Epidermal Ras blockade demonstrates spatially localized Ras promotion of proliferation and inhibition of differentiation

Cutaneous manifestations in Costello syndrome: HRAS p.Gly12Ser affects RIN1-mediated integrin trafficking in immortalized epidermal keratinocytes

Heterozygous germline missense variants in the HRAS gene underlie Costello syndrome (CS). The molecular basis for cutaneous manifestations in CS is largely unknown. We used an immortalized human cell line, HaCaT keratinocytes, stably expressing wild-type or CS-associated (p.Gly12Ser) HRAS and defined RIN1 as quantitatively most prominent, high-affinity effector of active HRAS in these cells. As an exchange factor for RAB5 GTPases, RIN1 is involved in endosomal sorting of cell-adhesion integrins. RIN1-dependent RAB5A activation was strongly increased by HRASGly12Ser, and HRAS-RIN1-ABL1/2 signaling was induced in HRASWT- and HRASGly12Ser-expressing cells. Along with that, HRASGly12Ser expression decreased total integrin levels and enriched β1 integrin in RAB5- and EEA1-positive early endosomes. The intracellular level of active β1 integrin was increased in HRASGly12Ser HaCaT keratinocytes due to impaired recycling, whereas RIN1 disruption raised β1 integrin cell surface distribution. HRASGly12Ser induced co-localization of β1 integrin with SNX17 and RAB7 in early/sorting and late endosomes, respectively. Thus, by retaining β1 integrin in intracellular endosomal compartments, HRAS-RIN1 signaling affects the subcellular availability of β1 integrin. This may interfere with integrin-dependent processes as we detected for HRASGly12Ser cells spreading on fibronectin. We conclude that dysregulation of receptor trafficking and integrin-dependent processes such as cell adhesion are relevant in the pathobiology of CS.

MAB21L4 Deficiency Drives Squamous Cell Carcinoma via Activation of RET

Epithelial squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) most commonly originate in the skin, where they display disruptions in the normally tightly regulated homeostatic balance between keratinocyte proliferation and terminal differentiation. We performed a transcriptome-wide screen for genes of unknown function that possess inverse expression patterns in differentiating keratinocytes compared with cutaneous SCC (cSCC), leading to the identification of MAB21L4 (C2ORF54) as an enforcer of terminal differentiation that suppresses carcinogenesis. Loss of MAB21L4 in human cSCC organoids increased expression of RET to enable malignant progression. In addition to transcriptional upregulation of RET, deletion of MAB21L4 preempted recruitment of the CacyBP-Siah1 E3 ligase complex to RET and reduced its ubiquitylation. In SCC organoids and in vivo tumor models, genetic disruption of RET or selective inhibition of RET with BLU-667 (pralsetinib) suppressed SCC growth while inducing concomitant differentiation. Overall, loss of MAB21L4 early during SCC development blocks differentiation by increasing RET expression. These results suggest that targeting RET activation is a potential therapeutic strategy for treating SCC.

SIGNIFICANCE

Downregulation of RET mediated by MAB21L4-CacyBP interaction is required to induce epidermal differentiation and suppress carcinogenesis, suggesting RET inhibition as a potential therapeutic approach in squamous cell carcinoma.

Cutis verticis gyrata and Noonan syndrome: report of two cases with pathogenetic variant in SOS1 gene

Background

Noonan and Noonan-like syndromes are multisystem genetic disorders, mainly with autosomal dominant trasmission, caused by mutations in several genes. Missense pathogenetic variants of SOS1 gene are the second most common cause of Noonan syndrome (NS) and account approximately for 13% to 17% of cases. Subjects carrying a pathogenetic variant in SOS1 gene tend to exhibit a distinctive phenotype that is characterized by ectodermal abnormalities. Cutis verticis gyrata (CVG) is a rare disease, congenital or acquired, characterized by the redundancy of skin on scalp, forming thick skin folds and grooves of similar aspect to cerebral cortex gyri. Several references in the literature have reported association between nonessential primary form of CVG and NS.

Case presentation

we report two cases of newborns with CVG and phenotype suggestive for NS who have been diagnosed to harbour the same pathogenetic variant in SOS1 gene.

Conclusions

previously described patients with NS presenting CVG had received only clinical diagnosis. Therefore we report the first patients with CVG in which the clinical suspicion of NS is confirmed by molecolar analysis.

Ras Signaling in Breast Cancer

Ras proteins mediate extracellular and cytoplasmic signaling networks via receptor tyrosine kinase. The Ras pathway induces activation of signaling molecules involved in cell proliferation and growth, cell survival and apoptosis, metabolism, and motility. Although Ras mutations in breast cancer are not frequently reported, hyperactivation of Ras signaling plays an important role in breast cancer growth and progression. Oncogenic Ras activation occurs via loss of Ras GTPase-activating proteins, overexpression of growth factor receptor, and stimulation by various cytokines. Effective control of oncogenic Ras is one of the therapeutic strategies in breast cancer. The mechanisms of intracellular localization, activation, and signaling pathway of Ras in cancer have been used to develop therapeutic candidates. Recent studies have reported an effective therapy for breast cancer by inhibition of enzymes involved in the posttranslational modification of Ras, such as farnesyltransferase and geranylgeranyltransferase 1, and anti-cancer therapies targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Emerging targets involved in EGF-mediated Ras activity in breast cancer have shed new insight into Ras activation in breast cancer progression. These alternative mechanisms for Ras signaling pathway may suggest novel therapeutic approaches for targeting Ras in breast cancer. In spite of the difficulties in targeting Ras protein, important discoveries highlight the direct inhibition of Ras activity. Further studies may elucidate the effects of targeting Ras protein and the clinical relevance thereof.

Regulated spindle orientation buffers tissue growth in the epidermis

Tissue homeostasis requires a balance between progenitor cell proliferation and loss. Mechanisms that maintain this robust balance are needed to avoid tissue loss or overgrowth. Here we demonstrate that regulation of spindle orientation/asymmetric cell divisions is one mechanism that is used to buffer changes in proliferation and tissue turnover in mammalian skin. Genetic and pharmacologic experiments demonstrate that asymmetric cell divisions were increased in hyperproliferative conditions and decreased under hypoproliferative conditions. Further, active K-Ras also increased the frequency of asymmetric cell divisions. Disruption of spindle orientation in combination with constitutively active K-Ras resulted in massive tissue overgrowth. Together, these data highlight the essential roles of spindle orientation in buffering tissue homeostasis in response to perturbations.

