1
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Sheikh A, Kesharwani P, Almalki WH, Almujri SS, Dai L, Chen ZS, Sahebkar A, Gao F. Understanding the Novel Approach of Nanoferroptosis for Cancer Therapy. NANO-MICRO LETTERS 2024; 16:188. [PMID: 38698113 PMCID: PMC11065855 DOI: 10.1007/s40820-024-01399-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
As a new form of regulated cell death, ferroptosis has unraveled the unsolicited theory of intrinsic apoptosis resistance by cancer cells. The molecular mechanism of ferroptosis depends on the induction of oxidative stress through excessive reactive oxygen species accumulation and glutathione depletion to damage the structural integrity of cells. Due to their high loading and structural tunability, nanocarriers can escort the delivery of ferro-therapeutics to the desired site through enhanced permeation or retention effect or by active targeting. This review shed light on the necessity of iron in cancer cell growth and the fascinating features of ferroptosis in regulating the cell cycle and metastasis. Additionally, we discussed the effect of ferroptosis-mediated therapy using nanoplatforms and their chemical basis in overcoming the barriers to cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afsana Sheikh
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, 110062, India
| | - Prashant Kesharwani
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, 110062, India.
| | - Waleed H Almalki
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Salem Salman Almujri
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, 61421, Asir-Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Linxin Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Pharmacy School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611130, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhe-Sheng Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, New York, 11439, USA
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Fei Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Pharmacy School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611130, People's Republic of China.
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2
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Gadal S, Boyer JA, Roy SF, Outmezguine NA, Sharma M, Li H, Fan N, Chan E, Romin Y, Barlas A, Chang Q, Pancholi P, Timaul NM, Overholtzer M, Yaeger R, Manova-Todorova K, de Stanchina E, Bosenberg M, Rosen N. Tumorigenesis driven by the BRAF V600E oncoprotein requires secondary mutations that overcome its feedback inhibition of migration and invasion. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.11.21.568071. [PMID: 38659913 PMCID: PMC11042182 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.21.568071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
BRAFV600E mutation occurs in 46% of melanomas and drives high levels of ERK activity and ERK-dependent proliferation. However, BRAFV600E is insufficient to drive melanoma in GEMM models, and 82% of human benign nevi harbor BRAFV600E mutations. We show here that BRAFV600E inhibits mesenchymal migration by causing feedback inhibition of RAC1 activity. ERK pathway inhibition induces RAC1 activation and restores migration and invasion. In cells with BRAFV600E, mutant RAC1, overexpression of PREX1, PREX2, or PTEN inactivation restore RAC1 activity and cell motility. Together, these lesions occur in 48% of BRAFV600E melanomas. Thus, although BRAFV600E activation of ERK deregulates cell proliferation, it prevents full malignant transformation by causing feedback inhibition of cell migration. Secondary mutations are, therefore, required for tumorigenesis. One mechanism underlying tumor evolution may be the selection of lesions that rescue the deleterious effects of oncogenic drivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunyana Gadal
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Jacob A. Boyer
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Simon F. Roy
- Department of Dermatology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Department of Pathology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Noah A. Outmezguine
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Malvika Sharma
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Hongyan Li
- Antitumor Assessment Core Facility, Molecular Pharmacology Program, MSKCC, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Ning Fan
- Molecular Cytology Core, MSKCC, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Eric Chan
- Molecular Cytology Core, MSKCC, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | | | - Afsar Barlas
- Molecular Cytology Core, MSKCC, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Qing Chang
- Antitumor Assessment Core Facility, Molecular Pharmacology Program, MSKCC, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Priya Pancholi
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Neilawattie. Merna Timaul
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, NY 10065, USA
| | | | - Rona Yaeger
- Department of Medicine, MSKCC, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | | | - Elisa de Stanchina
- Antitumor Assessment Core Facility, Molecular Pharmacology Program, MSKCC, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Marcus Bosenberg
- Department of Dermatology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Department of Pathology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Neal Rosen
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, NY 10065, USA
- Department of Medicine, MSKCC, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Lead Contact
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3
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Parise A, Magistrato A. Assessing the mechanism of fast-cycling cancer-associated mutations of Rac1 small Rho GTPase. Protein Sci 2024; 33:e4939. [PMID: 38501467 PMCID: PMC10949326 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Rho-GTPases proteins function as molecular switches alternating from an active to an inactive state upon Guanosine triphosphate (GTP) binding and hydrolysis to Guanosine diphosphate (GDP). Among them, Rac subfamily regulates cell dynamics, being overexpressed in distinct cancer types. Notably, these proteins are object of frequent cancer-associated mutations at Pro29 (P29S, P29L, and P29Q). To assess the impact of these mutations on Rac1 structure and function, we performed extensive all-atom molecular dynamics simulations on wild-type (wt) and oncogenic isoforms of this protein in GDP- and GTP-bound states. Our results unprecedentedly elucidate that P29Q/S-induced structural and dynamical perturbations of Rac1 core domain weaken the binding of the catalytic site Mg2+ ion, and reduce the GDP residence time within protein, enhancing the GDP/GTP exchange rate and Rac1 activity. This broadens our knowledge of the role of cancer-associated mutations on small GTPases mechanism supplying valuable information for future drug discovery efforts targeting specific Rac1 isoforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Parise
- Consiglio Nazionale delle ricerche (CNR)‐IOM c/o International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA/ISAS)TriesteItaly
| | - Alessandra Magistrato
- Consiglio Nazionale delle ricerche (CNR)‐IOM c/o International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA/ISAS)TriesteItaly
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4
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Cannon AC, Budagyan K, Uribe-Alvarez C, Kurimchak AM, Araiza-Olivera D, Cai KQ, Peri S, Zhou Y, Duncan JS, Chernoff J. Unique vulnerability of RAC1-mutant melanoma to combined inhibition of CDK9 and immune checkpoints. Oncogene 2024; 43:729-743. [PMID: 38243078 PMCID: PMC11157427 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-024-02947-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
RAC1P29S is the third most prevalent hotspot mutation in sun-exposed melanoma. RAC1 alterations in cancer are correlated with poor prognosis, resistance to standard chemotherapy, and insensitivity to targeted inhibitors. Although RAC1P29S mutations in melanoma and RAC1 alterations in several other cancers are increasingly evident, the RAC1-driven biological mechanisms contributing to tumorigenesis remain unclear. Lack of rigorous signaling analysis has prevented identification of alternative therapeutic targets for RAC1P29S-harboring melanomas. To investigate the RAC1P29S-driven effect on downstream molecular signaling pathways, we generated an inducible RAC1P29S expression melanocytic cell line and performed RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) coupled with multiplexed kinase inhibitor beads and mass spectrometry (MIBs/MS) to establish enriched pathways from the genomic to proteomic level. Our proteogenomic analysis identified CDK9 as a potential new and specific target in RAC1P29S-mutant melanoma cells. In vitro, CDK9 inhibition impeded the proliferation of in RAC1P29S-mutant melanoma cells and increased surface expression of PD-L1 and MHC Class I proteins. In vivo, combining CDK9 inhibition with anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint blockade significantly inhibited tumor growth only in melanomas that expressed the RAC1P29S mutation. Collectively, these results establish CDK9 as a novel target in RAC1-driven melanoma that can further sensitize the tumor to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa C Cannon
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Konstantin Budagyan
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Cristina Uribe-Alvarez
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alison M Kurimchak
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Daniela Araiza-Olivera
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kathy Q Cai
- Histopathology Facility, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Suraj Peri
- Biostatistics-Bioinformatics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Merck, Bioinformatics Oncology Discovery, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yan Zhou
- Biostatistics-Bioinformatics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - James S Duncan
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jonathan Chernoff
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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5
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Düring J, Wolter M, Toplak JJ, Torres C, Dybkov O, Fokkens TJ, Bohnsack KE, Urlaub H, Steinchen W, Dienemann C, Lorenz S. Structural mechanisms of autoinhibition and substrate recognition by the ubiquitin ligase HACE1. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2024; 31:364-377. [PMID: 38332367 PMCID: PMC10873202 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-023-01203-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Ubiquitin ligases (E3s) are pivotal specificity determinants in the ubiquitin system by selecting substrates and decorating them with distinct ubiquitin signals. However, structure determination of the underlying, specific E3-substrate complexes has proven challenging owing to their transient nature. In particular, it is incompletely understood how members of the catalytic cysteine-driven class of HECT-type ligases (HECTs) position substrate proteins for modification. Here, we report a cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of the full-length human HECT HACE1, along with solution-based conformational analyses by small-angle X-ray scattering and hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry. Structure-based functional analyses in vitro and in cells reveal that the activity of HACE1 is stringently regulated by dimerization-induced autoinhibition. The inhibition occurs at the first step of the catalytic cycle and is thus substrate-independent. We use mechanism-based chemical crosslinking to reconstitute a complex of activated, monomeric HACE1 with its major substrate, RAC1, determine its structure by cryo-EM and validate the binding mode by solution-based analyses. Our findings explain how HACE1 achieves selectivity in ubiquitinating the active, GTP-loaded state of RAC1 and establish a framework for interpreting mutational alterations of the HACE1-RAC1 interplay in disease. More broadly, this work illuminates central unexplored aspects in the architecture, conformational dynamics, regulation and specificity of full-length HECTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Düring
- Research Group 'Ubiquitin Signaling Specificity', Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Madita Wolter
- Research Group 'Ubiquitin Signaling Specificity', Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Julia J Toplak
- Research Group 'Ubiquitin Signaling Specificity', Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Camilo Torres
- Research Group 'Ubiquitin Signaling Specificity', Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Olexandr Dybkov
- Research Group 'Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry', Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Thornton J Fokkens
- Research Group 'Ubiquitin Signaling Specificity', Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Katherine E Bohnsack
- Department of Molecular Biology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Henning Urlaub
- Research Group 'Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry', Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
- 'Bioanalytics', Department of Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- 'Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells', University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Wieland Steinchen
- Department of Chemistry, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- Center for Synthetic Microbiology, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Christian Dienemann
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sonja Lorenz
- Research Group 'Ubiquitin Signaling Specificity', Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Göttingen, Germany.
