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Stadler KA, Ortiz-Joya LJ, Singh Sahrawat A, Buhlheller C, Gruber K, Pavkov-Keller T, O'Hagan TB, Guarné A, Pulido S, Marín-Villa M, Zangger K, Gubensäk N. Structural investigation of Trypanosoma cruzi Akt-like kinase as drug target against Chagas disease. Sci Rep 2024; 14:10039. [PMID: 38693166 PMCID: PMC11063076 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59654-8] [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: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
According to the World Health Organization, Chagas disease (CD) is the most prevalent poverty-promoting neglected tropical disease. Alarmingly, climate change is accelerating the geographical spreading of CD causative parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi, which additionally increases infection rates. Still, CD treatment remains challenging due to a lack of safe and efficient drugs. In this work, we analyze the viability of T. cruzi Akt-like kinase (TcAkt) as drug target against CD including primary structural and functional information about a parasitic Akt protein. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance derived information in combination with Molecular Dynamics simulations offer detailed insights into structural properties of the pleckstrin homology (PH) domain of TcAkt and its binding to phosphatidylinositol phosphate ligands (PIP). Experimental data combined with Alpha Fold proposes a model for the mechanism of action of TcAkt involving a PIP-induced disruption of the intramolecular interface between the kinase and the PH domain resulting in an open conformation enabling TcAkt kinase activity. Further docking experiments reveal that TcAkt is recognized by human inhibitors PIT-1 and capivasertib, and TcAkt inhibition by UBMC-4 and UBMC-6 is achieved via binding to TcAkt kinase domain. Our in-depth structural analysis of TcAkt reveals potential sites for drug development against CD, located at activity essential regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina A Stadler
- Institute of Chemistry/Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Lesly J Ortiz-Joya
- Institute of Chemistry/Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Programa de Estudio y Control de Enfermedades Tropicales (PECET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Amit Singh Sahrawat
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Innophore GmbH, Graz, Austria
| | | | - Karl Gruber
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Innophore GmbH, Graz, Austria
- Field of Excellence BioHealth, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Tea Pavkov-Keller
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Field of Excellence BioHealth, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | | | - Alba Guarné
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Sergio Pulido
- Programa de Estudio y Control de Enfermedades Tropicales (PECET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
- LifeFactors ZF SAS, Rionegro, Colombia
| | - Marcel Marín-Villa
- Programa de Estudio y Control de Enfermedades Tropicales (PECET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Klaus Zangger
- Institute of Chemistry/Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry, University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
- Field of Excellence BioHealth, University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria.
| | - Nina Gubensäk
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
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2
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Mbonye U, Karn J. The cell biology of HIV-1 latency and rebound. Retrovirology 2024; 21:6. [PMID: 38580979 PMCID: PMC10996279 DOI: 10.1186/s12977-024-00639-w] [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] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Transcriptionally latent forms of replication-competent proviruses, present primarily in a small subset of memory CD4+ T cells, pose the primary barrier to a cure for HIV-1 infection because they are the source of the viral rebound that almost inevitably follows the interruption of antiretroviral therapy. Over the last 30 years, many of the factors essential for initiating HIV-1 transcription have been identified in studies performed using transformed cell lines, such as the Jurkat T-cell model. However, as highlighted in this review, several poorly understood mechanisms still need to be elucidated, including the molecular basis for promoter-proximal pausing of the transcribing complex and the detailed mechanism of the delivery of P-TEFb from 7SK snRNP. Furthermore, the central paradox of HIV-1 transcription remains unsolved: how are the initial rounds of transcription achieved in the absence of Tat? A critical limitation of the transformed cell models is that they do not recapitulate the transitions between active effector cells and quiescent memory T cells. Therefore, investigation of the molecular mechanisms of HIV-1 latency reversal and LRA efficacy in a proper physiological context requires the utilization of primary cell models. Recent mechanistic studies of HIV-1 transcription using latently infected cells recovered from donors and ex vivo cellular models of viral latency have demonstrated that the primary blocks to HIV-1 transcription in memory CD4+ T cells are restrictive epigenetic features at the proviral promoter, the cytoplasmic sequestration of key transcription initiation factors such as NFAT and NF-κB, and the vanishingly low expression of the cellular transcription elongation factor P-TEFb. One of the foremost schemes to eliminate the residual reservoir is to deliberately reactivate latent HIV-1 proviruses to enable clearance of persisting latently infected cells-the "Shock and Kill" strategy. For "Shock and Kill" to become efficient, effective, non-toxic latency-reversing agents (LRAs) must be discovered. Since multiple restrictions limit viral reactivation in primary cells, understanding the T-cell signaling mechanisms that are essential for stimulating P-TEFb biogenesis, initiation factor activation, and reversing the proviral epigenetic restrictions have become a prerequisite for the development of more effective LRAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uri Mbonye
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.
| | - Jonathan Karn
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.
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3
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Su H, Peng C, Liu Y. Regulation of ferroptosis by PI3K/Akt signaling pathway: a promising therapeutic axis in cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1372330. [PMID: 38562143 PMCID: PMC10982379 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1372330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The global challenge posed by cancer, marked by rising incidence and mortality rates, underscores the urgency for innovative therapeutic approaches. The PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, frequently amplified in various cancers, is central in regulating essential cellular processes. Its dysregulation, often stemming from genetic mutations, significantly contributes to cancer initiation, progression, and resistance to therapy. Concurrently, ferroptosis, a recently discovered form of regulated cell death characterized by iron-dependent processes and lipid reactive oxygen species buildup, holds implications for diseases, including cancer. Exploring the interplay between the dysregulated PI3K/Akt pathway and ferroptosis unveils potential insights into the molecular mechanisms driving or inhibiting ferroptotic processes in cancer cells. Evidence suggests that inhibiting the PI3K/Akt pathway may sensitize cancer cells to ferroptosis induction, offering a promising strategy to overcome drug resistance. This review aims to provide a comprehensive exploration of this interplay, shedding light on the potential for disrupting the PI3K/Akt pathway to enhance ferroptosis as an alternative route for inducing cell death and improving cancer treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Su
- Xingyi People’s Hospital, Xinyi, China
| | - Chao Peng
- Xingyi People’s Hospital, Xinyi, China
| | - Yang Liu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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4
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Lin DYW, Kueffer LE, Juneja P, Wales TE, Engen JR, Andreotti AH. Conformational heterogeneity of the BTK PHTH domain drives multiple regulatory states. eLife 2024; 12:RP89489. [PMID: 38189455 PMCID: PMC10945472 DOI: 10.7554/elife.89489] [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] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Full-length Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) has been refractory to structural analysis. The nearest full-length structure of BTK to date consists of the autoinhibited SH3-SH2-kinase core. Precisely how the BTK N-terminal domains (the Pleckstrin homology/Tec homology [PHTH] domain and proline-rich regions [PRR] contain linker) contribute to BTK regulation remains unclear. We have produced crystals of full-length BTK for the first time but despite efforts to stabilize the autoinhibited state, the diffraction data still reveal only the SH3-SH2-kinase core with no electron density visible for the PHTH-PRR segment. Cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM) data of full-length BTK, on the other hand, provide the first view of the PHTH domain within full-length BTK. CryoEM reconstructions support conformational heterogeneity in the PHTH-PRR region wherein the globular PHTH domain adopts a range of states arrayed around the autoinhibited SH3-SH2-kinase core. On the way to activation, disassembly of the SH3-SH2-kinase core opens a new autoinhibitory site on the kinase domain for PHTH domain binding that is ultimately released upon interaction of PHTH with phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate. Membrane-induced dimerization activates BTK and we present here a crystal structure of an activation loop swapped BTK kinase domain dimer that likely represents the conformational state leading to trans-autophosphorylation. Together, these data provide the first structural elucidation of full-length BTK and allow a deeper understanding of allosteric control over the BTK kinase domain during distinct stages of activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Yin-wei Lin
