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Alafate W, Lv G, Zheng J, Cai H, Wu W, Yang Y, Du S, Zhou D, Wang P. Targeting ARNT attenuates chemoresistance through destabilizing p38α-MAPK signaling in glioblastoma. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:366. [PMID: 38806469 PMCID: PMC11133443 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06735-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive and lethal brain tumor in adults. This study aimed to investigate the functional significance of aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator (ARNT) in the pathogenesis of GBM. Analysis of public datasets revealed ARNT is upregulated in GBM tissues compared to lower grade gliomas or normal brain tissues. Higher ARNT expression correlated with the mesenchymal subtype and poorer survival in GBM patients. Silencing ARNT using lentiviral shRNAs attenuated the proliferative, invasive, and stem-like capabilities of GBM cell lines, while ARNT overexpression enhanced these malignant phenotypes. Single-cell RNA sequencing uncovered that ARNT is highly expressed in a stem-like subpopulation and is involved in regulating glycolysis, hypoxia response, and stress pathways. Mechanistic studies found ARNT activates p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling to promote chemoresistance in GBM cells. Disrupting the ARNT/p38α protein interaction via the ARNT PAS-A domain restored temozolomide sensitivity. Overall, this study demonstrates ARNT functions as an oncogenic driver in GBM pathogenesis and represents a promising therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wahafu Alafate
- Department of Neurosurgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Gen Lv
- Department of Neurosurgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiantao Zheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haiping Cai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
- Center of Brain Science, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yong Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shichao Du
- Department of Neurosurgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dong Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Heyuan People's Hospital, Heyuan, China.
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2
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Shi JT, Hou SJ, Cheng L, Zhang HJ, Mu HX, Wang QS, Wang ZY, Chen SW. Discovery of novel coumarin-based KRAS-G12C inhibitors from virtual screening and Rational structural optimization. Bioorg Chem 2024; 148:107467. [PMID: 38772290 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107467] [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: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
KRAS-G12C inhibitors has been made significant progress in the treatment of KRAS-G12C mutant cancers, but their clinical application is limited due to the adaptive resistance, motivating development of novel structural inhibitors. Herein, series of coumarin derivatives as KRAS-G12C inhibitors were found through virtual screening and rational structural optimization. Especially, K45 exhibited strong antiproliferative potency on NCI-H23 and NCI-H358 cancer cells harboring KRAS-G12C with the IC50 values of 0.77 μM and 1.50 μM, which was 15 and 11 times as potent as positive drug ARS1620, respectively. Furthermore, K45 reduced the phosphorylation of KRAS downstream effectors ERK and AKT by reducing the active form of KRAS (KRAS GTP) in NCI-H23 cells. In addition, K45 induced cell apoptosis by increasing the expression of anti-apoptotic protein BAD and BAX in NCI-H23 cells. Docking studies displayed that the 3-naphthylmethoxy moiety of K45 extended into the cryptic pocket formed by the residues Gln99 and Val9, which enhanced the interaction with the KRAS-G12C protein. These results indicated that K45 was a potent KRAS-G12C inhibitor worthy of further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Tao Shi
- School of Pharmacy & Collaborative Innovation Center for Northwestern Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Su-Juan Hou
- School of Pharmacy & Collaborative Innovation Center for Northwestern Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Lei Cheng
- School of Pharmacy & Collaborative Innovation Center for Northwestern Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Hao-Jie Zhang
- School of Pharmacy & Collaborative Innovation Center for Northwestern Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Hong-Xia Mu
- School of Pharmacy & Collaborative Innovation Center for Northwestern Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Qing-Shan Wang
- School of Pharmacy & Collaborative Innovation Center for Northwestern Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Zhao-Yang Wang
- School of Pharmacy & Collaborative Innovation Center for Northwestern Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Shi-Wu Chen
- School of Pharmacy & Collaborative Innovation Center for Northwestern Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
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3
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Sukjoi W, Young C, Acland M, Siritutsoontorn S, Roytrakul S, Klingler-Hoffmann M, Hoffmann P, Jitrapakdee S. Proteomic analysis of holocarboxylase synthetase deficient-MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells revealed the biochemical changes associated with cell death, impaired growth signaling, and metabolism. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 10:1250423. [PMID: 38283944 PMCID: PMC10812114 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1250423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
We have previously shown that the holocarboxylase synthetase (HLCS) is overexpressed in breast cancer tissue of patients, and silencing of its expression in triple-negative cancer cell line inhibits growth and migration. Here we investigated the global biochemical changes associated with HLCS knockdown in MDA-MB-231 cells to discern the pathways that involve HLCS. Proteomic analysis of two independent HLCS knockdown cell lines identified 347 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) whose expression change > 2-fold (p < 0.05) relative to the control cell line. GO enrichment analysis showed that these DEPs were mainly associated with the cellular process such as cellular metabolic process, cellular response to stimulus, and cellular component organization or biogenesis, metabolic process, biological regulation, response to stimuli, localization, and signaling. Among the 347 identified DEPs, 64 proteins were commonly found in both HLCS knockdown clones, confirming their authenticity. Validation of some of these DEPs by Western blot analysis showed that plasminogen activator inhibitor type 2 (SerpinB2) and interstitial collagenase (MMP1) were approximately 90% decreased in HLCS knockdown cells, consistent with a 50%-60% decrease in invasion ability of knockdown cells. Notably, argininosuccinate synthase 1 (ASS1), one of the enzymes in the urea cycle, showed approximately a 10-fold increase in the knockdown cells, suggesting the crucial role of HLCS in supporting the urea cycle in the triple-negative cancer cell line. Collectively, our proteomic data provide biochemical insights into how suppression of HLCS expression perturbs global changes in cellular processes and metabolic pathways, impairing cell growth and invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Witchuda Sukjoi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Clifford Young
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Mitchell Acland
- Adelaide Proteomics Centre, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | | | - Sittiruk Roytrakul
- Functional Proteomics Technology Laboratory, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Agency, Pathumthani, Thailand
| | | | - Peter Hoffmann
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Sarawut Jitrapakdee
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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4
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Wei R, Zhang X, Li X, Wen J, Liu H, Fu J, Li L, Zhang W, Liu Z, Yang Y, Zou K. A rapid and stable spontaneous reprogramming system of Spermatogonial stem cells to Pluripotent State. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:222. [PMID: 38041111 PMCID: PMC10693117 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01150-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The scarcity of pluripotent stem cells poses a major challenge to the clinical application, given ethical and biosafety considerations. While germline stem cells commit to gamete differentiation throughout life, studies demonstrated the spontaneous acquisition of pluripotency by spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) from neonatal testes at a low frequency (1 in 1.5 × 107). Notably, this process occurs without exogenous oncogenes or chemical supplementation. However, while knockout of the p53 gene accelerates the transformation of SSCs, it also increases risk and hampers their clinical use. RESULTS We report a transformation system that efficiently and stably convert SSCs into pluripotent stem cells around 10 passages with the morphology similar to that of epiblast stem cells, which convert to embryonic stem (ES) cell-like colonies after change with ES medium. Epidermal growth factor (EGF), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and fresh mouse embryonic fibroblast feeder (MEF) are essential for transformation, and addition of 2i (CHIR99021 and PD0325901) further enhanced the pluripotency. Transcriptome analysis revealed that EGF activated the RAS signaling pathway and inhibited p38 to initiate transformation, and synergically cooperated with LIF to promote the transformation. CONCLUSION This system established an efficient and safe resource of pluripotent cells from autologous germline, and provide new avenues for regenerative medicine and animal cloning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Wei
- Germline Stem Cells and Microenvironment Lab, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
- Stem Cell Research and Translation Center, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Germline Stem Cells and Microenvironment Lab, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
- Stem Cell Research and Translation Center, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Li
- Germline Stem Cells and Microenvironment Lab, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
- Stem Cell Research and Translation Center, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Jian Wen
- Germline Stem Cells and Microenvironment Lab, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
- Stem Cell Research and Translation Center, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Hongyang Liu
- Germline Stem Cells and Microenvironment Lab, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
- Stem Cell Research and Translation Center, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Jiqiang Fu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science & Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue-Yang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Li Li
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science & Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue-Yang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Wenyi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Zhen Liu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science & Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue-Yang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
| | - Kang Zou
- Germline Stem Cells and Microenvironment Lab, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.
- Stem Cell Research and Translation Center, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China.
