1
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Xiao J, Chen X, Liu W, Qian W, Bulek K, Hong L, Miller-Little W, Li X, Liu C. TRAF4 is crucial for ST2+ memory Th2 cell expansion in IL-33-driven airway inflammation. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e169736. [PMID: 37607012 PMCID: PMC10561728 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.169736] [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: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 4 (TRAF4) is an important regulator of type 2 responses in the airway; however, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms remain elusive. Herein, we generated T cell-specific TRAF4-deficient (CD4-cre Traf4fl/fl) mice and investigated the role of TRAF4 in memory Th2 cells expressing IL-33 receptor (ST2, suppression of tumorigenicity 2) (ST2+ mTh2 cells) in IL-33-mediated type 2 airway inflammation. We found that in vitro-polarized TRAF4-deficient (CD4-cre Traf4fl/fl) ST2+ mTh2 cells exhibited decreased IL-33-induced proliferation as compared with TRAF4-sufficient (Traf4fl/fl) cells. Moreover, CD4-cre Traf4fl/fl mice showed less ST2+ mTh2 cell proliferation and eosinophilic infiltration in the lungs than Traf4fl/fl mice in the preclinical models of IL-33-mediated type 2 airway inflammation. Mechanistically, we discovered that TRAF4 was required for the activation of AKT/mTOR and ERK1/2 signaling pathways as well as the expression of transcription factor Myc and nutrient transporters (Slc2a1, Slc7a1, and Slc7a5), signature genes involved in T cell growth and proliferation, in ST2+ mTh2 cells stimulated by IL-33. Taken together, the current study reveals a role of TRAF4 in ST2+ mTh2 cells in IL-33-mediated type 2 pulmonary inflammation, opening up avenues for the development of new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianxin Xiao
- Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Xing Chen
- Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Weiwei Liu
- Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Wen Qian
- Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Katarzyna Bulek
- Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Lingzi Hong
- Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - William Miller-Little
- Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program
- Department of Pathology, and
| | - Xiaoxia Li
- Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Caini Liu
- Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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2
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Li J, Wang C, Xiao W, Chen Y, Tu J, Wan F, Deng K, Li H. TRAF Family Member 4 Promotes Cardiac Hypertrophy Through the Activation of the AKT Pathway. J Am Heart Assoc 2023; 12:e028185. [PMID: 37642020 PMCID: PMC10547335 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.122.028185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Background Pathological cardiac hypertrophy is a major cause of heart failure morbidity. The complex mechanism of intermolecular interactions underlying the pathogenesis of cardiac hypertrophy has led to a lack of development and application of therapeutic methods. Methods and Results Our study provides the first evidence that TRAF4, a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor (TRAF) family, acts as a promoter of cardiac hypertrophy. Here, Western blotting assays demonstrated that TRAF4 is upregulated in cardiac hypertrophy. Additionally, TRAF4 deletion inhibits the development of cardiac hypertrophy in a mouse model after transverse aortic constriction surgery, whereas its overexpression promotes phenylephrine stimulation-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in primary neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. Mechanistically, RNA-seq analysis revealed that TRAF4 promoted the activation of the protein kinase B pathway during cardiac hypertrophy. Moreover, we found that inhibition of protein kinase B phosphorylation rescued the aggravated cardiomyocyte hypertrophic phenotypes caused by TRAF4 overexpression in phenylephrine-treated neonatal rat cardiomyocytes, suggesting that TRAF4 may regulate cardiac hypertrophy in a protein kinase B-dependent manner. Conclusions Our results revealed the regulatory function of TRAF4 in cardiac hypertrophy, which may provide new insights into developing therapeutic and preventive targets for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Li
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular SurgeryHuanggang Central Hospital of Yangtze UniversityHuanggangChina
| | - Chang‐Quan Wang
- Department of NeurologyHuanggang Central Hospital of Yangtze UniversityHuanggangChina
| | - Wen‐Chang Xiao
- Department of Cardiovascular SurgeryHuanggang Central Hospital of Yangtze UniversityHuanggangChina
- Huanggang Institute of Translational MedicineHuanggangChina
| | - Yun Chen
- Clinical Trial CentersHuanggang Central Hospital of Yangtze UniversityHuanggangChina
| | - Jun Tu
- Huanggang Institute of Translational MedicineHuanggangChina
| | - Feng Wan
- Department of NeurologyHuanggang Central Hospital of Yangtze UniversityHuanggangChina
- Huanggang Institute of Translational MedicineHuanggangChina
| | - Ke‐Qiong Deng
- Huanggang Institute of Translational MedicineHuanggangChina
- Department of CardiologyZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Huo‐Ping Li