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6
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Benton D, Chernoff J. RHOA drivers take alternate routes in gastric cancer. Sci Signal 2023; 16:eadk9171. [PMID: 38113334 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.adk9171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Oncogenic small guanosine triphosphatases (GTPases) are often characterized by a limited set of activating mutations that affect their intrinsic biochemical function, but RHOA-which is frequently mutated in gastric cancer-appears not to have read the instruction manual. Having previously characterized the Y42C RHOA mutation in gastric cancer, in this issue of Science Signaling, Schaefer et al. take on the slightly less common L57V mutation and find that individual RHOA mutations can have different and unpredictable signaling outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothy Benton
- Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA
| | - Jonathan Chernoff
- Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA
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7
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Schaefer A, Hodge RG, Zhang H, Hobbs GA, Dilly J, Huynh M, Goodwin CM, Zhang F, Diehl JN, Pierobon M, Baldelli E, Javaid S, Guthrie K, Rashid NU, Petricoin EF, Cox AD, Hahn WC, Aguirre AJ, Bass AJ, Der CJ. RHOA L57V drives the development of diffuse gastric cancer through IGF1R-PAK1-YAP1 signaling. Sci Signal 2023; 16:eadg5289. [PMID: 38113333 PMCID: PMC10791543 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.adg5289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-associated mutations in the guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) RHOA are found at different locations from the mutational hotspots in the structurally and biochemically related RAS. Tyr42-to-Cys (Y42C) and Leu57-to-Val (L57V) substitutions are the two most prevalent RHOA mutations in diffuse gastric cancer (DGC). RHOAY42C exhibits a gain-of-function phenotype and is an oncogenic driver in DGC. Here, we determined how RHOAL57V promotes DGC growth. In mouse gastric organoids with deletion of Cdh1, which encodes the cell adhesion protein E-cadherin, the expression of RHOAL57V, but not of wild-type RHOA, induced an abnormal morphology similar to that of patient-derived DGC organoids. RHOAL57V also exhibited a gain-of-function phenotype and promoted F-actin stress fiber formation and cell migration. RHOAL57V retained interaction with effectors but exhibited impaired RHOA-intrinsic and GAP-catalyzed GTP hydrolysis, which favored formation of the active GTP-bound state. Introduction of missense mutations at KRAS residues analogous to Tyr42 and Leu57 in RHOA did not activate KRAS oncogenic potential, indicating distinct functional effects in otherwise highly related GTPases. Both RHOA mutants stimulated the transcriptional co-activator YAP1 through actin dynamics to promote DGC progression; however, RHOAL57V additionally did so by activating the kinases IGF1R and PAK1, distinct from the FAK-mediated mechanism induced by RHOAY42C. Our results reveal that RHOAL57V and RHOAY42C drive the development of DGC through distinct biochemical and signaling mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antje Schaefer
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Richard G. Hodge
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Haisheng Zhang
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - G. Aaron Hobbs
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Julien Dilly
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Minh Huynh
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Craig M. Goodwin
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Feifei Zhang
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - J. Nathaniel Diehl
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Mariaelena Pierobon
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Elisa Baldelli
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Sehrish Javaid
- Program in Oral and Craniofacial Biomedicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Karson Guthrie
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Naim U. Rashid
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Emanuel F. Petricoin
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Adrienne D. Cox
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Program in Oral and Craniofacial Biomedicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - William C. Hahn
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Andrew J. Aguirre
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Adam J. Bass
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center at Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Channing J. Der
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Program in Oral and Craniofacial Biomedicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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8
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Zhu EY, Schillo JL, Murray SD, Riordan JD, Dupuy AJ. Understanding cancer drug resistance with Sleeping Beauty functional genomic screens: Application to MAPK inhibition in cutaneous melanoma. iScience 2023; 26:107805. [PMID: 37860756 PMCID: PMC10582486 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Combined BRAF and MEK inhibition is an effective treatment for BRAF-mutant cutaneous melanoma. However, most patients progress on this treatment due to drug resistance. Here, we applied the Sleeping Beauty transposon system to understand how melanoma evades MAPK inhibition. We found that the specific drug resistance mechanisms differed across melanomas in our genetic screens of five cutaneous melanoma cell lines. While drivers that reactivated MAPK were highly conserved, many others were cell-line specific. One such driver, VAV1, activated a de-differentiated transcriptional program like that of hyperactive RAC1, RAC1P29S. To target this mechanism, we showed that an inhibitor of SRC, saracatinib, blunts the VAV1-induced transcriptional reprogramming. Overall, we highlighted the importance of accounting for melanoma heterogeneity in treating cutaneous melanoma with MAPK inhibitors. Moreover, we demonstrated the utility of the Sleeping Beauty transposon system in understanding cancer drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliot Y. Zhu
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Jacob L. Schillo
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Sarina D. Murray
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Jesse D. Riordan
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Adam J. Dupuy
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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9
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Menin L, Weber J, Villa S, Martini E, Maspero E, Niño CA, Cancila V, Poli A, Maiuri P, Palamidessi A, Frittoli E, Bianchi F, Tripodo C, Walters KJ, Giavazzi F, Scita G, Polo S. A planar polarized MYO6-DOCK7-RAC1 axis promotes tissue fluidification in mammary epithelia. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113001. [PMID: 37590133 PMCID: PMC10530600 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissue fluidification and collective motility are pivotal in regulating embryonic morphogenesis, wound healing, and tumor metastasis. These processes frequently require that each cell constituent of a tissue coordinates its migration activity and directed motion through the oriented extension of lamellipodium cell protrusions, promoted by RAC1 activity. While the upstream RAC1 regulators in individual migratory cells or leader cells during invasion or wound healing are well characterized, how RAC1 is controlled in follower cells remains unknown. Here, we identify a MYO6-DOCK7 axis essential for spatially restricting RAC1 activity in a planar polarized fashion in model tissue monolayers. The MYO6-DOCK7 axis specifically controls the extension of cryptic lamellipodia required to drive tissue fluidification and cooperative-mode motion in otherwise solid and static carcinoma cell collectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Menin
- IFOM ETS, The AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Janine Weber
- IFOM ETS, The AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Villa
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Segrate, Italy
| | - Emanuele Martini
- IFOM ETS, The AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Maspero
- IFOM ETS, The AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Carlos A Niño
- IFOM ETS, The AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Cancila
- Human Pathology Section, Department of Health Sciences, University of Palermo School of Medicine, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessandro Poli
- IFOM ETS, The AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Maiuri
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Fabrizio Bianchi
- Unit of Cancer Biomarkers, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Claudio Tripodo
- IFOM ETS, The AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy; Human Pathology Section, Department of Health Sciences, University of Palermo School of Medicine, Palermo, Italy
| | - Kylie J Walters
- Protein Processing Section, Center for Structural Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Fabio Giavazzi
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Segrate, Italy
| | - Giorgio Scita
- IFOM ETS, The AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy; Dipartimento di Oncologia ed Emato-oncologia, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
| | - Simona Polo
- IFOM ETS, The AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy; Dipartimento di Oncologia ed Emato-oncologia, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
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10
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Cannon AC, Budagyan K, Uribe-Alvarez C, Kurimchak AM, Araiza-Olivera D, Cai KQ, Peri S, Zhou Y, Duncan JS, Chernoff J. Unique vulnerability of RAC1-mutant melanoma to combined inhibition of CDK9 and immune checkpoints. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.27.546707. [PMID: 37425776 PMCID: PMC10327161 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.27.546707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
RAC1P29S is the third most prevalent hotspot mutation in sun-exposed melanoma. RAC1 alterations in cancer are correlated with poor prognosis, resistance to standard chemotherapy, and insensitivity to targeted inhibitors. Although RAC1P29S mutations in melanoma and RAC1 alterations in several other cancers are increasingly evident, the RAC1-driven biological mechanisms contributing to tumorigenesis remain unclear. Lack of rigorous signaling analysis has prevented identification of alternative therapeutic targets for RAC1P29S-harboring melanomas. To investigate the RAC1P29S-driven effect on downstream molecular signaling pathways, we generated an inducible RAC1P29S expression melanocytic cell line and performed RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) coupled with multiplexed kinase inhibitor beads and mass spectrometry (MIBs/MS) to establish enriched pathways from the genomic to proteomic level. Our proteogenomic analysis identified CDK9 as a potential new and specific target in RAC1P29S-mutant melanoma cells. In vitro, CDK9 inhibition impeded the proliferation of in RAC1P29S-mutant melanoma cells and increased surface expression of PD-L1 and MHC Class I proteins. In vivo, combining CDK9 inhibition with anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint blockade significantly inhibited tumor growth only in melanomas that expressed the RAC1P29S mutation. Collectively, these results establish CDK9 as a novel target in RAC1-driven melanoma that can further sensitize the tumor to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa C Cannon
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Konstantin Budagyan
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Cristina Uribe-Alvarez
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Alison M Kurimchak
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Daniela Araiza-Olivera
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Kathy Q Cai
- Histopathology Facility, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Suraj Peri
- Biostatistics-Bioinformatics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
- Current Affiliation: Merck, Bioinformatics Oncology Discovery, Boston, MA
| | - Yan Zhou
- Biostatistics-Bioinformatics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
| | - James S Duncan
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Jonathan Chernoff
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
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11
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Yin G, Huang J, Petela J, Jiang H, Zhang Y, Gong S, Wu J, Liu B, Shi J, Gao Y. Targeting small GTPases: emerging grasps on previously untamable targets, pioneered by KRAS. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:212. [PMID: 37221195 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01441-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Small GTPases including Ras, Rho, Rab, Arf, and Ran are omnipresent molecular switches in regulating key cellular functions. Their dysregulation is a therapeutic target for tumors, neurodegeneration, cardiomyopathies, and infection. However, small GTPases have been historically recognized as "undruggable". Targeting KRAS, one of the most frequently mutated oncogenes, has only come into reality in the last decade due to the development of breakthrough strategies such as fragment-based screening, covalent ligands, macromolecule inhibitors, and PROTACs. Two KRASG12C covalent inhibitors have obtained accelerated approval for treating KRASG12C mutant lung cancer, and allele-specific hotspot mutations on G12D/S/R have been demonstrated as viable targets. New methods of targeting KRAS are quickly evolving, including transcription, immunogenic neoepitopes, and combinatory targeting with immunotherapy. Nevertheless, the vast majority of small GTPases and hotspot mutations remain elusive, and clinical resistance to G12C inhibitors poses new challenges. In this article, we summarize diversified biological functions, shared structural properties, and complex regulatory mechanisms of small GTPases and their relationships with human diseases. Furthermore, we review the status of drug discovery for targeting small GTPases and the most recent strategic progress focused on targeting KRAS. The discovery of new regulatory mechanisms and development of targeting approaches will together promote drug discovery for small GTPases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guowei Yin
- The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China.
| | - Jing Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Johnny Petela
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27101, USA
| | - Hongmei Jiang
- The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Yuetong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Siqi Gong
- The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
- School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Jiaxin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Bei Liu
- National Biomedical Imaging Center, School of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Jianyou Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology, Chengdu, 610072, China.
| | - Yijun Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
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12
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Zhang Y, Li G, Zhao Y. Advances in the development of Rho GTPase inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem 2023; 90:117337. [PMID: 37253305 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2023.117337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Rho guanosine triphosphatases (Rho GTPases), as members of the Ras superfamily, are GDP/GTP binding proteins that behave as molecular switches for the transduction of signals from external stimuli. Rho GTPases play essential roles in a number of cellular processes including cell cycle, cell polarity as well as cell migration. The dysregulations of Rho GTPases are related with various diseases, especially with cancers. Accumulating evidence supports that Rho GTPases play important roles in cancer development and progression. Rho GTPases become potential therapeutic targets for cancer therapy. And a number of inhibitors targeting Rho GTPases have been developed. In this review, we discuss their structural features, summarize their roles in cancer, and focus on the recent progress of their inhibitors, which are beneficial for the drug discovery targeting Rho GTPases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijing Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Guanyi Li
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yaxue Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China.
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13
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Lodde GC, Jansen P, Herbst R, Terheyden P, Utikal J, Pföhler C, Ulrich J, Kreuter A, Mohr P, Gutzmer R, Meier F, Dippel E, Weichenthal M, Sucker A, Placke JM, Zaremba A, Albrecht LJ, Kowall B, Galetzka W, Becker JC, Tasdogan A, Zimmer L, Livingstone E, Hadaschik E, Schadendorf D, Ugurel S, Griewank K. Characterisation and outcome of RAC1 mutated melanoma. Eur J Cancer 2023; 183:1-10. [PMID: 36773463 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2023.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Activating hot spot R29S mutations in RAC1, a small GTPase influencing several cellular processes including cell proliferation and cytoskeleton rearrangement, have been reported in up to 9% of sun-exposed melanomas. Clinical characteristics and treatment implications of RAC1 mutations in melanoma remain unclear. METHODS We investigated the largest set (n = 64) of RAC1 mutated melanoma patients reported to date, including a retrospective single institution cohort (n = 34) from the University Hospital Essen and a prospective multicentre cohort (n = 30) from the translational study Tissue Registry in Melanoma (TRIM; CA209-578), for patient and tumour characteristics as well as therapy outcomes. RESULTS From 3037 sequenced melanoma samples screened RAC1 mutations occurred in ∼2% of samples (64/3037). The most common RAC1 mutation was P29S (95%, 61/64). The majority of tumours had co-occuring MAP kinase mutations (88%, 56/64); mostly activating NRAS (47%, 30/64) mutations, followed by activating BRAF (28%, 18/64) and NF1 (25%, 16/64) mutations. RAC1 mutated melanomas were almost exclusively of cutaneous origin (84%, 54/64) or of unknown primary (MUP, 14%, 9/64). C > T alterations were the most frequent mutation type identified demonstrating a UV-signature for RAC1 mutated melanoma. Most patients with unresectable disease (39) received immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) (77%, 30/39). Objective response rate of first-line treatment in patients with stage III/IV disease was 21%; median overall survival was 47.8 months. CONCLUSIONS RAC1 mutated melanomas are rare, mostly of cutaneous origin and frequently harbour concomitant MAP kinase mutations, particularly in NRAS. Patients with advanced disease benefit from systemic treatment with ICI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georg C Lodde
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.
