Impairment of cell adhesion by expression of the mutant neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) genes which lack exons in the ERM-homology domain

Missense variant interaction scanning reveals a critical role of the FERM domain for tumor suppressor protein NF2 conformation and function

NF2 (moesin-ezrin-radixin-like [MERLIN] tumor suppressor) is frequently inactivated in cancer, where its NF2 tumor suppressor functionality is tightly coupled to protein conformation. How NF2 conformation is regulated and how NF2 conformation influences tumor suppressor activity is a largely open question. Here, we systematically characterized three NF2 conformation-dependent protein interactions utilizing deep mutational scanning interaction perturbation analyses. We identified two regions in NF2 with clustered mutations which affected conformation-dependent protein interactions. NF2 variants in the F2-F3 subdomain and the α3H helix region substantially modulated NF2 conformation and homomerization. Mutations in the F2-F3 subdomain altered proliferation in three cell lines and matched patterns of disease mutations in NF2 related-schwannomatosis. This study highlights the power of systematic mutational interaction perturbation analysis to identify missense variants impacting NF2 conformation and provides insight into NF2 tumor suppressor function.

Pathogenic noncoding variants in the neurofibromatosis and schwannomatosis predisposition genes

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), type 2 (NF2), and schwannomatosis are a group of autosomal dominant disorders that predispose to the development of nerve sheath tumors. Pathogenic variants (PVs) that cause NF1 and NF2 are located in the NF1 and NF2 loci, respectively. To date, most variants associated with schwannomatosis have been identified in the SMARCB1 and LZTR1 genes, and a missense variant in the DGCR8 gene was recently reported to predispose to schwannomas. In spite of the high detection rate for PVs in NF1 and NF2 (over 90% of non-mosaic germline variants can be identified by routine genetic screening) underlying PVs for a proportion of clinical cases remain undetected. A higher proportion of non-NF2 schwannomatosis cases have no detected PV, with PVs currently only identified in around 70%-86% of familial cases and 30%-40% of non-NF2 sporadic schwannomatosis cases. A number of variants of uncertain significance have been observed for each disorder, many of them located in noncoding, regulatory, or intergenic regions. Here we summarize noncoding variants in this group of genes and discuss their established or potential role in the pathogenesis of NF1, NF2, and schwannomatosis.

Microtubule-mediated transport of the tumor-suppressor protein Merlin and its mutants

The neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) tumor-suppressor protein Merlin is a member of the ERM family of proteins that links the cytoskeleton to the plasma membrane. In humans, mutations in the NF2 gene cause neurofibromatosis type-2 (NF2), a cancer syndrome characterized by the development of tumors of the nervous system. Previous reports have suggested that the subcellular distribution of Merlin is critical to its function, and that several NF2 mutants that lack tumor-suppressor activity present improper localization. Here we used a Drosophila cell culture model to study the distribution and mechanism of intracellular transport of Merlin and its mutants. We found that Drosophila Merlin formed cytoplasmic particles that move bidirectionally along microtubules. A single NF2-causing amino acid substitution in the FERM domain dramatically inhibited Merlin particle movement. Surprisingly, the presence of this immotile Merlin mutant also inhibited trafficking of the WT protein. Analysis of the movement of WT protein using RNAi and pull-downs showed that Merlin particles are associated with and moved by microtubule motors (kinesin-1 and cytoplasmic dynein), and that binding of motors and movement is regulated by Merlin phosphorylation. Inhibition of Merlin transport by expression of the dominant-negative mutant or depletion of kinesin-1 results in increased nuclear accumulation of the transcriptional coactivator Yorkie. These results demonstrate the requirement of microtubule-dependent transport for Merlin function.

Functional inactivation of NF2/merlin in human mesothelioma

The tumor suppressor merlin is encoded by the neurofibromatosis type 2 gene (NF2) which is located on chromosome 22q12 and mutations in this gene have been found in 40% of mesothelioma. Mutations including deletions and insertions lead to truncated and inactivated merlin. Experimental animal models indicate that disruption of the NF2 signalling pathway, together with a deficiency in ink4a, is essential for mesothelioma development. Our hypothesis was that in human mesothelioma without detectable NF2 mutations, regulators of NF2/merlin activity such as CPI-17 would be altered. CPI-17 is an oncogene inhibiting the NF2/merlin phosphatase which is necessary to maintain NF2/merlin activity. Samples obtained from 44 mesothelioma, 3 asbestosis patients and 6 normal pleura from non-asbestos related disease patients were analyzed. Truncated NF2 transcripts or presence of isoform II only were observed in 11 mesothelioma samples. In all other mesothelioma samples only NF2 isoform I or isoforms I and II were detected. 18 mesothelioma and 1 normal pleura samples also expressed splicing variant delE2/3. Unexpected variants in addition to wild-type were identified in 24 mesothelioma samples. NF2 protein was either truncated or phosphorylated on Ser 518 in primary cultures derived from 25 tumors. CPI-17 expression was significantly increased in tumor samples without deleted NF2 compared to normal pleura and tumor expressing truncated NF2. Our results support the hypothesis that the disruption of NF2 signalling is essential for the development of human mesothelioma. In tumors where no NF2 truncation can be detected, NF2 is rendered inactive by phosphorylation of Ser 518 and this can be explained at least in part by an increased expression of CPI-17.

