1
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Li J, Wang C, Xiao W, Chen Y, Tu J, Wan F, Deng K, Li H. TRAF Family Member 4 Promotes Cardiac Hypertrophy Through the Activation of the AKT Pathway. J Am Heart Assoc 2023; 12:e028185. [PMID: 37642020 PMCID: PMC10547335 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.122.028185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Background Pathological cardiac hypertrophy is a major cause of heart failure morbidity. The complex mechanism of intermolecular interactions underlying the pathogenesis of cardiac hypertrophy has led to a lack of development and application of therapeutic methods. Methods and Results Our study provides the first evidence that TRAF4, a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor (TRAF) family, acts as a promoter of cardiac hypertrophy. Here, Western blotting assays demonstrated that TRAF4 is upregulated in cardiac hypertrophy. Additionally, TRAF4 deletion inhibits the development of cardiac hypertrophy in a mouse model after transverse aortic constriction surgery, whereas its overexpression promotes phenylephrine stimulation-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in primary neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. Mechanistically, RNA-seq analysis revealed that TRAF4 promoted the activation of the protein kinase B pathway during cardiac hypertrophy. Moreover, we found that inhibition of protein kinase B phosphorylation rescued the aggravated cardiomyocyte hypertrophic phenotypes caused by TRAF4 overexpression in phenylephrine-treated neonatal rat cardiomyocytes, suggesting that TRAF4 may regulate cardiac hypertrophy in a protein kinase B-dependent manner. Conclusions Our results revealed the regulatory function of TRAF4 in cardiac hypertrophy, which may provide new insights into developing therapeutic and preventive targets for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Li
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular SurgeryHuanggang Central Hospital of Yangtze UniversityHuanggangChina
| | - Chang‐Quan Wang
- Department of NeurologyHuanggang Central Hospital of Yangtze UniversityHuanggangChina
| | - Wen‐Chang Xiao
- Department of Cardiovascular SurgeryHuanggang Central Hospital of Yangtze UniversityHuanggangChina
- Huanggang Institute of Translational MedicineHuanggangChina
| | - Yun Chen
- Clinical Trial CentersHuanggang Central Hospital of Yangtze UniversityHuanggangChina
| | - Jun Tu
- Huanggang Institute of Translational MedicineHuanggangChina
| | - Feng Wan
- Department of NeurologyHuanggang Central Hospital of Yangtze UniversityHuanggangChina
- Huanggang Institute of Translational MedicineHuanggangChina
| | - Ke‐Qiong Deng
- Huanggang Institute of Translational MedicineHuanggangChina
- Department of CardiologyZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Huo‐Ping Li
- Department of CardiologyHuanggang Central Hospital of Yangtze UniversityHuanggangChina
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2
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You SL, Jiang XX, Zhang GR, Ji W, Ma XF, Zhou X, Wei KJ. Molecular Characterization of Nine TRAF Genes in Yellow Catfish ( Pelteobagrus fulvidraco) and Their Expression Profiling in Response to Edwardsiella ictaluri Infection. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098363. [PMID: 37176078 PMCID: PMC10179116 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco) is an economic fish with a large breeding scale, and diseases have led to huge economic losses. Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factors (TRAFs) are a class of intracellular signal transduction proteins that play an important role in innate and adaptive immune responses by mediating NF-κB, JNK and MAPK signaling pathways. However, there are few studies on the TRAF gene family in yellow catfish. In this study, the open reading frame (ORF) sequences of TRAF1, TRAF2a, TRAF2b, TRAF3, TRAF4a, TRAF4b, TRAF5, TRAF6 and TRAF7 genes were cloned and identified in yellow catfish. The ORF sequences of the nine TRAF genes of yellow catfish (Pf_TRAF1-7) were 1413-2025 bp in length and encoded 470-674 amino acids. The predicted protein structures of Pf_TRAFs have typically conserved domains compared to mammals. The phylogenetic relationships showed that TRAF genes are conserved during evolution. Gene structure, motifs and syntenic analyses of TRAF genes showed that the exon-intron structure and conserved motifs of TRAF genes are diverse among seven vertebrate species, and the TRAF gene family is relatively conserved evolutionarily. Among them, TRAF1 is more closely related to TRAF2a and TRAF2b, and they may have evolved from a common ancestor. TRAF7 is quite different and distantly related to other TRAFs. Real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) results showed that all nine Pf_TRAF genes were constitutively expressed in 12 tissues of healthy yellow catfish, with higher mRNA expression levels in the gonad, spleen, brain and gill. After infection with Edwardsiella ictaluri, the expression levels of nine Pf_TRAF mRNAs were significantly changed in the head kidney, spleen, gill and brain tissues of yellow catfish, of which four genes were down-regulated and one gene was up-regulated in the head kidney; four genes were up-regulated and four genes were down-regulated in the spleen; two genes were down-regulated, one gene was up-regulated, and one gene was up-regulated and then down-regulated in the gill; one gene was up-regulated, one gene was down-regulated, and four genes were down-regulated and then up-regulated in the brain. These results indicate that Pf_TRAF genes might be involved in the immune response against bacterial infection. Subcellular localization results showed that all nine Pf_TRAFs were found localized in the cytoplasm, and Pf_TRAF2a, Pf_TRAF3 and Pf_TRAF4a could also be localized in the nucleus, uncovering that the subcellular localization of TRAF protein may be closely related to its structure and function in cellular mechanism. The results of this study suggest that the Pf_TRAF gene family plays important roles in the immune response against pathogen invasion and will provide basic information to further understand the roles of TRAF gene against bacterial infection in yellow catfish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shen-Li You
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xin-Xin Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Gui-Rong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Wei Ji
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xu-Fa Ma
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xu Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Kai-Jian Wei
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
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3
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Zeng F, Carrasco G, Li B, Sophocleous A, Idris AI. TRAF6 as a potential target in advanced breast cancer: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and bioinformatics validation. Sci Rep 2023; 13:4646. [PMID: 36944688 PMCID: PMC10029787 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31557-0] [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: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
TRAF6 has emerged as a key regulator of breast cancer (BCa). However, the TRAF family constitutes of seven members that exhibit distinct and overlapping functions. To explore which TRAF represents a potential druggable target for BCa treatment, we searched Medline, Web of Science and Scopus for relevant studies from inception to June 27, 2021. We identified 14 in vitro, 11 in vivo and 4 human articles. A meta-analysis of pharmacological studies showed that in vitro inhibition of TRAF2/4 (mean difference (MD): - 57.49, 95% CI: - 66.95, - 48.02, P < 0.00001) or TRAF6 (standard(Std.)MD: - 4.01, 95% CI: - 5.75, - 2.27, P < 0.00001) is associated with reduction in BCa cell migration. Consistently, inhibition of TRAF2/4 (MD: - 51.08, 95% CI: - 64.23, - 37.94, P < 0.00001) and TRAF6 (Std.MD: - 2.80, 95% CI: - 4.26, - 1.34, P = 0.0002) is associated with reduced BCa cell invasion, whereas TRAF2/4 inhibition (MD: - 40.54, 95% CI: - 52.83, - 28.26, P < 0.00001) is associated with reduced BCa cell adhesion. Interestingly, only inhibition of TRAF6 (MD: - 21.46, 95% CI: - 30.40, - 12.51, P < 0.00001) is associated with reduced cell growth. In animal models of BCa, administration of pharmacological inhibitors of TRAF2/4 (Std.MD: - 3.36, 95% CI: - 4.53, - 2.18, P < 0.00001) or TRAF6 (Std.MD: - 4.15, 95% CI: - 6.06, - 2.24, P < 0.0001) in mice is associated with reduction in tumour burden. In contrast, TRAF6 inhibitors (MD: - 2.42, 95% CI: - 3.70, - 1.14, P = 0.0002) reduced BCa metastasis. In BCa patients, high expression of TRAF6 (Hazard Ratio: 1.01, CI: 1.01, 1.01, P < 0.00001) is associated with poor survival rate. Bioinformatics validation of clinical and pathway and process enrichment analysis in BCa patients confirmed that gain/amplification of TRAF6 is associated with secondary BCa in bone (P = 0.0079), and poor survival rate (P < 0.05). Overall, TRAF6 inhibitors show promise in the treatment of metastatic BCa. However, low study number and scarcity of evidence from animal and human studies may limit the translation of present findings into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feier Zeng
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield, S10 2RX, UK
| | - Giovana Carrasco
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield, S10 2RX, UK
| | - Boya Li
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield, S10 2RX, UK
| | - Antonia Sophocleous
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, 6 Diogenes Street, 1516, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Aymen I Idris
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield, S10 2RX, UK.
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4
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Dong X, Li X, Gan Y, Ding J, Wei B, Zhou L, Cui W, Li W. TRAF4-mediated ubiquitination-dependent activation of JNK/Bcl-xL drives radioresistance. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:102. [PMID: 36765039 PMCID: PMC9918491 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05637-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
The E3 ligase TNF receptor-associated factor 4 (TRAF4) is upregulated and closely associated with tumorigenesis and the progression of multiple human malignancies. However, its effect on radiosensitivity in colorectal cancer (CRC) has not been elucidated. The present study found that TRAF4 was significantly increased in CRC clinical tumor samples. Depletion of TRAF4 impaired the malignant phenotype of CRC cells and sensitized irradiation-induced cell death. Irradiation activated the c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs)/c-Jun signaling via increasing JNKs K63-linked ubiquitination and phosphorylation. Furthermore, c-Jun activation triggered the transcription of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-xL, thus contributing to the radioresistance of CRC cells. TRAF4 was positively correlated with c-Jun and Bcl-xL, and blocking TRAF4 or inhibiting Bcl-xL with inhibitor markedly promoted ionizing radiation (IR)-induced intrinsic apoptosis and sensitized CRC cells to radiotherapy in vitro and in vivo. Our findings illustrate a potential mechanism of radioresistance, emphasizing the clinical value of targeting the TRAF4/Bcl-xL axis in CRC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Dong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Xiaoying Li
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Yu Gan
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Jie Ding
- Department of Anesthesia, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100000, China
| | - Baojun Wei
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Li Zhou
- Department of Pathology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Wei Cui
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China.