| | - Philipp Jansen
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany; Department of Dermatology and Allergology, UK Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Rudolf Herbst
- Department of Dermatology, Helios Klinikum Erfurt, Erfurt, Germany.
| | | | - Jochen Utikal
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Ruprecht-Karl University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany, DFKZ-Hector Cancer Institute, University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany; German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Claudia Pföhler
- Saarland University Medical School, Homburg, Department of Dermatology, Homburg/Saar, Germany.
| | - Jens Ulrich
- Department of Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center, Harzklinikum Dorothea Christiane Erxleben, Quedlinburg, Germany.
| | - Alexander Kreuter
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, HELIOS St. Elisabeth Klinik Oberhausen, University Witten/Herdecke, Oberhausen, Germany.
| | - Peter Mohr
- Dermatological Center Buxtehude, Elbe Kliniken Buxtehude, Buxtehude, Germany.
| | - Ralf Gutzmer
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology, Allergology and Phlebology, University Hospital Mühlenkreiskliniken Minden, Minden, Germany.
| | - Friedegund Meier
- Skin Cancer Center at the University Cancer Centre Dresden and National Center for Tumor Diseases, Dresden, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Germany, National Center for Tumor Diseases Dresden (NCT/UCC), Germany, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany; German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Edgar Dippel
- Department of Dermatology, Ludwigshafen Medical Center, Ludwigshafen, Germany.
| | - Michael Weichenthal
- Department of Dermatology, Skin Cancer Center, Schleswig-Holstein University Hospital, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany.
| | - Antje Sucker
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.
| | - Jan-Malte Placke
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.
| | - Anne Zaremba
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.
| | - Lea Jessica Albrecht
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.
| | - Bernd Kowall
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.
| | - Wolfgang Galetzka
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.
| | - Jürgen C Becker
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany; Translational Skin Cancer Research, University Medicine Essen, Essen, Germany; German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Alpaslan Tasdogan
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.
| | - Lisa Zimmer
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.
| | - Elisabeth Livingstone
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.
| | - Eva Hadaschik
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.
| | - Dirk Schadendorf
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany; German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Selma Ugurel
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany; German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Klaus Griewank
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.
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14
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Nishikawa M, Scala M, Umair M, Ito H, Waqas A, Striano P, Zara F, Costain G, Capra V, Nagata KI. Gain-of-function p.F28S variant in RAC3 disrupts neuronal differentiation, migration and axonogenesis during cortical development, leading to neurodevelopmental disorder. J Med Genet 2023; 60:223-232. [PMID: 35595279 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2022-108483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND RAC3 encodes a Rho family small GTPase that regulates the behaviour and organisation of actin cytoskeleton and intracellular signal transduction. Variants in RAC3 can cause a phenotypically heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder with structural brain anomalies and dysmorphic facies. The pathomechanism of this recently discovered genetic disorder remains unclear. METHODS We investigated an early adolescent female with intellectual disability, drug-responsive epilepsy and white matter abnormalities. Through exome sequencing, we identified the novel de novo variant (NM_005052.3): c.83T>C (p.Phe28Ser) in RAC3. We then examined the pathophysiological significance of the p.F28S variant in comparison with the recently reported disease-causing p.Q61L variant, which results in a constitutively activated version of RAC3. RESULTS In vitro analyses revealed that the p.F28S variant was spontaneously activated by substantially increased intrinsic GTP/GDP-exchange activity and bound to downstream effectors tested, such as PAK1 and MLK2. The variant suppressed the differentiation of primary cultured hippocampal neurons and caused cell rounding with lamellipodia. In vivo analyses using in utero electroporation showed that acute expression of the p.F28S variant caused migration defects of excitatory neurons and axon growth delay during corticogenesis. Notably, defective migration was rescued by a dominant negative version of PAK1 but not MLK2. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that RAC3 is critical for brain development and the p.F28S variant causes morphological and functional defects in cortical neurons, likely due to the hyperactivation of PAK1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masashi Nishikawa
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Aichi Developmental Disability Center, Kasugai, Japan
| | - Marcello Scala
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy .,Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Muhammad Umair
- Medical Genomics Research Department, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Life Sciences, School of Science, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Hidenori Ito
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Aichi Developmental Disability Center, Kasugai, Japan
| | - Ahmed Waqas
- Department Zoology, Division of Science and Technology, University of Education, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Federico Zara
- Unit of Medical Genetics, IRCCS Giannina Gaslini Institute, Genova, Italy
| | - Gregory Costain
- Genetics and Genome Biology, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Valeria Capra
- Unit of Medical Genetics, IRCCS Giannina Gaslini Institute, Genova, Italy
| | - Koh-Ichi Nagata
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Aichi Developmental Disability Center, Kasugai, Japan .,Department of Neurochemistry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
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15
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Wang Q, Shaik F, Lu X, Zhang W, Wu Y, Qian H, Zhang W. Amorphous NiB@IrO x nanozymes trigger efficient apoptosis-ferroptosis hybrid therapy. Acta Biomater 2023; 155:575-587. [PMID: 36374661 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.10.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The apoptosis-ferroptosis hybrid therapy opens up a new avenue for tumor eradication. Constructing efficient self-cascade platform is highly desired to enhance its therapeutic effect. Herein, we report on the synthesis of novel nanozyme consist of amorphous NiB alloy completely coated with an ultrathin layer of IrOx shell (A-NiB@C-IrOx). These core-shell nanoparticles exhibited peroxidase (POD)-, catalase (CAT)- and glutathione oxidase (GSH-OXD)-like properties for inducing self-cascade catalysis. Specifically, the amorphous IrOx shell with abundant active sites can effectively convert intratumor hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxygen (O2). In presence of O2, amorphous NiB core and ultrathin IrOx shell collectively catalyze the oxidation of GSH to generate H2O2, which is subsequently converted to ROS and O2 by IrOx component. Thus, these enzymatic activities endow A-NiB@C-IrOx nanozymes with the ability of unceasing generation of ROS and O2 and depletion of GSH. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate a high therapeutic efficiency of A-NiB@C-IrOx nanozymes via apoptosis-ferroptosis combination therapy. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Apoptosis-ferroptosis hybrid therapy opens up new avenues for eradicating tumor cells. However, its actual therapeutic effect is still unsatisfied. Current efforts on this hybrid therapy focus on developing efficient self-cascade nanozymes to improve the efficiency of both ROS generation and GSH depletion. In this study, we constructed amorphous NiB alloy with a completed thin layer of IrOx shell (denoted as A-NiB@C-IrOx) for apoptosis-ferroptosis combination therapy. As expected, A-NiB@C-IrOx can trigger efficient cascade catalytic reactions to continuously generate ROS and consume GSH, finally inducing augmented apoptosis-ferroptosis combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Wang
- Department of Research, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Firdoz Shaik
- Schulich Faculty of Chemistry, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 320000, Israel
| | - Xiuxin Lu
- Department of Research, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Wenhao Zhang
- Department of Research, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Yafei Wu
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Haisheng Qian
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Research and Engineering Center of Biomedical Materials, Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, China.
| | - Weiqing Zhang
- Department of Research, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of High-Incidence Tumor Prevention and Treatment, Life Sciences Institute, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China.
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16
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Zhang J, Yang HZ, Liu S, Islam MO, Zhu Y, Wang Z, Chen R. PCDH9 suppresses melanoma proliferation and cell migration. Front Oncol 2022; 12:903554. [PMID: 36452505 PMCID: PMC9703089 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.903554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melanoma has dramatically increased during last 30 years with low 5-year survival and prognosis rate. METHODS Melanoma cells (A375 and G361) were chosen as the in vitro model. The immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis and bioinformatics mining exhibited the suppression of PCDH9 on melanoma. The interference and overexpression of PCDH9 were infected by lentivirus. The effects of PCDH9 on melanoma cells were assessed in terms of alteration of PCDH9 such as cell viability, apoptosis, cell cycle, and wound-healing assay. Moreover, expressions of PCDH9 with other genes (MMP2, MMP9, CCND1, and RAC1) were also assessed by PCR. RESULTS The alteration of PCDH9 has a negative correlation with MMP2, MMP9, and RAC1 but had a positive correlation with CCND1 (Cyclin D1) and apoptosis. Increase of PCDH9 could suppress melanoma cells and inhibit migration but not exert significant effects on cell cycle. IHC showed lower PCDH9 expression in melanoma tissue with main expression in cytoplasm. CONCLUSION Overexpressed PCDH9 suppressed melanoma cells, and PCDH9 can be considered as an independent prognostic factor for melanoma; even re-expression of PCDH9 can serve as a potential therapeutic strategy for melanoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaojiao Zhang
- Dermatology Department, Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- College of Food and Health, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hui-Zhi Yang
- The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Shuang Liu
- Dermatology Department, Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Md Obaidul Islam
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Yue Zhu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- Nano-drug Technology Research Center at Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Zuhua Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- Nano-drug Technology Research Center at Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - RongYi Chen
- Dermatology Department, Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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17
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Cai G, Zou R, yang H, Xie J, Chen X, Zheng C, Luo S, Wei N, Liu S, Chen R. Circ_0084043-miR-134-5p axis regulates PCDH9 to suppress melanoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:891476. [PMID: 36387162 PMCID: PMC9641620 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.891476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The low survival rates, poor responses, and drug resistance of patients with melanoma make it urgent to find new therapeutic targets. This study investigated whether the circ_0084043-miR-134-5p axis regulates the antitumor effect of protocadherin 9 (PCDH9) in melanoma. Ectopic expression or knock down (KD) of PCDH9 with a lentivirus vector, we explored its effects on the proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis of melanoma and verified its regulatory effect on ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (RAC1), proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (Pyk2), Cyclin D1, matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), and MMP9. We further observed the effect of KD circ_0084043 on the malignant behavior of melanoma and studied whether circ_0084043 sponged miR-134-5p and regulated PCDH9. We found that circ_0084043 was overexpressed in melanoma and associated with the malignant phenotype. PCDH9 was poorly expressed in human melanoma tissues, and overexpression of PCDH9 inhibited melanoma progression. Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting results showed that overexpression of PCDH9 could downregulate RAC1, MMP2, and MMP9 and upregulate Pyk2 and Cyclin D1. Circ_0084043 KD inhibited invasion and promoted apoptosis in melanoma cells. Circ_0084043 could sponge miR-134-5p and thus indirectly regulate PCDH9. Furthermore, we discovered that inhibiting circ_0084043 had an anti–PD-Ll effect. In vivo, PCDH9 overexpression inhibited melanoma tumor growth, but PCDH9 KD promoted it. In conclusion, PCDH9, which is regulated by the circ 0084043-miR-134-5p axis, can suppress malignant biological behavior in melanoma and influence the expression levels of Pyk2, RAC1, Cyclin D1, MMP2, and MMP9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guiyue Cai
- Dermatology Department, Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Clinical School, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Ruitao Zou
- Dermatology Department, Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Clinical School, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Huizhi yang
- Dermatology Department, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiahao Xie
- Dermatology Department, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxuan Chen
- Clinical School, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Chunchan Zheng
- Dermatology Department, Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sujun Luo
- Dermatology Department, Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Na Wei
- Dermatology Department, Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuang Liu
- Dermatology Department, Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Shuang Liu, ; Rongyi Chen,
| | - Rongyi Chen
- Dermatology Department, Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Clinical School, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
- *Correspondence: Shuang Liu, ; Rongyi Chen,
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18
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Zhu EY, Riordan JD, Vanneste M, Henry MD, Stipp CS, Dupuy AJ. SRC-RAC1 signaling drives drug resistance to BRAF inhibition in de-differentiated cutaneous melanomas. NPJ Precis Oncol 2022; 6:74. [PMID: 36271142 PMCID: PMC9587254 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-022-00310-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Rare gain-of-function mutations in RAC1 drive drug resistance to targeted BRAF inhibition in cutaneous melanoma. Here, we show that wildtype RAC1 is a critical driver of growth and drug resistance, but only in a subset of melanomas with elevated markers of de-differentiation. Similarly, SRC inhibition also selectively sensitized de-differentiated melanomas to BRAF inhibition. One possible mechanism may be the suppression of the de-differentiated state, as SRC and RAC1 maintained markers of de-differentiation in human melanoma cells. The functional differences between melanoma subtypes suggest that the clinical management of cutaneous melanoma can be enhanced by the knowledge of differentiation status. To simplify the task of classification, we developed a binary classification strategy based on a small set of ten genes. Using this gene set, we reliably determined the differentiation status previously defined by hundreds of genes. Overall, our study informs strategies that enhance the precision of BRAFi by discovering unique vulnerabilities of the de-differentiated cutaneous melanoma subtype and creating a practical method to resolve differentiation status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliot Y Zhu
