1
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Li H, Dixon EE, Wu H, Humphreys BD. Comprehensive single-cell transcriptional profiling defines shared and unique epithelial injury responses during kidney fibrosis. Cell Metab 2022; 34:1977-1998.e9. [PMID: 36265491 PMCID: PMC9742301 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2022.09.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The underlying cellular events driving kidney fibrogenesis and metabolic dysfunction are incompletely understood. Here, we employed single-cell combinatorial indexing RNA sequencing to analyze 24 mouse kidneys from two fibrosis models. We profiled 309,666 cells in one experiment, representing 50 cell types/states encompassing epithelial, endothelial, immune, and stromal populations. Single-cell analysis identified diverse injury states of the proximal tubule, including two distinct early-phase populations with dysregulated lipid and amino acid metabolism, respectively. Lipid metabolism was defective in the chronic phase but was transiently activated in the very early stages of ischemia-induced injury, where we discovered increased lipid deposition and increased fatty acid β-oxidation. Perilipin 2 was identified as a surface marker of intracellular lipid droplets, and its knockdown in vitro disrupted cell energy state maintenance during lipid accumulation. Surveying epithelial cells across nephron segments identified shared and unique injury responses. Stromal cells exhibited high heterogeneity and contributed to fibrogenesis by epithelial-stromal crosstalk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haikuo Li
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Eryn E Dixon
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Haojia Wu
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Benjamin D Humphreys
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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2
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Gross DA, Cheng HS, Zhuang R, McCoy MG, Pérez-Cremades D, Salyers Z, Wara AKMK, Haemmig S, Ryan TE, Feinberg MW. Deficiency of lncRNA SNHG12 impairs ischemic limb neovascularization by altering an endothelial cell cycle pathway. JCI Insight 2021; 7:150761. [PMID: 34793334 PMCID: PMC8765056 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.150761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
SNHG12, a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) dysregulated in atherosclerosis, is known to be a key regulator of vascular senescence in endothelial cells (ECs). However, its role in angiogenesis and peripheral artery disease has not been elucidated. Hind-limb ischemia studies using femoral artery ligation (FAL) in mice showed that SNHG12 expression falls readily in the acute phase of the response to limb ischemia in gastrocnemius muscle and recovers to normal when blood flow recovery is restored to ischemic muscle, indicating that it likely plays a role in the angiogenic response to ischemia. Gain- and loss-of-function studies demonstrated that SNHG12 regulated angiogenesis — SNHG12 deficiency reduced cell proliferation, migration, and endothelial sprouting, whereas overexpression promoted these angiogenic functions. We identified SNHG12 binding partners by proteomics that may contribute to its role in angiogenesis, including IGF-2 mRNA–binding protein 3 (IGF2BP3, also known as IMP3). RNA-Seq profiling of SNHG12-deficient ECs showed effects on angiogenesis pathways and identified a strong effect on cell cycle regulation, which may be modulated by IMP3. Knockdown of SNHG12 in mice undergoing FAL using injected gapmeRs) decreased angiogenesis, an effect that was more pronounced in a model of insulin-resistant db/db mice. RNA-Seq profiling of the EC and non-EC compartments in these mice revealed a likely role of SNHG12 knockdown on Wnt, Notch, and angiopoietin signaling pathways. Together, these findings indicate that SNHG12 plays an important role in the angiogenic EC response to ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Gross
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States of America
| | - Henry S Cheng
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States of America
| | - Rulin Zhuang
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States of America
| | - Michael G McCoy
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States of America
| | - Daniel Pérez-Cremades
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States of America
| | - Zachary Salyers
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, United States of America
| | - A K M Khyrul Wara
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States of America
| | - Stefan Haemmig
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States of America
| | - Terence E Ryan
- Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, United States of America
| | - Mark W Feinberg
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States of America
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3
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Camillo C, Facchinello N, Villari G, Mana G, Gioelli N, Sandri C, Astone M, Tortarolo D, Clapero F, Gays D, Oberkersch RE, Arese M, Tamagnone L, Valdembri D, Santoro MM, Serini G. LPHN2 inhibits vascular permeability by differential control of endothelial cell adhesion. J Cell Biol 2021; 220:212665. [PMID: 34581723 PMCID: PMC8480966 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202006033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Dynamic modulation of endothelial cell-to-cell and cell–to–extracellular matrix (ECM) adhesion is essential for blood vessel patterning and functioning. Yet the molecular mechanisms involved in this process have not been completely deciphered. We identify the adhesion G protein–coupled receptor (ADGR) Latrophilin 2 (LPHN2) as a novel determinant of endothelial cell (EC) adhesion and barrier function. In cultured ECs, endogenous LPHN2 localizes at ECM contacts, signals through cAMP/Rap1, and inhibits focal adhesion (FA) formation and nuclear localization of YAP/TAZ transcriptional regulators, while promoting tight junction (TJ) assembly. ECs also express an endogenous LPHN2 ligand, fibronectin leucine-rich transmembrane 2 (FLRT2), that prevents ECM-elicited EC behaviors in an LPHN2-dependent manner. Vascular ECs of lphn2a knock-out zebrafish embryos become abnormally stretched, display a hyperactive YAP/TAZ pathway, and lack proper intercellular TJs. Consistently, blood vessels are hyperpermeable, and intravascularly injected cancer cells extravasate more easily in lphn2a null animals. Thus, LPHN2 ligands, such as FLRT2, may be therapeutically exploited to interfere with cancer metastatic dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Camillo
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Candiolo, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Torino School of Medicine, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Nicola Facchinello
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Cancer Metabolism, Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giulia Villari
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Candiolo, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Torino School of Medicine, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Giulia Mana
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Candiolo, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Torino School of Medicine, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Noemi Gioelli
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Candiolo, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Torino School of Medicine, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Chiara Sandri
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Candiolo, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Torino School of Medicine, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Matteo Astone
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Cancer Metabolism, Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Dora Tortarolo
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Candiolo, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Torino School of Medicine, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Fabiana Clapero
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Candiolo, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Torino School of Medicine, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Dafne Gays
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Roxana E Oberkersch
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Cancer Metabolism, Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Marco Arese
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Candiolo, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Torino School of Medicine, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Luca Tamagnone
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.,"Agostino Gemelli" University Polyclinic Foundation, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy
| | - Donatella Valdembri
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Candiolo, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Torino School of Medicine, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Massimo M Santoro
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Cancer Metabolism, Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Guido Serini
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Candiolo, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Torino School of Medicine, Candiolo, Italy
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4
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EPAC2 acts as a negative regulator in Matrigel-driven tubulogenesis of human microvascular endothelial cells. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19453. [PMID: 34593918 PMCID: PMC8484440 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98906-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis is physiologically essential for embryogenesis and development and reinitiated in adult animals during tissue growth and repair. Forming new vessels from the walls of existing vessels occurs as a multistep process coordinated by sprouting, branching, and a new lumenized network formation. However, little is known regarding the molecular mechanisms that form new tubular structures, especially molecules regulating the proper network density of newly formed capillaries. This study conducted microarray analyses in human primary microvascular endothelial cells (HMVECs) plated on Matrigel. The RAPGEF4 gene that encodes exchange proteins directly activated by cAMP 2 (EPAC2) proteins was increased in Matrigel-driven tubulogenesis. Tube formation was suppressed by the overexpression of EPAC2 and enhanced by EPAC2 knockdown in endothelial cells. Endothelial cell morphology was changed to round cell morphology by EPAC2 overexpression, while EPAC2 knockdown showed an elongated cell shape with filopodia-like protrusions. Furthermore, increased EPAC2 inhibited endothelial cell migration, and ablation of EPAC2 inversely enhanced cell mobility. These results suggest that EPAC2 affects the morphology and migration of microvascular endothelial cells and is involved in the termination and proper network formation of vascular tubes.
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5
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Tournier JN, Rougeaux C. Anthrax Toxin Detection: From In Vivo Studies to Diagnostic Applications. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8081103. [PMID: 32717946 PMCID: PMC7464488 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8081103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthrax toxins are produced by Bacillus anthracis throughout infection and shape the physiopathogenesis of the disease. They are produced in low quantities but are highly efficient. They have thus been long ignored, but recent biochemical methods have improved our knowledge in animal models. This article reviews the various methods that have been used and how they could be applied to clinical diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Nicolas Tournier
- Unité Bactériologie Biothérapies Anti-infectieuses et Immunité, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées (IRBA), 1 place Général Valérie André, 91220 Brétigny sur Orge, France;
- Centre National de Référence-Laboratoire Expert Charbon, 1 place Général Valérie André, 91220 Brétigny sur Orge, France
- Innovative Vaccine Laboratory, Institut Pasteur, 28 rue du docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
- Ecole du Val-de-Grâce, 1 place Alphonse Laveran, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Clémence Rougeaux
- Unité Bactériologie Biothérapies Anti-infectieuses et Immunité, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées (IRBA), 1 place Général Valérie André, 91220 Brétigny sur Orge, France;
- Centre National de Référence-Laboratoire Expert Charbon, 1 place Général Valérie André, 91220 Brétigny sur Orge, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-178-651-891
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6
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Mechanisms and clinical activity of an EGFR and HER2 exon 20-selective kinase inhibitor in non-small cell lung cancer. Nat Med 2018; 24:638-646. [PMID: 29686424 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-018-0007-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 309] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Although most activating mutations of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutant non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) are sensitive to available EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), a subset with alterations in exon 20 of EGFR and HER2 are intrinsically resistant and lack an effective therapy. We used in silico, in vitro, and in vivo testing to model structural alterations induced by exon 20 mutations and to identify effective inhibitors. 3D modeling indicated alterations restricted the size of the drug-binding pocket, limiting the binding of large, rigid inhibitors. We found that poziotinib, owing to its small size and flexibility, can circumvent these steric changes and is a potent inhibitor of the most common EGFR and HER2 exon 20 mutants. Poziotinib demonstrated greater activity than approved EGFR TKIs in vitro and in patient-derived xenograft models of EGFR or HER2 exon 20 mutant NSCLC and in genetically engineered mouse models of NSCLC. In a phase 2 trial, the first 11 patients with NSCLC with EGFR exon 20 mutations receiving poziotinib had a confirmed objective response rate of 64%. These data identify poziotinib as a potent, clinically active inhibitor of EGFR and HER2 exon 20 mutations and illuminate the molecular features of TKIs that may circumvent steric changes induced by these mutations.
