledge regarding the post-translational modifications of and by NDR kinases in aging has not been conducted. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the NDR family of kinases, focusing on their relevance to various aging hallmarks, and emphasize the growing body of evidence that suggests NDR kinases are essential regulators of aging across species.

RASSF1A inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition of gastric cancer cells by downregulating P-JNK

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common gastrointestinal tumors. In this study, we assessed the biological role of Ras association domain family 1 isoform A (RASSF1A) in GC cells. Expressions of RASSF1A and the relationship of RASSF1A with epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT)-related proteins were assessed in five cell lines using Western blot. GC cells with RASSF1A overexpression were used to study sensitivity to cisplatin, migration, invasion, and the expression of EMT-associated biomarkers. GC cells showed profound downregulation of RASSF1A expression compared with normal human gastric mucosal cells. High RASSF1A expression was associated with increased overall survival. Overexpression of RASSF1A regulates GC cells activity and the expression of EMT-associated biomarkers. RASSF1A regulates E-cadherin and Vimentin through P-JNK pathway. Our results revealed that RASSF1A can inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion of GC cells via E-cadherin. Our study provides insights for further research on GC.