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Cancer Biology Graduate Program, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,The Medical Scientist Training Program, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Jesse D Riordan
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Marion Vanneste
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Michael D Henry
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Christopher S Stipp
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Adam J Dupuy
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA. .,Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
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19
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Wolff DW, Deng Z, Bianchi-Smiraglia A, Foley CE, Han Z, Wang X, Shen S, Rosenberg MM, Moparthy S, Yun DH, Chen J, Baker BK, Roll MV, Magiera AJ, Li J, Hurley E, Feltri ML, Cox AO, Lee J, Furdui CM, Liu L, Bshara W, LaConte LE, Kandel ES, Pasquale EB, Qu J, Hedstrom L, Nikiforov MA. Phosphorylation of guanosine monophosphate reductase triggers a GTP-dependent switch from pro- to anti-oncogenic function of EPHA4. Cell Chem Biol 2022; 29:970-984.e6. [PMID: 35148834 PMCID: PMC9620470 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2022.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Signal transduction pathways post-translationally regulating nucleotide metabolism remain largely unknown. Guanosine monophosphate reductase (GMPR) is a nucleotide metabolism enzyme that decreases GTP pools by converting GMP to IMP. We observed that phosphorylation of GMPR at Tyr267 is critical for its activity and found that this phosphorylation by ephrin receptor tyrosine kinase EPHA4 decreases GTP pools in cell protrusions and levels of GTP-bound RAC1. EPHs possess oncogenic and tumor-suppressor activities, although the mechanisms underlying switches between these two modes are poorly understood. We demonstrated that GMPR plays a key role in EPHA4-mediated RAC1 suppression. This supersedes GMPR-independent activation of RAC1 by EPHA4, resulting in a negative overall effect on melanoma cell invasion and tumorigenicity. Accordingly, EPHA4 levels increase during melanoma progression and inversely correlate with GMPR levels in individual melanoma tumors. Therefore, phosphorylation of GMPR at Tyr267 is a metabolic signal transduction switch controlling GTP biosynthesis and transformed phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- David W. Wolff
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA,Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Zhiyong Deng
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Anna Bianchi-Smiraglia
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Colleen E. Foley
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Zhannan Han
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA,Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Xingyou Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02453, USA
| | - Shichen Shen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
| | | | - Sudha Moparthy
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Dong Hyun Yun
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Jialin Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA,Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Brian K. Baker
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Matthew V. Roll
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA,Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Andrew J. Magiera
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
| | - Edward Hurley
- Department of Biochemistry and Neurology, Hunter James Kelly Research Institute, University at Buffalo, Buffalo NY, USA
| | - Maria Laura Feltri
- Department of Biochemistry and Neurology, Hunter James Kelly Research Institute, University at Buffalo, Buffalo NY, USA
| | - Anderson O. Cox
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Molecular Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem NC, USA
| | - Jingyun Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Molecular Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem NC, USA
| | - Cristina M. Furdui
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Molecular Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem NC, USA
| | - Liang Liu
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Wiam Bshara
- Department of Pathology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo NY 14203, USA
| | - Leslie E.W. LaConte
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
| | - Eugene S. Kandel
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Elena B. Pasquale
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Jun Qu
- Department of Chemistry, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02453, USA
| | - Lizbeth Hedstrom
- Department of Chemistry, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02453, USA,Department of Biology, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02453, USA
| | - Mikhail A. Nikiforov
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA,Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC 27157, USA,Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA,Corresponding author and lead contact: Mikhail A. Nikiforov,
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20
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Zhu EY, Dupuy AJ. Machine learning approach informs biology of cancer drug response. BMC Bioinformatics 2022; 23:184. [PMID: 35581546 PMCID: PMC9112473 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-022-04720-z] [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: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The mechanism of action for most cancer drugs is not clear. Large-scale pharmacogenomic cancer cell line datasets offer a rich resource to obtain this knowledge. Here, we present an analysis strategy for revealing biological pathways that contribute to drug response using publicly available pharmacogenomic cancer cell line datasets. Methods We present a custom machine-learning based approach for identifying biological pathways involved in cancer drug response. We test the utility of our approach with a pan-cancer analysis of ML210, an inhibitor of GPX4, and a melanoma-focused analysis of inhibitors of BRAFV600. We apply our approach to reveal determinants of drug resistance to microtubule inhibitors. Results Our method implicated lipid metabolism and Rac1/cytoskeleton signaling in the context of ML210 and BRAF inhibitor response, respectively. These findings are consistent with current knowledge of how these drugs work. For microtubule inhibitors, our approach implicated Notch and Akt signaling as pathways that associated with response. Conclusions Our results demonstrate the utility of combining informed feature selection and machine learning algorithms in understanding cancer drug response. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12859-022-04720-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliot Y Zhu
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Cancer Biology Graduate Program, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,The Medical Scientist Training Program, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Adam J Dupuy
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA. .,Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
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21
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Schaefer A, Der CJ. RHOA takes the RHOad less traveled to cancer. Trends Cancer 2022; 8:655-669. [PMID: 35568648 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2022.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
RAS and RHO GTPases function as signaling nodes that regulate diverse cellular processes. Whereas RAS mutations were identified in human cancers nearly four decades ago, only recently have mutations in two RHO GTPases, RAC1 and RHOA, been identified in cancer. RAS mutations are found in a diverse spectrum of human cancer types. By contrast, RAC1 and RHOA mutations are associated with distinct and restricted cancer types. Despite a conservation of RAS and RAC1 residues that comprise mutational hotspots, RHOA mutations comprise highly divergent hotspots. Whereas RAS and RAC1 act as oncogenes, RHOA may act as both an oncogene and a tumor suppressor. Thus, while RAS and RHO each take different mutational paths, they arrive at the same biological destination as cancer drivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antje Schaefer
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacology, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Channing J Der
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacology, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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22
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Aspenström P. The Role of Fast-Cycling Atypical RHO GTPases in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14081961. [PMID: 35454871 PMCID: PMC9029563 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14081961] [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: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary For many years, cancer-associated mutations in RHO GTPases were not identified and observations suggesting roles for RHO GTPases in cancer were sparse. Instead, RHO GTPases were considered primarily to regulate cell morphology and cell migration, processes that rely on the dynamic behavior of the cytoskeleton. This notion is in contrast to the RAS proteins, which are famous oncogenes and found to be mutated at high incidence in human cancers. Recent advancements in the tools for large-scale genome analysis have resulted in a paradigm shift and RHO GTPases are today found altered in many cancer types. This review article deals with the recent views on the roles of RHO GTPases in cancer, with a focus on the so-called fast-cycling RHO GTPases. Abstract The RHO GTPases comprise a subfamily within the RAS superfamily of small GTP-hydrolyzing enzymes and have primarily been ascribed roles in regulation of cytoskeletal dynamics in eukaryotic cells. An oncogenic role for the RHO GTPases has been disregarded, as no activating point mutations were found for genes encoding RHO GTPases. Instead, dysregulated expression of RHO GTPases and their regulators have been identified in cancer, often in the context of increased tumor cell migration and invasion. In the new landscape of cancer genomics, activating point mutations in members of the RHO GTPases have been identified, in particular in RAC1, RHOA, and CDC42, which has suggested that RHO GTPases can indeed serve as oncogenes in certain cancer types. This review describes the current knowledge of these cancer-associated mutant RHO GTPases, with a focus on how their altered kinetics can contribute to cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pontus Aspenström
- Rudbeck Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology (IGP), Uppsala University, SE-751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
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23
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Fixing the GAP: the role of RhoGAPs in cancer. Eur J Cell Biol 2022; 101:151209. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2022.151209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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24
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Duman JG, Blanco FA, Cronkite CA, Ru Q, Erikson KC, Mulherkar S, Saifullah AB, Firozi K, Tolias KF. Rac-maninoff and Rho-vel: The symphony of Rho-GTPase signaling at excitatory synapses. Small GTPases 2022; 13:14-47. [PMID: 33955328 PMCID: PMC9707551 DOI: 10.1080/21541248.2021.1885264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Synaptic connections between neurons are essential for every facet of human cognition and are thus regulated with extreme precision. Rho-family GTPases, molecular switches that cycle between an active GTP-bound state and an inactive GDP-bound state, comprise a critical feature of synaptic regulation. Rho-GTPases are exquisitely controlled by an extensive suite of activators (GEFs) and inhibitors (GAPs and GDIs) and interact with many different signalling pathways to fulfill their roles in orchestrating the development, maintenance, and plasticity of excitatory synapses of the central nervous system. Among the mechanisms that control Rho-GTPase activity and signalling are cell surface receptors, GEF/GAP complexes that tightly regulate single Rho-GTPase dynamics, GEF/GAP and GEF/GEF functional complexes that coordinate multiple Rho-family GTPase activities, effector positive feedback loops, and mutual antagonism of opposing Rho-GTPase pathways. These complex regulatory mechanisms are employed by the cells of the nervous system in almost every step of development, and prominently figure into the processes of synaptic plasticity that underlie learning and memory. Finally, misregulation of Rho-GTPases plays critical roles in responses to neuronal injury, such as traumatic brain injury and neuropathic pain, and in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, including intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's Disease. Thus, decoding the mechanisms of Rho-GTPase regulation and function at excitatory synapses has great potential for combatting many of the biggest current challenges in mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph G. Duman
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Francisco A. Blanco
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Integrative Molecular and Biomedical Science Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Christopher A. Cronkite
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Qin Ru
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kelly C. Erikson
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shalaka Mulherkar
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ali Bin Saifullah
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Karen Firozi
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kimberley F. Tolias
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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25
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Tao J, Li C, Zheng Y, Wang F, Zhang M, Wu X, Chen Y, Zeng Q, Chen F, Fei W. Biological protein mediated ferroptotic tumor nanotherapeutics. J Mater Chem B 2021; 9:9262-9284. [PMID: 34730601 DOI: 10.1039/d1tb01289d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Ferroptosis, a cell death pathway involving iron-related generation of lipid hydroperoxides for achieving incredible tumor suppression, has reignited the hope of chemotherapy in tumor treatment in the past decade. With extensive research studies, various bioactive proteins and cellular pathways have been demonstrated to regulate the occurrence and development of ferroptosis. The gradually established ferroptotic regulatory network is conducive to find effective proteins from a holistic perspective and guides better designs for future ferroptotic tumor therapies. The first section of this review summarizes the recent advances in ferroptotic regulatory mechanisms of proteins and attempts to clarify their latent function in the ferroptotic regulatory network. Second, the existing protein-mediated ferroptotic tumor nanotherapeutic strategies were reviewed, including the protein-mediated iron supplement, cell membrane transporter inhibition, glutathione peroxidase 4 interference, glutathione depletion, bioenzyme-mediated reactive oxygen species generation, heat shock protein inhibition, and tumor-overexpressed protein-triggered drug release for ferroptotic therapy. Finally, the future expectations and challenges of ferroptotic tumor nanotherapeutics for clinical cancer therapy are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaoyang Tao
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Chaoqun Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China.
| | - Yongquan Zheng
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China.
| | - Fengmei Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China.
| | - Meng Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China.
| | - Xiaodong Wu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yue Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China.
| | - Qingquan Zeng
- Eye Center, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310009, China
| | - Fengying Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China.
| | - Weidong Fei
- Department of Pharmacy, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China.