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7
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McCoach CE, Le AT, Gowan K, Jones K, Schubert L, Doak A, Estrada-Bernal A, Davies KD, Merrick DT, Bunn PA, Purcell WT, Dziadziuszko R, Varella-Garcia M, Aisner DL, Camidge DR, Doebele RC. Resistance Mechanisms to Targeted Therapies in ROS1+ and ALK+ Non-small Cell Lung Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2018; 24:3334-3347. [PMID: 29636358 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-17-2452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2017] [Revised: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: Despite initial benefit from tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring ALK (ALK+) and ROS1 (ROS1+) gene fusions ultimately progress. Here, we report on the potential resistance mechanisms in a series of patients with ALK+ and ROS1+ NSCLC progressing on different types and/or lines of ROS1/ALK-targeted therapy.Experimental Design: We used a combination of next-generation sequencing (NGS), multiplex mutation assay, direct DNA sequencing, RT-PCR, and FISH to identify fusion variants/partners and copy-number gain (CNG), kinase domain mutations (KDM), and copy-number variations (CNVs) in other cancer-related genes. We performed testing on 12 ROS1+ and 43 ALK+ patients.Results: One of 12 ROS1+ (8%) and 15 of 43 (35%) ALK + patients harbored KDM. In the ROS1+ cohort, we identified KIT and β-catenin mutations and HER2-mediated bypass signaling as non-ROS1-dominant resistance mechanisms. In the ALK+ cohort, we identified a novel NRG1 gene fusion, a RET fusion, 2 EGFR, and 3 KRAS mutations, as well as mutations in IDH1, RIT1, NOTCH, and NF1 In addition, we identified CNV in multiple proto-oncogenes genes including PDGFRA, KIT, KDR, GNAS, K/HRAS, RET, NTRK1, MAP2K1, and others.Conclusions: We identified a putative TKI resistance mechanism in six of 12 (50%) ROS1 + patients and 37 of 43 (86%) ALK+ patients. Our data suggest that a focus on KDMs will miss most resistance mechanisms; broader gene testing strategies and functional validation is warranted to devise new therapeutic strategies for drug resistance. Clin Cancer Res; 24(14); 3334-47. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline E McCoach
- Division of Medical Oncology, UCSF Helen Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, California.
| | - Anh T Le
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Katherine Gowan
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology, Oncology, and Bone Marrow Transplant, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Kenneth Jones
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology, Oncology, and Bone Marrow Transplant, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Laura Schubert
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Andrea Doak
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Adriana Estrada-Bernal
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Kurtis D Davies
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Daniel T Merrick
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Paul A Bunn
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - W Tom Purcell
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Rafal Dziadziuszko
- Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Marileila Varella-Garcia
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Dara L Aisner
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - D Ross Camidge
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Robert C Doebele
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
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8
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Robichaux WG, Cheng X. Intracellular cAMP Sensor EPAC: Physiology, Pathophysiology, and Therapeutics Development. Physiol Rev 2018; 98:919-1053. [PMID: 29537337 PMCID: PMC6050347 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00025.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This review focuses on one family of the known cAMP receptors, the exchange proteins directly activated by cAMP (EPACs), also known as the cAMP-regulated guanine nucleotide exchange factors (cAMP-GEFs). Although EPAC proteins are fairly new additions to the growing list of cAMP effectors, and relatively "young" in the cAMP discovery timeline, the significance of an EPAC presence in different cell systems is extraordinary. The study of EPACs has considerably expanded the diversity and adaptive nature of cAMP signaling associated with numerous physiological and pathophysiological responses. This review comprehensively covers EPAC protein functions at the molecular, cellular, physiological, and pathophysiological levels; and in turn, the applications of employing EPAC-based biosensors as detection tools for dissecting cAMP signaling and the implications for targeting EPAC proteins for therapeutic development are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- William G Robichaux
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, Texas Therapeutics Institute, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center , Houston, Texas
| | - Xiaodong Cheng
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, Texas Therapeutics Institute, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center , Houston, Texas
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9
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Suffredini DA, Cui X, Xu W, Li Y, Eichacker PQ. The Potential Pathogenic Contributions of Endothelial Barrier and Arterial Contractile Dysfunction to Shock Due to B. anthracis Lethal and Edema Toxins. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:toxins9120394. [PMID: 29210983 PMCID: PMC5744114 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9120394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Revised: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Shock with B. anthracis infection is particularly resistant to conventional cardiovascular support and its mortality rate appears higher than with more common bacterial pathogens. As opposed to many bacteria that lack exotoxins directly depressing hemodynamic function, lethal and edema toxin (LT and ET respectively) both cause shock and likely contribute to the high lethality rate with B. anthracis. Selective inhibition of the toxins is protective in infection models, and administration of either toxin alone in animals produces hypotension with accompanying organ injury and lethality. Shock during infection is typically due to one of two mechanisms: (i) intravascular volume depletion related to disruption of endothelial barrier function; and (ii) extravasation of fluid and/or maladaptive dilation of peripheral resistance arteries. Although some data suggests that LT can produce myocardial dysfunction, growing evidence demonstrates that it may also interfere with endothelial integrity thereby contributing to the extravasation of fluid that helps characterize severe B. anthracis infection. Edema toxin, on the other hand, while known to produce localized tissue edema when injected subcutaneously, has potent vascular relaxant effects that could lead to pathologic arterial dilation. This review will examine recent data supporting a role for these two pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying the shock LT and ET produce. Further research and a better understanding of these mechanisms may lead to improved management of B. anthracis in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dante A Suffredini
- Critical Care Medicine Department, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Building 10, Room 2C145, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Xizhong Cui
- Critical Care Medicine Department, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Building 10, Room 2C145, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Wanying Xu
- Critical Care Medicine Department, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Building 10, Room 2C145, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Yan Li
- Critical Care Medicine Department, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Building 10, Room 2C145, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Peter Q Eichacker
- Critical Care Medicine Department, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Building 10, Room 2C145, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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10
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A Biologically-Based Computational Approach to Drug Repurposing for Anthrax Infection. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:toxins9030099. [PMID: 28287432 PMCID: PMC5371854 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9030099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2017] [Revised: 02/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Developing drugs to treat the toxic effects of lethal toxin (LT) and edema toxin (ET) produced by B. anthracis is of global interest. We utilized a computational approach to score 474 drugs/compounds for their ability to reverse the toxic effects of anthrax toxins. For each toxin or drug/compound, we constructed an activity network by using its differentially expressed genes, molecular targets, and protein interactions. Gene expression profiles of drugs were obtained from the Connectivity Map and those of anthrax toxins in human alveolar macrophages were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus. Drug rankings were based on the ability of a drug/compound’s mode of action in the form of a signaling network to reverse the effects of anthrax toxins; literature reports were used to verify the top 10 and bottom 10 drugs/compounds identified. Simvastatin and bepridil with reported in vitro potency for protecting cells from LT and ET toxicities were computationally ranked fourth and eighth. The other top 10 drugs were fenofibrate, dihydroergotamine, cotinine, amantadine, mephenytoin, sotalol, ifosfamide, and mefloquine; literature mining revealed their potential protective effects from LT and ET toxicities. These drugs are worthy of investigation for their therapeutic benefits and might be used in combination with antibiotics for treating B. anthracis infection.
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11
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Bachran C, Leppla SH. Tumor Targeting and Drug Delivery by Anthrax Toxin. Toxins (Basel) 2016; 8:toxins8070197. [PMID: 27376328 PMCID: PMC4963830 DOI: 10.3390/toxins8070197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Revised: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 06/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthrax toxin is a potent tripartite protein toxin from Bacillus anthracis. It is one of the two virulence factors and causes the disease anthrax. The receptor-binding component of the toxin, protective antigen, needs to be cleaved by furin-like proteases to be activated and to deliver the enzymatic moieties lethal factor and edema factor to the cytosol of cells. Alteration of the protease cleavage site allows the activation of the toxin selectively in response to the presence of tumor-associated proteases. This initial idea of re-targeting anthrax toxin to tumor cells was further elaborated in recent years and resulted in the design of many modifications of anthrax toxin, which resulted in successful tumor therapy in animal models. These modifications include the combination of different toxin variants that require activation by two different tumor-associated proteases for increased specificity of toxin activation. The anthrax toxin system has proved to be a versatile system for drug delivery of several enzymatic moieties into cells. This highly efficient delivery system has recently been further modified by introducing ubiquitin as a cytosolic cleavage site into lethal factor fusion proteins. This review article describes the latest developments in this field of tumor targeting and drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephen H Leppla
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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12
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Yu JL, Deng R, Chung SK, Chan GCF. Epac Activation Regulates Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Migration and Adhesion. Stem Cells 2016; 34:948-59. [PMID: 26727165 DOI: 10.1002/stem.2264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2014] [Revised: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
How to enhance the homing of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) to the target tissues remains a clinical challenge nowadays. To overcome this barrier, the mechanism responsible for the hMSCs migration and engraftment has to be defined. Currently, the exact mechanism involved in migration and adhesion of hMSCs remains unknown. Exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac), a novel protein discovered in cAMP signaling pathway, may have a potential role in regulating cells adhesion and migration by triggering the downstream Rap family signaling cascades. However, the exact role of Epac in cells homing is elusive. Our study evaluated the role of Epac in the homing of hMSCs. We confirmed that hMSCs expressed functional Epac and its activation enhanced the migration and adhesion of hMSCs significantly. The Epac activation was further found to be contributed directly to the chemotactic responses induced by stromal cell derived factor-1 (SDF-1) which is a known chemokine in regulating hMSCs homing. These findings suggested Epac is connected to the SDF-1 signaling cascades. In conclusion, our study revealed that Epac plays a role in hMSCs homing by promoting adhesion and migration. Appropriate manipulation of Epac may enhance the homing of hMSCs and facilitate their future clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao-Le Yu
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administration Region, People's Republic of China.,Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruixia Deng
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administration Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Sookja K Chung
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administration Region, People's Republic of China.,State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administration Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Godfrey Chi-Fung Chan
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administration Region, People's Republic of China.,Center for Cancer Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administration Region, People's Republic of China.,Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Consortium, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administration Region, People's Republic of China
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Banerjee U, Cheng X. Exchange protein directly activated by cAMP encoded by the mammalian rapgef3 gene: Structure, function and therapeutics. Gene 2015; 570:157-67. [PMID: 26119090 PMCID: PMC4556420 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2015.06.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2015] [Accepted: 06/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian exchange protein directly activated by cAMP isoform 1 (EPAC1), encoded by the RAPGEF3 gene, is one of the two-membered family of cAMP sensors that mediate the intracellular functions of cAMP by acting as guanine nucleotide exchange factors for the Ras-like Rap small GTPases. Extensive studies have revealed that EPAC1-mediated cAMP signaling is highly coordinated spatiotemporally through the formation of dynamic signalosomes by interacting with a diverse array of cellular partners. Recent functional analyses of genetically engineered mouse models further suggest that EPAC1 functions as an important stress response switch and is involved in pathophysiological conditions of cardiac stresses, chronic pain, cancer and infectious diseases. These findings, coupled with the development of EPAC specific small molecule modulators, validate EPAC1 as a promising target for therapeutic interventions. Human gene RAPGEF3 encodes for EPAC1 protein. Along with PKA, CNG & HCN, EPAC is an important cAMP sensor. Selective modulators of EPAC1 have been developed for use as pharmacological probes. Formation of EPAC1 signalosomes allows spatiotemporal control of cAMP signaling. EPAC1 is implicated in major pathophysiological conditions and is an attractive therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Upasana Banerjee
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, Texas Therapeutics Institute, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases, University of Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Xiaodong Cheng
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, Texas Therapeutics Institute, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases, University of Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, United States.