Expression of Mammalian BM88/CEND1 in Drosophila Affects Nervous System Development by Interfering with Precursor Cell Formation

We used Drosophila melanogaster as an experimental model to express mouse and pig BM88/CEND1 (cell cycle exit and neuronal differentiation 1) in order to investigate its potential functional effects on Drosophila neurogenesis. BM88/CEND1 is a neuron-specific protein whose function is implicated in triggering cells to exit from the cell cycle and differentiate towards a neuronal phenotype. Transgenic flies expressing either mouse or pig BM88/CEND1 in the nervous system had severe neuronal phenotypes with variable expressivity at various stages of embryonic development. In early embryonic stage 10, BM88/CEND1 expression led to an increase in the neural-specific antigenicity of neuroectoderm at the expense of precursor cells [neuroblasts (Nbs) and ganglion mother cells (GMCs)] including the defective formation and differentiation of the MP2 precursors, whereas at later stages (12-15), protein accumulation induced gross morphological defects primarily in the CNS accompanied by a reduction of Nb and GMC markers. Furthermore, the neuronal precursor cells of embryos expressing BM88/CEND1 failed to carry out proper cell-cycle progression as revealed by the disorganized expression patterns of specific cell-cycle markers. BM88/CEND1 accumulation in the Drosophila eye affected normal eye disc development by disrupting the ommatidia. Finally, we demonstrated that expression of BM88/CEND1 modified/reduced the levels of activated MAP kinase indicating a functional effect of BM88/CEND1 on the MAPK signaling pathway. Our findings suggest that the expression of mammalian BM88/CEND1 in Drosophila exerts specific functional effects associated with neuronal precursor cell formation during embryonic neurogenesis and proper eye disc development. This study also validates the use of Drosophila as a powerful model system in which to investigate gene function and the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Paracrine signalling during ZEB1-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition augments local myofibroblast differentiation in lung fibrosis

The contribution of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) to human lung fibrogenesis is controversial. Here we provide evidence that ZEB1-mediated EMT in human alveolar epithelial type II (ATII) cells contributes to the development of lung fibrosis by paracrine signalling to underlying fibroblasts. Activation of EGFR-RAS-ERK signalling in ATII cells induced EMT via ZEB1. ATII cells had extremely low extracellular matrix gene expression even after induction of EMT, however conditioned media from ATII cells undergoing RAS-induced EMT augmented TGFβ-induced profibrogenic responses in lung fibroblasts. This epithelial-mesenchymal crosstalk was controlled by ZEB1 via the expression of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). In human fibrotic lung tissue, nuclear ZEB1 expression was detected in alveolar epithelium adjacent to sites of extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, suggesting that ZEB1-mediated paracrine signalling has the potential to contribute to early fibrotic changes in the lung interstitium. Targeting this novel ZEB1 regulatory axis may be a viable strategy for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.

Loss of Primary Cilia Drives Switching from Hedgehog to Ras/MAPK Pathway in Resistant Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) rely on Hedgehog (HH) pathway growth signal amplification by the microtubule-based organelle, the primary cilium. Despite naive tumor responsiveness to Smoothened inhibitors (Smoⁱ), resistance in advanced tumors remains common. Although the resistant BCCs usually maintain HH pathway activation, squamous cell carcinomas with Ras/MAPK pathway activation also arise, and the molecular basis of tumor type and pathway selection are still obscure. Here, we identify the primary cilium as a critical determinant controlling tumor pathway switching. Strikingly, Smoothened inhibitor-resistant BCCs have an increased mutational load in ciliome genes, resulting in reduced primary cilia and HH pathway activation compared with naive or Gorlin syndrome patient BCCs. Gene set enrichment analysis of resistant BCCs with a low HH pathway signature showed increased Ras/MAPK pathway activation. Tissue analysis confirmed an inverse relationship between primary cilia presence and Ras/MAPK activation, and primary cilia removal in BCCs potentiated Ras/MAPK pathway activation. Moreover, activating Ras in HH-responsive cell lines conferred resistance to both canonical (vismodegib) and noncanonical (atypical protein kinase C and MRTF inhibitors) HH pathway inhibitors and conferred sensitivity to MAPK inhibitors. Our results provide insights into BCC treatment and identify the primary cilium as an important lineage gatekeeper, preventing HH-to-Ras/MAPK pathway switching.

IMR90 ER:RAS: A Cell Model of Oncogene-Induced Senescence

Oncogene-induced senescence (OIS) is a cellular response that limits the replication of cells expressing oncogenes. As a result, OIS is a potent tumor suppressor mechanism limiting cancer progression. Here we describe IMR90 ER:RAS, a widely used model to study OIS in cell culture. This model takes advantage of IMR90 human primary fibroblast infected with a 4-hydroxy-tamoxifen (4-OHT) inducible ER:RAS construct. RAS activation upon 4-OHT treatment results in a coordinated induction of senescence, recapitulating different aspects of the phenotype such as the growth arrest and the establishment of a senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP).

Induction of non-apoptotic programmed cell death by oncogenic RAS in human epithelial cells and its suppression by MYC overexpression

Oncogenic mutations of RAS genes, found in about 30% of human cancers, are considered to play important roles in cancer development. However, oncogenic RAS can also induce senescence in mouse and human normal fibroblasts. In some cell lines, oncogenic RAS has been reported to induce non-apoptotic programed cell death (PCD). Here, we investigated effects of oncogenic RAS expression in several types of normal human epithelial cells. Oncogenic RAS but not wild-type RAS stimulated macropinocytosis with accumulation of large-phase lucent vacuoles in the cytoplasm, subsequently leading to cell death which was indistinguishable from a recently proposed new type of PCD, methuosis. A RAC1 inhibitor suppressed accumulation of macropinosomes and overexpression of MYC attenuated oncogenic RAS-induced such accumulation, cell cycle arrest and cell death. MYC suppression or rapamycin treatment in some cancer cell lines harbouring oncogenic mutations in RAS genes induced cell death with accumulation of macropinosomes. These results suggest that this type of non-apoptotic PCD is a tumour-suppressing mechanism acting against oncogenic RAS mutations in normal human epithelial cells, which can be overcome by MYC overexpression, raising the possibility that its induction might be a novel approach to treatment of RAS-mutated human cancers.

Interrogating the protein interactomes of RAS isoforms identifies PIP5K1A as a KRAS-specific vulnerability

In human cancers, oncogenic mutations commonly occur in the RAS genes KRAS, NRAS, or HRAS, but there are no clinical RAS inhibitors. Mutations are more prevalent in KRAS, possibly suggesting a unique oncogenic activity mediated by KRAS-specific interaction partners, which might be targeted. Here, we determine the specific protein interactomes of each RAS isoform by BirA proximity-dependent biotin identification. The combined interactomes are screened by CRISPR-Cas9 loss-of-function assays for proteins required for oncogenic KRAS-dependent, NRAS-dependent, or HRAS-dependent proliferation and censored for druggable proteins. Using this strategy, we identify phosphatidylinositol phosphate kinase PIP5K1A as a KRAS-specific interactor and show that PIP5K1A binds to a unique region in KRAS. Furthermore, PIP5K1A depletion specifically reduces oncogenic KRAS signaling and proliferation, and sensitizes pancreatic cancer cell lines to a MAPK inhibitor. These results suggest PIP5K1A as a potential target in KRAS signaling for the treatment of KRAS-mutant cancers.