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26
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Development of a versatile HPLC-based method to evaluate the activation status of small GTPases. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:101428. [PMID: 34801548 PMCID: PMC8668980 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.101428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Small GTPases cycle between an inactive GDP-bound and an active GTP-bound state to control various cellular events, such as cell proliferation, cytoskeleton organization, and membrane trafficking. Clarifying the guanine nucleotide-bound states of small GTPases is vital for understanding the regulation of small GTPase functions and the subsequent cellular responses. Although several methods have been developed to analyze small GTPase activities, our knowledge of the activities for many small GTPases is limited, partly because of the lack of versatile methods to estimate small GTPase activity without unique probes and specialized equipment. In the present study, we developed a versatile and straightforward HPLC-based assay to analyze the activation status of small GTPases by directly quantifying the amounts of guanine nucleotides bound to them. This assay was validated by analyzing the RAS-subfamily GTPases, including HRAS, which showed that the ratios of GTP-bound forms were comparable with those obtained in previous studies. Furthermore, we applied this assay to the investigation of psychiatric disorder-associated mutations of RHEB (RHEB/P37L and RHEB/S68P), revealing that both mutations cause an increase in the ratio of the GTP-bound form in cells. Mechanistically, loss of sensitivity to TSC2 (a GTPase-activating protein for RHEB) for RHEB/P37L, as well as both decreased sensitivity to TSC2 and accelerated guanine-nucleotide exchange for RHEB/S68P, is involved in the increase of their GTP-bound forms, respectively. In summary, the HPLC-based assay developed in this study provides a valuable tool for analyzing small GTPases for which the activities and regulatory mechanisms are less well understood.
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27
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Colón-Bolea P, García-Gómez R, Casar B. RAC1 Activation as a Potential Therapeutic Option in Metastatic Cutaneous Melanoma. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1554. [PMID: 34827551 PMCID: PMC8615836 DOI: 10.3390/biom11111554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is a complex process by which cancer cells escape from the primary tumor to colonize distant organs. RAC1 is a member of the RHO family of small guanosine triphosphatases that plays an important role in cancer migration, invasion, angiogenesis and metastasis. RAC1 activation has been related to most cancers, such as cutaneous melanoma, breast, lung, and pancreatic cancer. RAC1P29S driver mutation appears in a significant number of cutaneous melanoma cases. Likewise, RAC1 is overexpressed or hyperactivated via signaling through oncogenic cell surface receptors. Thus, targeting RAC1 represents a promising strategy for cutaneous melanoma therapy, as well as for inhibition of other signaling activation that promotes resistance to targeted therapies. In this review, we focus on the role of RAC1 in metastatic cutaneous melanoma emphasizing the anti-metastatic potential of RAC1- targeting drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Colón-Bolea
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas—Universidad de Cantabria, 39011 Santander, Spain; (P.C.-B.); (R.G.-G.)
| | - Rocío García-Gómez
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas—Universidad de Cantabria, 39011 Santander, Spain; (P.C.-B.); (R.G.-G.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Berta Casar
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas—Universidad de Cantabria, 39011 Santander, Spain; (P.C.-B.); (R.G.-G.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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28
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Regulation of local GTP availability controls RAC1 activity and cell invasion. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6091. [PMID: 34667203 PMCID: PMC8526568 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26324-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Physiological changes in GTP levels in live cells have never been considered a regulatory step of RAC1 activation because intracellular GTP concentration (determined by chromatography or mass spectrometry) was shown to be substantially higher than the in vitro RAC1 GTP dissociation constant (RAC1-GTP Kd). Here, by combining genetically encoded GTP biosensors and a RAC1 activity biosensor, we demonstrated that GTP levels fluctuating around RAC1-GTP Kd correlated with changes in RAC1 activity in live cells. Furthermore, RAC1 co-localized in protrusions of invading cells with several guanylate metabolism enzymes, including rate-limiting inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase 2 (IMPDH2), which was partially due to direct RAC1-IMPDH2 interaction. Substitution of endogenous IMPDH2 with IMPDH2 mutants incapable of binding RAC1 did not affect total intracellular GTP levels but suppressed RAC1 activity. Targeting IMPDH2 away from the plasma membrane did not alter total intracellular GTP pools but decreased GTP levels in cell protrusions, RAC1 activity, and cell invasion. These data provide a mechanism of regulation of RAC1 activity by local GTP pools in live cells. Changes in intracellular GTP levels are not considered as a regulatory event in RAC1 activation in live cells since total GTP levels are substantially higher than the RAC1 GTP dissociation constant determined in vitro. Here, the authors demonstrate that the availability of free GTP in live cells controls the activity of RAC1 and cell invasion.
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29
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Millán-Esteban D, Peña-Chilet M, García-Casado Z, Manrique-Silva E, Requena C, Bañuls J, López-Guerrero JA, Rodríguez-Hernández A, Traves V, Dopazo J, Virós A, Kumar R, Nagore E. Mutational Characterization of Cutaneous Melanoma Supports Divergent Pathways Model for Melanoma Development. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5219. [PMID: 34680367 PMCID: PMC8533762 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
According to the divergent pathway model, cutaneous melanoma comprises a nevogenic group with a propensity to melanocyte proliferation and another one associated with cumulative solar damage (CSD). While characterized clinically and epidemiologically, the differences in the molecular profiles between the groups have remained primarily uninvestigated. This study has used a custom gene panel and bioinformatics tools to investigate the potential molecular differences in a thoroughly characterized cohort of 119 melanoma patients belonging to nevogenic and CSD groups. We found that the nevogenic melanomas had a restricted set of mutations, with the prominently mutated gene being BRAF. The CSD melanomas, in contrast, showed mutations in a diverse group of genes that included NF1, ROS1, GNA11, and RAC1. We thus provide evidence that nevogenic and CSD melanomas constitute different biological entities and highlight the need to explore new targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Millán-Esteban
- School of Medicine, Universidad Católica de València San Vicente Mártir, 46001 Valencia, Spain;
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Oncología, 46009 Valencia, Spain; (Z.G.-C.); (J.A.L.-G.)
| | - María Peña-Chilet
- Clinical Bioinformatics Area, Fundación Progreso y Salud, Hospital Virgen del Rocío, 41013 Sevilla, Spain; (M.P.-C.); (J.D.)
- Bioinformatics in Rare Diseases (BiER), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 41013 Sevilla, Spain
- Computational Systems Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBIS), Hospital Virgen del Rocío, 41013 Sevilla, Spain;
| | - Zaida García-Casado
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Oncología, 46009 Valencia, Spain; (Z.G.-C.); (J.A.L.-G.)
| | - Esperanza Manrique-Silva
- Department of Dermatology, Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Oncología, 46009 Valencia, Spain; (E.M.-S.); (A.R.-H.)
| | - Celia Requena
- Computational Systems Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBIS), Hospital Virgen del Rocío, 41013 Sevilla, Spain;
| | - José Bañuls
- Department of Dermatology, El Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), Hospital General Universitario de Alicante, 03010 Alicante, Spain;
| | - Jose Antonio López-Guerrero
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Oncología, 46009 Valencia, Spain; (Z.G.-C.); (J.A.L.-G.)
| | - Aranzazu Rodríguez-Hernández
- Department of Dermatology, Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Oncología, 46009 Valencia, Spain; (E.M.-S.); (A.R.-H.)
| | - Víctor Traves
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Oncología, 46009 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Joaquín Dopazo
- Clinical Bioinformatics Area, Fundación Progreso y Salud, Hospital Virgen del Rocío, 41013 Sevilla, Spain; (M.P.-C.); (J.D.)
- Bioinformatics in Rare Diseases (BiER), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 41013 Sevilla, Spain
- Computational Systems Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBIS), Hospital Virgen del Rocío, 41013 Sevilla, Spain;
- Fundación Progreso y Salud-ELIXIR-es, Hospital Virgen del Rocío, 41013 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Amaya Virós
- Skin Cancer and Aging Lab, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, University of Manchester, Manchester SK10 4TG, UK;
| | - Rajiv Kumar
- Division of Functional Genome Analysis, Deutsches Krebsforschüngzentrum, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
- Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Informatics, University of Heidelberg, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Eduardo Nagore
- School of Medicine, Universidad Católica de València San Vicente Mártir, 46001 Valencia, Spain;
- Department of Dermatology, Fundación Instituto Valenciano de Oncología, 46009 Valencia, Spain; (E.M.-S.); (A.R.-H.)
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30
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Bagheri-Yarmand R, Busaidy NL, McBeath E, Danysh BP, Evans KW, Moss TJ, Akcakanat A, Ng PKS, Knippler CM, Golden JA, Williams MD, Multani AS, Cabanillas ME, Shaw KR, Meric-Bernstam F, Shah MH, Ringel MD, Hofmann MC. RAC1 Alterations Induce Acquired Dabrafenib Resistance in Association with Anaplastic Transformation in a Papillary Thyroid Cancer Patient. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4950. [PMID: 34638434 PMCID: PMC8507731 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BRAF-activating mutations are the most frequent driver mutations in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Targeted inhibitors such as dabrafenib have been used in advanced BRAF-mutated PTC; however, acquired resistance to the drug is common and little is known about other effectors that may play integral roles in this resistance. In addition, the induction of PTC dedifferentiation into highly aggressive KRAS-driven anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) has been reported. We detected a novel RAC1 (P34R) mutation acquired during dabrafenib treatment in a progressive metastatic lesion with ATC phenotype. To identify a potential functional link between this novel mutation and tumor dedifferentiation, we developed a cell line derived from the metastatic lesion and compared its behavior to isogenic cell lines and primary tumor samples. Our data demonstrated that RAC1 mutations induce changes in cell morphology, reorganization of F-actin almost exclusively at the cell cortex, and changes in cell adhesion properties. We also established that RAC1 amplification, with or without mutation, is sufficient to drive cell proliferation and resistance to BRAF inhibition. Further, we identified polyploidy of chromosome 7, which harbors RAC1, in both the metastatic lesion and its derived cell line. Copy number amplification and overexpression of other genes located on this chromosome, such as TWIST1, EGFR, and MET were also detected, which might also lead to dabrafenib resistance. Our study suggests that polyploidy leading to increased expression of specific genes, particularly those located on chromosome 7, should be considered when analyzing aggressive thyroid tumor samples and in further treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rozita Bagheri-Yarmand
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (R.B.-Y.); (N.L.B.); (E.M.); (B.P.D.); (J.A.G.); (M.E.C.)
| | - Naifa L. Busaidy
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (R.B.-Y.); (N.L.B.); (E.M.); (B.P.D.); (J.A.G.); (M.E.C.)
| | - Elena McBeath
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (R.B.-Y.); (N.L.B.); (E.M.); (B.P.D.); (J.A.G.); (M.E.C.)
| | - Brian P. Danysh
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (R.B.-Y.); (N.L.B.); (E.M.); (B.P.D.); (J.A.G.); (M.E.C.)
| | - Kurt W. Evans
- Department of Investigative Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (K.W.E.); (A.A.); (P.K.S.N.); (K.R.S.); (F.M.-B.)
| | - Tyler J. Moss
- Bioinformatics & Computational Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Argun Akcakanat
- Department of Investigative Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (K.W.E.); (A.A.); (P.K.S.N.); (K.R.S.); (F.M.-B.)
| | - Patrick K. S. Ng
- Department of Investigative Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (K.W.E.); (A.A.); (P.K.S.N.); (K.R.S.); (F.M.-B.)
| | - Christina M. Knippler
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (C.M.K.); (M.D.R.)