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Wilson CW, Ye W. Regulation of vascular endothelial junction stability and remodeling through Rap1-Rasip1 signaling. Cell Adh Migr 2015; 8:76-83. [PMID: 24622510 DOI: 10.4161/cam.28115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability of blood vessels to sense and respond to stimuli such as fluid flow, shear stress, and trafficking of immune cells is critical to the proper function of the vascular system. Endothelial cells constantly remodel their cell-cell junctions and the underlying cytoskeletal network in response to these exogenous signals. This remodeling, which depends on regulation of the linkage between actin and integral junction proteins, is controlled by a complex signaling network consisting of small G proteins and their various downstream effectors. In this commentary, we summarize recent developments in understanding the small G protein RAP1 and its effector RASIP1 as critical mediators of endothelial junction stabilization, and the relationship between RAP1 effectors and modulation of different subsets of endothelial junctions. The vasculature is a dynamic organ that is constantly exposed to a variety of signaling stimuli and mechanical stresses. In embryogenesis, nascent blood vessels form via a process termed vasculogenesis, wherein mesodermally derived endothelial precursor cells aggregate into cords, which subsequently form a lumen that permits trafficking of plasma and erythrocytes. (1)(,) (2) Angiogenesis occurs after establishment of this primitive vascular network, where new vessels sprout from existing vessels, migrate into newly expanded tissues, and anastomose to form a functional and complex circulatory network. (1)(,) (2) In the mouse, this process occurs through the second half of embryogenesis and into postnatal development in some tissues, such as the developing retinal vasculature. (3) Further, angiogenesis occurs in a variety of pathological conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, wound healing, and tumor growth. (1)(,) (2)(,) (4) Both vasculogenesis and angiogenesis are driven through signaling by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and therapeutic agents targeting this pathway have shown efficacy in a number of diseases. (5)(-) (9) Blood vessels must have a sufficient degree of integrity so as to not allow indiscriminate leak of plasma proteins and blood cells into the underlying tissue. However, vessels must be able to sense their environment, respond to local conditions, and mediate the regulated passage of protein, fluid, and cells. For example, endothelial cells are the primary point of attachment for immune cells leaving the blood stream and entering tissue, and leukocytes subsequently migrate either through the endothelial cell body itself (the transcellular route), or through transient disassembly of cell-cell junctions (the paracellular route). (10) Precise regulation of endothelial junctions is critical to the proper maintenance of vascular integrity and related processes, and disruption of vascular cell-cell contacts is an underlying cause or contributor to numerous pathologies such as cerebral cavernous malformations (CCM) and hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). (11)(-) (13) Understanding the basic mechanisms of endothelial junction formation and maintenance will therefore lead to a greater chance of success of therapeutic intervention in these pathologic conditions, especially in instances where targeting of VEGF signaling is insufficient to resolve vascular abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Weilan Ye
- Genentech, Inc.; Molecular Oncology Department; South San Francisco, CA USA
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Micropatterned macrophage analysis reveals global cytoskeleton constraints induced by Bacillus anthracis edema toxin. Infect Immun 2015; 83:3114-25. [PMID: 26015478 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00479-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2015] [Accepted: 05/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacillus anthracis secretes the edema toxin (ET) that disrupts the cellular physiology of endothelial and immune cells, ultimately affecting the adherens junction integrity of blood vessels that in turn leads to edema. The effects of ET on the cytoskeleton, which is critical in cell physiology, have not been described thus far on macrophages. In this study, we have developed different adhesive micropatterned surfaces (L and crossbow) to control the shape of bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) and primary peritoneal macrophages. We found that macrophage F-actin cytoskeleton adopts a specific polar organization slightly different from classical human HeLa cells on the micropatterns. Moreover, ET induced a major quantitative reorganization of F-actin within 16 h with a collapse at the nonadhesive side of BMDMs along the nucleus. There was an increase in size and deformation into a kidney-like shape, followed by a decrease in size that correlates with a global cellular collapse. The collapse of F-actin was correlated with a release of focal adhesion on the patterns and decreased cell size. Finally, the cell nucleus was affected by actin reorganization. By using this technology, we could describe many previously unknown macrophage cellular dysfunctions induced by ET. This novel tool could be used to analyze more broadly the effects of toxins and other virulence factors that target the cytoskeleton.
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cAMP signalling in the vasculature: the role of Epac (exchange protein directly activated by cAMP). Biochem Soc Trans 2014; 42:89-97. [PMID: 24450633 DOI: 10.1042/bst20130253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The second messenger cAMP plays a central role in mediating vascular smooth muscle relaxation in response to vasoactive transmitters and in strengthening endothelial cell-cell junctions that regulate the movement of solutes, cells and macromolecules between the blood and the surrounding tissue. The vasculature expresses three cAMP effector proteins: PKA (protein kinase A), CNG (cyclic-nucleotide-gated) ion channels, and the most recently discovered Epacs (exchange proteins directly activated by cAMP). Epacs are a family of GEFs (guanine-nucleotide-exchange factors) for the small Ras-related GTPases Rap1 and Rap2, and are being increasingly implicated as important mediators of cAMP signalling, both in their own right and in parallel with the prototypical cAMP target PKA. In the present paper, we review what is currently known about the role of Epac within blood vessels, particularly with regard to the regulation of vascular tone, endothelial barrier function and inflammation.
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Roberts OL, Kamishima T, Barrett-Jolley R, Quayle JM, Dart C. Exchange protein activated by cAMP (Epac) induces vascular relaxation by activating Ca2+-sensitive K+ channels in rat mesenteric artery. J Physiol 2013; 591:5107-23. [PMID: 23959673 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2013.262006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Vasodilator-induced elevation of intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) is a central mechanism governing arterial relaxation but is incompletely understood due to the diversity of cAMP effectors. Here we investigate the role of the novel cAMP effector exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac) in mediating vasorelaxation in rat mesenteric arteries. In myography experiments, the Epac-selective cAMP analogue 8-pCPT-2-O-Me-cAMP-AM (5 μM, subsequently referred to as 8-pCPT-AM) elicited a 77.6 ± 7.1% relaxation of phenylephrine-contracted arteries over a 5 min period (mean ± SEM; n = 6). 8-pCPT-AM induced only a 16.7 ± 2.4% relaxation in arteries pre-contracted with high extracellular K(+) over the same time period (n = 10), suggesting that some of Epac's relaxant effect relies upon vascular cell hyperpolarization. This involves Ca(2+)-sensitive, large-conductance K(+) (BK(Ca)) channel opening as iberiotoxin (100 nM) significantly reduced the ability of 8-pCPT-AM to reverse phenylephrine-induced contraction (arteries relaxed by only 35.0 ± 8.5% over a 5 min exposure to 8-pCPT-AM, n = 5; P < 0.05). 8-pCPT-AM increased Ca(2+) spark frequency in Fluo-4-AM-loaded mesenteric myocytes from 0.045 ± 0.008 to 0.103 ± 0.022 sparks s(-1) μm(-1) (P < 0.05) and reversibly increased both the frequency (0.94 ± 0.25 to 2.30 ± 0.72 s(-1)) and amplitude (23.9 ± 3.3 to 35.8 ± 7.7 pA) of spontaneous transient outward currents (STOCs) recorded in isolated mesenteric myocytes (n = 7; P < 0.05). 8-pCPT-AM-activated STOCs were sensitive to iberiotoxin (100 nM) and to ryanodine (30 μM). Current clamp recordings of isolated myocytes showed a 7.9 ± 1.0 mV (n = 10) hyperpolarization in response to 8-pCPT-AM that was sensitive to iberiotoxin (n = 5). Endothelial disruption suppressed 8-pCPT-AM-mediated relaxation in phenylephrine-contracted arteries (24.8 ± 4.9% relaxation after 5 min of exposure, n = 5; P < 0.05), as did apamin and TRAM-34, blockers of Ca(2+)-sensitive, small- and intermediate-conductance K(+) (SK(Ca) and IK(Ca)) channels, respectively, and N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (NOS). In Fluo-4-AM-loaded mesenteric endothelial cells, 8-pCPT-AM induced a sustained increase in global Ca(2+). Our data suggest that Epac hyperpolarizes smooth muscle by (1) increasing localized Ca(2+) release from ryanodine receptors (Ca(2+) sparks) to activate BK(Ca) channels, and (2) endothelial-dependent mechanisms involving the activation of SK(Ca)/IK(Ca) channels and NOS. Epac-mediated smooth muscle hyperpolarization will limit Ca(2+) entry via voltage-sensitive Ca(2+) channels and represents a novel mechanism of arterial relaxation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Owain Llŷr Roberts
- C. Dart: Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK.
