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Guo Y, Tong Z, Huang Y, Tang J, Xue X, Yang D, Yao C. Dynamic Assembly of DNA Nanostructures in Cancer Cells Enables the Coupling of Autophagy Activating and Real-Time Tracking. NANO LETTERS 2024; 24:3532-3540. [PMID: 38457281 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c00552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Developing dynamic nanostructures for in situ regulation of biological processes inside living cells is of great importance in biomedical research. Herein we report the cascaded assembly of Y-shaped branched DNA nanostructure (YDN) during intracellular autophagy. YDN contains one arm with semi-i-motif sequence and Cy3-BHQ2, and another arm with an apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) site and Cy5-BHQ3. Upon uptake by cancer cells, intermolecular i-motif structures are formed in response to lysosomal H+, causing the formation of YDN-dimer and the recovery of Cy3 fluorescence; when escapes occur from the lysosome to the cytoplasm, the YDN-dimer responds to the overexpressed APE1, leading to the assembly of YDN into the DNA network and the fluorescence recovery of Cy5. Simultaneously, the cascaded assembly activates autophagy, and thus the process of assembly of YDN and autophagy flux can be spatiotemporally coupled. This work illustrates the potential of DNA nanostructures for the in situ regulation of intracellular dynamic events with spatiotemporal control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfei Guo
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology, Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, P.R. China
- Department of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, College of Chemistry and Materials, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, P.R. China
| | - Zhaobin Tong
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology, Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, P.R. China
| | - Yan Huang
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology, Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, P.R. China
| | - Jianpu Tang
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology, Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, P.R. China
- Department of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, College of Chemistry and Materials, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, P.R. China
| | - Xue Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin 300353, P.R. China
| | - Dayong Yang
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology, Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, P.R. China
- Department of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, College of Chemistry and Materials, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, P.R. China
| | - Chi Yao
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology, Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (MOE), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, P.R. China
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2
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Öz-Arslan D, Durer ZA, Kan B. G protein-coupled receptor-mediated autophagy in health and disease. Br J Pharmacol 2024. [PMID: 38501194 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) constitute the largest and most diverse superfamily of mammalian transmembrane proteins. These receptors are involved in a wide range of physiological functions and are targets for more than a third of available drugs in the market. Autophagy is a cellular process involved in degrading damaged proteins and organelles and in recycling cellular components. Deficiencies in autophagy are involved in a variety of pathological conditions. Both GPCRs and autophagy are essential in preserving homeostasis and cell survival. There is emerging evidence suggesting that GPCRs are direct regulators of autophagy. Additionally, autophagic machinery is involved in the regulation of GPCR signalling. The interplay between GPCR and autophagic signalling mechanisms significantly impacts on health and disease; however, there is still an incomplete understanding of the underlying mechanisms and therapeutic implications in different tissues and disease contexts. This review aims to discuss the interactions between GPCR and autophagy signalling. Studies on muscarinic receptors, beta-adrenoceptors, taste receptors, purinergic receptors and adhesion GPCRs are summarized, in relation to autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devrim Öz-Arslan
- Department of Biophysics, Acibadem MAA University, School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Zeynep Aslıhan Durer
- Department of Biophysics, Acibadem MAA University, School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Biochemistry, Acibadem MAA University, School of Pharmacy, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Beki Kan
- Department of Biophysics, Acibadem MAA University, School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
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3
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Izquierdo-Villalba I, Mirra S, Manso Y, Parcerisas A, Rubio J, Del Valle J, Gil-Bea FJ, Ulloa F, Herrero-Lorenzo M, Verdaguer E, Benincá C, Castro-Torres RD, Rebollo E, Marfany G, Auladell C, Navarro X, Enríquez JA, López de Munain A, Soriano E, Aragay AM. A mammalian-specific Alex3/Gα q protein complex regulates mitochondrial trafficking, dendritic complexity, and neuronal survival. Sci Signal 2024; 17:eabq1007. [PMID: 38320000 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.abq1007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Mitochondrial dynamics and trafficking are essential to provide the energy required for neurotransmission and neural activity. We investigated how G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and G proteins control mitochondrial dynamics and trafficking. The activation of Gαq inhibited mitochondrial trafficking