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Tröster A, Jores N, Mineev KS, Sreeramulu S, DiPrima M, Tosato G, Schwalbe H. Targeting EPHA2 with Kinase Inhibitors in Colorectal Cancer. ChemMedChem 2023; 18:e202300420. [PMID: 37736700 PMCID: PMC10843416 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202300420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
The ephrin type-A 2 receptor tyrosine kinase (EPHA2) is involved in the development and progression of various cancer types, including colorectal cancer (CRC). There is also evidence that EPHA2 plays a key role in the development of resistance to the endothelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) monoclonal antibody Cetuximab used clinically in CRC. Despite the promising pharmacological potential of EPHA2, only a handful of specific inhibitors are currently available. In this concept paper, general strategies for EPHA2 inhibition with molecules of low molecular weight (small molecules) are described. Furthermore, available examples of inhibiting EPHA2 in CRC using small molecules are summarized, highlighting the potential of this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alix Tröster
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Straße 7, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Nathalie Jores
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Straße 7, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Konstantin S Mineev
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Straße 7, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sridhar Sreeramulu
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Straße 7, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Michael DiPrima
- Laboratory of Cellular Oncology, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), 37 Convent Drive, NIH Bethesda Campus Building 37, Room 4124, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Giovanna Tosato
- Laboratory of Cellular Oncology, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), 37 Convent Drive, NIH Bethesda Campus Building 37, Room 4124, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Harald Schwalbe
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Straße 7, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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2
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Norouzi A, Liaghat M, Bakhtiyari M, Noorbakhsh Varnosfaderani SM, Zalpoor H, Nabi-Afjadi M, Molania T. The potential role of COVID-19 in progression, chemo-resistance, and tumor recurrence of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Oral Oncol 2023; 144:106483. [PMID: 37421672 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2023.106483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
Numerous studies have revealed that cancer patients are more likely to develop severe Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), which can cause mortality, as well as cancer progression and treatment failure. Among these patients who may be particularly vulnerable to severe COVID-19 and COVID-19-associated cancer progression are those with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). In this regard, therapeutic approaches must be developed to lower the risk of cancer development, chemo-resistance, tumor recurrence, and death in OSCC patients with COVID-19. It may be helpful to comprehend the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) contributes to these problems. In this line, in this review, we described the potential cellular and molecular mechanisms that SARS-CoV-2 can exert its role and based on them pharmacological targeted therapies were suggested. However, in this study, we encourage more investigations in the future to uncover other cellular and molecular mechanisms of action of SARS-CoV-2 to develop beneficial therapeutic strategies for such patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Norouzi
- Department of Oral Medicine, Dental Research Center, Faculty of Dentistry, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mahsa Liaghat
- Department of Medical Laboratory sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kazerun Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kazerun, Iran; Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Bakhtiyari
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran; Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | | | - Hamidreza Zalpoor
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran; Shiraz Neuroscience Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Mohsen Nabi-Afjadi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of biological sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Tahereh Molania
- Department of Oral Medicine, Dental Research Center, Faculty of Dentistry, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
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3
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Wang YN, Lee HH, Jiang Z, Chan LC, Hortobagyi GN, Yu D, Hung MC. Ribonuclease 1 Enhances Antitumor Immunity against Breast Cancer by Boosting T cell Activation. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:2957-2973. [PMID: 37416781 PMCID: PMC10321278 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.84592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The secretory enzyme human ribonuclease 1 (RNase1) is involved in innate immunity and anti-inflammation, achieving host defense and anti-cancer effects; however, whether RNase1 contributes to adaptive immune response in the tumor microenvironment (TME) remains unclear. Here, we established a syngeneic immunocompetent mouse model in breast cancer and demonstrated that ectopic RNase1 expression significantly inhibited tumor progression. Overall changes in immunological profiles in the mouse tumors were analyzed by mass cytometry and showed that the RNase1-expressing tumor cells significantly induced CD4+ Th1 and Th17 cells and natural killer cells and reduced granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells, supporting that RNase1 favors an antitumor TME. Specifically, RNase1 increased expression of T cell activation marker CD69 in a CD4+ T cell subset. Notably, analysis of cancer-killing potential revealed that T cell-mediated antitumor immunity was enhanced by RNase1, which further collaborated with an EGFR-CD3 bispecific antibody to protect against breast cancer cells across molecular subtypes. Our results uncover a tumor-suppressive role of RNase1 through adaptive immune response in breast cancer in vivo and in vitro, providing a potential treatment strategy of combining RNase1 with cancer immunotherapies for immunocompetent patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Nai Wang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Heng-Huan Lee
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Zhou Jiang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Li-Chuan Chan
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Gabriel N. Hortobagyi
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Dihua Yu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Mien-Chie Hung
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Research Center for Cancer Biology, Cancer Biology and Precision Therapeutics Center, and Center for Molecular Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 406, Taiwan
- Department of Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung, 413, Taiwan
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4
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Eph Receptors in Cancer. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020315. [PMID: 36830852 PMCID: PMC9953285 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Eph receptor tyrosine kinases play critical functions during development, in the formation of tissue and organ borders, and the vascular and neural systems. Uniquely among tyrosine kinases, their activities are controlled by binding to membrane-bound ligands, called ephrins. Ephs and ephrins generally have a low expression in adults, functioning mainly in tissue homeostasis and plasticity, but are often overexpressed in cancers, where they are especially associated with undifferentiated or progenitor cells, and with tumour development, vasculature, and invasion. Mutations in Eph receptors also occur in various tumour types and are suspected to promote tumourigenesis. Ephs and ephrins have the capacity to operate as both tumour promoters and tumour suppressors, depending on the circumstances. They have been demonstrated to impact tumour cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro, as well as tumour development, angiogenesis, and metastases in vivo, making them potential therapeutic targets. However, successful development of therapies will require detailed understanding of the opposing roles of Ephs in various cancers. In this review, we discuss the variations in Eph expression and functions in a variety of malignancies. We also describe the multiple strategies that are currently available to target them in tumours, including preclinical and clinical development.