RAS isoforms are frequently mutated in cancer but their inhibition remains challenging. By comparing the protein interactomes of the highly similar isoforms HRAS, NRAS and KRAS, the authors here identify PIP5K1A as a KRAS-specific interactor and a target to inhibit KRAS-driven cell growth.

PKCι and YAP1 are crucial in promoting pancreatic tumorigenesis

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a fatal malignant disease with 5-year survival rate of less than 6%. Activating mutations of Kras (mu-Kras) are often detected in most of PDAC patients. Although it has been known that oncogenic Kras is the driver of pancreatic cancer initiation and development, the underlying mechanisms by which mu-Kras promotes PDAC remain poorly understood. Here, we identify that PKCι is one of the crucial factors for supporting the survival of pancreatic cancer cells expressing mu-Kras. Our study demonstrates that after the knockdown of PKCι, the expression of the transcriptional co-activator YAP1 is decreased, which hinders the expression of the downstream target gene Mcl-1, and subsequently sensitizes pancreatic cancer MiaPaCa and PANC-1 cells experssing mu-Kras to apoptosis. In comparison, the suppression of PKCι has little impact on the viability of non-neoplastic pancreatic HPDE6-C7 cells. Moreover, the transient overexpression of oncogenic Kras in HPDE6-C7 elevates the expression of PKCι and YAP1 concomitantly. The upregulated YAP1 in HPDE6-C7/ mu-Kras cells is abolished once PKCι is suppressed, suggesting the linear relationship among mu-Kras, PKCι and YAP1. This phenomenon is further proven by the co-upregulation of PKCι and YAP1 in HPDE6-C7 cells stably transfected with mu-Kras. Taken together, our findings suggest that PKCι acts through promoting YAP1 function to promote the survival of pancreatic cancer cells expressing mu-Kras. It appears that targeting PKCι-YAP1 signaling is a feasible strategy for developing new therapeutics for treating pancreatic cancer patients.

ELF3 is an antagonist of oncogenic-signalling-induced expression of EMT-TF ZEB1

Background: Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key step in the transformation of epithelial cells into migratory and invasive tumour cells. Intricate positive and negative regulatory processes regulate EMT. Many oncogenic signalling pathways can induce EMT, but the specific mechanisms of how this occurs, and how this process is controlled are not fully understood. Methods: RNA-Seq analysis, computational analysis of protein networks and large-scale cancer genomics datasets were used to identify ELF3 as a negative regulator of the expression of EMT markers. Western blotting coupled to siRNA as well as analysis of tumour/normal colorectal cancer panels was used to investigate the expression and function of ELF3. Results: RNA-Seq analysis of colorectal cancer cells expressing mutant and wild-type β-catenin and analysis of colorectal cancer cells expressing inducible mutant RAS showed that ELF3 expression is reduced in response to oncogenic signalling and antagonizes Wnt and RAS oncogenic signalling pathways. Analysis of gene-expression patterns across The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and protein localization in colorectal cancer tumour panels showed that ELF3 expression is anti-correlated with β-catenin and markers of EMT and correlates with better clinical prognosis. Conclusions: ELF3 is a negative regulator of the EMT transcription factor (EMT-TF) ZEB1 through its function as an antagonist of oncogenic signalling.

RAS-mediated oncogenic signaling pathways in human malignancies

Abnormally activated RAS proteins are the main oncogenic driver that governs the functioning of major signaling pathways involved in the initiation and development of human malignancies. Mutations in RAS genes and or its regulators, most frequent in human cancers, are the main force for incessant RAS activation and associated pathological conditions including cancer. In general, RAS is the main upstream regulator of the highly conserved signaling mechanisms associated with a plethora of important cellular activities vital for normal homeostasis. Mutated or the oncogenic RAS aberrantly activates a web of interconnected signaling pathways including RAF-MEK (mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase)-ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase), phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K)/AKT (protein kinase B), protein kinase C (PKC) and ral guanine nucleotide dissociation stimulator (RALGDS), etc., leading to uncontrolled transcriptional expression and reprogramming in the functioning of a range of nuclear and cytosolic effectors critically associated with the hallmarks of carcinogenesis. This review highlights the recent literature on how oncogenic RAS negatively use its signaling web in deregulating the expression and functioning of various effector molecules in the pathogenesis of human malignancies.

Phospho-proteomic analyses of B-Raf protein complexes reveal new regulatory principles

B-Raf represents a critical physiological regulator of the Ras/RAF/MEK/ERK-pathway and a pharmacological target of growing clinical relevance, in particular in oncology. To understand how B-Raf itself is regulated, we combined mass spectrometry with genetic approaches to map its interactome in MCF-10A cells as well as in B-Raf deficient murine embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) and B-Raf/Raf-1 double deficient DT40 lymphoma cells complemented with wildtype or mutant B-Raf expression vectors. Using a multi-protease digestion approach, we identified a novel ubiquitination site and provide a detailed B-Raf phospho-map. Importantly, we identify two evolutionary conserved phosphorylation clusters around T401 and S419 in the B-Raf hinge region. SILAC labelling and genetic/biochemical follow-up revealed that these clusters are phosphorylated in the contexts of oncogenic Ras, sorafenib induced Raf dimerization and in the background of the V600E mutation. We further show that the vemurafenib sensitive phosphorylation of the T401 cluster occurs in trans within a Raf dimer. Substitution of the Ser/Thr-residues of this cluster by alanine residues enhances the transforming potential of B-Raf, indicating that these phosphorylation sites suppress its signaling output. Moreover, several B-Raf phosphorylation sites, including T401 and S419, are somatically mutated in tumors, further illustrating the importance of phosphorylation for the regulation of this kinase.

Phosphorylation of Pkp1 by RIPK4 regulates epidermal differentiation and skin tumorigenesis

Tissue homeostasis of skin is sustained by epidermal progenitor cells localized within the basal layer of the skin epithelium. Post-translational modification of the proteome, such as protein phosphorylation, plays a fundamental role in the regulation of stemness and differentiation of somatic stem cells. However, it remains unclear how phosphoproteomic changes occur and contribute to epidermal differentiation. In this study, we survey the epidermal cell differentiation in a systematic manner by combining quantitative phosphoproteomics with mammalian kinome cDNA library screen. This approach identified a key signaling event, phosphorylation of a desmosome component, PKP1 (plakophilin-1) by RIPK4 (receptor-interacting serine-threonine kinase 4) during epidermal differentiation. With genome-editing and mouse genetics approach, we show that loss of function of either Pkp1 or Ripk4 impairs skin differentiation and enhances epidermal carcinogenesis in vivo Phosphorylation of PKP1's N-terminal domain by RIPK4 is essential for their role in epidermal differentiation. Taken together, our study presents a global view of phosphoproteomic changes that occur during epidermal differentiation, and identifies RIPK-PKP1 signaling as novel axis involved in skin stratification and tumorigenesis.