in neurons through a mechanism that was independent of the canonical downstream PLCβ pathway. Mitoproteome analysis revealed that Gαq interacted with the Eutherian-specific mitochondrial protein armadillo repeat-containing X-linked protein 3 (Alex3) and the Miro1/Trak2 complex, which acts as an adaptor for motor proteins involved in mitochondrial trafficking along dendrites and axons. By generating a CNS-specific Alex3 knockout mouse line, we demonstrated that Alex3 was required for the effects of Gαq on mitochondrial trafficking and dendritic growth in neurons. Alex3-deficient mice had altered amounts of ER stress response proteins, increased neuronal death, motor neuron loss, and severe motor deficits. These data revealed a mammalian-specific Alex3/Gαq mitochondrial complex, which enables control of mitochondrial trafficking and neuronal death by GPCRs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Serena Mirra
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, and Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBER-CIBERNED), ISCIII, Madrid 28031, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Raras (CIBER-CIBERER), ISCIII, Madrid 28031, Spain
- Institut de Biomedicina- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu (IBUB-IRSJD), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Yasmina Manso
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, and Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBER-CIBERNED), ISCIII, Madrid 28031, Spain
| | - Antoni Parcerisas
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, and Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBER-CIBERNED), ISCIII, Madrid 28031, Spain
- Biosciences Department, Faculty of Sciences, Technology and Engineering, University of Vic, Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC); and Tissue Repair and Regeneration Laboratory (TR2Lab), Institut de Recerca i Innovació en Ciències de la Vida i de la Salut a la Catalunya Central (IRIS-CC), 08500 Vic, Spain
| | - Javier Rubio
- Institut de Biologia Molecular de Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Jaume Del Valle
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBER-CIBERNED), ISCIII, Madrid 28031, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, and Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona 08193, Spain
| | - Francisco J Gil-Bea
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBER-CIBERNED), ISCIII, Madrid 28031, Spain
- Neurosciences Area, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastián 20014, Spain
| | - Fausto Ulloa
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, and Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBER-CIBERNED), ISCIII, Madrid 28031, Spain
| | - Marina Herrero-Lorenzo
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, and Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Ester Verdaguer
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, and Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBER-CIBERNED), ISCIII, Madrid 28031, Spain
| | - Cristiane Benincá
- Institut de Biologia Molecular de Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Rubén D Castro-Torres
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, and Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Elena Rebollo
- Institut de Biologia Molecular de Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Gemma Marfany
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Raras (CIBER-CIBERER), ISCIII, Madrid 28031, Spain
- Institut de Biomedicina- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu (IBUB-IRSJD), Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Carme Auladell
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, and Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBER-CIBERNED), ISCIII, Madrid 28031, Spain
| | - Xavier Navarro
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBER-CIBERNED), ISCIII, Madrid 28031, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, and Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona 08193, Spain
| | - José A Enríquez
- Fundación Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III, Madrid 28029, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBER-CIBERFES), Madrid 28031, Spain
| | - Adolfo López de Munain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBER-CIBERNED), ISCIII, Madrid 28031, Spain
- Neurosciences Area, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastián 20014, Spain
- Neurology Department, Donostia University Hospital, San Sebastián 20014, Spain
| | - Eduardo Soriano
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, and Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBER-CIBERNED), ISCIII, Madrid 28031, Spain
| | - Anna M Aragay
- Institut de Biologia Molecular de Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), Barcelona 08028, Spain
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Bie Y, Chen Q, Xu J, Ou B, Chen B, Guan Y, Xie S. Human umbilical-cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells in combination with rapamycin reduce cartilage degradation via inhibition of the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 2023; 45:549-557. [PMID: 36942663 DOI: 10.1080/08923973.2023.2189062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy is a promising strategy for treating osteoarthritis (OA). However, the inflammatory microenvironment, apoptosis of transplanted cells, and shear forces during direct injection limit the therapeutic efficacy. This study aimed to explore the role of rapamycin combined with human umbilical-cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUMSCs) in OA rabbits in vivo. METHODS OA rabbits received an intra-articular injection of a collagenase solution. Gross observations, X-ray examinations, and histological examinations were performed to detect cartilage degradation levels. The fluorescent membrane dye DiR was used to label hUMSCs. In the combination therapy group, rapamycin was injected into the rabbit knee joint one day post the