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Menon J, Doebele RC, Gomes S, Bevilacqua E, Reindl KM, Rosner MR. A novel interplay between Rap1 and PKA regulates induction of angiogenesis in prostate cancer. PLoS One 2012; 7:e49893. [PMID: 23166790 PMCID: PMC3499522 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0049893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2012] [Accepted: 10/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis inhibition is an important therapeutic strategy for advanced stage prostate cancer. Previous work from our laboratory showed that sustained stimulation of Rap1 by 8-pCPT-2'-O-Me-cAMP (8CPT) via activation of Epac, a Rap1 GEF, or by expression of a constitutively active Rap1 mutant (cRap1) suppresses endothelial cell chemotaxis and subsequent angiogenesis. When we tested this model in the context of a prostate tumor xenograft, we found that 8CPT had no significant effect on prostate tumor growth alone. However, in cells harboring cRap1, 8CPT dramatically inhibited not only prostate tumor growth but also VEGF expression and angiogenesis within the tumor microenvironment. Subsequent analysis of the mechanism revealed that, in prostate tumor epithelial cells, 8CPT acted via stimulation of PKA rather than Epac/Rap1. PKA antagonizes Rap1 and hypoxic induction of 1α protein expression, VEGF production and, ultimately, angiogenesis. Together these findings provide evidence for a novel interplay between Rap1, Epac, and PKA that regulates tumor-stromal induction of angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyotsana Menon
- Ben May Department for Cancer Research, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Robert C. Doebele
- School of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Suzana Gomes
- Ben May Department for Cancer Research, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Elena Bevilacqua
- Ben May Department for Cancer Research, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Katie M. Reindl
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, United States of America
| | - Marsha Rich Rosner
- Ben May Department for Cancer Research, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Rajapaksha M, Lovell S, Janowiak BE, Andra KK, Battaile KP, Bann JG. pH effects on binding between the anthrax protective antigen and the host cellular receptor CMG2. Protein Sci 2012; 21:1467-80. [PMID: 22855243 DOI: 10.1002/pro.2136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2012] [Revised: 07/25/2012] [Accepted: 07/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The anthrax protective antigen (PA) binds to the host cellular receptor capillary morphogenesis protein 2 (CMG2) with high affinity. To gain a better understanding of how pH may affect binding to the receptor, we have investigated the kinetics of binding as a function of pH to the full-length monomeric PA and to two variants: a 2-fluorohistidine-labeled PA (2-FHisPA), which is ∼1 pH unit more stable to variations in pH than WT, and an ∼1 pH unit less stable variant in which Trp346 in the domain 2β(3) -2β(4) loop is substituted with a Phe (W346F). We show using stopped-flow fluorescence that the binding rate increases as the pH is lowered for all proteins, with little influence on the rate of dissociation. In addition, we have crystallized PA and the two variants and examine the influence of pH on structure. In contrast to previous X-ray studies, the domain 2β(3) -2β(4) loop undergoes little change in structure from pH ∼8 to 5.5 for the WT protein, but for the 2-FHis labeled and W346F mutant there are changes in structure consistent with previous X-ray studies. In accord with pH stability studies, we find that the average B-factor values increase by ∼20-30% for all three proteins at low pH. Our results suggest that for the full-length PA, low pH increases the binding affinity, likely through a change in structure that favors a more "bound-like" conformation.
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20
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Göttle M, Dove S, Seifert R. Bacillus anthracis edema factor substrate specificity: evidence for new modes of action. Toxins (Basel) 2012; 4:505-35. [PMID: 22852066 PMCID: PMC3407890 DOI: 10.3390/toxins4070505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2012] [Revised: 06/15/2012] [Accepted: 06/27/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the isolation of Bacillus anthracis exotoxins in the 1960s, the detrimental activity of edema factor (EF) was considered as adenylyl cyclase activity only. Yet the catalytic site of EF was recently shown to accomplish cyclization of cytidine 5'-triphosphate, uridine 5'-triphosphate and inosine 5'-triphosphate, in addition to adenosine 5'-triphosphate. This review discusses the broad EF substrate specificity and possible implications of intracellular accumulation of cyclic cytidine 3':5'-monophosphate, cyclic uridine 3':5'-monophosphate and cyclic inosine 3':5'-monophosphate on cellular functions vital for host defense. In particular, cAMP-independent mechanisms of action of EF on host cell signaling via protein kinase A, protein kinase G, phosphodiesterases and CNG channels are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Göttle
- Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, 6302 Woodruff Memorial Research Building, 101 Woodruff Circle, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; ; Tel.: +1-404-727-1678; Fax: +1-404-727-3157
| | - Stefan Dove
- Department of Medicinal/Pharmaceutical Chemistry II, University of Regensburg, D-93040 Regensburg, Germany;
| | - Roland Seifert
- Institute of Pharmacology, Medical School of Hannover, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, D-30625 Hannover, Germany;
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Lowe DE, Glomski IJ. Cellular and physiological effects of anthrax exotoxin and its relevance to disease. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2012; 2:76. [PMID: 22919667 PMCID: PMC3417473 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2012.00076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2012] [Accepted: 05/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax, secretes a tri-partite exotoxin that exerts pleiotropic effects on the host. The purification of the exotoxin components, protective antigen, lethal factor, and edema factor allowed the rapid characterization of their physiologic effects on the host. As molecular biology matured, interest focused on the molecular mechanisms and cellular alterations induced by intoxication. Only recently have researchers begun to connect molecular and cellular knowledge back to the broader physiological effects of the exotoxin. This review focuses on the progress that has been made bridging molecular knowledge back to the exotoxin’s physiological effects on the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- David E Lowe
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville VA, USA
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Bann JG. Anthrax toxin protective antigen--insights into molecular switching from prepore to pore. Protein Sci 2012; 21:1-12. [PMID: 22095644 DOI: 10.1002/pro.752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The protective antigen is a key component of the anthrax toxin, as it allows entry of the enzymatic components edema factor and lethal factor into the host cell, through the formation of a membrane spanning pore. This event is absolutely critical for the pathogenesis of anthrax, and although we have yet to understand the mechanism of pore formation, recent developments have provided key insights into how this process may occur. Based on the available data, a model is proposed for the kinetic steps for protective antigen conversion from prepore to pore. In this model, the driving force for pore formation is the formation of the phi (ϕ)-clamp, a region that forms a leak-free seal around the translocating polypeptide. Formation of the ϕ-clamp elicits movements within the prepore that provide steric freedom for the subsequent conformational changes required to form the membrane spanning pore.
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Affiliation(s)
- James G Bann
- Department of Chemistry, Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas 67260-0051, USA.
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Trescos Y, Tournier JN. Cytoskeleton as an emerging target of anthrax toxins. Toxins (Basel) 2012; 4:83-97. [PMID: 22474568 PMCID: PMC3317109 DOI: 10.3390/toxins4020083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2012] [Revised: 01/21/2012] [Accepted: 01/26/2012] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacillus anthracis, the agent of anthrax, has gained virulence through its exotoxins produced by vegetative bacilli and is composed of three components forming lethal toxin (LT) and edema toxin (ET). So far, little is known about the effects of these toxins on the eukaryotic cytoskeleton. Here, we provide an overview on the general effects of toxin upon the cytoskeleton architecture. Thus, we shall discuss how anthrax toxins interact with their receptors and may disrupt the interface between extracellular matrix and the cytoskeleton. We then analyze what toxin molecular effects on cytoskeleton have been described, before discussing how the cytoskeleton may help the pathogen to corrupt general cell processes such as phagocytosis or vascular integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannick Trescos
- Unité Interactions Hôte-Agents pathogènes, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Centre de Recherche du Service de Santé des Armées, BP 87, 24 avenue des Maquis du Grésivaudan 38702 La Tronche Cedex, France;
- Ecole du Val-de-Grâce, 1 place Alphonse Lavéran, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Jean-Nicolas Tournier
- Unité Interactions Hôte-Agents pathogènes, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Centre de Recherche du Service de Santé des Armées, BP 87, 24 avenue des Maquis du Grésivaudan 38702 La Tronche Cedex, France;
- Ecole du Val-de-Grâce, 1 place Alphonse Lavéran, 75005 Paris, France
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; ; Tel.: +33-4-76636850; Fax: +33-4-76636917
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Doebele RC, Pilling AB, Aisner DL, Kutateladze TG, Le AT, Weickhardt AJ, Kondo KL, Linderman DJ, Heasley LE, Franklin WA, Varella-Garcia M, Camidge DR. Mechanisms of resistance to crizotinib in patients with ALK gene rearranged non-small cell lung cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2012; 18:1472-82. [PMID: 22235099 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-11-2906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 865] [Impact Index Per Article: 72.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene rearrangements often manifest dramatic responses to crizotinib, a small-molecule ALK inhibitor. Unfortunately, not every patient responds and acquired drug resistance inevitably develops in those who do respond. This study aimed to define molecular mechanisms of resistance to crizotinib in patients with ALK(+) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We analyzed tissue obtained from 14 patients with ALK(+) NSCLC showing evidence of radiologic progression while on crizotinib to define mechanisms of intrinsic and acquired resistance to crizotinib. RESULTS Eleven patients had material evaluable for molecular analysis. Four patients (36%) developed secondary mutations in the tyrosine kinase domain of ALK. A novel mutation in the ALK domain, encoding a G1269A amino acid substitution that confers resistance to crizotinib in vitro, was identified in two of these cases. Two patients, one with a resistance mutation, exhibited new onset ALK copy number gain (CNG). One patient showed outgrowth of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutant NSCLC without evidence of a persistent ALK gene rearrangement. Two patients exhibited a KRAS mutation, one of which occurred without evidence of a persisting ALK gene rearrangement. One patient showed the emergence of an ALK gene fusion-negative tumor compared with the baseline sample but with no identifiable alternate driver. Two patients retained ALK positivity with no identifiable resistance mechanism. CONCLUSIONS Crizotinib resistance in ALK(+) NSCLC occurs through somatic kinase domain mutations, ALK gene fusion CNG, and emergence of separate oncogenic drivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert C Doebele
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80209, USA.