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Murakoshi M, Iwasawa T, Koshida T, Suzuki Y, Gohda T, Kato K. Development of an In-House EphA2 ELISA for Human Serum and Measurement of Circulating Levels of EphA2 in Hypertensive Patients with Renal Dysfunction. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12123023. [PMID: 36553030 PMCID: PMC9776842 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12123023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Identifying novel biomarkers of kidney function in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) has strong clinical value as current measures have limitations. This study aims to develop and validate a sensitive and specific ephrin type-A receptor 2 (EphA2) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for human serum, and determine whether its results correlate with traditional renal measures in patients with hypertension. The novel ELISA of the current study was validated and used to measure circulating EphA2 levels in 80 hypertensive patients with and without kidney function decline (eGFR less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2). Validation of the EphA2 ELISA showed good recovery (87%) and linearity (103%) and no cross-reactivity with other Eph receptors. Patients with kidney function decline had lower diastolic blood pressure, and higher UPCR and EphA2 than those without kidney function decline. The association of age and eGFR with EphA2 was maintained in the stepwise multiple regression analysis. In a multivariate logistic model, EphA2 was associated with a lower eGFR (<60 mL/min/1.73 m2) after adjustment for age, sex, and UPCR. High circulating EphA2 levels have potential application as a clinical biomarker for the presence of CKD in patients with hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maki Murakoshi
- Department of Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Takumi Iwasawa
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Toyo University, Saitama 350-8585, Japan
| | - Takeo Koshida
- Department of Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Yusuke Suzuki
- Department of Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Tomohito Gohda
- Department of Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
- Correspondence: (T.G.); (K.K.)
| | - Kazunori Kato
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Toyo University, Saitama 350-8585, Japan
- Atopy Research Center, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
- Correspondence: (T.G.); (K.K.)
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Arjunolic acid from Cyclocarya paliurus selectively inhibits glucagon secretion from α cells and ameliorates diabetes via ephrin-A1 and EphA4 interaction. J Funct Foods 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2022.105323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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7
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Dennys C, Baggio C, Rodrigo R, Roussel F, Kulinich A, Heintzman S, Fox A, Kolb SJ, Shaw PJ, Ethell IM, Pellecchia M, Meyer KC. EphA4 targeting agents protect motor neurons from cell death induced by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis -astrocytes. iScience 2022; 25:104877. [PMID: 36034213 PMCID: PMC9404653 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a degenerative disease that progressively destroys motor neurons (MNs). Earlier studies identified EphA4, a receptor tyrosine kinase, as a possible disease-modifying gene. The complex interplay between the EphA4 receptor and its ephrin ligands in motor neurons and astrocytes has not yet been fully elucidated and includes a putative pro-apoptotic activity of the unbound receptor compared to ephrin-bound receptor. We recently reported that astrocytes from patients with ALS induce cell death in co-cultured MNs. Here we found that first-generation synthetic EphA4 agonistic agent 123C4, effectively protected MNs when co-cultured with reactive astrocytes from patients with ALS from multiple subgroups (sALS and mutant SOD1). Newer generation and more potent EphA4 agonistic agents 150D4, 150E8, and 150E7 provided effective protection at a lower therapeutic dose. Combined, the data suggest that the development of EphA4 agonistic agents provides potentially a promising therapeutic strategy for patients with ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra Dennys
- Center for Gene Therapy, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Drive Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Carlo Baggio
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Rochelle Rodrigo
- Center for Gene Therapy, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Drive Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Florence Roussel
- Center for Gene Therapy, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Drive Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Anna Kulinich
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Sarah Heintzman
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ashley Fox
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Stephen J. Kolb
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry & Pharmacology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
- Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Pamela J. Shaw
- Academic Unit of Neurology, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Iryna M. Ethell
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Maurizio Pellecchia
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Kathrin C. Meyer
- Center for Gene Therapy, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 700 Children’s Drive Columbus, OH 43205, USA
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8
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Chen X, Yu D, Zhou H, Zhang X, Hu Y, Zhang R, Gao X, Lin M, Guo T, Zhang K. The role of EphA7 in different tumors. Clin Transl Oncol 2022; 24:1274-1289. [PMID: 35112312 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-022-02783-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/06/2022]
Abstract
Ephrin receptor A7 (EphA7) is a member of the Eph receptor family. It is widely involved in signal transduction between cells, regulates cell proliferation and differentiation, and participates in developing neural tubes and brain. In addition, EphA7 also has a dual role of tumor promoter and tumor suppressor. It can participate in cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis through various mechanisms, and affect tumor differentiation, staging and prognosis. EphA7 may be a potential diagnostic marker and tumor treatment target. This article reviews the effects of EphA7 on a variety of tumor biological processes and pathological characteristics, as well as specific effects and regulatory mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyi Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 82 Cuiying Men, Lanzhou, 730030, China.,Gansu Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Diseases, Lanzhou, 730030, China.,Xigu District People's Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Dechen Yu
- Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 82 Cuiying Men, Lanzhou, 730030, China.,Gansu Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Diseases, Lanzhou, 730030, China.,Xigu District People's Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Haiyu Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 82 Cuiying Men, Lanzhou, 730030, China. .,Gansu Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Diseases, Lanzhou, 730030, China. .,Xigu District People's Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030, China.
