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Wang X, ShiYang X, Ma W, Wu X, Lu Y. Extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 5 modulates the spindle assembly to coordinate the oocyte meiotic maturation. Theriogenology 2024; 226:335-342. [PMID: 38959844 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.06.028] [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: 04/28/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 5 (Erk5), a member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family, is ubiquitously expressed in all eukaryotic cells and is implicated in the various mitotic processes such as cell survival, proliferation, migration, and differentiation. However, the potential functional roles of Erk5 in oocyte meiosis have not been fully determined. In this study, we document that ERK5 participates in the meiotic maturation of mouse oocytes by regulating the spindle assembly to ensure the meiotic progression. We unexpectedly found that phosphorylated ERK5 was localized in the spindle pole region at metaphase I and II stages by immunostaining analysis. Inhibition of ERK5 activity using its specific inhibitor XMD8-92 dramatically reduced the incidence of first polar body extrusion. In addition, inhibition of ERK5 evoked the spindle assembly checkpoint to arrest oocytes at metaphase I stage by impairing the spindle assembly, chromosome alignment and kinetochore-microtubule attachment. Mechanically, over-strengthened microtubule stability was shown to disrupt the microtubule dynamics and thus compromise the spindle assembly in ERK5-inhibited oocytes. Conversely, overexpression of ERK5 caused decreased level of acetylated α-tubulin and spindle defects. Collectively, we conclude that ERK5 plays an important role in the oocyte meiotic maturation by regulating microtubule dynamics and spindle assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Xiayan ShiYang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Wei Ma
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China; Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, China
| | - Xue Wu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China; Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, China
| | - Yajuan Lu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, China.
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2
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Lombardi Z, Gardini L, Kashchuk AV, Menconi A, Lulli M, Tusa I, Tubita A, Maresca L, Stecca B, Capitanio M, Rovida E. Importin subunit beta-1 mediates ERK5 nuclear translocation, and its inhibition synergizes with ERK5 kinase inhibitors in reducing cancer cell proliferation. Mol Oncol 2024. [PMID: 38965815 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13674] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) is emerging as a promising target in cancer. Indeed, alterations of the MEK5/ERK5 pathway are present in many types of cancer, including melanoma. One of the key events in MAPK signalling is MAPK nuclear translocation and its subsequent regulation of gene expression. Likewise, the effects of ERK5 in supporting cancer cell proliferation have been linked to its nuclear localization. Despite many processes regulating ERK5 nuclear translocation having been determined, the nuclear transporters involved have not yet been identified. Here, we investigated the role of importin subunit alpha (α importin) and importin subunit beta-1 (importin β1) in ERK5 nuclear shuttling to identify additional targets for cancer treatment. Either importin β1 knockdown or the α/β1 importin inhibitor ivermectin reduced the nuclear amount of overexpressed and endogenous ERK5 in HEK293T and A375 melanoma cells, respectively. These results were confirmed in single-molecule microscopy in HeLa cells. Moreover, immunofluorescence analysis showed that ivermectin impairs epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced ERK5 nuclear shuttling in HeLa cells. Both co-immunoprecipitation experiments and proximity ligation assay provided evidence that ERK5 and importin β1 interact and that this interaction is further induced by EGF administration and prevented by ivermectin treatment. The combination of ivermectin and the ERK5 inhibitor AX15836 synergistically reduced cell viability and colony formation ability in A375 and HeLa cells and was more effective than single treatments in preventing the growth of A375 and HeLa spheroids. The increased reduction of cell viability upon the same combination was also observed in patient-derived metastatic melanoma cells. The combination of ivermectin and ERK5 inhibitors other than AX15836 provided similar effects on cell viability. The identification of importin β1 as the nuclear transporter of ERK5 may be exploited for additional ERK5-inhibiting strategies for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe Lombardi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Lucia Gardini
- National Institute of Optics, National Research Council, Florence, Italy
- European Laboratory of Non-Linear Spectroscopy (LENS), Florence, Italy
| | - Anatolii V Kashchuk
- European Laboratory of Non-Linear Spectroscopy (LENS), Florence, Italy
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Alessio Menconi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Matteo Lulli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Ignazia Tusa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandro Tubita
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Luisa Maresca
- Core Research Laboratory - Institute for Cancer Research and Prevention (ISPRO), Florence, Italy
| | - Barbara Stecca
- Core Research Laboratory - Institute for Cancer Research and Prevention (ISPRO), Florence, Italy
| | - Marco Capitanio
- European Laboratory of Non-Linear Spectroscopy (LENS), Florence, Italy
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Rovida
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Italy
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Alharbi B, Alnajjar LI, Alhassan HH, Khan S, Jawaid T, Abdullaev BS, Alshammari N, Yadav DK, Adnan M, Shamsi A. Identification of mitogen-activated protein kinase 7 inhibitors from natural products: Combined virtual screening and dynamic simulation studies. J Mol Recognit 2024; 37:e3067. [PMID: 37956676 DOI: 10.1002/jmr.3067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinase 7 (MAPK7) is a serine/threonine protein kinase that belongs to the MAPK family and plays a vital role in various cellular processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, gene transcription, apoptosis, metabolism, and cell survival. The elevated expression of MAPK7 has been associated with the onset and progression of multiple aggressive tumors in humans, underscoring the potential of targeting MAPK7 pathways in therapeutic research. This pursuit holds promise for the advancement of anticancer drug development by developing potential MAPK7 inhibitors. To look for potential MAPK7 inhibitors, we exploited structure-based virtual screening of natural products from the ZINC database. First, the Lipinski rule of five criteria was used to filter a large library of ~90,000 natural compounds, followed by ADMET and pan-assay interference compounds (PAINS) filters. Then, top hits were chosen based on their strong binding affinity as determined by molecular docking. Further, interaction analysis was performed to find effective and specific compounds that can precisely bind to the binding pocket of MAPK7. Consequently, two compounds, ZINC12296700 and ZINC02123081, exhibited significant binding affinity and demonstrated excellent drug-like properties. All-atom molecular dynamics simulations for 200 ns confirmed the stability of MAPK7-ZINC12296700 and MAPK7-ZINC02123081 docked complexes. According to the molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann surface area investigation, the binding affinities of both complexes were considerable. Overall, the result suggests that ZINC12296700 and ZINC02123081 might be used as promising leads to develop novel MAPK7 inhibitors. Since these compounds would interfere with the kinase activity of MAPK7, therefore, may be implemented to control cell growth and proliferation in cancer after required validations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bandar Alharbi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Hail, Hail, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lina I Alnajjar
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hassan H Alhassan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shama Khan
- South African Medical Research Council, Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Analytics Research Unit, Faculty of Health Science, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Talha Jawaid
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Al Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bekhzod S Abdullaev
- Department of Strategic Development, Innovation and Research, New Uzbekistan University, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
- Department of Oncology, School of Medicine, Central Asian University, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
| | - Nawaf Alshammari
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Ha'il, Ha'il, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dharmendra Kumar Yadav
- College of Pharmacy, Gachon University of Medicine and Science, Incheon, South Korea
- Arontier Co., Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mohd Adnan
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Ha'il, Ha'il, Saudi Arabia
| | - Anas Shamsi
- Center for Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research Research, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
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Pei J, Cong Q. Computational analysis of regulatory regions in human protein kinases. Protein Sci 2023; 32:e4764. [PMID: 37632170 PMCID: PMC10503413 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4764] [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: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Eukaryotic proteins often feature modular domain structures comprising globular domains that are connected by linker regions and intrinsically disordered regions that may contain important functional motifs. The intramolecular interactions of globular domains and nonglobular regions can play critical roles in different aspects of protein function. However, studying these interactions and their regulatory roles can be challenging due to the flexibility of nonglobular regions, the long insertions separating interacting modules, and the transient nature of some interactions. Obtaining the experimental structures of multiple domains and functional regions is more difficult than determining the structures of individual globular domains. High-quality structural models generated by AlphaFold offer a unique opportunity to study intramolecular interactions in eukaryotic proteins. In this study, we systematically explored intramolecular interactions between human protein kinase domains (KDs) and potential regulatory regions, including globular domains, N- and C-terminal tails, long insertions, and distal nonglobular regions. Our analysis identified intramolecular interactions between human KDs and 35 different types of globular domains, exhibiting a variety of interaction modes that could contribute to orthosteric or allosteric regulation of kinase activity. We also identified prevalent interactions between human KDs and their flanking regions (N- and C-terminal tails). These interactions exhibit group-specific characteristics and can vary within each specific kinase group. Although long-range interactions between KDs and nonglobular regions are relatively rare, structural details of these interactions offer new insights into the regulation mechanisms of several kinases, such as HASPIN, MAPK7, MAPK15, and SIK1B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimin Pei
- Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and DevelopmentUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTexasUSA
- Department of BiophysicsUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTexasUSA
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTexasUSA
| | - Qian Cong
- Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and DevelopmentUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTexasUSA
- Department of BiophysicsUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTexasUSA
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTexasUSA
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5
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Le NT. The significance of ERK5 catalytic-independent functions in disease pathways. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1235217. [PMID: 37601096 PMCID: PMC10436230 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1235217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5), also known as BMK1 or MAPK7, represents a recent addition to the classical mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family. This family includes well-known members such as ERK1/2, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), as well as atypical MAPKs such as ERK3, ERK4, ERK7 (ERK8), and Nemo-like kinase (NLK). Comprehensive reviews available elsewhere provide detailed insights into ERK5, which interested readers can refer to for in-depth knowledge (Nithianandarajah-Jones et al., 2012; Monti et al., Cancers (Basel), 2022, 14). The primary aim of this review is to emphasize the essential characteristics of ERK5 and shed light on the intricate nature of its activation, with particular attention to the catalytic-independent functions in disease pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nhat-Tu Le
- Center for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, United States
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de Mattos K, Dumas FO, Campolina-Silva GH, Belleannée C, Viger RS, Tremblay JJ. ERK5 Cooperates With MEF2C to Regulate Nr4a1 Transcription in MA-10 and MLTC-1 Leydig Cells. Endocrinology 2023; 164:bqad120. [PMID: 37539861 PMCID: PMC10435423 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Leydig cells produce hormones required for the development and maintenance of sex characteristics and fertility in males. MEF2 transcription factors are important regulators of Leydig cell gene expression and steroidogenesis. ERK5 is an atypical member of the MAP kinase family that modulates transcription factor activity, either by direct phosphorylation or by acting as a transcriptional coactivator. While MEF2 and ERK5 are known to cooperate transcriptionally, the presence and role of ERK5 in Leydig cells remained unknown. Our goal was to determine whether ERK5 is present in Leydig cells and whether it cooperates with MEF2 to regulate gene expression. We found that ERK5 is present in Leydig cells in testicular tissue and immortalized cell lines. ERK5 knockdown in human chorionic gonadotrophin-treated MA-10 Leydig cells reduced steroidogenesis and decreased Star and Nr4a1 expression. Luciferase assays using a synthetic reporter plasmid containing 3 MEF2 elements revealed that ERK5 enhances MEF2-dependent promoter activation. Although ERK5 did not cooperate with MEF2 on the Star promoter in Leydig cell lines, we found that ERK5 and MEF2C do cooperate on the Nr4a1 promoter, which contains 2 adjacent MEF2 elements. Mutation of each MEF2 element in a short version of the Nr4a1 promoter significantly decreased the ERK5/MEF2C cooperation, indicating that both MEF2 elements need to be intact. The ERK5/MEF2C cooperation did not require phosphorylation of MEF2C on Ser387. Taken together, our data identify ERK5 as a new regulator of MEF2 activity in Leydig cells and provide potential new insights into mechanisms that regulate Leydig cell gene expression and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine de Mattos