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5
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Qi XM, Chen G. p38γ MAPK Inflammatory and Metabolic Signaling in Physiology and Disease. Cells 2023; 12:1674. [PMID: 37443708 PMCID: PMC10341180 DOI: 10.3390/cells12131674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
p38γ MAPK (also called ERK6 or SAPK3) is a family member of stress-activated MAPKs and has common and specific roles as compared to other p38 proteins in signal transduction. Recent studies showed that, in addition to inflammation, p38γ metabolic signaling is involved in physiological exercise and in pathogenesis of cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease, indicating its potential as a therapeutic target. p38γphosphorylates at least 19 substrates through which p38γ activity is further modified to regulate life-important cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, cell death, and transformation, thereby impacting biological outcomes of p38γ-driven pathogenesis. P38γ signaling is characterized by its unique reciprocal regulation with its specific phosphatase PTPH1 and by its direct binding to promoter DNAs, leading to transcriptional activation of targets including cancer-like stem cell drivers. This paper will review recent findings about p38γ inflammation and metabolic signaling in physiology and diseases. Moreover, we will discuss the progress in the development of p38γ-specific pharmacological inhibitors for therapeutic intervention in disease prevention and treatment by targeting the p38γ signaling network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Mei Qi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Guan Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Research Service, Clement J. Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI 53295, USA
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6
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Simigdala N, Chalari A, Sklirou AD, Chavdoula E, Papafotiou G, Melissa P, Kafalidou A, Paschalidis N, Pateras IS, Athanasiadis E, Konstantopoulos D, Trougakos IP, Klinakis A. Loss of Kmt2c in vivo leads to EMT, mitochondrial dysfunction and improved response to lapatinib in breast cancer. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:100. [PMID: 36933062 PMCID: PMC10024673 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04734-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
Deep sequencing of human tumours has uncovered a previously unappreciated role for epigenetic regulators in tumorigenesis. H3K4 methyltransferase KMT2C/MLL3 is mutated in several solid malignancies, including more than 10% of breast tumours. To study the tumour suppressor role of KMT2C in breast cancer, we generated mouse models of Erbb2/Neu, Myc or PIK3CA-driven tumorigenesis, in which the Kmt2c locus is knocked out specifically in the luminal lineage of mouse mammary glands using the Cre recombinase. Kmt2c knock out mice develop tumours earlier, irrespective of the oncogene, assigning a bona fide tumour suppressor role for KMT2C in mammary tumorigenesis. Loss of Kmt2c induces extensive epigenetic and transcriptional changes, which lead to increased ERK1/2 activity, extracellular matrix re-organization, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and mitochondrial dysfunction, the latter associated with increased reactive oxygen species production. Loss of Kmt2c renders the Erbb2/Neu-driven tumours more responsive to lapatinib. Publicly available clinical datasets revealed an association of low Kmt2c gene expression and better long-term outcome. Collectively, our findings solidify the role of KMT2C as a tumour suppressor in breast cancer and identify dependencies that could be therapeutically amenable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikiana Simigdala
- Present Address: Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Anna Chalari
- Present Address: Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Aimilia D. Sklirou
- Department of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelia Chavdoula
- Present Address: Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH USA
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center-Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH USA
| | - George Papafotiou
- Present Address: Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Pelagia Melissa
- Present Address: Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Aimilia Kafalidou
- Present Address: Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Paschalidis
- Present Address: Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis S. Pateras
- 2nd Department of Pathology, Medical School, “Attikon” University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | - Ioannis P. Trougakos
- Department of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Apostolos Klinakis
- Present Address: Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
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7
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Carrillo P, Bernal M, Téllez-Quijorna C, Marrero AD, Vidal I, Castilla L, Caro C, Domínguez A, García-Martín ML, Quesada AR, Medina MA, Martínez-Poveda B. The synthetic molecule stauprimide impairs cell growth and migration in triple-negative breast cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 158:114070. [PMID: 36526536 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.114070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Stauprimide, a semi-synthetic derivative of staurosporine, is known mainly for its potent differentiation-enhancing properties in embryonic stem cells. Here, we studied the effects of stauprimide in cell growth and migration of triple-negative breast cancer cells in vitro, evaluating its potential antitumoral activity in an orthotopic mouse model of breast cancer in vivo. Our results from survival curves, EdU incorporation, cell cycle analysis and annexin-V detection in MDA-MB-231 cells indicated that stauprimide inhibited cell proliferation, arresting cell cycle in G2/M without induction of apoptosis. A decrease in the migratory capability of MDA-MB-231 was also assessed in response to stauprimide. In this work we pointed to a mechanism of action of stauprimide involving the modulation of ERK1/2, Akt and p38 MAPK signalling pathways, and the downregulation of MYC in MDA-MB-231 cells. In addition, orthotopic MDA-MB-231 xenograft and 4T1 syngeneic models suggested an effect of stauprimide in vivo, increasing the necrotic core of tumors and reducing metastasis in lung and liver of mice. Together, our results point to the promising role of stauprimide as a putative therapeutic agent in triple-negative breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Carrillo
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Andalucía Tech, E-29071 Málaga, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina (IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND), C/Severo Ochoa, 35, 29590, Málaga, Spain
| | - M Bernal
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Andalucía Tech, E-29071 Málaga, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina (IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND), C/Severo Ochoa, 35, 29590, Málaga, Spain
| | - C Téllez-Quijorna
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Andalucía Tech, E-29071 Málaga, Spain
| | - A D Marrero
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Andalucía Tech, E-29071 Málaga, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina (IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND), C/Severo Ochoa, 35, 29590, Málaga, Spain
| | - I Vidal
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Andalucía Tech, E-29071 Málaga, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina (IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND), C/Severo Ochoa, 35, 29590, Málaga, Spain
| | - L Castilla
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Andalucía Tech, E-29071 Málaga, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina (IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND), C/Severo Ochoa, 35, 29590, Málaga, Spain
| | - C Caro
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina (IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND), C/Severo Ochoa, 35, 29590, Málaga, Spain
| | - A Domínguez
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina (IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND), C/Severo Ochoa, 35, 29590, Málaga, Spain
| | - M L García-Martín
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina (IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND), C/Severo Ochoa, 35, 29590, Málaga, Spain; Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering, Biomaterials & Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Spain
| | - A R Quesada
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Andalucía Tech, E-29071 Málaga, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina (IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND), C/Severo Ochoa, 35, 29590, Málaga, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER, Instituto de Salud Carlos III), Spain
| | - M A Medina
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Andalucía Tech, E-29071 Málaga, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina (IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND), C/Severo Ochoa, 35, 29590, Málaga, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER, Instituto de Salud Carlos III), Spain
| | - B Martínez-Poveda
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Andalucía Tech, E-29071 Málaga, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina (IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND), C/Severo Ochoa, 35, 29590, Málaga, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid), Spain.
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8
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Banik I, Ghosh A, Beebe E, Burja B, Frank Bertoncelj M, Dooley CM, Markkanen E, Dummer R, Busch-Nentwich EM, Levesque MP. P38 Mediates Tumor Suppression through Reduced Autophagy and Actin Cytoskeleton Changes in NRAS-Mutant Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:877. [PMID: 36765834 PMCID: PMC9913513 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Hotspot mutations in the NRAS gene are causative genetic events associated with the development of melanoma. Currently, there are no FDA-approved drugs directly targeting NRAS mutations. Previously, we showed that p38 acts as a tumor suppressor in vitro and in vivo with respect to NRAS-mutant melanoma. We observed that because of p38 activation through treatment with the protein synthesis inhibitor, anisomycin leads to a transient upregulation of several targets of the cAMP pathway, representing a stressed cancer cell state that is often observed by therapeutic doses of MAPK inhibitors in melanoma patients. Meanwhile, genetically induced p38 or its stable transduction leads to a distinct cellular transcriptional state. Contrary to previous work showing an association of invasiveness with high p38 levels in BRAF-mutated melanoma, there was no correlation of p38 expression with NRAS-mutant melanoma invasion, highlighting the difference in BRAF and NRAS-driven melanomas. Although the role of p38 has been reported to be that of both tumor suppressor and oncogene, we show here that p38 specifically plays the role of a tumor suppressor in NRAS-mutant melanoma. Both the transient and stable activation of p38 elicits phosphorylation of mTOR, reported to be a master switch in regulating autophagy. Indeed, we observed a correlation between elevated levels of phosphorylated mTOR and a reduction in LC3 conversion (LCII/LCI), indicative of suppressed autophagy. Furthermore, a reduction in actin intensity in p38-high cells strongly suggests a role of mTOR in regulating actin and a remodeling in the NRAS-mutant melanoma cells. Therefore, p38 plays a tumor suppressive role in NRAS-mutant melanomas at least partially through the mechanism of mTOR upregulation, suppressed autophagy, and reduced actin polymerization. One or more combinations of MEK inhibitors with either anisomycin, rapamycin, chloroquine/bafilomycin, and cytochalasin modulate p38 activation, mTOR phosphorylation, autophagy, and actin polymerization, respectively, and they may provide an alternate route to targeting NRAS-mutant melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishani Banik
- Department of Dermatology, University of Zurich Hospital, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Dermatology, University of San Francisco California, San Francisco, CA 94117, USA
| | - Adhideb Ghosh
- Functional Genomics Center Zurich, ETH/University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Erin Beebe
- Institute of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Blaž Burja
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mojca Frank Bertoncelj
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
- Team Integrative Biology of Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases, BioMed X Institute, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Enni Markkanen
- Institute of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Reinhard Dummer
- Department of Dermatology, University of Zurich Hospital, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Dermatology, University of San Francisco California, San Francisco, CA 94117, USA
| | | | - Mitchell P. Levesque
- Department of Dermatology, University of Zurich Hospital, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Dermatology, University of San Francisco California, San Francisco, CA 94117, USA
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9
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Avsec D, Škrlj Miklavčič M, Burnik T, Kandušer M, Bizjak M, Podgornik H, Mlinarič-Raščan I. Inhibition of p38 MAPK or immunoproteasome overcomes resistance of chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells to Bcl-2 antagonist venetoclax. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:860. [PMID: 36209148 PMCID: PMC9547871 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05287-6] [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: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a hematological neoplasm of CD19-positive mature-appearing B lymphocytes. Despite the clinical success of targeted therapies in CLL, the development of resistance diminishes their therapeutic activity. This is also true for the Bcl-2 antagonist venetoclax. We investigated the molecular mechanisms that drive venetoclax resistance in CLL, with a clear focus to provide new strategies to successfully combat it. Activation of CLL cells with IFNγ, PMA/ionomycin, and sCD40L diminished the cytotoxicity of venetoclax. We demonstrated that the metabolic activity of cells treated with 1 nM venetoclax alone was 48% of untreated cells, and was higher for cells co-treated with IFNγ (110%), PMA/ionomycin (78%), and sCD40L (62%). As of molecular mechanism, we showed that PMA/ionomycin and sCD40L triggered translocation of NFκB in primary CLL cells, while IFNγ activated p38 MAPK, suppressed spontaneous and venetoclax-induced apoptosis and induced formation of the immunoproteasome. Inhibition of immunoproteasome with ONX-0914 suppressed activity of immunoproteasome and synergized with venetoclax against primary CLL cells. On the other hand, inhibition of p38 MAPK abolished cytoprotective effects of IFNγ. We demonstrated that venetoclax-resistant (MEC-1 VER) cells overexpressed p38 MAPK and p-Bcl-2 (Ser70), and underexpressed Mcl-1, Bax, and Bak. Inhibition of p38 MAPK or immunoproteasome triggered apoptosis in CLL cells and overcame the resistance to venetoclax of MEC-1 VER cells and venetoclax-insensitive primary CLL cells. In conclusion, the p38 MAPK pathway and immunoproteasome represent novel targets to combat venetoclax resistance in CLL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damjan Avsec
- grid.8954.00000 0001 0721 6013University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marja Škrlj Miklavčič
- grid.8954.00000 0001 0721 6013University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tilen Burnik
- grid.8954.00000 0001 0721 6013University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maša Kandušer
- grid.8954.00000 0001 0721 6013University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maruša Bizjak
- grid.8954.00000 0001 0721 6013University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Helena Podgornik
- grid.8954.00000 0001 0721 6013University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia ,grid.29524.380000 0004 0571 7705University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Department of Haematology, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Irena Mlinarič-Raščan
- grid.8954.00000 0001 0721 6013University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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10
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Wei S, Zhao Q, Zheng K, Liu P, Sha N, Li Y, Ma C, Li J, Zhuo L, Liu G, Liang W, Jiang Y, Chen T, Zhong N. GFAT1-linked TAB1 glutamylation sustains p38 MAPK activation and promotes lung cancer cell survival under glucose starvation. Cell Discov 2022; 8:77. [PMID: 35945223 PMCID: PMC9363421 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-022-00423-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Reprogrammed cell metabolism is deemed as one of the hallmarks of cancer. Hexosamine biosynthesis pathway (HBP) acts as an “energy sensor” in cells to regulate metabolic fluxes. Glutamine-fructose-6-phosphate amidotransferase 1 (GFAT1), the rate-limiting enzyme of HBP, is broadly found with elevated expression in human cancers though its exact and concrete role in tumorigenesis still remains unknown and needs further investigation. P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) is an important component of stress-signaling pathway and plays a critical role in cell fate decision, whereas the underlying mechanism of its activation under nutrient stress also remains elusive. In this study, we show that glucose deprivation induces the interaction of GFAT1 with transforming growth factor β-activated kinase 1 binding protein 1 (TAB1) in a TAB1 S438 phosphorylation-dependent manner. Subsequently, the binding of GFAT1 to TAB1 facilitates TTLL5–GFAT1–TAB1 complex formation, and the metabolic activity of GFAT1 for glutamate production further contributes to TTLL5-mediated TAB1 glutamylation. In consequence, TAB1 glutamylation promotes the recruitment of p38α MAPK and thus drives p38 MAPK activation. Physiologically, GFAT1-TAB1-p38 signaling promotes autophagy occurrence and thus protects tumor cell survival under glucose deficiency. Clinical analysis indicates that both GFAT1 and TAB1 S438 phosphorylation levels correlate with the poor prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma patients. These findings altogether uncover an unidentified mechanism underlying p38 MAPK signaling regulation by metabolic enzyme upon nutrient stress and provide theoretical rationality of targeting GFAT1 for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shupei Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease; National Clinical Research Center of Respiratory Disease; Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Key Laboratory for Cell Homeostasis and Cancer Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qin Zhao
- Department of Liver Surgery and Shanghai Cancer Institute, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ke Zheng
- Department of Liver Surgery and Shanghai Cancer Institute, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Peiying Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease; National Clinical Research Center of Respiratory Disease; Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Nannan Sha
- Department of Liver Surgery and Shanghai Cancer Institute, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingzi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease; National Clinical Research Center of Respiratory Disease; Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Yangjiang Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Department of Respiratory Medicine, People's Hospital of Yangjiang, Yangjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Chunmin Ma
- Department of Liver Surgery and Shanghai Cancer Institute, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingjie Li
- Department of Liver Surgery and Shanghai Cancer Institute, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingang Zhuo
- Department of Liver Surgery and Shanghai Cancer Institute, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guanxin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease; National Clinical Research Center of Respiratory Disease; Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenhua Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease; National Clinical Research Center of Respiratory Disease; Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Yuhui Jiang
- Department of Liver Surgery and Shanghai Cancer Institute, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Tao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease; National Clinical Research Center of Respiratory Disease; Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. .,Yangjiang Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Department of Respiratory Medicine, People's Hospital of Yangjiang, Yangjiang, Guangdong, China.