Human platelet lysate versus minoxidil stimulates hair growth by activating anagen promoting signaling pathways

Minoxidil and human platelet lysate (HPL) are commonly used to treat patients with hair loss. However, the roles of HPL versus minoxidil in hair follicle biology largely remain unknown. Here, we hypothesized that bulge and dermal papilla (DP) cells may express specific genes, including Kras, Erk, Akt, Shh and β-catenin after exposure to minoxidil or HPL. The mouse hair follicles were isolated on day 10 after depilation and bulge or DP regions were dissected. The bulge and DP cells were cultured for 14days in DMEM/F12 medium. Then, the cells were treated with 100μM minoxidil and 10% HPL for 10 days. Nuclear morphology was identified using DAPi staining. Reverse transcriptase and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis were also performed to examine the expression of Kras, Erk, Akt, Shh and β-catenin mRNA levels in the treated bulge and DP regions after organ culture. Here, we found that minoxidil influences bulge and DP cell survival (P<0.05). Apoptosis in DP cells was also meaningfully decreased by HPL treatment (P=0.014). In addition, Kras, Akt, Erk, Shh and β-catenin mRNA levels were changed in response to minoxidil treatment in both bulge and DP cells. HPL mediated Erk upregulation in both bulge and DP cells (P<0.05), but Kras and Akt mRNA levels were not considerably different in the HPL-treated cells. β-catenin mRNA level was also significantly increased in the bulge region by HPL. We also found that Shh mRNA level was considerably higher in HPL-treated bulge cells than in minoxidil-treated bulge cells. In contrast, the expression of β-cateinin and Shh in the DP cells was not meaningfully increased after treatment with HPL. Our results suggest that minoxidil and HPL can promote hair growth by activating the main anagen inducing signaling pathways.

Oncogenic Ras: A double-edged sword for human epidermal stem and transient amplifying cells

The human epidermal clonal evolution, i.e. the transition from stem cells (SCs) to transient amplifying (TA)-cells and post-mitotic cells, is a continuous and tightly regulated process that ensures physiologic tissue homeostasis. The Ras family of small GTPases has a key role in skin homeostasis and tumorigenesis. Indeed, activating mutations in Ras genes have been found in human cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (cSCCs) and in experimentally-induced murine cSCCs. In mouse models, the Ras signaling might lead to hyperproliferative phenotypes, including the development of cSCCs, depending on the nature of the founding cells. Tumor-initiating cells or Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) have been demonstrated in murine and human cSCCs even if the mechanism of their development from normal SCs or TA-cells is not completely elucidated. Here, the relation between the Ras expression outcome and the clonogenic potential of the target keratinocyte is discussed.

Highly Efficient CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Cloning and Functional Characterization of Gastric Cancer-Derived Epstein-Barr Virus Strains

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is etiologically linked to approximately 10% of gastric cancers, in which viral genomes are maintained as multicopy episomes. EBV-positive gastric cancer cells are incompetent for progeny virus production, making viral DNA cloning extremely difficult. Here we describe a highly efficient strategy for obtaining bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones of EBV episomes by utilizing a CRISPR/Cas9-mediated strand break of the viral genome and subsequent homology-directed repair. EBV strains maintained in two gastric cancer cell lines (SNU719 and YCCEL1) were cloned, and their complete viral genome sequences were determined. Infectious viruses of gastric cancer cell-derived EBVs were reconstituted, and the viruses established stable latent infections in immortalized keratinocytes. While Ras oncoprotein overexpression caused massive vacuolar degeneration and cell death in control keratinocytes, EBV-infected keratinocytes survived in the presence of Ras expression. These results implicate EBV infection in predisposing epithelial cells to malignant transformation by inducing resistance to oncogene-induced cell death.

IMPORTANCE

Recent progress in DNA-sequencing technology has accelerated EBV whole-genome sequencing, and the repertoire of sequenced EBV genomes is increasing progressively. Accordingly, the presence of EBV variant strains that may be relevant to EBV-associated diseases has begun to attract interest. Clearly, the determination of additional disease-associated viral genome sequences will facilitate the identification of any disease-specific EBV variants. We found that CRISPR/Cas9-mediated cleavage of EBV episomal DNA enabled the cloning of disease-associated viral strains with unprecedented efficiency. As a proof of concept, two gastric cancer cell-derived EBV strains were cloned, and the infection of epithelial cells with reconstituted viruses provided important clues about the mechanism of EBV-mediated epithelial carcinogenesis. This experimental system should contribute to establishing the relationship between viral genome variation and EBV-associated diseases.

Survivin Modulates Squamous Cell Carcinoma-Derived Stem-Like Cell Proliferation, Viability and Tumor Formation in Vivo

Squamous Cell Carcinoma-derived Stem-like Cells (SCC-SC) originate from alterations in keratinocyte stem cells (KSC) gene expression and sustain tumor development, invasion and recurrence. Since survivin, a KSC marker, is highly expressed in SCC-SC, we evaluate its role in SCC-SC cell growth and SCC models. Survivin silencing by siRNA decreases clonal growth of SCC keratinocytes and viability of total, rapidly adhering (RAD) and non-RAD (NRAD) cells from primary SCC. Similarly, survivin silencing reduces the expression of stem cell markers (OCT4, NOTCH1, CD133, β₁-integrin), while it increases the level of differentiation markers (K10, involucrin). Moreover, survivin silencing improves the malignant phenotype of SCC 3D-reconstruct, as demonstrated by reduced epidermal thickness, lower Ki-67 positive cell number, and decreased expression of MMP9 and psoriasin. Furthermore, survivin depletion by siRNA in Ras^G12V-IκBα-derived tumors leads to smaller tumor formation characterized by lower mitotic index and reduced expression of the tumor-associated marker HIF1α, VEGF and CD51. Therefore, our results indicate survivin as a key gene in regulating SCC cancer stem cell formation and cSCC development.

ASPP2 controls epithelial plasticity and inhibits metastasis through β-catenin-dependent regulation of ZEB1

Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), and the reverse mesenchymal to epithelial transition (MET), are known examples of epithelial plasticity that are important in kidney development and cancer metastasis. Here we identify ASPP2, a haploinsufficient tumour suppressor, p53 activator and PAR3 binding partner, as a molecular switch of MET and EMT. ASPP2 contributes to MET in mouse kidney in vivo. Mechanistically, ASPP2 induces MET through its PAR3-binding amino-terminus, independently of p53 binding. ASPP2 prevents β-catenin from transactivating ZEB1, directly by forming an ASPP2-β-catenin-E-cadherin ternary complex and indirectly by inhibiting β-catenin's N-terminal phosphorylation to stabilize the β-catenin-E-cadherin complex. ASPP2 limits the pro-invasive property of oncogenic RAS and inhibits tumour metastasis in vivo. Reduced ASPP2 expression results in EMT, and is associated with poor survival in hepatocellular carcinoma and breast cancer patients. Hence, ASPP2 is a key regulator of epithelial plasticity that connects cell polarity to the suppression of WNT signalling, EMT and tumour metastasis.