The tumor suppressor merlin interacts with microtubules and modulates Schwann cell microtubule cytoskeleton

The lack of neurofibromatosis 2 tumor suppressor protein merlin leads to the formation of nervous system tumors, specifically schwannomas and meningiomas. Merlin is considered to act as a tumor suppressor at the cell membrane, where it links transmembrane receptors to the actin cytoskeleton. Several tumor suppressors interact with another component of the cytoskeleton, the microtubules, in a regulated manner and control their dynamics. In this work, we identify merlin as a novel microtubule-organizing protein. We identify two tubulin-binding sites in merlin, one residing at the N-terminal FERM-domain and another at the C-terminal domain. Merlin's intramolecular association and phosphorylation of serine 518 regulate the interaction between merlin and tubulin. Analysis of cultured glioma cells indicates colocalization between merlin and microtubules especially during cell division. In primary mouse Schwann cells only minor colocalization at the cell periphery of interphase cells is seen. However, these cells drastically change their microtubule organization upon loss of merlin indicating a functional association of the proteins. Both in vitro assays and in vivo studies in Schwann cells indicate that merlin promotes tubulin polymerization. The results show that merlin plays a key role in the regulation of the Schwann cell microtubule cytoskeleton and suggest a mechanism by which loss of merlin leads to cytoskeletal defects observed in human schwannomas.

Identification and characterization of putative tumor suppressor NGB, a GTP-binding protein that interacts with the neurofibromatosis 2 protein

Mutations of the neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) tumor suppressor gene have frequently been detected not only in schwannomas and other central nervous system tumors of NF2 patients but also in their sporadic counterparts and malignant tumors unrelated to the NF2 syndrome such as malignant mesothelioma, indicating a broader role for the NF2 gene in human tumorigenesis. However, the mechanisms by which the NF2 product, merlin or schwannomin, is regulated and controls cell proliferation remain elusive. Here, we identify a novel GTP-binding protein, dubbed NGB (referring to NF2-associated GTP binding protein), which binds to merlin. NGB is highly conserved between Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Caenorhabditis elegans, and human cells, and its GTP-binding region is very similar to those found in R-ras and Rap2. However, ectopic expression of NGB inhibits cell growth, cell aggregation, and tumorigenicity in tumorigenic schwanomma cells. Down-regulation and infrequent mutation of NGB were detected in human glioma cell lines and primary tumors. The interaction of NGB with merlin impairs the turnover of merlin, yet merlin does not affect the GTPase nor GTP-binding activity of NGB. Finally, the tumor suppressor functions of NGB require merlin and are linked to its ability to suppress cyclin D1 expression. Collectively, these findings indicate that NGB is a tumor suppressor that regulates and requires merlin to suppress cell proliferation.

Inhibition of the hyaluronan-CD44 interaction by merlin contributes to the tumor-suppressor activity of merlin

Mutation or loss of expression of merlin is responsible for neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), which is characterized by the development of schwannomas and other tumors of the nervous system. Like the ERM (ezrin-radixin-moesin) proteins, merlin interacts with CD44, a cell-surface receptor for hyaluronan (HA) that promotes tumorigenesis. However, the relationship between merlin and CD44 and the mechanism by which merlin exerts its tumor-suppressor function have not been elucidated. In the present study, we show that increased expression of wild-type merlin in Tr6BC1 schwannoma cells inhibits HA binding to CD44. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the residues required for this inhibitory effect and the interaction between CD44 and merlin lie within the first 50 amino acids of merlin. Overexpression of merlin inhibited subcutaneous growth of Tr6BC1 cells in immunocompromised Rag1 mice. In contrast, knocking down expression of endogenous merlin promoted tumor cell growth, as did overexpression of a merlin deletion mutant (merlinDel-1) that lacks the first 50 amino acids but not of other NH(2)-terminal deletion mutants. Together, our results demonstrate that inhibition of the CD44-HA interaction contributes to the tumor-suppressor function of merlin, and they suggest that merlin inhibits tumor growth, at least in part, by negatively regulating CD44 function.