| | - Nanshan Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease; National Clinical Research Center of Respiratory Disease; Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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11
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Guo Q, Liu Y, He Y, Du Y, Zhang G, Yang C, Gao F. CD44 activation state regulated by the CD44v10 isoform determines breast cancer proliferation. Oncol Rep 2021; 45:7. [PMID: 33649828 PMCID: PMC7876991 DOI: 10.3892/or.2021.7958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The cell surface glycoprotein CD44 displays different active statuses; however, it remains unknown whether the activation process of CD44 is critical for tumor development and progression. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether breast cancer (BCa) cells with different activation states of CD44 show similar or distinct functional characteristics and to further examine the mechanisms regulating CD44 activities. A feature for the ‘activated’ state of CD44 is that it can bind to its principal ligand hyaluronan (HA). The binding of CD44 with HA is usually influenced by CD44 alternative splicing, resulting in multiple CD44 isoforms that determine CD44 activities. Flow cytometry was used to sort BCa cell subsets based on CD44-HA binding abilities (HA−/low vs. HAhigh). Subsequently, cell proliferation and colony formation assays were performed in vitro, and CD44 expression patterns were analyzed via western blotting. The results demonstrated that the CD44 variant isoform 10 (CD44v10) was highly expressed in a HA−/low binding subset of BCa cells, which exhibited a significantly higher proliferation capacity compared with the HAhigh binding subpopulation. Knockdown of CD44v10 isoform in HA−/low binding subpopulation induced an increase in HA binding ability and markedly inhibited proliferation. Furthermore, the mechanistic analysis identified that CD44v10 facilitated cell proliferation via activation of ERK/p38 MAPK and AKT/mTOR signaling. Moreover, the knockdown of CD44v10 expression downregulated the phosphorylation of ERK, AKT and mTOR, while no alteration was observed in p38 phosphorylation. Collectively, the present study identified a subset of fast-growing BCa cells characterized by CD44v10 expression, which may serve as a specific therapeutic target for BCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Guo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Molecular Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233, P.R. China
| | - Yiwen Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Molecular Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233, P.R. China
| | - Yiqing He
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Molecular Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233, P.R. China
| | - Yan Du
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Molecular Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233, P.R. China
| | - Guoliang Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Molecular Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233, P.R. China
| | - Cuixia Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Molecular Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233, P.R. China
| | - Feng Gao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Molecular Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233, P.R. China
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12
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Horn D, Fernández-Núñez E, Gomez-Carmona R, Rivera-Barahona A, Nevado J, Schwartzmann S, Ehmke N, Lapunzina P, Otaify GA, Temtamy S, Aglan M, Boschann F, Ruiz-Perez VL. Biallelic truncating variants in MAPKAPK5 cause a new developmental disorder involving neurological, cardiac, and facial anomalies combined with synpolydactyly. Genet Med 2021; 23:679-688. [PMID: 33442026 DOI: 10.1038/s41436-020-01052-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to identify the genetic cause of a new multiple congenital anomalies syndrome observed in three individuals from two unrelated families. METHODS Clinical assessment was conducted prenatally and at different postnatal stages. Genetic studies included exome sequencing (ES) combined with single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array based homozygosity mapping and trio ES. Dermal fibroblasts were used for functional assays. RESULTS A clinically recognizable syndrome characterized by severe developmental delay, variable brain anomalies, congenital heart defects, dysmorphic facial features, and a distinctive type of synpolydactyly with an additional hypoplastic digit between the fourth and fifth digits of hands and/or feet was identified. Additional features included eye abnormalities, hearing impairment, and electroencephalogram anomalies. ES detected different homozygous truncating variants in MAPKAPK5 in both families. Patient-derived cells showed no expression of MAPKAPK5 protein isoforms and reduced levels of the MAPKAPK5-interacting protein ERK3. F-actin recovery after latrunculin B treatment was found to be less efficient in patient-derived fibroblasts than in control cells, supporting a role of MAPKAPK5 in F-actin polymerization. CONCLUSION Our data indicate that loss-of-function variants in MAPKAPK5 result in a severe developmental disorder and reveal a major role of this gene in human brain, heart, and limb development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Horn
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Human Genetics, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Elisa Fernández-Núñez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Alberto Sols", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ricardo Gomez-Carmona
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Alberto Sols", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Rivera-Barahona
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Alberto Sols", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Madrid, Spain.,CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Julian Nevado
- CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Genética Médica y Molecular (INGEMM)-IdiPAZ, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Universidad Autónoma, Madrid, Spain.,ITHACA, European Reference Network on Rare Congenital Malformations and Rare Intellectual Disability, Paris, France
| | - Sarina Schwartzmann
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Human Genetics, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nadja Ehmke
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Human Genetics, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Pablo Lapunzina
- CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Genética Médica y Molecular (INGEMM)-IdiPAZ, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Universidad Autónoma, Madrid, Spain.,ITHACA, European Reference Network on Rare Congenital Malformations and Rare Intellectual Disability, Paris, France
| | - Ghada A Otaify
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Division of Human Genetics and Genome Research, Center of Excellence for Human Genetics, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Samia Temtamy
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Division of Human Genetics and Genome Research, Center of Excellence for Human Genetics, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mona Aglan
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Division of Human Genetics and Genome Research, Center of Excellence for Human Genetics, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Felix Boschann
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Human Genetics, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Victor L Ruiz-Perez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Alberto Sols", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Madrid, Spain. .,CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain. .,Instituto de Genética Médica y Molecular (INGEMM)-IdiPAZ, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Universidad Autónoma, Madrid, Spain. .,ITHACA, European Reference Network on Rare Congenital Malformations and Rare Intellectual Disability, Paris, France.
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13
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Distinctive epigenomic alterations in NF1-deficient cutaneous and plexiform neurofibromas drive differential MKK/p38 signaling. Epigenetics Chromatin 2021; 14:7. [PMID: 33436083 PMCID: PMC7805211 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-020-00380-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Benign peripheral nerve sheath tumors are the clinical hallmark of Neurofibromatosis Type 1. They account for substantial morbidity and mortality in NF1. Cutaneous (CNF) and plexiform neurofibromas (PNF) share nearly identical histology, but maintain different growth rates and risk of malignant conversion. The reasons for this disparate clinical behavior are not well explained by recent genome or transcriptome profiling studies. We hypothesized that CNFs and PNFs are epigenetically distinct tumor types that exhibit differential signaling due to genome-wide and site-specific methylation events. We interrogated the methylation profiles of 45 CNFs and 17 PNFs from NF1 subjects with the Illumina EPIC 850K methylation array. Based on these profiles, we confirm that CNFs and PNFs are epigenetically distinct tumors with broad differences in higher-order chromatin states and specific methylation events altering genes involved in key biological and cellular processes, such as inflammation, RAS/MAPK signaling, actin cytoskeleton rearrangement, and oxytocin signaling. Based on our identification of two separate DMRs associated with alternative leading exons in MAP2K3, we demonstrate differential RAS/MKK3/p38 signaling between CNFs and PNFs. Epigenetic reinforcement of RAS/MKK/p38 was a defining characteristic of CNFs leading to pro-inflammatory signaling and chromatin conformational changes, whereas PNFs signaled predominantly through RAS/MEK. Tumor size also correlated with specific CpG methylation events. Taken together, these findings confirm that NF1 deficiency influences the epigenetic regulation of RAS signaling fates, accounting for observed differences in CNF and PNF clinical behavior. The extension of these findings is that CNFs may respond differently than PNFs to RAS-targeted therapeutics raising the possibility of targeting p38-mediated inflammation for CNF treatment.