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Iowa State UniversityAmesUnited States
| | - Lauren E Kueffer
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Iowa State UniversityAmesUnited States
| | - Puneet Juneja
- Cryo-EM Facility, Office of Biotechnology, Iowa State UniversityAmesUnited States
| | - Thomas E Wales
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern UniversityBostonUnited States
| | - John R Engen
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern UniversityBostonUnited States
| | - Amy H Andreotti
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Iowa State UniversityAmesUnited States
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5
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Lin DYW, Kueffer LE, Juneja P, Wales TE, Engen JR, Andreotti AH. Conformational heterogeneity of the BTK PHTH domain drives multiple regulatory states. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.02.543453. [PMID: 37786675 PMCID: PMC10541622 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.02.543453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Full-length BTK has been refractory to structural analysis. The nearest full-length structure of BTK to date consists of the autoinhibited SH3-SH2-kinase core. Precisely how the BTK N-terminal domains (the Pleckstrin homology/Tec homology (PHTH) domain and proline-rich regions (PRR) contain linker) contribute to BTK regulation remains unclear. We have produced crystals of full-length BTK for the first time but despite efforts to stabilize the autoinhibited state, the diffraction data still reveals only the SH3-SH2-kinase core with no electron density visible for the PHTH-PRR segment. CryoEM data of full-length BTK, on the other hand, provide the first view of the PHTH domain within full-length BTK. CryoEM reconstructions support conformational heterogeneity in the PHTH-PRR region wherein the globular PHTH domain adopts a range of states arrayed around the autoinhibited SH3-SH2-kinase core. On the way to activation, disassembly of the SH3-SH2-kinase core opens a new autoinhibitory site on the kinase domain for PHTH domain binding that is ultimately released upon interaction of PHTH with PIP3. Membrane-induced dimerizationactivates BTK and we present here a crystal structure of an activation loop swapped BTK kinase domain dimer that likely represents the conformational state leading to transautophosphorylation. Together, these data provide the first structural elucidation of full-length BTK and allow a deeper understanding of allosteric control over the BTK kinase domain during distinct stages of activation.
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6
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Vujovic F, Shepherd CE, Witting PK, Hunter N, Farahani RM. Redox-Mediated Rewiring of Signalling Pathways: The Role of a Cellular Clock in Brain Health and Disease. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1873. [PMID: 37891951 PMCID: PMC10604469 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12101873] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Metazoan signalling pathways can be rewired to dampen or amplify the rate of events, such as those that occur in development and aging. Given that a linear network topology restricts the capacity to rewire signalling pathways, such scalability of the pace of biological events suggests the existence of programmable non-linear elements in the underlying signalling pathways. Here, we review the network topology of key signalling pathways with a focus on redox-sensitive proteins, including PTEN and Ras GTPase, that reshape the connectivity profile of signalling pathways in response to an altered redox state. While this network-level impact of redox is achieved by the modulation of individual redox-sensitive proteins, it is the population by these proteins of critical nodes in a network topology of signal transduction pathways that amplifies the impact of redox-mediated reprogramming. We propose that redox-mediated rewiring is essential to regulate the rate of transmission of biological signals, giving rise to a programmable cellular clock that orchestrates the pace of biological phenomena such as development and aging. We further review the evidence that an aberrant redox-mediated modulation of output of the cellular clock contributes to the emergence of pathological conditions affecting the human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Vujovic
- IDR/Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia; (F.V.); (N.H.)
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | | | - Paul K. Witting
- Redox Biology Group, Charles Perkins Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;
| | - Neil Hunter
- IDR/Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia; (F.V.); (N.H.)
| | - Ramin M. Farahani
- IDR/Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia; (F.V.); (N.H.)
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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7
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Leroux AE, Biondi RM. The choreography of protein kinase PDK1 and its diverse substrate dance partners. Biochem J 2023; 480:1503-1532. [PMID: 37792325 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20220396] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
The protein kinase PDK1 phosphorylates at least 24 distinct substrates, all of which belong to the AGC protein kinase group. Some substrates, such as conventional PKCs, undergo phosphorylation by PDK1 during their synthesis and subsequently get activated by DAG and Calcium. On the other hand, other substrates, including members of the Akt/PKB, S6K, SGK, and RSK families, undergo phosphorylation and activation downstream of PI3-kinase signaling. This review presents two accepted molecular mechanisms that determine the precise and timely phosphorylation of different substrates by PDK1. The first mechanism involves the colocalization of PDK1 with Akt/PKB in the presence of PIP3. The second mechanism involves the regulated docking interaction between the hydrophobic motif (HM) of substrates and the PIF-pocket of PDK1. This interaction, in trans, is equivalent to the molecular mechanism that governs the activity of AGC kinases through their HMs intramolecularly. PDK1 has been instrumental in illustrating the bi-directional allosteric communication between the PIF-pocket and the ATP-binding site and the potential of the system for drug discovery. PDK1's interaction with substrates is not solely regulated by the substrates themselves. Recent research indicates that full-length PDK1 can adopt various conformations based on the positioning of the PH domain relative to the catalytic domain. These distinct conformations of full-length PDK1 can influence the interaction and phosphorylation of substrates. Finally, we critically discuss recent findings proposing that PIP3 can directly regulate the activity of PDK1, which contradicts extensive in vitro and in vivo studies conducted over the years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro E Leroux
- Instituto de Investigación en Biomedicina de Buenos Aires (IBioBA) - CONICET - Partner Institute of the Max Planck Society, Buenos Aires C1425FQD, Argentina
| | - Ricardo M Biondi
- Instituto de Investigación en Biomedicina de Buenos Aires (IBioBA) - CONICET - Partner Institute of the Max Planck Society, Buenos Aires C1425FQD, Argentina
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8
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Luo L, Sun X, Yang Y, Xia L, Wang S, Fu Y, Zhu Y, Xu S, Zhu W. A Novel Dual PI3K/mTOR Inhibitor, XIN-10, for the Treatment of Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14821. [PMID: 37834269 PMCID: PMC10573424 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914821] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
An imbalance in PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway signaling in humans often leads to cancer. Therefore, the investigation of anti-cancer medications that inhibit PI3K and mTOR has emerged as a significant area of research. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of XIN-10, a dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor, on the growth as well as antiproliferation of tumor cells and to investigate the anti-tumor mechanism of XIN-10 by further exploration. We screened three cell lines for more in-depth exploration by MTT experiments. From the AO staining, cell cycle and apoptosis, we found that XIN-10 had a more obvious inhibitory effect on the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line and used this as a selection for more in-depth experiments. A series of in vitro and in vivo experiments showed that XIN-10 has superior antiproliferative activity compared with the positive drug GDC-0941. Meanwhile, through the results of protein blotting and PCR experiments, we concluded that XIN-10 can block the activation of the downstream pathway of mTOR by inhibiting the phosphorylation of AKT(S473) as well as having significant inhibitory effects on the gene exons of PI3K and mTOR. These results indicate that XIN-10 is a highly potent inhibitor with low toxicity and has a strong potential to be developed as a novel PI3Kα/mTOR dual inhibitor candidate for the treatment of positive breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Shan Xu
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, 605 Fenglin Road, Nanchang 330013, China; (L.L.); (X.S.); (Y.Y.); (L.X.); (S.W.); (Y.F.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Wufu Zhu
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi Science & Technology Normal University, 605 Fenglin Road, Nanchang 330013, China; (L.L.); (X.S.); (Y.Y.); (L.X.); (S.W.); (Y.F.); (Y.Z.)