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5
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Li M, Gao F, Li X, Gan Y, Han S, Yu X, Liu H, Li W. Stabilization of MCL-1 by E3 ligase TRAF4 confers radioresistance. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:1053. [PMID: 36535926 PMCID: PMC9763423 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05500-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The E3 ligase TNF receptor-associated factor 4 (TRAF4) is frequently overexpressed and closely related to poor prognosis in human malignancies. However, its effect on carcinogenesis and radiosensitivity in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains unclear. The present study found that TRAF4 was significantly upregulated in primary and relapsed OSCC tumor tissues. Depletion of TRAF4 markedly improved the sensitivity of OSCC cells to irradiation (IR) treatment, showing that tumor cell proliferation, colony formation and xenograft tumor growth were reduced. Mechanistically, IR promoted the interaction between TRAF4 and Akt to induce Akt K63-mediated ubiquitination and activation. TRAF4 knockout inhibited the phosphorylation of Akt and upregulated GSK3β activity, resulting in increased myeloid cell leukemia-1 (MCL-1) S159 phosphorylation, which disrupted the interaction of MCL-1 with Josephin domain containing 1 (JOSD1), and ultimately induced MCL-1 ubiquitination and degradation. Moreover, TRAF4 was positively correlated with MCL-1 in primary and in radiotherapy-treated, relapsed tumor tissues. An MCL-1 inhibitor overcame radioresistance in vitro and in vivo. Altogether, the present findings suggest that TRAF4 confers radioresistance in OSCC by stabilizing MCL-1 through Akt signaling, and that targeting TRAF4 may be a promising therapeutic strategy to overcome radioresistance in OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Li
- grid.431010.7Cell Transplantation and Gene Therapy Institute, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013 People’s Republic of China ,Changsha Stomatological Hospital, Changsha, Hunan 410004 People’s Republic of China ,grid.488482.a0000 0004 1765 5169School of Stomatology, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410208 People’s Republic of China ,grid.431010.7Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013 People’s Republic of China
| | - Feng Gao
- grid.431010.7Cell Transplantation and Gene Therapy Institute, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013 People’s Republic of China ,grid.431010.7Department of Ultrasonography, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoying Li
- grid.431010.7Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Gan
- grid.431010.7Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013 People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuangze Han
- grid.431010.7Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013 People’s Republic of China ,grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Ultrasound, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xinfang Yu
- grid.431010.7Cell Transplantation and Gene Therapy Institute, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013 People’s Republic of China ,grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XDepartment of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Haidan Liu
- grid.452708.c0000 0004 1803 0208Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, People’s Republic of China ,grid.452708.c0000 0004 1803 0208Clinical Center for Gene Diagnosis and Therapy, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Li
- grid.431010.7Cell Transplantation and Gene Therapy Institute, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013 People’s Republic of China ,grid.431010.7Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013 People’s Republic of China
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6
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TRAF4 Promotes the Proliferation of Glioblastoma by Stabilizing SETDB1 to Activate the AKT Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231710161. [PMID: 36077559 PMCID: PMC9456363 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231710161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The process of ubiquitination regulates the degradation, transport, interaction, and stabilization of substrate proteins, and is crucial for cell signal transduction and function. TNF receptor-associated factor 4, TRAF4, is a member of the TRAF family and is involved in the process of ubiquitination as an E3 ubiquitin protein ligase. Here, we found that TRAF4 expression correlates with glioma subtype and grade, and that TRAF4 is significantly overexpressed in glioblastoma and predicts poor prognosis. Knockdown of TRAF4 significantly inhibited the growth, proliferation, migration, and invasion of glioblastoma cells. Mechanistically, we found that TRAF4 only interacts with the Tudor domain of the AKT pathway activator SETDB1. TRAF4 mediates the atypical ubiquitination of SETDB1 to maintain its stability and function, thereby promoting the activation of the AKT pathway. Restoring SETDB1 expression in TRAF4 knockdown glioblastoma cells partially restored cell growth and proliferation. Collectively, our findings reveal a novel mechanism by which TRAF4 mediates AKT pathway activation, suggesting that TRAF4 may serve as a biomarker and promising therapeutic target for glioblastoma.
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7
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He S, Dong D, Lin J, Wu B, Nie X, Cai G. Overexpression of TRAF4 promotes lung cancer growth and EGFR-dependent phosphorylation of ERK5. FEBS Open Bio 2022; 12:1747-1760. [PMID: 35748027 PMCID: PMC9527583 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 4 (TRAF4) is overexpressed in a variety of carcinomas of different origins, but its role in tumorigenesis remains incompletely understood. Previous studies suggest that TRAF4 promotes epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activation in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the downstream signaling pathway of TRAF4-mediated EGFR activation, as well as its effects on tumor cells, have not been fully elucidated. Here we report that TRAF4 overexpression is associated with increased activity of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) in NSCLC tissues. Activation of ERK5 was dependent on TRAF4-mediated EGFR activation, since inhibition of either TRAF4 or EGFR dramatically abolished phosphorylation of ERK5. Mechanistically, EGFR recruited mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 3 (MEKK3), an upstream kinase of ERK5, in a TRAF4-dependent manner. Thus, our data suggest that an EGFR-TRAF4-MEKK3-ERK5 axis promotes the proliferation of tumor cells, and this may be a potential target for therapeutic intervention of NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siwei He
- Department of Laboratory MedicineRuijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineChina
| | - Danfeng Dong
- Department of Laboratory MedicineRuijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineChina
| | - Jiafei Lin
- Department of Laboratory MedicineRuijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineChina
| | - Beiying Wu
- Department of Laboratory MedicineRuijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineChina
| | - Xiaomeng Nie
- Department of Respiratory DiseasesChanghai Hospital, the Second Military Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Gang Cai
- Department of Laboratory MedicineRuijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineChina
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8
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Luo X, Cao J, Zhang C, Huang H, Liu J. TRAF4 promotes the malignant progression of high-grade serous ovarian cancer by activating YAP pathway. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 627:68-75. [PMID: 36029535 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.07.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) accounts for the majority of deaths caused by epithelial ovarian cancer. The specific molecular changes attributable to the pathogenesis of HGSOC are still largely unknown. TRAF4 has been identified to be up-regulated in certain cancers. However, the role and mechanism of TRAF4 in HGSOC remain unclear. In this study, we aim to explore the prognostic value and function of TRAF4 in HGSOC. Immunohistochemical staining and prognostic analysis were used to estimate the prognosis value of TRAF4 in HGSOC. Cell counting assays, colony formation assays, sphere formation assays and tumorigenic assays were used to explore the function of TRAF4 in ovarian cancer cells. Furthermore, RNA-seq, qPCR and western blotting were performed to investigate the molecular mechanism of TRAF4 in ovarian cancer cells. The results showed that TRAF4 was significantly higher expressed in ovarian cancer than normal ovarian epithelium. Moreover, high expression of TRAF4 was significantly associated with shorter overall survival and recurrence-free survival in HGSOC. Knockdown of TRAF4 significantly inhibited the proliferation and tumorigenicity of ovarian cancer cells, whereas overexpression of TRAF4 promoted the proliferation and tumorigenicity of ovarian cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, our study demonstrated that TRAF4 expression was positively correlated with the YAP pathway gene signatures, and the malignant progression induced by TRAF4 was inhibited after silencing YAP signaling by its selective inhibitor. In conclusion, our findings suggested that TRAF4 promoted the malignant progression of ovarian cancer cells by activating YAP pathway and might serve as a prognostic biomarker for HGSOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolin Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, 510060, China; Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Junya Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, 510060, China; Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Chuyao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, 510060, China; Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - He Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, 510060, China; Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Jihong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, 510060, China; Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
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9
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Han M, Liu Y, Jin C, Wang X, Song W, Zhang Q. Genome-wide identification, characterization and expression profiling of TRAF family genes in Sebastes schlegelii. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 127:203-210. [PMID: 35724846 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2022.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factors (TRAFs) are signaling mediators for Toll-like receptor (TLR) and tumor necrosis factor (TNFR) superfamily that play important roles in organism immune response. However, reports on systematic identification of TRAF gene family in teleost fish and the function of TRAFs in innate immunity of black rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii) are lacked. In our study, eight TRAF genes were identified and characterized, namely, SsTRAF2a, SsTRAF2a-like, SsTRAF2b, SsTRAF3, SsTRAF4, SsTRAF5, SsTRAF6 and SsTRAF7 in S. schegelii. Furthermore, we analyzed their sequences, conserved domains, gene structures, motif compositions, phylogeny, tissue expression patterns in healthy and Vibro. anguillarum challenged individuals. All the SsTRAFs contained typical conserved domain, including C-terminal MATH domain and N-terminal RING finger domain. Analyses of gene structures and motifs showed the distribution of exon-intron and conserved motifs in S. schegelii and serval other teleost fish. We also analyzed the expression file of SsTRAFs in five immune-relate organs, liver, spleen, kidney, gill and intestine in healthy and bacterial challenged fish. The results indicated that all SsTRAF member were widely involved in immune response after pathogenic bacteria infection. In summary, the analyses of TRAFs in S. schegelii will be helpful to better understand the diverse roles of TRAF genes in the innate immune response to bacterial challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Han
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China.
| | - Yuxiang Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China.
| | - Chaofan Jin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China.
| | - Xuangang Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China.
| | - Weihao Song
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China.
| | - Quanqi Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China; Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Aquatic Germplasm of Hainan Province, Sanya Oceanographic Institution, Ocean University of China, Sanya, China.