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Jalyn A. Golden
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (R.B.-Y.); (N.L.B.); (E.M.); (B.P.D.); (J.A.G.); (M.E.C.)
| | - Michelle D. Williams
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Asha S. Multani
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Maria E. Cabanillas
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (R.B.-Y.); (N.L.B.); (E.M.); (B.P.D.); (J.A.G.); (M.E.C.)
| | - Kenna R. Shaw
- Department of Investigative Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (K.W.E.); (A.A.); (P.K.S.N.); (K.R.S.); (F.M.-B.)
| | - Funda Meric-Bernstam
- Department of Investigative Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (K.W.E.); (A.A.); (P.K.S.N.); (K.R.S.); (F.M.-B.)
| | - Manisha H. Shah
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
| | - Matthew D. Ringel
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (C.M.K.); (M.D.R.)
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
| | - Marie Claude Hofmann
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (R.B.-Y.); (N.L.B.); (E.M.); (B.P.D.); (J.A.G.); (M.E.C.)
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31
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Crosas-Molist E, Samain R, Kohlhammer L, Orgaz J, George S, Maiques O, Barcelo J, Sanz-Moreno V. RhoGTPase Signalling in Cancer Progression and Dissemination. Physiol Rev 2021; 102:455-510. [PMID: 34541899 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00045.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Rho GTPases are a family of small G proteins that regulate a wide array of cellular processes related to their key roles controlling the cytoskeleton. On the other hand, cancer is a multi-step disease caused by the accumulation of genetic mutations and epigenetic alterations, from the initial stages of cancer development when cells in normal tissues undergo transformation, to the acquisition of invasive and metastatic traits, responsible for a large number of cancer related deaths. In this review, we discuss the role of Rho GTPase signalling in cancer in every step of disease progression. Rho GTPases contribute to tumour initiation and progression, by regulating proliferation and apoptosis, but also metabolism, senescence and cell stemness. Rho GTPases play a major role in cell migration, and in the metastatic process. They are also involved in interactions with the tumour microenvironment and regulate inflammation, contributing to cancer progression. After years of intensive research, we highlight the importance of relevant models in the Rho GTPase field, and we reflect on the therapeutic opportunities arising for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Crosas-Molist
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Remi Samain
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Leonie Kohlhammer
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jose Orgaz
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom.,Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas 'Alberto Sols', CSIC-UAM, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Samantha George
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Oscar Maiques
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jaume Barcelo
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
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32
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Pecora A, Laprise J, Dahmene M, Laurin M. Skin Cancers and the Contribution of Rho GTPase Signaling Networks to Their Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4362. [PMID: 34503171 PMCID: PMC8431333 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13174362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Skin cancers are the most common cancers worldwide. Among them, melanoma, basal cell carcinoma of the skin and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma are the three major subtypes. These cancers are characterized by different genetic perturbations even though they are similarly caused by a lifelong exposure to the sun. The main oncogenic drivers of skin cancer initiation have been known for a while, yet it remains unclear what are the molecular events that mediate their oncogenic functions and that contribute to their progression. Moreover, patients with aggressive skin cancers have been known to develop resistance to currently available treatment, which is urging us to identify new therapeutic opportunities based on a better understanding of skin cancer biology. More recently, the contribution of cytoskeletal dynamics and Rho GTPase signaling networks to the progression of skin cancers has been highlighted by several studies. In this review, we underline the various perturbations in the activity and regulation of Rho GTPase network components that contribute to skin cancer development, and we explore the emerging therapeutic opportunities that are surfacing from these studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Pecora
- Oncology Division, CHU de Québec–Université Laval Research Center, Québec City, QC G1V 4G2, Canada; (A.P.); (J.L.); (M.D.)
| | - Justine Laprise
- Oncology Division, CHU de Québec–Université Laval Research Center, Québec City, QC G1V 4G2, Canada; (A.P.); (J.L.); (M.D.)
| | - Manel Dahmene
- Oncology Division, CHU de Québec–Université Laval Research Center, Québec City, QC G1V 4G2, Canada; (A.P.); (J.L.); (M.D.)
| | - Mélanie Laurin
- Oncology Division, CHU de Québec–Université Laval Research Center, Québec City, QC G1V 4G2, Canada; (A.P.); (J.L.); (M.D.)
- Université Laval Cancer Research Center, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1R 3S3, Canada
- Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V OA6, Canada
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33
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Majolée J, Podieh F, Hordijk PL, Kovačević I. The interplay of Rac1 activity, ubiquitination and GDI binding and its consequences for endothelial cell spreading. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0254386. [PMID: 34252134 PMCID: PMC8274835 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0254386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Signaling by the Rho GTPase Rac1 is key to the regulation of cytoskeletal dynamics, cell spreading and adhesion. It is widely accepted that the inactive form of Rac1 is bound by Rho GDI, which prevents Rac1 activation and Rac1-effector interactions. In addition, GDI-bound Rac1 is protected from proteasomal degradation, in line with data showing that Rac1 ubiquitination occurs exclusively when Rac1 is activated. We set out to investigate how Rac1 activity, GDI binding and ubiquitination are linked. We introduced single amino acid mutations in Rac1 which differentially altered Rac1 activity, and compared whether the level of Rac1 activity relates to Rac1 ubiquitination and GDI binding. Results show that Rac1 ubiquitination and the active Rac1 morphology is proportionally increased with Rac1 activity. Similarly, we introduced lysine-to-arginine mutations in constitutively active Rac1 to inhibit site-specific ubiquitination and analyze this effect on Rac1 signaling output and ubiquitination. These data show that the K16R mutation inhibits GTP binding, and consequently Rac1 activation, signaling and-ubiquitination, while the K147R mutation does not block Rac1 signaling, but does inhibits its ubiquitination. In both sets of mutants, no direct correlation was observed between GDI binding and Rac1 activity or -ubiquitination. Taken together, our data show that a strong, positive correlation exists between Rac1 activity and its level of ubiquitination, but also that GDI dissociation does not predispose Rac1 to ubiquitination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jisca Majolée
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Fabienne Podieh
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peter L. Hordijk
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Igor Kovačević
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Gene Regulation, Institute of Physiological Chemistry, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
- * E-mail:
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34
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Molecular subversion of Cdc42 signalling in cancer. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:1425-1442. [PMID: 34196668 PMCID: PMC8412110 DOI: 10.1042/bst20200557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cdc42 is a member of the Rho family of small GTPases and a master regulator of the actin cytoskeleton, controlling cell motility, polarity and cell cycle progression. This small G protein and its regulators have been the subject of many years of fruitful investigation and the advent of functional genomics and proteomics has opened up new avenues of exploration including how it functions at specific locations in the cell. This has coincided with the introduction of new structural techniques with the ability to study small GTPases in the context of the membrane. The role of Cdc42 in cancer is well established but the molecular details of its action are still being uncovered. Here we review alterations found to Cdc42 itself and to key components of the signal transduction pathways it controls in cancer. Given the challenges encountered with targeting small G proteins directly therapeutically, it is arguably the regulators of Cdc42 and the effector signalling pathways downstream of the small G protein which will be the most tractable targets for therapeutic intervention. These will require interrogation in order to fully understand the global signalling contribution of Cdc42, unlock the potential for mapping new signalling axes and ultimately produce inhibitors of Cdc42 driven signalling.
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35
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Senyuz S, Jang H, Nussinov R, Keskin O, Gursoy A. Mechanistic Differences of Activation of Rac1 P29S and Rac1 A159V. J Phys Chem B 2021; 125:3790-3802. [PMID: 33848152 PMCID: PMC8154616 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.1c00883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Rac1 is a small GTPase that plays key roles in actin reorganization, cell motility, and cell survival/growth as well as in various cancer types and neurodegenerative diseases. Similar to other Ras superfamily GTPases, Rac1 switches between active GTP-bound and inactive GDP-bound states. Switch I and II regions open and close during GDP/GTP exchange. P29S and A159V (paralogous to K-RasA146) mutations are the two most common somatic mutations of Rac1. Rac1P29S is a known hotspot for melanoma, whereas Rac1A159V most commonly occurs in head and neck cancer. To investigate how these substitutions induce the Rac1 dynamics, we used atomistic molecular dynamics simulations on the wild-type Rac1 and two mutant systems (P29S and A159V) in the GTP bound state, and on the wild-type Rac1 and P29S mutated system in the GDP bound state. Here, we show that P29S and A159V mutations activate Rac1 with different mechanisms. In Rac1P29S-GTP, the substitution increases the flexibility of Switch I based on RMSF and dihedral angle calculations and leads to an open conformation. We propose that the open Switch I conformation is one of the underlying reasons for rapid GDP/GTP exchange of Rac1P29S. On the other hand, in Rac1A159V-GTP, some of the contacts of the guanosine ring of GTP with Rac1 are temporarily lost, enabling the guanosine ring to move toward Switch I and subsequently close the switch. Rac1A159V-GTP adopts a Ras state 2 like conformation, where both switch regions are in closed conformation and Thr35 forms a hydrogen bond with the nucleotide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simge Senyuz
- Computational
Science and Engineering, Koc University, Rumelifeneri Yolu, 34450 Sariyer, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hyunbum Jang
- Computational
Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer
Research in the Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Ruth Nussinov
- Computational
Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer
Research in the Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
- Department
of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Ozlem Keskin
- Chemical
and Biological Engineering, Koc University, Rumelifeneri Yolu, 34450 Sariyer, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Attila Gursoy
- Computer
Engineering, Koc University, Rumelifeneri Yolu, 34450 Sariyer, Istanbul, Turkey
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36
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Goka ET, Mesa Lopez DT, Lippman ME. Hormone-Dependent Prostate Cancers are Dependent on Rac Signaling for Growth and Survival. Mol Cancer Ther 2021; 20:1052-1061. [PMID: 33722851 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-20-0695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Prostate cancer remains a common cause of cancer mortality in men. Initially, cancers are dependent of androgens for growth and survival. First line therapies reduce levels of circulating androgens or target the androgen receptor (AR) directly. Although most patients show durable responses, many patients eventually progress to castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) creating a need for alternative treatment options. The Rac1 signaling pathway has previously been implicated as a driver of cancer initiation and disease progression. We investigated the role of HACE1, the E3 ubiquitin ligase for Rac1, in prostate cancer and found that HACE1 is commonly lost resulting in hyperactive Rac signaling leading to enhanced cellular proliferation, motility and viability. Importantly, we show that a Rac inhibitor can attenuate the growth and survival of prostate cancer cells. Rac signaling was also found to be critical in prostate cancers that express the AR. Rac inhibition in androgen dependent cells resulted in reduction of AR target gene expression suggesting that targeting Rac1 may be an alternative method for blocking the AR signaling axis. Finally, when used in combination with AR antagonists, Rac inhibition enhanced the suppression of AR target gene expression. Therefore, targeting Rac in prostate cancer has the potential to enhance the efficacy of approved AR therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marc E Lippman
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia.
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37
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Yelland T, Le AH, Nikolaou S, Insall R, Machesky L, Ismail S. Structural Basis of CYRI-B Direct Competition with Scar/WAVE Complex for Rac1. Structure 2021; 29:226-237.e4. [PMID: 33217330 PMCID: PMC7955166 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2020.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Rac1 is a major regulator of actin dynamics, with GTP-bound Rac1 promoting actin assembly via the Scar/WAVE complex. CYRI competes with Scar/WAVE for interaction with Rac1 in a feedback loop regulating actin dynamics. Here, we reveal the nature of the CYRI-Rac1 interaction, through crystal structures of CYRI-B lacking the N-terminal helix (CYRI-BΔN) and the CYRI-BΔN:Rac1Q61L complex, providing the molecular basis for CYRI-B regulation of the Scar/WAVE complex. We reveal CYRI-B as having two subdomains - an N-terminal Rac1 binding subdomain with a unique Rac1-effector interface and a C-terminal Ratchet subdomain that undergoes conformational changes induced by Rac1 binding. Finally, we show that the CYRI protein family, CYRI-A and CYRI-B can produce an autoinhibited hetero- or homodimers, adding an additional layer of regulation to Rac1 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Robert Insall
- CRUK- Beatson Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK; Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Laura Machesky
- CRUK- Beatson Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK; Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK.
| | - Shehab Ismail
- CRUK- Beatson Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK; Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK; Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200G, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium.