| | - Xiaobo Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 82 Cuiying Men, Lanzhou, 730030, China.,Gansu Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Diseases, Lanzhou, 730030, China.,Xigu District People's Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Yicun Hu
- Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 82 Cuiying Men, Lanzhou, 730030, China.,Gansu Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Diseases, Lanzhou, 730030, China.,Xigu District People's Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Ruihao Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 82 Cuiying Men, Lanzhou, 730030, China.,Gansu Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Diseases, Lanzhou, 730030, China.,Xigu District People's Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Xidan Gao
- Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 82 Cuiying Men, Lanzhou, 730030, China.,Gansu Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Diseases, Lanzhou, 730030, China.,Xigu District People's Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Maoqiang Lin
- Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 82 Cuiying Men, Lanzhou, 730030, China.,Gansu Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Diseases, Lanzhou, 730030, China.,Xigu District People's Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Taowen Guo
- Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 82 Cuiying Men, Lanzhou, 730030, China.,Gansu Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Diseases, Lanzhou, 730030, China.,Xigu District People's Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Kun Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 82 Cuiying Men, Lanzhou, 730030, China.,Gansu Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Diseases, Lanzhou, 730030, China.,Xigu District People's Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030, China
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9
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Chu LY, Huang BL, Huang XC, Peng YH, Xie JJ, Xu YW. EFNA1 in gastrointestinal cancer: Expression, regulation and clinical significance. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2022; 14:973-988. [PMID: 35646281 PMCID: PMC9124989 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v14.i5.973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ephrin-A1 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the EFNA1 gene. The ephrins and EPH-related receptors comprise the largest subfamily of receptor protein-tyrosine kinases which play an indispensable role in normal growth and development or in the pathophysiology of various tumors. The role of EFNA1 in tumorigenesis and development is complex and depends on the cell type and microenvironment which in turn affect the expression of EFNA1. This article reviews the expression, prognostic value, regulation and clinical significance of EFNA1 in gastrointestinal tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Yu Chu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Bin-Liang Huang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xu-Chun Huang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yu-Hui Peng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong Province, China
- Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Research Institute, The Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jian-Jun Xie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yi-Wei Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong Province, China
- Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Research Institute, The Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong Province, China
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10
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The roles of Eph receptors, neuropilin-1, P2X7, and CD147 in COVID-19-associated neurodegenerative diseases: inflammasome and JaK inhibitors as potential promising therapies. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2022; 27:10. [PMID: 35109786 PMCID: PMC8809072 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-022-00311-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has spread worldwide, and finding a safe therapeutic strategy and effective vaccine is critical to overcoming severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Therefore, elucidation of pathogenesis mechanisms, especially entry routes of SARS-CoV-2 may help propose antiviral drugs and novel vaccines. Several receptors have been demonstrated for the interaction of spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2 with host cells, including angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE2), ephrin ligands and Eph receptors, neuropilin 1 (NRP-1), P2X7, and CD147. The expression of these entry receptors in the central nervous system (CNS) may make the CNS prone to SARS-CoV-2 invasion, leading to neurodegenerative diseases. The present review provides potential pathological mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the CNS, including entry receptors and cytokines involved in neuroinflammatory conditions. Moreover, it explains several neurodegenerative disorders associated with COVID-19. Finally, we suggest inflammasome and JaK inhibitors as potential therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases.
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11
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Pampalakis G, Angelis G, Zingkou E, Vekrellis K, Sotiropoulou G. A chemogenomic approach is required for effective treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Clin Transl Med 2022; 12:e657. [PMID: 35064780 PMCID: PMC8783349 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
ALS is a fatal untreatable disease involving degeneration of motor neurons. Μultiple causative genes encoding proteins with versatile functions have been identified indicating that diverse biological pathways lead to ALS. Chemical entities still represent a promising choice to delay ALS progression, attenuate symptoms and/or increase life expectancy, but also gene-based and stem cell-based therapies are in the process of development, and some are tested in clinical trials. Various compounds proved effective in transgenic models overexpressing distinct ALS causative genes unfortunately though, they showed no efficacy in clinical trials. Notably, while animal models provide a uniform genetic background for preclinical testing, ALS patients are not stratified, and the distinct genetic forms of ALS are treated as one group, which could explain the observed discrepancies between treating genetically homogeneous mice and quite heterogeneous patient cohorts. We suggest that chemical entity-genotype correlation should be exploited to guide patient stratification for pharmacotherapy, that is administered drugs should be selected based on the ALS genetic background.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Pampalakis
- Department of Pharmacology - Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Georgios Angelis
- Department of Pharmacology - Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Patras, Rion-Patras, Greece
| | - Eleni Zingkou
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Patras, Rion-Patras, Greece
| | - Kostas Vekrellis
- Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgia Sotiropoulou
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Patras, Rion-Patras, Greece
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12
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Baggio C, Kulinich A, Dennys CN, Rodrigo R, Meyer K, Ethell I, Pellecchia M. NMR-Guided Design of Potent and Selective EphA4 Agonistic Ligands. J Med Chem 2021; 64:11229-11246. [PMID: 34293864 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, we applied an innovative nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-guided screening and ligand design approach, named focused high-throughput screening by NMR (fHTS by NMR), to derive potent, low-molecular-weight ligands capable of mimicking interactions elicited by ephrin ligands on the receptor tyrosine kinase EphA4. The agents bind with nanomolar affinity, trigger receptor activation in cellular assays with motor neurons, and provide remarkable motor neuron protection from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patient-derived astrocytes. Structural studies on the complex between EphA4 ligand-binding domain and a most active agent provide insights into the mechanism of the agents at a molecular level. Together with preliminary in vivo pharmacology studies, the data form a strong foundation for the translation of these agents for the treatment of ALS and potentially other human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Baggio
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Anna Kulinich
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Cassandra N Dennys
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205, United States
| | - Rochelle Rodrigo