Genetic analysis of Ras genes in epidermal development and tumorigenesis

Proliferation and differentiation of epidermal keratinocytes are tightly controlled to ensure proper development and homeostasis of the epidermis. The Ras family of small GTPases has emerged as a central node in the coordination of cell proliferation in the epidermis. Recent genetic evidence from mouse models has revealed that the intensity of Ras signaling modulates the proliferative capacity of epidermal keratinocytes. Interfering with Ras signaling either by combined elimination of the 3 Ras genes from the basal layer of the epidermis or by overexpression of dominant-negative Ras isoforms caused epidermal thinning due to hypoproliferation of keratinocytes. In contrast, overexpression of oncogenic Ras mutants in different epidermal cell layers led to hyperproliferative phenotypes including the development of papillomas and squamous cell carcinomas. Here, we discuss the value of loss- and gain-of-function studies in mouse models to assess the role of Ras signaling in the control of epidermal proliferation.

EGFR-ras-raf signaling in epidermal stem cells: roles in hair follicle development, regeneration, tissue remodeling and epidermal cancers

The mammalian skin is the largest organ of the body and its outermost layer, the epidermis, undergoes dynamic lifetime renewal through the activity of somatic stem cell populations. The EGFR-Ras-Raf pathway has a well-described role in skin development and tumor formation. While research mainly focuses on its role in cutaneous tumor initiation and maintenance, much less is known about Ras signaling in the epidermal stem cells, which are the main targets of skin carcinogenesis. In this review, we briefly discuss the properties of the epidermal stem cells and review the role of EGFR-Ras-Raf signaling in keratinocyte stem cells during homeostatic and pathological conditions.

Ras signaling is essential for skin development

Proliferation in the epidermis is a tightly controlled process. During skin development, epidermis formation and hair follicle morphogenesis crucially depend on the regulated balance between proliferation and differentiation. Here we deleted all three Ras loci (H-Ras, N-Ras and K-Ras) from keratinocytes in vitro as well as specifically from the epidermis in mice using a K5Cre strain. Upon Ras elimination, keratinocytes ceased proliferation and entered into senescence without any signs of apoptosis induction. Constitutive activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway was able to partially rescue the proliferative defects. In mice, Ras signaling was essential for proper development of the epidermis and hair follicles. Deletion of the three Ras loci during epidermis formation in mouse embryos caused a dramatic decrease in proliferation, resulting in a substantially thinner epidermis and delayed appearance of differentiation markers. We could not detect apoptotic or senescent cells in these embryos suggesting that loss of Ras protein expression only leads to severe hypoproliferation. These observations provide genetic evidence for an essential role of Ras proteins in the control of keratinocyte and epidermal proliferation.

Coordinate direct input of both KRAS and IGF1 receptor to activation of PI3 kinase in KRAS-mutant lung cancer

Using a panel of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) lines, we show here that MAP-ERK kinase (MEK) and RAF inhibitors are selectively toxic for the KRAS-mutant genotype, whereas phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), AKT, and mTOR inhibitors are not. IGF1 receptor (IGF1R) tyrosine kinase inhibitors also show selectivity for KRAS-mutant lung cancer lines. Combinations of IGF1R and MEK inhibitors resulted in strengthened inhibition of KRAS-mutant lines and also showed improved effectiveness in autochthonous mouse models of Kras-induced NSCLC. PI3K pathway activity is dependent on basal IGF1R activity in KRAS-mutant, but not wild-type, lung cancer cell lines. KRAS is needed for both MEK and PI3K pathway activity in KRAS-mutant, but not wild-type, lung cancer cells, whereas acute activation of KRAS causes stimulation of PI3K dependent upon IGF1R kinase activity. Coordinate direct input of both KRAS and IGF1R is thus required to activate PI3K in KRAS-mutant lung cancer cells.

SIGNIFICANCE

It has not yet been possible to target RAS proteins directly, so combined targeting of effect or pathways acting downstream of RAS, including RAF/MEK and PI3K/AKT, has been the most favored approach to the treatment of RAS -mutant cancers. This work sheds light on the ability of RASto activate PI3K through direct interaction, indicating that input is also required from a receptor tyrosinekinase, IGF1R in the case of KRAS -mutant lung cancer. This suggests potential novel combination therapeutic strategies for NSCLC.

ASPP1 and ASPP2 bind active RAS, potentiate RAS signalling and enhance p53 activity in cancer cells

RAS mutations occur frequently in human cancer and activated RAS signalling contributes to tumour development and progression. Apart from its oncogenic effects on cell growth, active RAS has tumour-suppressive functions via its ability to induce cellular senescence and apoptosis. RAS is known to induce p53-dependent cell cycle arrest, yet its effect on p53-dependent apoptosis remains unclear. We report here that apoptosis-stimulating protein of p53 (ASPP) 1 and 2, two activators of p53, preferentially bind active RAS via their N-terminal RAS-association domains (RAD). Additionally, ASPP2 colocalises with and contributes to RAS cellular membrane localisation and potentiates RAS signalling. In cancer cells, ASPP1 and ASPP2 cooperate with oncogenic RAS to enhance the transcription and apoptotic function of p53. Thus, loss of ASPP1 and ASPP2 in human cancer cells may contribute to the full transforming property of RAS oncogene.

Determination of synthetic lethal interactions in KRAS oncogene-dependent cancer cells reveals novel therapeutic targeting strategies

Oncogenic mutations in RAS genes are very common in human cancer, resulting in cells with well-characterized selective advantages, but also less well-understood vulnerabilities. We have carried out a large-scale loss-of-function screen to identify genes that are required by KRAS-transformed colon cancer cells, but not by derivatives lacking this oncogene. Top-scoring genes were then tested in a larger panel of KRAS mutant and wild-type cancer cells. Cancer cells expressing oncogenic KRAS were found to be highly dependent on the transcription factor GATA2 and the DNA replication initiation regulator CDC6. Extending this analysis using a collection of drugs with known targets, we found that cancer cells with mutant KRAS showed selective addiction to proteasome function, as well as synthetic lethality with topoisomerase inhibition. Combination targeting of these functions caused improved killing of KRAS mutant cells relative to wild-type cells. These observations suggest novel targets and new ways of combining existing therapies for optimal effect in RAS mutant cancers, which are traditionally seen as being highly refractory to therapy.

