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Non-kinase targeting of oncogenic c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling: the future of clinically viable cancer treatments. Biochem Soc Trans 2022; 50:1823-1836. [PMID: 36454622 PMCID: PMC9788565 DOI: 10.1042/bst20220808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
c-Jun N-terminal Kinases (JNKs) have been identified as key disease drivers in a number of pathophysiological settings and central oncogenic signaling nodes in various cancers. Their roles in driving primary tumor growth, positively regulating cancer stem cell populations, promoting invasion and facilitating metastatic outgrowth have led JNKs to be considered attractive targets for anti-cancer therapies. However, the homeostatic, apoptotic and tumor-suppressive activities of JNK proteins limit the use of direct JNK inhibitors in a clinical setting. In this review, we will provide an overview of the different JNK targeting strategies developed to date, which include various ATP-competitive, non-kinase and substrate-competitive inhibitors. We aim to summarize their distinct mechanisms of action, review some of the insights they have provided regarding JNK-targeting in cancer, and outline the limitations as well as challenges of all strategies that target JNKs directly. Furthermore, we will highlight alternate drug targets within JNK signaling complexes, including recently identified scaffold proteins, and discuss how these findings may open up novel therapeutic options for targeting discrete oncogenic JNK signaling complexes in specific cancer settings.
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2
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Li C, Ma D, Chen Y, Liu W, Jin F, Bo L. Selective inhibition of JNK located on mitochondria protects against mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death caused by endoplasmic reticulum stress in mice with LPS‑induced ALI/ARDS. Int J Mol Med 2022; 49:85. [PMID: 35514298 PMCID: PMC9106374 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2022.5141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Few pharmacological interventions are able to improve the mortality rate of acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS). The aim of this research was to elucidate whether endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK)-mitochondria pathways serve important roles in ALI/ARDS and to determine whether the key component Sab is a potential treatment target. The current study investigated the activation of ER stress and the JNK pathway, the content of JNK located on the mitochondria during ER stress and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI/ARDS by western blot analysis. The treatment effects of Tat-SabKIM1, a selective inhibitor of JNK located on mitochondria were explored by multiple methods including histopathological evaluation, lung cell apoptosis tested by TUNEL assay, mitochondrial membrane permeability and survival analysis. The results verified that ER stress was enhanced during LPS-induced ALI/ARDS and could induce activation of the JNK pathway and JNK-mitochondrial localization as well as mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death. Tat-SabKIM1 alleviated LPS injection-induced lung injury and improved mouse survival rates by specifically inhibiting JNK localization to mitochondria and mito-JNK signal activation without affecting cytosolic/nuclear JNK activation. The protective effect of Tat-SabKIM1 against ALI/ARDS was partly caused by inhibition of the excessive activation of mitochondria-mediated apoptosis and autophagy. These results showed the important role of Sab as a treatment target of ALI/ARDS and the potential treatment effect of Tat-SabKIM1. In conclusion, abnormal activation of the JNK-mitochondrial pathway could significantly disrupt the normal physiological function of lung cells, resulting in the occurrence of ALI/ARDS and selective inhibit of JNK located on mitochondria by Tat-SabKIM1 had a protective effect against the mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death caused by endoplasmic reticulum stress in mice with LPS-induced ALI/ARDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congcong Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, P.R. China
| | - Debin Ma
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, P.R. China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, P.R. China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710038, P.R. China
| | - Faguang Jin
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710038, P.R. China
| | - Liyan Bo
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, P.R. China
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3