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205, United States
| | - Kathrin Meyer
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205, United States
| | - Iryna Ethell
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Maurizio Pellecchia
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
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13
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Light TP, Gomez-Soler M, Wang Z, Karl K, Zapata-Mercado E, Gehring MP, Lechtenberg BC, Pogorelov TV, Hristova K, Pasquale EB. A cancer mutation promotes EphA4 oligomerization and signaling by altering the conformation of the SAM domain. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:100876. [PMID: 34139238 PMCID: PMC8260879 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The Eph receptor tyrosine kinases and their ephrin ligands regulate many physiological and pathological processes. EphA4 plays important roles in nervous system development and adult homeostasis, while aberrant EphA4 signaling has been implicated in neurodegeneration. EphA4 may also affect cancer malignancy, but the regulation and effects of EphA4 signaling in cancer are poorly understood. A correlation between decreased patient survival and high EphA4 mRNA expression in melanoma tumors that also highly express ephrinA ligands suggests that enhanced EphA4 signaling may contribute to melanoma progression. A search for EphA4 gain-of-function mutations in melanoma uncovered a mutation of the highly conserved leucine 920 in the EphA4 sterile alpha motif (SAM) domain. We found that mutation of L920 to phenylalanine (L920F) potentiates EphA4 autophosphorylation and signaling, making it the first documented EphA4 cancer mutation that increases kinase activity. Quantitative Föster resonance energy transfer and fluorescence intensity fluctuation (FIF) analyses revealed that the L920F mutation induces a switch in EphA4 oligomer size, from a dimer to a trimer. We propose this switch in oligomer size as a novel mechanism underlying EphA4-linked tumorigenesis. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest that the L920F mutation alters EphA4 SAM domain conformation, leading to the formation of EphA4 trimers that assemble through two aberrant SAM domain interfaces. Accordingly, EphA4 wild-type and the L920F mutant are affected differently by the SAM domain and are differentially regulated by ephrin ligand stimulation. The increased EphA4 activation induced by the L920F mutation, through the novel mechanism we uncovered, supports a functional role for EphA4 in promoting pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor P Light
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Maricel Gomez-Soler
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Zichen Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, and National Center for Supercomputing Applications, School of Chemical Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Kelly Karl
- Program in Molecular Biophysics, Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Elmer Zapata-Mercado
- Program in Molecular Biophysics, Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Marina P Gehring
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Bernhard C Lechtenberg
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Taras V Pogorelov
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, and National Center for Supercomputing Applications, School of Chemical Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Kalina Hristova
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Program in Molecular Biophysics, Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
| | - Elena B Pasquale
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California, USA.
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14
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Human ribonuclease 1 serves as a secretory ligand of ephrin A4 receptor and induces breast tumor initiation. Nat Commun 2021; 12:2788. [PMID: 33986289 PMCID: PMC8119676 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23075-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Human ribonuclease 1 (hRNase 1) is critical to extracellular RNA clearance and innate immunity to achieve homeostasis and host defense; however, whether it plays a role in cancer remains elusive. Here, we demonstrate that hRNase 1, independently of its ribonucleolytic activity, enriches the stem-like cell population and enhances the tumor-initiating ability of breast cancer cells. Specifically, secretory hRNase 1 binds to and activates the tyrosine kinase receptor ephrin A4 (EphA4) signaling to promote breast tumor initiation in an autocrine/paracrine manner, which is distinct from the classical EphA4-ephrin juxtacrine signaling through contact-dependent cell-cell communication. In addition, analysis of human breast tumor tissue microarrays reveals a positive correlation between hRNase 1, EphA4 activation, and stem cell marker CD133. Notably, high hRNase 1 level in plasma samples is positively associated with EphA4 activation in tumor tissues from breast cancer patients, highlighting the pathological relevance of the hRNase 1-EphA4 axis in breast cancer. The discovery of hRNase 1 as a secretory ligand of EphA4 that enhances breast cancer stemness suggests a potential treatment strategy by inactivating the hRNase 1-EphA4 axis.
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15
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Nguyen HT, Ngo DKT, Chau KDN, Tran PH. Imidazolium Triflate Ionic Liquid Improves the Activity of ZnCl 2 in the Synthesis of Pyrroles and Ketones. ORG PREP PROCED INT 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/00304948.2020.1868910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hai Truong Nguyen
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Science, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | | | - Khiem Duy Nguyen Chau
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Science, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Phuong Hoang Tran
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Science, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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16
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Golan M, Krivitsky A, Mausner-Fainberg K, Benhamou M, Vigiser I, Regev K, Kolb H, Karni A. Increased Expression of Ephrins on Immune Cells of Patients with Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis Affects Oligodendrocyte Differentiation. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22042182. [PMID: 33671716 PMCID: PMC7927032 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22042182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The effect of the inflammatory response on regenerative processes in the brain is complex. This complexity is even greater when the cause of the tissue damage is an autoimmune response. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated disease in which demyelination foci are formed in the central nervous system. The degree of repair through oligodendrocyte regeneration and remyelination is insufficient. Ephrins are membrane-bound ligands activating tyrosine kinase signaling proteins that are known to have an inhibitory effect on oligodendrocyte regeneration. In this study, we examined the expression of ephrins on immune cells of 43 patients with relapsing-remitting (RR) MS compared to 27 matched healthy controls (HC). We found an increased expression of ephrin-A2, -A3 and -B3, especially on T cell subpopulations. We also showed overexpression of ephrins on immune cells of patients with RR-MS that increases the forward signaling pathway and that expression of ephrins on immune cells has an inhibitory effect on the differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) in vitro. Our study findings support the concept that the immune activity of T cells in patients with RR-MS has an inhibitory effect on the differentiation capacity of OPCs through the expression and forward signaling of ephrins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Golan
- The Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Neurology Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv 64239, Israel; (M.G.); (A.K.); (K.M.-F.); (M.B.); (I.V.); (K.R.); (H.K.)
| | - Avivit Krivitsky
- The Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Neurology Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv 64239, Israel; (M.G.); (A.K.); (K.M.-F.); (M.B.); (I.V.); (K.R.); (H.K.)
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Karin Mausner-Fainberg
- The Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Neurology Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv 64239, Israel; (M.G.); (A.K.); (K.M.-F.); (M.B.); (I.V.); (K.R.); (H.K.)
| | - Moshe Benhamou
- The Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Neurology Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv 64239, Israel; (M.G.); (A.K.); (K.M.-F.); (M.B.); (I.V.); (K.R.); (H.K.)