Autophagic activity dictates the cellular response to oncogenic RAS

RAS is frequently mutated in human cancers and has opposing effects on autophagy and tumorigenesis. Identifying determinants of the cellular responses to RAS is therefore vital in cancer research. Here, we show that autophagic activity dictates the cellular response to oncogenic RAS. N-terminal Apoptosis-stimulating of p53 protein 2 (ASPP2) mediates RAS-induced senescence and inhibits autophagy. Oncogenic RAS-expressing ASPP2((Δ3/Δ3)) mouse embryonic fibroblasts that escape senescence express a high level of ATG5/ATG12. Consistent with the notion that autophagy levels control the cellular response to oncogenic RAS, overexpressing ATG5, but not autophagy-deficient ATG5 mutant K130R, bypasses RAS-induced senescence, whereas ATG5 or ATG3 deficiency predisposes to it. Mechanistically, ASPP2 inhibits RAS-induced autophagy by competing with ATG16 to bind ATG5/ATG12 and preventing ATG16/ATG5/ATG12 formation. Hence, ASPP2 modulates oncogenic RAS-induced autophagic activity to dictate the cellular response to RAS: to proliferate or senesce.

Distinct requirement for an intact dimer interface in wild-type, V600E and kinase-dead B-Raf signalling

The dimerisation of Raf kinases involves a central cluster within the kinase domain, the dimer interface (DIF). Yet, the importance of the DIF for the signalling potential of wild-type B-Raf (B-Raf(wt)) and its oncogenic counterparts remains unknown. Here, we show that the DIF plays a pivotal role for the activity of B-Raf(wt) and several of its gain-of-function (g-o-f) mutants. In contrast, the B-Raf(V600E), B-Raf(insT) and B-Raf(G469A) oncoproteins are remarkably resistant to mutations in the DIF. However, compared with B-Raf(wt), B-Raf(V600E) displays extended protomer contacts, increased homodimerisation and incorporation into larger protein complexes. In contrast, B-Raf(wt) and Raf-1(wt) mediated signalling triggered by oncogenic Ras as well as the paradoxical activation of Raf-1 by kinase-inactivated B-Raf require an intact DIF. Surprisingly, the B-Raf DIF is not required for dimerisation between Raf-1 and B-Raf, which was inactivated by the D594A mutation, sorafenib or PLX4720. This suggests that paradoxical MEK/ERK activation represents a two-step mechanism consisting of dimerisation and DIF-dependent transactivation. Our data further implicate the Raf DIF as a potential target against Ras-driven Raf-mediated (paradoxical) ERK activation.

RAS oncogenes: weaving a tumorigenic web

RAS proteins are essential components of signalling pathways that emanate from cell surface receptors. Oncogenic activation of these proteins owing to missense mutations is frequently detected in several types of cancer. A wealth of biochemical and genetic studies indicates that RAS proteins control a complex molecular circuitry that consists of a wide array of interconnecting pathways. In this Review, we describe how RAS oncogenes exploit their extensive signalling reach to affect multiple cellular processes that drive tumorigenesis.

3'UTR elements inhibit Ras-induced C/EBPβ post-translational activation and senescence in tumour cells

C/EBPβ is an auto-repressed protein that becomes post-translationally activated by Ras-MEK-ERK signalling. C/EBPβ is required for oncogene-induced senescence (OIS) of primary fibroblasts, but also displays pro-oncogenic functions in many tumour cells. Here, we show that C/EBPβ activation by H-Ras(V12) is suppressed in immortalized/transformed cells, but not in primary cells, by its 3' untranslated region (3'UTR). 3'UTR sequences inhibited Ras-induced cytostatic activity of C/EBPβ, DNA binding, transactivation, phosphorylation, and homodimerization, without significantly affecting protein expression. The 3'UTR suppressed induction of senescence-associated C/EBPβ target genes, while promoting expression of genes linked to cancers and TGFβ signalling. An AU-rich element (ARE) and its cognate RNA-binding protein, HuR, were required for 3'UTR inhibition. These components also excluded the Cebpb mRNA from a perinuclear cytoplasmic region that contains activated ERK1/2, indicating that the site of C/EBPβ translation controls de-repression by Ras signalling. Notably, 3'UTR inhibition and Cebpb mRNA compartmentalization were absent in primary fibroblasts, allowing Ras-induced C/EBPβ activation and OIS to proceed. Our findings reveal a novel mechanism whereby non-coding mRNA sequences selectively regulate C/EBPβ activity and suppress its anti-oncogenic functions.

c-Jun promotes whereas JunB inhibits epidermal neoplasia

Deregulation of the activator protein 1 (AP1) family gene regulators has been implicated in a wide range of diseases, including cancer. In this study we report that c-Jun was activated in human squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and coexpression of c-Jun with oncogenic Ras was sufficient to transform primary human epidermal cells into malignancy in a regenerated human skin grafting model. In contrast, JunB was not induced in a majority of human SCC cells. Moreover, exogenous expression of JunB inhibited tumorigenesis driven by Ras or spontaneous human SCC cells. Conversely, the dominant-negative JunB mutant (DNJunB) promoted tumorigenesis, which is in contrast to the tumor-suppressor function of the corresponding c-Jun mutant. At the cellular level, JunB induced epidermal cell senescence and slowed cell growth in a cell-autonomous manner. Consistently, coexpression of JunB and Ras induced premature epidermal differentiation concomitant with upregulation of p16 and filaggrin and downregulation of cyclin D1 and cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4). These findings indicate that JunB and c-Jun differentially regulate cell growth and differentiation and induce opposite effects on epidermal neoplasia.JID JOURNAL CLUB ARTICLE: For questions, answers, and open discussion about this article, please go to http://www.nature.com/jid/journalclub.

Critical role for transcriptional repressor Snail2 in transformation by oncogenic RAS in colorectal carcinoma cells

Activating mutations in the KRAS gene are among the most prevalent genetic changes in human cancers. To identify synthetic lethal interactions in cancer cells harbouring mutant KRAS, we performed a large-scale screen in isogenic paired colon cancer cell lines that differ by a single allele of mutant KRAS using an inducible short hairpin RNA interference library. Snail2, a zinc finger transcriptional repressor encoded by the SNAI2 gene, was found to be selectively required for the long-term survival of cancer cells with mutant KRAS that have undergone epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a transdifferentiation event that is frequently seen in advanced tumours and is promoted by RAS activation. Snail2 expression is regulated by the RAS pathway and is required for EMT. Our findings support Snail2 as a possible target for the treatment of the broad spectrum of human cancers of epithelial origin with mutant RAS that have undergone EMT and are characterized by a high degree of chemoresistance and radioresistance.

TAF4b and Jun/activating protein-1 collaborate to regulate the expression of integrin alpha6 and cancer cell migration properties

The TAF4b subunit of the transcription factor IID, which has a central role in transcription by polymerase II, is involved in promoter recognition by selective recruitment of activators. The activating protein-1 (AP-1) family members participate in oncogenic transformation via gene regulation. Utilizing immunoprecipitation of endogenous protein complexes, we documented specific interactions between Jun family members and TATA box binding protein-associated factors (TAF) in colon HT29 adenocarcinoma cells. Particularly, TAF4b and c-Jun were found to colocalize and interact in the nucleus of advanced carcinoma cells and in cells with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) characteristics. TAF4b was found to specifically regulate the AP-1 target gene involved in EMT integrin alpha6, thus altering related cellular properties such as migration potential. Using a chromatin immunoprecipitation approach in colon adenocarcinoma cell lines, we further identified a synergistic role for TAF4b and c-Jun and other AP-1 family members on the promoter of integrin alpha6, underlining the existence of a specific mechanism related to gene expression control. We show evidence for the first time of an interdependence of TAF4b and AP-1 family members in cell type-specific promoter recognition and initiation of transcription in the context of cancer progression and EMT.