The merlin tumor suppressor interacts with Ral guanine nucleotide dissociation stimulator and inhibits its activity

Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is the most commonly mutated gene in benign tumors of the human nervous system such as schwannomas and meningiomas. The NF2 gene encodes a protein called schwannomin or merlin, which is involved in regulating cell growth and proliferation through protein-protein interactions with various cellular proteins. In order to better understand the mechanism by which merlin exerts its function, yeast two-hybrid screening was performed and Ral guanine nucleotide dissociation stimulator (RalGDS), a downstream molecule of Ras, was identified as a merlin-binding protein. The direct interaction between merlin and RalGDS was confirmed both in vitro and in the NIH3T3 cells. The domain analyses revealed that the broad C-terminal region of merlin (aa 141-595) is necessary for the interaction with the C-terminal Ras-binding domain (RBD) of RalGDS. Functional studies showed that merlin inhibits the RalGDS-induced RalA activation, the colony formation and the cell migration in mammalian cells. These results suggest that merlin can function as a tumor suppressor by inhibiting the RalGDS-mediated oncogenic signals.

NF2: The wizardry of merlin

Neurofibromatosis type II (NF2) is an autosomal dominant cancer syndrome characterized by the formation of tumors of the nervous system, particularly schwannomas and meningiomas. The NF2 gene is also implicated in the development of sporadic schwannomas and meningiomas, as well as tumor types seemingly unrelated to the NF2 disorder, such as malignant mesotheliomas. Inactivation of NF2 occurs by a "two-hit" mechanism, as proposed by Al Knudson, and the NF2 gene behaves as a classical tumor suppressor gene. The NF2 gene product, merlin, exhibits homology with the ezrin-radixin-moesin family of membrane-cytoskeleton-linking proteins. During the past several years, there has been intensive investigation aimed at elucidating the mechanisms underlying merlin's functions. In this review, we summarize the involvement of NF2 inactivation in tumorigenesis. We also discuss observations implicating merlin in cell motility and cell proliferation, with a focus on recent findings linking merlin to Rac signaling.

Isolation and characterization of an aggresome determinant in the NF2 tumor suppressor

Schwannomin (Sch) is the product of the NF2 tumor suppressor gene. The NF2 gene is mutated in patients affected by neurofibromatosis type 2, a syndrome associated with multiple tumors of the nervous system. Here we found that Sch, when its N-terminal FERM domain was misfolded by the pathogenetic mutation Delta F118, formed aggresomes, i.e. aggregates that cluster at the centrosome as a result of microtubule-dependent transport. Strikingly the related protein ezrin affected by the same mutation did not form aggresomes even though its FERM domain was similarly misfolded. By studying ezrin/Sch chimeras, we delineated a sequence of 61 amino acids in the C terminus of Sch that determined the formation of aggresomes. Aggresome formation by these chimeras was independent from their rate of degradation. Sch(535-595) was sufficient to induce aggresomes of a green fluorescent fusion protein in vivo and aggregates of a glutathione S-transferase fusion protein in vitro. Taken together, these results suggest that aggresome formation is controlled primarily by aggresome determinants, which are distinct from degradation determinants, or from misfolding, through which aggresome determinants might be exposed.

Cellular transformation by a FERM domain mutant of the Nf2 tumor suppressor gene

Mutations in the Nf2 tumor suppressor gene lead to tumor formation in humans and mice and cellular overproliferation phenotypes in Drosophila. The Nf2 encoded protein, merlin, shares close sequence similarity in its amino terminus to members of the band 4.1 family of membrane-cytoskeletal linkers. Similarities between merlin and this family suggest a role for merlin in regulating cytoskeletal function. However, the mechanism of the tumor suppressing activity of merlin is not yet understood. Mutational analysis of Nf2 in flies has led to the identification of a dominant-negative allele, which harbors mutations in the amino terminus of the protein. Here, we report that expression of a murine analog of this amino-terminal mutant of Nf2 leads to complete transformation of NIH3T3 fibroblasts in culture. Cells that express this Nf2 mutant allele display disruptions of the actin cytoskeleton, lack of contact inhibition of growth, and anchorage-independent growth. Finally, fibroblasts that express this mutant Nf2 allele form tumors when injected into nude mice.