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14
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Wang F, Qi XM, Wertz R, Mortensen M, Hagen C, Evans J, Sheinin Y, James M, Liu P, Tsai S, Thomas J, Mackinnon A, Dwinell M, Myers CR, Bartrons Bach R, Fu L, Chen G. p38γ MAPK Is Essential for Aerobic Glycolysis and Pancreatic Tumorigenesis. Cancer Res 2020; 80:3251-3264. [PMID: 32580961 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-3281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
KRAS is mutated in most pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC) and yet remains undruggable. Here, we report that p38γ MAPK, which promotes PDAC tumorigenesis by linking KRAS signaling and aerobic glycolysis (also called the Warburg effect), is a novel therapeutic target. p38γ interacted with a glycolytic activator PFKFB3 that was dependent on mutated KRAS. KRAS transformation and overexpression of p38γ increased expression of PFKFB3 and glucose transporter GLUT2, conversely, silencing mutant KRAS, and p38γ decreased PFKFB3 and GLUT2 expression. p38γ phosphorylated PFKFB3 at S467, stabilized PFKFB3, and promoted their interaction with GLUT2. Pancreatic knockout of p38γ decreased p-PFKFB3/PFKFB3/GLUT2 protein levels, reduced aerobic glycolysis, and inhibited PDAC tumorigenesis in KPC mice. PFKFB3 and GLUT2 depended on p38γ to stimulate glycolysis and PDAC growth and p38γ required PFKFB3/S467 to promote these activities. A p38γ inhibitor cooperated with a PFKFB3 inhibitor to blunt aerobic glycolysis and PDAC growth, which was dependent on p38γ. Moreover, overexpression of p38γ, p-PFKFB3, PFKFB3, and GLUT2 in PDAC predicted poor clinical prognosis. These results indicate that p38γ links KRAS oncogene signaling and aerobic glycolysis to promote pancreatic tumorigenesis through PFKFB3 and GLUT2, and that p38γ and PFKFB3 may be targeted for therapeutic intervention in PDAC. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings show that p38γ links KRAS oncogene signaling and the Warburg effect through PFKBF3 and Glut2 to promote pancreatic tumorigenesis, which can be disrupted via inhibition of p38γ and PFKFB3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.,Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiao-Mei Qi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Ryan Wertz
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Matthew Mortensen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Catherine Hagen
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - John Evans
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Yuri Sheinin
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Michael James
- Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Pengyuan Liu
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Susan Tsai
- Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - James Thomas
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | | | - Michael Dwinell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Charles R Myers
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Ramon Bartrons Bach
- Department de Ciencies Fisiologiques, Facultat de Medicina. Universitat de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Liwu Fu
- Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Guan Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. .,Research Service, Clement J. Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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15
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Medina MV, Sapochnik D, Garcia Solá M, Coso O. Regulation of the Expression of Heme Oxygenase-1: Signal Transduction, Gene Promoter Activation, and Beyond. Antioxid Redox Signal 2020; 32:1033-1044. [PMID: 31861960 PMCID: PMC7153632 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2019.7991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Significance: Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is a ubiquitous 32-kDa protein expressed in many tissues and highly inducible. They catalyze the degradation of the heme group and the release of free iron, carbon monoxide, and biliverdin; the latter converted to bilirubin by biliverdin reductase. Its role in the regulation of cellular homeostasis is widely documented. Studying regulation of HO-1 expression is important not only to understand the life of healthy cells but also the unbalances in cell metabolism that lead to disease. Recent Advances: The regulation of its enzymatic activity depends heavily upon changes in expression studied mainly at the transcriptional level. Current knowledge regarding HO-1 gene expression focuses primarily on transcription factors such as Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2), AP-1 (activator protein-1), and hypoxia-inducible factor, which collect signal transduction pathway information at the HO-1 gene promoter. Understanding of gene expression regulation is not limited to transcription factor activity but also involves an extended range of post- or cotranscriptional regulated events. Critical Issues: In addition to the regulation of gene promoter activity, alternative splicing, alternative polyadenylation, and regulation of messenger RNA stability play critical roles in changes in HO-1 gene expression levels, involving specific factors, proteins, and microRNAs. All potential targets for diagnosis or treatment of diseases are related to HO-1 dysregulation. Future Directions: Unbalances in the tightly regulated gene expression mechanisms lead to cell transformation and cancer development. Knowledge of these events and signal transduction cascades triggered by oncogenes in which HO-1 plays a critical role is of upmost importance for research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Victoria Medina
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular (FBMC), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Daiana Sapochnik
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular (FBMC), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Martín Garcia Solá
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular (FBMC), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Omar Coso
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular (FBMC), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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16
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Zhang K, Lui VCH, Chen Y, Lok CN, Wong KKY. Delayed application of silver nanoparticles reveals the role of early inflammation in burn wound healing. Sci Rep 2020; 10:6338. [PMID: 32286492 PMCID: PMC7156632 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-63464-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Burn injury is common, and antimicrobial agents are often applied immediately to prevent wound infection and excessive inflammatory response. Although inflammation is essential for clearing bacteria and creating an environment conducive to the healing process, it is unclear what time-frame inflammation should be present for optimal wound healing. This study critically investigated the role of early inflammation in burn wound healing, and also revealed the molecular mechanisms underlying the pro-healing effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). We created a burn injury mouse model using wild-type and Smad3−/− mice, which were topically treated with AgNPs at different post-burn days, and examined the healing processes of the various groups. We also delineated the molecular pathways underlying the anti-inflammation and pro-healing effects of AgNPs by morphological and histological analysis, immuno-histochemistry, and western blotting. Our results showed that (1) AgNPs regulated pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 production of keratinocytes and neutrophils infiltration through KGF-2/p38 signaling pathway, (2) Topical AgNPs treatment immediately after burn injury significantly supressed early inflammation but resulted in delayed healing, (3) A short delay in AgNPs application (post-burn day 3 in our model) allowed early inflammation in a controlled manner, and led to optimal burn wound healing. Thus, our current study showed that some degree of early inflammation was beneficial, but prolonged inflammation was detrimental for burn wound healing. Further evaluation and clinical translation of this finding is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangjun Zhang
- Department of Surgery, LKS Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,The Third People's Hospital of Shenzhen (The Second Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, China
| | - Vincent C H Lui
- Department of Surgery, LKS Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Surgery, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chun Nam Lok
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kenneth K Y Wong
- Department of Surgery, LKS Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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17
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The p38 Pathway: From Biology to Cancer Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21061913. [PMID: 32168915 PMCID: PMC7139330 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21061913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 200] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The p38 MAPK pathway is well known for its role in transducing stress signals from the environment. Many key players and regulatory mechanisms of this signaling cascade have been described to some extent. Nevertheless, p38 participates in a broad range of cellular activities, for many of which detailed molecular pictures are still lacking. Originally described as a tumor-suppressor kinase for its inhibitory role in RAS-dependent transformation, p38 can also function as a tumor promoter, as demonstrated by extensive experimental data. This finding has prompted the development of specific inhibitors that have been used in clinical trials to treat several human malignancies, although without much success to date. However, elucidating critical aspects of p38 biology, such as isoform-specific functions or its apparent dual nature during tumorigenesis, might open up new possibilities for therapy with unexpected potential. In this review, we provide an extensive description of the main biological functions of p38 and focus on recent studies that have addressed its role in cancer. Furthermore, we provide an updated overview of therapeutic strategies targeting p38 in cancer and promising alternatives currently being explored.
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18
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Becceneri AB, Fuzer AM, Plutin AM, Batista AA, Lelièvre SA, Cominetti MR. Three-dimensional cell culture models for metallodrug testing: induction of apoptosis and phenotypic reversion of breast cancer cells by the trans-[Ru(PPh 3) 2( N, N-dimethyl- N-thiophenylthioureato-k 2O,S)(bipy)]PF 6 complex. Inorg Chem Front 2020. [DOI: 10.1039/d0qi00502a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Effects of trans-[Ru(PPh3)2(N,N-dimethyl-N-thiophenylthioureato-k2O,S)(bipy)]PF6 complex on cytotoxicity, on the induction of apoptosis and on the phenotypic reversion of tumor cells in different 3D culture techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Angelina M. Fuzer
- Department of Gerontology
- Federal University of São Carlos
- São Paulo
- Brazil
| | - Ana M. Plutin
- Facultad de Química
- Universidad de la Habana
- Habana
- Cuba
| | - Alzir A. Batista
- Department of Chemistry
- Federal University of São Carlos
- São Paulo
- Brazil
| | - Sophie A. Lelièvre
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences and Center for Cancer Research
- Purdue University
- West Lafayette
- USA
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19
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Nawaito SA, Sahadevan P, Clavet-Lanthier MÉ, Pouliot P, Sahmi F, Shi Y, Gillis MA, Lesage F, Gaestel M, Sirois MG, Calderone A, Tardif JC, Allen BG. MK5 haplodeficiency decreases collagen deposition and scar size during post-myocardial infarction wound repair. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2019; 316:H1281-H1296. [PMID: 30901279 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00532.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
MK5 is a protein serine/threonine kinase activated by p38, ERK3, and ERK4 MAPKs. MK5 mRNA and immunoreactivity are detected in mouse cardiac fibroblasts, and MK5 haplodeficiency attenuates the increase in collagen 1-α1 mRNA evoked by pressure overload. The present study examined the effect of MK5 haplodeficiency on reparative fibrosis following myocardial infarction (MI). Twelve-week-old MK5+/- and wild-type littermate (MK5+/+) mice underwent ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LADL). Surviving mice were euthanized 8 or 21 days post-MI. Survival rates did not differ significantly between MK5+/+ and MK5+/- mice, with rupture of the LV wall being the primary cause of death. Echocardiographic imaging revealed similar increases in LV end-diastolic diameter, myocardial performance index, and wall motion score index in LADL-MK5+/+ and LADL-MK5+/- mice. Area at risk did not differ between LADL-MK5+/+ and LADL-MK5+/- hearts. In contrast, infarct size, scar area, and scar collagen content were reduced in LADL-MK5+/- hearts. Immunohistochemical analysis of mice experiencing heart rupture revealed increased MMP-9 immunoreactivity in the infarct border zone of LADL-MK5+/- hearts compared with LADL-MK5+/+. Although inflammatory cell infiltration was similar in LADL-MK5+/+ and LADL-MK5+/- hearts, angiogenesis was more pronounced in the infarct border zone of LADL-MK5+/- mice. Characterization of ventricular fibroblasts revealed reduced motility and proliferation in fibroblasts isolated from MK5-/- mice compared with those from both wild-type and haplodeficient mice. siRNA-mediated knockdown of MK5 in fibroblasts from wild-type mice also impaired motility. Hence, reduced MK5 expression alters fibroblast function and scar morphology but not mortality post-MI. NEW & NOTEWORTHY MK5/PRAK is a protein serine/threonine kinase activated by p38 MAPK and/or atypical MAPKs ERK3/4. MK5 haplodeficiency reduced infarct size, scar area, and scar collagen content post-myocardial infarction. Motility and proliferation were reduced in cultured MK5-null cardiac myofibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherin Ali Nawaito
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Université de Montréal , Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Montreal Heart Institute , Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Pramod Sahadevan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal , Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Montreal Heart Institute , Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | | | - Fatiha Sahmi
- Montreal Heart Institute , Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Yanfen Shi
- Montreal Heart Institute , Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Frederic Lesage
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Université de Montréal , Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Montreal Heart Institute , Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Matthias Gaestel
- Institute of Biochemistry, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Martin G Sirois
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Université de Montréal , Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Montreal Heart Institute , Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Angelo Calderone
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Université de Montréal , Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Montreal Heart Institute , Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jean-Claude Tardif
- Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal , Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Montreal Heart Institute , Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Bruce G Allen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal , Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal , Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Montreal Heart Institute , Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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20
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Targeting an oncogenic kinase/phosphatase signaling network for cancer therapy. Acta Pharm Sin B 2018; 8:511-517. [PMID: 30109176 PMCID: PMC6089844 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2018.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein kinases and phosphatases signal by phosphorylation and dephosphorylation to precisely control the activities of their individual and common substrates for a coordinated cellular outcome. In many situations, a kinase/phosphatase complex signals dynamically in time and space through their reciprocal regulations and their cooperative actions on a substrate. This complex may be essential for malignant transformation and progression and can therefore be considered as a target for therapeutic intervention. p38γ is a unique MAPK family member that contains a PDZ motif at its C-terminus and interacts with a PDZ domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase PTPH1. This PDZ-coupled binding is required for both PTPH1 dephosphorylation and inactivation of p38γ and for p38γ phosphorylation and activation of PTPH1. Moreover, the p38γ/PTPH1 complex can further regulate their substrates phosphorylation and dephosphorylation, which impacts Ras transformation, malignant growth and progression, and therapeutic response. This review will use the p38γ/PTPH1 signaling network as an example to discuss the potential of targeting the kinase/phosphatase signaling complex for development of novel targeted cancer therapy.