Hydrogen sulfide impairs keratinocyte cell growth and adhesion inhibiting mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling

The effects of exogenous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on normal skin-derived immortalized human keratinocytes have been investigated in detail. We show in vitro that exogenous hydrogen sulfide reduces clonal growth, cell proliferation and cell adhesion of human keratinocytes. H(2)S, in fact, decreases the frequency of the putative keratinocyte stem cell subpopulation in culture, consequently affecting clonal growth, and impairs cell proliferation and adhesion of mature cells. As a mechanistic explanation of these effects, we show at the molecular level that (i) H2S reduces the Raf/MAPK kinase/ERK signaling pathway; (ii) the reduced adhesion of sulfur-treated cells is associated to the downregulation of the expression of beta4, alpha2 and alpha6 integrins that are necessary to promote cell adhesion as well as anti-apoptotic and proliferative signaling in normal keratinocytes. One specific interest of the effects of sulfurs on keratinocytes derives from the potential applications of the results, as sulfur is able to penetrate the skin and a sulfur-rich balneotherapy has been known for long to be effective in the treatment of psoriasis. Thus, the relevance of our findings to the pathophysiology of psoriasis was tested in vivo by treating psoriatic lesions with sulfurs at a concentration comparable to that most commonly found in sulfurous natural springs. In agreement with the in vitro observations, the immunohistochemical analysis of patient biopsies showed a specific downregulation of ERK activation levels, the key molecular event in the sulfur-induced effects on keratinocytes.

Raf-1 addiction in Ras-induced skin carcinogenesis

Ras activation is common to many human cancers and promotes cell proliferation and survival by initiating multiple signaling cascades. Accordingly, Ras-transformed cells are generally considered too resourceful to become addicted to a single effector. In contrast to this tenet, we now demonstrate an absolute, cell autonomous requirement for Raf-1 in the development and maintenance of Ras-induced skin epidermis tumors. Mechanistically, Raf-1 functions as an endogenous inhibitor dimming the activity of the Rho-dependent kinase Rok-alpha in the context of a Ras-induced Raf-1:Rok-alpha complex. Raf-1-induced Rok-alpha inhibition allows the phosphorylation of STAT3 and Myc expression and promotes dedifferentiation in Ras-induced tumors. These data link the Raf-1:Rok-alpha complex to STAT3/Myc activation and delineate a pathway crucial for cell fate decision in Ras-induced tumorigenesis.

Modeling inducible human tissue neoplasia identifies an extracellular matrix interaction network involved in cancer progression

To elucidate mechanisms of cancer progression, we generated inducible human neoplasia in three-dimensionally intact epithelial tissue. Gene expression profiling of both epithelia and stroma at specific time points during tumor progression revealed sequential enrichment of genes mediating discrete biologic functions in each tissue compartment. A core cancer progression signature was distilled using the increased signaling specificity of downstream oncogene effectors and subjected to network modeling. Network topology predicted that tumor development depends on specific extracellular matrix-interacting network hubs. Blockade of one such hub, the beta1 integrin subunit, disrupted network gene expression and attenuated tumorigenesis in vivo. Thus, integrating network modeling and temporal gene expression analysis of inducible human neoplasia provides an approach to prioritize and characterize genes functioning in cancer progression.

Erk1/2 MAP kinases are required for epidermal G2/M progression

Erk1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are often hyperactivated in human cancers, where they affect multiple processes, including proliferation. However, the effects of Erk1/2 loss in normal epithelial tissue, the setting of most extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk)-associated neoplasms, are unknown. In epidermis, loss of Erk1 or Erk2 individually has no effect, whereas simultaneous Erk1/2 depletion inhibits cell division, demonstrating that these MAPKs are necessary for normal tissue self-renewal. Growth inhibition caused by Erk1/2 loss is rescued by reintroducing Erk2, but not by activating Erk effectors that promote G1 cell cycle progression. Unlike fibroblasts, in which Erk1/2 loss decreases cyclin D1 expression and induces G1/S arrest, Erk1/2 loss in epithelial cells reduces cyclin B1 and c-Fos expression and induces G2/M arrest while disrupting a gene regulatory network centered on cyclin B1-Cdc2. Thus, the cell cycle stages at which Erk1/2 activity is required vary by cell type, with Erk1/2 functioning in epithelial cells to enable progression through G2/M.

PI3-kinase-dependent activation of apoptotic machinery occurs on commitment of epidermal keratinocytes to terminal differentiation

We have investigated the earliest events in commitment of human epidermal keratinocytes to terminal differentiation. Phosphorylated Akt and caspase activation were detected in cells exiting the basal layer of the epidermis. Activation of Akt by retroviral transduction of primary cultures of human keratinocytes resulted in an increase in abortive clones founded by transit amplifying cells, while inhibition of the upstream kinase, PI3-kinase, inhibited suspension-induced terminal differentiation. Caspase inhibition also blocked differentiation, the primary mediator being caspase 8. Caspase activation was initiated by 2 h in suspension, preceding the onset of expression of the terminal differentiation marker involucrin by several hours. Incubation of suspended cells with fibronectin or inhibition of PI3-kinase prevented caspase induction. At 2 h in suspension, keratinocytes that had become committed to terminal differentiation had increased side scatter, were 7-aminoactinomycin D (7-AAD) positive and annexin V negative; they exhibited loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and increased cardiolipin oxidation, but with no increase in reactive oxygen species. These properties indicate that the onset of terminal differentiation, while regulated by PI3-kinase and caspases, is not a classical apoptotic process.

A tale of terminal differentiation: IKKalpha, the master keratinocyte regulator

Keratinocyte differentiation is the process of cellular maturation from a mitotic state to a terminally differentiated state during which skin builds up a tough yet soft skin barrier to protect the body. Its irreversibility also allows the shedding of excessive keratinocytes, thereby maintaining skin homeostasis and preventing skin diseases. Although the entire journey of keratinocyte differentiation is intricate and not well understood, it is known that Ras is able to block keratinocyte terminal differentiation and instead induce keratinocyte proliferation and transformation. It appears that uncontrolled proliferation actually interrupts differentiation. However, it has been unclear whether there are any innate surveillants that would be able to induce terminal differentiation by antagonizing excessive mitotic activities. Inhibitor of nuclear factor kappaB kinase-alpha (IKKalpha, previously known as Chuk) emerges as a master regulator in the coordinative control of keratinocyte differentiation and proliferation and as a major tumor suppressor in human and mouse skin squamous cell carcinomas. IKKalpha does so largely by integrating into the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/Ras/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk)/EGFR ligand pathways during mitosis and differentiation. We discuss these findings herein to extend our understanding of how IKKalpha-mediated terminal differentiation serves as an innate surveillant in skin.