Mutant products of the NF2 tumor suppressor gene are degraded by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway

Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), a syndrome associated with multiple tumors of the nervous system, mostly schwannomas, is caused by mutations in the NF2 tumor suppressor gene that encodes schwannomin (Sch). Here we examined NF2 pathogenetic mutations that result in misfolding of the FERM domain. We found that these mutant forms of Sch were efficiently degraded by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. In transfected cells, Sch Delta F118 was 3-fold more efficiently degraded than the related molecule ezrin bearing the equivalent mutation. In heterozygous Nf2 knock-out mouse fibroblasts, endogenous mutant Sch Delta 81-121, but not wild type Sch, was also degraded by proteasomes. We further show that this degradation pathway is functional in primary Schwann cells. We analyzed Sch Delta 39-121 expressed in a transgenic mouse model of NF2 and found that Sch Delta 39-121, but not the endogenous wild type Sch, was unstable due to proteasome-mediated degradation. Altogether these results suggest that degradation of mutant Sch mediated by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway is a physiopathological pathway contributing to the loss of Sch function in NF2 patients.

Suppression of growth and increased cellular attachment after expression of DAL-1 in MCF-7 breast cancer cells

The differentially expressed in adenocarcinoma of the lung (DAL-1) gene, which shares significant homology with members of the 4.1/ezrin/radixin/moesin/neurofibromatosis 2 (ERM/NF2) protein family, has previously been shown to suppress growth in lung cancer cell lines. This gene localizes to chromosome band 18p11.3, which undergoes loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in nonsmall cell lung carcinomas and a significant proportion of ductal carcinomas in situ (DCIS) of the breast. This finding suggests that alteration of gene(s) (possibly DAL-1) within this chromosomal region may be important early in the progression of breast disease. We generated MCF-7 cell lines expressing DAL-1 constitutively or under the control of an inducible promoter and analyzed the effect of DAL-1 expression on growth. These investigations revealed that the DAL-1 protein suppresses the growth of MCF-7 cells and may do so in part through the induction of apoptosis. In addition, expression of DAL-1 increased attachment of these cells to a variety of extracellular matrices. This is the first evidence that the DAL-1 protein functions at the interface between cell adhesion and apoptosis in controlling cell growth.

Mouse models of neurofibromatosis 1 and 2

The neurofibromatoses represent two of the most common inherited tumor predisposition syndromes affecting the nervous system. Individuals with neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) are prone to the development of astrocytomas and peripheral nerve sheath tumors whereas those affected with neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) develop schwannomas and meningiomas. The development of traditional homozygous knockout mice has provided insights into the roles of the NF1 and NF2 genes during development and in differentiation, but has been less instructive regarding the contribution of NF1 and NF2 dysfunction to the pathogenesis of specific benign and malignant tumors. Recent progress employing novel mouse targeting strategies has begun to illuminate the roles of the NF1 and NF2 gene products in the molecular pathogenesis of NF-associated tumors.

ERM proteins and NF2 tumor suppressor: the Yin and Yang of cortical actin organization and cell growth signaling

The ERM (ezrin, radixin and moesin) family of proteins are linkers that tether actin microfilaments to the plasma membrane. Merlin, the NF2 tumor suppressor gene product, is highly homologous to ERM proteins. In ERM proteins and merlin, interdomain binding promotes auto-inhibition and homo-oligomerization or hetero-oligomerization. Recent studies have revealed that ERM proteins transduce growth signals, and have shed new light on how merlin links cell growth to the cytoskeleton.

Multiple transcription initiation sites, alternative splicing, and differential polyadenylation contribute to the complexity of human neurofibromatosis 2 transcripts

Northern blot analysis has shown that the human neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) cDNA hybridizes to multiple RNA species. To examine whether these hybridizing RNA species represent NF2 transcripts, we cloned the complete NF2 cDNA by a combination of techniques: 5' and 3' rapid amplification of cDNA ends, RT-PCR, and searching and sequencing the NF2-related cDNA clones from the IMAGE consortium. We showed that human NF2 transcripts initiate at multiple positions. Analogous to those reported previously, NF2 transcripts undergo alternative splicing in the coding exons. We isolated eight alternatively spliced NF2 cDNA isoforms, including one that contains a new exon termed exon 2', which potentially could encode proteins of different sizes. We assembled the overlapping cDNA fragments, and the longest NF2 cDNA, containing all 17 exons, consists of 6067 nucleotides, which is consistent with the size of the major RNA species hybridized to the NF2 probe. The cDNA has a 425-nucleotide 5' untranslated region upstream from the ATG start codon, and a long 3' untranslated region of 3869 nucleotides. We also isolated two shorter NF2 cDNAs that were terminated by different polyadenylation signal sequences, which indicates that differential usage of multiple polyadenylation sites also contributes to the complexity of human NF2 transcripts. By reference to the transcription initiation site mapped, we analyzed the 5' flanking sequence of the human NF2 gene. Transient transfection analysis in human 293 kidney, SK-N-AS neuroblastoma, and NT2/D1 teratocarcinoma cells with NF2 promoter-luciferase chimeric constructs revealed a core promoter region extending 400 base pairs from the major transcription initiation site. Although multiple regions are required for full promoter activity, a site-directed mutagenesis experiment identified a GC-rich sequence (position -58 to -46), which could be bound by transcription factor Sp1, as a positive cis-acting regulatory element. Cotransfection studies in Drosophila melanogaster SL2 cells showed that Sp1 could activate the NF2 promoter through the GC-rich sequence.