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Xu Z, Chu M. Advances in Immunosuppressive Agents Based on Signal Pathway. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:917162. [PMID: 35694243 PMCID: PMC9178660 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.917162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune abnormality involves in various diseases, such as infection, allergic diseases, autoimmune diseases, as well as transplantation. Several signal pathways have been demonstrated to play a central role in the immune response, including JAK/STAT, NF-κB, PI3K/AKT-mTOR, MAPK, and Keap1/Nrf2/ARE pathway, in which multiple targets have been used to develop immunosuppressive agents. In recent years, varieties of immunosuppressive agents have been approved for clinical use, such as the JAK inhibitor tofacitinib and the mTOR inhibitor everolimus, which have shown good therapeutic effects. Additionally, many immunosuppressive agents are still in clinical trials or preclinical studies. In this review, we classified the immunosuppressive agents according to the immunopharmacological mechanisms, and summarized the phase of immunosuppressive agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqing Xu
- Department of Immunology, National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology (Peking University), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Pharmacology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ming Chu
- Department of Immunology, National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology (Peking University), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
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4
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Bo L, Li Y, Liu W, Jin F, Li C. Selective inhibition of JNK mitochondrial location is protective against seawater inhalation‑induced ALI/ARDS. Mol Med Rep 2021; 24:515. [PMID: 34013361 PMCID: PMC8138518 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Localization of phosphorylated (p)‑JNK to the mitochondria can lead to functional mitochondrial disorder, resulting in a decrease in energy supply and membrane potential, as well as an increase in reactive oxygen species production and apoptosis. JNK is involved in the occurrence of acute lung injury (ALI), and activation of the JNK pathway is one of the crucial factors resulting in injury. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the JNK‑mitochondria (mitoJNK) location participated in the occurrence of ALI and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS). The present study examined the activation of the JNK pathway, the content of JNK located on the mitochondria and the treatment effects of a cell‑permeable peptide Tat‑SabKIM1, which can selectively inhibit the location of JNK on mitochondria. The expression levels of proteins were detected by western blot analysis. Lung injuries were evaluated by histological examination, wet‑to‑dry weight ratios, and H2O2 and malondialdehyde concentrations in the lung tissues. Lung cells apoptosis was evaluated using TUNEL assay. The results demonstrated that JNK was phosphorylated and activated during seawater inhalation‑induced ALI/ARDS, not only in the routine JNK pathway but also in the mitoJNK pathway. It was also found that Tat‑SabKIM1 could specifically inhibit JNK localization to mitochondria and the activation of mitoJNK signaling. Furthermore, Tat‑SabKIM1 could inhibit Bcl‑2‑regulated autophagy and mitochondria‑mediated apoptosis. In conclusion, mitoJNK localization disrupted the normal physiological functions of the mitochondria during ALI/ARDS, and selective inhibition of JNK and mitochondrial SH3BP5 (also known as Sab) binding with Tat‑SabKIM1 can block deterioration from ALI/ARDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyan Bo
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, P.R. China
| | - Yanyan Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710038, P.R. China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710038, P.R. China
| | - Faguang Jin
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710038, P.R. China
| | - Congcong Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, P.R. China
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5
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JNK signaling as a target for anticancer therapy. Pharmacol Rep 2021; 73:405-434. [PMID: 33710509 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-021-00238-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The JNKs are members of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) which regulate many physiological processes including inflammatory responses, macrophages, cell proliferation, differentiation, survival, and death. It is increasingly clear that the continuous activation of JNKs has a role in cancer development and progression. Therefore, JNKs represent attractive oncogenic targets for cancer therapy using small molecule kinase inhibitors. Studies showed that the two major JNK proteins JNK1 and JNK2 have opposite functions in different types of cancers, which need more specification in the design of JNK inhibitors. Some of ATP- competitive and ATP non-competitive inhibitors have been developed and widely used in vitro, but this type of inhibitors lack selectivity and inhibits phosphorylation of all JNK substrates and may lead to cellular toxicity. In this review, we summarized and discussed the strategies of JNK binding inhibitors and the role of JNK signaling in the pathogenesis of different solid and hematological malignancies.