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10
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Chen Y, Li Y, Li PT, Luo ZH, Zhang ZP, Wang YL, Zou PF. Novel Findings in Teleost TRAF4, a Protein Acts as an Enhancer in TRIF and TRAF6 Mediated Antiviral and Inflammatory Signaling. Front Immunol 2022; 13:944528. [PMID: 35898509 PMCID: PMC9310645 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.944528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factors (TRAFs) are important adaptor molecules that play important roles in host immune regulation and inflammatory responses. Compared to other members of TRAFs, the function of TRAF4 in vertebrate immunity remains unclear, especially in teleosts. In the present study, TRAF4 ortholog was cloned and identified in large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea), named as Lc-TRAF4. The open reading frame (ORF) of Lc-TRAF4 is 1,413 bp and encodes a protein of 470 amino acids (aa), which is consisted of a RING finger domain, two zinc finger domains, and a MATH domain. The genome organization of Lc-TRAF4 is conserved in teleosts, amphibians, birds, and mammals, with 7 exons and 6 introns. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed that Lc-TRAF4 was broadly distributed in various organs/tissues of healthy large yellow croakers and could be significantly up-regulated in the gill, intestine, spleen, head kidney, and blood under poly I:C, LPS, PGN, and Pseudomonas plecoglossicida stimulations. Notably, luciferase assays showed that overexpression of Lc-TRAF4 could significantly induce the activation of IRF3, IRF7, and type I IFN promoters, with the RING finger and zinc finger domains function importantly in such promoter activation. Confocal microscopy revealed that Lc-TRAF4 is located in the cytoplasm, whereas the deletion of the RING finger, zinc finger or MATH domain showed little effect on the subcellular localization of Lc-TRAF4. Interestingly, Lc-TRAF4 overexpression could significantly enhance Lc-TRIF and Lc-TRAF6 medicated IRF3 and IRF7 promoter activation. In addition, co-expression of Lc-TRAF4 with Lc-TRIF or Lc-TRAF6 could significantly induce the expression of antiviral and inflammation-related genes, including IRF3, IRF7, ISG15, ISG56, Mx, RSAD2, TNF-α, and IL-1β compared to the only overexpression of Lc-TRAF4, Lc-TRIF or Lc-TRAF6. These results collectively imply that Lc-TRAF4 functions as an enhancer in Lc-TRIF and Lc-TRAF6 mediated antiviral and inflammatory signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Chen
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Mariculture for the East China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Ornamental Aquarium Engineering Research Centre in University of Fujian Province, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ying Li
- Key Laboratory of Estuarine Ecological Security and Environmental Health, Tan Kah Kee College, Xiamen University, Zhangzhou, China
| | - Peng Tian Li
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Mariculture for the East China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Ornamental Aquarium Engineering Research Centre in University of Fujian Province, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen, China
| | - Zi Hao Luo
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Mariculture for the East China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Ornamental Aquarium Engineering Research Centre in University of Fujian Province, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen, China
| | - Zi Ping Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Large Yellow Croaker Breeding, Ningde Fufa Fisheries Company Limited, Ningde, China
- College of Marine Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yi Lei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Mariculture for the East China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Ornamental Aquarium Engineering Research Centre in University of Fujian Province, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen, China
- State Key Laboratory of Large Yellow Croaker Breeding, Ningde Fufa Fisheries Company Limited, Ningde, China
- *Correspondence: Yi Lei Wang, ; Peng Fei Zou,
| | - Peng Fei Zou
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Mariculture for the East China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Ornamental Aquarium Engineering Research Centre in University of Fujian Province, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen, China
- *Correspondence: Yi Lei Wang, ; Peng Fei Zou,
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11
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Hao M, Zhang J, Sun M, Diao K, Wang J, Li S, Cao Q, Dai S, Mi X. TRAF4 Inhibits the Apoptosis and Promotes the Proliferation of Breast Cancer Cells by Inhibiting the Ubiquitination of Spindle Assembly-Associated Protein Eg5. Front Oncol 2022; 12:855139. [PMID: 35692762 PMCID: PMC9174544 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.855139] [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: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor receptor associated factor 4 (TRAF4) is a RING domain E3 ubiquitin ligase that mediates the ubiquitination of various proteins and plays an important role in driving tumor progression. By studying the relationship between TRAF4 and Eg5, a member of the kinesin family that plays a critical role in spindle assembly, we demonstrated that TRAF4 regulated Eg5 ubiquitination and contributed to Eg5-mediated breast cancer proliferation and inhibited breast cancer apoptosis. TRAF4 and Eg5 were both highly expressed in breast cancer and their protein level was positively correlated. Relying on its Zinc fingers domain, TRAF4 interacted with Eg5 in the cytoplasm of breast cancer cells. TRAF4 was a mitosis-related protein, and by up-regulating the protein level of Eg5 TRAF4 participated in spindle assembly. Loss of TRAF4 resulted in monopolar spindles formation, but loss of function could be rescued by Eg5. Relying on its RING domain, TRAF4 up-regulated Eg5 protein levels by inhibition of Eg5 ubiquitination, thus stabilizing Eg5 protein level during mitosis. Furthermore, we found that Smurf2, a TRAF4-targeted ubiquitination substrate, mediated the regulation of Eg5 ubiquitination by TRAF4. TRAF4 inhibited the interaction between Smurf2 and Eg5, and down-regulated the protein level of Smurf2 by promoting its ubiquitination, thereby inhibited the Smurf2-catalyzed ubiquitination of Eg5 and up-regulated Eg5 protein levels. We also demonstrate that TRAF4 plays an important role in promoting cell proliferation and in inhibiting cell apoptosis induced by Eg5. In summary, our study suggests a new direction for investigating the role of TRAF4 in driving breast cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaomiao Hao
- Department of Pathology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Mingfang Sun
- Department of Pathology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Kexin Diao
- Department of Pathology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Pathology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Shiping Li
- Department of Pathology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Qixue Cao
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shundong Dai
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyi Mi
- Department of Pathology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaoyi Mi,
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12
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Ruan X, Zhang R, Li R, Zhu H, Wang Z, Wang C, Cheng Z, Peng H. The Research Progress in Physiological and Pathological Functions of TRAF4. Front Oncol 2022; 12:842072. [PMID: 35242717 PMCID: PMC8885719 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.842072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumour necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 4 (TRAF4) is a member of the TRAF protein family, a cytoplasmic bridging molecule closely associated with various immune functions. The physiological processes of TRAF4 are mainly involved in embryonic development, cell polarity, cell proliferation, apoptosis, regulation of reactive oxygen species production. TRAF4 is overexpressed in a variety of tumors and regulates the formation and development of a variety of tumors. In this review, we summarize the physiological and pathological regulatory functions of TRAF4 and focus on understanding the biological processes involved in this gene, to provide a reference for further studies on the role of this gene in tumorigenesis and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueqin Ruan
- Department of Hematology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Institute of Molecular Hematology, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- Division of Cancer Immunotherapy, National Cancer Center Exploratory Oncology Research & Clinical Trial Center, Chiba, Japan
| | - Ruijuan Li
- Department of Hematology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Institute of Molecular Hematology, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hongkai Zhu
- Department of Hematology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Institute of Molecular Hematology, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhihua Wang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Institute of Molecular Hematology, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Canfei Wang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Institute of Molecular Hematology, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhao Cheng
- Department of Hematology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Institute of Molecular Hematology, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hongling Peng
- Department of Hematology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Institute of Molecular Hematology, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Tumor Models and Individualized Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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13
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Gissler MC, Stachon P, Wolf D, Marchini T. The Role of Tumor Necrosis Factor Associated Factors (TRAFs) in Vascular Inflammation and Atherosclerosis. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:826630. [PMID: 35252400 PMCID: PMC8891542 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.826630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
TNF receptor associated factors (TRAFs) represent a family of cytoplasmic signaling adaptor proteins that regulate, bundle, and transduce inflammatory signals downstream of TNF- (TNF-Rs), interleukin (IL)-1-, Toll-like- (TLRs), and IL-17 receptors. TRAFs play a pivotal role in regulating cell survival and immune cell function and are fundamental regulators of acute and chronic inflammation. Lately, the inhibition of inflammation by anti-cytokine therapy has emerged as novel treatment strategy in patients with atherosclerosis. Likewise, growing evidence from preclinical experiments proposes TRAFs as potent modulators of inflammation in atherosclerosis and vascular inflammation. Yet, TRAFs show a highly complex interplay between different TRAF-family members with partially opposing and overlapping functions that are determined by the level of cellular expression, concomitant signaling events, and the context of the disease. Therefore, inhibition of specific TRAFs may be beneficial in one condition and harmful in others. Here, we carefully discuss the cellular expression and signaling events of TRAFs and evaluate their role in vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis. We also highlight metabolic effects of TRAFs and discuss the development of TRAF-based therapeutics in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Colin Gissler
- Cardiology and Angiology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Peter Stachon
- Cardiology and Angiology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Dennis Wolf
- Cardiology and Angiology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- *Correspondence: Dennis Wolf
| | - Timoteo Marchini
- Cardiology and Angiology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, CONICET, Instituto de Bioquímica y Medicina Molecular (IBIMOL), Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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14
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Traf4 is required for tight junction complex during mouse blastocyst formation. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL REPRODUCTION AND BIOTECHNOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.12750/jarb.36.4.307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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15
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So T. The immunological significance of tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factors (TRAFs). Int Immunol 2021; 34:7-20. [PMID: 34453532 DOI: 10.1093/intimm/dxab058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR)-associated factor (TRAF) family of molecules are intracellular signaling adaptors and control diverse signaling pathways mediated not only by the TNFR superfamily and the Toll-like receptor/interleukin-1 receptor superfamily but also by unconventional cytokine receptors such as IL-6 and IL-17 receptors. There are seven family members, TRAF1 to TRAF7, in mammals. Exaggerated immune responses induced through TRAF signaling downstream of these receptors often lead to inflammatory and autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis and autoinflammatory syndromes, and thus those signals are major targets for therapeutic intervention. For this reason, it has been very important to understand signaling mechanisms regulated by TRAFs that greatly impact on life/death decisions and the activation, differentiation and survival of cells of the innate and adaptive immune systems. Accumulating evidence suggests that dysregulated cellular expression and/or signaling of TRAFs causes overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines, which facilitates aberrant activation of immune cells. In this review, I will explain the structural and functional aspects that are responsible for the cellular activity and disease outcomes of TRAFs, and summarize the findings of recent studies on TRAFs in terms of how individual TRAF family molecules regulates biological and disease processes in the body in both positive and negative ways. This review also discusses how TRAF mutations contribute to human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takanori So
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Sugitani, Toyama, Japan
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16
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Wu S, Sun M, Zhang X, Liao J, Liu M, Qin Q, Wei J. Grouper TRAF4, a Novel, CP-Interacting Protein That Promotes Red-Spotted Grouper Nervous Necrosis Virus Replication. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22116136. [PMID: 34200212 PMCID: PMC8201248 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22116136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factors (TRAFs) play important roles in the biological processes of immune regulation, the inflammatory response, and apoptosis. TRAF4 belongs to the TRAF family and plays a major role in many biological processes. Compared with other TRAF proteins, the functions of TRAF4 in teleosts have been largely unknown. In the present study, the TRAF4 homologue (EcTRAF4) of the orange-spotted grouper was characterized. EcTRAF4 consisted of 1413 bp encoding a 471-amino-acid protein, and the predicted molecular mass was 54.27 kDa. EcTRAF4 shares 99.79% of its identity with TRAF4 of the giant grouper (E. lanceolatus). EcTRAF4 transcripts were ubiquitously and differentially expressed in all the examined tissues. EcTRAF4 expression in GS cells was significantly upregulated after stimulation with red-spotted grouper nervous necrosis virus (RGNNV). EcTRAF4 protein was distributed in the cytoplasm of GS cells. Overexpressed EcTRAF4 promoted RGNNV replication during viral infection in vitro. Yeast two-hybrid and coimmunoprecipitation assays showed that EcTRAF4 interacted with the coat protein (CP) of RGNNV. EcTRAF4 inhibited the activation of IFN3, IFN-stimulated response element (ISRE), and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). Overexpressed EcTRAF4 also reduced the expression of interferon (IFN)-related molecules and pro-inflammatory factors. Together, these results demonstrate that EcTRAF4 plays crucial roles in RGNNV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siting Wu
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (S.W.); (M.S.); (X.Z.); (J.L.); (M.L.)
| | - Mengshi Sun
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (S.W.); (M.S.); (X.Z.); (J.L.); (M.L.)
| | - Xin Zhang
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (S.W.); (M.S.); (X.Z.); (J.L.); (M.L.)
| | - Jiaming Liao
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (S.W.); (M.S.); (X.Z.); (J.L.); (M.L.)
| | - Mengke Liu
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (S.W.); (M.S.); (X.Z.); (J.L.); (M.L.)
| | - Qiwei Qin
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (S.W.); (M.S.); (X.Z.); (J.L.); (M.L.)
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266000, China
- Correspondence: (Q.Q.); (J.W.)
| | - Jingguang Wei
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (S.W.); (M.S.); (X.Z.); (J.L.); (M.L.)
- Correspondence: (Q.Q.); (J.W.)