Calpain-dependent proteolysis of merlin occurs by oxidative stress in meningiomas: a novel hypothesis of tumorigenesis

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study is to indicate that oxidative stress may contribute to occurrence of meningiomas. Recently, it was reported that aside from the neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) gene mutations, the calpain-dependent proteolysis of the NF2 gene product, merlin might be closely related to the development of certain NF2-related tumors. Although meningiomas are well known to occur more frequently in aged persons, it still remains unknown why calpain activation occurs predominantly in them. Because the production of free radicals with aging might be one of the causes of calpain activation especially in leptomeningeal cells being devoid of blood supply, the authors examined the relations between mu-calpain activation and merlin proteolysis induced by the oxidative stress.

METHODS

The authors examined 12 patient-derived sporadic meningiomas and their primary cultured cells. Malignant glioma cell line (U-251MG), which had no relation to NF2, was used as a control. They were exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) for 1 hour. After oxidative stress, they were examined by Western blot and immunofluorescence microscopic analyses.

RESULTS

Despite the consistent expressions of activated mu-calpain in 11 of 12 meningioma tissues, this calpain activation completely disappeared after culture; instead the full-length merlin appeared again in 8 of 11 cases. The treatment of cultured cells with hydrogen peroxide induced both mu-calpain-dependent cleavage of merlin and reduction of an intrinsic calpain inhibitor calpastatin. Such proteolysis was significantly blocked by a specific calpain inhibitor, Z-LLal. The full-length merlin was immunocytochemically colocalized with activated mu-calpain at the plasma membrane, and, after mu-calpain activation, the fragment of merlin translocated to the perinuclear cytoplasm or into the nucleus.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that oxidative stress-induced activation of mu-calpain causes proteolysis of merlin conceivably to impair cell adhesion and/or contact inhibition of meningioma cells.

Binding of the merlin-I product of the neurofibromatosis type 2 tumour suppressor gene to a novel site in beta-fodrin is regulated by association between merlin domains

The mechanism underlying the tumour-suppressor activity of the neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) gene product, merlin, is largely undefined but there is evidence that the biological function of the protein might be mediated partly through interactions with the cytoskeleton. Merlin is expressed predominantly as two isoforms that differ at their C-termini owing to alternative splicing of exon 16. By expressing merlin isoform I as bait in a yeast two-hybrid screen, we isolated a clone encoding a region of the cytoskeletal protein beta-fodrin. Confirmation of the merlin-fodrin interaction was provided by using the mammalian two-hybrid system and binding assays in vitro. In addition, these assays and co-immunoprecipitation from mammalian cells revealed that the binding site for fodrin is located in the C-terminal half of merlin at a site that is masked in the native protein. Co-expression of the N-terminus of merlin decreased the interaction of its C-terminus with fodrin, implicating homophilic interactions of merlin isoform I in masking the fodrin-binding site. The effect of three disease-associated mutations on the merlin-fodrin interaction and merlin dimerization was also investigated. The mutation L535P, but not L360P or K413E, significantly decreased the merlin-fodrin interaction but not dimerization, indicating that the tumour suppressor ability of merlin might reside partly in its ability to interact with the cytoskeleton via fodrin.

Manifold reduction of moesin in fetal Down syndrome brain

Moesin is a member of the ERM family and is involved in plasma membrane-actin cytoskeleton cross-linking, resulting cell adhesion, shape, and motility. Because moesin was shown to be highly expressed in growth cones and moesin/radixin suppression led to impaired structure and function of this key element in brain development, we tested the ERM family, ezrin, radixin, and moesin, in fetal Down syndrome (DS) cortex at the early second trimester. We applied two-dimensional gel electrophoresis with subsequent MALDI detection and identification of protein spots followed by quantification with specific software. Moesin was shown to be significantly and manifold reduced in fetal DS brain, whereas reduction of ezrin and radixin did not reach statistical significance. We therefore propose the involvement of moesin in developmental impairment of DS brain, including deteriorated arborisation, neuritic outgrowth, and neuronal migration. Furthermore, decreased moesin is the second F-actin bundling protein, besides drebrin, that is manifold reduced in fetal DS brain.