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6
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Li G, Qi W, Li X, Zhao J, Luo M, Chen J. Recent Advances in c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase (JNK) Inhibitors. Curr Med Chem 2021; 28:607-627. [PMID: 32039671 DOI: 10.2174/0929867327666200210144114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
c-Jun N-Terminal Kinases (JNKs), members of the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, play a key role in the pathogenesis of many diseases including cancer, inflammation, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes. Therefore, JNKs represent new and excellent target by therapeutic agents. Many JNK inhibitors based on different molecular scaffolds have been discovered in the past decade. However, only a few of them have advanced to clinical trials. The major obstacle for the development of JNK inhibitors as therapeutic agents is the JNKisoform selectivity. In this review, we describe the recent development of JNK inhibitors, including ATP competitive and ATP non-competitive (allosteric) inhibitors, bidentatebinding inhibitors and dual inhibitors, the challenges, and the future direction of JNK inhibitors as potential therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Li
- Department of Oncology, Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University (The First People's Hospital of Shunde), Foshan 528300, China
| | - Wenqing Qi
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis TN 38105, United States
| | - Xiaoxun Li
- Chengdu Easton Biopharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Jinwu Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Songshan Lake Science and Technology Industry Park, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Meihua Luo
- Department of Oncology, Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University (The First People's Hospital of Shunde), Foshan 528300, China
| | - Jianjun Chen
- Department of Oncology, Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University (The First People's Hospital of Shunde), Foshan 528300, China
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7
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Wu Q, Wu W, Jacevic V, Franca TCC, Wang X, Kuca K. Selective inhibitors for JNK signalling: a potential targeted therapy in cancer. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2020; 35:574-583. [PMID: 31994958 PMCID: PMC7034130 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2020.1720013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signalling regulates both cancer cell apoptosis and survival. Emerging evidence show that JNK promoted tumour progression is involved in various cancers, that include human pancreatic-, lung-, and breast cancer. The pro-survival JNK oncoprotein functions in a cell context- and cell type-specific manner to affect signal pathways that modulate tumour initiation, proliferation, and migration. JNK is therefore considered a potential oncogenic target for cancer therapy. Currently, designing effective and specific JNK inhibitors is an active area in the cancer treatment. Some ATP-competitive inhibitors of JNK, such as SP600125 and AS601245, are widely used in vitro; however, this type of inhibitor lacks specificity as they indiscriminately inhibit phosphorylation of all JNK substrates. Moreover, JNK has at least three isoforms with different functions in cancer development and identifying specific selective inhibitors is crucial for the development of targeted therapy in cancer. Some selective inhibitors of JNK are identified; however, their clinical studies in cancer are relatively less conducted. In this review, we first summarised the function of JNK signalling in cancer progression; there is a focus on the discussion of the novel selective JNK inhibitors as potential targeting therapy in cancer. Finally, we have offered a future perspective of the selective JNK inhibitors in the context of cancer therapies. We hope this review will help to further understand the role of JNK in cancer progression and provide insight into the design of novel selective JNK inhibitors in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinghua Wu
- College of Life Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China.,College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Wenda Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Vesna Jacevic
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.,National Poison Control Centre, Military Medical Academy, Belgrade, Serbia.,Medical Faculty of the Military Medical Academy, University of Defence, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Tanos C C Franca
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.,Laboratory of Molecular Modeling Applied to the Chemical and Biological Defense, Military Institute of Engineering, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Xu Wang
- National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues (HZAU) and MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Kamil Kuca
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
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8
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Wu Y, Honegger A, Batyuk A, Mittl PRE, Plückthun A. Structural Basis for the Selective Inhibition of c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase 1 Determined by Rigid DARPin-DARPin Fusions. J Mol Biol 2017; 430:2128-2138. [PMID: 29126898 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2017.10.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2017] [Revised: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
To untangle the complex signaling of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) isoforms, we need tools that can selectively detect and inhibit individual isoforms. Because of the high similarity between JNK1, JNK2 and JNK3, it is very difficult to generate small-molecule inhibitors with this discriminatory power. Thus, we have recently selected protein binders from the designed ankyrin repeat protein (DARPin) library which were indeed isoform-specific inhibitors of JNK1 with low nanomolar potency. Here we provide the structural basis for their isotype discrimination and their inhibitory action. All our previous attempts to generate crystal structures of complexes had failed. We have now made use of a technology we recently developed which consists of rigid fusion of an additional special DARPin, which acts as a crystallization enhancer. This can be rigidly fused with different geometries, thereby generating a range of alternative crystal packings. The structures reveal the molecular basis for isoform specificity of the DARPins and their ability to prevent JNK activation and may thus form the basis of further investigation of the JNK family as well as novel approaches to drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufan Wu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Annemarie Honegger
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Alexander Batyuk
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Peer R E Mittl
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Plückthun
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zürich, Switzerland.