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Nguyen C, Feng C, Zhan M, Cross AS, Goldblum SE. Bacillus anthracis-derived edema toxin (ET) counter-regulates movement of neutrophils and macromolecules through the endothelial paracellular pathway. BMC Microbiol 2012; 12:2. [PMID: 22230035 PMCID: PMC3277462 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2180-12-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2011] [Accepted: 01/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A common finding amongst patients with inhalational anthrax is a paucity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) in infected tissues in the face of abundant circulating PMNs. A major virulence determinant of anthrax is edema toxin (ET), which is formed by the combination of two proteins produced by the organism, edema factor (EF), which is an adenyl cyclase, and protective antigen (PA). Since cAMP, a product of adenyl cyclase, is known to enhance endothelial barrier integrity, we asked whether ET might decrease extravasation of PMNs into tissues through closure of the paracellular pathway through which PMNs traverse. RESULTS Pretreatment of human microvascular endothelial cell(EC)s of the lung (HMVEC-L) with ET decreased interleukin (IL)-8-driven transendothelial migration (TEM) of PMNs with a maximal reduction of nearly 60%. This effect required the presence of both EF and PA. Conversely, ET did not diminish PMN chemotaxis in an EC-free system. Pretreatment of subconfluent HMVEC-Ls decreased transendothelial 14 C-albumin flux by ~ 50% compared to medium controls. Coadministration of ET with either tumor necrosis factor-α or bacterial lipopolysaccharide, each at 100 ng/mL, attenuated the increase of transendothelial 14 C-albumin flux caused by either agent alone. The inhibitory effect of ET on TEM paralleled increases in protein kinase A (PKA) activity, but could not be blocked by inhibition of PKA with either H-89 or KT-5720. Finally, we were unable to replicate the ET effect with either forskolin or 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, two agents known to increase cAMP. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that ET decreases IL-8-driven TEM of PMNs across HMVEC-L monolayers independent of cAMP/PKA activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinh Nguyen
- Southern Arizona Veterans Affairs Health Care Systems, Tucson, AZ 85723, USA.
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Abstract
The anthrax edema toxin (ET) of Bacillus anthracis is composed of the receptor-binding component protective antigen (PA) and of the adenylyl cyclase catalytic moiety, edema factor (EF). Uptake of ET into cells raises intracellular concentrations of the secondary messenger cyclic AMP, thereby impairing or activating host cell functions. We report here on a new consequence of ET action in vivo. We show that in mouse models of toxemia and infection, serum PA concentrations were significantly higher in the presence of enzymatically active EF. These higher concentrations were not caused by ET-induced inhibition of PA endocytosis; on the contrary, ET induced increased PA binding and uptake of the PA oligomer in vitro and in vivo through upregulation of the PA receptors TEM8 and CMG2 in both myeloid and nonmyeloid cells. ET effects on protein clearance from circulation appeared to be global and were not limited to PA. ET also impaired the clearance of ovalbumin, green fluorescent protein, and EF itself, as well as the small molecule biotin when these molecules were coinjected with the toxin. Effects on injected protein levels were not a result of general increase in protein concentrations due to fluid loss. Functional markers for liver and kidney were altered in response to ET. Concomitantly, ET caused phosphorylation and activation of the aquaporin-2 water channel present in the principal cells of the collecting ducts of the kidneys that are responsible for fluid homeostasis. Our data suggest that in vivo, ET alters circulatory protein and small molecule pharmacokinetics by an as-yet-undefined mechanism, thereby potentially allowing a prolonged circulation of anthrax virulence factors such as EF during infection.
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Guichard A, Nizet V, Bier E. New insights into the biological effects of anthrax toxins: linking cellular to organismal responses. Microbes Infect 2011; 14:97-118. [PMID: 21930233 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2011.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2011] [Revised: 08/30/2011] [Accepted: 08/30/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The anthrax toxins lethal toxin (LT) and edema toxin (ET) are essential virulence factors produced by Bacillus anthracis. These toxins act during two distinct phases of anthrax infection. During the first, prodromal phase, which is often asymptomatic, anthrax toxins act on cells of the immune system to help the pathogen establish infection. Then, during the rapidly progressing (or fulminant) stage of the disease bacteria disseminate via a hematological route to various target tissues and organs, which are typically highly vascularized. As bacteria proliferate in the bloodstream, LT and ET begin to accumulate rapidly reaching a critical threshold level that will cause death even when the bacterial proliferation is curtailed by antibiotics. During this final phase of infection the toxins cause an increase in vascular permeability and a decrease in function of target organs including the heart, spleen, kidney, adrenal gland, and brain. In this review, we examine the various biological effects of anthrax toxins, focusing on the fulminant stage of the disease and on mechanisms by which the two toxins may collaborate to cause cardiovascular collapse. We discuss normal mechanisms involved in maintaining vascular integrity and based on recent studies indicating that LT and ET cooperatively inhibit membrane trafficking to cell-cell junctions we explore several potential mechanisms by which the toxins may achieve their lethal effects. We also summarize the effects of other potential virulence factors secreted by B. anthracis and consider the role of toxic factors in the evolutionarily recent emergence of this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annabel Guichard
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0349, USA
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28
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Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) acting through VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) on endothelial cells (ECs) is a key regulator of angiogenesis, a process essential for wound healing and tumor metastasis. Rap1a and Rap1b, 2 highly homologous small G proteins, are both required for angiogenesis in vivo and for normal EC responses to VEGF. Here we sought to determine the mechanism through which Rap1 promotes VEGF-mediated angiogenesis. Using lineage-restricted Rap1-knockout mice we show that Rap1-deficiency in endothelium leads to defective angiogenesis in vivo, in a dose-dependent manner. Using ECs obtained from Rap1-deficient mice we demonstrate that Rap1b promotes VEGF-VEGFR2 kinase activation and regulates integrin activation. Importantly, the Rap1b-dependent VEGF-VEGFR2 activation is in part mediated via integrin α(v)β(3). Furthermore, in an in vivo model of zebrafish angiogenesis, we demonstrate that Rap1b is essential for the sprouting of intersomitic vessels, a process known to be dependent on VEGF signaling. Using 2 distinct pharmacologic VEGFR2 inhibitors we show that Rap1b and VEGFR2 act additively to control angiogenesis in vivo. We conclude that Rap1b promotes VEGF-mediated angiogenesis by promoting VEGFR2 activation in ECs via integrin α(v)β(3). These results provide a novel insight into the role of Rap1 in VEGF signaling in ECs.
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Sayner SL. Emerging themes of cAMP regulation of the pulmonary endothelial barrier. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2011; 300:L667-78. [PMID: 21335524 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00433.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The presence of excess fluid in the interstitium and air spaces of the lung presents severe restrictions to gas exchange. The pulmonary endothelial barrier regulates the flux of fluid and plasma proteins from the vascular space into the underlying tissue. The integrity of this endothelial barrier is dynamically regulated by transitions in cAMP (3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate), which are synthesized in discrete subcellular compartments. Cyclic AMP generated in the subplasma membrane compartment acts through PKA and Epac (exchange protein directly activated by cAMP) to tighten cell adhesions, strengthen cortical actin, reduce actomyosin contraction, and decrease permeability. Confining cAMP within the subplasma membrane space is critical to its barrier-protective properties. When cAMP escapes the near membrane compartment and gains access to the cytosolic compartment, or when soluble adenylyl cyclases generate cAMP within the cytosolic compartment, this second messenger activates established cytosolic cAMP signaling cascades to perturb the endothelial barrier through PKA-mediated disruption of microtubules. Thus the concept of cAMP compartmentalization in endothelial barrier regulation is gaining momentum and new possibilities are being unveiled for cytosolic cAMP signaling with the emergence of the bicarbonate-regulated mammalian soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC or AC10).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L Sayner
- Dept. of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Member, Center for Lung Biology, College of Medicine, Univ. of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA.