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17
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YAMAMOTO M, GOHDA J, AKIYAMA T, INOUE JI. TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) plays crucial roles in multiple biological systems through polyubiquitination-mediated NF-κB activation. PROCEEDINGS OF THE JAPAN ACADEMY. SERIES B, PHYSICAL AND BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES 2021; 97:145-160. [PMID: 33840674 PMCID: PMC8062261 DOI: 10.2183/pjab.97.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
NF-κB was first identified in 1986 as a B cell-specific transcription factor inducing immunoglobulin κ light chain expression. Subsequent studies revealed that NF-κB plays important roles in development, organogenesis, immunity, inflammation, and neurological functions by spatiotemporally regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis in several cell types. Furthermore, studies on the signal pathways that activate NF-κB led to the discovery of TRAF family proteins with E3 ubiquitin ligase activity, which function downstream of the receptor. This discovery led to the proposal of an entirely new signaling mechanism concept, wherein K63-ubiquitin chains act as a scaffold for the signaling complex to activate downstream kinases. This concept has revolutionized ubiquitin studies by revealing the importance of the nonproteolytic functions of ubiquitin not only in NF-κB signaling but also in a variety of other biological systems. TRAF6 is the most diverged among the TRAF family proteins, and our studies uncovered its notable physiological and pathological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mizuki YAMAMOTO
- Research Center for Asian Infectious Diseases, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jin GOHDA
- Research Center for Asian Infectious Diseases, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Taishin AKIYAMA
- Laboratory for Immune Homeostasis, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Jun-ichiro INOUE
- Research Platform Office, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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18
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Ren H, Mi X, Zhao P, Zhao X, Wei N, Huang H, Meng Z, Kou J, Sun M, Liu Y, Zhang H, Yang J, Li W, Li H. TRAF4, a new substrate of SIAH1, participates in chemotherapy resistance of breast cancer cell by counteracting SIAH1-mediated downregulation of β-catenin. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2020; 183:275-289. [PMID: 32671611 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-020-05789-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE TRAF4 plays an important role in the development and progression of breast cancer, but its impact on chemotherapy resistance is as yet, however, poorly understood. METHODS Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence staining were used to identify and verify that TRAF4 was a novel substrate of SIAH1 and prevented SIAH1-mediated β-catenin degradation. Cell proliferation analysis and Flow cytometry analysis were utilized to detect TRAF4's function on the growth-inhibitory effect of etoposide. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of TRAF4, SIAH1, and β-catenin. Statistical analysis was used to analyze the relationships between them with clinical parameters and curative effect of chemotherapy pathologically. RESULTS Our results suggested that TRAF4 prevents SIAH1-mediated β-catenin degradation. TRAF4 was a novel substrate of SIAH1 and the TRAF domain of TRAF4 was critical for binding to SIAH1. TRAF4 reduced the growth-inhibitory effect of etoposide via reducing the number of S-phase cells and suppressing cell apoptosis. Concordantly, we found that breast cancer patients with a low-TRAF4 expression benefited most from chemotherapy, who had higher tumor volume reduction rate and better pathological response, while, the high-TRAF4 expression group had lower tumor volume reduction rate and poor pathological response. CONCLUSIONS TRAF4 was a novel substrate of SIAH1 and prevented SIAH1-mediated β-catenin degradation, which explains the protective effect of TRAF4 on β-catenin during cell stress and links TRAF4 to chemotherapy resistance in tumors. These findings implicated a novel pathway for the oncogenic function of TRAF4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huayan Ren
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,College of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Jianshe Road 1, Erqi Ward, Zhengzhou, 450052, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoyi Mi
- Department of Pathology, College of Basic Medical Sciences and First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Pengyuan Zhao
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,College of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Jianshe Road 1, Erqi Ward, Zhengzhou, 450052, P.R. China
| | - Xueyan Zhao
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,College of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Jianshe Road 1, Erqi Ward, Zhengzhou, 450052, P.R. China
| | - Na Wei
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,College of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Jianshe Road 1, Erqi Ward, Zhengzhou, 450052, P.R. China
| | - Huifen Huang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,College of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Jianshe Road 1, Erqi Ward, Zhengzhou, 450052, P.R. China
| | - Zhongqin Meng
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,College of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Jianshe Road 1, Erqi Ward, Zhengzhou, 450052, P.R. China
| | - Junna Kou
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,College of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Jianshe Road 1, Erqi Ward, Zhengzhou, 450052, P.R. China
| | - Mingfang Sun
- Department of Pathology, College of Basic Medical Sciences and First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yuqiong Liu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,College of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Jianshe Road 1, Erqi Ward, Zhengzhou, 450052, P.R. China
| | - Hongyan Zhang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,College of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Jianshe Road 1, Erqi Ward, Zhengzhou, 450052, P.R. China
| | - Jianping Yang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,College of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Jianshe Road 1, Erqi Ward, Zhengzhou, 450052, P.R. China
| | - Wencai Li
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,College of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Jianshe Road 1, Erqi Ward, Zhengzhou, 450052, P.R. China
| | - Huixiang Li
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China. .,College of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Jianshe Road 1, Erqi Ward, Zhengzhou, 450052, P.R. China.
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19
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Zhou Y, Zhou Y, Kang X, Meng C, Zhang R, Guo Y, Xiong D, Song L, Jiao X, Pan Z. Molecular cloning and functional characterisation of duck ( Anas platyrhynchos) tumour necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 3. Br Poult Sci 2019; 60:357-365. [PMID: 31046421 DOI: 10.1080/00071668.2019.1614528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
1. Tumour necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 3 (TRAF3) is a key regulator of innate immunity and acquired immunity, and has a salient anti-viral role. 2. In this experiment, the duck TRAF3 (DuTRAF3) gene was cloned according to the Anas platyrhynchos TRAF3 sequence to explore its function. The TRAF3 open reading frame contains 1704 bp that encode a protein of 567 amino acids, which contain a RING finger domain, two zinc finger motifs, a coiled-coil region, and a MATH domain. 3. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction showed that DuTRAF3 was expressed in all the examined tissues, with a comparatively higher expression in the spleen and brain tissues. 4. In HEK293T cells, DuTRAF3 overexpression resulted in a significantly increased NF-κB activity and interferon (IFN)-β promoter activation. 5. Following resiquimod (R848) and poly(I:C) stimulation of duck peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), the expressions of TRAF3 and IFN-β were significantly upregulated; in addition, following R848 stimulation, the mRNA levels of IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10 were also significantly upregulated. After infection with the Newcastle Disease Virus LaSota vaccine strain, the mRNA levels of IL-6 and IL-10 were significantly upregulated, while that of TRAF3 was downregulated. 6. These results suggest that DuTRAF3 has an important role to play in innate antiviral immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Zhou
- a Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , Jiangsu , China.,b Jiangsu Co-innovation Centre for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , Jiangsu , China.,c Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Biological Hazard Factors (Animal Origin) for Agrifood Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , Jiangsu , China.,d Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-product Safety of the Ministry of Education , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , Jiangsu , China
| | - Y Zhou
- a Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , Jiangsu , China.,b Jiangsu Co-innovation Centre for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , Jiangsu , China.,c Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Biological Hazard Factors (Animal Origin) for Agrifood Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , Jiangsu , China.,d Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-product Safety of the Ministry of Education , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , Jiangsu , China
| | - X Kang
- a Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , Jiangsu , China.,b Jiangsu Co-innovation Centre for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , Jiangsu , China.,c Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Biological Hazard Factors (Animal Origin) for Agrifood Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , Jiangsu , China.,d Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-product Safety of the Ministry of Education , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , Jiangsu , China
| | - C Meng
- a Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , Jiangsu , China.,b Jiangsu Co-innovation Centre for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , Jiangsu , China.,c Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Biological Hazard Factors (Animal Origin) for Agrifood Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , Jiangsu , China.,d Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-product Safety of the Ministry of Education , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , Jiangsu , China
| | - R Zhang
- a Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , Jiangsu , China.,b Jiangsu Co-innovation Centre for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , Jiangsu , China.,c Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Biological Hazard Factors (Animal Origin) for Agrifood Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , Jiangsu , China.,d Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-product Safety of the Ministry of Education , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , Jiangsu , China
| | - Y Guo
- a Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , Jiangsu , China.,b Jiangsu Co-innovation Centre for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , Jiangsu , China.,c Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Biological Hazard Factors (Animal Origin) for Agrifood Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , Jiangsu , China.,d Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-product Safety of the Ministry of Education , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , Jiangsu , China
| | - D Xiong
- a Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , Jiangsu , China.,b Jiangsu Co-innovation Centre for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , Jiangsu , China.,c Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Biological Hazard Factors (Animal Origin) for Agrifood Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , Jiangsu , China.,d Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-product Safety of the Ministry of Education , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , Jiangsu , China
| | - L Song
- a Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , Jiangsu , China.,b Jiangsu Co-innovation Centre for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , Jiangsu , China.,c Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Biological Hazard Factors (Animal Origin) for Agrifood Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , Jiangsu , China.,d Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-product Safety of the Ministry of Education , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , Jiangsu , China
| | - X Jiao
- a Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , Jiangsu , China.,b Jiangsu Co-innovation Centre for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , Jiangsu , China.,c Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Biological Hazard Factors (Animal Origin) for Agrifood Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , Jiangsu , China.,d Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-product Safety of the Ministry of Education , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , Jiangsu , China
| | - Z Pan
- a Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , Jiangsu , China.,b Jiangsu Co-innovation Centre for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , Jiangsu , China.,c Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Biological Hazard Factors (Animal Origin) for Agrifood Safety and Quality, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , Jiangsu , China.,d Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-product Safety of the Ministry of Education , Yangzhou University , Yangzhou , Jiangsu , China
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20
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Recognition of TRAIP with TRAFs: Current understanding and associated diseases. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2019; 115:105589. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2019.105589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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21
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Xie P, Wang X, Kong M, Bai X, Jiang T. TRAF4 promotes endometrial cancer cell growth and migration by activation of PI3K/AKT/Oct4 signaling. Exp Mol Pathol 2019; 108:9-16. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2019.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Revised: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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22
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TRAF4 binds to the juxtamembrane region of EGFR directly and promotes kinase activation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:11531-11536. [PMID: 30352854 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1809599115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is crucial for triggering diverse cellular functions, including cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation, and up-regulation of EGFR expression or activity is a key factor in triggering the development of cancer. Here we show that overexpression of a scaffold protein, tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNF-R)-associated factor 4 (TRAF4), promotes EGF-induced autophosphorylation of EGFR (activation) and downstream signaling, whereas TRAF4 deficiency attenuates EGFR activation and EGF-driven cell proliferation. Using structure-based sequence alignment and NMR spectroscopy, we identified a TRAF4 binding site in the C-terminal half of the juxtamembrane (JM) segment of EGFR, a region known to promote asymmetric dimerization and subsequent activation. Deletion of the TRAF4 binding site led to dramatic defects in EGFR activation and EGF-driven cell proliferation. Specific point mutations in the TRAF4 binding site also resulted in significant attenuation of EGFR activation. Detailed structural examination of the inactive versus active forms of EGFR suggests that TRAF4 binding probably induces a conformational rearrangement of the JM region to promote EGFR dimerization. These results identify a novel mechanism of TRAF4-mediated EGFR activation and signaling.
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23
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MiR-29a Inhibits Glioma Tumorigenesis through a Negative Feedback Loop of TRAF4/Akt Signaling. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:2461363. [PMID: 30186853 PMCID: PMC6112081 DOI: 10.1155/2018/2461363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Revised: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background MiR-29a is known as a repressor of human cancer. However, its relevance in glioma proliferation and invasion remains largely unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the function and mechanism of miR-29a in glioma tumorigenesis. Methods The expression of miR-29a was determined by using qRT-PCR. CCK-8, wound healing, and transwell invasion assays were carried out to analyze the effects of miR-29a in glioblastoma cells. qRT-PCR, luciferase reporter, and western blot experiments were done to validate the targeting of TRAF4/Akt pathway by miR-29a. The expression correlation between levels of TRAF4 and miR-29a was analyzed. Regulation of miR-29a expression by enhanced/reduced TRAF4/Akt expression was finally confirmed by qRT-PCR. Results MiR-29a was decreased in the glioma tissues, especially in those at higher grades. Following its mimic transfection, we validated that miR-29a inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Consistently, miR-29a inhibition induced the opposite effects on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. We confirmed TRAF4 as a direct target of miR-29a, which might mediate the Akt pathway activation. We showed a significantly negative expression correlation between TRAF4 and miR-29a in normal and glioma tissues. Finally we observed an upregulation of miR-29a in TRAF4/Akt activated cells. Conclusion MiR-29a is critical tumor suppressor for glioma tumorigenesis by forming a negative feedback loop of TRAF4/Akt signaling and represents a potent therapeutic candidate for treating gliomas.