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21
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Sahadevan P, Allen BG. MK5: A novel regulator of cardiac fibroblast function? IUBMB Life 2017; 69:785-794. [PMID: 28941148 DOI: 10.1002/iub.1677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
MAP kinase-activated protein kinases (MKs), protein serine/threonine kinases downstream of the MAPKs, regulate a number of biological functions. MK5 was initially identified as a substrate for p38 MAPK but subsequent studies revealed that MK5 activity is regulated by atypical MAPKs ERK3 and ERK4. However, the roles of these MAPKs in activating MK5 remain controversial. The interactome and physiological function of MK5 are just beginning to be understood. Here, we provide an overview of the structure-function of MK5 including recent progress in determining its role in cardiac structure and function. The cardiac phenotype of MK5 haplodeficient mice, and the effect of reduced MK5 expression on cardiac remodeling, is also discussed. © 2017 IUBMB Life, 69(10):785-794, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pramod Sahadevan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal and Montreal Heart Institute, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Bruce G Allen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal and Montreal Heart Institute, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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22
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Barajas-Espinosa A, Basye A, Angelos MG, Chen CA. Modulation of p38 kinase by DUSP4 is important in regulating cardiovascular function under oxidative stress. Free Radic Biol Med 2015; 89:170-81. [PMID: 26184564 PMCID: PMC4684778 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2015.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2015] [Revised: 07/04/2015] [Accepted: 07/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Over-activation of p38 is implicated in many cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), including myocardial infarction, hypertrophy, heart failure, and ischemic heart disease. Numerous therapeutic interventions for CVDs have been directed toward the inhibition of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activation that contributes to the detrimental effect after ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injuries. However, the efficacy of these treatments is far from ideal, as they lack specificity and are associated with high toxicity. Previously, we demonstrated that N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) pretreatment up-regulates DUSP4 expression in endothelial cells, regulating p38 and ERK1/2 activities, and thus providing a protective effect against oxidative stress. Here, endothelial cells under hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) insult and isolated heart I/R injury were used to investigate the role of DUSP4 in the modulation of the p38 pathway. In rat endothelial cells, DUSP4 is time-dependently degraded by H/R (0.25 ± 0.07-fold change of control after 2h H/R). Its degradation is closely associated with hyperphosphorylation of p38 (2.1 ± 0.36-fold change) and cell apoptosis, as indicated by the increase in cells immunopositive for cleaved caspase-3 (12.59 ± 3.38%) or TUNEL labeling (29.46 ± 3.75%). The inhibition of p38 kinase activity with 20 µM SB203580 during H/R prevents H/R-induced apoptosis, assessed via TUNEL (12.99 ± 1.89%). Conversely, DUSP4 gene silencing in endothelial cells augments their sensitivity to H/R-induced apoptosis (45.81 ± 5.23%). This sensitivity is diminished via the inhibition of p38 activity (total apoptotic cells drop to 17.47 ± 1.45%). Interestingly, DUSP4 gene silencing contributes to the increase in superoxide generation from cells. Isolated Langendorff-perfused mouse hearts were subjected to global I/R injury. DUSP4(-/-) hearts had significantly larger infarct size than WT. The increase in I/R-induced infarct in DUSP4(-/-) mice significantly correlates with reduced functional recovery (assessed by RPP%, LVDP%, HR%, and dP/dtmax) as well as lower CF% and a higher initial LVEDP. From immunoblotting analysis, it is evident that p38 is significantly overactivated in DUSP4(-/-) mice after I/R injury. The activation of cleaved caspase-3 is seen in both WT and DUSP4(-/-) I/R hearts. Infusion of a p38 inhibitor prior to ischemia and during the reperfusion improves both WT and DUSP4(-/-) cardiac function. Therefore, the identification of p38 kinase modulation by DUSP4 provides a novel therapeutic target for oxidant-induced diseases, especially myocardial infarction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alma Barajas-Espinosa
- Department of Emergency Medicine and the Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus OH, 43210USA
| | - Ariel Basye
- Department of Emergency Medicine and the Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus OH, 43210USA
| | - Mark G Angelos
- Department of Emergency Medicine and the Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus OH, 43210USA
| | - Chun-An Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine and the Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus OH, 43210USA.
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23
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Stewart ML, Tamayo P, Wilson AJ, Wang S, Chang YM, Kim JW, Khabele D, Shamji AF, Schreiber SL. KRAS Genomic Status Predicts the Sensitivity of Ovarian Cancer Cells to Decitabine. Cancer Res 2015; 75:2897-906. [PMID: 25968887 PMCID: PMC4506246 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-14-2860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2014] [Accepted: 04/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Decitabine, a cancer therapeutic that inhibits DNA methylation, produces variable antitumor response rates in patients with solid tumors that might be leveraged clinically with identification of a predictive biomarker. In this study, we profiled the response of human ovarian, melanoma, and breast cancer cells treated with decitabine, finding that RAS/MEK/ERK pathway activation and DNMT1 expression correlated with cytotoxic activity. Further, we showed that KRAS genomic status predicted decitabine sensitivity in low-grade and high-grade serous ovarian cancer cells. Pretreatment with decitabine decreased the cytotoxic activity of MEK inhibitors in KRAS-mutant ovarian cancer cells, with reciprocal downregulation of DNMT1 and MEK/ERK phosphorylation. In parallel with these responses, decitabine also upregulated the proapoptotic BCL-2 family member BNIP3, which is known to be regulated by MEK and ERK, and heightened the activity of proapoptotic small-molecule navitoclax, a BCL-2 family inhibitor. In a xenograft model of KRAS-mutant ovarian cancer, combining decitabine and navitoclax heightened antitumor activity beyond administration of either compound alone. Our results define the RAS/MEK/DNMT1 pathway as a determinant of sensitivity to DNA methyltransferase inhibition, specifically implicating KRAS status as a biomarker of drug response in ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pablo Tamayo
- The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Andrew J Wilson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Stephanie Wang
- The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Yun Min Chang
- The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Jong W Kim
- The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Dineo Khabele
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Alykhan F Shamji
- The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts
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24
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Yin N, Qi X, Tsai S, Lu Y, Basir Z, Oshima K, Thomas JP, Myers CR, Stoner G, Chen G. p38γ MAPK is required for inflammation-associated colon tumorigenesis. Oncogene 2015; 35:1039-48. [PMID: 25961922 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2015.158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2014] [Revised: 03/03/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Chronic inflammation has long been considered to causatively link to colon cancer development. However, signal transduction pathways involved remain largely unidentified. Here, we report that p38γ mitogen-activated protein kinase mediates inflammatory signaling to promote colon tumorigenesis. Inflammation activates p38γ in mouse colon tissues and intestinal epithelial cell-specific p38γ knockout (KO) attenuates colitis and inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokine expression. Significantly, p38γ KO inhibits tumorigenesis in a colitis-associated mouse model. The specific p38γ pharmacological inhibitor pirfenidone also suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokine expression and colon tumorigenesis. The tumor-promoting activity of epithelial p38γ was further demonstrated by xenograft studies. In addition, p38γ is required for β-catenin/Wnt activities and p38γ stimulates Wnt transcription by phosphorylating β-catenin at Ser605. These results show that p38γ activation links inflammation and colon tumorigenesis. Targeting p38γ may be a novel strategy for colon cancer prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Yin
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, MI, USA
| | - X Qi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, MI, USA
| | - S Tsai
- Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, MI, USA
| | - Y Lu
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, MI, USA
| | - Z Basir
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, MI, USA
| | - K Oshima
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, MI, USA
| | - J P Thomas
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, MI, USA
| | - C R Myers
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, MI, USA
| | - G Stoner
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, MI, USA
| | - G Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, MI, USA.,Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, MI, USA
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25
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Qi X, Xie C, Hou S, Li G, Yin N, Dong L, Lepp A, Chesnik MA, Mirza SP, Szabo A, Tsai S, Basir Z, Wu S, Chen G. Identification of a ternary protein-complex as a therapeutic target for K-Ras-dependent colon cancer. Oncotarget 2015; 5:4269-82. [PMID: 24962213 PMCID: PMC4147322 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.2001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A cancer phenotype is driven by several proteins and targeting a cluster of functionally interdependent molecules should be more effective for therapeutic intervention. This is specifically important for Ras-dependent cancer, as mutated (MT) Ras is non-druggable and targeting its interaction with effectors may be essential for therapeutic intervention. Here, we report that a protein-complex activated by the Ras effector p38γ MAPK is a novel therapeutic target for K-Ras-dependent colon cancer. Unbiased proteomic screening and immune-precipitation analyses identified p38γ interaction with heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) and K-Ras in K-Ras MT, but not wild-type (WT), colon cancer cells, indicating a role of this complex in Ras-dependent growth. Further experiments showed that this complex requires p38γ and Hsp90 activity to maintain MT, but not WT, K-Ras protein expression. Additional studies demonstrated that this complex is activated by p38γ-induced Hsp90 phosphorylation at S595, which is important for MT K-Ras stability and for K-Ras dependent growth. Of most important, pharmacologically inhibition of Hsp90 or p38γ activity disrupts the complex, decreases K-Ras expression, and selectively inhibits the growth of K-Ras MT colon cancer in vitro and in vivo. These results demonstrated that the p38γ-activated ternary complex is a novel therapeutic target for K-Ras-dependent colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomei Qi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Shixiu Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, China
| | - Guan Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin; Research Services, Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
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26
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Prasanna N, Rasool M. Modulation of Gene-Expression Profiles Associated with Sodium Arsenite-Induced Cardiotoxicity by p-Coumaric Acid, a Common Dietary Polyphenol. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2014; 28:174-80. [DOI: 10.1002/jbt.21550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2013] [Revised: 12/15/2013] [Accepted: 01/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nagalakshmi Prasanna
- Immunopathology Laboratory; School of Bio Sciences and Technology, VIT University; Vellore 632 014 India
| | - Mahaboobkhan Rasool
- Immunopathology Laboratory; School of Bio Sciences and Technology, VIT University; Vellore 632 014 India
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27
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Gurgis FMS, Ziaziaris W, Munoz L. Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase–Activated Protein Kinase 2 in Neuroinflammation, Heat Shock Protein 27 Phosphorylation, and Cell Cycle: Role and Targeting. Mol Pharmacol 2013; 85:345-56. [DOI: 10.1124/mol.113.090365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
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28
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Lindin I, Wuxiuer Y, Kufareva I, Abagyan R, Moens U, Sylte I, Ravna AW. Homology modeling and ligand docking of Mitogen-activated protein kinase-activated protein kinase 5 (MK5). Theor Biol Med Model 2013; 10:56. [PMID: 24034446 PMCID: PMC3848485 DOI: 10.1186/1742-4682-10-56] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2013] [Accepted: 09/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mitogen-activated protein kinase-activated protein kinase 5 (MK5) is involved in one of the major signaling pathways in cells, the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. MK5 was discovered in 1998 by the groups of Houng Ni and Ligou New, and was found to be highly conserved throughout the vertebrates. Studies, both in vivo and in vitro, have shown that it is implicated in tumor suppression as well as tumor promotion, embryogenesis, anxiety, locomotion, cell motility and cell cycle regulation. METHODS In order to obtain a molecular model of MK5 that can be used as a working tool for development of chemical probes, three MK5 models were constructed and refined based on three different known crystal structures of the closely related MKs; MK2 [PDB: 2OZA and PDB: 3M2W] and MK3 [PDB: 3FHR]. The main purpose of the present MK5 molecular modeling study was to identify the best suited template for making a MK5 model. The ability of the generated models to effectively discriminate between known inhibitors and decoys was analyzed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. RESULTS According to the ROC curve analyzes, the refined model based on 3FHR was most effective in discrimination between known inhibitors and decoys. CONCLUSIONS The 3FHR-based MK5 model may serve as a working tool for development of chemical probes using computer aided drug design. The biological function of MK5 still remains elusive, but its role as a possible drug target may be elucidated in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inger Lindin
- Medical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tromsø, Tromsø No-9037, Norway.