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Félix-Olivier Dumas
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Gabriel Henrique Campolina-Silva
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Clémence Belleannée
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
- Centre de recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Robert S Viger
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
- Centre de recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Jacques J Tremblay
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
- Centre de recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
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7
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Hwang J, Moon H, Kim H, Kim KY. Identification of a Novel ERK5 (MAPK7) Inhibitor, MHJ-627, and Verification of Its Potent Anticancer Efficacy in Cervical Cancer HeLa Cells. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:6154-6169. [PMID: 37504304 PMCID: PMC10377775 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45070388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5), a member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family, is involved in key cellular processes. However, overexpression and upregulation of ERK5 have been reported in various cancers, and ERK5 is associated with almost every biological characteristic of cancer cells. Accordingly, ERK5 has become a novel target for the development of anticancer drugs as inhibition of ERK5 shows suppressive effects of the deleterious properties of cancer cells. Herein, we report the synthesis and identification of a novel ERK5 inhibitor, MHJ-627, and verify its potent anticancer efficacy in a yeast model and the cervical cancer HeLa cell line. MHJ-627 successfully inhibited the kinase activity of ERK5 (IC50: 0.91 μM) and promoted the mRNA expression of tumor suppressors and anti-metastatic genes. Moreover, we observed significant cancer cell death, accompanied by a reduction in mRNA levels of the cell proliferation marker, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), following ERK5 inhibition due to MHJ-627 treatment. We expect this finding to serve as a lead compound for further identification of inhibitors for ERK5-directed novel approaches for oncotherapy with increased specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeonghye Hwang
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, Kyung Hee University, Yongin 17104, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyejin Moon
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Global Center for Pharmaceutical Ingredient Materials, Kyung Hee University, Yongin 17104, Republic of Korea
| | - Hakwon Kim
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Global Center for Pharmaceutical Ingredient Materials, Kyung Hee University, Yongin 17104, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-Young Kim
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, Kyung Hee University, Yongin 17104, Republic of Korea
- Graduate School of Biotechnology, Kyung Hee University, Yongin 17104, Republic of Korea
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8
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Mondru AK, Aljasir MA, Alrumayh A, Nithianandarajah GN, Ahmed K, Muller J, Goldring CEP, Wilm B, Cross MJ. VEGF Stimulates Activation of ERK5 in the Absence of C-Terminal Phosphorylation Preventing Nuclear Localization and Facilitating AKT Activation in Endothelial Cells. Cells 2023; 12:967. [PMID: 36980305 PMCID: PMC10047687 DOI: 10.3390/cells12060967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) is critical for normal cardiovascular development. Previous studies have defined a canonical pathway for ERK5 activation, showing that ligand stimulation leads to MEK5 activation resulting in dual phosphorylation of ERK5 on Thr218/Tyr220 residues within the activation loop. ERK5 then undergoes a conformational change, facilitating phosphorylation on residues in the C-terminal domain and translocation to the nucleus where it regulates MEF2 transcriptional activity. Our previous research into the importance of ERK5 in endothelial cells highlighted its role in VEGF-mediated tubular morphogenesis and cell survival, suggesting that ERK5 played a unique role in endothelial cells. Our current data show that in contrast to EGF-stimulated HeLa cells, VEGF-mediated ERK5 activation in human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMECs) does not result in C-terminal phosphorylation of ERK5 and translocation to the nucleus, but instead to a more plasma membrane/cytoplasmic localisation. Furthermore, the use of small-molecule inhibitors to MEK5 and ERK5 shows that instead of regulating MEF2 activity, VEGF-mediated ERK5 is important for regulating AKT activity. Our data define a novel pathway for ERK5 activation in endothelial cells leading to cell survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil Kumar Mondru
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GE, UK
| | - Mohammad A. Aljasir
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GE, UK
| | - Ahmed Alrumayh
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GE, UK
| | - Gopika N. Nithianandarajah
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GE, UK
| | - Katie Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GE, UK
| | - Jurgen Muller
- Cardiovascular Research Group, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford BD7 1DP, UK
| | - Christopher E. P. Goldring
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GE, UK
| | - Bettina Wilm
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Cell Signalling, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK
| | - Michael J. Cross
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GE, UK
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9
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Liu Z, Zhao L, Sun W, Zhang Z, Wang D, Ding D, Xie D, Bi L, Yu D. p-Phenylenediamine induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition in SV-40 immortalized human urothelial cells via the ERK5/AP-1 signaling. Toxicol Lett 2022; 371:1-8. [PMID: 36174792 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2022.09.010] [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: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate whether p-Phenylenediamine (PPD) could triggered EMT inSV-40 immortalized human urothelial cells (SV-HUC-1), and the regulation role of ERK5/AP-1 during this process. MATERIALS AND METHODS SV-HUC-1 cells were treated with different concentrations of PPD. MTT assay was employed to detect cell viability. Wound healing and transwell assay were performed to detect migrative and invasive capacity. Western blot and qRT-PCR were utilized for detecting molecular changes. ERK5 specific inhibitor was used to suppress ERK5 signaling. RESULTS Migration and invasion capacity of SV-HUC-1cells were enhanced after PPD exposure. Expression of epithelial markers E-cadherin and ZO-1 was decreased and expression of mesenchymal markers N-cadherin and vimentin was increased after being cultured with low concentrations of PPD, indicating that PPD induced EMT in PPD-cultured SV-HUC-1 cells. Meanwhile, PPD triggered activation of ERK5signaling and downstream AP-1 was activated, but no obvious influence of PPD on other sub-families of MAPK was detected. After inhibition of ERK5/AP-1, PPD-induced enhancement of migrative and invasive abilities were attenuated and expression of EMT markers was also reversed. CONCLUSION PPD may be a carcinogen, which could induce EMT in SV-40 immortalized human urothelial cells (SV-HUC-1) via activating ERK5/AP-1 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqi Liu
- Department of Urology, the second hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, PR China
| | - Li Zhao
- Department of Urology, Anhui Zhongke Gengjiu Hospital, Hefei, PR China
| | - Wei Sun
- Department of Urology, the second hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, PR China
| | - Zhiqiang Zhang
- Department of Urology, the second hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, PR China
| | - Daming Wang
- Department of Urology, the second hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, PR China
| | - Demao Ding
- Department of Urology, the second hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, PR China
| | - Dongdong Xie
- Department of Urology, the second hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, PR China
| | - Liangkuan Bi
- Department of Urology, the second hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, PR China
| | - Dexin Yu
- Department of Urology, the second hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, PR China.
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10
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Cook SJ, Lochhead PA. ERK5 Signalling and Resistance to ERK1/2 Pathway Therapeutics: The Path Less Travelled? Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:839997. [PMID: 35903549 PMCID: PMC9315226 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.839997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The RAS-regulated RAF-MEK1/2-ERK1/2 signalling pathway is frequently de-regulated in human cancer. Melanoma in particular exhibits a high incidence of activating BRAFV600E/K and NRASQ61L/K mutations and such cells are addicted to the activity of these mutant oncoproteins. As a result three different BRAF inhibitors (BRAFi) have now been approved for BRAFV600E/K- mutant melanoma and have transformed the treatment of this disease. Despite this, clinical responses are typically transient as tumour cells develop resistance. These resistance mechanisms frequently involve reinstatement of ERK1/2 signalling and BRAFi are now deployed in combination with one of three approved MEK1/2 inhibitors (MEKi) to provide more durable, but still transient, clinical responses. Furthermore, inhibitors to ERK1/2 (ERK1/2i) have also been developed to counteract ERK1/2 signalling. However, recent studies have suggested that BRAFi/MEKi and ERK1/2i resistance can arise through activation of a parallel signalling pathway leading to activation of ERK5, an unusual protein kinase that contains both a kinase domain and a transcriptional transactivation domain. Here we review the evidence supporting ERK5 as a mediator of BRAFi/MEKi and ERK1/2i resistance. We also review the challenges in targeting ERK5 signalling with small molecules, including paradoxical activation of the transcriptional transactivation domain, and discuss new therapeutic modalities that could be employed to target ERK5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon J. Cook
- Signalling Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Pamela A. Lochhead, ; Simon J. Cook,
| | - Pamela A. Lochhead
- Signalling Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Pamela A. Lochhead, ; Simon J. Cook,
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Clinical Significance and Regulation of ERK5 Expression and Function in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14020348. [PMID: 35053510 PMCID: PMC8773716 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14020348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) is a unique kinase among MAPKs family members, given its large structure characterized by the presence of a unique C-terminal domain. Despite increasing data demonstrating the relevance of the ERK5 pathway in the growth, survival, and differentiation of normal cells, ERK5 has recently attracted the attention of several research groups given its relevance in inflammatory disorders and cancer. Accumulating evidence reported its role in tumor initiation and progression. In this review, we explore the gene expression profile of ERK5 among cancers correlated with its clinical impact, as well as the prognostic value of ERK5 and pERK5 expression levels in tumors. We also summarize the importance of ERK5 in the maintenance of a cancer stem-like phenotype and explore the major known contributions of ERK5 in the tumor-associated microenvironment. Moreover, although several questions are still open concerning ERK5 molecular regulation, different ERK5 isoforms derived from the alternative splicing process are also described, highlighting the potential clinical relevance of targeting ERK5 pathways.
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12
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13
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An ERK5-KLF2 signalling module regulates early embryonic gene expression and telomere rejuvenation in stem cells. Biochem J 2021; 478:4119-4136. [PMID: 34780645 PMCID: PMC8718266 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20210646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The ERK5 MAP kinase signalling pathway drives transcription of naïve pluripotency genes in mouse Embryonic Stem Cells (mESCs). However, how ERK5 impacts on other aspects of mESC biology has not been investigated. Here, we employ quantitative proteomic profiling to identify proteins whose expression is regulated by the ERK5 pathway in mESCs. This reveals a function for ERK5 signalling in regulating dynamically expressed early embryonic 2-cell stage (2C) genes including the mESC rejuvenation factor ZSCAN4. ERK5 signalling and ZSCAN4 induction in mESCs increases telomere length, a key rejuvenative process required for prolonged culture. Mechanistically, ERK5 promotes ZSCAN4 and 2C gene expression via transcription of the KLF2 pluripotency transcription factor. Surprisingly, ERK5 also directly phosphorylates KLF2 to drive ubiquitin-dependent degradation, encoding negative feedback regulation of 2C gene expression. In summary, our data identify a regulatory module whereby ERK5 kinase and transcriptional activities bi-directionally control KLF2 levels to pattern 2C gene transcription and a key mESC rejuvenation process.