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Ifat Vigiser
- The Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Neurology Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv 64239, Israel; (M.G.); (A.K.); (K.M.-F.); (M.B.); (I.V.); (K.R.); (H.K.)
| | - Keren Regev
- The Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Neurology Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv 64239, Israel; (M.G.); (A.K.); (K.M.-F.); (M.B.); (I.V.); (K.R.); (H.K.)
| | - Hadar Kolb
- The Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Neurology Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv 64239, Israel; (M.G.); (A.K.); (K.M.-F.); (M.B.); (I.V.); (K.R.); (H.K.)
| | - Arnon Karni
- The Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Unit, Neurology Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv 64239, Israel; (M.G.); (A.K.); (K.M.-F.); (M.B.); (I.V.); (K.R.); (H.K.)
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
- Correspondence:
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17
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Wang JL, Chen WG, Zhang JJ, Xu CJ. Nogo-A-Δ20/EphA4 interaction antagonizes apoptosis of neural stem cells by integrating p38 and JNK MAPK signaling. J Mol Histol 2021; 52:521-537. [PMID: 33555537 DOI: 10.1007/s10735-021-09960-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Nogo-A protein consists of two main extracellular domains: Nogo-66 (rat amino acid [aa] 1019-1083) and Nogo-A-Δ20 (extracellular, active 180 amino acid Nogo-A region), which serve as strong inhibitors of axon regeneration in the adult CNS (Central Nervous System). Although receptors S1PR2 and HSPGs have been identified as Nogo-A-Δ20 binding proteins, it remains at present elusive whether other receptors directly interacting with Nogo-A-Δ20 exist, and decrease cell death. On the other hand, the key roles of EphA4 in the regulation of glioblastoma, axon regeneration and NSCs (Neural Stem Cells) proliferation or differentiation are well understood, but little is known the relationship between EphA4 and Nogo-A-Δ20 in NSCs apoptosis. Thus, we aim to determine whether Nogo-A-Δ20 can bind to EphA4 and affect survival of NSCs. Here, we discover that EphA4, belonging to a member of erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular (Eph) receptors family, could be acting as a high affinity ligand for Nogo-A-Δ20. Trans-membrane protein of EphA4 is needed for Nogo-A-Δ20-triggered inhibition of NSCs apoptosis, which are mediated by balancing p38 inactivation and JNK MAPK pathway activation. Finally, we predict at the atomic level that essential residues Lys-205, Ile-190, Pro-194 in Nogo-A-Δ20 and EphA4 residues Gln-390, Asn-425, Pro-426 might play critical roles in Nogo-A-Δ20/EphA4 binding via molecular docking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Ling Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital 1 of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei-Guang Chen
- Department of Histology & Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Cha Shan University Town, No.1 Central North Road, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia-Jia Zhang
- School of 1St Clinical Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao-Jin Xu
- Department of Histology & Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Cha Shan University Town, No.1 Central North Road, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
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18
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Buckens OJ, El Hassouni B, Giovannetti E, Peters GJ. The role of Eph receptors in cancer and how to target them: novel approaches in cancer treatment. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2020; 29:567-582. [PMID: 32348169 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2020.1762566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Erythropoietin-producing human hepatocellular (Eph) receptors are among the largest family of tyrosine kinases that are divided into two classes: EphA and EphB receptors. Over the past two decades, their role in cancer has become more evident. AREAS COVERED There is a need for new anticancer treatments and more insight in the emerging role of Eph receptors in cancer. Molecular mechanisms underlying the pro-tumorigenic effects of Eph receptors could be exploited for future therapeutic strategies. This review describes the variability in expression levels and different effects on oncogenic and tumor suppressive downstream signaling of Eph receptors in various cancer types, and the small molecules, antibodies and peptides that target these receptors. EXPERT OPINION The complexity of Eph signaling is a challenge for the definition of clear targets for cancer treatment. Nevertheless, numerous drugs that target EphA2 and EphB4 are currently in clinical trials. However, some Eph targeted drugs also inhibit other tyrosine kinases, so it is unclear to what extent the targeting of Eph receptors contributes to their efficacy. Future research is warranted for an improved understanding of the full network in which Eph receptors function. This will be critical for the improvement of the anticancer effects of drugs that target the Eph receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar J Buckens
- Amsterdam University College , Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Laboratory Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC Location VUMC, CCA , Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Btissame El Hassouni
- Laboratory Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC Location VUMC, CCA , Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Laboratory Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC Location VUMC, CCA , Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Pharmacology Lab, AIRC Start up Unit, Fondazione Pisana per La Scienza , Pisa, Italy
| | - Godefridus J Peters
- Laboratory Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC Location VUMC, CCA , Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk , Gdansk, Poland
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19
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Okyere B, Mills WA, Wang X, Chen M, Chen J, Hazy A, Qian Y, Matson JB, Theus MH. EphA4/Tie2 crosstalk regulates leptomeningeal collateral remodeling following ischemic stroke. J Clin Invest 2020; 130:1024-1035. [PMID: 31689239 PMCID: PMC6994159 DOI: 10.1172/jci131493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptomeningeal anastomoses or pial collateral vessels play a critical role in cerebral blood flow (CBF) restoration following ischemic stroke. The magnitude of this adaptive response is postulated to be controlled by the endothelium, although the underlying molecular mechanisms remain under investigation. Here we demonstrated that endothelial genetic deletion, using EphA4fl/fl/Tie2-Cre and EphA4fl/fl/VeCahderin-CreERT2 mice and vessel painting strategies, implicated EphA4 receptor tyrosine kinase as a major suppressor of pial collateral remodeling, CBF, and functional recovery following permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion. Pial collateral remodeling is limited by the crosstalk between EphA4-Tie2 signaling in vascular endothelial cells, which is mediated through p-Akt regulation. Furthermore, peptide inhibition of EphA4 resulted in acceleration of the pial arteriogenic response. Our findings demonstrate that EphA4 is a negative regulator of Tie2 receptor signaling, which limits pial collateral arteriogenesis following cerebrovascular occlusion. Therapeutic targeting of EphA4 and/or Tie2 represents an attractive new strategy for improving collateral function, neural tissue health, and functional recovery following ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - William A. Mills
- School of Neuroscience
- Graduate Program in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health
| | - Xia Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology
| | - Michael Chen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology
| | - Jiang Chen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology
| | - Amanda Hazy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology
| | - Yun Qian
- Department of Mechanical Engineering
- Center for Drug Discovery
| | | | - Michelle H. Theus
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology
- School of Neuroscience
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
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20
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Darling TK, Mimche PN, Bray C, Umaru B, Brady LM, Stone C, Eboumbou Moukoko CE, Lane TE, Ayong LS, Lamb TJ. EphA2 contributes to disruption of the blood-brain barrier in cerebral malaria. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008261. [PMID: 31999807 PMCID: PMC6991964 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Disruption of blood-brain barrier (BBB) function is a key feature of cerebral malaria. Increased barrier permeability occurs due to disassembly of tight and adherens junctions between endothelial cells, yet the mechanisms governing junction disassembly and vascular permeability during cerebral malaria remain poorly characterized. We found that EphA2 is a principal receptor tyrosine kinase mediating BBB breakdown during Plasmodium infection. Upregulated on brain microvascular endothelial cells in response to inflammatory cytokines, EphA2 is required for the loss of junction proteins on mouse and human brain microvascular endothelial cells. Furthermore, EphA2 is necessary for CD8+ T cell brain infiltration and subsequent BBB breakdown in a mouse model of cerebral malaria. Blocking EphA2 protects against BBB breakdown highlighting EphA2 as a potential therapeutic target for cerebral malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thayer K. Darling
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States of America
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Patrice N. Mimche
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States of America
| | - Christian Bray
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Banlanjo Umaru
- Malaria Research Unit, Centre Pasteur du Cameroun, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Lauren M. Brady
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Colleen Stone
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States of America
| | - Carole Else Eboumbou Moukoko
- Malaria Research Unit, Centre Pasteur du Cameroun, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Thomas E. Lane
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States of America
| | - Lawrence S. Ayong
- Malaria Research Unit, Centre Pasteur du Cameroun, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Tracey J. Lamb
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States of America
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21
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Design and analysis of EphA2-SAM peptide ligands: A multi-disciplinary screening approach. Bioorg Chem 2019; 84:434-443. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2018.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Revised: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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22
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Defourny J, Peuckert C, Kullander K, Malgrange B. EphA4-ADAM10 Interplay Patterns the Cochlear Sensory Epithelium through Local Disruption of Adherens Junctions. iScience 2018; 11:246-257. [PMID: 30639848 PMCID: PMC6327856 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2018.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The cochlear sensory epithelium contains a functionally important triangular fluid-filled space between adjacent pillar cells referred to as the tunnel of Corti. However, the molecular mechanisms leading to local cell-cell separation during development remain elusive. Here we show that EphA4 associates with ADAM10 to promote the destruction of E-cadherin-based adhesions between adjacent pillar cells. These cells fail to separate from each other, and E-cadherin abnormally persists at the pillar cell junction in EphA4 forward-signaling-deficient mice, as well as in the presence of ADAM10 inhibitor. Using immunolabeling and an in situ proximity ligation assay, we found that EphA4 forms a complex with E-cadherin and its sheddase ADAM10, which could be activated by ephrin-B2 across the pillar cell junction to trigger the cleavage of E-cadherin. Altogether, our findings provide a new molecular insight into the regulation of adherens junctions, which might be extended to a variety of physiological or pathological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Defourny
- GIGA-Neurosciences, Unit of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of Liège, C.H.U. B36, 4000 Liège, Belgium; GIGA-Neurosciences, Developmental Neurobiology Unit, University of Liège, C.H.U. B36, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Christiane Peuckert
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Box 593, Uppsala 75124, Sweden
| | - Klas Kullander
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Box 593, Uppsala 75124, Sweden
| | - Brigitte Malgrange
- GIGA-Neurosciences, Developmental Neurobiology Unit, University of Liège, C.H.U. B36, 4000 Liège, Belgium.
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Kina S, Kinjo T, Liang F, Nakasone T, Yamamoto H, Arasaki A. Targeting EphA4 abrogates intrinsic resistance to chemotherapy in well-differentiated cervical cancer cell line. Eur J Pharmacol 2018; 840:70-78. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2018.09.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Revised: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Saha N, Robev D, Mason EO, Himanen JP, Nikolov DB. Therapeutic potential of targeting the Eph/ephrin signaling complex. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2018; 105:123-133. [PMID: 30343150 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2018.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The Eph-ephrin signaling pathway mediates developmental processes and the proper functioning of the adult human body. This distinctive bidirectional signaling pathway includes a canonical downstream signal cascade inside the Eph-bearing cells, as well as a reverse signaling in the ephrin-bearing cells. The signaling is terminated by ADAM metalloproteinase cleavage, internalization, and degradation of the Eph/ephrin complexes. Consequently, the Eph-ephrin-ADAM signaling cascade has emerged as a key target with immense therapeutic potential particularly in the context of cancer. An interesting twist was brought forth by the emergence of ephrins as the entry receptors for the pathological Henipaviruses, which has spurred new studies to target the viral entry. The availability of high-resolution structures of the multi-modular Eph receptors in complexes with ephrins and other binding partners, such as peptides, small molecule inhibitors and antibodies, offers a wealth of information for the structure-guided development of therapeutic intervention. Furthermore, genomic data mining of Eph mutants involved in cancer provides information for targeted drug development. In this review we summarize the distinct avenues for targeting the Eph-ephrin signaling pathway, including its termination by ADAM proteinases. We highlight the latest developments in Eph-related pharmacology in the context of Eph-ephrin-ADAM-based antibodies and small molecules. Finally, the future prospects of genomics- and proteomics-based medicine are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayanendu Saha
- Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, Structural Biology Program, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Dorothea Robev
- Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, Structural Biology Program, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Emilia O Mason
- Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, Structural Biology Program, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Juha P Himanen
- Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, Structural Biology Program, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, United States.