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9
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Smiles WJ, Catalano L, Stefan VE, Weber DD, Kofler B. Metabolic protein kinase signalling in neuroblastoma. Mol Metab 2023; 75:101771. [PMID: 37414143 PMCID: PMC10362370 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2023.101771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroblastoma is a paediatric malignancy of incredibly complex aetiology. Oncogenic protein kinase signalling in neuroblastoma has conventionally focussed on transduction through the well-characterised PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways, in which the latter has been implicated in treatment resistance. The discovery of the receptor tyrosine kinase ALK as a target of genetic alterations in cases of familial and sporadic neuroblastoma, was a breakthrough in the understanding of the complex genetic heterogeneity of neuroblastoma. However, despite progress in the development of small-molecule inhibitors of ALK, treatment resistance frequently arises and appears to be a feature of the disease. Moreover, since the identification of ALK, several additional protein kinases, including the PIM and Aurora kinases, have emerged not only as drivers of the disease phenotype, but also as promising druggable targets. This is particularly the case for Aurora-A, given its intimate engagement with MYCN, a driver oncogene of aggressive neuroblastoma previously considered 'undruggable.' SCOPE OF REVIEW Aided by significant advances in structural biology and a broader understanding of the mechanisms of protein kinase function and regulation, we comprehensively outline the role of protein kinase signalling, emphasising ALK, PIM and Aurora in neuroblastoma, their respective metabolic outputs, and broader implications for targeted therapies. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS Despite massively divergent regulatory mechanisms, ALK, PIM and Aurora kinases all obtain significant roles in cellular glycolytic and mitochondrial metabolism and neuroblastoma progression, and in several instances are implicated in treatment resistance. While metabolism of neuroblastoma tends to display hallmarks of the glycolytic "Warburg effect," aggressive, in particular MYCN-amplified tumours, retain functional mitochondrial metabolism, allowing for survival and proliferation under nutrient stress. Future strategies employing specific kinase inhibitors as part of the treatment regimen should consider combinatorial attempts at interfering with tumour metabolism, either through metabolic pathway inhibitors, or by dietary means, with a view to abolish metabolic flexibility that endows cancerous cells with a survival advantage.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J Smiles
- Research Program for Receptor Biochemistry and Tumor Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Müllner Hauptstraße 48, 5020, Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Luca Catalano
- Research Program for Receptor Biochemistry and Tumor Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Müllner Hauptstraße 48, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Victoria E Stefan
- Research Program for Receptor Biochemistry and Tumor Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Müllner Hauptstraße 48, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Daniela D Weber
- Research Program for Receptor Biochemistry and Tumor Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Müllner Hauptstraße 48, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Barbara Kofler
- Research Program for Receptor Biochemistry and Tumor Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Müllner Hauptstraße 48, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
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10
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Uguen M, Deng Y, Li F, Shell DJ, Norris-Drouin JL, Stashko MA, Ackloo S, Arrowsmith CH, James LI, Liu P, Pearce KH, Frye SV. SETDB1 Triple Tudor Domain Ligand, ( R, R)-59, Promotes Methylation of Akt1 in Cells. ACS Chem Biol 2023; 18:1846-1853. [PMID: 37556795 PMCID: PMC10718286 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.3c00280] [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] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Increased expression and hyperactivation of the methyltransferase SET domain bifurcated 1 (SETDB1) are commonly observed in cancer and central nervous system disorders. However, there are currently no reported SETDB1-specific methyltransferase inhibitors in the literature, suggesting that this is a challenging target. Here, we disclose that the previously reported small-molecule ligand for SETDB1's triple tudor domain, (R,R)-59, is unexpectedly able to increase SETDB1 methyltransferase activity both in vitro and in cells. Specifically, (R,R)-59 promotes in vitro SETDB1-mediated methylation of lysine 64 of the protein kinase Akt1. Treatment with (R,R)-59 also increased Akt1 threonine 308 phosphorylation and activation, a known consequence of Akt1 methylation, resulting in stimulated cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. (R,R)-59 is the first SETDB1 small-molecule positive activator for the methyltransferase activity of this protein. Mechanism of action studies show that full-length SETDB1 is required for significant in vitro methylation of an Akt1-K64 peptide and that this activity is stimulated by (R,R)-59 primarily through an increase in catalytic activity rather than a change in S-adenosyl methionine binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Uguen
- UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Yu Deng
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Fengling Li
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Devan J Shell
- UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Jacqueline L Norris-Drouin
- UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Michael A Stashko
- UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Suzanne Ackloo
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Cheryl H Arrowsmith
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Lindsey I James
- UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Pengda Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Kenneth H Pearce
- UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Stephen V Frye
- UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
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11
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Leonard TA, Loose M, Martens S. The membrane surface as a platform that organizes cellular and biochemical processes. Dev Cell 2023; 58:1315-1332. [PMID: 37419118 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Membranes are essential for life. They act as semi-permeable boundaries that define cells and organelles. In addition, their surfaces actively participate in biochemical reaction networks, where they confine proteins, align reaction partners, and directly control enzymatic activities. Membrane-localized reactions shape cellular membranes, define the identity of organelles, compartmentalize biochemical processes, and can even be the source of signaling gradients that originate at the plasma membrane and reach into the cytoplasm and nucleus. The membrane surface is, therefore, an essential platform upon which myriad cellular processes are scaffolded. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of the biophysics and biochemistry of membrane-localized reactions with particular focus on insights derived from reconstituted and cellular systems. We discuss how the interplay of cellular factors results in their self-organization, condensation, assembly, and activity, and the emergent properties derived from them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A Leonard
- Max Perutz Labs, Vienna Biocenter Campus (VBC), Dr. Bohr-Gasse 9, 1030, Vienna, Austria; Medical University of Vienna, Center for Medical Biochemistry, Dr. Bohr-Gasse 9, 1030, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Martin Loose
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Am Campus 1, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria.
| | - Sascha Martens
- Max Perutz Labs, Vienna Biocenter Campus (VBC), Dr. Bohr-Gasse 9, 1030, Vienna, Austria; University of Vienna, Center for Molecular Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Dr. Bohr-Gasse 9, 1030, Vienna, Austria.