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9
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Structure-diverse Phylomer libraries as a rich source of bioactive hits from phenotypic and target directed screens against intracellular proteins. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2017; 38:127-133. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2017.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2017] [Revised: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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10
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Lim NR, Yeap YYC, Zhao TT, Yip YY, Wong SC, Xu D, Ang CS, Williamson NA, Xu Z, Bogoyevitch MA, Ng DCH. Opposing roles for JNK and Aurora A in regulating the association of WDR62 with spindle microtubules. J Cell Sci 2016; 128:527-40. [PMID: 25501809 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.157537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
WD40-repeat protein 62 (WDR62) is a spindle pole protein required for normal cell division and neuroprogenitor differentiation during brain development. Microcephaly-associated mutations in WDR62 lead to mitotic mislocalization, highlighting a crucial requirement for precise WDR62 spatiotemporal distribution, although the regulatory mechanisms are unknown. Here, we demonstrate that the WD40-repeat region of WDR62 is required for microtubule association, whereas the disordered C-terminal region regulates cell-cycle-dependent compartmentalization. In agreement with a functional requirement for the WDR62–JNK1 complex during neurogenesis, WDR62 specifically recruits JNK1 (also known as MAPK8), but not JNK2 (also known as MAPK9), to the spindle pole. However, JNK-mediated phosphorylation of WDR62 T1053 negatively regulated microtubule association, and loss of JNK signaling resulted in constitutive WDR62 localization to microtubules irrespective of cell cycle stage. In contrast, we identified that Aurora A kinase (AURKA) and WDR62 were in complex and that AURKA-mediated phosphorylation was required for the spindle localization of WDR62 during mitosis. Our studies highlight complex regulation of WDR62 localization, with opposing roles for JNK and AURKA in determining its spindle association.
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11
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Kellner M, Rohrmoser M, Forné I, Voss K, Burger K, Mühl B, Gruber-Eber A, Kremmer E, Imhof A, Eick D. DEAD-box helicase DDX27 regulates 3' end formation of ribosomal 47S RNA and stably associates with the PeBoW-complex. Exp Cell Res 2015; 334:146-59. [PMID: 25825154 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2015.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2014] [Revised: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 03/19/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PeBoW, a trimeric complex consisting of pescadillo (Pes1), block of proliferation (Bop1), and the WD repeat protein 12 (WDR12), is essential for processing and maturation of mammalian 5.8S and 28S ribosomal RNAs. Applying a mass spectrometric analysis, we identified the DEAD-box helicase DDX27 as stably associated factor of the PeBoW-complex. DDX27 interacts with the PeBoW-complex via an evolutionary conserved F×F motif in the N-terminal domain and is recruited to the nucleolus via its basic C-terminal domain. This recruitment is RNA-dependent and occurs independently of the PeBoW-complex. Interestingly, knockdown of DDX27, but not of Pes1, induces the accumulation of an extended form of the primary 47S rRNA. We conclude that DDX27 can interact specifically with the Pes1 and Bop1 but fulfils critical function(s) for proper 3' end formation of 47S rRNA independently of the PeBoW-complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Kellner
- Department of Molecular Epigenetics, Helmholtz Center Munich, Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM), Marchioninistr. 25, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Michaela Rohrmoser
- Department of Molecular Epigenetics, Helmholtz Center Munich, Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM), Marchioninistr. 25, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Ignasi Forné
- Adolf Butenandt Institute, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM), Schillerstr. 44, Munich 80336, Germany
| | - Kirsten Voss
- Department of Molecular Epigenetics, Helmholtz Center Munich, Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM), Marchioninistr. 25, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Kaspar Burger
- Department of Molecular Epigenetics, Helmholtz Center Munich, Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM), Marchioninistr. 25, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Bastian Mühl
- Department of Molecular Epigenetics, Helmholtz Center Munich, Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM), Marchioninistr. 25, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Anita Gruber-Eber
- Department of Molecular Epigenetics, Helmholtz Center Munich, Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM), Marchioninistr. 25, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Kremmer
- Institute of Molecular Immunology, Helmholtz Center Munich, Marchioninistr. 25, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Axel Imhof
- Adolf Butenandt Institute, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM), Schillerstr. 44, Munich 80336, Germany
| | - Dirk Eick
- Department of Molecular Epigenetics, Helmholtz Center Munich, Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPSM), Marchioninistr. 25, Munich 81377, Germany.