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Cryan LM, Rogers MS. Targeting the anthrax receptors, TEM-8 and CMG-2, for anti-angiogenic therapy. Front Biosci (Landmark Ed) 2011; 16:1574-88. [PMID: 21196249 DOI: 10.2741/3806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The anthrax toxin receptors tumor endothelial marker-8 (TEM-8) and capillary morphogenesis gene-2 (CMG-2) are responsible for allowing entry of anthrax toxin into host cells. These receptors were first discovered due to their enhanced expression on endothelial cells undergoing blood vessel growth or angiogenesis in model systems. Inhibition of angiogenesis is an important strategy for current anti-cancer therapies and treatment of retinal diseases. Functional roles for TEM-8 and CMG-2 in angiogenesis have recently emerged. TEM-8 appears to regulate endothelial cell migration and tubule formation whereas a role for CMG-2 in endothelial proliferation has been documented. TEM-8 and CMG-2 bind differentially to extracellular matrix proteins including collagen I, collagen IV and laminin and these properties may be responsible for their apparent roles in regulating endothelial cell behavior during angiogenesis. TEM-8-binding moieties have also been suggested to be useful in selectively targeting anti-angiogenic and anti-tumorigenic therapies to tumor endothelium. Additionally, studies of modified forms of lethal toxin (LeTx) have demonstrated that targeted inhibition of MAPKs within tumor vessels may represent an efficacious anti-angiogenic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorna M Cryan
- Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Boston, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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31
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Regulation of angiogenesis by a small GTPase Rap1. Vascul Pharmacol 2010; 53:1-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2010.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2009] [Revised: 02/20/2010] [Accepted: 03/11/2010] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Gnade BT, Moen ST, Chopra AK, Peterson JW, Yeager LA. Emergence of anthrax edema toxin as a master manipulator of macrophage and B cell functions. Toxins (Basel) 2010; 2:1881-97. [PMID: 22069663 PMCID: PMC3153274 DOI: 10.3390/toxins2071881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2010] [Revised: 07/06/2010] [Accepted: 07/12/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthrax edema toxin (ET), a powerful adenylyl cyclase, is an important virulence factor of Bacillus anthracis. Until recently, only a modest amount of research was performed to understand the role this toxin plays in the organism's immune evasion strategy. A new wave of studies have begun to elucidate the effects this toxin has on a variety of host cells. While efforts have been made to illuminate the effect ET has on cells of the adaptive immune system, such as T cells, the greatest focus has been on cells of the innate immune system, particularly the macrophage. Here we discuss the immunoevasive activities that ET exerts on macrophages, as well as new research on the effects of this toxin on B cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan T. Gnade
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (B.T.G.); (S.T.M.)
| | - Scott T. Moen
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (B.T.G.); (S.T.M.)
| | - Ashok K. Chopra
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (B.T.G.); (S.T.M.)
- Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases and Sealy Center for Vaccine Development, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (A.K.C.); (J.W.P.)
| | - Johnny W. Peterson
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (B.T.G.); (S.T.M.)
- Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases and Sealy Center for Vaccine Development, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (A.K.C.); (J.W.P.)
| | - Linsey A. Yeager
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (B.T.G.); (S.T.M.)
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Odumosu O, Nicholas D, Yano H, Langridge W. AB toxins: a paradigm switch from deadly to desirable. Toxins (Basel) 2010; 2:1612-45. [PMID: 22069653 PMCID: PMC3153263 DOI: 10.3390/toxins2071612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2010] [Revised: 06/08/2010] [Accepted: 06/23/2010] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
To ensure their survival, a number of bacterial and plant species have evolved a common strategy to capture energy from other biological systems. Being imperfect pathogens, organisms synthesizing multi-subunit AB toxins are responsible for the mortality of millions of people and animals annually. Vaccination against these organisms and their toxins has proved rather ineffective in providing long-term protection from disease. In response to the debilitating effects of AB toxins on epithelial cells of the digestive mucosa, mechanisms underlying toxin immunomodulation of immune responses have become the focus of increasing experimentation. The results of these studies reveal that AB toxins may have a beneficial application as adjuvants for the enhancement of immune protection against infection and autoimmunity. Here, we examine similarities and differences in the structure and function of bacterial and plant AB toxins that underlie their toxicity and their exceptional properties as immunomodulators for stimulating immune responses against infectious disease and for immune suppression of organ-specific autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oludare Odumosu
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University, School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA; (O.O.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Loma Linda University, School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA; (D.N.)
| | - Dequina Nicholas
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University, School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA; (O.O.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Loma Linda University, School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA; (D.N.)
| | - Hiroshi Yano
- Department of Biology, University of Redlands, 1200 East Colton Ave, P.O. Box 3080, Redlands, CA 92373, USA; (H.Y.)
| | - William Langridge
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University, School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA; (O.O.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Loma Linda University, School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA; (D.N.)
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; ; Tel.: +1-909-558-1000 (81362); Fax: +1-909-558-0177
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Tan EH, Ramlau R, Pluzanska A, Kuo HP, Reck M, Milanowski J, Au JSK, Felip E, Yang PC, Damyanov D, Orlov S, Akimov M, Delmar P, Essioux L, Hillenbach C, Klughammer B, McLoughlin P, Baselga J. A multicentre phase II gene expression profiling study of putative relationships between tumour biomarkers and clinical response with erlotinib in non-small-cell lung cancer. Ann Oncol 2010; 21:217-222. [PMID: 20110292 PMCID: PMC2813308 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdp520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Identification of appropriate markers for predicting clinical benefit with erlotinib in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) may be able to guide patient selection for treatment. This open-label, multicentre, phase II trial aimed to identify genes with potential use as biomarkers for clinical benefit from erlotinib therapy. Methods: Adults with stage IIIb/IV NSCLC in whom one or more chemotherapy regimen had failed were treated with erlotinib (150 mg/day). Tumour biopsies were analysed using gene expression profiling with Affymetrix GeneChip® microarrays. Differentially expressed genes were verified using quantitative RT–PCR (qRT–PCR). Results: A total of 264 patients were enrolled in the study. Gene expression profiles found no statistically significant differentially expressed genes between patients with and without clinical benefit. In an exploratory analysis in responding versus nonresponding patients, three genes on chromosome 7 were expressed at higher levels in the responding group [epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), phosphoserine phosphatase (PSPH) and Rap guanine nucleotide exchange factor 5 (RAPGEF5)]. Independent quantification using qRT–PCR validated the association between EGFR and PSPH overexpression, but not RAPGEF5 overexpression, and clinical outcome. Conclusions: This study supports the use of erlotinib as an alternative to chemotherapy for patients with relapsed advanced NSCLC. Genetic amplification of the EGFR region of chromosome 7 may be associated with response to erlotinib therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- E-H Tan
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre, Singapore
| | - R Ramlau
- Department of Oncology, Regional Lung Disease Centre, Poznan
| | - A Pluzanska
- Oncological Chemotherapy Clinic, Regional Oncology Centre, Lodz, Poland
| | - H-P Kuo
- Department of Thoracic Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan
| | - M Reck
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Hospital Grosshansdorf, Grosshansdorf, Germany
| | - J Milanowski
- Department of Pneumology, Oncology and Allergology, Akademia Medyczna w Lublinie, Lublin, Poland
| | - J S-K Au
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - E Felip
- Department of Medical Oncology, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - P-C Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine and Department of Emergency Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - D Damyanov
- Specialized Hospital for Active Treatment in Oncology, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - S Orlov
- Laboratory of Thoracic Oncology, Research Institute of Pulmonology, Pavlov State Medical University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - M Akimov
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel, Switzerland
| | - P Delmar
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel, Switzerland
| | - L Essioux
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - J Baselga
- Department of Medical Oncology, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain.
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Grandoch M, Roscioni SS, Schmidt M. The role of Epac proteins, novel cAMP mediators, in the regulation of immune, lung and neuronal function. Br J Pharmacol 2009; 159:265-84. [PMID: 19912228 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2009.00458.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic degenerative inflammatory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and Alzheimer's dementia, afflict millions of people around the world, causing death and debilitation. Despite the global impact of these diseases, there have been few innovative breakthroughs into their cause, treatment or cure. As with many debilitating disorders, chronic degenerative inflammatory diseases may be associated with defective or dysfunctional responses to second messengers, such as cyclic adenosinemonophosphate (cAMP). The identification of the cAMP-activated guanine nucleotide exchange factors for Ras-like GTPases, Epac1 (also known as cAMP-GEF-I) and Epac2 (also known as cAMP-GEF-II), profoundly altered the prevailing assumptions concerning cAMP signalling, which until then had been solely associated with protein kinase A (PKA). Studies of the molecular mechanisms of Epac-related signalling have demonstrated that these novel cAMP sensors regulate many physiological processes either alone and/or in concert with PKA. These include calcium handling, cardiac and smooth muscle contraction, learning and memory, cell proliferation and differentiation, apoptosis, and inflammation. The diverse signalling properties of cAMP might be explained by spatio-temporal compartmentalization, as well as A-kinase anchoring proteins, which seem to coordinate Epac signalling networks. Future research should focus on the Epac-regulated dynamics of cAMP, and, hopefully, the development of compounds that specifically interfere with the Epac signalling system in order to determine the precise significance of Epac proteins in chronic degenerative inflammatory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Grandoch
- Institut für Pharmakologie, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Essen, Germany
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36
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A novel interplay between Epac/Rap1 and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 5/extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (MEK5/ERK5) regulates thrombospondin to control angiogenesis. Blood 2009; 114:4592-600. [PMID: 19710505 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2009-04-217042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumors depend upon angiogenesis for growth and metastasis. It is therefore critical to understand the inhibitory signaling mechanisms in endothelial cells that control angiogenesis. Epac is a cyclic adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated guanine nucleotide exchange factor for Rap1. In this study, we show that activation of Epac or Rap1 leads to potent inhibition of angiogenesis in vivo. Epac/Rap1 activation down-regulates inhibitor of differentiation 1 (Id1), which negatively regulates thrombospondin-1 (TSP1), an inhibitor of angiogenesis. Consistent with this mechanism, activation of Epac/Rap 1 induces expression of TSP1; conversely, depletion of Epac reduces TSP1 levels in endothelial cells. Blockade of TSP1 binding to its receptor, CD36, rescues inhibition of chemotaxis or angiogenesis by activated Epac/Rap1. Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 5, a downstream mediator of vascular endothelial growth factor, antagonizes the effects of Epac/Rap1 by inducing Id1 and suppressing TSP1 expression. Finally, TSP1 is also secreted by fibroblasts in response to Epac/Rap1 activation. These results identify Epac and Rap1 as inhibitory regulators of the angiogenic process, implicate Id1 and TSP1 as downstream mediators of Epac/Rap1, and highlight a novel interplay between pro- and antiangiogenic signaling cascades involving multiple cell types within the angiogenic microenvironment.