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12
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Caligaris M, Sampaio-Marques B, Hatakeyama R, Pillet B, Ludovico P, De Virgilio C, Winderickx J, Nicastro R. The Yeast Protein Kinase Sch9 Functions as a Central Nutrient-Responsive Hub That Calibrates Metabolic and Stress-Related Responses. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:787. [PMID: 37623558 PMCID: PMC10455444 DOI: 10.3390/jof9080787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Yeast cells are equipped with different nutrient signaling pathways that enable them to sense the availability of various nutrients and adjust metabolism and growth accordingly. These pathways are part of an intricate network since most of them are cross-regulated and subject to feedback regulation at different levels. In yeast, a central role is played by Sch9, a protein kinase that functions as a proximal effector of the conserved growth-regulatory TORC1 complex to mediate information on the availability of free amino acids. However, recent studies established that Sch9 is more than a TORC1-effector as its activity is tuned by several other kinases. This allows Sch9 to function as an integrator that aligns different input signals to achieve accuracy in metabolic responses and stress-related molecular adaptations. In this review, we highlight the latest findings on the structure and regulation of Sch9, as well as its role as a nutrient-responsive hub that impacts on growth and longevity of yeast cells. Given that most key players impinging on Sch9 are well-conserved, we also discuss how studies on Sch9 can be instrumental to further elucidate mechanisms underpinning healthy aging in mammalians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Caligaris
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland; (M.C.); (B.P.); (C.D.V.)
| | - Belém Sampaio-Marques
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (B.S.-M.); (P.L.)
- ICVS/3B’s-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4806-909 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Riko Hatakeyama
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK;
| | - Benjamin Pillet
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland; (M.C.); (B.P.); (C.D.V.)
| | - Paula Ludovico
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (B.S.-M.); (P.L.)
- ICVS/3B’s-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4806-909 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Claudio De Virgilio
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland; (M.C.); (B.P.); (C.D.V.)
| | - Joris Winderickx
- Department of Biology, Functional Biology, KU Leuven, B-3001 Heverlee, Belgium;
| | - Raffaele Nicastro
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland; (M.C.); (B.P.); (C.D.V.)
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13
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Reinhardt R, Leonard TA. A critical evaluation of protein kinase regulation by activation loop autophosphorylation. eLife 2023; 12:e88210. [PMID: 37470698 PMCID: PMC10359097 DOI: 10.7554/elife.88210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Phosphorylation of proteins is a ubiquitous mechanism of regulating their function, localization, or activity. Protein kinases, enzymes that use ATP to phosphorylate protein substrates are, therefore, powerful signal transducers in eukaryotic cells. The mechanism of phosphoryl-transfer is universally conserved among protein kinases, which necessitates the tight regulation of kinase activity for the orchestration of cellular processes with high spatial and temporal fidelity. In response to a stimulus, many kinases enhance their own activity by autophosphorylating a conserved amino acid in their activation loop, but precisely how this reaction is performed is controversial. Classically, kinases that autophosphorylate their activation loop are thought to perform the reaction in trans, mediated by transient dimerization of their kinase domains. However, motivated by the recently discovered regulation mechanism of activation loop cis-autophosphorylation by a kinase that is autoinhibited in trans, we here review the various mechanisms of autoregulation that have been proposed. We provide a framework for critically evaluating biochemical, kinetic, and structural evidence for protein kinase dimerization and autophosphorylation, and share some thoughts on the implications of these mechanisms within physiological signaling networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronja Reinhardt
- Max Perutz Labs, Vienna Biocenter Campus (VBC)ViennaAustria
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Medical BiochemistryViennaAustria
| | - Thomas A Leonard
- Max Perutz Labs, Vienna Biocenter Campus (VBC)ViennaAustria
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Medical BiochemistryViennaAustria
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14
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Zhou W, Li W, Wang S, Salovska B, Hu Z, Tao B, Di Y, Punyamurtula U, Turk BE, Sessa WC, Liu Y. An optogenetic-phosphoproteomic study reveals dynamic Akt1 signaling profiles in endothelial cells. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3803. [PMID: 37365174 PMCID: PMC10293293 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39514-1] [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: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The serine/threonine kinase AKT is a central node in cell signaling. While aberrant AKT activation underlies the development of a variety of human diseases, how different patterns of AKT-dependent phosphorylation dictate downstream signaling and phenotypic outcomes remains largely enigmatic. Herein, we perform a systems-level analysis that integrates methodological advances in optogenetics, mass spectrometry-based phosphoproteomics, and bioinformatics to elucidate how different intensity, duration, and pattern of Akt1 stimulation lead to distinct temporal phosphorylation profiles in vascular endothelial cells. Through the analysis of ~35,000 phosphorylation sites across multiple conditions precisely controlled by light stimulation, we identify a series of signaling circuits activated downstream of Akt1 and interrogate how Akt1 signaling integrates with growth factor signaling in endothelial cells. Furthermore, our results categorize kinase substrates that are preferably activated by oscillating, transient, and sustained Akt1 signals. We validate a list of phosphorylation sites that covaried with Akt1 phosphorylation across experimental conditions as potential Akt1 substrates. Our resulting dataset provides a rich resource for future studies on AKT signaling and dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenping Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
- Vascular Biology & Therapeutics Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Wenxue Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
- Cancer Biology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA
| | - Shisheng Wang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, and Proteomics-Metabolomics Analysis Platform, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Barbora Salovska
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
- Cancer Biology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA
| | - Zhenyi Hu
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
- Cancer Biology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA
| | - Bo Tao
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
- Vascular Biology & Therapeutics Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Yi Di
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
- Cancer Biology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA
| | - Ujwal Punyamurtula
- Master of Biotechnology ScM Program, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912, USA
| | - Benjamin E Turk
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - William C Sessa
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
- Vascular Biology & Therapeutics Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
| | - Yansheng Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
- Cancer Biology Institute, Yale University School of Medicine, West Haven, CT, 06516, USA.