- Department of CardiologyHuanggang Central Hospital of Yangtze UniversityHuanggangChina
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3
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He S, Dong D, Lin J, Wu B, Nie X, Cai G. Overexpression of TRAF4 promotes lung cancer growth and EGFR-dependent phosphorylation of ERK5. FEBS Open Bio 2022; 12:1747-1760. [PMID: 35748027 PMCID: PMC9527583 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13458] [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: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 4 (TRAF4) is overexpressed in a variety of carcinomas of different origins, but its role in tumorigenesis remains incompletely understood. Previous studies suggest that TRAF4 promotes epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activation in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the downstream signaling pathway of TRAF4-mediated EGFR activation, as well as its effects on tumor cells, have not been fully elucidated. Here we report that TRAF4 overexpression is associated with increased activity of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) in NSCLC tissues. Activation of ERK5 was dependent on TRAF4-mediated EGFR activation, since inhibition of either TRAF4 or EGFR dramatically abolished phosphorylation of ERK5. Mechanistically, EGFR recruited mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 3 (MEKK3), an upstream kinase of ERK5, in a TRAF4-dependent manner. Thus, our data suggest that an EGFR-TRAF4-MEKK3-ERK5 axis promotes the proliferation of tumor cells, and this may be a potential target for therapeutic intervention of NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siwei He
- Department of Laboratory MedicineRuijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineChina
| | - Danfeng Dong
- Department of Laboratory MedicineRuijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineChina
| | - Jiafei Lin
- Department of Laboratory MedicineRuijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineChina
| | - Beiying Wu
- Department of Laboratory MedicineRuijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineChina
| | - Xiaomeng Nie
- Department of Respiratory DiseasesChanghai Hospital, the Second Military Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Gang Cai
- Department of Laboratory MedicineRuijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineChina
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4
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Gu Y, Gao H, Zhang H, John A, Zhu X, Shivaram S, Yu J, Weinshilboum RM, Wang L. TRAF4 hyperactivates HER2 signaling and contributes to Trastuzumab resistance in HER2-positive breast cancer. Oncogene 2022; 41:4119-4129. [PMID: 35864174 PMCID: PMC9417995 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02415-6] [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: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The HER2 receptor modulates downstream signaling by forming homodimers and heterodimers with other members of the HER family. For patients with HER2-positive breast cancer, Trastuzumab, an anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody as first-line therapy has shown significant survival benefits. However, the development of acquired resistance to Trastuzumab continues to be a significant obstacle. TNF receptor-associated factor 4 (TRAF4) upregulation was discovered to be associated with a worse clinical outcome. Here we identified TRAF4 overexpression as one of the putative mechanisms for HER2-positive breast cancer cells to maintain HER2 signaling during Trastuzumab treatment, while TRAF4 knockdown reduced HER2 stability and improved Trastuzumab sensitivity. Mechanistically, TRAF4 regulates HER2 level through its impact on SMAD specific E3 ubiquitin protein ligase protein 2 (SMURF2). The development of a membrane-associated protein complex containing HER2, TRAF4, and SMURF2 has been observed. SMURF2 bound to the HER2 cytoplasmic domain, and directly ubiquitinated it leading to HER2 degradation, whereas TRAF4 stabilized HER2 by degrading SMURF2 and inhibiting the binding of SMURF2 to HER2. Moreover, downregulation of TRAF4 has decreased the AKT/mTOR signaling. In conclusion, we discovered a new HER2 signaling regulation that involves the TRAF4-SMURF2 complex, a possible mechanism that might contribute to anti-HER2 resistance, making TRAF4 a viable target for treating HER2 + breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yayun Gu
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Huanyao Gao
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Huan Zhang
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - August John
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Xiujuan Zhu
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Suganti Shivaram
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Jia Yu
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Richard M Weinshilboum
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Liewei Wang
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
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5