intra-articular injection of hUMSCs. Bioinformatics and transcriptome profiling of the knee meniscus were used to evaluate the potential molecular mechanisms of the combination therapy. RESULTS Our study shows that rapamycin combined with hUMSCs significantly ameliorated OA severity in vivo, enhancing matrix synthesis and promoting cartilage repair. The combination therapy was more efficient than rapamycin or hUMSC treatment alone. Moreover, bioinformatics and transcriptomic analyses revealed that combination therapy might enhance autophagy in chondrocytes, partially by inhibiting the mTOR pathway. CONCLUSIONS Our study indicates that the combination therapy of rapamycin and hUMSCs may promote cartilage repair in OA rabbits through the mTOR pathway and offers a novel approach for OA therapy. THE TRANSLATIONAL POTENTIAL OF THIS ARTICLE Our study provides new evidence to support the use of hUMSCs in combination with rapamycin as a potential candidate for OA treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Bie
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qianqing Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiahuan Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Baofang Ou
- School of Pharmacy, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Boyu Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yajin Guan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Large Animal models for Biomedicine, South China Institute of Large Animal Models for Biomedicine, Wuyi University, Jiangmen, China
| | - Shuilin Xie
- Guangdong Mingzhu Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Foshan, China
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5
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Cummins MC, Tripathy A, Sondek J, Kuhlman B. De novo design of stable proteins that efficaciously inhibit oncogenic G proteins. Protein Sci 2023; 32:e4713. [PMID: 37368504 PMCID: PMC10360382 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Many protein therapeutics are competitive inhibitors that function by binding to endogenous proteins and preventing them from interacting with native partners. One effective strategy for engineering competitive inhibitors is to graft structural motifs from a native partner into a host protein. Here, we develop and experimentally test a computational protocol for embedding binding motifs in de novo designed proteins. The protocol uses an "inside-out" approach: Starting with a structural model of the binding motif docked against the target protein, the de novo protein is built by growing new structural elements off the termini of the binding motif. During backbone assembly, a score function favors backbones that introduce new tertiary contacts within the designed protein and do not introduce clashes with the target binding partner. Final sequences are designed and optimized using the molecular modeling program Rosetta. To test our protocol, we designed small helical proteins to inhibit the interaction between Gαq and its effector PLC-β isozymes. Several of the designed proteins remain folded above 90°C and bind to Gαq with equilibrium dissociation constants tighter than 80 nM. In cellular assays with oncogenic variants of Gαq , the designed proteins inhibit activation of PLC-β isozymes and Dbl-family RhoGEFs. Our results demonstrate that computational protein design, in combination with motif grafting, can be used to directly generate potent inhibitors without further optimization via high throughput screening or selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew C. Cummins
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of North Carolina School of MedicineChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Ashutosh Tripathy
- Department of Biochemistry and BiophysicsUniversity of North Carolina School of MedicineChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - John Sondek
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of North Carolina School of MedicineChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
- Department of Biochemistry and BiophysicsUniversity of North Carolina School of MedicineChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Brian Kuhlman
- Department of Biochemistry and BiophysicsUniversity of North Carolina School of MedicineChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
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6
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Gao L, Liu G, Wu X, Liu C, Wang Y, Ma M, Ma Y, Hao Z. Osteocytes autophagy mediated by mTORC2 activation controls osteoblasts differentiation and osteoclasts activities under mechanical loading. Arch Biochem Biophys 2023; 742:109634. [PMID: 37164247 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2023.109634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy is an important mechanosensitive response for cellular homeostasis and survival in osteocytes. However, the mechanism and its effect on bone metabolism have not yet clarified. The objective of this study was to evaluate how compressive cyclic force (CCF) induced autophagic response in osteocytes and to determine the effect of mechanically induced-autophagy on bone cells including osteocytes, osteoblasts, and osteoclasts. Autophagic puncta observed in MLO-Y4 cells increased after exposure to CCF. The upregulated levels of the LC3-II isoform and the degradation of p62 further confirmed the increased autophagic flux. Additionally, ATP synthesis and release, osteocalcin (OCN) expression, and cell survival increased in osteocytes as well. The Murine osteoblasts MC3T3-E1 cells and RAW 264.7 macrophage cells were cultured in conditioned medium collected from MLO-Y4 cells subjected to CCF. The concentration of FGF23 increased and the concentrations of SOST and M-CSF and RANKL/OPG ratio decreased significantly in the conditioned medium. Moreover, the promotion of osteogenic differentiation in MC3T3-E1 cells and inhibition of osteoclastogenesis and function in RAW 264.7 cells were significantly attenuated when osteocytes autophagy was inhibited by siAtg7. Our findings suggested that CCF induced protective autophagy in osteocytes and subsequently enhanced osteocytes survival and osteoblasts differentiation and downregulated osteoclasts activities. Further study revealed that CCF induced autophagic response in osteocytes through mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 2 (mTORC2) activation. In conclusion, CCF-induced osteocytes autophagy upon mTORC2 activation promoted osteocytes survival and osteogenic response and decreased osteoclastic function. Thus, osteocytes autophagy will provide a promising target for better understanding of bone physiology and treatment of bone diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Gao