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38
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Acuner SE, Sumbul F, Torun H, Haliloglu T. Oncogenic mutations on Rac1 affect global intrinsic dynamics underlying GTP and PAK1 binding. Biophys J 2021; 120:866-876. [PMID: 33515600 PMCID: PMC8008323 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2021.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Rac1 is a small member of the Rho GTPase family. One of the most important downstream effectors of Rac1 is a serine/threonine kinase, p21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1). Mutational activation of PAK1 by Rac1 has oncogenic signaling effects. Here, although we focus on Rac1-PAK1 interaction by atomic-force-microscopy-based single-molecule force spectroscopy experiments, we explore the effect of active mutations on the intrinsic dynamics and binding interactions of Rac1 by Gaussian network model analysis and molecular dynamics simulations. We observe that Rac1 oncogenic mutations are at the hinges of three global modes of motion, suggesting the mechanical changes as potential markers of oncogenicity. Indeed, the dissociation of wild-type Rac1-PAK1 complex shows two distinct unbinding dynamic states that are reduced to one with constitutively active Q61L and oncogenic Y72C mutant Rac1, as revealed by single-molecule force spectroscopy experiments. Q61L and Y72C mutations change the mechanics of the Rac1-PAK1 complex by increasing the elasticity of the protein and slowing down the transition to the unbound state. On the other hand, Rac1's intrinsic dynamics reveal more flexible GTP and PAK1-binding residues on switches I and II with Q61L, Y72C, oncogenic P29S and Q61R, and negative T17N mutations. The cooperativity in the fluctuations of GTP-binding sites around the p-loop and switch I decreases in all mutants, mostly in Q61L, whereas some PAK1-binding residues display enhanced coupling with GTP-binding sites in Q61L and Y72C and within each other in P29S. The predicted binding free energies of the modeled Rac1-PAK1 complexes show that the change in the dynamic behavior likely means a more favorable PAK1 interaction. Overall, these findings suggest that the active mutations affect intrinsic functional dynamic events and alter the mechanics underlying the binding of Rac1 to GTP and upstream and downstream partners including PAK1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saliha Ece Acuner
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Polymer Research Center, Bogazici University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Fidan Sumbul
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Polymer Research Center, Bogazici University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hamdi Torun
- Department of Mathematics, Physics and Electrical Engineering, Northumbria University, Newcastle, United Kingdom.
| | - Turkan Haliloglu
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Polymer Research Center, Bogazici University, Istanbul, Turkey.
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39
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Lin Y, Lu S, Zhang J, Zheng Y. Structure of an inactive conformation of GTP-bound RhoA GTPase. Structure 2021; 29:553-563.e5. [PMID: 33497604 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2020.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
By using 31P NMR, we present evidence that the Rho family GTPase RhoA, similar to Ras GTPases, exists in an equilibrium of conformations when bound to GTP. High-resolution crystal structures of RhoA bound to the GTP analog GMPPNP and to GDP show that they display a similar overall inactive conformation. In contrast to the previously reported crystal structures of GTP analog-bound forms of two RhoA dominantly active mutants (G14V and Q63L), GMPPNP-bound RhoA assumes an open conformation in the Switch I loop with a previously unseen interaction between the γ-phosphate and Pro36, instead of the canonical Thr37. Molecular dynamics simulations found that the oncogenic RhoAG14V mutant displays a reduced flexibility in the Switch regions, consistent with a crystal structure of GDP-bound RhoAG14V. Thus, GDP- and GTP-bound RhoA can present similar inactive conformations, and the molecular dynamics in the Switch regions are likely to have a role in RhoA activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Lin
- Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Shaoyong Lu
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 Chongqing South Road, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 Chongqing South Road, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yi Zheng
- Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
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40
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Pickering KA, Gilroy K, Cassidy JW, Fey SK, Najumudeen AK, Zeiger LB, Vincent DF, Gay DM, Johansson J, Fordham RP, Miller B, Clark W, Hedley A, Unal EB, Kiel C, McGhee E, Machesky LM, Nixon C, Johnsson AE, Bain M, Strathdee D, van Hoof SR, Medema JP, Anderson KI, Brachmann SM, Stucke VM, Malliri A, Drysdale M, Turner M, Serrano L, Myant K, Campbell AD, Sansom OJ. A RAC-GEF network critical for early intestinal tumourigenesis. Nat Commun 2021; 12:56. [PMID: 33397922 PMCID: PMC7782582 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20255-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
RAC1 activity is critical for intestinal homeostasis, and is required for hyperproliferation driven by loss of the tumour suppressor gene Apc in the murine intestine. To avoid the impact of direct targeting upon homeostasis, we reasoned that indirect targeting of RAC1 via RAC-GEFs might be effective. Transcriptional profiling of Apc deficient intestinal tissue identified Vav3 and Tiam1 as key targets. Deletion of these indicated that while TIAM1 deficiency could suppress Apc-driven hyperproliferation, it had no impact upon tumourigenesis, while VAV3 deficiency had no effect. Intriguingly, deletion of either gene resulted in upregulation of Vav2, with subsequent targeting of all three (Vav2-/- Vav3-/- Tiam1-/-), profoundly suppressing hyperproliferation, tumourigenesis and RAC1 activity, without impacting normal homeostasis. Critically, the observed RAC-GEF dependency was negated by oncogenic KRAS mutation. Together, these data demonstrate that while targeting RAC-GEF molecules may have therapeutic impact at early stages, this benefit may be lost in late stage disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- K A Pickering
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
| | - K Gilroy
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
| | - J W Cassidy
- CRUK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 ORE, UK
| | - S K Fey
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
| | - A K Najumudeen
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
| | - L B Zeiger
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
| | - D F Vincent
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
| | - D M Gay
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
| | - J Johansson
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
| | - R P Fordham
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
| | - B Miller
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
| | - W Clark
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
| | - A Hedley
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
| | - E B Unal
- EMBL/CRG Systems Biology Research Unit, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRC), Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), 08003, Barcelona, Spain
- Institute for Theoretical Biology, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - C Kiel
- EMBL/CRG Systems Biology Research Unit, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - E McGhee
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
| | - L M Machesky
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
| | - C Nixon
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
| | - A E Johnsson
- The Babraham Institute, Babraham Hall, Babraham, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK
| | - M Bain
- IBAHCM and School of Veterinary Medicine, 464 Bearsden Road, Bearsden, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
| | - D Strathdee
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
| | - S R van Hoof
- Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology (LEXOR), Center for Experimental Molecular Medicine (CEMM) and Cancer Center Amsterdam, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J P Medema
- Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology (LEXOR), Center for Experimental Molecular Medicine (CEMM) and Cancer Center Amsterdam, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - K I Anderson
- The Francis Crick Institute, Mill Hill Laboratory, London, NW7 1AA, UK
| | - S M Brachmann
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Klybeckstrasse, 141, 4002, Basel, Switzerland
| | - V M Stucke
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Klybeckstrasse, 141, 4002, Basel, Switzerland
| | - A Malliri
- CRUK Manchester Institute, 553 Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M20 4BX, UK
| | - M Drysdale
- Broad Institute, 415 Main St, Cambridge, MA, 02142, United States
| | - M Turner
- The Babraham Institute, Babraham Hall, Babraham, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK
| | - L Serrano
- EMBL/CRG Systems Biology Research Unit, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - K Myant
- Edinburgh Research Centre, The Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 2XR, UK.
| | - A D Campbell
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK.
| | - O J Sansom
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK.
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK.
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41
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Novikov NM, Zolotaryova SY, Gautreau AM, Denisov EV. Mutational drivers of cancer cell migration and invasion. Br J Cancer 2021; 124:102-114. [PMID: 33204027 PMCID: PMC7784720 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-01149-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Genomic instability and mutations underlie the hallmarks of cancer-genetic alterations determine cancer cell fate by affecting cell proliferation, apoptosis and immune response, and increasing data show that mutations are involved in metastasis, a crucial event in cancer progression and a life-threatening problem in cancer patients. Invasion is the first step in the metastatic cascade, when tumour cells acquire the ability to move, penetrate into the surrounding tissue and enter lymphatic and blood vessels in order to disseminate. A role for genetic alterations in invasion is not universally accepted, with sceptics arguing that cellular motility is related only to external factors such as hypoxia, chemoattractants and the rigidity of the extracellular matrix. However, increasing evidence shows that mutations might trigger and accelerate the migration and invasion of different types of cancer cells. In this review, we summarise data from published literature on the effect of chromosomal instability and genetic mutations on cancer cell migration and invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita M Novikov
- Laboratory of Cancer Progression Biology, Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Sofia Y Zolotaryova
- Laboratory of Cancer Progression Biology, Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Alexis M Gautreau
- CNRS UMR7654, Ecole Polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Palaiseau, France
- School of Biological and Medical Physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Evgeny V Denisov
- Laboratory of Cancer Progression Biology, Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia.
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42
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Lim C, Berk JM, Blaise A, Bircher J, Koleske AJ, Hochstrasser M, Xiong Y. Crystal structure of a guanine nucleotide exchange factor encoded by the scrub typhus pathogen Orientia tsutsugamushi. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:30380-30390. [PMID: 33184172 PMCID: PMC7720168 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2018163117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Rho family GTPases regulate an array of cellular processes and are often modulated by pathogens to promote infection. Here, we identify a cryptic guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) domain in the OtDUB protein encoded by the pathogenic bacterium Orientia tsutsugamushi A proteomics-based OtDUB interaction screen identified numerous potential host interactors, including the Rho GTPases Rac1 and Cdc42. We discovered a domain in OtDUB with Rac1/Cdc42 GEF activity (OtDUBGEF), with higher activity toward Rac1 in vitro. While this GEF bears no obvious sequence similarity to known GEFs, crystal structures of OtDUBGEF alone (3.0 Å) and complexed with Rac1 (1.7 Å) reveal striking convergent evolution, with a unique topology, on a V-shaped bacterial GEF fold shared with other bacterial GEF domains. Structure-guided mutational analyses identified residues critical for activity and a mechanism for nucleotide displacement. Ectopic expression of OtDUB activates Rac1 preferentially in cells, and expression of the OtDUBGEF alone alters cell morphology. Cumulatively, this work reveals a bacterial GEF within the multifunctional OtDUB that co-opts host Rac1 signaling to induce changes in cytoskeletal structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Lim
- Department of Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520
| | - Jason M Berk
- Department of Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520
| | - Alyssa Blaise
- Department of Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520
| | - Josie Bircher
- Department of Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520
| | - Anthony J Koleske
- Department of Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520
| | - Mark Hochstrasser
- Department of Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520
| | - Yong Xiong
- Department of Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520
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43
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Butera A, Cassandri M, Rugolo F, Agostini M, Melino G. The ZNF750-RAC1 axis as potential prognostic factor for breast cancer. Cell Death Discov 2020; 6:135. [PMID: 33298895 PMCID: PMC7701147 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-020-00371-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The human zinc finger (C2H2-type) protein ZNF750 is a transcription factor regulated by p63 that plays a critical role in epithelial tissues homoeostasis, as well as being involved in the pathogenesis of cancer. Indeed, missense mutations, truncation and genomic deletion have been found in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma. In keeping, we showed that ZNF750 negatively regulates cell migration and invasion in breast cancer cells; in particular, ZNF750 binds and recruits KDM1A and HDAC1 on the LAMB3 and CTNNAL1 promoters. This interaction, in turn, represses the transcription of LAMB3 and CTNNAL1 genes, which are involved in cell migration and invasion. Given that ZNF750 is emerging as a crucial transcription factor that acts as tumour suppressor gene, here, we show that ZNF750 represses the expression of the small GTPase, Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (RAC1) in breast cancer cell lines, by directly binding its promoter region. In keeping with ZNF750 controlling RAC1 expression, we found an inverse correlation between ZNF750 and RAC1 in human breast cancer datasets. More importantly, we found a significant upregulation of RAC1 in human breast cancer datasets and we identified a direct correlation between RAC1 expression and the survival rate of breast cancer patient. Overall, our findings provide a novel molecular mechanism by which ZNF750 acts as tumour suppressor gene. Hence, we report a potential clinical relevance of ZNF750/RAC1 axis in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Butera
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Cassandri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133, Rome, Italy.,Department of Oncohematology, Bambino Gesu' Children's Hospital, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Rugolo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Agostini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Gerry Melino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133, Rome, Italy.