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Iezaki T, Hinoi E. [Phosphorylation of Smurf2 at Thr249 by Erk5 regulates TGF-β signaling]. Nihon Yakurigaku Zasshi 2021; 156:271-274. [PMID: 34470930 DOI: 10.1254/fpj.21029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Vertebral bone and limb bone are formed by endochondral ossification, which is replaced with bone tissue by osteoblasts after cartilage formation. Bone growth is regulated by the balance between epiphyseal chondrocyte proliferation and ossification. We attempted to elucidate the mechanism of chondrocyte differentiation and maturation regulated by the Extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 5 (Erk5) signal. Erk5 is a serine/threonine kinase belonging to the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family, which includes Erk1/2, JNK, and p38. Mesenchymal stem cell-specific Erk5-deficient mice exhibited the phenotype of deformities of the metatarsal bones, enlargement of the long bones in limbs, and overgrowth of cartilage tissue. Based on this result, we searched for factors that directly phosphorylate Erk5, and We demonstrated that Erk5 directly phosphorylates and activates Smurf2 (a ubiquitin E3 ligase) at Thr249 to activate its function and promotes ubiquitination-mediated degradation. The TGF-β-Smad signal suppresses the proliferation of many cells and regulates the production of extracellular matrix. Our findings may lead to the development of novel drugs targeting TGF-β associated diseases. In this paper, we investigated the function of Smurf2Thr249 phosphorylation and the possibility as new therapeutic target for various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Iezaki
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Bioactive Molecules, Gifu Pharmaceutical University
| | - Eiichi Hinoi
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Bioactive Molecules, Gifu Pharmaceutical University
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15
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Small molecule ERK5 kinase inhibitors paradoxically activate ERK5 signalling: be careful what you wish for…. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 48:1859-1875. [PMID: 32915196 PMCID: PMC7609025 DOI: 10.1042/bst20190338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
ERK5 is a protein kinase that also contains a nuclear localisation signal and a transcriptional transactivation domain. Inhibition of ERK5 has therapeutic potential in cancer and inflammation and this has prompted the development of ERK5 kinase inhibitors (ERK5i). However, few ERK5i programmes have taken account of the ERK5 transactivation domain. We have recently shown that the binding of small molecule ERK5i to the ERK5 kinase domain stimulates nuclear localisation and paradoxical activation of its transactivation domain. Other kinase inhibitors paradoxically activate their intended kinase target, in some cases leading to severe physiological consequences highlighting the importance of mitigating these effects. Here, we review the assays used to monitor ERK5 activities (kinase and transcriptional) in cells, the challenges faced in development of small molecule inhibitors to the ERK5 pathway, and classify the molecular mechanisms of paradoxical activation of protein kinases by kinase inhibitors.
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16
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Bhatt AB, Wright TD, Barnes V, Chakrabarty S, Matossian MD, Lexner E, Ucar DA, Miele L, Flaherty PT, Burow ME, Cavanaugh JE. Diverse and converging roles of ERK1/2 and ERK5 pathways on mesenchymal to epithelial transition in breast cancer. Transl Oncol 2021; 14:101046. [PMID: 33761370 PMCID: PMC8020482 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is characterized by a loss of cell polarity, a decrease in the epithelial cell marker E-cadherin, and an increase in mesenchymal markers including the zinc-finger E-box binding homeobox (ZEB1). The EMT is also associated with an increase in cell migration and anchorage-independent growth. Induction of a reversal of the EMT, a mesenchymal to epithelial transition (MET), is an emerging strategy being explored to attenuate the metastatic potential of aggressive cancer types, such as triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) and tamoxifen-resistant (TAMR) ER-positive breast cancers, which have a mesenchymal phenotype. Patients with these aggressive cancers have poor prognoses, quick relapse, and resistance to most chemotherapeutic drugs. Overexpression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 and ERK5 is associated with poor patient survival in breast cancer. Moreover, TNBC and tamoxifen resistant cancers are unresponsive to most targeted clinical therapies and there is a dire need for alternative therapies. In the current study, we found that MAPK3, MAPK1, and MAPK7 gene expression correlated with EMT markers and poor overall survival in breast cancer patients using publicly available datasets. The effect of ERK1/2 and ERK5 pathway inhibition on MET was evaluated in MDA-MB-231, BT-549 TNBC cells, and tamoxifen-resistant MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Moreover, TU-BcX-4IC patient-derived primary TNBC cells were included to enhance the translational relevance of our study. We evaluated the effect of pharmacological inhibitors and lentivirus-induced activation or inhibition of the MEK1/2-ERK1/2 and MEK5-ERK5 pathways on cell morphology, E-cadherin, vimentin and ZEB1 expression. Additionally, the effects of pharmacological inhibition of trametinib and XMD8-92 on nuclear localization of ERK1/2 and ERK5, cell migration, proliferation, and spheroid formation were evaluated. Novel compounds that target the MEK1/2 and MEK5 pathways were used in combination with the AKT inhibitor ipatasertib to understand cell-specific responses to kinase inhibition. The results from this study will aid in the design of innovative therapeutic strategies that target cancer metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshita B Bhatt
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Thomas D Wright
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Van Barnes
- Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Suravi Chakrabarty
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, USA
| | - Margarite D Matossian
- Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Erin Lexner
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Deniz A Ucar
- Department of Genetics and Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Lucio Miele
- Department of Genetics and Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Patrick T Flaherty
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, USA
| | - Matthew E Burow
- Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Jane E Cavanaugh
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA.
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González-Rubio G, Sellers-Moya Á, Martín H, Molina M. A walk-through MAPK structure and functionality with the 30-year-old yeast MAPK Slt2. Int Microbiol 2021; 24:531-543. [PMID: 33993419 DOI: 10.1007/s10123-021-00183-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are evolutionarily conserved signaling proteins involved in the regulation of most eukaryotic cellular processes. They are downstream components of essential signal transduction pathways activated by the external stimuli, in which the signal is conveyed through phosphorylation cascades. The excellent genetic and biochemical tractability of simple eukaryotes such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae has significantly contributed to gain fundamental information into the physiology of these key proteins. The budding yeast MAPK Slt2 was identified 30 years ago and was later revealed as a fundamental element of the cell wall integrity (CWI) pathway, one of the five MAPK routes of S. cerevisiae. As occurs with other MAPKs, whereas Slt2 displays the core typical structural traits of eukaryotic protein kinases, it also features conserved domains among MAPKs that allow an exquisite spatio-temporal regulation of their activity and binding to activating kinases, downregulatory phosphatases, or nuclear transcription factors. Additionally, Slt2 bears a regulatory extra C-terminal tail unique among S. cerevisiae MAPKs. Here, we review the structural and functional basis for the signaling role of Slt2 in the context of the molecular architecture of this important family of protein kinases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gema González-Rubio
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Pza. Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ángela Sellers-Moya
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Pza. Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Humberto Martín
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Pza. Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - María Molina
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Pza. Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
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18
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Tubita A, Tusa I, Rovida E. Playing the Whack-A-Mole Game: ERK5 Activation Emerges Among the Resistance Mechanisms to RAF-MEK1/2-ERK1/2- Targeted Therapy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:647311. [PMID: 33777953 PMCID: PMC7991100 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.647311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecularly tailored therapies have opened a new era, chronic myeloid leukemia being the ideal example, in the treatment of cancer. However, available therapeutic options are still unsatisfactory in many types of cancer, and often fail due to the occurrence of resistance mechanisms. With regard to small-molecule compounds targeting the components of the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) cascade RAF-MEK1/2-ERK1/2, these drugs may result ineffective as a consequence of the activation of compensatory pro-survival/proliferative signals, including receptor tyrosine kinases, PI3K, as well as other components of the MAPK family such as TPL2/COT. The MAPK ERK5 has been identified as a key signaling molecule in the biology of several types of cancer. In this review, we report pieces of evidence regarding the activation of the MEK5-ERK5 pathway as a resistance mechanism to RAF-MEK1/2-ERK1/2 inhibitors. We also highlight the known and possible mechanisms underlying the cross-talks between the ERK1/2 and the ERK5 pathways, the characterization of which is of great importance to maximize, in the future, the impact of RAF-MEK1/2-ERK1/2 targeting. Finally, we emphasize the need of developing additional therapeutically relevant MEK5-ERK5 inhibitors to be used for combined treatments, thus preventing the onset of resistance to cancer therapies relying on RAF-MEK1/2-ERK1/2 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Tubita
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Ignazia Tusa
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Rovida
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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19
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Yuan H, Xiang Q, Yang L, Geng J. Protein kinase D participates in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy by regulating extracellular signal-regulated and myocyte enhancer factor 2D. REVISTA PORTUGUESA DE CARDIOLOGIA (ENGLISH EDITION) 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.repce.2020.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
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20
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Protein kinase D participates in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy by regulating extracellular signal-regulated and myocyte enhancer factor 2D. Rev Port Cardiol 2020; 40:191-200. [PMID: 33334620 DOI: 10.1016/j.repc.2020.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cardiomyocyte hypertrophy is an important feature of hypertension. However, its molecular underpinnings, especially the signaling cascades, remain unclear. Here we hypothesized that a protein kinase D (PKD)-dependent extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) pathway was able to regulate downstream myocyte enhancer factor 2D (MEF2D), affecting prohypertrophic responses to angiotensin II (Ang II). METHODS Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes from 2- to 3-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats were prepared and Western blot, real-time quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence staining were used to assess the activation and translocation of pathway signaling molecules. Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) expression and [3H]-leucine (Leu) incorporation were measured to determine cell hypertrophy. RESULTS Elevated levels of phosphorylated PKD (p-PKD) and ERK5 (p-ERK5) were observed in cardiomyocytes stimulated with Ang II, while silencing protein kinase C epsilon (PKCɛ) resulted in significantly lower levels of p-PKD. Furthermore, Ang II-induced ERK5 activated translocation was mediated by the PKD pathway. Consequently, inhibiting PKCɛ, PKD and ERK5 by siRNA significantly attenuated Ang II-induced MEF2D activation, ANP and BNP mRNA expression, and [3H]-Leu incorporation. CONCLUSIONS Our studies are the first to show that the PKCɛ/PKD/ERK5/MEF2D pathway plays an important role in the cardiomyocyte hypertrophy response to Ang II.
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Abstract
Despite recent advances in the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, unmet medical needs in some areas still exist. One of the main therapeutic approaches to alleviate dysregulated inflammation has been to target the activity of kinases that regulate production of inflammatory mediators. Small-molecule kinase inhibitors have the potential for broad efficacy, convenience and tissue penetrance, and thus often offer important advantages over biologics. However, designing kinase inhibitors with target selectivity and minimal off-target effects can be challenging. Nevertheless, immense progress has been made in advancing kinase inhibitors with desirable drug-like properties into the clinic, including inhibitors of JAKs, IRAK4, RIPKs, BTK, SYK and TPL2. This Review will address the latest discoveries around kinase inhibitors with an emphasis on clinically validated autoimmunity and inflammatory pathways. Unmet medical needs in the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases still exist. This Review discusses the activity of kinases that regulate production of inflammatory mediators and the recent advances in developing inhibitors to target such kinases.