Mek1/2 gene dosage determines tissue response to oncogenic Ras signaling in the skin

Ras genes are commonly mutated in human cancers of the skin and other tissues. Oncogenic Ras signals through multiple effector pathways, including the Erk1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) and the Ral guanine nucleotide exchange factor (RalGEF) cascades. In epidermis, the activation of oncogenic Ras induces hyperplasia and inhibits differentiation, features characteristic of squamous cell carcinoma. The downstream effector pathways required for oncogenic Ras effects in epidermis, however, are undefined. In this study, we investigated the direct contribution of Mek1 and Mek2 MAPKKs to oncogenic Ras signaling. The response of murine epidermis to conditionally active oncogenic Ras was unimpaired by deletion of either Mek1 or Mek2 MAPKKs individually. In contrast, Ras effects were entirely abolished by combined deletion of all Mek1/2 alleles, whereas epidermis retaining only one allele of either Mek1 or Mek2 showed intermediate responsiveness. Thus, the effects of oncogenic Ras on proliferation and differentiation in skin show a gene dosage-dependent requirement for the Erk1/2 MAPK cascade at the level of Mek1/2 MAPKKs.

Notch1 is an effector of Akt and hypoxia in melanoma development

Melanomas are highly aggressive neoplasms resistant to most conventional therapies. These tumors result from the interaction of altered intracellular tumor suppressors and oncogenes with the microenvironment in which these changes occur. We previously demonstrated that physiologic skin hypoxia contributes to melanomagenesis in conjunction with Akt activation. Here we show that Notch1 signaling is elevated in human melanoma samples and cell lines and is required for Akt and hypoxia to transform melanocytes in vitro. Notch1 facilitated melanoma development in a xenograft model by maintaining cell proliferation and by protecting cells from stress-induced cell death. Hyperactivated PI3K/Akt signaling led to upregulation of Notch1 through NF-kappaB activity, while the low oxygen content normally found in skin increased mRNA and protein levels of Notch1 via stabilization of HIF-1alpha. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that Notch1 is a key effector of both Akt and hypoxia in melanoma development and identify the Notch signaling pathway as a potential therapeutic target in melanoma treatment.

Suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 inhibits IFN-gamma inflammatory signaling in human keratinocytes by sustaining ERK1/2 activation

IFN-gamma is a pleiotropic cytokine importantly involved in the development of skin inflammatory responses. Epidermal keratinocytes are extremely susceptible to IFN-gamma action, but, once transduced with the suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS)1 molecule, they can no longer express a number of IFN-gamma-inducible signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)1-dependent genes. Extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 pathway is also involved in the protection of keratinocytes from the proinflammatory effect of IFN-gamma. Here we show that, after IFN-gamma stimulation, SOCS1 inhibited IFN-gamma receptor and STAT1 phosphorylation but maintained ERK1/2 activation. SOCS1 was also necessary for the IFN-gamma-induced RAS and Raf-1 activities in keratinocytes. The enhanced ERK1/2 pathway in SOCS1-overexpressing keratinocytes was in part responsible for their inability to respond to IFN-gamma, in terms of CXCL10 and CCL2 production, and for the high production of CXCL8. Moreover, SOCS1 interacted with the RAS inhibitor p120 RasGAP and promoted its degradation after IFN-gamma stimulation. We hypothesize that SOCS1 functions as suppressor of IFN-gamma signaling, not only by inhibiting STAT1 activation but also by sustaining ERK1/2-dependent antiinflammatory pathways.

Outside-in signaling through integrins and cadherins: a central mechanism to control epidermal growth and differentiation?

The process of epidermal renewal persists throughout the entire life of an organism. It begins when a keratinocyte progenitor leaves the stem cell compartment, undergoes a limited number of mitotic divisions, exits the cell cycle, and commits to terminal differentiation. At the end of this phase, the postmitotic keratinocytes detach from the basement membrane to build up the overlaying stratified epithelium. Although highly coordinated, this sequence of events is endowed with a remarkable versatility, which enables the quiescent keratinocyte to reintegrate into the cell cycle and become migratory when necessary, for example after wounding. It is this versatility that represents the Achilles heel of epithelial cells allowing for the development of severe pathologies. Over the past decade, compelling evidence has been provided that epithelial cancer cells achieve uncontrolled proliferation following hijacking of a "survival program" with PI3K/Akt and a "proliferation program" with growth factor receptor signaling at its core. Recent insights into adhesion receptor signaling now propose that integrins, but also cadherins, can centrally control these programs. It is suggested that the two types of adhesion receptors act as sensors to transmit extracellular stimuli in an outside-in mode, to inversely modulate epidermal growth factor receptor signaling and ensure cell survival. Hence, cell-matrix and cell-cell adhesion receptors likely play a more powerful and wide-ranging role than initially anticipated. This Perspective article discusses the relevance of this emerging field for epidermal growth and differentiation, which can be of importance for severe pathologies such as tumorigenesis and invasive metastasis, as well as psoriasis and Pemphigus vulgaris.

Cooperation of Ha-ras and Bcl-2 during multistep skin carcinogenesis

Nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in the United States. Deregulation of bcl-2 and ras family members is commonly observed in NMSC. It has been previously demonstrated that simultaneous bcl-2 and Ha-ras gene expression in keratinocytes results in disordered differentiation and resistance to cell death induced by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It was, therefore, interest to assess the extent of cooperation between bcl-2 and Ha-ras during multistep skin carcinogenesis. The keratin 1 promoter was used to generate HK1.ras and HK1.bcl-2 transgenic mice, which were subsequently crossed to generate HK1.ras/bcl-2 double transgenic mice. The apoptotic index (AI) following UV-irradiation was significantly lower in HK1.bcl-2 and HKI.ras/bcl-2 epidermis compared to control littermates. Interestingly, the AI of HK1.ras/bcl-2 mice was significantly lower than even HK1.bcl-2 mice following UV-irradiation. To investigate the interaction of these oncogenes in skin tumorigenesis, a two-stage chemical carcinogenesis protocol was used to induce tumors. The individual contributions of Ha-ras and bcl-2 to papilloma latency, incidence, and growth rate in HK1.ras/bcl-2 double transgenic mice was marginally additive. Papillomas arising in HK1.ras transgenic mice exhibited the highest rate of apoptosis whereas papillomas arising in the HK1.ras/bcl-2 double transgenic mice exhibited rates of apoptosis that were significantly lower than papillomas arising in either control littermate or HK1.ras mice. Constitutive expression of either Ha-ras or bcl-2 exhibited similar rates of malignant tumor progression and they were not significantly different than control littermates. Importantly, when these two oncoproteins were coexpressed, a significant, and synergistic, increase in malignant transformation was observed.