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29
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Zhang G, He LS, Wong YH, Qian PY. MKK3 was involved in larval settlement of the barnacle Amphibalanus amphitrite through activating the kinase activity of p38MAPK. PLoS One 2013; 8:e69510. [PMID: 23922727 PMCID: PMC3726695 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0069510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2013] [Accepted: 06/10/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) plays a key role in larval settlement of the barnacle Amphibalanus amphitrite. To study the signaling pathway associated with p38MAPK during larval settlement, we sought to identify the upstream kinase of p38MAPK. Three MKKs (MKK3, MKK4 and MKK7) and three MAPKs (p38MAPK, ERK and JNK) in A. amphitrite were cloned and recombinantly expressed in E. coli. Through kinase assays, we found that MKK3, but not MKK4 or MKK7, phosphorylated p38MAPK. Furthermore, MKK3 activity was specific to p38MAPK, as it did not phosphorylate ERK or JNK. To further investigate the functional relationship between MKK3 and p38MAPK in vivo, we studied the localization of phospho-MKK3 (pMKK3) and MKK3 by immunostaining. Consistent with the patterns of p38MAPK and phospho-p38MAPK (pp38MAPK), pMKK3 and MKK3 mainly localized to the antennules of the cyprids. Western blot analysis revealed that pMKK3 levels, like pp38MAPK levels, were elevated at cyprid stage, compared to nauplii and juvenile stages. Moreover, pMKK3 levels increased after treatment with adult barnacle crude extracts, suggesting that MKK3 might mediate the stimulatory effects of adult barnacle extracts on the p38MAPK pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gen Zhang
- KAUST Global Collaborative Research Program, Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Li-Sheng He
- KAUST Global Collaborative Research Program, Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yue Him Wong
- KAUST Global Collaborative Research Program, Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Pei-Yuan Qian
- KAUST Global Collaborative Research Program, Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
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30
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Kobayashi Y, Qi X, Chen G. MK2 Regulates Ras Oncogenesis through Stimulating ROS Production. Genes Cancer 2012; 3:521-30. [PMID: 23264852 DOI: 10.1177/1947601912462718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2012] [Accepted: 09/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ras signals through both mitogenic and stress pathways and studies of Ras regulatory effects of stress pathways hold great promise to control Ras-dependent malignancies. Our previous work showed Ras activation of a stress kinase (MAPK-activated protein kinase 2 [MK2]), and here, we examine regulatory effects of MK2 on Ras oncogenesis. MK2 knockout was shown to increase Ras transformation in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) in vitro and to enhance the resultant tumor growth in mice, indicating a tumor suppressor activity. In Ras-dependent and -independent human colon cancer, however, MK2-forced expression increases and MK2 depletion decreases the malignant growth, suggesting its oncogenic activity. The oncogenic activity of MK2 couples with its activation by both stress and mitogenic signals through extracellular signal-regulated kinase and p38α pathways, whereas its tumor-suppressing effect links to its stimulation only by stress downstream of p38α. Of interest, MK2 was shown to decrease intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in MEFs but increase its production in human colon cancer cells, and experiments with antioxidants revealed that ROS is required for Ras oncogenesis in both systems. These results indicate that MK2 can increase or decrease Ras oncogenesis dependent of its ROS regulatory activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Kobayashi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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31
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Gammella E, Leuenberger C, Gassmann M, Ostergaard L. Evidence of synergistic/additive effects of sildenafil and erythropoietin in enhancing survival and migration of hypoxic endothelial cells. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2012. [PMID: 23204066 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00112.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cell dysfunction is a common event to several pathologies including pulmonary hypertension, which is often associated with hypoxia. As the endothelium plays an essential role in regulating the dynamic interaction between pulmonary vasodilatation and vasoconstriction, this cell type is fundamental in the development of vascular remodeling and increased vascular resistance. We investigated the protective effects of sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor, given in combination with erythropoietin (Epo), as it has been demonstrated that both drugs have antiapoptotic effects on several cell types. Specifically, we examined the viability and angiogenic properties of rat pulmonary artery endothelial cells upon exposure to either 21% or 1% oxygen, in presence of sildenafil (1 and 100 nM) and Epo (5 and 20 U/ml) alone or in combination (1 nM and 20 U/ml). Cell proliferation and viability were analyzed by Trypan blue staining, MTT assay, and Annexin V/propidium iodide stainings. In all assays, the ability of the combination treatment in improving cell viability was superior to that of either drug alone. The angiogenic properties were studied using a migration and a 3D collagen assay, and the results revealed increases in the migration potential of endothelial cells as well as the ability to form tube-like structures in response to sildenafil and the combination treatment. We therefore conclude that both drugs exert protective effects on endothelial cells on hypoxia and that sildenafil enhances the migratory and angiogenic properties, especially in hypoxic conditions. Furthermore, we present evidence of possible additive or synergistic effects of both drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Gammella
- Department of Human Morphology and Biomedical Sciences, Città Studi, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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Kostenko S, Dumitriu G, Moens U. Tumour promoting and suppressing roles of the atypical MAP kinase signalling pathway ERK3/4-MK5. J Mol Signal 2012; 7:9. [PMID: 22800433 PMCID: PMC3419095 DOI: 10.1186/1750-2187-7-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2012] [Accepted: 06/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Perturbed action of signal transduction pathways, including the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathways, is one of the hallmarks of many cancers. While the implication of the typical MAP kinase pathways ERK1/2-MEK1/2, p38MAPK and JNK is well established, recent findings illustrate that the atypical MAP kinase ERK3/4-MK5 may also be involved in tumorigenic processes. Remarkably, the ERK3/4-MK5 pathway seems to possess anti-oncogenic as well as pro-oncogenic properties in cell culture and aninal models. This review summarizes the mutations in the genes encoding ERK3, ERK4 and MK5 that have been detected in different cancers, reports aberrant expression levels of these proteins in human tumours, and discusses the mechanisms by which this pathway can induce senescence, stimulate angiogenesis and invasiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergiy Kostenko
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, NO-9037, Norway
| | - Gianina Dumitriu
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, NO-9037, Norway
| | - Ugo Moens
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, NO-9037, Norway
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Hou S, Suresh PS, Qi X, Lepp A, Mirza SP, Chen G. p38γ Mitogen-activated protein kinase signals through phosphorylating its phosphatase PTPH1 in regulating ras protein oncogenesis and stress response. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:27895-905. [PMID: 22730326 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.335794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Phosphatase plays a crucial role in determining cellular fate by inactivating its substrate kinase, but it is not known whether a kinase can vice versa phosphorylate its phosphatase to execute this function. Protein-tyrosine phosphatase H1 (PTPH1) is a specific phosphatase of p38γ mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) through PDZ binding, and here, we show that p38γ is also a PTPH1 kinase through which it executes its oncogenic activity and regulates stress response. PTPH1 was identified as a substrate of p38γ by unbiased proteomic analysis, and its resultant phosphorylation at Ser-459 occurs in vitro and in vivo through their complex formation. Genetic and pharmacological analyses showed further that Ser-459 phosphorylation is directly regulated by Ras signaling and is important for Ras, p38γ, and PTPH1 oncogenic activity. Moreover, experiments with physiological stimuli revealed a novel stress pathway from p38γ to PTPH1/Ser-459 phosphorylation in regulating cell growth and cell death by a mechanism dependent on cellular environments but independent of canonical MAPK activities. These results thus reveal a new mechanism by which a MAPK regulates Ras oncogenesis and stress response through directly phosphorylating its phosphatase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songwang Hou
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226, USA
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Yoshizuka N, Lai M, Liao R, Cook R, Xiao C, Han J, Sun P. PRAK suppresses oncogenic ras-induced hematopoietic cancer development by antagonizing the JNK pathway. Mol Cancer Res 2012; 10:810-20. [PMID: 22665523 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-11-0576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway regulates multiple physiologic and pathologic processes, including cancer development. PRAK, a p38 substrate protein kinase, has previously been implicated in the suppression of skin carcinogenesis. In the current study, we show that PRAK deletion accelerates hematopoietic cancer development in a mouse model harboring an oncogenic ras allele, Eμ-N-Ras(G12D), specifically expressed in hematopoietic cells. Further investigation reveals that enhanced hematopoietic tumorigenesis by PRAK deficiency is associated with hyperactivation of the c-jun-NH(2)-kinase (JNK) pathway both in vivo and in primary hematopoietic cells isolated from spleens. In primary splenocytes, PRAK deficiency further enhanced oncogenic ras-induced cell proliferation and promoted ras-mediated colony formation on semisolid medium in a JNK-dependent manner. In addition, deletion of PRAK leads to abrogation of ras-induced accumulation of senescence markers. These findings indicate that PRAK suppresses hematopoietic cancer formation in this mouse model by antagonizing oncogenic ras-induced activation of the JNK pathway. Our results suggest that PRAK may function as a tumor suppressor in multiple types of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoto Yoshizuka
- Department of Molecular Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 N. Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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Qin Y, Guo Y, Wei W, Wang B, Jin H, Sun J, Qi X, Ren S, Zuo Y. Anti-tumor effect of β-elemene in murine hepatocellular carcinoma cell line H22 depends on the level of c-Met downregulation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bionut.2012.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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Faust D, Schmitt C, Oesch F, Oesch-Bartlomowicz B, Schreck I, Weiss C, Dietrich C. Differential p38-dependent signalling in response to cellular stress and mitogenic stimulation in fibroblasts. Cell Commun Signal 2012; 10:6. [PMID: 22404972 PMCID: PMC3352310 DOI: 10.1186/1478-811x-10-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2011] [Accepted: 03/09/2012] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
p38 MAP kinase is known to be activated by cellular stress finally leading to cell cycle arrest or apoptosis. Furthermore, a tumour suppressor role of p38 MAPK has been proposed. In contrast, a requirement of p38 for proliferation has also been described. To clarify this paradox, we investigated stress- and mitogen-induced p38 signalling in the same cell type using fibroblasts. We demonstrate that - in the same cell line - p38 is activated by mitogens or cellular stress, but p38-dependent signalling is different. Exposure to cellular stress, such as anisomycin, leads to a strong and persistent p38 activation independent of GTPases. As a result, MK2 and downstream the transcription factor CREB are phosphorylated. In contrast, mitogenic stimulation results in a weaker and transient p38 activation, which upstream involves small GTPases and is required for cyclin D1 induction. Consequently, the retinoblastoma protein is phosphorylated and allows G1/S transition. Our data suggest a dual role of p38 and indicate that the level and/or duration of p38 activation determines the cellular response, i.e either proliferation or cell cycle arrest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dagmar Faust
- Institute of Toxicology, Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Obere Zahlbacherstr, 67, 55131 Mainz, Germany.