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, 510055, China
| | - Gen Liu
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, 510055, China
| | - Xiangnan Wu
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, 510055, China
| | - Chuanzi Liu
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, 510055, China
| | - Yiqiao Wang
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, 510055, China
| | - Meirui Ma
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, 510055, China
| | - Yuanyuan Ma
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, 510055, China.
| | - Zhichao Hao
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, 510055, China.
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Cummins MC, Tripathy A, Sondek J, Kuhlman B. De novo design of stable proteins that efficaciously inhibit oncogenic G proteins. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.28.534629. [PMID: 37034763 PMCID: PMC10081213 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.28.534629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Many protein therapeutics are competitive inhibitors that function by binding to endogenous proteins and preventing them from interacting with native partners. One effective strategy for engineering competitive inhibitors is to graft structural motifs from a native partner into a host protein. Here, we develop and experimentally test a computational protocol for embedding binding motifs in de novo designed proteins. The protocol uses an "inside-out" approach: Starting with a structural model of the binding motif docked against the target protein, the de novo protein is built by growing new structural elements off the termini of the binding motif. During backbone assembly, a score function favors backbones that introduce new tertiary contacts within the designed protein and do not introduce clashes with the target binding partner. Final sequences are designed and optimized using the molecular modeling program Rosetta. To test our protocol, we designed small helical proteins to inhibit the interaction between Gα q and its effector PLC-β isozymes. Several of the designed proteins remain folded above 90°C and bind to Gα q with equilibrium dissociation constants tighter than 80 nM. In cellular assays with oncogenic variants of Gα q , the designed proteins inhibit activation of PLC-β isozymes and Dbl-family RhoGEFs. Our results demonstrate that computational protein design, in combination with motif grafting, can be used to directly generate potent inhibitors without further optimization via high throughput screening or selection. statement for broader audience Engineered proteins that bind to specific target proteins are useful as research reagents, diagnostics, and therapeutics. We used computational protein design to engineer de novo proteins that bind and competitively inhibit the G protein, Gα q , which is an oncogene for uveal melanomas. This computational method is a general approach that should be useful for designing competitive inhibitors against other proteins of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew C. Cummins
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ashutosh Tripathy
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - John Sondek
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Brian Kuhlman
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Whole-genome CRISPR screening identifies PI3K/AKT as a downstream component of the oncogenic GNAQ-focal adhesion kinase signaling circuitry. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:102866. [PMID: 36596361 PMCID: PMC9922814 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
G proteins and G protein-coupled receptors activate a diverse array of signal transduction pathways that promote cell growth and survival. Indeed, hot spot-activating mutations in GNAQ/GNA11, encoding Gαq proteins, are known to be driver oncogenes in uveal melanoma (UM), for which there are limited effective therapies currently available. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) has been recently shown to be a central mediator of Gαq-driven signaling in UM, and as a result, is being explored clinically as a therapeutic target for UM, both alone and in combination therapies. Despite this, the repertoire of Gαq/FAK-regulated signaling mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Here, we used a whole-genome CRISPR screen in GNAQ-mutant UM cells to identify mechanisms that, when overactivated, lead to reduced sensitivity to FAK inhibition. In this way, we found that the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway represented a major resistance driver. Our dissection of the underlying mechanisms revealed that Gαq promotes PI3K/AKT activation via a conserved signaling circuitry mediated by FAK. Further analysis demonstrated that FAK activates PI3K through the association and tyrosine phosphorylation of the p85 regulatory subunit of PI3K and that UM cells require PI3K/AKT signaling for survival. These findings establish a novel link between Gαq-driven signaling and the stimulation of PI3K as well as demonstrate aberrant activation of signaling networks underlying the growth and survival of UM and other Gαq-driven malignancies.