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15
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Baby K, Maity S, Mehta CH, Nayak UY, Shenoy GG, Pai KSR, Harikumar KB, Nayak Y. Computational drug repurposing of Akt-1 allosteric inhibitors for non-small cell lung cancer. Sci Rep 2023; 13:7947. [PMID: 37193898 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35122-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLC) are the predominant form of lung malignancy and the reason for the highest number of cancer-related deaths. Widespread deregulation of Akt, a serine/threonine kinase, has been reported in NSCLC. Allosteric Akt inhibitors bind in the space separating the Pleckstrin homology (PH) and catalytic domains, typically with tryptophan residue (Trp-80). This could decrease the regulatory site phosphorylation by stabilizing the PH-in conformation. Hence, in this study, a computational investigation was undertaken to identify allosteric Akt-1 inhibitors from FDA-approved drugs. The molecules were docked at standard precision (SP) and extra-precision (XP), followed by Prime molecular mechanics-generalized Born surface area (MM-GBSA), and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations on selected hits. Post XP-docking, fourteen best hits were identified from a library of 2115 optimized FDA-approved compounds, demonstrating several beneficial interactions such as pi-pi stacking, pi-cation, direct, and water-bridged hydrogen bonds with the crucial residues (Trp-80 and Tyr-272) and several amino acid residues in the allosteric ligand-binding pocket of Akt-1. Subsequent MD simulations to verify the stability of chosen drugs to the Akt-1 allosteric site showed valganciclovir, dasatinib, indacaterol, and novobiocin to have high stability. Further, predictions for possible biological interactions were performed using computational tools such as ProTox-II, CLC-Pred, and PASSOnline. The shortlisted drugs open a new class of allosteric Akt-1 inhibitors for the therapy of NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishnaprasad Baby
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Swastika Maity
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Chetan Hasmukh Mehta
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Usha Y Nayak
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Gautham G Shenoy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576 104, India
| | - Karkala Sreedhara Ranganath Pai
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Kuzhuvelil B Harikumar
- Cancer Research Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695014, India
| | - Yogendra Nayak
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India.
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16
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Uguen M, Deng Y, Li F, Shell DJ, Norris-Drouin JL, Stashko MA, Ackloo S, Arrowsmith CH, James LI, Liu P, Pearce KH, Frye SV. SETDB1 Triple Tudor Domain Ligand, ( R,R )-59, Promotes Methylation of Akt1 in Cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.10.539986. [PMID: 37214894 PMCID: PMC10197638 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.10.539986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Increased expression and hyperactivation of the methyltransferase SETDB1 are commonly observed in cancer and central nervous system disorders. However, there are currently no reported SETDB1-specific methyltransferase inhibitors in the literature, suggesting this is a challenging target. Here, we disclose that the previously reported small-molecule ligand for SETDB1's Triple Tudor Domain, ( R,R )-59, is unexpectedly able to increase SETDB1 methyltransferase activity both in vitro and in cells. Specifically, ( R,R )-59 promotes in vitro SETDB1-mediated methylation of lysine 64 of the protein kinase Akt1. Treatment with ( R,R )-59 also increased Akt1 threonine 308 phosphorylation and activation, a known consequence of Akt1 methylation, resulting in stimulated cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. ( R,R )-59 is the first SETDB1 small-molecule positive activator for the methyltransferase activity of this protein. Mechanism of action studies show that full-length SETDB1 is required for significant in vitro methylation of an Akt1-K64 peptide, and that this activity is stimulated by ( R,R )-59 primarily through an increase in catalytic activity rather than a change in SAM binding. Abstract Figure
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17
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Li S, Zhan J, Wang Y, Oduro PK, Owusu FB, Zhang J, Leng L, Li R, Wei S, He J, Wang Q. Suxiao Jiuxin Pill attenuates acute myocardial ischemia via regulation of coronary artery tone. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1104243. [PMID: 37234713 PMCID: PMC10206061 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1104243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Suxiao Jiuxin Pill (SJP) is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine drug used to manage heart diseases. This study aimed at determining the pharmacological effects of SJP in acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and the molecular pathways its active compounds target to induce coronary artery vasorelaxation. Using the AMI rat model, SJP improved cardiac function and elevated ST segment. LC-MS and GC-MS detected twenty-eight non-volatile compounds and eleven volatile compounds in sera from SJP-treated rats. Network pharmacology analysis revealed eNOS and PTGS2 as the key drug targets. Indeed, SJP induced coronary artery relaxation via activation of the eNOS-NO pathway. Several of SJP's main compounds, like senkyunolide A, scopoletin, and borneol, caused concentration-dependent coronary artery relaxation. Senkyunolide A and scopoletin increased eNOS and Akt phosphorylation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Molecular docking and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) revealed an interaction between senkynolide A/scopoletin and Akt. Vasodilation caused by senkyunolide A and scopoletin was inhibited by uprosertib (Akt inhibitor) and eNOS/sGC/PKG axis inhibitors. This suggests that senkyunolide A and scopoletin relax coronary arteries through the Akt-eNOS-NO pathway. In addition, borneol induced endothelium-independent vasorelaxation of the coronary artery. The Kv channel inhibitor 4-AP, KCa2+ inhibitor TEA, and Kir inhibitor BaCl2 significantly inhibited the vasorelaxant effect of borneol in the coronary artery. In conclusion, the results show that Suxiao Jiuxin Pill protects the heart against acute myocardial infarction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sa Li
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiaguo Zhan
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yucheng Wang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Patrick Kwabena Oduro
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Felix Boahen Owusu
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiale Zhang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Ling Leng
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Tianjin, China
| | - Ruiqiao Li
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Tianjin, China
| | - Shujie Wei
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Jun He
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Tianjin, China
| | - Qilong Wang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Tianjin, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Endocrinology Department, Fourth Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
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18
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Borkowsky S, Gass M, Alavizargar A, Hanewinkel J, Hallstein I, Nedvetsky P, Heuer A, Krahn MP. Phosphorylation of LKB1 by PDK1 Inhibits Cell Proliferation and Organ Growth by Decreased Activation of AMPK. Cells 2023; 12:cells12050812. [PMID: 36899949 PMCID: PMC10000615 DOI: 10.3390/cells12050812] [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: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The master kinase LKB1 is a key regulator of se veral cellular processes, including cell proliferation, cell polarity and cellular metabolism. It phosphorylates and activates several downstream kinases, including AMP-dependent kinase, AMPK. Activation of AMPK by low energy supply and phosphorylation of LKB1 results in an inhibition of mTOR, thus decreasing energy-consuming processes, in particular translation and, thus, cell growth. LKB1 itself is a constitutively active kinase, which is regulated by posttranslational modifications and direct binding to phospholipids of the plasma membrane. Here, we report that LKB1 binds to Phosphoinositide-dependent kinase (PDK1) by a conserved binding motif. Furthermore, a PDK1-consensus motif is located within the kinase domain of LKB1 and LKB1 gets phosphorylated by PDK1 in vitro. In Drosophila, knockin of phosphorylation-deficient LKB1 results in normal survival of the flies, but an increased activation of LKB1, whereas a phospho-mimetic LKB1 variant displays decreased AMPK activation. As a functional consequence, cell growth as well as organism size is decreased in phosphorylation-deficient LKB1. Molecular dynamics simulations of PDK1-mediated LKB1 phosphorylation revealed changes in the ATP binding pocket, suggesting a conformational change upon phosphorylation, which in turn can alter LKB1's kinase activity. Thus, phosphorylation of LKB1 by PDK1 results in an inhibition of LKB1, decreased activation of AMPK and enhanced cell growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Borkowsky
- Medical Cell Biology, Medical Clinic D, University Hospital of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1-A14, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Maximilian Gass
- Medical Cell Biology, Medical Clinic D, University Hospital of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1-A14, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Azadeh Alavizargar
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, University of Münster, Corrensstr. 28/30, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Johannes Hanewinkel
- Medical Cell Biology, Medical Clinic D, University Hospital of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1-A14, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Ina Hallstein