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22
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Stubbs EB. Targeting the blood-nerve barrier for the management of immune-mediated peripheral neuropathies. Exp Neurol 2020; 331:113385. [PMID: 32562668 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2020.113385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Healthy peripheral nerves encounter, with increased frequency, numerous chemical, biological, and biomechanical forces. Over time and with increasing age, these forces collectively contribute to the pathophysiology of a spectrum of traumatic, metabolic, and/or immune-mediated peripheral nerve disorders. The blood-nerve barrier (BNB) serves as a critical first-line defense against chemical and biologic insults while biomechanical forces are continuously buffered by a dense array of longitudinally orientated epineural collagen fibers exhibiting high-tensile strength. As emphasized throughout this Experimental Neurology Special Issue, the BNB is best characterized as a functionally dynamic multicellular vascular unit comprised of not only highly specialized endoneurial endothelial cells, but also associated perineurial cells, pericytes, Schwann cells, basement membrane, and invested axons. The composition of the BNB, while anatomically distinct, is not functionally dissimilar to that of the well characterized neurovascular unit of the central nervous system. While the BNB lacks a glial limitans and an astrocytic endfoot layer, the primary function of both vascular units is to establish, maintain, and protect an optimal endoneurial (PNS) or interstitial (CNS) fluid microenvironment that is vital for proper neuronal function. Altered endoneurial homeostasis as a secondary consequence of BNB dysregulation is considered an early pathological event in the course of a variety of traumatic, immune-mediated, or metabolically acquired peripheral neuropathies. In this review, emerging experimental advancements targeting the endoneurial microvasculature for the therapeutic management of immune-mediated inflammatory peripheral neuropathies, including the AIDP variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan B Stubbs
- Research Service (151), Department of Veterans Affairs, Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, IL 60141, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Loyola University Health Science Division, Maywood, IL 60153, USA.
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The C-Terminus Tail Regulates ERK3 Kinase Activity and Its Ability in Promoting Cancer Cell Migration and Invasion. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21114044. [PMID: 32516969 PMCID: PMC7312006 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21114044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 3 (ERK3) is an atypical member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family. It harbors a kinase domain in the N-terminus and a long C-terminus extension. The C-terminus extension comprises a conserved in ERK3 and ERK4 (C34) region and a unique C-terminus tail, which was shown to be required for the interaction of ERK3 with the cytoskeletal protein septin 7. Recent studies have elucidated the role of ERK3 signaling in promoting the motility and invasiveness of cancer cells. However, little is known about the intramolecular regulation of the enzymatic activity and cellular functions of ERK3. In this study, we investigated the role of the elongated C-terminus extension in regulating ERK3 kinase activity and its ability to promote cancer cell migration and invasion. Our study revealed that the deletion of the C-terminus tail greatly diminishes the ability of ERK3 to promote the migration and invasion of lung cancer cells. We identified two molecular mechanisms underlying this effect. Firstly, the deletion of the C-terminus tail decreases the kinase activity of ERK3 towards substrates, including the oncogenic protein steroid receptor co-activator 3 (SRC-3), an important downstream target for ERK3 signaling in cancer. Secondly, in line with the previous finding that the C-terminus tail mediates the interaction of ERK3 with septin 7, we found that the depletion of septin 7 abolished the ability of ERK3 to promote migration, indicating that septin 7 acts as a downstream effector for ERK3-induced cancer cell migration. Taken together, the findings of this study advance our understanding of the molecular regulation of ERK3 signaling by unraveling the role of the C-terminus tail in regulating ERK3 kinase activity and functions in cancer cells. These findings provide useful insights for the development of therapeutic agents targeting ERK3 signaling in cancer.
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Lochhead PA, Tucker JA, Tatum NJ, Wang J, Oxley D, Kidger AM, Johnson VP, Cassidy MA, Gray NS, Noble MEM, Cook SJ. Paradoxical activation of the protein kinase-transcription factor ERK5 by ERK5 kinase inhibitors. Nat Commun 2020; 11:1383. [PMID: 32170057 PMCID: PMC7069993 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-15031-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The dual protein kinase-transcription factor, ERK5, is an emerging drug target in cancer and inflammation, and small-molecule ERK5 kinase inhibitors have been developed. However, selective ERK5 kinase inhibitors fail to recapitulate ERK5 genetic ablation phenotypes, suggesting kinase-independent functions for ERK5. Here we show that ERK5 kinase inhibitors cause paradoxical activation of ERK5 transcriptional activity mediated through its unique C-terminal transcriptional activation domain (TAD). Using the ERK5 kinase inhibitor, Compound 26 (ERK5-IN-1), as a paradigm, we have developed kinase-active, drug-resistant mutants of ERK5. With these mutants, we show that induction of ERK5 transcriptional activity requires direct binding of the inhibitor to the kinase domain. This in turn promotes conformational changes in the kinase domain that result in nuclear translocation of ERK5 and stimulation of gene transcription. This shows that both the ERK5 kinase and TAD must be considered when assessing the role of ERK5 and the effectiveness of anti-ERK5 therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela A Lochhead
- Signalling Laboratory, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK.
| | - Julie A Tucker
- York Biomedical Research Institute and Department of Biology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Natalie J Tatum
- CRUK Newcastle Drug Discovery Unit, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University, Newcastle, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Jinhua Wang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - David Oxley
- Signalling Laboratory, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Andrew M Kidger
- Signalling Laboratory, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Victoria P Johnson
- Signalling Laboratory, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK
- Institute of Cancer Research, Chester Beatty Laboratories, 237 Fulham Road, London, SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Megan A Cassidy
- Signalling Laboratory, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Nathanael S Gray
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Martin E M Noble
- CRUK Newcastle Drug Discovery Unit, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University, Newcastle, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Simon J Cook
- Signalling Laboratory, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK.
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Targeted Avenues for Cancer Treatment: The MEK5-ERK5 Signaling Pathway. Trends Mol Med 2020; 26:394-407. [PMID: 32277933 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2020.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Twenty years have passed since extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) and its upstream activator, mitogen-activated protein kinase 5 (MEK5), first emerged onto the cancer research scene. Although we have come a long way in defining the liaison between dysregulated MEK5-ERK5 signaling and the pathogenesis of epithelial and nonepithelial malignancies, selective targeting of this unique pathway remains elusive. Here, we provide an updated review of the existing evidence for a correlation between aberrant MEK5-ERK5 (phospho)proteomic/transcriptomic profiles, aggressive cancer states, and poor patient outcomes. We then focus on emerging insights from preclinical models regarding the relevance of upregulated ERK5 activity in promoting tumor growth, metastasis, therapy resistance, undifferentiated traits, and immunosuppression, highlighting the opportunities, prospects, and challenges of selectively blocking this cascade for antineoplastic treatment and chemosensitization.
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26
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Pearson AJ, Fullwood P, Toro Tapia G, Prise I, Smith MP, Xu Q, Jordan A, Giurisato E, Whitmarsh AJ, Francavilla C, Tournier C. Discovery of a Gatekeeper Residue in the C-Terminal Tail of the Extracellular Signal-Regulated Protein Kinase 5 (ERK5). Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E929. [PMID: 32023819 PMCID: PMC7037328 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21030929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 5 (ERK5) is a non-redundant mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) that exhibits a unique C-terminal extension which comprises distinct structural and functional properties. Here, we sought to elucidate the significance of phosphoacceptor sites in the C-terminal transactivation domain of ERK5. We have found that Thr732 acted as a functional gatekeeper residue controlling C-terminal-mediated nuclear translocation and transcriptional enhancement. Consistently, using a non-bias quantitative mass spectrometry approach, we demonstrated that phosphorylation at Thr732 conferred selectivity for binding interactions of ERK5 with proteins related to chromatin and RNA biology, whereas a number of metabolic regulators were associated with full-length wild type ERK5. Additionally, our proteomic analysis revealed that phosphorylation of the Ser730-Glu-Thr732-Pro motif could occur independently of dual phosphorylation at Thr218-Glu-Tyr220 in the activation loop. Collectively, our results firmly establish the significance of C-terminal phosphorylation in regulating ERK5 function. The post-translational modification of ERK5 on its C-terminal tail might be of particular relevance in cancer cells where ERK5 has be found to be hyperphosphoryated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J. Pearson
- Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (A.J.P.); (Q.X.); (E.G.)
| | - Paul Fullwood
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Function, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (P.F.); (G.T.T.); (M.P.S.); (A.J.W.); (C.F.)
| | - Gabriela Toro Tapia
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Function, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (P.F.); (G.T.T.); (M.P.S.); (A.J.W.); (C.F.)
| | - Ian Prise
- Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK;
| | - Michael P. Smith
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Function, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (P.F.); (G.T.T.); (M.P.S.); (A.J.W.); (C.F.)
| | - Qiuping Xu
- Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (A.J.P.); (Q.X.); (E.G.)
| | - Allan Jordan
- Drug Discovery Unit, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK;
| | - Emanuele Giurisato
- Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (A.J.P.); (Q.X.); (E.G.)
- Department of Biotechnology Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Alan J. Whitmarsh
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Function, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (P.F.); (G.T.T.); (M.P.S.); (A.J.W.); (C.F.)
| | - Chiara Francavilla
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Function, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (P.F.); (G.T.T.); (M.P.S.); (A.J.W.); (C.F.)
| | - Cathy Tournier
- Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (A.J.P.); (Q.X.); (E.G.)
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Beyond Kinase Activity: ERK5 Nucleo-Cytoplasmic Shuttling as a Novel Target for Anticancer Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21030938. [PMID: 32023850 PMCID: PMC7038028 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21030938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The importance of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) in human pathology is underlined by the relevance of abnormalities of MAPK-related signaling pathways to a number of different diseases, including inflammatory disorders and cancer. One of the key events in MAPK signaling, especially with respect to pro-proliferative effects that are crucial for the onset and progression of cancer, is MAPK nuclear translocation and its role in the regulation of gene expression. The extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) is the most recently discovered classical MAPK and it is emerging as a possible target for cancer treatment. The bigger size of ERK5 when compared to other MAPK enables multiple levels of regulation of its expression and activity. In particular, the phosphorylation of kinase domain and C-terminus, as well as post-translational modifications and chaperone binding, are involved in ERK5 regulation. Likewise, different mechanisms control ERK5 nucleo-cytoplasmic shuttling, underscoring the key role of ERK5 in the nuclear compartment. In this review, we will focus on the mechanisms involved in ERK5 trafficking between cytoplasm and nucleus, and discuss how these processes might be exploited to design new strategies for cancer treatment.