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Qi X, Zhi H, Lepp A, Wang P, Huang J, Basir Z, Chitambar CR, Myers CR, Chen G. p38γ mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) confers breast cancer hormone sensitivity by switching estrogen receptor (ER) signaling from classical to nonclassical pathway via stimulating ER phosphorylation and c-Jun transcription. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:14681-91. [PMID: 22399296 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.349357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogen receptor (ER) α promotes breast cancer growth by regulating gene expression through classical estrogen response element (ERE) binding and nonclassical (interaction with c-Jun at AP-1 sites) pathways. ER is the target for anti-estrogens such as tamoxifen (TAM). However, the potential for classical versus nonclassical ER signaling to influence hormone sensitivity is not known. Moreover, anti-estrogens frequently activate several signaling cascades besides the target ER, and the implications of these "off-target" signaling events have not been explored. Here, we report that p38γ MAPK is selectively activated by treatment with TAM. This results in both phosphorylation of ER at Ser-118 and stimulation of c-Jun transcription, thus switching ER signaling from the classical to the nonclassical pathway leading to increased hormone sensitivity. Unexpectedly, phosphorylation at Ser-118 is required for ER to bind both p38γ and c-Jun, thereby promoting ER relocation from ERE to AP-1 promoter sites. Thus, ER/Ser-118 phosphorylation serves as a central mechanism by which p38γ regulates signaling transduction of ER with its inhibitor TAM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomei Qi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226, USA
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Pons M, Cousins SW, Alcazar O, Striker GE, Marin-Castaño ME. Angiotensin II-induced MMP-2 activity and MMP-14 and basigin protein expression are mediated via the angiotensin II receptor type 1-mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 pathway in retinal pigment epithelium: implications for age-related macular degeneration. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2011; 178:2665-81. [PMID: 21641389 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2011.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2010] [Revised: 01/25/2011] [Accepted: 02/22/2011] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Accumulation of various lipid-rich extracellular matrix (ECM) deposits under the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) has been observed in eyes with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). RPE-derived matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-14, and basigin (BSG) are major enzymes involved in the maintenance of ECM turnover. Hypertension (HTN) is a systemic risk factor for AMD. It has previously been reported that angiotensin II (Ang II), one of the most important hormones associated with HTN, increases MMP-2 activity and its key regulator, MMP-14, in RPE, inducing breakdown of the RPE basement membrane, which may lead to progression of sub-RPE deposits. Ang II exerts most of its actions by activating the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Herein is explored the MAPK signaling pathway as a potential key intracellular modulator of Ang II-induced increase in MMP-2 activity and MMP-14 and BSG protein expression. It was observed that Ang II stimulates phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 MAPK in RPE cells and ERK/p38 and Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in mice. These effects were mediated by Ang II type 1 receptors. Blockade of ERK or p38 MAPK abrogated the increase in MMP-2 activity and MMP-14 and BSG proteins in ARPE-19 cells. A better understanding of the molecular events by which Ang II induces ECM dysregulation is of critical importance to further define its contribution to the progression of sub-RPE deposits in AMD patients with HTN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Pons
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
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Qi X, Hou S, Lepp A, Li R, Basir Z, Lou Z, Chen G. Phosphorylation and stabilization of topoisomerase IIα protein by p38γ mitogen-activated protein kinase sensitize breast cancer cells to its poisons. J Biol Chem 2011; 286:35883-35890. [PMID: 21878638 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.229260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer drugs suppress tumor cell growth by inhibiting specific cellular targets. However, most drugs also activate several cellular nonspecific stress pathways, and the implications of these off-target effects are mostly unknown. Here, we report that p38γ, but not p38α, MAPK is specifically activated by treatment of breast cancer cells with topoisomerase II (Topo II) drugs, whereas paclitaxel (Taxol) does not have this effect. The activated p38γ in turn phosphorylates and stabilizes Topo IIα protein, and this enhances the growth inhibition by Topo II drugs. Moreover, p38γ activity was shown to be necessary and sufficient for Topo IIα expression, the drug-p38γ-Topo IIα axis is only detected in intrinsically sensitive but not resistant cells, and p38γ is co-overexpressed with Topo IIα protein in primary breast cancers. These results reveal a new paradigm in which p38γ actively regulates the drug-Topo IIα signal transduction, and this may be exploited to increase the therapeutic activity of Topo II drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomei Qi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226
| | - Songwang Hou
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226
| | - Adrienne Lepp
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226
| | - Rongshan Li
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226
| | - Zainab Basir
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226
| | - Zhenkun Lou
- Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic and Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota 55905
| | - Guan Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226; Department of Research Services, Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226.
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Baseras B, Gaida MM, Kahle N, Schuppel AK, Kathrey D, Prior B, Wente M, Hänsch GM. Galectin-3 inhibits the chemotaxis of human polymorphonuclear neutrophils in vitro. Immunobiology 2011; 217:83-90. [PMID: 21899917 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2011.07.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2011] [Accepted: 07/29/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In the recent years, the participation of the animal lectin galectin (gal)-3 in inflammation and in host defence mechanisms was extensively studied. In vivo studies implied - among others - a role of gal-3 in the recruitment of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) to sites of bacterial infection. In that context, we asked the question whether gal-3 was chemotactic for PMN. Functional assays revealed that gal-3 was not chemotactic for PMN, but that it inhibited the spontaneous migration and the chemotaxis of PMN towards complement C5a, interleukin (IL)-8, or ATP. Moreover, gal-3 inhibited the shape change and the actin polymerisation of PMN that occurs in response to C5a or IL-8. By use of FITC-labelled gal-3, we found that it attached rapidly to the PMN membrane in a lactose-sensitive manner. In response to gal-3 the MAP kinase p38 was phosphorylated. This kinase is crucial for the migration of PMN towards end-target chemokines, such as C5a, and is activated in response to C5a or IL-8. When PMN were preincubated with gal-3, the C5a-induced p38 phosphorylation was transiently enhanced, but eventually down-modulated. We conclude that by interfering with the chemokine-induced p38 phosphorylation gal-3 inhibits chemotaxis of PMN.
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Kostenko S, Dumitriu G, Lægreid KJ, Moens U. Physiological roles of mitogen-activated-protein-kinase-activated p38-regulated/activated protein kinase. World J Biol Chem 2011. [PMID: 21666810 DOI: 10.4331/wjbc.v2.i5.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are a family of proteins that constitute signaling pathways involved in processes that control gene expression, cell division, cell survival, apoptosis, metabolism, differentiation and motility. The MAPK pathways can be divided into conventional and atypical MAPK pathways. The first group converts a signal into a cellular response through a relay of three consecutive phosphorylation events exerted by MAPK kinase kinases, MAPK kinase, and MAPK. Atypical MAPK pathways are not organized into this three-tiered cascade. MAPK that belongs to both conventional and atypical MAPK pathways can phosphorylate both non-protein kinase substrates and other protein kinases. The latter are referred to as MAPK-activated protein kinases. This review focuses on one such MAPK-activated protein kinase, MAPK-activated protein kinase 5 (MK5) or p38-regulated/activated protein kinase (PRAK). This protein is highly conserved throughout the animal kingdom and seems to be the target of both conventional and atypical MAPK pathways. Recent findings on the regulation of the activity and subcellular localization, bona fide interaction partners and physiological roles of MK5/PRAK are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergiy Kostenko
- Sergiy Kostenko, Gianina Dumitriu, Kari Jenssen Lægreid, Ugo Moens, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Medical Biology, University of Tromsø, NO-9037 Tromsø, Norway
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Kostenko S, Dumitriu G, Lægreid KJ, Moens U. Physiological roles of mitogen-activated-protein-kinase-activated p38-regulated/activated protein kinase. World J Biol Chem 2011; 2:73-89. [PMID: 21666810 PMCID: PMC3110898 DOI: 10.4331/wjbc.v2.i5.73] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2011] [Revised: 04/27/2011] [Accepted: 05/04/2011] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are a family of proteins that constitute signaling pathways involved in processes that control gene expression, cell division, cell survival, apoptosis, metabolism, differentiation and motility. The MAPK pathways can be divided into conventional and atypical MAPK pathways. The first group converts a signal into a cellular response through a relay of three consecutive phosphorylation events exerted by MAPK kinase kinases, MAPK kinase, and MAPK. Atypical MAPK pathways are not organized into this three-tiered cascade. MAPK that belongs to both conventional and atypical MAPK pathways can phosphorylate both non-protein kinase substrates and other protein kinases. The latter are referred to as MAPK-activated protein kinases. This review focuses on one such MAPK-activated protein kinase, MAPK-activated protein kinase 5 (MK5) or p38-regulated/activated protein kinase (PRAK). This protein is highly conserved throughout the animal kingdom and seems to be the target of both conventional and atypical MAPK pathways. Recent findings on the regulation of the activity and subcellular localization, bona fide interaction partners and physiological roles of MK5/PRAK are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergiy Kostenko
- Sergiy Kostenko, Gianina Dumitriu, Kari Jenssen Lægreid, Ugo Moens, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Medical Biology, University of Tromsø, NO-9037 Tromsø, Norway
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Shiryaev A, Dumitriu G, Moens U. Distinct roles of MK2 and MK5 in cAMP/PKA- and stress/p38MAPK-induced heat shock protein 27 phosphorylation. J Mol Signal 2011; 6:4. [PMID: 21575178 PMCID: PMC3117753 DOI: 10.1186/1750-2187-6-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2010] [Accepted: 05/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Classical mammalian mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways consist of a cascade of three successive phosphorylation events resulting in the phosphorylation of a variety of substrates, including another class of protein kinases referred to as MAPK-activating protein kinases (MAPKAPKs). The MAPKAPKs MK2, MK3 and MK5 are closely related, but MK2 and MK3 are the major downstream targets of the p38MAPK pathway, while MK5 can be activated by the atypical MAPK ERK3 and ERK4, protein kinase A (PKA), and maybe p38MAPK. MK2, MK3, and MK5 can phosphorylate the common substrate small heat shock protein 27 (HSP27), a modification that regulates the role of HSP27 in actin polymerization. Both stress and cAMP elevating stimuli can cause F-actin remodeling, but whereas the in vivo role of p38MAPK-MK2 in stress-triggered HSP27 phosphorylation and actin reorganization is well established, it is not known whether MK2 is involved in cAMP/PKA-induced F-actin rearrangements. On the other hand, MK5 can phosphorylate HSP27 and cause cytoskeletal changes in a cAMP/PKA-dependent manner, but its role as HSP27 kinase in stress-induced F-actin remodeling is disputed. Therefore, we wanted to investigate the implication of MK2 and MK5 in stress- and PKA-induced HSP27 phosphorylation. Results Using HEK293 cells, we show that MK2, MK3, and MK5 are expressed in these cells, but MK3 protein levels are very moderate. Stress- and cAMP-elevating stimuli, as well as ectopic expression of active MKK6 plus p38MAPK or the catalytic subunit of PKA trigger HSP27 phosphorylation, and specific inhibitors of p38MAPK and PKA prevent this phosphorylation. Depletion of MK2, but not MK3 and MK5 diminished stress-induced HSP27 phosphorylation, while only knockdown of MK5 reduced PKA-induced phosphoHSP27 levels. Stimulation of the p38MAPK, but not the PKA pathway, caused activation of MK2. Conclusion Our results suggest that in HEK293 cells MK2 is the HSP27 kinase engaged in stress-induced, but not cAMP-induced phosphorylation of HSP27, while MK5 seems to be the sole MK to mediate HSP27 phosphorylation in response to stimulation of the PKA pathway. Thus, despite the same substrate specificity towards HSP27, MK2 and MK5 are implicated in different signaling pathways causing actin reorganization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey Shiryaev
- University of Tromsø, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Medical Biology, Host-Microbe Interaction Research Group, N-9037 Tromsø, Norway.