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Su W, Wu Y, Zheng H, Guo X, Feng B, Guo F. miR-141-Modified Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BMSCs) Inhibits the Progression of Severe Acute Pancreatitis. J BIOMATER TISS ENG 2023. [DOI: 10.1166/jbt.2023.3190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The therapeutic effects of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) on severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) and miRNAs are currently the research hotspots. This study intends to explore the potential impact of miR-141-modified BMSCs on SAP. After establishment of rat model of SAP, the
animals were grouped into control group, model group, BMSCs group, miR-141 group, positive control group, and PI3K/mTOR signaling agonist group (agonist group) followed by analysis of miR-141 expression by RT-qPCR and the expression of serum amylase, IL-6, TNF-α, TAP, PI3K, mTOR,
and LC3-II by Western blot and ELISA. miR-141 was significantly up-regulated in the miR-141-modified BMSCs group (p > 0.05). The contents of serum amylase, IL-6, TNF-α, and TAP was increased in SAP rats and decreased after BMSC treatment (p > 0.05). The increased
autophagy flux in the rats with SAT was reduced upon treatment with BMSCs and autophagy flux was decreased in miR-141 group but increased in positive control group. The model and positive control group presented highest expression of LC3-II, p-PI3K and p-mTOR, followed by BMSCs group and miR-141
group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, miR-141-modified BMSCs decrease the phosphorylation of PI3K and mTOR to inhibit PI3K/mTOR signaling activity and downregulate LC3-II protein to inhibit autophagy, thereby ameliorating the development of SAP, indicating that miR-141 might be a therapeutic
target for SAP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Su
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yinshan Wu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huijun Zheng
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiuliu Guo
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang, China
| | - Binbin Feng
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang, China
| | - Feng Guo
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, Zhejiang, China
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10
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The programmed death of fetal oocytes and the correlated surveillance mechanisms. REPRODUCTIVE AND DEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.1097/rd9.0000000000000016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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Gq Signaling in Autophagy Control: Between Chemical and Mechanical Cues. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11081599. [PMID: 36009317 PMCID: PMC9405508 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11081599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
All processes in human physiology relies on homeostatic mechanisms which require the activation of specific control circuits to adapt the changes imposed by external stimuli. One of the critical modulators of homeostatic balance is autophagy, a catabolic process that is responsible of the destruction of long-lived proteins and organelles through a lysosome degradative pathway. Identification of the mechanism underlying autophagic flux is considered of great importance as both protective and detrimental functions are linked with deregulated autophagy. At the mechanistic and regulatory levels, autophagy is activated in response to diverse stress conditions (food deprivation, hyperthermia and hypoxia), even a novel perspective highlight the potential role of physical forces in autophagy modulation. To understand the crosstalk between all these controlling mechanisms could give us new clues about the specific contribution of autophagy in a wide range of diseases including vascular disorders, inflammation and cancer. Of note, any homeostatic control critically depends in at least two additional and poorly studied interdependent components: a receptor and its downstream effectors. Addressing the selective receptors involved in autophagy regulation is an open question and represents a new area of research in this field. G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent one of the largest and druggable targets membrane receptor protein superfamily. By exerting their action through G proteins, GPCRs play fundamental roles in the control of cellular homeostasis. Novel studies have shown Gαq, a subunit of heterotrimeric G proteins, as a core modulator of mTORC1 and autophagy, suggesting a fundamental contribution of Gαq-coupled GPCRs mechanisms in the control of this homeostatic feedback loop. To address how GPCR-G proteins machinery integrates the response to different stresses including oxidative conditions and mechanical stimuli, could provide deeper insight into new signaling pathways and open potential and novel therapeutic strategies in the modulation of different pathological conditions.