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28
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Guo YJ, Pan WW, Liu SB, Shen ZF, Xu Y, Hu LL. ERK/MAPK signalling pathway and tumorigenesis. Exp Ther Med 2020; 19:1997-2007. [PMID: 32104259 PMCID: PMC7027163 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2020.8454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 581] [Impact Index Per Article: 145.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades are key signalling pathways that regulate a wide variety of cellular processes, including proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and stress responses. The MAPK pathway includes three main kinases, MAPK kinase kinase, MAPK kinase and MAPK, which activate and phosphorylate downstream proteins. The extracellular signal-regulated kinases ERK1 and ERK2 are evolutionarily conserved, ubiquitous serine-threonine kinases that regulate cellular signalling under both normal and pathological conditions. ERK expression is critical for development and their hyperactivation plays a major role in cancer development and progression. The Ras/Raf/MAPK (MEK)/ERK pathway is the most important signalling cascade among all MAPK signal transduction pathways, and plays a crucial role in the survival and development of tumour cells. The present review discusses recent studies on Ras and ERK pathway members. With respect to processes downstream of ERK activation, the role of ERK in tumour proliferation, invasion and metastasis is highlighted, and the role of the ERK/MAPK signalling pathway in tumour extracellular matrix degradation and tumour angiogenesis is emphasised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Jun Guo
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang 314000, P.R. China
| | - Wei-Wei Pan
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang 314000, P.R. China
| | - Sheng-Bing Liu
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang 314000, P.R. China
| | - Zhong-Fei Shen
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang 314000, P.R. China
| | - Ying Xu
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang 314000, P.R. China
| | - Ling-Ling Hu
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang 314000, P.R. China
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29
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Horie T, Park G, Inaba Y, Hashiuchi E, Iezaki T, Tokumura K, Fukasawa K, Yamada T, Hiraiwa M, Kitaguchi Y, Kamada H, Kaneda K, Tanaka T, Inoue H, Hinoi E. MAPK Erk5 in Leptin Receptor‒Expressing Neurons Controls Body Weight and Systemic Energy Homeostasis in Female Mice. Endocrinology 2019; 160:2837-2848. [PMID: 31555819 DOI: 10.1210/en.2019-00090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (Erk5), a member of the MAPK family, is specifically phosphorylated and activated by MAPK/Erk kinase-5. Although it has been implicated in odor discrimination and long-term memory via its expression in the central nervous system, little is known regarding the physiological importance of neuronal Erk5 in body weight and energy homeostasis. In the current study, systemic insulin injection significantly induced phosphorylation of Erk5 in the hypothalamus. Moreover, Erk5 deficiency in leptin receptor (LepR)‒expressing neurons led to an obesity phenotype, with increased white adipose tissue mass due to increased adipocyte size, only in female mice fed a normal chow diet. Furthermore, Erk5 deficiency in LepR-expressing neurons showed impaired glucose tolerance along with decreased physical activity, food intake, and energy expenditure. These results suggest that Erk5 controls body weight and systemic energy homeostasis probably via its expression in hypothalamic neurons in female mice, thereby providing a target for metabolic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuhiro Horie
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kanazawa University Graduate School, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Bioactive Molecules, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Gyujin Park
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kanazawa University Graduate School, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Bioactive Molecules, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Yuka Inaba
- Metabolism and Nutrition Research Unit, Institute for Frontier Science Initiative, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Emi Hashiuchi
- Department of Physiology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Takashi Iezaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kanazawa University Graduate School, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
- Venture Business Laboratory, Organization of Frontier Science and Innovation, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Kazuya Tokumura
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kanazawa University Graduate School, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Kazuya Fukasawa
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kanazawa University Graduate School, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Bioactive Molecules, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Takanori Yamada
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kanazawa University Graduate School, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Bioactive Molecules, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Manami Hiraiwa
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kanazawa University Graduate School, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Bioactive Molecules, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Yuka Kitaguchi
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kanazawa University Graduate School, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Bioactive Molecules, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Hikari Kamada
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kanazawa University Graduate School, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Katsuyuki Kaneda
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kanazawa University Graduate School, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Inoue
- Metabolism and Nutrition Research Unit, Institute for Frontier Science Initiative, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
- Department of Physiology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Eiichi Hinoi
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kanazawa University Graduate School, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Bioactive Molecules, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu, Japan
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30
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Xue Z, Wang J, Yu W, Li D, Zhang Y, Wan F, Kou X. Biochanin A protects against PM 2.5-induced acute pulmonary cell injury by interacting with the target protein MEK5. Food Funct 2019; 10:7188-7203. [PMID: 31608342 DOI: 10.1039/c9fo01382b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies have shown that exposure to ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is associated with an increased risk for cardiopulmonary diseases. The MEK5/ERK5 and NF-κB signaling pathways are closely related to the regulation of acute pulmonary cell injury (APCI) and may play an important role in the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. Related studies have shown that Biochanin A (BCA) effectively interferes with APCI, but the underlying mechanism through which this occurs is not fully understood. Previously, based on proteomic and bioinformatic research, we found the indispensable role of MEK5 in mediating remission effects of BCA against PM2.5-induced lung toxicity. Therefore, using A549 adenocarcinoma human alveolar basal epithelial cells (A549 cells), we combined western blot and qRT-PCR to study the protective signaling pathways induced by BCA, indicating that MEK5/ERK5 and NF-κB are both involved in mediating APCI in response to PM2.5, and MEK5/ERK5 positively activated NF-κB and its downstream cellular regulatory factors. BCA significantly suppressed PM2.5-induced upregulation of MEK5/ERK5 expression and phosphorylation and activation of NF-κB. Furthermore, due to the specificity of the MEK5/ERK5 protein structure, the binding sites and binding patterns of BCA and MEK5 were analyzed using molecular docking correlation techniques, which showed that there are stable hydrogen bonds between BCA and the PB1 domain of MEK5 as well as its kinase domain. BCA forms a stable complex with MEK5, which has potential effects on MEKK2/3-MEK5-ERK5 ternary interactions, p62/αPKC-mediated NF-κB regulation, and inhibition of MEK5 target protein phosphorylation. Therefore, our study suggests that MEK5 is an important regulator of intracellular signaling of APCI in response to PM2.5 exposure. BCA may exert anti-APCI activity by targeting MEK5 to inhibit activation of the MEK5/ERK5/NF-κB signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaohui Xue
- Department of Food Science, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, 300350, Tianjin, China.
| | - Junyu Wang
- Department of Food Science, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, 300350, Tianjin, China.
| | - Wancong Yu
- Tianjin Academy of Agricultural Science, 300381, Tianjin, China
| | - Dan Li
- Department of Food Science, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, 300350, Tianjin, China.
| | - Yixia Zhang
- Department of Food Science, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, 300350, Tianjin, China.
| | - Fang Wan
- Department of Food Science, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, 300350, Tianjin, China.
| | - Xiaohong Kou
- Department of Food Science, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, 300350, Tianjin, China.
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31
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Sang D, Pinglay S, Wiewiora RP, Selvan ME, Lou HJ, Chodera JD, Turk BE, Gümüş ZH, Holt LJ. Ancestral reconstruction reveals mechanisms of ERK regulatory evolution. eLife 2019; 8:38805. [PMID: 31407663 PMCID: PMC6692128 DOI: 10.7554/elife.38805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein kinases are crucial to coordinate cellular decisions and therefore their activities are strictly regulated. Previously we used ancestral reconstruction to determine how CMGC group kinase specificity evolved (Howard et al., 2014). In the present study, we reconstructed ancestral kinases to study the evolution of regulation, from the inferred ancestor of CDKs and MAPKs, to modern ERKs. Kinases switched from high to low autophosphorylation activity at the transition to the inferred ancestor of ERKs 1 and 2. Two synergistic amino acid changes were sufficient to induce this change: shortening of the β3-αC loop and mutation of the gatekeeper residue. Restoring these two mutations to their inferred ancestral state led to a loss of dependence of modern ERKs 1 and 2 on the upstream activating kinase MEK in human cells. Our results shed light on the evolutionary mechanisms that led to the tight regulation of a kinase that is central in development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dajun Sang
- Institute for Systems Genetics, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, United States
| | - Sudarshan Pinglay
- Institute for Systems Genetics, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, United States
| | - Rafal P Wiewiora
- Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, United States.,Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, United States
| | - Myvizhi E Selvan
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States.,Icahn Institute for Data Science and Genomic Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States
| | - Hua Jane Lou
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, United States
| | - John D Chodera
- Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, United States
| | - Benjamin E Turk
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, United States
| | - Zeynep H Gümüş
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States.,Icahn Institute for Data Science and Genomic Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States
| | - Liam J Holt
- Institute for Systems Genetics, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, United States
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32
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Impact of ERK5 on the Hallmarks of Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20061426. [PMID: 30901834 PMCID: PMC6471124 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20061426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) belongs to the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family that consists of highly conserved enzymes expressed in all eukaryotic cells and elicits several biological responses, including cell survival, proliferation, migration, and differentiation. In recent years, accumulating lines of evidence point to a relevant role of ERK5 in the onset and progression of several types of cancer. In particular, it has been reported that ERK5 is a key signaling molecule involved in almost all the biological features of cancer cells so that its targeting is emerging as a promising strategy to suppress tumor growth and spreading. Based on that, in this review, we pinpoint the hallmark-specific role of ERK5 in cancer in order to identify biological features that will potentially benefit from ERK5 targeting.