Truncated NF2 proteins are not detected in meningiomas and schwannomas

Neurofibromatosis type 2 is caused by mutations in the NF2 tumor suppressor gene. The NF2 gene encodes a 595-aminoacid protein, presumably functioning as a membrane-organizing element. Theoretically, the majority of mutations found in the NF2 gene should lead to a truncated protein product. Using immunoprecipitation with an antibody raised to N-terminal sequences of the NF2 protein, the authors sought to demonstrate the presence of truncated NF2 proteins in tumors. From 17 of 19 tumors (14 meningiomas and five schwannomas), 12 of which have previously been shown to harbor truncating NF2 mutations, wild-type NF2 protein was immunoprecipitated. From two tumors no protein was precipitated. Truncated NF2 proteins were not observed. The authors conclude that mutant NF2 proteins are unstable and undergo accelerated degradation.

Normal membrane localization and actin association of the NF2 tumor suppressor protein are dependent on folding of its N-terminal domain

The neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) tumor suppressor protein, known as schwannomin or merlin, is involved in linking membrane proteins to the cytoskeleton. Like the related ERM proteins, schwannomin has long been suspected of exhibiting a complex 3D organization caused by the association of different regions within the protein. Intramolecular interactions characterized to date are linking N-terminal sequences of the protein to C-terminal sequences. Here, we demonstrate, by a biochemical approach, the existence of a structured domain entirely contained within the N-terminal half of schwannomin. This structure, which is resistant to chymotryptic digestion, encompasses the FERM domain (residues 19–314), but excludes the 18 extreme N-terminal residues specific to schwannomin. The structure is disrupted by some, but not all, naturally occurring NF2 mutations. We investigated the significance of this structured domain in schwannomin cellular functions and found that normal schwannomin localization beneath the plasma membrane is directly dependent on proper folding of the N-terminal domain. In addition, folding of the N-terminal domain influences schwannomin interaction with actin through two novel actin-binding sites located in this region. These results suggest that loss of activity of several naturally occurring schwannomin mutants is due to disruption of the fold of the N-terminal domain, leading to loss of both membrane localization and actin association.

ERM-Merlin and EBP50 protein families in plasma membrane organization and function

The ezrin-radixin-moesin (ERM) family of proteins have emerged as key regulatory molecules in linking F-actin to specific membrane proteins, especially in cell surface structures. Merlin, the product of the NF2 tumor suppressor gene, has sequence similarity to ERM proteins and binds to some of the same membrane proteins, but lacks a C-terminal F-actin binding site. In this review we discuss how ERM proteins and merlin are negatively regulated by an intramolecular association between their N- and C-terminal domains. Activation of at least ERM proteins can be accomplished by C-terminal phosphorylation in the presence of PIP2. We also discuss membrane proteins to which ERM and merlin bind, including those making an indirect linkage through the PDZ-containing adaptor molecules EBP50 and E3KARP. Finally, the function of these proteins in cortical structure, endocytic traffic, signal transduction, and growth control is discussed.

Evidence for a cytoskeleton attachment domain at the N-terminus of the NF2 protein

Neurofibromatosis type 2 is a hereditary cancer syndrome characterized by the development of bilateral vestibular schwannomas. Underlying the disease are inactivating mutations of the NF2 tumor suppressor gene, located on chromosome 22, encoding a 595-amino-acid protein. The NF2 protein, also known as merlin or schwannomin, is reported to act as a membrane-cytoskeleton linking protein. This assumption is based on the homology of the NF2 protein to a group of band 4.1-related proteins, ezrin, radixin, and moesin. The cytoskeletal association of the NF2 protein has in part been confirmed by its ability to resist extraction from cells by nonionic detergents. We performed detergent extraction on COS cells transfected with NF2 cDNA constructs. The extracts were analyzed by Western blotting and immunofluorescent staining with monoclonal anti-NF2 antibodies. The results provide evidence for a high-affinity cytoskeleton attachment domain at amino acids 29-131 and a putative lower affinity domain between amino acids 321 and 470.

Calpain-dependent proteolysis of NF2 protein: involvement in schwannomas and meningiomas

The neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) protein, known as merlin or schwannomin, is a tumor suppressor, and the NF2 gene has been found to be mutated in the majority of schwannomas and meningiomas, including both sporadically occurring and familial NF2 cases. Although the development of these tumors depends on the loss of merlin, the presence of tumors lacking detectable NF2 mutations suggests different mechanisms for inactivating merlin. Recent studies have demonstrated cleavage of merlin by calpain, a calcium-dependent neutral cysteine protease, and marked activation of the calpain system resulting in the degradation of merlin in these tumors. Increased turnover of merlin by calpain in some schwannomas and meningiomas exemplifies tumorigenesis linked to the calpain-mediated proteolytic pathway.