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Abstract
The c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs) are serine/threonine kinases implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases. Recent advances in the development of novel inhibitors of JNKs will be reviewed. Significant progress in the design of JNK inhibitors displaying selectivity versus other kinases has been achieved within the past 4 years. However, the development of isoform selective JNK inhibitors is still an open task.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Koch
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen , Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
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13
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Bubici C, Papa S. JNK signalling in cancer: in need of new, smarter therapeutic targets. Br J Pharmacol 2014; 171:24-37. [PMID: 24117156 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 262] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2013] [Revised: 09/09/2013] [Accepted: 09/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The JNKs are master protein kinases that regulate many physiological processes, including inflammatory responses, morphogenesis, cell proliferation, differentiation, survival and death. It is increasingly apparent that persistent activation of JNKs is involved in cancer development and progression. Therefore, JNKs represent attractive targets for therapeutic intervention with small molecule kinase inhibitors. However, evidence supportive of a tumour suppressor role for the JNK proteins has also been documented. Recent studies showed that the two major JNK proteins, JNK1 and JNK2, have distinct or even opposing functions in different types of cancer. As such, close consideration of which JNK proteins are beneficial targets and, more importantly, what effect small molecule inhibitors of JNKs have on physiological processes, are essential. A number of ATP-competitive and ATP-non-competitive JNK inhibitors have been developed, but have several limitations such as a lack of specificity and cellular toxicity. In this review, we summarize the accumulating evidence supporting a role for the JNK proteins in the pathogenesis of different solid and haematological malignancies, and discuss many challenges and scientific opportunities in the targeting of JNKs in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Concetta Bubici
- Section of Inflammation and Signal Transduction, Department of Medicine, Imperial College, London, UK; Biosciences Division, School of Health Sciences and Social Care, Brunel University, London, UK
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14
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Intracellular mobility and nuclear trafficking of the stress-activated kinase JNK1 are impeded by hyperosmotic stress. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2014; 1843:253-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2013.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2013] [Revised: 10/15/2013] [Accepted: 10/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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15
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Zhang P, Zheng BB, Wang HY, Chen JH, Liu XY, Guo XL. DLJ14, a novel chemo-sensitization agent, enhances therapeutic effects of adriamycin against MCF-7/A cells both in vitro and in vivo. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 66:398-407. [PMID: 24533823 DOI: 10.1111/jphp.12168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2013] [Accepted: 09/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We investigated the chemo-sensitization of a ligustrazine derivate, (E)-2-(2, 4-dimethoxystyryl)-3, 5, 6-trimethylpyrazine (DLJ14) on Adriamycin (Adr, Wanle, Shenzhen, China)-resistant human breast cancer (MCF-7/A) cells both in vivo and in vitro. METHODS The antitumour effects of DLJ14 and Adr was observed in MCF-7/A cells by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay in vitro and was evaluated by MCF-7/A xenografts in nude mice. The intracellular Adr accumulation was assessed by mean fluorescence intensity of Adr. The messenger RNA level of glutathione (GSH) S-transferase (GST)π in MCF-7/A cells was determined by real-time reverse transcription PCR assay. The expression of GSTπ, c-jun NH2 -terminal kinase (JNK) and phosphor-JNK (p-JNK) was detected by Western blotting method. KEY FINDINGS The MTT results showed that DLJ14 exhibited a weak inhibition on proliferation of both MCF-7 and MCF-7/A cells, in contrast with the strong inhibition of verapamil. When DLJ14 is combined with Adr, the inhibitory effect on MCF-7/A cells and MCF-7/A xenografts was enhanced significantly through increasing intracellular accumulation of Adr by inhibition of GSH level and the activity of GSH peroxidase and GST. Moreover, DLJ14 could downregulate the expression of GSTπ and increase the expression of JNK and p-JNK in MCF-7/A cells or in xenografts. CONCLUSION DLJ14 is a promising chemo-sensitization candidate for the reversal of multidrug resistance in cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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16
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A novel retro-inverso peptide is a preferential JNK substrate-competitive inhibitor. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2013; 45:1939-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2013.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2013] [Revised: 06/04/2013] [Accepted: 06/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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17