| | - Dimitar B Nikolov
- Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, Structural Biology Program, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, United States
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25
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Mercurio FA, Pirone L, Di Natale C, Marasco D, Pedone EM, Leone M. Sam domain-based stapled peptides: Structural analysis and interaction studies with the Sam domains from the EphA2 receptor and the lipid phosphatase Ship2. Bioorg Chem 2018; 80:602-610. [PMID: 30036816 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2018.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Revised: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Sam (Sterile alpha motif) domains represent small helical protein-protein interaction modules which play versatile functions in different cellular processes. The Sam domain from the EphA2 receptor binds the Sam domain of the lipid phosphatase Ship2 and this interaction modulates receptor endocytosis and degradation primarily generating pro-oncogenic effects in cell. To identify molecule antagonists of the EphA2-Sam/Ship2-Sam complex with anti-cancer activity, we focused on hydrocarbon helical stapled peptides. EphA2-Sam and one of its interactors (i.e., the first Sam domain of the adaptor protein Odin) were used as model systems for peptide design. Increase in helicity in the stapled peptides, with respect to the corresponding linear/native-like regions, was proved by structural studies conducted through CD (Circular Dichroism) and NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance). Interestingly, interaction assays by means of NMR, SPR (Surface Plasmon Resonance) and MST (MicroScale Thermophoresis) techniques led to the discovery of a novel ligand of Ship2-Sam.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Anna Mercurio
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (CNR), Naples, Italy; InterUniversity Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPEB), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Luciano Pirone
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (CNR), Naples, Italy; InterUniversity Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPEB), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Daniela Marasco
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (CNR), Naples, Italy; InterUniversity Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPEB), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy; University of Naples Federico II, Department of Pharmacy, Naples, Italy
| | - Emilia Maria Pedone
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (CNR), Naples, Italy; InterUniversity Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPEB), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Marilisa Leone
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (CNR), Naples, Italy; InterUniversity Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPEB), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.
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26
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Jedwabny W, Lodola A, Dyguda-Kazimierowicz E. Theoretical Model of EphA2-Ephrin A1 Inhibition. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23071688. [PMID: 29997324 PMCID: PMC6099714 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23071688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
This work aims at the theoretical description of EphA2-ephrin A1 inhibition by small molecules. Recently proposed ab initio-based scoring models, comprising long-range components of interaction energy, is tested on lithocholic acid class inhibitors of this protein–protein interaction (PPI) against common empirical descriptors. We show that, although limited to compounds with similar solvation energy, the ab initio model is able to rank the set of selected inhibitors more effectively than empirical scoring functions, aiding the design of novel compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiktoria Jedwabny
- Department of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, 50370 Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Alessio Lodola
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, 43100 Parma, Italy.
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27
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Gu S, Fu WY, Fu AKY, Tong EPS, Ip FCF, Huang X, Ip NY. Identification of new EphA4 inhibitors by virtual screening of FDA-approved drugs. Sci Rep 2018; 8:7377. [PMID: 29743517 PMCID: PMC5943255 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-25790-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The receptor tyrosine kinase, erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular A4 (EphA4), was recently identified as a molecular target for Alzheimer's disease (AD). We found that blockade of the interaction of the receptor and its ligands, ephrins, alleviates the disease phenotype in an AD transgenic mouse model, suggesting that targeting EphA4 is a potential approach for developing AD interventions. In this study, we identified five FDA-approved drugs-ergoloid, cyproheptadine, nilotinib, abiraterone, and retapamulin-as potential inhibitors of EphA4 by using an integrated approach combining virtual screening with biochemical and cellular assays. We initially screened a database of FDA-approved drugs using molecular docking against the ligand-binding domain of EphA4. Then, we selected 22 candidate drugs and examined their inhibitory activity towards EphA4. Among them, five drugs inhibited EphA4 clustering induced by ephrin-A in cultured primary neurons. Specifically, nilotinib, a kinase inhibitor, inhibited the binding of EphA4 and ephrin-A at micromolar scale in a dosage-dependent manner. Furthermore, nilotinib inhibited the activation of EphA4 and EphA4-dependent growth cone collapse in cultured hippocampal neurons, demonstrating that the drug exhibits EphA4 inhibitory activity in cellular context. As demonstrated in our combined computational and experimental approaches, repurposing of FDA-approved drugs to inhibit EphA4 may provide an alternative fast-track approach for identifying and developing new treatments for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Gu
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
- Molecular Neuroscience Center, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wing-Yu Fu
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
- Molecular Neuroscience Center, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Amy K Y Fu
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
- Molecular Neuroscience Center, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Science, Disease and Drug Development, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Estella Pui Sze Tong
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
- Molecular Neuroscience Center, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Fanny C F Ip
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
- Molecular Neuroscience Center, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Science, Disease and Drug Development, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xuhui Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Chemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Nancy Y Ip
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China.
- Molecular Neuroscience Center, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Science, Disease and Drug Development, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China.