Conditional biallelic Nf2 mutation in the mouse promotes manifestations of human neurofibromatosis type 2

Hemizygosity for the NF2 gene in humans causes a syndromic susceptibility to schwannoma development. However, Nf2hemizygous mice do not develop schwannomas but mainly osteosarcomas. In the tumors of both species, the second Nf2 allele is inactivated. We report that conditional homozygous Nf2 knockout mice with Cre-mediated excision of Nf2 exon 2 in Schwann cells showed characteristics of neurofibromatosis type 2. These included schwannomas, Schwann cell hyperplasia, cataract, and osseous metaplasia. Thus, the tumor suppressor function of Nf2, here revealed in murine Schwann cells, was concealed in hemizygousNf2 mice because of insufficient rate of second allele inactivation in this cell compartment. The finding of this conserved function documents the relevance of the present approach to model the human disease.

The TSC1 tumour suppressor hamartin regulates cell adhesion through ERM proteins and the GTPase Rho

Loss of the tumour-suppressor gene TSC1 is responsible for hamartoma development in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), which renders several organs susceptible to benign tumours. Hamartin, the protein encoded by TSC1, contains a coiled-coil domain and is expressed in most adult tissues, although its function is unknown. Here we show that hamartin interacts with the ezrin-radixin-moesin (ERM) family of actin-binding proteins. Inhibition of hamartin function in cells containing focal adhesions results in loss of adhesion to the cell substrate, whereas overexpression of hamartin in cells lacking focal adhesions results in activation of the small GTP-binding protein Rho, assembly of actin stress fibres and formation of focal adhesions. Interaction of endogenous hamartin with ERM-family proteins is required for activation of Rho by serum or by lysophosphatidic acid (LPA). Our data indicate that disruption of adhesion to the cell matrix through loss of hamartin may initiate the development of TSC hamartomas and that a Rho-mediated signalling pathway regulating cell adhesion may constitute a rate-limiting step in tumour formation.

Cloning and characterization of SCHIP-1, a novel protein interacting specifically with spliced isoforms and naturally occurring mutant NF2 proteins

The neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) protein, known as schwannomin or merlin, is a tumor suppressor involved in NF2-associated and sporadic schwannomas and meningiomas. It is closely related to the ezrin-radixin-moesin family members, implicated in linking membrane proteins to the cytoskeleton. The molecular mechanism allowing schwannomin to function as a tumor suppressor is unknown. In attempt to shed light on schwannomin function, we have identified a novel coiled-coil protein, SCHIP-1, that specifically associates with schwannomin in vitro and in vivo. Within its coiled-coil region, this protein is homologous to human FEZ proteins and the related Caenorhabditis elegans gene product UNC-76. Immunofluorescent staining of transiently transfected cells shows a partial colocalization of SCHIP-1 and schwannomin, beneath the cytoplasmic membrane. Surprisingly, immunoprecipitation assays reveal that in a cellular context, association with SCHIP-1 can be observed only with some naturally occurring mutants of schwannomin, or a schwannomin spliced isoform lacking exons 2 and 3, but not with the schwannomin isoform exhibiting growth-suppressive activity. Our observations suggest that SCHIP-1 interaction with schwannomin is regulated by conformational changes in schwannomin, possibly induced by posttranslational modifications, alternative splicing, or mutations.

Functional analysis of the neurofibromatosis type 2 protein by means of disease-causing point mutations

Despite intense study of the neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) tumor-suppressor protein merlin, the biological properties and tumor-suppressor functions of merlin are still largely unknown. In this study, we examined the molecular activities of NF2-causing mutant merlin proteins in transfected mammalian cells, to elucidate the merlin properties that are critical for tumor-suppressor function. Most important, we found that 80% of the merlin mutants studied significantly altered cell adhesion, causing cells to detach from the substratum. This finding implies a function for merlin in regulating cell-matrix attachment, and changes in cell adhesion caused by mutant protein expression may be an initial step in the pathogenesis of NF2. In addition, five different mutations in merlin caused a significant increase in detergent solubility of merlin compared to wild type, indicating a decreased ability to interact with the cytoskeleton. Although not correlated to the cell-adhesion phenotype, four missense mutations decreased the binding of merlin to the ERM-interacting protein EBP-50, implicating this interaction in merlin inhibition of cell growth. Last, we found that some NF2 point mutations in merlin most closely resembled gain-of-function alleles in their cellular phenotype, which suggests that mutant NF2 alleles may not always act in a loss-of-function manner, as had been assumed, but may include a spectrum of allelic types with different phenotypic effects on the function of the protein. In aggregate, these cellular phenotypes provide a useful assay for identifying the functional domains and molecular partners necessary for merlin tumor-suppressor activity.