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33
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Flores K, Yadav SS, Katz AA, Seger R. The Nuclear Translocation of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases: Molecular Mechanisms and Use as Novel Therapeutic Target. Neuroendocrinology 2019; 108:121-131. [PMID: 30261516 DOI: 10.1159/000494085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades are central signaling pathways that play a central role in the regulation of most stimulated cellular processes including proliferation, differentiation, stress response and apoptosis. Currently 4 such cascades are known, each termed by its downstream MAPK components: the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), cJun-N-terminal kinase (JNK), p38 and ERK5. One of the hallmarks of these cascades is the stimulated nuclear translocation of their MAPK components using distinct mechanisms. ERK1/2 are shuttled into the nucleus by importin7, JNK and p38 by a dimer of importin3 with either importin9 or importin7, and ERK5 by importin-α/β. Dysregulation of these cascades often results in diseases, including cancer and inflammation, as well as developmental and neurological disorders. Much effort has been invested over the years in developing inhibitors to the MAPK cascades to combat these diseases. Although some inhibitors are already in clinical use or clinical trials, their effects are hampered by development of resistance or adverse side-effects. Recently, our group developed 2 myristoylated peptides: EPE peptide, which inhibits the interaction of ERK1/2 with importin7, and PERY peptide, which prevents JNK/p38 interaction with either importin7 or importin9. These peptides block the nuclear translocation of their corresponding kinases, resulting in prevention of several cancers, while the PERY peptide also inhibits inflammation-induced diseases. These peptides provide a proof of concept for the use of the nuclear translocation of MAPKs as therapeutic targets for cancer and/or inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Flores
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Suresh Singh Yadav
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Arieh A Katz
- Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Rony Seger
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot,
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34
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Iezaki T, Fukasawa K, Horie T, Park G, Robinson S, Nakaya M, Fujita H, Onishi Y, Ozaki K, Kanayama T, Hiraiwa M, Kitaguchi Y, Kaneda K, Yoneda Y, Takarada T, Guo XE, Kurose H, Hinoi E. The MAPK Erk5 is necessary for proper skeletogenesis involving a Smurf-Smad-Sox9 molecular axis. Development 2018; 145:dev.164004. [PMID: 29986870 DOI: 10.1242/dev.164004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Erk5 belongs to the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family. Following its phosphorylation by Mek5, Erk5 modulates several signaling pathways in a number of cell types. In this study, we demonstrated that Erk5 inactivation in mesenchymal cells causes abnormalities in skeletal development by inducing Sox9, an important transcription factor of skeletogenesis. We further demonstrate that Erk5 directly phosphorylates and activates Smurf2 (a ubiquitin E3 ligase) at Thr249, which promotes the proteasomal degradation of Smad proteins and phosphorylates Smad1 at Ser206 in the linker region known to trigger its proteasomal degradation by Smurf1. Smads transcriptionally activated the expression of Sox9 in mesenchymal cells. Accordingly, removal of one Sox9 allele in mesenchymal cells from Erk5-deficient mice rescued some abnormalities of skeletogenesis. These findings highlight the importance of the Mek5-Erk5-Smurf-Smad-Sox9 axis in mammalian skeletogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Iezaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kanazawa University Graduate School, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192, Japan.,Venture Business Laboratory, Organization of Frontier Science and Innovation, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192, Japan
| | - Kazuya Fukasawa
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kanazawa University Graduate School, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192, Japan
| | - Tetsuhiro Horie
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kanazawa University Graduate School, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192, Japan
| | - Gyujin Park
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kanazawa University Graduate School, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192, Japan
| | - Samuel Robinson
- Bone Bioengineering Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Michio Nakaya
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Fujita
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kanazawa University Graduate School, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192, Japan
| | - Yuki Onishi
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kanazawa University Graduate School, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192, Japan
| | - Kakeru Ozaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kanazawa University Graduate School, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192, Japan
| | - Takashi Kanayama
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kanazawa University Graduate School, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192, Japan
| | - Manami Hiraiwa
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kanazawa University Graduate School, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192, Japan
| | - Yuka Kitaguchi
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kanazawa University Graduate School, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192, Japan
| | - Katsuyuki Kaneda
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kanazawa University Graduate School, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192, Japan
| | - Yukio Yoneda
- Section of Prophylactic Pharmacology, Venture Business Laboratory, Organization of Frontier Science and Innovation, Kanazawa University Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192, Japan
| | - Takeshi Takarada
- Department of Regenerative Science, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - X Edward Guo
- Bone Bioengineering Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Hitoshi Kurose
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Eiichi Hinoi
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kanazawa University Graduate School, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192, Japan
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35
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Tusa I, Gagliardi S, Tubita A, Pandolfi S, Urso C, Borgognoni L, Wang J, Deng X, Gray NS, Stecca B, Rovida E. ERK5 is activated by oncogenic BRAF and promotes melanoma growth. Oncogene 2018; 37:2601-2614. [PMID: 29483645 PMCID: PMC5945581 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-018-0164-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Revised: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is among the most aggressive cancers and its incidence is increasing worldwide. Targeted therapies and immunotherapy have improved the survival of patients with metastatic melanoma in the last few years; however, available treatments are still unsatisfactory. While the role of the BRAF-MEK1/2-ERK1/2 pathway in melanoma is well established, the involvement of mitogen-activated protein kinases MEK5-ERK5 remains poorly explored. Here we investigated the function of ERK5 signaling in melanoma. We show that ERK5 is consistently expressed in human melanoma tissues and is active in melanoma cells. Genetic silencing and pharmacological inhibition of ERK5 pathway drastically reduce the growth of melanoma cells and xenografts harboring wild-type (wt) or mutated BRAF (V600E). We also found that oncogenic BRAF positively regulates expression, phosphorylation, and nuclear localization of ERK5. Importantly, ERK5 kinase and transcriptional transactivator activities are enhanced by BRAF. Nevertheless, combined pharmacological inhibition of BRAFV600E and MEK5 is required to decrease nuclear ERK5, that is critical for the regulation of cell proliferation. Accordingly, combination of MEK5 or ERK5 inhibitors with BRAFV600E inhibitor vemurafenib is more effective than single treatments in reducing colony formation and growth of BRAFV600E melanoma cells and xenografts. Overall, these data support a key role of the ERK5 pathway for melanoma growth in vitro and in vivo and suggest that targeting ERK5, alone or in combination with BRAF-MEK1/2 inhibitors, might represent a novel approach for melanoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignazia Tusa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Alessandro Tubita
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Pandolfi
- Core Research Laboratory - Istituto Toscano Tumori, Florence, Italy
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Carmelo Urso
- Anatomic Pathology Unit, Dermatopathology Section, S.M. Annunziata Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Borgognoni
- Plastic Surgery Unit, Regional Melanoma Referral Center, S.M. Annunziata Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Jinhua Wang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xianming Deng
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Nathanael S Gray
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Barbara Stecca
- Core Research Laboratory - Istituto Toscano Tumori, Florence, Italy.
| | - Elisabetta Rovida
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
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36
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Wilkinson EL, Sidaway JE, Cross MJ. Statin regulated ERK5 stimulates tight junction formation and reduces permeability in human cardiac endothelial cells. J Cell Physiol 2017. [PMID: 28639275 PMCID: PMC5655747 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The MEKK3/MEK5/ERK5 signaling axis is required for cardiovascular development in vivo. We analyzed the physiological role of ERK5 in cardiac endothelial cells and the consequence of activation of this kinase by the statin class of HMG Co‐A reductase inhibitor drugs. We utilized human cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (HCMECs) and altered ERK5 expression using siRNA mediated gene silencing or overexpression of constitutively active MEK5 and ERK5 to reveal a role for ERK5 in regulating endothelial tight junction formation and cell permeability. Statin treatment of HCMECs stimulated activation of ERK5 and translocation to the plasma membrane resulting in co‐localization with the tight junction protein ZO‐1 and a concomitant reduction in endothelial cell permeability. Statin mediated activation of ERK5 was a consequence of reduced isoprenoid synthesis following HMG Co‐A reductase inhibition. Statin pretreatment could overcome the effect of doxorubicin in reducing endothelial tight junction formation and prevent increased permeability. Our data provide the first evidence for the role of ERK5 in regulating endothelial tight junction formation and endothelial cell permeability. Statin mediated ERK5 activation and the resulting decrease in cardiac endothelial cell permeability may contribute to the cardioprotective effects of statins in reducing doxorubicin‐induced cardiotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma L Wilkinson
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, MRC Centre for Drug Safety Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - James E Sidaway
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, MRC Centre for Drug Safety Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Michael J Cross
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, MRC Centre for Drug Safety Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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Hoang VT, Yan TJ, Cavanaugh JE, Flaherty PT, Beckman BS, Burow ME. Oncogenic signaling of MEK5-ERK5. Cancer Lett 2017; 392:51-59. [PMID: 28153789 PMCID: PMC5901897 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2017.01.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Revised: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) regulate diverse cellular processes including proliferation, cell survival, differentiation, and apoptosis. While conventional MAPK constituents have well-defined roles in oncogenesis, the MEK5 pathway has only recently emerged in cancer research. In this review, we consider the MEK5 signaling cascade, focusing specifically on its involvement in drug resistance and regulation of aggressive cancer phenotypes. Moreover, we explore the role of MEK5/ERK5 in tumorigenesis and metastatic progression, discussing the discrepancies in preclinical studies and assessing its viability as a therapeutic target for anti-cancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Van T Hoang
- Department of Medicine-Section of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Thomas J Yan
- Department of Medicine-Section of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Jane E Cavanaugh
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Mylan School of Pharmacy, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Patrick T Flaherty
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Mylan School of Pharmacy, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Matthew E Burow
- Department of Medicine-Section of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA; Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA.
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Zheng R, Studzinski GP. Nuclear ERK5 inhibits progression of leukemic monocytes to macrophages by regulating the transcription factor PU.1 and heat shock protein HSP70. Leuk Lymphoma 2016; 58:1468-1480. [PMID: 27748139 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2016.1243675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Differentiation therapy can supplement the therapy of APL, but other subtypes of AML are treated principally with cytotoxic agents, with few lasting remissions. While the induction of monocyte followed by macrophage differentiation by vitamin D derivatives (VDDs) is dramatic in cultured AML cells of all subtypes, attempts to translate this to the clinic have not been effective. Thus, better understanding of the mechanisms underlying VDD-induced differentiation may improve this approach. The key events in this form of differentiation include increased expression of CD11b, and the transcription factor PU.1 is known to be a part of this process. We show here that in the transition of monocytes to macrophages induced by a VDD, ERK5, a member of the MAPK family of signaling molecules, prevents PU.1 expression. However, upon ERK5 inhibition PU.1 protein is stabilized by HSP70.Thus, ERK5 may be a target for manipulation of the immunoregulatory actions of macrophages in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruifang Zheng
- a Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine , New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University , Newark , NJ , USA
| | - George P Studzinski
- a Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine , New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University , Newark , NJ , USA
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Gomez N, Erazo T, Lizcano JM. ERK5 and Cell Proliferation: Nuclear Localization Is What Matters. Front Cell Dev Biol 2016; 4:105. [PMID: 27713878 PMCID: PMC5031611 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2016.00105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
ERK5, the last MAP kinase family member discovered, is activated by the upstream kinase MEK5 in response to growth factors and stress stimulation. MEK5-ERK5 pathway has been associated to different cellular processes, playing a crucial role in cell proliferation in normal and cancer cells by mechanisms that are both dependent and independent of its kinase activity. Thus, nuclear ERK5 activates transcription factors by either direct phosphorylation or acting as co-activator thanks to a unique transcriptional activation TAD domain located at its C-terminal tail. Consequently, ERK5 has been proposed as an interesting target to tackle different cancers, and either inhibitors of ERK5 activity or silencing the protein have shown antiproliferative activity in cancer cells and to block tumor growth in animal models. Here, we review the different mechanisms involved in ERK5 nuclear translocation and their consequences. Inactive ERK5 resides in the cytosol, forming a complex with Hsp90-Cdc37 superchaperone. In a canonical mechanism, MEK5-dependent activation results in ERK5 C-terminal autophosphorylation, Hsp90 dissociation, and nuclear translocation. This mechanism integrates signals such as growth factors and stresses that activate the MEK5-ERK5 pathway. Importantly, two other mechanisms, MEK5-independent, have been recently described. These mechanisms allow nuclear shuttling of kinase-inactive forms of ERK5. Although lacking kinase activity, these forms activate transcription by interacting with transcription factors through the TAD domain. Both mechanisms also require Hsp90 dissociation previous to nuclear translocation. One mechanism involves phosphorylation of the C-terminal tail of ERK5 by kinases that are activated during mitosis, such as Cyclin-dependent kinase-1. The second mechanism involves overexpression of chaperone Cdc37, an oncogene that is overexpressed in cancers such as prostate adenocarcinoma, where it collaborates with ERK5 to promote cell proliferation. Although some ERK5 kinase inhibitors have shown antiproliferative activity it is likely that those tumors expressing kinase-inactive nuclear ERK5 will not respond to these inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jose M. Lizcano
- Protein Kinases and Signal Transduction Laboratory, Institut de Neurociencies and Departament de Bioquimica i Biologia Molecular, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat Autonoma de BarcelonaBarcelona, Spain
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Tsioumpekou M, Papadopoulos N, Burovic F, Heldin CH, Lennartsson J. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-induced activation of Erk5 MAP-kinase is dependent on Mekk2, Mek1/2, PKC and PI3-kinase, and affects BMP signaling. Cell Signal 2016; 28:1422-1431. [PMID: 27339033 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2016.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2016] [Revised: 06/16/2016] [Accepted: 06/16/2016] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) binds to its tyrosine kinase receptors (PDGFRs) and stimulates mitogenicity and survival of cells of mesenchymal origin. Activation of PDGFRs initiates a number of downstream signaling pathways, including phosphatidyl 3'-inositol kinase (PI3-kinase), phospholipase Cγ and MAP kinase pathways. In this report, we show that Erk5 MAP kinase is activated in response to PDGF-BB in the smooth muscle cell line MOVAS in a manner dependent on Mekk2, Mek1/2, Mek5, PI3-kinase and protein kinase C (PKC). The co-operation of Mek1/2 and Mekk2 in the activation of Erk5, suggests a close co-regulation between the Erk1/2 and Erk5 MAP kinase pathways. Furthermore, we found that classical PKCs are important for Erk5 activation. In addition, we found that PKCζ interacts with Erk5 and may exert a negative feed-back effect. We observed no nuclear accumulation of Erk5 in response to PDGF-BB stimulation, however, we identified a mechanism by which cytoplasmic Erk5 influences gene expression; Erk5 was essential for PDGF-BB-mediated Smad1/5/8 signaling by stimulating release and/or activation of bone morphogenetic protein(s) (BMPs). Thus, PDGF-BB-induced Erk5 activation involves parallel stimulatory and inhibitory pathways and promotes Smad1/5/8 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Tsioumpekou
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 595, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Natalia Papadopoulos
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 595, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Fatima Burovic
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 595, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Carl-Henrik Heldin
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 595, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Johan Lennartsson
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 595, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden.