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37
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Moayeri M, Leppla SH. Cellular and systemic effects of anthrax lethal toxin and edema toxin. Mol Aspects Med 2009; 30:439-55. [PMID: 19638283 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2009.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2009] [Accepted: 07/21/2009] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Anthrax lethal toxin (LT) and edema toxin (ET) are the major virulence factors of anthrax and can replicate the lethality and symptoms associated with the disease. This review provides an overview of our current understanding of anthrax toxin effects in animal models and the cytotoxicity (necrosis and apoptosis) induced by LT in different cells. A brief reexamination of early historic findings on toxin in vivo effects in the context of our current knowledge is also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahtab Moayeri
- Bacterial Toxins and Therapeutics Section, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Building 33, Room 1W20B, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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38
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Tang WJ, Guo Q. The adenylyl cyclase activity of anthrax edema factor. Mol Aspects Med 2009; 30:423-30. [PMID: 19560485 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2009.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2009] [Accepted: 06/19/2009] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Bacillus anthracis, the etiologic agent for anthrax, secretes edema factor (EF) to disrupt intracellular signaling pathways. Upon translocation into host cells and association with a calcium sensor, calmodulin (CaM), EF becomes a highly active adenylyl cyclase (AC) that raises the intracellular concentration of cyclic AMP (cAMP). Growing evidence shows that EF plays a key role in anthrax pathogenesis by affecting cellular functions vital for host defense. This strategy is also used by Bordetella pertussis, a bacterium that causes whooping cough. Pertussis bacteria secrete the bifunctional toxin CyaA which raises the intracellular cAMP. Here, we discuss recent advances from structural analyses that reveal the molecular basis of the conserved mechanism of activation and catalysis of EF and CyaA by CaM even though these two toxins use the completely different sequences to bind CaM. Comparison of the biochemical and structural characteristics of these two AC toxins with host ACs reveal that they have diverse strategies of catalytic activation, yet use the same two-metal-ion catalytic mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Jen Tang
- Ben-May Department for Cancer Research, The University of Chicago, 929 East 57th Street, GCIS W434, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
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Namkoong S, Kim CK, Cho YL, Kim JH, Lee H, Ha KS, Choe J, Kim PH, Won MH, Kwon YG, Shim EB, Kim YM. Forskolin increases angiogenesis through the coordinated cross-talk of PKA-dependent VEGF expression and Epac-mediated PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling. Cell Signal 2009; 21:906-15. [PMID: 19385062 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2009.01.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Forskolin, a potent activator of adenylyl cyclases, has been implicated in modulating angiogenesis, but the underlying mechanism has not been clearly elucidated. We investigated the signal mechanism by which forskolin regulates angiogenesis. Forskolin stimulated angiogenesis of human endothelial cells and in vivo neovascularization, which was accompanied by phosphorylation of CREB, ERK, Akt, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) as well as NO production and VEGF expression. Forskolin-induced CREB phosphorylation, VEGF promoter activity, and VEGF expression were blocked by the PKA inhibitor PKI.Moreover, phosphorylation of ERK by forskolin was inhibited by the MEK inhibitor PD98059, but not PKI. The forskolin-induced Akt/eNOS/NO pathway was completely inhibited by the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor LY294002, but not significantly suppressed by PKI. These inhibitors and a NOS inhibitor partially inhibited forskolin-induced angiogenesis. The exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac) activator, 8CPT-2Me-cAMP, promoted the Akt/eNOS/NO pathway and ERK phosphorylation,but did not induce CREB phosphorylation and VEGF expression. The angiogenic effect of the Epac activator was diminished by the inhibition of PI3K and MEK, but not by the PKA inhibitor. Small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of Epac1 suppressed forskolin-induced angiogenesis and phosphorylation of ERK, Akt, and eNOS, but not CREB phosphorylation and VEGF expression. These results suggest that forskolin stimulates angiogenesis through coordinated cross-talk between two distinct pathways, PKA-dependent VEGF expression and Epac-dependent ERKactivation and PI3K/Akt/eNOS/NO signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Namkoong
- Vascular System Research Center, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chunchon, Kangwon-do, Republic of Korea
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Eilon T, Barash I. Distinct gene-expression profiles characterize mammary tumors developed in transgenic mice expressing constitutively active and C-terminally truncated variants of STAT5. BMC Genomics 2009; 10:231. [PMID: 19450255 PMCID: PMC2689279 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-10-231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2008] [Accepted: 05/18/2009] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Stat5 is a latent transcription factor that regulates essential growth and survival functions in normal cells. Constitutive activity of Stat5 and the involvement of its C-terminally truncated variant have been implicated in blood cell malignancies and mammary or breast cancer. To distinguish the individual contributions of the Stat5 variants to mammary tumorigenesis, global gene-expression profiling was performed on transgenic STAT5-induced tumors. Results We identified 364 genes exhibiting differential expression in mammary tumors developed in transgenic mice expressing constitutively active STAT5 (STAT5ca) vs. its C-terminally truncated variant (STAT5Δ750). These genes mediate established Stat5 effects on cellular processes such as proliferation and cell death, as well as yet-unrelated homeostatic features, e.g. carbohydrate metabolism. A set of 14 genes linked STAT5Δ750 expression to the poorly differentiated carcinoma phenotype and STAT5ca to the highly differentiated papillary adenocarcinoma. Specifically affected genes exhibited differential expression in an individual tumor set vs. its counterpart and the intact mammary gland: 50 genes were specifically affected by STAT5ca, and 94% of these were downregulated, the latter involved in suppression of tumor suppressors and proliferation antagonistics. This substantial downregulation distinguishes the STAT5ca-induced tumorigenic consequences from the relatively equal effect of the STAT5Δ750 on gene expression, which included significant elevation in the expression of oncogenes and growth mediators. STAT5Δ750 mRNA expression was below detection levels in the tumors and the amount of STAT5ca transcript was not correlated with the expression of its specifically affected genes. Interestingly, we identified several groups of three to eight genes affected by a particular STAT5 variant with significant correlated expression at distinct locations in the clustergram. Conclusion The different gene-expression profiles in mammary tumors caused by the STAT5Δ750 and STAT5ca variants, corroborated by the absence of a direct link to transgenic STAT5 expression, imply distinct metabolic consequences for their oncogenic role which probably initiate early in tumor development. Tumorigenesis may involve induction of growth factor and oncogenes by STAT5Δ750 or suppression of tumor suppressors and growth antagonists by STAT5ca. The list of genes specifically affected by the STAT5 variants may provide a basis for the development of a marker set for their distinct oncogenic role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tali Eilon
- Institute of Animal Science, ARO, The Volcani Center, Bet-Dagan, Israel.
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41
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Maldonado-Arocho FJ, Bradley KA. Anthrax edema toxin induces maturation of dendritic cells and enhances chemotaxis towards macrophage inflammatory protein 3beta. Infect Immun 2009; 77:2036-42. [PMID: 19273556 PMCID: PMC2681763 DOI: 10.1128/iai.01329-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2008] [Revised: 12/03/2008] [Accepted: 03/02/2009] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacillus anthracis secretes two bipartite toxins, edema toxin (ET) and lethal toxin (LT), which impair immune responses and contribute directly to the pathology associated with the disease anthrax. Edema factor, the catalytic subunit of ET, is an adenylate cyclase that impairs host defenses by raising cellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels. Synthetic cAMP analogues and compounds that raise intracellular cAMP levels lead to phenotypic and functional changes in dendritic cells (DCs). Here, we demonstrate that ET induces a maturation state in human monocyte-derived DCs (MDDCs) similar to that induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). ET treatment results in downregulation of DC-SIGN, a marker of immature DCs, and upregulation of DC maturation markers CD83 and CD86. Maturation of DCs by ET is accompanied by an increased ability to migrate toward the lymph node-homing chemokine macrophage inflammatory protein 3beta, like LPS-matured DCs. Interestingly, cotreating with LT differentially affects the ET-induced maturation of MDDCs while not inhibiting ET-induced migration. These findings reveal a mechanism by which ET impairs normal innate immune function and may explain the reported adjuvant effect of ET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco J Maldonado-Arocho
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Molecular Genetics, University of California at Los Angeles, 609 Charles E. Young Dr. East, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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Bacillus anthracis edema toxin suppresses human macrophage phagocytosis and cytoskeletal remodeling via the protein kinase A and exchange protein activated by cyclic AMP pathways. Infect Immun 2009; 77:2530-43. [PMID: 19307216 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00905-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacillus anthracis, the etiological agent of anthrax, is a gram-positive spore-forming bacterium. It produces edema toxin (EdTx), a powerful adenylate cyclase that increases cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels in host cells. Because other cAMP-increasing agents inhibit key macrophage (MPhi) functions, such as phagocytosis, it was hypothesized that EdTx would exhibit similar suppressive activities. Our previous GeneChip data showed that EdTx downregulated MPhi genes involved in actin cytoskeleton remodeling, including protein kinase A (PKA). To further examine the role of EdTx during anthrax pathogenesis, we explored the hypothesis that EdTx treatment leads to deregulation of the cAMP-dependent PKA system, resulting in impaired cytoskeletal functions essential for MPhi activity. Our data revealed that EdTx significantly suppressed human MPhi phagocytosis of Ames spores. Cytoskeletal changes, such as decreased cell spreading and lowered F-actin content, were also observed for toxin-treated MPhis. Further, EdTx altered the protein levels and activity of PKA and exchange protein activated by cAMP (Epac), a recently identified cAMP-binding molecule. By using PKA- and Epac-selective cAMP analogs, we confirmed the involvement of both pathways in the inhibition of MPhi functions elicited by EdTx-generated cAMP. These results suggested that EdTx weakened the host immune response by increasing cAMP levels, which then signaled via PKA and Epac to cripple MPhi phagocytosis and interfered with cytoskeletal remodeling.