A novel human nucleoside diphosphate (NDP) kinase, Nm23-H6, localizes in mitochondria and affects cytokinesis

Nucleoside diphosphate kinases (NDP kinases) are enzymes known to be conserved throughout evolution and have been shown to be involved in various biological events, in addition to the "housekeeping" phosphotransferase activity. We present the molecular cloning of a novel human NDP kinase gene, termed Nm23-H6. Nm23-H6 gene has been mapped at chromosome 3p21.3 and is highly expressed in heart, placenta, skeletal muscle, and some of the cancer cell lines. Recombinant Nm23-H6 protein has been identified to exhibit functional NDP kinase activity. Immunolocalization studies showed that both endogenous and inducibly expressed Nm23-H6 proteins were present as short, filament-like, perinuclear radical arrays and that they colocalized with mitochondria. Cell fractionation study also demonstrated the presence of Nm23-H6 protein in a mitochondria-rich fraction. Moreover, induction of overexpression of Nm23-H6 in SAOS2 cells, using the Cre-loxP gene activation system, resulted in growth suppression and generation of multinucleated cells. Flow cytometric analysis also demonstrated that the proportion of cells with more than 4N DNA content increased to 28.1% after induction of Nm23-H6, coinciding with the appearance of multinucleated cells. These observations suggest that Nm23-H6, a new member of the NDP kinase family, resides in mitochondria and plays a role in regulation of cell growth and cell cycle progression.

Novel alternatively spliced isoforms of the neurofibromatosis type 2 tumor suppressor are targeted to the nucleus and cytoplasmic granules

We cloned novel splice variants Mer150, Mer151 and Mer162 of the neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) tumor suppressor, which demonstrate a tissue-specific and development-specific expression pattern. Isoform Mer150 is created by cryptic splicing from exon 8 to 14 and represents an N-terminal truncation of 259 residues. Mer151 is characterized by in-frame splicing out of several exons and a modified C-terminus due to a frameshift in exons 13+14 and premature termination. Mer162 represents a head-to-tail isoform resulting from in-frame skipping of exons 5-16. As a common feature, the alpha-helical domain and a variable proportion of the ERM homology domain are spliced out in these isoforms. To investigate differences in subcellular localization, we expressed epitope-tagged cDNA constructs of the wild-type NF2 as well as of the three alternatively spliced transcripts in NIH 3T3 cells by nuclear microinjection or lipid-mediated transfection. Subcellular localization of Mer151 in filopodia and ruffling membranes was similar to the wild-type NF2. Mer151, however, was targeted to the nucleus, which was not observed for wild-type NF2, Mer150 or Mer162. A putative nuclear localization signal created by alternative splicing was identified in Mer151. In contrast to Mer151, Mer150 and Mer162 were not found in regions of the plasma membrane, but localized to a granular intracellular compartment. The results suggest that the recently described actin-binding domain in exon 10, but not the presence or absence of exons 2+3, is relevant for subcellular targeting. Although the NF2 protein is known as a cytoskeletal linker, additional functions in a cytoplasmic compartment and in the nucleus may exist.

ERM proteins in cell adhesion and membrane dynamics

Ezrin, radixin and moesin, collectively known as the ERM proteins, are a group of closely related membrane-cytoskeleton linkers that regulate cell adhesion and cortical morphogenesis. ERM proteins can self-associate through intra- and inter-molecular interactions, and these interactions mask several binding sites on the proteins. ERM activation involves unfolding of the molecule, and allows the protein to bind to plasma membrane components either directly, or indirectly through linker proteins. The discovery that the tumour-suppressor NF2, also known as merlin/schwannomin, is related to ERM proteins has added a new impetus to investigations of their roles. This review discusses current understanding of the structure and function of members of the ERM family of proteins.

Schwann cell hyperplasia and tumors in transgenic mice expressing a naturally occurring mutant NF2 protein

Specific mutations in some tumor suppressor genes such as p53 can act in a dominant fashion. We tested whether this mechanism may also apply for the neurofibromatosis type-2 gene (NF2) which, when mutated, leads to schwannoma development. Transgenic mice were generated that express, in Schwann cells, mutant NF2 proteins prototypic of natural mutants observed in humans. Mice expressing a NF2 protein with an interstitial deletion in the amino-terminal domain showed high prevalence of Schwann cell-derived tumors and Schwann cell hyperplasia, whereas those expressing a carboxy-terminally truncated protein were normal. Our results indicate that a subset of mutant NF2 alleles observed in patients may encode products with dominant properties when overexpressed in specific cell lineages.