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Kilstein Y, Nowak W, Errasti AE, Feás AAB, Armesto AR, Pelorosso FG, Rothlin RP. Involvement of Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase 5 in Kinin B1 Receptor Upregulation in Isolated Human Umbilical Veins. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2016; 357:114-24. [PMID: 26769916 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.115.230169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2015] [Accepted: 01/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The upregulated kinin B1 receptors exert a pivotal role in modulating inflammatory processes. In isolated human umbilical veins (HUVs), kinin B1 receptor is upregulated as a function of in vitro incubation time and proinflammatory stimuli. The aim of this study was to evaluate, using functional and biochemical methods, the involvement of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) on the kinin B1 receptor upregulation process in HUV. Real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed for the first time that kinin B1 receptor mRNA expression closely parallels the functional sensitization to kinin B1 receptor selective agonist des-Arg(10)-kallidin (DAKD) in HUV. Moreover, the selective inhibition of ERK5, p38 MAPK, and JNK, but not ERK1/2, produced a dose-dependent rightward shift of the concentration-response curves to DAKD after 5-hour incubation and a reduction in kinin B1 receptor mRNA expression. Biochemical analyses showed that ERK5, p38 MAPK, and JNK phosphorylation is maximal during the first 2 hours postisolation, followed by a significant reduction in the last 3 hours. None of the treatments modified the responses to serotonin, an unrelated agonist, suggesting a specific effect on kinin B1 receptor upregulation. The present work provides for the first time pharmacologic evidence indicating that ERK5 plays a significant role on kinin B1 receptor upregulation. Furthermore, we confirm the relevance of p38 MAPK and JNK as well as the lack of effect of ERK1/2 in this process. This study may contribute to a better understanding of MAPK involvement in inflammatory and immunologic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yael Kilstein
- Instituto de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Wanda Nowak
- Instituto de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andrea Emilse Errasti
- Instituto de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Antía Andrea Barcia Feás
- Instituto de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Arnaldo Raúl Armesto
- Instituto de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Facundo Germán Pelorosso
- Instituto de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rodolfo Pedro Rothlin
- Instituto de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Tesser-Gamba F, Lopes LJDS, Petrilli AS, Toledo SRC. MAPK7 gene controls proliferation, migration and cell invasion in osteosarcoma. Mol Carcinog 2015; 55:1700-1713. [PMID: 26460937 DOI: 10.1002/mc.22420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2015] [Revised: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Osteosarcomas (OS) are the most common malignant bone tumors, and the identification of useful tumor biomarkers and target proteins is required to predict the clinical outcome of patients and therapeutic response as well as to develop novel therapeutic strategies. In our previous study, MAPK7 has been identified as a candidate oncogene, and a promising prognostic marker for OS. Sequential activation of protein kinases within the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades is a common mechanism of signal transduction in many cellular processes. In this study, we investigated the behavior of MAPK7 gene in OS cell lines. Technical viability, proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis were used to evaluate the function of the MAPK7 gene. We evaluated the behavior of the OS cells with MAPK7 gene silenced, not silenced, and exposed to the main chemotherapy drugs used in OS treatment. We found that silenced MAPK7 gene is effective at suppressing cell proliferation, inhibiting cell migration, and invasion. Furthermore, MAPK7 is an important activator of transcription factors and is the main expression modulator of other key genes in the MAPK pathway. In summary, our study suggests that MAPK7 might be a promising therapeutic target for OS. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francine Tesser-Gamba
- Department of Pediatrics, Genetics Laboratory, Pediatric Oncology Institute (IOP/GRAACC), Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo-SP, Brazil.,Department of Morphology and Genetics, Genetics Laboratory, Pediatric Oncology Institute (IOP/GRAACC), Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo-SP, Brazil
| | - Luana Joyce da Silva Lopes
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Oncology, Genetics Laboratory, Pediatric Oncology Institute (IOP/GRAACC), Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo-SP, Brazil
| | - Antonio Sergio Petrilli
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Oncology Institute (IOP/GRAACC), Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo-SP, Brazil
| | - Silvia Regina Caminada Toledo
- Department of Pediatrics, Genetics Laboratory, Pediatric Oncology Institute (IOP/GRAACC), Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo-SP, Brazil. .,Department of Morphology and Genetics, Genetics Laboratory, Pediatric Oncology Institute (IOP/GRAACC), Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo-SP, Brazil. .,Department of Clinical and Experimental Oncology, Genetics Laboratory, Pediatric Oncology Institute (IOP/GRAACC), Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo-SP, Brazil.
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Wilhelmsen K, Xu F, Farrar K, Tran A, Khakpour S, Sundar S, Prakash A, Wang J, Gray NS, Hellman J. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 promotes acute cellular and systemic inflammation. Sci Signal 2015; 8:ra86. [PMID: 26307013 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aaa3206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Inflammatory critical illness is a syndrome that is characterized by acute inflammation and organ injury, and it is triggered by infections and noninfectious tissue injury, both of which activate innate immune receptors and pathways. Although reports suggest an anti-inflammatory role for the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5), we previously found that ERK5 mediates proinflammatory responses in primary human cells in response to stimulation of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2). We inhibited the kinase activities and reduced the abundances of ERK5 and MEK5, a MAPK kinase directly upstream of ERK5, in primary human vascular endothelial cells and monocytes, and found that ERK5 promoted inflammation induced by a broad range of microbial TLR agonists and by the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Furthermore, we found that inhibitors of MEK5 or ERK5 reduced the plasma concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines in mice challenged with TLR ligands or heat-killed Staphylococcus aureus, as well as in mice that underwent sterile lung ischemia-reperfusion injury. Finally, we found that inhibition of ERK5 protected endotoxemic mice from death. Together, our studies support a proinflammatory role for ERK5 in primary human endothelial cells and monocytes, and suggest that ERK5 is a potential therapeutic target in diverse disorders that cause inflammatory critical illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Wilhelmsen
- Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
| | - Fengyun Xu
- Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Katherine Farrar
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Alphonso Tran
- Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Samira Khakpour
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Shirin Sundar
- Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Arun Prakash
- Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Jinhua Wang
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Nathanael S Gray
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Judith Hellman
- Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA. Division of Critical Care Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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Abstract
Extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5), also termed big MAPK1 (BMK1), is the most recently discovered member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family. It is expressed in a variety of tissues and is activated by a range of growth factors, cytokines and cellular stresses. Targeted deletion of Erk5 in mice has revealed that the ERK5 signalling cascade is critical for normal cardiovascular development and vascular integrity. In vitro studies have revealed that, in endothelial cells, ERK5 is required for preventing apoptosis, mediating shear-stress signalling and regulating tumour angiogenesis. The present review focuses on our current understanding of the role of ERK5 in regulating endothelial cell function.
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45
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Gavine PR, Wang M, Yu D, Hu E, Huang C, Xia J, Su X, Fan J, Zhang T, Ye Q, Zheng L, Zhu G, Qian Z, Luo Q, Hou YY, Ji Q. Identification and validation of dysregulated MAPK7 (ERK5) as a novel oncogenic target in squamous cell lung and esophageal carcinoma. BMC Cancer 2015; 15:454. [PMID: 26040563 PMCID: PMC4453990 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-015-1455-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2014] [Accepted: 05/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background MAPK7/ERK5 (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 5) functions within a canonical three-tiered MAPK (mitogen activated protein kinase) signaling cascade comprising MEK (MAPK/ERK kinase) 5, MEKK(MEK kinase) 2/3 and ERK5 itself. Despite being the least well studied of the MAPK-modules, evidence supports a role for MAPK7-signaling in the pathology of several cancer types. Methods and results Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis identified MAPK7 gene amplification in 4 % (3/74) of non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) (enriched to 6 % (3/49) in squamous cell carcinoma) and 2 % (2/95) of squamous esophageal cancers (sqEC). Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis revealed a good correlation between MAPK7 gene amplification and protein expression. MAPK7 was validated as a proliferative oncogenic driver by performing in vitro siRNA knockdown of MAPK7 in tumor cell lines. Finally, a novel MEK5/MAPK7 co-transfected HEK293 cell line was developed and used for routine cell-based pharmacodynamic screening. Phosphorylation antibody microarray analysis also identified novel downstream pharmacodynamic (PD) biomarkers of MAPK7 kinase inhibition in tumor cells (pMEF2A and pMEF2D). Conclusions Together, these data highlight a broader role for dysregulated MAPK7 in driving tumorigenesis within niche populations of highly prevalent tumor types, and describe current efforts in establishing a robust drug discovery screening cascade. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12885-015-1455-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul R Gavine
- Innovation Center China, AstraZeneca Global R&D, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai, 201203, People's Republic of China.
| | - Mei Wang
- Innovation Center China, AstraZeneca Global R&D, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai, 201203, People's Republic of China.
| | - Dehua Yu
- Innovation Center China, AstraZeneca Global R&D, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai, 201203, People's Republic of China.
| | - Eva Hu
- Innovation Center China, AstraZeneca Global R&D, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai, 201203, People's Republic of China.
| | - Chunlei Huang
- Innovation Center China, AstraZeneca Global R&D, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai, 201203, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jenny Xia
- Innovation Center China, AstraZeneca Global R&D, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai, 201203, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xinying Su
- Innovation Center China, AstraZeneca Global R&D, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai, 201203, People's Republic of China.
| | - Joan Fan
- Innovation Center China, AstraZeneca Global R&D, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai, 201203, People's Republic of China.
| | - Tianwei Zhang
- Innovation Center China, AstraZeneca Global R&D, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai, 201203, People's Republic of China.
| | - Qingqing Ye
- Innovation Center China, AstraZeneca Global R&D, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai, 201203, People's Republic of China.
| | - Li Zheng
- Innovation Center China, AstraZeneca Global R&D, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai, 201203, People's Republic of China.
| | - Guanshan Zhu
- Innovation Center China, AstraZeneca Global R&D, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai, 201203, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ziliang Qian
- Innovation Center China, AstraZeneca Global R&D, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai, 201203, People's Republic of China.
| | - Qingquan Luo
- Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ying Yong Hou
- Shanghai Zhongshan Hospital, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
| | - Qunsheng Ji
- Innovation Center China, AstraZeneca Global R&D, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai, 201203, People's Republic of China.