- Medical Cell Biology, Medical Clinic D, University Hospital of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1-A14, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Pavel Nedvetsky
- Medical Cell Biology, Medical Clinic D, University Hospital of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1-A14, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Andreas Heuer
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, University of Münster, Corrensstr. 28/30, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Michael P. Krahn
- Medical Cell Biology, Medical Clinic D, University Hospital of Münster, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1-A14, 48149 Münster, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-251-8357052
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19
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Shaw AL, Parson MAH, Truebestein L, Jenkins ML, Leonard TA, Burke JE. ATP-competitive and allosteric inhibitors induce differential conformational changes at the autoinhibitory interface of Akt1. Structure 2023; 31:343-354.e3. [PMID: 36758543 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2023.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Akt is a master regulator of pro-growth signaling in the cell. Akt is activated by phosphoinositides that disrupt the autoinhibitory interface between the kinase and pleckstrin homology (PH) domains and then is phosphorylated at T308 and S473. Akt hyperactivation is oncogenic, which has spurred development of potent and selective inhibitors as therapeutics. Using hydrogen deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS), we interrogated the conformational changes upon binding Akt ATP-competitive and allosteric inhibitors. We compared inhibitors against three different states of Akt1. The allosteric inhibitor caused substantive conformational changes and restricts membrane binding. ATP-competitive inhibitors caused extensive allosteric conformational changes, altering the autoinhibitory interface and leading to increased membrane binding, suggesting that the PH domain is more accessible for membrane binding. This work provides unique insight into the autoinhibitory conformation of the PH and kinase domain and conformational changes induced by Akt inhibitors and has important implications for the design of Akt targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandria L Shaw
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Matthew A H Parson
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada
| | - Linda Truebestein
- Department of Structural and Computational Biology, Max Perutz Labs, Campus Vienna Biocenter 5, 1030 Vienna, Austria; Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Meredith L Jenkins
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada
| | - Thomas A Leonard
- Department of Structural and Computational Biology, Max Perutz Labs, Campus Vienna Biocenter 5, 1030 Vienna, Austria; Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - John E Burke
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada.
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20
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Stehle J, Weisner J, Eichhorn L, Rauh D, Drescher M. Insights into the Conformational Plasticity of the Protein Kinase Akt1 by Multi-Lateral Dipolar Spectroscopy. Chemistry 2023; 29:e202203959. [PMID: 36795969 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202203959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
The serine/threonine kinase Akt1 is part of the PI3 K/Akt pathway and plays a key role in the regulation of various cellular processes such as cell growth, proliferation, and apoptosis. Here, we analyzed the elasticity between the two domains of the kinase Akt1, connected by a flexible linker, recording a wide variety of distance restraints by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. We studied full length Akt1 and the influence of the cancer-associated mutation E17K. The conformational landscape in the presence of different modulators, like different types of inhibitors and membranes was presented, revealing a tuned flexibility between the two domains, dependent on the bound molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliane Stehle
- Department of Chemistry and, Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology (KoRS-CB), University of Konstanz, Universitätsstraße 10, 78457, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Jörn Weisner
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University, Drug Discovery Hub Dortmund (DDHD) am Zentrum für Integrierte Wirkstoffforschung (ZIW), Otto-Hahn-Straße 4a, 44227, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Leanne Eichhorn
- Department of Chemistry and, Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology (KoRS-CB), University of Konstanz, Universitätsstraße 10, 78457, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Daniel Rauh
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University, Drug Discovery Hub Dortmund (DDHD) am Zentrum für Integrierte Wirkstoffforschung (ZIW), Otto-Hahn-Straße 4a, 44227, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Malte Drescher
- Department of Chemistry and, Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology (KoRS-CB), University of Konstanz, Universitätsstraße 10, 78457, Konstanz, Germany
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21
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Reinhardt R, Hirzel K, Link G, Eisler SA, Hägele T, Parson MAH, Burke JE, Hausser A, Leonard TA. PKD autoinhibition in trans regulates activation loop autophosphorylation in cis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2212909120. [PMID: 36745811 PMCID: PMC9962925 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2212909120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Phosphorylation is a ubiquitous mechanism by which signals are transduced in cells. Protein kinases, enzymes that catalyze the phosphotransfer reaction are, themselves, often regulated by phosphorylation. Paradoxically, however, a substantial fraction of more than 500 human protein kinases are capable of catalyzing their own activation loop phosphorylation. Commonly, these kinases perform this autophosphorylation reaction in trans, whereby transient dimerization leads to the mutual phosphorylation of the activation loop of the opposing protomer. In this study, we demonstrate that protein kinase D (PKD) is regulated by the inverse mechanism of dimerization-mediated trans-autoinhibition, followed by activation loop autophosphorylation in cis. We show that PKD forms a stable face-to-face homodimer that is incapable of either autophosphorylation or substrate phosphorylation. Dissociation of this trans-autoinhibited dimer results in activation loop autophosphorylation, which occurs exclusively in cis. Phosphorylation serves to increase PKD activity and prevent trans-autoinhibition, thereby switching PKD on. Our findings not only reveal the mechanism of PKD regulation but also have profound implications for the regulation of many other eukaryotic kinases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronja Reinhardt
- Department of Structural and Computational Biology, Max Perutz Labs, Campus Vienna Biocenter, Vienna1030, Austria
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna1090, Austria
| | - Kai Hirzel
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Gisela Link
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Stephan A. Eisler
- Stuttgart Research Center Systems Biology, University of Stuttgart70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Tanja Hägele
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Matthew A. H. Parson
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, CanadaV8W 2Y2
| | - John E. Burke
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, CanadaV8W 2Y2
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of British Columbia, VancouverBCV6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Angelika Hausser
- Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, University of Stuttgart70569, Stuttgart, Germany
- Stuttgart Research Center Systems Biology, University of Stuttgart70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Thomas A. Leonard
- Department of Structural and Computational Biology, Max Perutz Labs, Campus Vienna Biocenter, Vienna1030, Austria
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna1090, Austria
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22
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Gao Q, Deng H, Yang Z, Yang Q, Zhang Y, Yuan X, Zeng M, Guo M, Zeng W, Jiang X, Yu B. Sodium danshensu attenuates cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury by targeting AKT1. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:946668. [PMID: 36188542 PMCID: PMC9520076 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.946668] [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: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The beneficial properties of Sodium Danshensu (SDSS) for controlling cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury (CIRI) are elucidated here both in vivo and in vitro. SDSS administration significantly improved the viability of P12 cells, reduced lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage, and decreased the apoptosis rate following exposure to an oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD) environment. In addition, the results of a HuprotTM human protein microarray and network pharmacology indicated that AKT1 is one of the main targets of SDSS. Moreover, functional experiments showed that SDSS intervention markedly increased the phosphorylation level of AKT1 and its downstream regulator, mTOR. The binding sites of SDSS to AKT1 protein were confirmed by Autodock software and a surface plasmon resonance experiment, the result of which imply that SDSS targets to the PH domain of AKT1 at ASN-53, ARG-86, and LYS-14 residues. Furthermore, knockdown of AKT1 significantly abolished the role of SDSS in protecting cells from apoptosis and necrosis. Finally, we investigated the curative effect of SDSS in a rat model of CIRI. The results suggest that administration of SDSS significantly reduces CIRI-induced necrosis and apoptosis in brain samples by activating AKT1 protein. In conclusion, SDSS exerts its positive role in alleviating CIRI by binding to the PH domain of AKT1 protein, further resulting in AKT1 activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Gao