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Ngoei KRW, Ng DCH, Gooley PR, Fairlie DP, Stoermer MJ, Bogoyevitch MA. Identification and characterization of bi-thiazole-2,2'-diamines as kinase inhibitory scaffolds. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2013; 1834:1077-88. [PMID: 23410953 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2013.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2012] [Revised: 01/30/2013] [Accepted: 02/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Based on bioinformatics interrogation of the genome, >500 mammalian protein kinases can be clustered within seven different groups. Of these kinases, the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family forms part of the CMGC group of serine/threonine kinases that includes extracellular signal regulated kinases (ERKs), cJun N-terminal kinases (JNKs), and p38 MAPKs. With the JNKs considered attractive targets in the treatment of pathologies including diabetes and stroke, efforts have been directed to the discovery of new JNK inhibitory molecules that can be further developed as new therapeutics. Capitalizing on our biochemical understanding of JNK, we performed in silico screens of commercially available chemical databases to identify JNK1-interacting compounds and tested their in vitro JNK inhibitory activity. With in vitro and cell culture studies, we showed that the compound, 4'-methyl-N(2)-3-pyridinyl-4,5'-bi-1,3-thiazole-2,2'-diamine (JNK Docking (JD) compound 123, but not the related compound (4'-methyl-N~2~-(6-methyl-2-pyridinyl)-4,5'-bi-1,3-thiazole-2,2'-diamine (JD124), inhibited JNK1 activity towards a range of substrates. Molecular docking, saturation transfer difference NMR experiments and enzyme kinetic analyses revealed both ATP- and substrate-competitive inhibition of JNK by JD123. In characterizing JD123 further, we noted its ATP-competitive inhibition of the related p38-γ MAPK, but not ERK1, ERK2, or p38-α, p38-β or p38-δ. Further screening of a broad panel of kinases using 10μM JD123, identified inhibition of kinases including protein kinase Bβ (PKBβ/Aktβ). Appropriately modified thiazole diamines, as typified by JD123, thus provide a new chemical scaffold for development of inhibitors for the JNK and p38-γ MAPKs as well as other kinases that are also potential therapeutic targets such as PKBβ/Aktβ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin R W Ngoei
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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18
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Laughlin JD, Nwachukwu JC, Figuera-Losada M, Cherry L, Nettles KW, LoGrasso PV. Structural mechanisms of allostery and autoinhibition in JNK family kinases. Structure 2012; 20:2174-84. [PMID: 23142346 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2012.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2012] [Revised: 09/27/2012] [Accepted: 09/30/2012] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
c-Jun N-terminal (JNK) family kinases have a common peptide-docking site used by upstream activating kinases, substrates, scaffold proteins, and phosphatases, where the ensemble of bound proteins determines signaling output. Although there are many JNK structures, little is known about mechanisms of allosteric regulation between the catalytic and peptide-binding sites, and the activation loop, whose phosphorylation is required for catalytic activity. Here, we compare three structures of unliganded JNK3 bound to different peptides. These were compared as a class to structures that differ in binding of peptide, small molecule ligand, or conformation of the kinase activation loop. Peptide binding induced an inhibitory interlobe conformer that was reversed by alterations in the activation loop. Structure class analysis revealed the subtle structural mechanisms for allosteric signaling between the peptide-binding site and activation loop. Biochemical data from isothermal calorimetry, fluorescence energy transfer, and enzyme inhibition demonstrated affinity differences among the three peptides that were consistent with structural observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Laughlin
- Department of Molecular Therapeutics, The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
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19
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Parizek P, Kummer L, Rube P, Prinz A, Herberg FW, Plückthun A. Designed ankyrin repeat proteins (DARPins) as novel isoform-specific intracellular inhibitors of c-Jun N-terminal kinases. ACS Chem Biol 2012; 7:1356-66. [PMID: 22568706 DOI: 10.1021/cb3001167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs) are involved in many biological processes such as proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and inflammation and occur in highly similar isoforms in eukaryotic cells. Isoform-specific functions and diseases have been reported for individual JNK isoforms mainly from gene-knockout studies in mice. There is, however, a high demand for intracellular inhibitors with high selectivity to improve the understanding of isoform-specific mechanisms and for use as therapeutic tools. The commonly used JNK inhibitors are based on small molecules or peptides that often target the conserved ATP binding site or docking sites and thus show only moderate selectivity. To target novel binding epitopes, we used designed ankyrin repeat proteins (DARPins) to generate alternative intracellular JNK inhibitors that discriminate two very similar isoforms, JNK1 and