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Ruan X, Zhang R, Li R, Zhu H, Wang Z, Wang C, Cheng Z, Peng H. The Research Progress in Physiological and Pathological Functions of TRAF4. Front Oncol 2022; 12:842072. [PMID: 35242717 PMCID: PMC8885719 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.842072] [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: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumour necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 4 (TRAF4) is a member of the TRAF protein family, a cytoplasmic bridging molecule closely associated with various immune functions. The physiological processes of TRAF4 are mainly involved in embryonic development, cell polarity, cell proliferation, apoptosis, regulation of reactive oxygen species production. TRAF4 is overexpressed in a variety of tumors and regulates the formation and development of a variety of tumors. In this review, we summarize the physiological and pathological regulatory functions of TRAF4 and focus on understanding the biological processes involved in this gene, to provide a reference for further studies on the role of this gene in tumorigenesis and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueqin Ruan
- Department of Hematology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Institute of Molecular Hematology, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- Division of Cancer Immunotherapy, National Cancer Center Exploratory Oncology Research & Clinical Trial Center, Chiba, Japan
| | - Ruijuan Li
- Department of Hematology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Institute of Molecular Hematology, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hongkai Zhu
- Department of Hematology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Institute of Molecular Hematology, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhihua Wang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Institute of Molecular Hematology, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Canfei Wang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Institute of Molecular Hematology, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhao Cheng
- Department of Hematology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Institute of Molecular Hematology, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hongling Peng
- Department of Hematology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Institute of Molecular Hematology, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Tumor Models and Individualized Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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6
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Zhao J, Tan W, Zhang L, Liu J, Shangguan M, Chen J, Zhao B, Peng Y, Cui M, Zhao S. FGFR3 phosphorylates EGFR to promote cisplatin-resistance in ovarian cancer. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 190:114536. [PMID: 33794187 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is a deadly gynecologic cancer, and the majority of patients with ovarian cancer experience relapse after traditional treatment. Cisplatin (DDP) is a common chemotherapeutic drug for ovarian cancer, but many patients acquire DDP-resistance after treatment with long-term chemotherapy. The mechanisms of drug-resistance in ovarian cancer are not clear, and we thus aim to investigate novel targets for DDP-resistant ovarian cancer. Differential analysis, KEGG pathway enrichment and protein interaction networks were employed to identify the key genes related to DDP-resistance in ovarian cancer. Subsequently, cell viability, apoptosis and migration were measured to assess the effect of fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) on DDP-resistance. Further, Pearson correlation analysis and co-expression analysis were used to explore the downstream pathways of FGFR3, and the function of FGFR3 and its downstream targets were further demonstrated by in vitro and nude mice experiments. FGFR3 were expressed at high levels in DDP-resistant ovarian cancer cells. FGFR3 silencing suppressed the activation of PI3K/AKT pathway and impeded the drug-resistance and development of tumor cells. Afterwards, we found that FGFR3 was co-expressed with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). FGFR3 overexpression elevated EGFR phosphorylation and activated PI3K/AKT signaling. Furthermore, in nude mice, silencing FGFR3 and inhibiting EGFR phosphorylation were observed to promote the therapeutic effect of DDP. In conclusion, FGFR3 overexpression enhances DDP-resistance of ovarian cancer by promoting EGFR phosphorylation and further activating PI3K/AKT pathway. This study may offer promising targets for DDP-resistant ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, Jilin Province, PR China
| | - Wenxi Tan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, Jilin Province, PR China
| | - Lingyi Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, Jilin Province, PR China
| | - Jian Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, Jilin Province, PR China
| | - Mengyuan Shangguan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, Jilin Province, PR China
| | - Junyu Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, Jilin Province, PR China
| | - Benzheng Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, Jilin Province, PR China
| | - Yuanqing Peng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, Jilin Province, PR China
| | - Manhua Cui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, Jilin Province, PR China.
| | - Shuhua Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, Jilin Province, PR China.