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24
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Hehr CL, Halabi R, McFarlane S. Polarity and morphogenesis of the eye epithelium requires the adhesion junction associated adaptor protein Traf4. Cell Adh Migr 2018; 12:489-502. [PMID: 29961393 DOI: 10.1080/19336918.2018.1477900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
During development, neuroepithelial progenitors acquire apico-basal polarity and adhere to one another via apically located tight and adherens junction complexes. This polarized neuroepithelium must continue to integrate cells arising through cell divisions and intercalation, and allow for cell movements, at the same time as undergoing morphogenesis. Cell proliferation, migration and intercalation all occur in the morphing embryonic eye. To understand how eye development might depend on dynamic epithelial adhesion, we investigated the function of a known regulator of junctional plasticity, Tumour necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 4 (Traf4). traf4a mRNA is expressed in the developing eye vesicle over the period of optic cup morphogenesis, and Traf4a loss leads to disrupted evagination and elongation of the eye vesicles, and aberrant organization and apico-basal polarity of the eye epithelium. We propose a model whereby Traf4a regulates apical junction plasticity in nascent eye epithelium, allowing for its polarization and morphogenesis. Symbols and Abbreviations: AB: apico-basal; aPKC: atypical protein kinase-C; CRISPR: clustered regularly-interspaced short palindromic repeats; GFP: green fluorescent protein; hpf: hours post-fertilization; MO: antisense morpholino oligonucleotide; pHH3: phospho histone H3; ss: somite stage; Traf4: Tumour necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 4; ZO-1: zona occludens-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie Lynn Hehr
- a Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy , University of Calgary, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute , Calgary , AB , Canada
| | - Rami Halabi
- a Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy , University of Calgary, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute , Calgary , AB , Canada
| | - Sarah McFarlane
- a Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy , University of Calgary, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute , Calgary , AB , Canada
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25
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Singh R, Karri D, Shen H, Shao J, Dasgupta S, Huang S, Edwards DP, Ittmann MM, O'Malley BW, Yi P. TRAF4-mediated ubiquitination of NGF receptor TrkA regulates prostate cancer metastasis. J Clin Invest 2018; 128:3129-3143. [PMID: 29715200 DOI: 10.1172/jci96060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are important drivers of cancers. In addition to genomic alterations, aberrant activation of WT RTKs plays an important role in driving cancer progression. However, the mechanisms underlying how RTKs drive prostate cancer remain incompletely characterized. Here we show that non-proteolytic ubiquitination of RTK regulates its kinase activity and contributes to RTK-mediated prostate cancer metastasis. TRAF4, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, is highly expressed in metastatic prostate cancer. We demonstrated here that it is a key player in regulating RTK-mediated prostate cancer metastasis. We further identified TrkA, a neurotrophin RTK, as a TRAF4-targeted ubiquitination substrate that promotes cancer cell invasion and found that inhibition of TrkA activity abolished TRAF4-dependent cell invasion. TRAF4 promoted K27- and K29-linked ubiquitination at the TrkA kinase domain and increased its kinase activity. Mutation of TRAF4-targeted ubiquitination sites abolished TrkA tyrosine autophosphorylation and its interaction with downstream proteins. TRAF4 knockdown also suppressed nerve growth factor (NGF) stimulated TrkA downstream p38 MAPK activation and invasion-associated gene expression. Furthermore, elevated TRAF4 levels significantly correlated with increased NGF-stimulated invasion-associated gene expression in prostate cancer patients, indicating that this signaling axis is significantly activated during oncogenesis. Our results revealed a posttranslational modification mechanism contributing to aberrant non-mutated RTK activation in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh Singh
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Dileep Karri
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Hong Shen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jiangyong Shao
- Diana Helis Henry Medical Research Foundation, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Subhamoy Dasgupta
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Shixia Huang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center and
| | - Dean P Edwards
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Michael M Ittmann
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Michael E. DeBakey Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Bert W O'Malley
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ping Yi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
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26
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Liu K, Wu X, Zang X, Huang Z, Lin Z, Tan W, Wu X, Hu W, Li B, Zhang L. TRAF4 Regulates Migration, Invasion, and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition via PI3K/AKT Signaling in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Oncol Res 2017; 25:1329-1340. [PMID: 28256185 PMCID: PMC7841052 DOI: 10.3727/096504017x14876227286564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Overexpression of the tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 4 (TRAF4) has been detected in many cancer types and is considered to foster tumor progression. However, the role of TRAF4 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains elusive. In this study, we found that TRAF4 was highly expressed in HCC cell lines and HCC tissues compared with normal liver cell lines and adjacent noncancerous tissues. TRAF4 overexpression in HCC tissues was correlated with tumor quantity and vascular invasion. In vitro studies showed that TRAF4 was associated with HCC cell migration and invasion. An in vivo study verified that TRAF4 overexpression facilitated metastasis in nude mice. In addition, overexpressed TRAF4 promoted the phosphorylation of Akt and induced Slug overexpression, leading to downregulated E-cadherin and upregulated vimentin, while silencing TRAF4 moderated the phosphorylation of Akt and repressed the expression of Slug, which resulted in upregulated E-cadherin and downregulated vimentin. These effects were inversed after pretreatment of the PI3K/Akt inhibitor LY294002 or overexpression of constitutively active Akt1. Our study demonstrated that TRAF4 was involved in promoting HCC cell migration and invasion. The process was induced by the EMT through activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kairui Liu
- *Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, P.R. China
| | - Xiaolin Wu
- *Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, P.R. China
| | - Xian Zang
- †Physical Examination Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, P.R. China
| | - Zejian Huang
- *Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, P.R. China
| | - Zeyu Lin
- ‡Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Six Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, P.R. China
| | - Wenliang Tan
- *Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, P.R. China
| | - Xiang Wu
- *Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, P.R. China
| | - Wenrou Hu
- *Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, P.R. China
| | - Baoqi Li
- *Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, P.R. China
| | - Lei Zhang
- *Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, P.R. China
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27
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Zotti T, Scudiero I, Vito P, Stilo R. The Emerging Role of TRAF7 in Tumor Development. J Cell Physiol 2017; 232:1233-1238. [PMID: 27808423 PMCID: PMC5347962 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The seven members of the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNF-R)-associated factor (TRAF) family of intracellular proteins were originally discovered and characterized as signaling adaptor molecules coupled to the cytoplasmic regions of receptors of the TNF-R superfamily. Functionally, TRAFs act both as a scaffold and/or enzymatic proteins to regulate activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and transcription factors of nuclear factor-κB family (NF-κB). Given the wide variety of stimuli intracellularly conveyed by TRAF proteins, they are physiologically involved in multiple biological processes, including embryonic development, tissue homeostasis, and regulation of innate and adaptive immune responses. In the last few years, it has become increasingly evident the involvement of TRAF7, the last member of the TRAF family to be discovered, in the genesis and progression of several human cancers, placing TRAF7 in the spotlight as a novel tumor suppressor protein. In this paper, we review and discuss the literature recently produced on this subject. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 1233-1238, 2017. © 2016 The Authors. Journal of Cellular Physiology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Zotti
- Dipartimento di Scienze e TecnologieUniversità degli Studi del SannioBeneventoItaly
| | | | - Pasquale Vito
- Dipartimento di Scienze e TecnologieUniversità degli Studi del SannioBeneventoItaly
| | - Romania Stilo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e TecnologieUniversità degli Studi del SannioBeneventoItaly
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28
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Abstract
Cytokines of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) family, including TGF-βs, bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs), activins, and Nodal, play crucial roles in embryonic development and adult tissue homeostasis by regulating cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation, as well as stem-cell self-renewal and lineage-specific differentiation. Smad proteins are critical downstream mediators of these signaling activities. In addition to regulating the transcription of direct target genes of TGF-β, BMP, activin, or Nodal, Smad proteins also participate in extensive cross talk with other signaling pathways, often in a cell-type- or developmental stage-specific manner. These combinatorial signals often produce context-, time-, and location-dependent biological outcomes that are critical for development. This review discusses recent progress in our understanding of the cross talk between Smad proteins and signaling pathways of Wnt, Notch, Hippo, Hedgehog (Hh), mitogen-activated protein (MAP), kinase, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt, nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), and Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunxin Luo
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, and Life Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720
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29
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Luo K. Signaling Cross Talk between TGF-β/Smad and Other Signaling Pathways. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2017. [PMID: 27836834 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cytokines of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) family, including TGF-βs, bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs), activins, and Nodal, play crucial roles in embryonic development and adult tissue homeostasis by regulating cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation, as well as stem-cell self-renewal and lineage-specific differentiation. Smad proteins are critical downstream mediators of these signaling activities. In addition to regulating the transcription of direct target genes of TGF-β, BMP, activin, or Nodal, Smad proteins also participate in extensive cross talk with other signaling pathways, often in a cell-type- or developmental stage-specific manner. These combinatorial signals often produce context-, time-, and location-dependent biological outcomes that are critical for development. This review discusses recent progress in our understanding of the cross talk between Smad proteins and signaling pathways of Wnt, Notch, Hippo, Hedgehog (Hh), mitogen-activated protein (MAP), kinase, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt, nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), and Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunxin Luo
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, and Life Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720
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30
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Meylan F, Siegel RM. TNF superfamily cytokines in the promotion of Th9 differentiation and immunopathology. Semin Immunopathol 2016; 39:21-28. [PMID: 27896636 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-016-0612-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 11/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptors and their corresponding cytokine ligands have been implicated in many aspects of the biology of immune functions. TNF receptors have key roles during various stages of T cell homeostasis. Many of them can co-stimulate lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine production. Additionally, several TNF cytokines can regulate T cell differentiation, including promoting Th1, Th2, Th17, and more recently the newly described Th9 subset. Four TNF family cytokines have been identified as regulators for IL-9 production by T cells. OX40L, TL1A, and GITRL can promote Th9 formation but can also divert iTreg into Th9, while 4-1BBL seems to inhibit IL-9 production from iTreg and has not been studied for its ability to promote Th9 generation. Regulation of IL-9 production by TNF family cytokines has repercussions in vivo, including enhancement of anti-tumor immunity and immunopathology in allergic lung and ocular inflammation. Regulating T cell production of IL-9 through blockade or agonism of TNF family cytokine receptors may be a therapeutic strategy for autoimmune and allergic diseases and in tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Françoise Meylan