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44
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Han J, Xu X, Liu Z, Li Z, Wu Y, Zuo D. Recent advances of molecular mechanisms of regulating PD-L1 expression in melanoma. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 88:106971. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.106971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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45
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Brito C, Barral DC, Pojo M. Subversion of Ras Small GTPases in Cutaneous Melanoma Aggressiveness. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:575223. [PMID: 33072757 PMCID: PMC7538714 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.575223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The rising incidence and mortality rate associated with the metastatic ability of cutaneous melanoma represent a major public health concern. Cutaneous melanoma is one of the most invasive human cancers, but the molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Moreover, currently available therapies are not efficient in avoiding melanoma lethality. In this context, new biomarkers of prognosis, metastasis, and response to therapy are necessary to better predict the disease outcome. Additionally, the knowledge about the molecular alterations and dysregulated pathways involved in melanoma metastasis may provide new therapeutic targets. Members of the Ras superfamily of small GTPases regulate various essential cellular activities, from signaling to membrane traffic and cytoskeleton dynamics. Therefore, it is not surprising that they are differentially expressed, and their functions subverted in several types of cancer, including melanoma. Indeed, Ras small GTPases were found to regulate melanoma progression and invasion. Hence, a better understanding of the mechanisms regulated by Ras small GTPases that are involved in melanoma tumorigenesis and progression may provide new therapeutic strategies to block these processes. Here, we review the current knowledge on the role of Ras small GTPases in melanoma aggressiveness and the molecular mechanisms involved. Furthermore, we summarize the known involvement of these proteins in melanoma metastasis and how these players influence the response to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheila Brito
- Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular (UIPM) do Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil E.P.E., Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Duarte C Barral
- CEDOC, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NOVA Medical School, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Marta Pojo
- Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular (UIPM) do Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil E.P.E., Lisbon, Portugal
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46
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Colón-Bolea P, García-Gómez R, Shackleton S, Crespo P, Bustelo XR, Casar B. RAC1 induces nuclear alterations through the LINC complex to enhance melanoma invasiveness. Mol Biol Cell 2020; 31:2768-2778. [PMID: 33026942 PMCID: PMC7851868 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e20-02-0127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
RHO GTPases are key regulators of the cytoskeletal architecture, which impact a broad range of biological processes in malignant cells including motility, invasion, and metastasis, thereby affecting tumor progression. One of the constraints during cell migration is the diameter of the pores through which cells pass. In this respect, the size and shape of the nucleus pose a major limitation. Therefore, enhanced nuclear plasticity can promote cell migration. Nuclear morphology is determined in part through the cytoskeleton, which connects to the nucleoskeleton through the Linker of Nucleoskeleton and Cytoskeleton (LINC) complex. Here, we unravel the role of RAC1 as an orchestrator of nuclear morphology in melanoma cells. We demonstrate that activated RAC1 promotes nuclear alterations through its effector PAK1 and the tubulin cytoskeleton, thereby enhancing migration and intravasation of melanoma cells. Disruption of the LINC complex prevented RAC1-induced nuclear alterations and the invasive properties of melanoma cells. Thus, RAC1 induces nuclear morphology alterations through microtubules and the LINC complex to promote an invasive phenotype in melanoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Colón-Bolea
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad de Cantabria, Santander 39011, Spain
| | - Rocío García-Gómez
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad de Cantabria, Santander 39011, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Sue Shackleton
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 9HM, UK
| | - Piero Crespo
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad de Cantabria, Santander 39011, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Xosé R Bustelo
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28029, Spain.,Centro de Investigación del Cáncer and Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (CSIC), Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca 37007, Spain
| | - Berta Casar
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad de Cantabria, Santander 39011, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28029, Spain
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47
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Hodge RG, Schaefer A, Howard SV, Der CJ. RAS and RHO family GTPase mutations in cancer: twin sons of different mothers? Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2020; 55:386-407. [PMID: 32838579 DOI: 10.1080/10409238.2020.1810622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The RAS and RHO family comprise two major branches of the RAS superfamily of small GTPases. These proteins function as regulated molecular switches and control cytoplasmic signaling networks that regulate a diversity of cellular processes, including cell proliferation and cell migration. In the early 1980s, mutationally activated RAS genes encoding KRAS, HRAS and NRAS were discovered in human cancer and now comprise the most frequently mutated oncogene family in cancer. Only recently, exome sequencing studies identified cancer-associated alterations in two RHO family GTPases, RAC1 and RHOA. RAS and RHO proteins share significant identity in their amino acid sequences, protein structure and biochemistry. Cancer-associated RAS mutant proteins harbor missense mutations that are found primarily at one of three mutational hotspots (G12, G13 and Q61) and have been identified as gain-of-function oncogenic alterations. Although these residues are conserved in RHO family proteins, the gain-of-function mutations found in RAC1 are found primarily at a distinct hotspot. Unexpectedly, the cancer-associated mutations found with RHOA are located at different hotspots than those found with RAS. Furthermore, since the RHOA mutations suggested a loss-of-function phenotype, it has been unclear whether RHOA functions as an oncogene or tumor suppressor in cancer development. Finally, whereas RAS mutations are found in a broad spectrum of cancer types, RHOA and RAC1 mutations occur in a highly restricted range of cancer types. In this review, we focus on RHOA missense mutations found in cancer and their role in driving tumorigenesis, with comparisons to cancer-associated mutations in RAC1 and RAS GTPases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard G Hodge
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Antje Schaefer
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sarah V Howard
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Channing J Der
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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48
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Arrington ME, Temple B, Schaefer A, Campbell SL. The molecular basis for immune dysregulation by the hyperactivated E62K mutant of the GTPase RAC2. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:12130-12142. [PMID: 32636302 PMCID: PMC7443499 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.012915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The RAS-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 2 (RAC2) is a member of the RHO subclass of RAS superfamily GTPases required for proper immune function. An activating mutation in a key switch II region of RAC2 (RAC2E62K) involved in recognizing modulatory factors and effectors has been identified in patients with common variable immune deficiency. To better understand how the mutation dysregulates RAC2 function, we evaluated the structure and stability, guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) and GTPase-activating protein (GAP) activity, and effector binding of RAC2E62K Our findings indicate the E62K mutation does not alter RAC2 structure or stability. However, it does alter GEF specificity, as RAC2E62K is activated by the DOCK GEF, DOCK2, but not by the Dbl homology GEF, TIAM1, both of which activate the parent protein. Our previous data further showed that the E62K mutation impairs GAP activity for RAC2E62K As this disease mutation is also found in RAS GTPases, we assessed GAP-stimulated GTP hydrolysis for KRAS and observed a similar impairment, suggesting that the mutation plays a conserved role in GAP activation. We also investigated whether the E62K mutation alters effector binding, as activated RAC2 binds effectors to transmit signaling through effector pathways. We find that RAC2E62K retains binding to an NADPH oxidase (NOX2) subunit, p67phox, and to the RAC-binding domain of p21-activated kinase, consistent with our earlier findings. Taken together, our findings indicate that the RAC2E62K mutation promotes immune dysfunction by promoting RAC2 hyperactivation, altering GEF specificity, and impairing GAP function yet retaining key effector interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E Arrington
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Brenda Temple
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; R. L. Juliano Structural Bioinformatics Core Facility, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Antje Schaefer
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sharon L Campbell
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
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49
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Kogler M, Tortola L, Negri GL, Leopoldi A, El-Naggar AM, Mereiter S, Gomez-Diaz C, Nitsch R, Tortora D, Kavirayani AM, Gapp BV, Rao S, Uribesalgo I, Hoffmann D, Cikes D, Novatchkova M, Williams DA, Trent JM, Ikeda F, Daugaard M, Hagelkruys A, Sorensen PH, Penninger JM. HACE1 Prevents Lung Carcinogenesis via Inhibition of RAC-Family GTPases. Cancer Res 2020; 80:3009-3022. [PMID: 32366477 PMCID: PMC7611202 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-2270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 03/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
HACE1 is an E3 ubiquitin ligase with important roles in tumor biology and tissue homeostasis. Loss or mutation of HACE1 has been associated with the occurrence of a variety of neoplasms, but the underlying mechanisms have not been defined yet. Here, we report that HACE1 is frequently mutated in human lung cancer. In mice, loss of Hace1 led to enhanced progression of KRasG12D -driven lung tumors. Additional ablation of the oncogenic GTPase Rac1 partially reduced progression of Hace1-/- lung tumors. RAC2, a novel ubiquitylation target of HACE1, could compensate for the absence of its homolog RAC1 in Hace1-deficient, but not in HACE1-sufficient tumors. Accordingly, ablation of both Rac1 and Rac2 fully averted the increased progression of KRasG12D -driven lung tumors in Hace1-/- mice. In patients with lung cancer, increased expression of HACE1 correlated with reduced levels of RAC1 and RAC2 and prolonged survival, whereas elevated expression of RAC1 and RAC2 was associated with poor prognosis. This work defines HACE1 as a crucial regulator of the oncogenic activity of RAC-family GTPases in lung cancer development. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings reveal that mutation of the tumor suppressor HACE1 disrupts its role as a regulator of the oncogenic activity of RAC-family GTPases in human and murine lung cancer. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/canres/80/14/3009/F1.large.jpg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Kogler
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna BioCentre, Vienna, Austria
| | - Luigi Tortola
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna BioCentre, Vienna, Austria.
- Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, Department of Biology, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gian Luca Negri
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Molecular Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Alexandra Leopoldi
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna BioCentre, Vienna, Austria
| | - Amal M El-Naggar
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Molecular Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Menoufia Governorate, Egypt
| | - Stefan Mereiter
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna BioCentre, Vienna, Austria
| | - Carlos Gomez-Diaz
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna BioCentre, Vienna, Austria
| | - Roberto Nitsch
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna BioCentre, Vienna, Austria
- Advanced Medicines Safety, Drug Safety and Metabolism, IMED Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Davide Tortora
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Bianca V Gapp
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna BioCentre, Vienna, Austria
| | - Shuan Rao
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna BioCentre, Vienna, Austria
| | - Iris Uribesalgo
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna BioCentre, Vienna, Austria
| | - David Hoffmann
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna BioCentre, Vienna, Austria
| | - Domagoj Cikes
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna BioCentre, Vienna, Austria
| | - Maria Novatchkova
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna BioCentre, Vienna, Austria
| | - David A Williams
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jeffrey M Trent
- Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Fumiyo Ikeda
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna BioCentre, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mads Daugaard
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Astrid Hagelkruys
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna BioCentre, Vienna, Austria
| | - Poul H Sorensen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Molecular Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Josef M Penninger
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna BioCentre, Vienna, Austria.
- Department of Medical Genetics, Life Science Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Hormones Secretion and Rho GTPases in Neuroendocrine Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12071859. [PMID: 32664294 PMCID: PMC7408961 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12071859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) belong to a heterogeneous group of neoplasms arising from hormone secreting cells. These tumors are often associated with a dysfunction of their secretory activity. Neuroendocrine secretion occurs through calcium-regulated exocytosis, a process that is tightly controlled by Rho GTPases family members. In this review, we compiled the numerous mutations and modification of expression levels of Rho GTPases or their regulators (Rho guanine nucleotide-exchange factors and Rho GTPase-activating proteins) that have been identified in NETs. We discussed how they might regulate neuroendocrine secretion.
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