JNK2. DARPins are small binding proteins that are well expressed, stable, and cysteine-free, which makes them ideal candidates for applications in the reducing intracellular environment. We performed ribosome display selections against JNK1α1 and JNK2α1 using highly diverse combinatorial libraries of DARPins. The selected binders specifically recognize either JNK1 or JNK2 or both isoforms in vitro and in mammalian cells. All analyzed DARPins show affinities in the low nanomolar range and isoform-specific inhibition of JNK activation in vitro at physiological ATP concentrations. Importantly, DARPins that selectively inhibit JNK activation in human cells were also identified. These results emphasize the great potential of DARPins as a novel class of highly specific intracellular inhibitors of distinct enzyme isoforms for use in biological studies and as possible therapeutic leads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Parizek
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lutz Kummer
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Peter Rube
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Kassel, Heinrich-Plett-Strasse 40, 34132 Kassel, Germany
| | - Anke Prinz
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Kassel, Heinrich-Plett-Strasse 40, 34132 Kassel, Germany
| | - Friedrich W. Herberg
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Kassel, Heinrich-Plett-Strasse 40, 34132 Kassel, Germany
| | - Andreas Plückthun
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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20
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Bogoyevitch MA, Yeap YYC, Qu Z, Ngoei KR, Yip YY, Zhao TT, Heng JI, Ng DCH. WD40-repeat protein 62 is a JNK-phosphorylated spindle pole protein required for spindle maintenance and timely mitotic progression. J Cell Sci 2012; 125:5096-109. [PMID: 22899712 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.107326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The impact of aberrant centrosomes and/or spindles on asymmetric cell division in embryonic development indicates the tight regulation of bipolar spindle formation and positioning that is required for mitotic progression and cell fate determination. WD40-repeat protein 62 (WDR62) was recently identified as a spindle pole protein linked to the neurodevelopmental defect of microcephaly but its roles in mitosis have not been defined. We report here that the in utero electroporation of neuroprogenitor cells with WDR62 siRNAs induced their cell cycle exit and reduced their proliferative capacity. In cultured cells, we demonstrated cell-cycle-dependent accumulation of WDR62 at the spindle pole during mitotic entry that persisted until metaphase-anaphase transition. Utilizing siRNA depletion, we revealed WDR62 function in stabilizing the mitotic spindle specifically during metaphase. WDR62 loss resulted in spindle orientation defects, decreased the integrity of centrosomes displaced from the spindle pole and delayed mitotic progression. Additionally, we revealed JNK phosphorylation of WDR62 is required for maintaining metaphase spindle organization during mitosis. Our study provides the first functional characterization of WDR62 and has revealed requirements for JNK/WDR62 signaling in mitotic spindle regulation that may be involved in coordinating neurogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie A Bogoyevitch
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
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21
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Sabapathy K. Role of the JNK pathway in human diseases. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2012; 106:145-69. [PMID: 22340717 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-396456-4.00013-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The c-Jun-NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway plays a critical role in regulating cell fate, being implicated in a multitude of diseases ranging from cancer to neurological and immunological/inflammatory conditions. Not surprisingly, therefore, it has been sought after for therapeutic intervention, and its inhibition has been shown to ameliorate many pathological conditions in experimental systems, paving the way for initial clinical trials. However, the fundamental problem in fully harnessing the potential provided by the JNK pathway has been the lack of specificity, due to the multiple JNK forms that are involved in multiple cellular processes in various cell types. Moreover, lack of sufficient knowledge of all JNK-interacting proteins and substrates has also hindered progress. This review will therefore focus on the role of the JNKs in human diseases and appraise the efforts to inhibit JNK signaling to ameliorate disease conditions, assessing potential challenges and providing insights into possible future directions to efficiently target this pathway for therapeutic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanaga Sabapathy
- Division of Cellular & Molecular Research, Humphrey Oei Institute of Cancer Research, National Cancer Centre, Singapore
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22