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Jia QJ, Fan ZJ, Yao CL. Identification and expression profiles of ERK2 and ERK5 in large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) after temperature stress and immune challenge. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 44:410-419. [PMID: 25772549 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2015.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2015] [Revised: 03/03/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Fish is highly affected by many environmental stresses such as temperature and invasive infection. The extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway, part of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family, is found to act as crucial mediators for cell differentiation, proliferation and cell response to various stresses. In the present study, ERK2 (LcERK2) and ERK5 (LcERK2) were cloned and characterized from large yellow croaker, Larimichthys crocea. The full length cDNA sequence of LcERK2 was of 1910 bp, including an ORF of 1110bp encoding a polypeptide of 369 amino acids. The full length cDNA sequence of LcERK5 was of 3720bp, including an ORF of 3375bp encoding a polypeptide of 1124 amino acids. Multiple alignments showed that both LcERK2 and LcERK5 contained highly conserved TEY motif and S_TKc domain in MAPK family and the unique catalytic and active structures of ERK2 and ERK5. Subcellular localization revealed that both LcERK2 and LcERK5 expressed in the cytoplasm and cell nucleus. The expression of LcERK2 and LcERK5 were detected in most tissues of large yellow croaker, with the most predominant expression of LcERK2 in brain and LcERK5 in gill, and the weakest expression of LcERK2 in liver and LcERK5 in intestine, respectively. The expression levels of LcERK2 and LcERK5 after temperature stress and poly I:C and flagellin challenge were investigated in LCK (L. crocea kidney) cells. After temperature stress, significant down-regulations of LcERK2 transcripts were detected after 10 °C stress (p < 0.05) whereas LcERK2 transcripts increased significantly after 35 °C stress (p < 0.05). However, significant down-regulations of LcERK5 expression were detected at most time points after both cold and heat stress (p < 0.05). However, significant up-regulations of LcERK2 and LcERK5 transcripts were found after immune challenge (p < 0.05). Our results showed that LcERK2 transcripts enhanced after heat stress and both LcERK2 and LcERK5 transcripts could be induced by immune challenge. These findings indicated that LcERK2 might be more important in fish response to high temperature stress and both LcERK2 and LcERK5 might play an important role in fish immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao-Jing Jia
- Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, PR China
| | - Ze-Jun Fan
- Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, PR China
| | - Cui-Luan Yao
- Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen 361021, PR China.
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Kaneshiro S, Otsuki D, Yoshida K, Yoshikawa H, Higuchi C. MEK5 suppresses osteoblastic differentiation. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2015; 463:241-7. [PMID: 25998381 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.05.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2015] [Accepted: 05/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) is a member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family and is activated by its upstream kinase, MAPK kinase 5 (MEK5), which is a member of the MEK family. Although the role of MEK5 has been investigated in several fields, little is known about its role in osteoblastic differentiation. In this study, we have demonstrated the role of MEK5 in osteoblastic differentiation in mouse preosteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells and bone marrow stromal ST2 cells. We found that treatment with BIX02189, an inhibitor of MEK5, increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and the gene expression of ALP, osteocalcin (OCN) and osterix, as well as it enhanced the calcification of the extracellular matrix. Moreover, osteoblastic cell proliferation decreased at a concentration of greater than 0.5 μM. In addition, knockdown of MEK5 using siRNA induced an increase in ALP activity and in the gene expression of ALP, OCN, and osterix. In contrast, overexpression of wild-type MEK5 decreased ALP activity and attenuated osteoblastic differentiation markers including ALP, OCN and osterix, but promoted cell proliferation. In summary, our results indicated that MEK5 suppressed the osteoblastic differentiation, but promoted osteoblastic cell proliferation. These results implied that MEK5 may play a pivotal role in cell signaling to modulate the differentiation and proliferation of osteoblasts. Thus, inhibition of MEK5 signaling in osteoblasts may be of potential use in the treatment of osteoporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoichi Kaneshiro
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Japan Community Health Care Organization Osaka Hospital, 4-2-78 Fukushima, Fukushima Ward, Osaka City, Osaka 553-0003, Japan; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Dai Otsuki
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Yoshida
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Hideki Yoshikawa
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Chikahisa Higuchi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
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Gocek E, Studzinski GP. The Potential of Vitamin D-Regulated Intracellular Signaling Pathways as Targets for Myeloid Leukemia Therapy. J Clin Med 2015; 4:504-34. [PMID: 26239344 PMCID: PMC4470153 DOI: 10.3390/jcm4040504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2014] [Revised: 01/06/2015] [Accepted: 03/06/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The current standard regimens for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are curative in less than half of patients; therefore, there is a great need for innovative new approaches to this problem. One approach is to target new treatments to the pathways that are instrumental to cell growth and survival with drugs that are less harmful to normal cells than to neoplastic cells. In this review, we focus on the MAPK family of signaling pathways and those that are known to, or potentially can, interact with MAPKs, such as PI3K/AKT/FOXO and JAK/STAT. We exemplify the recent studies in this field with specific relevance to vitamin D and its derivatives, since they have featured prominently in recent scientific literature as having anti-cancer properties. Since microRNAs also are known to be regulated by activated vitamin D, this is also briefly discussed here, as are the implications of the emerging acquisition of transcriptosome data and potentiation of the biological effects of vitamin D by other compounds. While there are ongoing clinical trials of various compounds that affect signaling pathways, more studies are needed to establish the clinical utility of vitamin D in the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elzbieta Gocek
- Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, Wroclaw 50-383, Poland.
| | - George P Studzinski
- Department of Pathology, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 185 South Orange Ave., Newark, NJ 17101, USA.
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Honda T, Obara Y, Yamauchi A, Couvillon AD, Mason JJ, Ishii K, Nakahata N. Phosphorylation of ERK5 on Thr732 is associated with ERK5 nuclear localization and ERK5-dependent transcription. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0117914. [PMID: 25689862 PMCID: PMC4331489 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0117914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2013] [Accepted: 01/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) play critical roles in numerous cellular processes, including proliferation and differentiation. ERK5 contains a kinase domain at the N-terminal, and the unique extended C-terminal includes multiple autophosphorylation sites that enhance ERK5-dependent transcription. However, the impact of phosphorylation at the various sites remain unclear. In this study, we examined the role of phosphorylation at the ERK5 C-terminal. We found that a constitutively active MEK5 mutant phosphorylated ERK5 at the TEY motif, resulting in the sequential autophosphorylation of multiple C-terminal residues, including Thr732 and Ser769/773/775. However, when ERK1/2 was selectively activated by an oncogenic RAS mutant, ERK5 phosphorylation at Thr732 was induced without affecting the phosphorylation status at TEY or Ser769/773/775. The Thr732 phosphorylation was U0126-sensitive and was observed in a kinase-dead mutant of ERK5 as well, suggesting that ERK1/2 can phosphorylate ERK5 at Thr732. This phosphorylation was also promoted by epidermal growth factor and nerve growth factor in HEK293 and PC12 cells, respectively. The ERK5–T732A mutant was localized in the cytosol under basal conditions. In contrast, ERK5 phosphorylated at Thr732 via the RAS-ERK1/2 pathway and ERK5–T732E, which mimics the phosphorylated form, were localized in both the nucleus and cytosol. Finally, ER–32A and U0126 blocked ERK5-dependent MEF2C transcriptional activity. Based on these findings, we propose a novel cross-talk mechanism in which ERK1/2, following activation by growth factor stimulation, phosphorylates ERK5 at Thr732. This phosphorylation event is responsible for ERK5 nuclear localization and ERK5-dependent transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuto Honda
- Department of Cellular Signaling, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 6–3 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980–8578, Japan
| | - Yutaro Obara
- Department of Cellular Signaling, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 6–3 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980–8578, Japan
- Department of Pharmacology, Yamagata University School of Medicine, 2–2–2 Iida-Nishi, Yamagata, 990–9585, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Arata Yamauchi
- Department of Cellular Signaling, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 6–3 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980–8578, Japan
| | - Anthony D. Couvillon
- Cell Signaling Technology, 3 Trask Lane, Danvers, MA 01923, United States of America
| | - Justin J. Mason
- Cell Signaling Technology, 3 Trask Lane, Danvers, MA 01923, United States of America
| | - Kuniaki Ishii
- Department of Pharmacology, Yamagata University School of Medicine, 2–2–2 Iida-Nishi, Yamagata, 990–9585, Japan
| | - Norimichi Nakahata
- Department of Cellular Signaling, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 6–3 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980–8578, Japan
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Umapathy G, El Wakil A, Witek B, Chesler L, Danielson L, Deng X, Gray NS, Johansson M, Kvarnbrink S, Ruuth K, Schönherr C, Palmer RH, Hallberg B. The kinase ALK stimulates the kinase ERK5 to promote the expression of the oncogene MYCN in neuroblastoma. Sci Signal 2014; 7:ra102. [PMID: 25351247 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.2005470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) is an important molecular target in neuroblastoma. Although tyrosine kinase inhibitors abrogating ALK activity are currently in clinical use for the treatment of ALK-positive (ALK(+)) disease, monotherapy with ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors may not be an adequate solution for ALK(+) neuroblastoma patients. Increased expression of the gene encoding the transcription factor MYCN is common in neuroblastomas and correlates with poor prognosis. We found that the kinase ERK5 [also known as big mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) 1 (BMK1)] is activated by ALK through a pathway mediated by phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), AKT, MAPK kinase kinase 3 (MEKK3), and MAPK kinase 5 (MEK5). ALK-induced transcription of MYCN and stimulation of cell proliferation required ERK5. Pharmacological or RNA interference-mediated inhibition of ERK5 suppressed the proliferation of neuroblastoma cells in culture and enhanced the antitumor efficacy of the ALK inhibitor crizotinib in both cells and xenograft models. Together, our results indicate that ERK5 mediates ALK-induced transcription of MYCN and proliferation of neuroblastoma, suggesting that targeting both ERK5 and ALK may be beneficial in neuroblastoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ganesh Umapathy
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30 Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Abeer El Wakil
- Department of Molecular Biology, Building 6L, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Barbara Witek
- Department of Molecular Biology, Building 6L, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Louis Chesler
- The Institute of Cancer Research, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Sutton, Surrey SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Laura Danielson
- The Institute of Cancer Research, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Sutton, Surrey SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Xianming Deng
- School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, China. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Seeley G. Mudd Building, 628A, 250 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Nathanael S Gray
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Seeley G. Mudd Building, 628A, 250 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Mikael Johansson
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Oncology, Umeå University, 901 87 Umea, Sweden
| | - Samuel Kvarnbrink
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Oncology, Umeå University, 901 87 Umea, Sweden
| | - Kristina Ruuth
- Department of Molecular Biology, Building 6L, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Christina Schönherr
- Department of Molecular Biology, Building 6L, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Ruth H Palmer
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30 Göteborg, Sweden. Department of Molecular Biology, Building 6L, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Bengt Hallberg
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30 Göteborg, Sweden.
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