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Peng Y, Wang Y, Zhou C, Mei W, Zeng C. PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway and Its Role in Cancer Therapeutics: Are We Making Headway? Front Oncol 2022; 12:819128. [PMID: 35402264 PMCID: PMC8987494 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.819128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 75.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a severe public health issue that is a leading cause of mortality globally. It is also an impediment to improving life expectancy worldwide. Furthermore, the global burden of cancer incidence and death is continuously growing. Current therapeutic options are insufficient for patients, and tumor complexity and heterogeneity necessitate customized medicine or targeted therapy. It is critical to identify potential cancer therapeutic targets. Aberrant activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway has a significant role in carcinogenesis. This review summarized oncogenic PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway alterations in cancer and various cancer hallmarks associated with the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, such as cell proliferation, autophagy, apoptosis, angiogenesis, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and chemoresistance. Importantly, this review provided recent advances in PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitor research. Overall, an in-depth understanding of the association between the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and tumorigenesis and the development of therapies targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway will help make clinical decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Peng
- Department of Obstetrics, Longhua District Central Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Cheng Zhou
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wuxuan Mei
- Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, China
| | - Changchun Zeng
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, China
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Onken MD, Noda SE, Kaltenbronn KM, Frankfater C, Makepeace CM, Fettig N, Piggott KD, Custer PL, Ippolito JE, Blumer KJ. Oncogenic Gq/11 signaling acutely drives and chronically sustains metabolic reprogramming in uveal melanoma. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101495. [PMID: 34919964 PMCID: PMC8761705 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.101495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming has been shown to occur in uveal melanoma (UM), the most common intraocular tumor in adults. Mechanisms driving metabolic reprogramming in UM are poorly understood. Elucidation of these mechanisms could inform development of new therapeutic strategies for metastatic UM, which has poor prognosis because existing therapies are ineffective. Here, we determined whether metabolic reprogramming is driven by constitutively active mutant α-subunits of the heterotrimeric G proteins Gq or G11 (Gq/11), the oncogenic drivers in ∼90% of UM patients. Using PET-computed tomography imaging, microphysiometry, and GC/MS, we found that inhibition of oncogenic Gq/11 with the small molecule FR900359 (FR) attenuated glucose uptake by UM cells in vivo and in vitro, blunted glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration in UM cell lines and tumor cells isolated from patients, and reduced levels of several glycolytic and tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates. FR acutely inhibited glycolysis and respiration and chronically attenuated expression of genes in both metabolic processes. UM therefore differs from other melanomas that exhibit a classic Warburg effect. Metabolic reprogramming in UM cell lines and patient samples involved protein kinase C and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 signaling downstream of oncogenic Gq/11. Chronic administration of FR upregulated expression of genes involved in metabolite scavenging and redox homeostasis, potentially as an adaptive mechanism explaining why FR does not efficiently kill UM tumor cells or regress UM tumor xenografts. These results establish that oncogenic Gq/11 signaling is a crucial driver of metabolic reprogramming in UM and lay a foundation for studies aimed at targeting metabolic reprogramming for therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Onken
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Sarah E Noda
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Kevin M Kaltenbronn
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Cheryl Frankfater
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA; Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Carol M Makepeace
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Nikki Fettig
- Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Kisha D Piggott
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Philip L Custer
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Joseph E Ippolito
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA; Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Kendall J Blumer
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA.
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