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Hao Deng
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Translational Research of TCM Prescription and Syndrome, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhengfei Yang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Qiuyue Yang
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yilin Zhang
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaopeng Yuan
- Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Miao Zeng
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Maojuan Guo
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenyun Zeng
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xijuan Jiang
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- *Correspondence: Xijuan Jiang, ; Bin Yu,
| | - Bin Yu
- International Exchanges Department and International Education College, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- *Correspondence: Xijuan Jiang, ; Bin Yu,
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23
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Bae H, Viennet T, Park E, Chu N, Salguero A, Eck MJ, Arthanari H, Cole PA. PH domain-mediated autoinhibition and oncogenic activation of Akt. eLife 2022; 11:80148. [PMID: 35968932 PMCID: PMC9417420 DOI: 10.7554/elife.80148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Akt is a Ser/Thr protein kinase that plays a central role in metabolism and cancer. Regulation of Akt’s activity involves an autoinhibitory intramolecular interaction between its pleckstrin homology (PH) domain and its kinase domain that can be relieved by C-tail phosphorylation. PH domain mutant E17K Akt is a well-established oncogene. Previously, we reported that the conformation of autoinhibited Akt may be shifted by small molecule allosteric inhibitors limiting the mechanistic insights from existing X-ray structures that have relied on such compounds (Chu et al., 2020). Here, we discover unexpectedly that a single mutation R86A Akt exhibits intensified autoinhibitory features with enhanced PH domain-kinase domain affinity. Structural and biochemical analysis uncovers the importance of a key interaction network involving Arg86, Glu17, and Tyr18 that controls Akt conformation and activity. Our studies also shed light on the molecular basis for E17K Akt activation as an oncogenic driver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwan Bae
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
| | - Thibault Viennet
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, United States
| | - Eunyoung Park
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, United States
| | - Nam Chu
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, United States
| | - Antonieta Salguero
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, United States
| | - Michael J Eck
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, United States
| | - Haribabu Arthanari
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
| | - Philip A Cole
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
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24
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Engineering micro oxygen factories to slow tumour progression via hyperoxic microenvironments. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4495. [PMID: 35918337 PMCID: PMC9345862 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32066-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
While hypoxia promotes carcinogenesis, tumour aggressiveness, metastasis, and resistance to oncological treatments, the impacts of hyperoxia on tumours are rarely explored because providing a long-lasting oxygen supply in vivo is a major challenge. Herein, we construct micro oxygen factories, namely, photosynthesis microcapsules (PMCs), by encapsulation of acquired cyanobacteria and upconversion nanoparticles in alginate microcapsules. This system enables a long-lasting oxygen supply through the conversion of external radiation into red-wavelength emissions for photosynthesis in cyanobacteria. PMC treatment suppresses the NF-kB pathway, HIF-1α production and cancer cell proliferation. Hyperoxic microenvironment created by an in vivo PMC implant inhibits hepatocarcinoma growth and metastasis and has synergistic effects together with anti-PD-1 in breast cancer. The engineering oxygen factories offer potential for tumour biology studies in hyperoxic microenvironments and inspire the exploration of oncological treatments.
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25
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Muhammad N, Usmani D, Tarique M, Naz H, Ashraf M, Raliya R, Tabrez S, Zughaibi TA, Alsaieedi A, Hakeem IJ, Suhail M. The Role of Natural Products and Their Multitargeted Approach to Treat Solid Cancer. Cells 2022; 11:cells11142209. [PMID: 35883653 PMCID: PMC9318484 DOI: 10.3390/cells11142209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural products play a critical role in the discovery and development of numerous drugs for the treatment of various types of cancer. These phytochemicals have demonstrated anti-carcinogenic properties by interfering with the initiation, development, and progression of cancer through altering various mechanisms such as cellular proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Treating multifactorial diseases, such as cancer with agents targeting a single target, might lead to limited success and, in many cases, unsatisfactory outcomes. Various epidemiological studies have shown that the steady consumption of fruits and vegetables is intensely associated with a reduced risk of cancer. Since ancient period, plants, herbs, and other natural products have been used as healing agents. Likewise, most of the medicinal ingredients accessible today are originated from the natural resources. Regardless of achievements, developing bioactive compounds and drugs from natural products has remained challenging, in part because of the problem associated with large-scale sequestration and mechanistic understanding. With significant progress in the landscape of cancer therapy and the rising use of cutting-edge technologies, we may have come to a crossroads to review approaches to identify the potential natural products and investigate their therapeutic efficacy. In the present review, we summarize the recent developments in natural products-based cancer research and its application in generating novel systemic strategies with a focus on underlying molecular mechanisms in solid cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoshad Muhammad
- Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, Washington University, Saint Louis, MO 63130, USA;
| | | | - Mohammad Tarique
- Department of Child Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA;
| | - Huma Naz
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA;
| | - Mohammad Ashraf
- Department of Chemistry, Bundelkhand University Jhansi, Jhansi 284128, Uttar Pradesh, India;
| | - Ramesh Raliya
- IFFCO Nano Biotechnology Research Center, Kalol 382423, Gujarat, India;
| | - Shams Tabrez
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (S.T.); (T.A.Z.)
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Torki A. Zughaibi
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (S.T.); (T.A.Z.)
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Ahdab Alsaieedi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Israa J. Hakeem
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah 21959, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Mohd Suhail
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (S.T.); (T.A.Z.)
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
- Correspondence:
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26
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MacMullan MA, Wang P, Graham NA. Phospho-proteomics reveals that RSK signaling is required for proliferation of natural killer cells stimulated with IL-2 or IL-15. Cytokine 2022; 157:155958. [PMID: 35841827 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2022.155958] [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: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are cytotoxic lymphocytes that play a critical role in the innate immune system. Although cytokine signaling is crucial for the development, expansion, and cytotoxicity of NK cells, the signaling pathways stimulated by cytokines are not well understood. Here, we sought to compare the early signaling dynamics induced by the cytokines interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-15 using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based phospho-proteomics. Following stimulation of the immortalized NK cell line NK-92 with IL-2 or IL-15 for 5, 10, 15, or 30 min, we identified 8,692 phospho-peptides from 3,023 proteins. Comparing the kinetic profiles of 3,619 fully quantified phospho-peptides, we found that IL-2 and IL-15 induced highly similar signaling in NK-92 cells. Among the IL-2/IL-15-regulated phospho-peptides were both well-known signaling events like the JAK/STAT pathway and novel signaling events with potential functional significance including LCP1 pSer5, STMN1 pSer25, CHEK1 pSer286, STIM1 pSer608, and VDAC1 pSer104. Using bioinformatic approaches, we sought to identify kinases regulated by IL-2/IL-15 stimulation and found that the p90 ribosomal S6 kinase (p90RSK) family was activated by both cytokines. Using pharmacological inhibitors, we then discovered that RSK signaling is required for IL-2 and IL-15-induced proliferation in NK-92 cells. Taken together, our analysis represents the first phospho-proteomic characterization of cytokine signaling in NK cells and increases our understanding of how cytokine signaling regulates NK cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie A MacMullan
- Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, United States.
| | - Pin Wang
- Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, United States; Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, United States.
| | - Nicholas A Graham
- Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, United States; Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, United States; Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, United States.