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Kravchenko-Balasha N, Remacle F, Gross A, Rotter V, Levitzki A, Levine RD. Convergence of logic of cellular regulation in different premalignant cells by an information theoretic approach. BMC SYSTEMS BIOLOGY 2011; 5:42. [PMID: 21410932 PMCID: PMC3072338 DOI: 10.1186/1752-0509-5-42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2010] [Accepted: 03/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Surprisal analysis is a thermodynamic-like molecular level approach that identifies biological constraints that prevents the entropy from reaching its maximum. To examine the significance of altered gene expression levels in tumorigenesis we apply surprisal analysis to the WI-38 model through its precancerous states. The constraints identified by the analysis are transcription patterns underlying the process of transformation. Each pattern highlights the role of a group of genes that act coherently to define a transformed phenotype. RESULTS We identify a major transcription pattern that represents a contraction of signaling networks accompanied by induction of cellular proliferation and protein metabolism, which is essential for full transformation. In addition, a more minor, "tumor signature" transcription pattern completes the transformation process. The variation with time of the importance of each transcription pattern is determined. Midway through the transformation, at the stage when cells switch from slow to fast growth rate, the major transcription pattern undergoes a total inversion of its weight while the more minor pattern does not contribute before that stage. CONCLUSIONS A similar network reorganization occurs in two very different cellular transformation models: WI-38 and the cervical cancer HF1 models. Our results suggest that despite differences in a list of transcripts expressed in different cancer models the rationale of the network reorganization remains essentially the same.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataly Kravchenko-Balasha
- Unit of Cellular Signaling, Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
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Rossi S, Stoppani E, Puri PL, Fanzani A. Differentiation of human rhabdomyosarcoma RD cells is regulated by reciprocal, functional interactions between myostatin, p38 and extracellular regulated kinase signalling pathways. Eur J Cancer 2011; 47:1095-105. [PMID: 21273059 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2010.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2010] [Revised: 12/03/2010] [Accepted: 12/14/2010] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) includes heterogeneous tumours of mesenchymal derivation which are genetically committed to the myogenic lineage, but fail to complete terminal differentiation. Previous works have reported on deregulated myostatin, p38 and extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) signalling in RMS cell lines; however, the functional link between these pathways and their relative contribution to RMS pathogenesis and/or maintenance of the transformed phenotype in vitro are unclear. Herein we show that the constitutive expression of a dominant-negative form of activin receptor type IIb (dnACTRIIb), which inhibits myostatin signalling, decreased proliferation and promoted differentiation of the human RMS RD cell line. DnACTRIIb-dependent differentiation of RD cells correlated with a reduced SMAD2/3 (small mother against decapentaplegic) and ERK signalling and the activation of p38 pathway. Conversely, the expression of a constitutively activated ALK5 (activin receptor-like kinase) (caALK5) form, activating SMAD3 and ERK pathways, led to further impairment of RD differentiation. Pharmacological blockade of ERK pathway in RD cells was sufficient to replicate the biological phenotype observed in dnACTRIIb-expressing RD cells, and also recovered the differentiation of caALK5-expressing RD cells. Conversely, deliberate activation of p38 signalling mimics the effect of dnActRIIb and overcame the differentiation block in RD cells. These data indicate the existence of a network formed by myostatin/SMAD2/3, ERK and p38 pathways that, when deregulated, might contribute to the pathogenesis of RMS. The components of this network might, therefore, be a valuable target for interventions towards correcting the malignant phenotype of RMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Rossi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnologies and Interuniversity Institute of Myology (IIM), University of Brescia, viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
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Du WW, Yang BB, Shatseva TA, Yang BL, Deng Z, Shan SW, Lee DY, Seth A, Yee AJ. Versican G3 promotes mouse mammary tumor cell growth, migration, and metastasis by influencing EGF receptor signaling. PLoS One 2010; 5:e13828. [PMID: 21079779 PMCID: PMC2974650 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0013828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2010] [Accepted: 10/04/2010] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Increased versican expression in breast tumors is predictive of relapse and has negative impact on survival rates. The C-terminal G3 domain of versican influences local and systemic tumor invasiveness in pre-clinical murine models. However, the mechanism(s) by which G3 influences breast tumor growth and metastasis is not well characterized. Here we evaluated the expression of versican in mouse mammary tumor cell lines observing that 4T1 cells expressed highest levels while 66c14 cells expressed low levels. We exogenously expressed a G3 construct in 66c14 cells and analyzed its effects on cell proliferation, migration, cell cycle progression, and EGFR signaling. Experiments in a syngeneic orthotopic animal model demonstrated that G3 promoted tumor growth and systemic metastasis in vivo. Activation of pERK correlated with high levels of G3 expression. In vitro, G3 enhanced breast cancer cell proliferation and migration by up-regulating EGFR signaling, and enhanced cell motility through chemotactic mechanisms to bone stromal cells, which was prevented by inhibitor AG 1478. G3 expressing cells demonstrated increased CDK2 and GSK-3β (S9P) expression, which were related to cell growth. The activity of G3 on mouse mammary tumor cell growth, migration and its effect on spontaneous metastasis to bone in an orthotopic model was modulated by up-regulating the EGFR-mediated signaling pathway. Taken together, EGFR-signaling appears to be an important pathway in versican G3-mediated breast cancer tumor invasiveness and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Weidong Du
- Department of Surgery, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and Centre for the Study of Bone Metastasis, Odette Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Burton B. Yang
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tatiana A. Shatseva
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bing L. Yang
- Department of Surgery, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and Centre for the Study of Bone Metastasis, Odette Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zhaoqun Deng
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sze Wan Shan
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel Y. Lee
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Arun Seth
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Albert J. Yee
- Department of Surgery, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and Centre for the Study of Bone Metastasis, Odette Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- * E-mail:
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47
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Kostenko S, Shiryaev A, Dumitriu G, Gerits N, Moens U. Cross-talk between protein kinase A and the MAPK-activated protein kinases RSK1 and MK5. J Recept Signal Transduct Res 2010; 31:1-9. [PMID: 20849292 DOI: 10.3109/10799893.2010.515593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Typical mammalian mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways consist of a cascade of three consecutive phosphorylation events exerted by a MAPK kinase kinase (MAPKKK), a MAPK kinase (MAPKK), and finally a MAPK. MAPKs not only target non-protein kinase substrates, they can also phosphorylate other protein kinases designated as MAPK-activated protein kinases (MAPKAPK). The MAPKAPK family includes the ribosomal-S6-kinases (RSK1-4), the MAPK-interacting kinases (MNK1 and 2), the mitogen-and stress-activated kinases (MSK1 and 2), and the MAPKAPK (MK2, 3, and 5) subfamilies. Although several reports indicate extensive cross-talk between the MAPK and protein kinase A (PKA) pathways, evidence of a direct interaction at the level of the MAPKAPK only appeared recently. The MAPKAPKs RSK1 and MK5 can bind to PKA, but the features of these interactions are distinct. This review discusses the different characteristics of regulating the activity and subcellular localization of MK5 and RSK1 by PKA and the functional implications of these interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergiy Kostenko
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Medical Biology, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway
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48
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Mechanisms of regulation of oligodendrocyte development by p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. J Neurosci 2010; 30:11011-27. [PMID: 20720108 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2546-10.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Many extracellular and intrinsic factors regulate oligodendrocyte development, but their signaling pathways remain poorly understood. Although the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-dependent pathway is implicated in oligodendrocyte progenitor cell (OPC) lineage progression, its molecular targets involved in myelinogenesis are mostly unidentified. We have analyzed mechanisms by which p38MAPK regulates oligodendrocyte development and demonstrate that p38MAPK inhibition prevents OPC lineage progression and inhibits MBP (myelin basic protein) promoter activity and Sox10 function. In white-matter tissue, differential levels of MAPK phosphorylation are observed in oligodendrocyte lineage cells. Phosphorylated p38MAPK was found in CC1- and CNP-expressing differentiated oligodendrocytes of the adult brain and was temporally associated with a decline in the levels of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in cells of this lineage. PDGF stimulates the phosphorylation of ERK, p38MAPK, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38MAPK inhibition was associated with increased ERK, JNK, and c-Jun phosphorylation. In the presence of PDGF, simultaneous inhibition of p38MAPK and either MAPK kinase (MEK) or JNK significantly alleviates the repression of myelin gene expression and lineage progression induced by p38MAPK inhibition alone. Dominant-negative c-Jun reverses the inhibition of myelin promoter activity by active MEK1 or dominant-negative p38MAPKalpha mutants, and phosphorylated c-Jun was detected at the MBP promoter after p38MAPK inhibition, indicating c-Jun as a negative mediator of p38MAPK action. Our findings indicate that p38MAPK activity in the brain supports myelin gene expression through distinct mechanisms via positive and negative regulatory targets. We show that oligodendrocyte differentiation involves p38-mediated Sox10 regulation and cross talk with parallel ERK and JNK pathways to repress c-Jun activity.
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49
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Kostenko S, Shiryaev A, Gerits N, Dumitriu G, Klenow H, Johannessen M, Moens U. Serine residue 115 of MAPK-activated protein kinase MK5 is crucial for its PKA-regulated nuclear export and biological function. Cell Mol Life Sci 2010; 68:847-62. [PMID: 20734105 PMCID: PMC3037495 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-010-0496-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2010] [Revised: 07/07/2010] [Accepted: 08/03/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The mitogen-activated protein kinase-activated protein kinase-5 (MK5) resides predominantly in the nucleus of resting cells, but p38MAPK, extracellular signal-regulated kinases-3 and -4 (ERK3 and ERK4), and protein kinase A (PKA) induce nucleocytoplasmic redistribution of MK5. The mechanism by which PKA causes nuclear export remains unsolved. In the study reported here we demonstrated that Ser-115 is an in vitro PKA phosphoacceptor site, and that PKA, but not p38MAPK, ERK3 or ERK4, is unable to redistribute MK5 S115A to the cytoplasm. However, the phosphomimicking MK5 S115D mutant resides in the cytoplasm in untreated cells. While p38MAPK, ERK3 and ERK4 fail to trigger nuclear export of the kinase dead T182A and K51E MK5 mutants, S115D/T182A and K51E/S115D mutants were able to enter the cytoplasm of resting cells. Finally, we demonstrated that mutations in Ser-115 affect the biological properties of MK5. Taken together, our results suggest that Ser-115 plays an essential role in PKA-regulated nuclear export of MK5, and that it also may regulate the biological functions of MK5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergiy Kostenko
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Medical Biology, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway
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50
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Hyun MS, Hur JM, Mun YJ, Kim D, Woo WH. BBR induces apoptosis in HepG2 cell through an Akt-ASK1-ROS-p38MAPKs-linked cascade. J Cell Biochem 2010; 109:329-38. [PMID: 19950206 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.22384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Berberine (BBR) has indicated significant antimicrobial activity against a variety of organisms including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The mechanism by which BBR initiates apoptosis remains poorly understood. In the present study, we demonstrated that BBR exhibited significant cytotoxicity in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. Herein, we investigated cytotoxicity mechanism of BBR in HepG2 cells. The results showed that the induction of apoptosis in HepG2 cells by BBR was characterized by DNA fragmentation, an increased percentage of annexin V, and the activation of caspase-3. The expressions of Bcl-2 protein and pro-caspase-3 were reduced by BBR in HepG2 cells. However, Bax protein was increased in the cells. BBR-induced apoptosis was preceded by increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). NAC treatment, a scavenger of ROS, reversed BBR-induced apoptosis effects via inhibition of Bax activation and Bcl-2 inactivation. BBR-induced, dose-dependent induction of apoptosis was accompanied by sustained phosphorylation of MAP Kinases (JNK and p38 MAPK), ASK1, Akt, and p53. Furthermore, SB203580, p38 inhibitor, reduced the apoptotic effect of BBR, and blocks the generation of ROS and NO as well as activation of Bax. We found that the treatment of HepG2 cells with BBR triggers generation of ROS through Akt phosphorylation, resulting in dissociation of the ASK1-mediated activation of JNK and p38 pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mee-Sun Hyun
- Professional Graduate School of Oriental Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan 570-749, South Korea
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