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Proctor A, Wang Q, Lawrence DS, Allbritton NL. Metabolism of peptide reporters in cell lysates and single cells. Analyst 2012; 137:3028-38. [PMID: 22314840 PMCID: PMC3697743 DOI: 10.1039/c2an16162a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The stability of an Abl kinase substrate peptide in a cytosolic lysate and in single cells was characterized. In the cytosolic lysate, the starting peptide was metabolized at an average initial rate of 1.7 ± 0.3 zmol pg(-1) s(-1) with a t(1/2) of 1.3 min. Five different fragments formed over time; however, a dominant cleavage site was identified. Multiple rational design cycles were utilized to develop a lead peptide with a phenylalanine and alanine replaced by an (N-methyl)phenylalanine and isoleucine, respectively, to attain cytosolic peptidase resistance while maintaining Abl substrate efficacy. This lead peptide possessed a 15-fold greater lifetime in the cytosolic lysate while attaining a 7-fold improvement in k(cat) as an Abl kinase substrate compared to the starting peptide. However, when loaded into single cells, the starting peptide and lead peptide possessed nearly identical degradation rates and an altered pattern of fragmentation relative to that in cell lysates. Preferential accumulation of a fragment with cleavage at an Ala-Ala bond in single cells suggested that dissimilar peptidases act on the peptides in the lysate versus single cells. A design strategy for peptide stabilization, analogous to that demonstrated for the lysate, should be effective for stabilization in single cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Proctor
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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23
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Figuera-Losada M, LoGrasso PV. Enzyme kinetics and interaction studies for human JNK1β1 and substrates activating transcription factor 2 (ATF2) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (c-Jun). J Biol Chem 2012; 287:13291-302. [PMID: 22351776 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.323766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) is a stress signal transducer linked to cell death, and survival. JNK1 has been implicated in obesity, glucose intolerance, and insulin resistance. In this study we report the kinetic mechanism for JNK1β1 with transcription factors ATF2 and c-Jun along with interaction kinetics for these substrates. JNK1β1 followed a random sequential mechanism forming a ternary complex between JNK-substrate-ATP. K(m) for ATF2 and c-Jun was 1.1 and 2.8 μM, respectively. Inhibition studies using adenosine 5'-(β,γ-methylenetriphosphate) and a peptide derived from JNK interacting protein 1 (JIP1) supported the proposed kinetic mechanism. Biolayer interferometry studies showed that unphosphorylated JNK1β1 bound to ATF2 with similar affinity as it did to c-Jun (K(D) = 2.60 ± 0.34 versus 1.00 ± 0.35 μM, respectively). The presence of ATP increased the affinity of unphosphorylated JNK1β1 for ATF2 and c-Jun, to 0.80 ± 0.04 versus 0.65 ± 0.07 μM, respectively. Phosphorylation of JNK1β1 decreased the affinity of the kinase for ATF2 to 11.0 ± 1.1 μM and for c-Jun to 17.0 ± 7.5 μM in the absence of ATP. The presence of ATP caused a shift in the K(D) of the active kinase for ATF2 to 1.70 ± 0.25 μM and for c-Jun of 3.50 ± 0.95 μM. These results are the first kinetic and biochemical characterization of JNK1β1 and uncover some of the differences in the enzymatic activity of JNK1β1 compared with other variants and suggest that ATP binding or JNK phosphorylation could induce changes in the interactions with substrates, activators, and regulatory proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Figuera-Losada
- Department of Molecular Therapeutics, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida 33458, USA
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24
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Mooney C, Pollastri G, Shields DC, Haslam NJ. Prediction of short linear protein binding regions. J Mol Biol 2011; 415:193-204. [PMID: 22079048 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2011.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2011] [Revised: 09/13/2011] [Accepted: 10/13/2011] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Short linear motifs in proteins (typically 3-12 residues in length) play key roles in protein-protein interactions by frequently binding specifically to peptide binding domains within interacting proteins. Their tendency to be found in disordered segments of proteins has meant that they have often been overlooked. Here we present SLiMPred (short linear motif predictor), the first general de novo method designed to computationally predict such regions in protein primary sequences independent of experimentally defined homologs and interactors. The method applies machine learning techniques to predict new motifs based on annotated instances from the Eukaryotic Linear Motif database, as well as structural, biophysical, and biochemical features derived from the protein primary sequence. We have integrated these data sources and benchmarked the predictive accuracy of the method, and found that it performs equivalently to a predictor of protein binding regions in disordered regions, in addition to having predictive power for other classes of motif sites such as polyproline II helix motifs and short linear motifs lying in ordered regions. It will be useful in predicting peptides involved in potential protein associations and will aid in the functional characterization of proteins, especially of proteins lacking experimental information on structures and interactions. We conclude that, despite the diversity of motif sequences and structures, SLiMPred is a valuable tool for prioritizing potential interaction motifs in proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Mooney
- Complex and Adaptive Systems Laboratory, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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