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Lung epithelial injury by B. anthracis lethal toxin is caused by MKK-dependent loss of cytoskeletal integrity. PLoS One 2009; 4:e4755. [PMID: 19270742 PMCID: PMC2649448 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0004755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2008] [Accepted: 01/22/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacillus anthracis lethal toxin (LT) is a key virulence factor of anthrax and contributes significantly to the in vivo pathology. The enzymatically active component is a Zn2+-dependent metalloprotease that cleaves most isoforms of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinases (MKKs). Using ex vivo differentiated human lung epithelium we report that LT destroys lung epithelial barrier function and wound healing responses by immobilizing the actin and microtubule network. Long-term exposure to the toxin generated a unique cellular phenotype characterized by increased actin filament assembly, microtubule stabilization, and changes in junction complexes and focal adhesions. LT-exposed cells displayed randomly oriented, highly dynamic protrusions, polarization defects and impaired cell migration. Reconstitution of MAPK pathways revealed that this LT-induced phenotype was primarily dependent on the coordinated loss of MKK1 and MKK2 signaling. Thus, MKKs control fundamental aspects of cytoskeletal dynamics and cell motility. Even though LT disabled repair mechanisms, agents such as keratinocyte growth factor or dexamethasone improved epithelial barrier integrity by reducing cell death. These results suggest that co-administration of anti-cytotoxic drugs may be of benefit when treating inhalational anthrax.
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Anthrax edema toxin modulates PKA- and CREB-dependent signaling in two phases. PLoS One 2008; 3:e3564. [PMID: 18958164 PMCID: PMC2569206 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0003564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2008] [Accepted: 09/22/2008] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Anthrax edema toxin (EdTx) is an adenylate cyclase which operates in the perinuclear region of host cells. However, the action of EdTx is poorly understood, especially at molecular level. The ability of EdTx to modulate cAMP-dependent signaling was studied in Jurkat T cells and was compared with that of other cAMP-rising agents: Bordetella pertussis adenylate cyclase toxin, cholera toxin and forskolin. Methodology/Principal Findings EdTx caused a prolonged increase of the intracellular cAMP concentration. This led to nuclear translocation of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) catalytic subunit, phosphorylation of cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) and expression of a reporter gene under control of the cAMP response element. Neither p90 ribosomal S6 kinase nor mitogen- and stress-activated kinase, which mediate CREB phosphorylation during T cell activation, were involved. The duration of phospho-CREB binding to chromatin correlated with the spatio-temporal rise of cAMP levels. Strikingly, EdTx pre-treated T cells were unresponsive to other stimuli involving CREB phosphorylation such as addition of forskolin or T cell receptor cross-linking. Conclusions/Significance We concluded that, in a first intoxication phase, EdTx induces PKA-dependent signaling, which culminates in CREB phosphorylation and activation of gene transcription. Subsequently CREB phosphorylation is impaired and therefore T cells are not able to respond to cues involving CREB. The present data functionally link the perinuclear localization of EdTx to its intoxication mechanism, indicating that this is a specific feature of its intoxication mechanism.
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Yokoyama U, Minamisawa S, Quan H, Akaike T, Jin M, Otsu K, Ulucan C, Wang X, Baljinnyam E, Takaoka M, Sata M, Ishikawa Y. Epac1 is upregulated during neointima formation and promotes vascular smooth muscle cell migration. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2008; 295:H1547-55. [PMID: 18689492 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.01317.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Vascular remodeling after mechanoinjury largely depends on the migration of smooth muscle cells, an initial key step to wound healing. However, the role of the second messenger system, in particular, the cAMP signal, in regulating such remodeling remains controversial. Exchange protein activated by cAMP (Epac) has been identified as a new target molecule of the cAMP signal, which is independent from PKA. We thus examined whether Epac plays a distinct role from PKA in vascular remodeling. To examine the role of Epac and PKA in migration, we used primary culture smooth muscle cells from both the fetal and adult rat aorta. A cAMP analog selective to PKA, 8-(4-parachlorophenylthio)-cAMP (pCPT-cAMP), decreased cell migration, whereas an Epac-selective analog, 8-pCPT-2'-O-Me-cAMP, enhanced migration. Adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of PKA decreased cell migration, whereas that of Epac1 significantly enhanced cell migration. Striking morphological differences were observed between pCPT-cAMP- and 8-pCPT-2'-O-Me-cAMP-treated aortic smooth muscle cells. Furthermore, overexpression of Epac1 enhanced the development of neointimal formation in fetal rat aortic tissues in organ culture. When the mouse femoral artery was injured mechanically in vivo, we found that the expression of Epac1 was upregulated in vascular smooth muscle cells, whereas that of PKA was downregulated with the progress of neointimal thickening. Our findings suggest that Epac1, in opposition to PKA, increases vascular smooth muscle cell migration. Epac may thus play an important role in advancing vascular remodeling and restenosis upon vascular injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Utako Yokoyama
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
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Rap1a is a key regulator of fibroblast growth factor 2-induced angiogenesis and together with Rap1b controls human endothelial cell functions. Mol Cell Biol 2008; 28:5803-10. [PMID: 18625726 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00393-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from existing vasculature, is regulated primarily by endothelial cell activity. We show herein that the Ras family GTPase Rap1 has a key role in the regulation of angiogenesis by modulating endothelial cell functions. Blood vessel growth into fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2)-containing Matrigel plugs was absent from rap1a(-/-) mice, and aortic rings derived from rap1a(-/-) mice failed to sprout primitive tubes in response to FGF2, when the tissue was embedded in Matrigel. Knocking down either rap1a or rap1b, two closely related rap1 family members, in human microvascular endothelial cells (HMVECs) by utilizing siRNA confirmed that Rap1 plays key roles in endothelial cell function. The rap1a or rap1b knockdown resulted in decreased adhesion to extracellular matrices and impaired cell migration. HMVEC monolayers lacking Rap1 had increased permeability, and Rap1-deficient endothelial cells failed to form three-dimensional tubular structures when they were plated on Matrigel in vitro. Finally, the activation levels of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38, and Rac, which are important signaling molecules in angiogenesis, were all reduced in response to FGF2 when either of the Rap1 proteins was depleted. These observations place Rap1 centrally in the human angiogenic process and suggest that both the Rap1a and Rap1b proteins are required for angiogenesis and that Rap1 is a critical mediator of FGF-induced ERK activation.
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The cyclic AMP effector Epac integrates pro- and anti-fibrotic signals. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2008; 105:6386-91. [PMID: 18434542 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0801490105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Scar formation occurs during the late stages of the inflammatory response but, when excessive, produces fibrosis that can lead to functional and structural damage of tissues. Here, we show that the profibrogenic agonist, transforming growth factor beta1, transcriptionally decreases expression of Exchange protein activated by cAMP 1 (Epac1) in fibroblasts/fibroblast-like cells from multiple tissues (i.e., cardiac, lung, and skin fibroblasts and hepatic stellate cells). Overexpression of Epac1 inhibits transforming growth factor beta1-induced collagen synthesis, indicating that a decrease of Epac1 expression appears to be necessary for the fibrogenic phenotype, an idea supported by evidence that Epac1 expression in cardiac fibroblasts is inhibited after myocardial infarction. Epac and protein kinase A, a second mediator of cAMP action, have opposite effects on migration but both inhibit synthesis of collagen and DNA by fibroblasts. Epac is preferentially activated by low concentrations of cAMP and stimulates migration via the small G protein Rap1 but inhibits collagen synthesis in a Rap1-independent manner. The regulation of Epac expression and activation thus appear to be critical for the integration of pro- and anti-fibrotic signals and for the regulation of fibroblast function.
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Suppression of T-lymphocyte activation and chemotaxis by the adenylate cyclase toxin of Bordetella pertussis. Infect Immun 2008; 76:2822-32. [PMID: 18426886 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00200-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The adenylate cyclase toxin (CyaA) released by Bordetella pertussis is an essential virulence factor for colonization of the host. This toxin inhibits migration and activation of phagocytes, thereby preventing bacterial killing. In addition, CyaA interferes with the initiation of adaptive immunity by misdirecting dendritic cell differentiation to a suppressive rather than stimulatory phenotype. Here we show that CyaA directly affects adaptive responses by catalyzing cyclic AMP (cAMP) production in peripheral blood lymphocytes. Treatment with CyaA resulted in profound impairment of T-lymphocyte activation and chemotaxis. These effects resulted from inhibition of T-cell antigen receptor and chemokine receptor signaling via a cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA)-dependent pathway. A comparison of the activities of CyaA on T-cell and macrophage activation and migration revealed that the biological effects of the toxin were paralleled by inhibition of the activation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases, highlighting the conclusion that the ubiquitous and evolutionarily conserved MAP kinase modules are common targets of the PKA-mediated immunosuppressant activities of CyaA and underlining the potential of cAMP-elevating toxins as a means of evasion of immunity by bacterial pathogens.
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Sehrawat S, Cullere X, Patel S, Italiano J, Mayadas TN. Role of Epac1, an exchange factor for Rap GTPases, in endothelial microtubule dynamics and barrier function. Mol Biol Cell 2008; 19:1261-70. [PMID: 18172027 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e06-10-0972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Rap1 GTPase activation by its cAMP responsive nucleotide exchange factor Epac present in endothelial cells increases endothelial cell barrier function with an associated increase in cortical actin. Here, Epac1 was shown to be responsible for these actin changes and to colocalize with microtubules in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Importantly, Epac activation with a cAMP analogue, 8-pCPT-2'O-Me-cAMP resulted in a net increase in the length of microtubules. This did not require cell-cell interactions or Rap GTPase activation, and it was attributed to microtubule growth as assessed by time-lapse microscopy of human umbilical vein endothelial cell expressing fluorophore-linked microtubule plus-end marker end-binding protein 3. An intact microtubule network was required for Epac-mediated changes in cortical actin and barrier enhancement, but it was not required for Rap activation. Finally, Epac activation reversed microtubule-dependent increases in vascular permeability induced by tumor necrosis factor-alpha and transforming growth factor-beta. Thus, Epac can directly promote microtubule growth in endothelial cells. This, together with Rap activation leads to an increase in cortical actin, which has functional significance for vascular permeability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seema Sehrawat
- Center of Excellence in Vascular Biology, Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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