- Immunoregulation Section, Autoimmunity Branch, NIAMS, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
| | - Richard M Siegel
- Immunoregulation Section, Autoimmunity Branch, NIAMS, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
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31
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Foight GW, Keating AE. Comparison of the peptide binding preferences of three closely related TRAF paralogs: TRAF2, TRAF3, and TRAF5. Protein Sci 2016; 25:1273-89. [PMID: 26779844 PMCID: PMC4918428 DOI: 10.1002/pro.2881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2015] [Revised: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factors (TRAFs) constitute a family of adapter proteins that act in numerous signaling pathways important in human biology and disease. The MATH domain of TRAF proteins binds peptides found in the cytoplasmic domains of signaling receptors, thereby connecting extracellular signals to downstream effectors. Beyond several very general motifs, the peptide binding preferences of TRAFs have not been extensively characterized, and differences between the binding preferences of TRAF paralogs are poorly understood. Here we report a screening system that we established to explore TRAF peptide-binding specificity using deep mutational scanning of TRAF-peptide ligands. We displayed single- and double-mutant peptide libraries based on the TRAF-binding sites of CD40 or TANK on the surface of Escherichia coli and screened them for binding to TRAF2, TRAF3, and TRAF5. Enrichment analysis of the library sequencing results showed differences in the permitted substitution patterns in the TANK versus CD40 backgrounds. The three TRAF proteins also demonstrated different preferences for binding to members of the CD40 library, and three peptides from that library that were analyzed individually showed striking differences in affinity for the three TRAFs. These results illustrate a previously unappreciated level of binding specificity between these close paralogs and demonstrate that established motifs are overly simplistic. The results from this work begin to outline differences between TRAF family members, and the experimental approach established herein will enable future efforts to investigate and redesign TRAF peptide-binding specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenna Wink Foight
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139
| | - Amy E Keating
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139
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32
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Abstract
Among all the E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes, Ubc13, which heterodimerizes with Uev1a, specifically mediates lysine 63 (K63)-linked protein polyubiquitylation, a process that does not lead to proteasomal degradation of its substrates. Instead, it plays a key role in signal transduction. Numerous roles of Lys63-linked polyubiquitylation in immune responses have emerged, indicating the importance of this regulatory strategy. Here, we summarize some of the signaling pathways that depend on Lys63-linked polyubiquitylation during innate and adaptive immune responses, with a focus on the underlying molecular mechanisms. In addition, we describe how Ubc13 itself is regulated and outline its function in transforming growth factor β signaling. We discuss the current progress in pharmacological targeting of Ubc13 in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases as well as cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuefeng Wu
- Laboratory of Signal Transduction and Gene Regulation, Departments of Pharmacology and Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Michael Karin
- Laboratory of Signal Transduction and Gene Regulation, Departments of Pharmacology and Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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33
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Ren HY, Wang J, Yang F, Zhang XL, Wang AL, Sun LL, Diao KX, Wang EH, Mi XY. Cytoplasmic TRAF4 contributes to the activation of p70s6k signaling pathway in breast cancer. Oncotarget 2016; 6:4080-96. [PMID: 25738361 PMCID: PMC4414174 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.2977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2014] [Accepted: 12/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor receptor associated factor 4 (TRAF4) is an important adaptor protein that plays a significant role in several signaling pathways. By studying the relationship between TRAF4 and 70 kDa ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p70s6k) in vivo, we demonstrated that cytoplasmic TRAF4 was correlated with the activation of p70s6k in breast cancer. Moreover, we found that cytoplasmic TRAF4 expression in breast cancer patients was significantly associated with a poor prognosis. To determine the exact mechanism, we analyzed the interaction between TRAF4 and p70s6k and identified the Zinc fingers domain of TRAF4 was responsible for their interaction in MCF7 cells. Furthermore, we found that activation of p70s6k/S6 signaling pathway by TRAF4 requires the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activity; TRAF4 acted as a sensitizer. Tumor necrosis factor receptor associated factor 2 (TRAF2), as a binding partner of TRAF4, could also promoted activation of p70s6k signaling via upregulating cytoplasm expression of TRAF4 and played a critical role in TNFa-induced activation of p70s6k/S6 pathway. Finally, we demonstrated p70s6k/S6 signaling pathway played an important role in the promoting function of TRAF4 on cell proliferation. In summary, our work suggests a new direction for understanding the oncogenic function of TRAF4 in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua-Yan Ren
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital and College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, P.R. China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital and College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, P.R. China
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital and College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Li Zhang
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital and College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, P.R. China
| | - Ai-Lian Wang
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital and College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, P.R. China
| | - Li-Li Sun
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital and College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, P.R. China
| | - Ke-Xin Diao
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital and College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, P.R. China
| | - En-Hua Wang
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital and College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Yi Mi
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital and College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, P.R. China
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Yao W, Wang X, Cai Q, Gao S, Wang J, Zhang P. TRAF4 enhances osteosarcoma cell proliferation and invasion by Akt signaling pathway. Oncol Res 2015; 22:21-28. [PMID: 25700355 PMCID: PMC7592778 DOI: 10.3727/096504014x14077751730351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
TRAF4, or tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 4, is overexpressed in several cancers, suggesting a specific role in cancer progression. However, its functions in osteosarcoma are unclear. This study aimed to explore the expression of TRAF4 in osteosarcoma tissues and cells, the correlation of TRAF4 to clinical pathology of osteosarcoma, as well as the role and mechanism of TRAF4 in osteosarcoma metastasis. The protein expression levels of TRAF4 in osteosarcoma tissues and three osteosarcoma cell lines, MG-63, HOS, and U2OS, were assessed. Constructed TRAF4 overexpression vectors and established TRAF4 overexpression of the U2OS cell line. Cell proliferation, cell invasion, protein levels, and TRAF4 phosphorylations were assessed following TRAF4 transfection, as well as the effects of TRAF4 siRNA on cell proliferation and invasion. The results show that TRAF4 protein levels in osteosarcoma tissues were significantly higher than that in normal bone tissues. Importantly, an obvious upregulation of TRAF4 was found in carcinoma tissues from patients with lung metastasis compared with patients without lung metastasis. Consistently, a similar increase in TRAF4 mRNA and protein was also demonstrated in the osteosarcoma cell lines MG-63, HOS, and U2OS compared to normal bone cells, hFOB1.19. When TRAF4 was overexpressed in U2OS cells, cell proliferation was significantly enhanced, accompanied by an increase in Ki67 expression and colony formation. Compared with the control and vector-treated groups, TRAF4 transfection increased the invasion potential of U2OS cells (p < 0.05). Interestingly, TRAF4 transfection significantly enhanced the phosphorylation of Akt. After blocking Akt with its specific siRNA, TRAF4-induced cell proliferation and invasion were dramatically attenuated. In summary, our findings demonstrated that TRAF4 enhances osteosarcoma cell proliferation and invasion partially by the Akt pathway. This work suggests that TRAF4 might be an important target in osteosarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weitao Yao
- Department of Bone and Soft Tumor, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer HospitalZhengzhouChina
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Bone and Soft Tumor, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer HospitalZhengzhouChina
| | - Qiqing Cai
- Department of Bone and Soft Tumor, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer HospitalZhengzhouChina
| | - Songtao Gao
- Department of Bone and Soft Tumor, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer HospitalZhengzhouChina
| | - Jiaqiang Wang
- Department of Bone and Soft Tumor, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer HospitalZhengzhouChina
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Bone and Soft Tumor, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer HospitalZhengzhouChina
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Cai J, Xia H, Huang Y, Tang J, Jian J, Wu Z, Lu Y. Identification and characterization of tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR)-associated factor 3 from humphead snapper, Lutjanus sanguineus. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 46:243-251. [PMID: 26108034 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2015.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2015] [Revised: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 06/18/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR)-associated factor 3(TRAF3) is a key regulator in TNFR and Toll-like receptor (TLRs)/RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs) signal pathway. Here, a TRAF3 gene (Ls-TRAF3, GenBank Accession No: KJ789921) is cloned from humphead snapper (Lutjanus sanguineus). The Ls-TRAF3 cDNA contains an open reading frame of 1788 bp, which encodes a polypeptide of 595 amino acids. The deduced amino acid of Ls-TRAF3 possesses a RING finger, two TRAF-type zinc fingers, a coiled-coil and a MATH domain. Ls-TRAF3 protein shares high identities with other known TRAF3 proteins. In healthy fish, Ls-TRAF3 transcripts were broadly expressed in all examined tissues with highest expression levels in spleen, liver and head kidney. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis revealed that Ls-TRAF3 could be induced by bacteria or viral PAMP poly I:C stimulation in vivo. Here, we also showed Ls-TRAF3 that, positively regulated IRF3 and Mx upon poly I:C stimuli, whereas prevented production of proinflammatory cytokine IL-6 after LPS injection. Moreover, over-expression of wide type (WT) Ls-TRAF3 and truncated forms, including ΔZinc finger 1, ΔZinc finger 2 and Δcoiled-coil suppressed NF-κB activity significantly, whereas the inhibitory effect of NF-κB was partially impaired when the RING finger or MATH domain deletion, suggesting the latter was more important for downstream signal transduction. Taken together, these results implicated that Ls-TRAF3 might play regulatory roles in immune response to pathogen invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Cai
- College of Fishery, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology and Epidemiology for Aquatic Economic Animals, Zhanjiang 524088, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Control for Diseases of Aquatic Economic Animals, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Hongli Xia
- College of Fishery, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology and Epidemiology for Aquatic Economic Animals, Zhanjiang 524088, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Control for Diseases of Aquatic Economic Animals, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Yucong Huang
- College of Fishery, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology and Epidemiology for Aquatic Economic Animals, Zhanjiang 524088, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Control for Diseases of Aquatic Economic Animals, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Jufen Tang
- College of Fishery, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology and Epidemiology for Aquatic Economic Animals, Zhanjiang 524088, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Control for Diseases of Aquatic Economic Animals, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Jichang Jian
- College of Fishery, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology and Epidemiology for Aquatic Economic Animals, Zhanjiang 524088, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Control for Diseases of Aquatic Economic Animals, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Zaohe Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology and Epidemiology for Aquatic Economic Animals, Zhanjiang 524088, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Control for Diseases of Aquatic Economic Animals, Zhanjiang 524088, China; Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China
| | - Yishan Lu
- College of Fishery, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology and Epidemiology for Aquatic Economic Animals, Zhanjiang 524088, China; Guangdong Key Laboratory of Control for Diseases of Aquatic Economic Animals, Zhanjiang 524088, China.