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7
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Jiang C, Wu B, Xue M, Lin J, Hu Z, Nie X, Cai G. Inflammation accelerates copper-mediated cytotoxicity through induction of six-transmembrane epithelial antigens of prostate 4 expression. Immunol Cell Biol 2021; 99:392-402. [PMID: 33179273 DOI: 10.1111/imcb.12427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Copper is an essential trace metal, but imbalance in copper homeostasis can induce oxidative damage. Inflammation is a fundamental element of various pulmonary diseases. Although a positive relationship between copper and chronic pulmonary diseases has been reported, the underlying reasons are still not clear. The copper level in the sputum of patients with various pulmonary diseases was measured. An inflammatory model was established to evaluate the impact of inflammation on copper uptake in the lung. We found that the level of sputum copper was increased in patients with various pulmonary diseases, especially chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. Then, we confirmed that mice with pulmonary inflammation were susceptible to copper-mediated oxidative damage because of copper overload in lung tissue. Further investigation demonstrated that interleukin (IL)-17 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α exerted synergistic effects in airway epithelial cells by upregulating the expression of six-transmembrane epithelial antigens of prostate 4 (STEAP4), a metalloreductase that reduces extracellular copper ions from the cupric state to the cuprous state and facilitates copper uptake. Inhibition of STEAP4 decreased the copper uptake of cells and inhibited copper-mediated oxidative damage. Moreover, we demonstrated that the upregulation of STEAP4 by IL-17 and TNF-α was largely dependent on TNF receptor-associated factor 4 (TRAF4). Traf4-/- mice were resistant to copper-mediated oxidative damage. Our data suggest a novel IL-17/TNF-α-TRAF4-STEAP4 axis that regulates copper homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cen Jiang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University Medical School, Shanghai, China
| | - Beiying Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University Medical School, Shanghai, China
| | - Minghui Xue
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University Medical School, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiafei Lin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University Medical School, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenli Hu
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Changhai Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaomeng Nie
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Changhai Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gang Cai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University Medical School, Shanghai, China
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8
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Structural studies of full-length receptor tyrosine kinases and their implications for drug design. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2020; 124:311-336. [PMID: 33632469 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2020.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are important drug targets for cancer and immunological disorders. Crystal structures of individual RTK domains have contributed greatly to the structure-based drug design of clinically used drugs. Low-resolution structures from electron microscopy are now available for the RTKs, EGFR, PDGFR, and Kit. However, there are still no high-resolution structures of full-length RTKs due to the technical challenges of working with these complex, membrane proteins. Here, we review what has been learned from structural studies of these three RTKs regarding their mechanisms of ligand binding, activation, oligomerization, and inhibition. We discuss the implications for drug design. More structural data on full-length RTKs may facilitate the discovery of druggable sites and drugs with improved specificity and effectiveness against resistant mutants.
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9
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Mohr JD, Wagenknecht-Wiesner A, Holowka DA, Baird BA. Basic Amino Acids Within the Juxtamembrane Domain of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Regulate Receptor Dimerization and Auto-phosphorylation. Protein J 2020; 39:476-486. [PMID: 33211253 DOI: 10.1007/s10930-020-09943-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) dysregulation is observed in many human cancers and is both a cause of oncogenesis and a target for chemotherapy. We previously showed that partial charge neutralization of the juxtamembrane (JX) region of EGFR via the EGFR R1-6 mutant construct induces constitutive receptor activation and transformation of NIH 3T3 cells, both from the plasma membrane and from the ER when combined with the ER-retaining L417H mutation (Bryant et al. in J Biol Chem 288:34930-34942, 2013). Here, we use chemical crosslinking and immunoblotting to show that these mutant constructs form constitutive, phosphorylated dimers in both the plasma membrane and the ER. Furthermore, we combine this electrostatic perturbation with conformationally-restricted receptor mutants to provide evidence that activation of EGFR R1-6 dimers requires functional coupling both between the EGFR extracellular dimerization arms and between intracellular tyrosine kinase domains. These findings provide evidence that the electrostatic charge of the JX region normally serves as a negative regulator of functional dimerization of EGFR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan D Mohr
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.,Graduate Field of Pharmacology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | | | - David A Holowka
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Barbara A Baird
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA. .,Graduate Field of Pharmacology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
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10