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27
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mTOR substrate phosphorylation in growth control. Cell 2022; 185:1814-1836. [PMID: 35580586 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2022.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 59.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The target of rapamycin (TOR), discovered 30 years ago, is a highly conserved serine/threonine protein kinase that plays a central role in regulating cell growth and metabolism. It is activated by nutrients, growth factors, and cellular energy. TOR forms two structurally and functionally distinct complexes, TORC1 and TORC2. TOR signaling activates cell growth, defined as an increase in biomass, by stimulating anabolic metabolism while inhibiting catabolic processes. With emphasis on mammalian TOR (mTOR), we comprehensively reviewed the literature and identified all reported direct substrates. In the context of recent structural information, we discuss how mTORC1 and mTORC2, despite having a common catalytic subunit, phosphorylate distinct substrates. We conclude that the two complexes recruit different substrates to phosphorylate a common, minimal motif.
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28
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Zhang D, Deng T, Yuan W, Chen T, Jiang S. Glaucocalyxin A induces apoptosis of NSCLC cells by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/GSK3β pathway. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2022; 49:797-804. [PMID: 35576104 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13667] [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: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Lung cancer is one of the fastest growing malignancies in morbidity and mortality, and current therapies are in general not sufficiently effective for this deadly disease. This study characterizes the anti-cancer effects of Glaucocalyxin A (GLA) and explores the underlying mechanisms using human non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cells. First, our data showed that GLA suppressed the viability of cancer cells, while no effect was observed in the normal bronchial epithelial cell Bease 2B cells. Second, GLA inhibited colony formation, induced apoptosis of cancer cells. Third, GLA down-regulated the expression of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) protein, up-regulated the expression of Bcl2-associated X protein (Bax) , and strengthened cleavage of Caspase-3 and poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP). Fourth, GLA also diminished mitochondrial membrane potential and inhibited phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/ glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β) pathway. In addition, injection of GLA (20 mg/kg) every two days significantly inhibited A549 xenograft tumor growth, accompanied by increased apoptosis and decreased proliferation. Together, our study provides evidence that the anticancer effect of GLA in NSCLC is mediated by inducing apoptosis through inhibiting PI3K/Akt/GSK3β pathway and suggests that GLA may be used as a promising natural medicine for NSCLC therapy. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- De Zhang
- School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Ting Deng
- School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Wa Yuan
- School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Tongqiang Chen
- School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Shuping Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China.,School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Biomaterials and Bio-fabrication in Tissue Engineering of Jiangxi Province, Ganzhou, China
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29
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Salguero AL, Chen M, Balana AT, Chu N, Jiang H, Palanski BA, Bae H, Wright KM, Nathan S, Zhu H, Gabelli SB, Pratt MR, Cole PA. Multifaceted Regulation of Akt by Diverse C-Terminal Post-translational Modifications. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:68-76. [PMID: 34941261 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.1c00632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Akt is a Ser/Thr protein kinase that regulates cell growth and metabolism and is considered a therapeutic target for cancer. Regulation of Akt by membrane recruitment and post-translational modifications (PTMs) has been extensively studied. The most well-established mechanism for cellular Akt activation involves phosphorylation on its activation loop on Thr308 by PDK1 and on its C-terminal tail on Ser473 by mTORC2. In addition, dual phosphorylation on Ser477 and Thr479 has been shown to activate Akt. Other C-terminal tail PTMs have been identified, but their functional impacts have not been well-characterized. Here, we investigate the regulatory effects of phosphorylation of Tyr474 and O-GlcNAcylation of Ser473 on Akt. We use expressed protein ligation as a tool to produce semisynthetic Akt proteins containing phosphoTyr474 and O-GlcNAcSer473 to dissect the enzymatic functions of these PTMs. We find that O-GlcNAcylation at Ser473 and phosphorylation at Tyr474 can also partially increase Akt's kinase activity toward both peptide and protein substrates. Additionally, we performed kinase assays employing human protein microarrays to investigate global substrate specificity of Akt, comparing phosphorylated versus O-GlcNAcylated Ser473 forms. We observed a high similarity in the protein substrates phosphorylated by phosphoSer473 Akt and O-GlcNAcSer473 Akt. Two Akt substrates identified using microarrays, PPM1H, a protein phosphatase, and NEDD4L, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, were validated in solution-phase assays and cell transfection experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonieta L. Salguero
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Maggie Chen
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, 12 Oxford Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Aaron T. Balana
- Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089 United States
| | - Nam Chu
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, and the Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Hanjie Jiang
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Brad A. Palanski
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Hwan Bae
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Katharine M. Wright
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Sara Nathan
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Heng Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
- The Center for High-Throughput Biology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Sandra B. Gabelli
- Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
- Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, United States
| | - Matthew R. Pratt
- Departments of Chemistry and Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089 United States
| | - Philip A. Cole
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
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30
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Zughaibi TA, Suhail M, Tarique M, Tabrez S. Targeting PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway by Different Flavonoids: A Cancer Chemopreventive Approach. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212455. [PMID: 34830339 PMCID: PMC8621356 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is, globally, one of the main causes of death. Even though various therapies are available, they are still painful because of their adverse side effects. Available treatments frequently fail due to unpromising responses, resistance to classical anticancer drugs, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and low accessibility to tumor tissues. Developing novel strategies to minimize adverse side effects, improve chemotherapy sensitivity, and control cancer progression is needed. Many studies have suggested small dietary molecules as complementary treatments for cancer patients. Different components of herbal/edible plants, known as flavonoids, have recently garnered attention due to their broad biological properties (e.g., antioxidant, antiviral, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic, anticancer, hepatoprotective, and cardioprotective). These flavonoids have shown anticancer activity by affecting different signaling cascades. This article summarizes the key progress made in this area and discusses the role of flavonoids by specifically inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in various cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torki A. Zughaibi
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohd Suhail
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: (M.S.); (S.T.); Tel.: +966-533018148 (M.S.); +966-126401000 (ext. 25185) (S.T.); Fax: +966-126952076 (S.T.)
| | - Mohammad Tarique
- Department of Child Health, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65201, USA;
| | - Shams Tabrez
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: (M.S.); (S.T.); Tel.: +966-533018148 (M.S.); +966-126401000 (ext. 25185) (S.T.); Fax: +966-126952076 (S.T.)
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