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Zhao ZJ, Ren HY, Yang F, Wang J, Wu GP, Mi XY. Expression, correlation, and prognostic value of TRAF2 and TRAF4 expression in malignant plural effusion cells in human breast cancer. Diagn Cytopathol 2015; 43:897-903. [PMID: 26331901 DOI: 10.1002/dc.23330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2015] [Revised: 07/11/2015] [Accepted: 08/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND TRAF2 and TRAF4, members of the tumor necrosis factor receptor- associated factor family of intracellular signal transduction proteins, are associated with breast cancer progression and metastasis. METHODS We collected malignant serous effusion cells from the patients with breast cancer (n = 46). Cell blocks prepared from plural effusions (n = 46) and primary breast cancer (n = 50), lymph node metastases (n = 50), and normal breast tissue specimens (n = 30). The immunohistochemistry was performed for the detection of TRAF2 and TRAF4 expression with the correlation of their expression with clinicopathological parameters and survival rate analyzed. RESULTS Compared with normal breast tissues, TRAF2 expression was upregulated, and nuclear TRAF4 expression was downregulated in malignant pleural effusion cells, primary tumors, and lymph node metastases (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed TRAF2 expression in pleural effusions was associated with the molecular/pathological type, venous invasion, and lymph node metastasis, while nuclear TRAF4 expression was associated with age, tumor size, venous invasion, and lymph node metastasis, clinical staging, molecular/pathological subtype and p53 status (P < 0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between TRAF2 and TRAF4 expression levels in malignant pleural effusion cells (r = 0.937; P < 0.01). Kaplan-Meire analysis demonstrated a close correlation of TRAF2 and TRAF4 expression in malignant pleural effusion cells with cumulative overall survival (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION TRAF2 and nuclear TRAF4 expression in malignant pleural effusion cells may represent potential prognostic factors and biomarkers of invasion and metastasis in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Juan Zhao
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital and College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Hua-Yan Ren
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital and College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital and College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital and College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Guang-Ping Wu
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital and College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiao-Yi Mi
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital and College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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Rousseau A, Tomasetto C, Alpy F. [TRAF4, a multifaceted protein involved in carcinoma progression]. Biol Aujourdhui 2015; 208:299-310. [PMID: 25840457 DOI: 10.1051/jbio/2014026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Eukaryotic epithelial cells form a sheet of contiguous cells, called epithelium, by means of the establishment of well-developed junctional complexes. These junctional complexes ensure the cell cohesion in the tissue and separate the plasma membrane into an apical and a basolateral compartment. This apicobasal polarity, which is crucial for both the architecture and the function of epithelia, is mainly maintained by tight junctions (TJS). Indeed, TJS weakening or loss disrupts the integrity of the epithelium, a process participating to the formation and progression of carcinomas. It has recently been shown that TRAF4, a protein dynamically localized in TJS and commonly overexpressed in carcinomas, plays a variety of functions in tumor progression. Here, we review recent data implicating TRAF4 in carcinogenesis. First, the conserved TRAF proteins family will be presented, and then the molecular mechanism addressing TRAF4 to TJS which involves lipid binding by the TRAF domain will be described. The various roles of TRAF4 in carcinogenesis will be discussed. Finally, we will highlight the ability of all TRAF proteins to bind lipids and discuss its potential functional relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrien Rousseau
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Département de Génomique Fonctionnelle et Cancer, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France - Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U 964, 67404 Illkirch, France - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR 7104, 67404 Illkirch, France - Université de Strasbourg, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - Catherine Tomasetto
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Département de Génomique Fonctionnelle et Cancer, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France - Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U 964, 67404 Illkirch, France - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR 7104, 67404 Illkirch, France - Université de Strasbourg, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - Fabien Alpy
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Département de Génomique Fonctionnelle et Cancer, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France - Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U 964, 67404 Illkirch, France - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR 7104, 67404 Illkirch, France - Université de Strasbourg, 67404 Illkirch, France
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Yang F, Wang J, Ren HY, Jin J, Wang AL, Sun LL, Diao KX, Wang EH, Mi XY. Proliferative role of TRAF4 in breast cancer by upregulating PRMT5 nuclear expression. Tumour Biol 2015; 36:5901-11. [PMID: 25704480 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-015-3262-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2015] [Accepted: 02/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we examined protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) and tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated 4 (TRAF4) expression in breast cancer to find the interaction mechanism between the two. We examined TRAF4 and PRMT5 expression by immunohistochemistry and found that their expression is positively correlated in breast cancer. Besides, PRMT5 expression was significantly associated with histological type and tumor size (p < 0.05). PRMT5 nuclear expression was significantly associated with HER2 expression (p < 0.05). PRMT5 and TRAF4 were both overexpressed in breast cancer tissues and cells, and we found that PRMT5 binds to the zinc finger structures in TRAF4 by coimmunoprecipitation and Western blotting. We also tested the potential regulatory effect between TRAF4 and PRMT5. TRAF4 upregulated PRMT5 expression, which occurred predominantly in the nucleus, on which TRAF4 promotion of cell proliferation in breast cancer is mainly dependent. PRMT5 may play an important role in activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Yang
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital and College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
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Zhou F, Li F, Xie F, Zhang Z, Huang H, Zhang L. TRAF4 mediates activation of TGF-β signaling and is a biomarker for oncogenesis in breast cancer. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2014; 57:1172-6. [DOI: 10.1007/s11427-014-4727-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2013] [Accepted: 02/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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Rousseau A, Wilhelm LP, Tomasetto C, Alpy F. The phosphoinositide-binding protein TRAF4 modulates tight junction stability and migration of cancer cells. Tissue Barriers 2014; 2:e975597. [PMID: 25610759 PMCID: PMC4292048 DOI: 10.4161/21688370.2014.975597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2014] [Accepted: 10/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor-associated factor 4 (TRAF4), a protein localized in TJs in normal epithelial cells, is frequently overexpressed in carcinomas. We recently found that TRAF4 impedes TJ formation/stability and favors cell migration, 2 hallmarks of cancer progression. In addition TRAF4 contributes to the TGF-β-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), metastasis, and p53 destabilization. TRAF4 recruitment to TJs is a prerequisite for its biological function on TJ formation/stability and on cell migration. Interestingly, TRAF4 is targeted to TJs through lipid-binding. The trimeric TRAF domain of TRAF4 binds 3 phosphoinositide (PIP) molecules. These findings shed new light on the role of TRAF4 in cancer progression; they provide a novel link between lipid metabolism and cancer progression and support the notion that TRAF4 could be a relevant target for cancer therapies. TRAF4 belongs to a family of 7 human proteins involved in different biological processes, such as inflammation, immunity and embryonic development. While the lipid-binding ability of the TRAF domain is conserved among the whole TRAF protein family, its functional role remains to be established for the remaining TRAF proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrien Rousseau
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC); Functional Genomics and Cancer Department ; Illkirch, France ; Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) ; Illkirch, France ; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) ; Illkirch, France ; Université de Strasbourg ; Illkirch, France ; Present address: MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology ; Cambridge, UK
| | - Léa P Wilhelm
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC); Functional Genomics and Cancer Department ; Illkirch, France ; Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) ; Illkirch, France ; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) ; Illkirch, France ; Université de Strasbourg ; Illkirch, France
| | - Catherine Tomasetto
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC); Functional Genomics and Cancer Department ; Illkirch, France ; Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) ; Illkirch, France ; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) ; Illkirch, France ; Université de Strasbourg ; Illkirch, France
| | - Fabien Alpy
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC); Functional Genomics and Cancer Department ; Illkirch, France ; Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) ; Illkirch, France ; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) ; Illkirch, France ; Université de Strasbourg ; Illkirch, France
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Zhang J, Li X, Yang W, Jiang X, Li N. TRAF4 promotes tumorigenesis of breast cancer through activation of Akt. Oncol Rep 2014; 32:1312-8. [PMID: 24993240 DOI: 10.3892/or.2014.3304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2014] [Accepted: 06/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 4 (TRAF4) is an oncogene which is frequently overexpressed in many human carcinomas. Although TRAF4 was originally identified in breast cancer, the underlying mechanism of TRAF4 in tumorigenesis remains largely unknown. In the present study, we found that TRAF4 was overexpressed in cancer cells, and RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated gene knockdown of TRAF4 decreased cell growth, cell migration and invasion. Next, we found that TRAF4 promoted cell survival kinase Akt membrane recruitment, which is essential for Akt activation. Furthermore, we demonstrated a direct interaction between Akt and TRAF4. Additionally, overexpression of constitutively activated Akt reversed cell growth arrest in TRAF4 gene-silenced cells. Taken together, our data indicate that TRAF4 plays an important role in tumorigenesis of breast cancer through direct interaction and activation of Akt, implying that TRAF4 may be a potential molecular target for breast cancer prevention and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, P.R. China
| | - Xiaorui Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University Xinxiang, Henan 453100, P.R. China
| | - Weilong Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, P.R. China
| | - Xiaokui Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, P.R. China
| | - Na Li
- Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, P.R. China
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Wang A, Wang J, Ren H, Yang F, Sun L, Diao K, Zhao Z, Song M, Cui Z, Wang E, Wei M, Mi X. TRAF4 participates in Wnt/β-catenin signaling in breast cancer by upregulating β-catenin and mediating its translocation to the nucleus. Mol Cell Biochem 2014; 395:211-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s11010-014-2127-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2013] [Accepted: 06/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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TRAF4 is a novel phosphoinositide-binding protein modulating tight junctions and favoring cell migration. PLoS Biol 2013; 11:e1001726. [PMID: 24311986 PMCID: PMC3848981 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.1001726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2013] [Accepted: 10/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The cancer-associated TRAF4 protein has a TRAF domain that is a bona fide phosphoinositide-binding domain and involved in the modulation of tight junctions and cell migration. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor-associated factor 4 (TRAF4) is frequently overexpressed in carcinomas, suggesting a specific role in cancer. Although TRAF4 protein is predominantly found at tight junctions (TJs) in normal mammary epithelial cells (MECs), it accumulates in the cytoplasm of malignant MECs. How TRAF4 is recruited and functions at TJs is unclear. Here we show that TRAF4 possesses a novel phosphoinositide (PIP)-binding domain crucial for its recruitment to TJs. Of interest, this property is shared by the other members of the TRAF protein family. Indeed, the TRAF domain of all TRAF proteins (TRAF1 to TRAF6) is a bona fide PIP-binding domain. Molecular and structural analyses revealed that the TRAF domain of TRAF4 exists as a trimer that binds up to three lipids using basic residues exposed at its surface. Cellular studies indicated that TRAF4 acts as a negative regulator of TJ and increases cell migration. These functions are dependent from its ability to interact with PIPs. Our results suggest that TRAF4 overexpression might contribute to breast cancer progression by destabilizing TJs and favoring cell migration. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor-associated factor 4, also known as TRAF4, is an unusual member of the TRAF protein family. While TRAFs are primarily known as regulators of inflammation, antiviral responses, and apoptosis, research on TRAF4 has identified its involvement in development and cancer. Importantly TRAF4 overexpression has been associated with a poor prognosis in breast cancers. TRAF4 has multiple subcellular localizations: to the plasma membrane in tight junctions (TJs), cytoplasmic and nuclear. The recruitment mechanisms and the functional impact of these distinct localizations are not completely understood. Here we investigate how TRAF4 is recruited to TJs and its involvement in cell–cell contacts in mammary epithelial cells (MECs). We show that the TRAF domain of all TRAFs contains a lipid binding module, and that TRAF4 uses this domain to form a trimeric complex that associates with phosphoinositides at the plasma membrane. Moreover this interaction is necessary for its recruitment to TJs. Additionally, we show that through its interaction with lipids TRAF4 delays TJ assembly and increases cell migration. We propose that TRAF4 has an important function in cancer progression by destabilizing TJs and favoring cell migration.