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Cen S, Li J, Cai Z, Pan Y, Sun Z, Li Z, Ye G, Zheng G, Li M, Liu W, Yu W, Wang S, Xie Z, Wang P, Shen H. TRAF4 acts as a fate checkpoint to regulate the adipogenic differentiation of MSCs by activating PKM2. EBioMedicine 2020; 54:102722. [PMID: 32268273 PMCID: PMC7191261 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2020.102722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) selectively differentiate into adipocytes or osteoblasts, and several molecules control the fate determination of MSCs. Understanding these key checkpoints greatly contributes to the ability to induce specific MSC differentiation for clinical applications. In this study, we aimed to explore whether TNF receptor-associated factor 4 (TRAF4) affects MSC adipogenic differentiation, which we previously reported that could positively regulated the osteogenic differentiation. METHODS Western blotting and Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction were used to detected the expression pattern of TRAF4 during adipogenic differentiation. Lentivirus was constructed to regulate TRAF4 expression, and oil red O staining and Western blotting were used to assess its role in adipogenesis, which was confirmed in vivo by implanting an MSC-matrigel mixture into nude mice. Western blotting was used to detect the activated signaling pathways, and a specific inhibitor and agonist were used to clear the roles of the key signaling pathways. Additionaly, Co-Immunoprecipitation was conducted to find that Pyruvate kinase isozyme type M2 (PKM2) interacts with TRAF4, and to further explore their binding and functional domains. Finally, an RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation assay and Western blotting were used to detect whether N6-methyladenosine mediates the decreased TRAF4 expression during adipogenic differentiation. FINDINGS The results demonstrated that TRAF4 negatively regulates MSC adipogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, we revealed that TRAF4 binds to PKM2 to activate the kinase activity of PKM2, which subsequently activates β-catenin signaling and then inhibits adipogenesis. Furthermore, TRAF4 downregulation during adipogenesis is regulated by ALKBH5-mediated N6-methyladenosine RNA demethylation. INTERPRETATION TRAF4 negatively regulates the adipogenesis of MSCs by activating PKM2 kinase activity, which may act as a checkpoint to fine-tune the balance of adipo-osteogenic differentiation, and suggests that TRAF4 may be a novel target of MSCs in clinical use and may also illuminate the underlying mechanisms of bone metabolic diseases. FUNDING This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81871750 and 81971518) and the Science and Technology Project of Guangdong Province (2019B02023600 and 2017A020215070).
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuizhong Cen
- Department of Orthopedics, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518003, PR China; Department of Orthopedics, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, PR China
| | - Jinteng Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518003, PR China
| | - Zhaopeng Cai
- Department of Orthopedics, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518003, PR China
| | - Yiqian Pan
- Department of Orthopedics, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518003, PR China; Department of Orthopedics, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, PR China
| | - Zehang Sun
- Department of Orthopedics, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518003, PR China; Department of Orthopedics, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, PR China
| | - Zhaofeng Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518003, PR China; Department of Orthopedics, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, PR China
| | - Guiwen Ye
- Department of Orthopedics, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, PR China
| | - Guan Zheng
- Department of Orthopedics, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518003, PR China
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518003, PR China; Department of Orthopedics, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, PR China
| | - Wenjie Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518003, PR China; Department of Orthopedics, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, PR China
| | - Wenhui Yu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518003, PR China
| | - Shan Wang
- Center for Biotherapy, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, PR China
| | - Zhongyu Xie
- Department of Orthopedics, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518003, PR China.
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518003, PR China.
| | - Huiyong Shen
- Department of Orthopedics, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518003, PR China; Department of Orthopedics, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, PR China.
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11
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Molecular Architecture of a Network of Potential Intracellular EGFR Modulators: ARNO, CaM, Phospholipids, and the Juxtamembrane Segment. Structure 2020; 28:54-62.e5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2019.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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IL-17 receptor-based signaling and implications for disease. Nat Immunol 2019; 20:1594-1602. [PMID: 31745337 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-019-0514-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 261] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
IL-17 is a highly versatile pro-inflammatory cytokine crucial for a variety of processes, including host defense, tissue repair, the pathogenesis of inflammatory disease and the progression of cancer. In contrast to its profound impact in vivo, IL-17 exhibits surprisingly moderate activity in cell-culture models, which presents a major knowledge gap about the molecular mechanisms of IL-17 signaling. Emerging studies are revealing a new dimension of complexity in the IL-17 pathway that may help explain its potent and diverse in vivo functions. Discoveries of new mRNA stabilizers and receptor-directed mRNA metabolism have provided insights into the means by which IL-17 cooperates functionally with other stimuli in driving inflammation, whether beneficial or destructive. The integration of IL-17 with growth-receptor signaling in specific cell types offers new understanding of the mitogenic effect of IL-17 on tissue repair and cancer. This Review summarizes new developments in IL-17 signaling and their pathophysiological implications.
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