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Zhang X, Wen Z, Mi X. Expression and anti-apoptotic function of TRAF4 in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells. Oncol Lett 2013; 7:411-414. [PMID: 24396457 PMCID: PMC3881200 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2013.1703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2013] [Accepted: 11/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor-associated factor 4 (TRAF4) was initially identified as a gene amplified and overexpressed in breast carcinoma. The present study investigated the expression and anti-apoptotic function of TRAF4 in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells. TRAF4 was found to be localized in the cytoplasm and nuclei of MCF-7 cells by immunofluorescence staining and western blotting. The expression of TRAF4 in normal MCF-10A breast cells was found to be lower than in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Following TNF-α treatment, TRAF4 depletion by siRNA in the MCF-7 cells was observed to suppress cell proliferation and the nuclear expression of nuclear factor κB was significantly reduced. The percentage of early apoptotic cells in the MCF-7 cells was augmented upon TRAF4-knockdown, and an increase in G1 phase cells and a decrease in S phase cells was detected. These results indicate that TRAF4 has anti-apoptotic effects on apoptosis induced by TNF-α in MCF-7 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Zhang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital and College of Basic Medical Sciences of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, P.R. China ; Department of Assisted Reproduction, Shenyang Women's and Children's Hospital, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, P.R. China
| | - Zhifeng Wen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoyi Mi
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital and College of Basic Medical Sciences of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, P.R. China
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Li W, Peng C, Lee MH, Lim D, Zhu F, Fu Y, Yang G, Sheng Y, Xiao L, Dong X, Ma W, Bode AM, Cao Y, Dong Z. TRAF4 is a critical molecule for Akt activation in lung cancer. Cancer Res 2013; 73:6938-50. [PMID: 24154876 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-13-0913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
TRAF4 is an adapter protein overexpressed in certain cancers, but its contributions to tumorigenesis are unclear. In lung cancer cells and primary lung tumors, we found that TRAF4 is overexpressed. RNA interference-mediated attenuation of TRAF4 expression blunted the malignant phenotype in this setting, exerting inhibitory effects on cell proliferation, anchorage-independent growth, and tumor development in a xenograft mouse model. Unexpectedly, we discovered that TRAF4, but not Skp2, was required for activation of the pivotal cell survival kinase Akt through ubiquitination. Furthermore, TRAF4 attenuation impaired glucose metabolism by inhibiting expression of Glut1 and HK2 mediated by the Akt pathway. Overall, our work suggests that TRAF4 offers a candidate molecular target for lung cancer prevention and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Authors' Affiliations: The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, Minnesota; Cancer Research Institute, Xiangya School of Medicine; Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan; The First Affiliated Hospital; and Physiology and Pathophysiology, Basic Medical School, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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46
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Ahmed F, Shiraishi T, Vessella RL, Kulkarni P. Tumor necrosis factor receptor associated factor-4: an adapter protein overexpressed in metastatic prostate cancer is regulated by microRNA-29a. Oncol Rep 2013; 30:2963-8. [PMID: 24100420 DOI: 10.3892/or.2013.2789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2013] [Accepted: 09/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR)-associated factor 4 (TRAF4) is a member of TRAF family proteins that act as major signal transducers of the TNF receptor and the interleukin-1 receptor/Toll-like receptor (IL-1R/TLR) superfamily. TRAF4 has been reported to be overexpressed in various human cancers. However, the exact mechanisms that regulate the expression of TRAF4 still remain elusive. The objective of the present study was to investigate the regulatory mechanism of TRAF4 expression in prostate cancer. We initially identified microRNA-29a (miR‑29a) as a possible candidate to bind TRAF4 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) by the algorithm, TargetScan. The expression of TRAF4 mRNA and protein was inversely associated with miR-29a expression in prostate cancer cell lines (LNCaP, DU145 and PC3). TRAF4 expression was reduced by the introduction of mimic miR-29a in LNCaP cells. Luciferase activity from the construct harboring wild-type TRAF4 3'UTR was reduced by the mimic miR-29a and this reduction was diminished by introducing mutations at the predicted miR-29a binding site. On the other hand, TRAF4 was upregulated when transfected with the inhibitor of miR-29a in DU145 and PC3 cells. TRAF4 was significantly upregulated in patients with metastatic prostate cancer compared to those with localized prostate cancer. Furthermore, there was a significant inverse correlation between TRAF4 and miR-29a expression in tumor tissues from radical prostatectomy. Considered together, our results suggest that the tumor suppressor microRNA, miR-29a, is one of the regulators of TRAF4 expression in metastatic prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fozia Ahmed
- James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Department of Urology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
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Niu F, Ru H, Ding W, Ouyang S, Liu ZJ. Structural biology study of human TNF receptor associated factor 4 TRAF domain. Protein Cell 2013; 4:687-94. [PMID: 23982741 DOI: 10.1007/s13238-013-3068-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2013] [Accepted: 08/05/2013] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
TRAF4 is a unique member of TRAF family, which is essential for innate immune response, nervous system and other systems. In addition to be an adaptor protein, TRAF4 was identified as a regulator protein in recent studies. We have determined the crystal structure of TRAF domain of TRAF4 (residues 292-466) at 2.60 Å resolution by X-ray crystallography method. The trimericly assembled TRAF4 resembles a mushroom shape, containing a super helical "stalk" which is made of three right-handed intertwined α helixes and a C-terminal "cap", which is divided at residue L302 as a boundary. Similar to other TRAFs, both intermolecular hydrophobic interaction in super helical "stalk" and hydrogen bonds in "cap" regions contribute directly to the formation of TRAF4 trimer. However, differing from other TRAFs, there is an additional flexible loop (residues 421-426), which contains a previously identified phosphorylated site S426 exposing on the surface. This S426 was reported to be phosphorylated by IKKα which is the pre-requisite for TRAF4-NOD2 complex formation and thus to inhibit NOD2-induced NF-κB activation. Therefore, the crystal structure of TRAF4-TRAF is valuable for understanding its molecular basis for its special function and provides structural information for further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengfeng Niu
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Heng Ru
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.,Institute of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, China
| | - Wei Ding
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Songying Ouyang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Zhi-Jie Liu
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China. .,Institute of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, China.
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Zhang L, Zhou F, García de Vinuesa A, de Kruijf EM, Mesker WE, Hui L, Drabsch Y, Li Y, Bauer A, Rousseau A, Sheppard KA, Mickanin C, Kuppen PJK, Lu CX, Ten Dijke P. TRAF4 promotes TGF-β receptor signaling and drives breast cancer metastasis. Mol Cell 2013; 51:559-72. [PMID: 23973329 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2013.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2013] [Revised: 06/27/2013] [Accepted: 07/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
TGF-β signaling is a therapeutic target in advanced cancers. We identified tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 4 (TRAF4) as a key component mediating pro-oncogenic TGF-β-induced SMAD and non-SMAD signaling. Upon TGF-β stimulation, TRAF4 is recruited to the active TGF-β receptor complex, where it antagonizes E3 ligase SMURF2 and facilitates the recruitment of deubiquitinase USP15 to the TGF-β type I receptor (TβRI). Both processes contribute to TβRI stabilization on the plasma membrane and thereby enhance TGF-β signaling. In addition, the TGF-β receptor-TRAF4 interaction triggers Lys 63-linked TRAF4 polyubiquitylation and subsequent activation of the TGF-β-activated kinase (TAK)1. TRAF4 is required for efficient TGF-β-induced migration, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and breast cancer metastasis. Elevated TRAF4 expression correlated with increased levels of phosphorylated SMAD2 and phosphorylated TAK1 as well as poor prognosis among breast cancer patients. Our results demonstrate that TRAF4 can regulate the TGF-β pathway and is a key determinant in breast cancer pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Zhang
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Cancer Genomics Centre Netherlands and Centre for Biomedical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Postbus 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands; Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
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TRAF2 regulates the cytoplasmic/nuclear distribution of TRAF4 and its biological function in breast cancer cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2013; 436:344-8. [PMID: 23743189 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2013.05.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2013] [Accepted: 05/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Although numerous studies have shown that tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 4 (TRAF4) plays an important role in the carcinogenesis of many tumor types, its exact molecular mechanism remains elusive. In this study, we examined the regulation function of TRAF2 to the cytoplasmic/nuclear distribution of TRAF4 in the breast cancer cell line. Using cell immunofluorescent staining, we found that TRAF2 and TRAF4 were co-localized to the cytoplasm in MCF-7 cells. Co-immunoprecipitation showed that TRAF2 could interact with TRAF4 in MCF-10A, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. Western blotting showed TRAF2 depletion by targeted siRNA in MDA-MB-231 cells led to reduced TRAF4 expression in the cytoplasm and augmented TRAF4 expression in the nucleus. Cytoplasmic expression of TRAF4 was augmented and nuclear expression was reduced when MCF-7 cells were transfected with hTRAF2pLPCX-HA-Flag/P874. MCF-7 cells expressing hTRAF2pLPCX-HA-Flag/P874 had enhanced cell proliferation rates. The nuclear expression of NF-κB significantly increased after TNF-α treatment. When hTRAF2pLPCX-HA-Flag/P874 and the siRNA-TRAF4 plasmid were cotransfected, the nuclear expression of NF-κB was significantly reduced compared with cells transfected with hTRAF2pLPCX-HA-Flag/P874 only. In conclusion, TRAF2 appears to interact with TRAF4 and affect the localization of TRAF4 in breast cancer cell lines. The overexpression of TRAF2 augmented the cytoplasmic expression of TRAF4 which promoted cell proliferation and inhibited cell apoptosis by activating NF-κB nuclear transcription. TRAF4 may play an important role in the activation of NF-κB via TRAF2.
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Yi P, Xia W, Wu RC, Lonard DM, Hung MC, O'Malley BW. SRC-3 coactivator regulates cell resistance to cytotoxic stress via TRAF4-mediated p53 destabilization. Genes Dev 2013; 27:274-87. [PMID: 23388826 DOI: 10.1101/gad.203760.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Steroid receptor coactivator 3 (SRC-3) is an oncogenic nuclear receptor coactivator that plays a significant role in drug resistance. Using a lentiviral cDNA library rescue screening approach, we identified a SRC-3 downstream gene-TRAF4 (tumor necrosis factor [TNF] receptor associated-factor 4)-that functions in cell resistance to cytotoxic stress. TRAF4 expression is positively correlated with SRC-3 expression in human breast cancers. Similar to that observed for SRC-3 overexpression, breast cancer cells overexpressing TRAF4 are more resistant to stress-induced death. Here, we further dissected the underlying molecular mechanism for SRC-3 and TRAF4-mediated resistance to cytotoxic agents. We observed that SRC-3 expression is inversely correlated with the expression of p53-regulated proapoptotic genes in breast cancers and further found that SRC-3 and TRAF4 overexpression diminished cytotoxic stress-induced up-regulation of the tumor suppressor p53 protein. To determine the mechanism, we showed that the TRAF domain of TRAF4 bound to the N-terminal TRAF-like region of the deubiquitinase HAUSP (herpesvirus-associated ubiquitin-specific protease; also named USP7) and blocked the access of p53 to the same region of HAUSP. This TRAF4-mediated inhibition of HAUSP then led to the loss of p53 deubiquitination and its stabilization in response to cellular stress. Consistent with this cellular function, we also found that TRAF4 overexpression in breast cancer patients was associated significantly with poor prognosis. Because of SRC-3's ability to abrogate p53 function, our results suggest that SRC-3 overexpression may be especially important in tumors in which p53 is not mutated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Yi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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