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28
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Harboe M, Torvund-Jensen J, Kjaer-Sorensen K, Laursen LS. Ephrin-A1-EphA4 signaling negatively regulates myelination in the central nervous system. Glia 2018; 66:934-950. [PMID: 29350423 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Revised: 12/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
During development of the central nervous system not all axons are myelinated, and axons may have distinct myelination patterns. Furthermore, the number of myelin sheaths formed by each oligodendrocyte is highly variable. However, our current knowledge about the axo-glia communication that regulates the formation of myelin sheaths spatially and temporally is limited. By using axon-mimicking microfibers and a zebrafish model system, we show that axonal ephrin-A1 inhibits myelination. Ephrin-A1 interacts with EphA4 to activate the ephexin1-RhoA-Rock-myosin 2 signaling cascade and causes inhibition of oligodendrocyte process extension. Both in myelinating co-cultures and in zebrafish larvae, activation of EphA4 decreases myelination, whereas myelination is increased by inhibition of EphA4 signaling at different levels of the pathway, or by receptor knockdown. Mechanistically, the enhanced myelination is a result of a higher number of myelin sheaths formed by each oligodendrocyte, not an increased number of mature cells. Thus, we have identified EphA4 and ephrin-A1 as novel negative regulators of myelination. Our data suggest that activation of an EphA4-RhoA pathway in oligodendrocytes by axonal ephrin-A1 inhibits stable axo-glia interaction required for generating a myelin sheath.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mette Harboe
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 10C, Aarhus C, 8000, Denmark
| | - Julie Torvund-Jensen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 10C, Aarhus C, 8000, Denmark
| | - Kasper Kjaer-Sorensen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 10C, Aarhus C, 8000, Denmark
| | - Lisbeth S Laursen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 10C, Aarhus C, 8000, Denmark
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29
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Swidergall M, Solis NV, Lionakis MS, Filler SG. EphA2 is an epithelial cell pattern recognition receptor for fungal β-glucans. Nat Microbiol 2018; 3:53-61. [PMID: 29133884 PMCID: PMC5736406 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-017-0059-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Oral epithelial cells discriminate between pathogenic and non-pathogenic stimuli, and only induce an inflammatory response when they are exposed to high levels of a potentially harmful microorganism. The pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) in epithelial cells that mediate this differential response are poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that the ephrin type-A receptor 2 (EphA2) is an oral epithelial cell PRR that binds to exposed β-glucans on the surface of the fungal pathogen Candida albicans. Binding of C. albicans to EphA2 on oral epithelial cells activates signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and mitogen-activated protein kinase signalling in an inoculum-dependent manner, and is required for induction of a proinflammatory and antifungal response. EphA2 -/- mice have impaired inflammatory responses and reduced interleukin-17 signalling during oropharyngeal candidiasis, resulting in more severe disease. Our study reveals that EphA2 functions as a PRR for β-glucans that senses epithelial cell fungal burden and is required for the maximal mucosal inflammatory response to C. albicans.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Candida albicans/growth & development
- Candida albicans/metabolism
- Candidiasis, Oral/metabolism
- Candidiasis, Oral/pathology
- Cell Line
- Cytokines/biosynthesis
- Disease Models, Animal
- Endocytosis
- Epithelial Cells/cytology
- Epithelial Cells/metabolism
- Epithelial Cells/microbiology
- ErbB Receptors/antagonists & inhibitors
- ErbB Receptors/metabolism
- Inflammation Mediators/analysis
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mouth Mucosa/cytology
- Mouth Mucosa/metabolism
- Mouth Mucosa/microbiology
- Phosphorylation
- Receptor, EphA2/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, EphA2/deficiency
- Receptor, EphA2/metabolism
- Receptors, Pattern Recognition/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Pattern Recognition/deficiency
- Receptors, Pattern Recognition/metabolism
- STAT3 Transcription Factor/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- beta-Glucans/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Swidergall
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Norma V Solis
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Michail S Lionakis
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Fungal Pathogenesis Unit, Laboratory of Clinical Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Scott G Filler
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA.
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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30
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Royet A, Broutier L, Coissieux MM, Malleval C, Gadot N, Maillet D, Gratadou-Hupon L, Bernet A, Nony P, Treilleux I, Honnorat J, Liebl D, Pelletier L, Berger F, Meyronet D, Castets M, Mehlen P. Ephrin-B3 supports glioblastoma growth by inhibiting apoptosis induced by the dependence receptor EphA4. Oncotarget 2017; 8:23750-23759. [PMID: 28423606 PMCID: PMC5410341 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.16077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2015] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
EphA4, an Ephrins tyrosine kinase receptor, behaves as a dependence receptor (DR) by triggering cell apoptosis in the absence of its ligand Ephrin-B3. DRs act as conditional tumor suppressors, engaging cell death based on ligand availability; this mechanism is bypassed by overexpression of DRs ligands in some aggressive cancers. The pair EphA4/Ephrin-B3 favors survival of neuronal progenitors of the brain subventricular zone, an area where glioblastoma multiform (GBM) are thought to originate. Here, we report that Ephrin-B3 is highly expressed in human biopsies and that it inhibits EphA4 pro-apoptotic activity in tumor cells. Angiogenesis is directly correlated with GBM aggressiveness and we demonstrate that Ephrin-B3 also supports the survival of endothelial cells in vitro and in vivo. Lastly, silencing of Ephrin-B3 decreases tumor vascularization and growth in a xenograft mice model. Interference with EphA4/Ephrin-B3 interaction could then be envisaged as a relevant strategy to slow GBM growth by enhancing EphA4-induced cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amélie Royet
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory-Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', LabEx DEVweCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008 Lyon, France.,Netris Pharma, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Laura Broutier
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory-Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', LabEx DEVweCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Marie-May Coissieux
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory-Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', LabEx DEVweCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Céline Malleval
- Lyon Neurosciences Research Center, Neuro-Oncology and Neuro-Inflammation laboratory, INSERM UMR1028, CNRS UMR5292, Université de Lyon, 69372 Lyon Cedex 08, France
| | - Nicolas Gadot
- Research Pathology, Department of Translational Research and Innovation, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Denis Maillet
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory-Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', LabEx DEVweCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Lise Gratadou-Hupon
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory-Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', LabEx DEVweCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008 Lyon, France.,Netris Pharma, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Agnès Bernet
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory-Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', LabEx DEVweCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008 Lyon, France.,Netris Pharma, 69008 Lyon, France
| | | | - Isabelle Treilleux
- Research Pathology, Department of Translational Research and Innovation, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Jérôme Honnorat
- Lyon Neurosciences Research Center, Neuro-Oncology and Neuro-Inflammation laboratory, INSERM UMR1028, CNRS UMR5292, Université de Lyon, 69372 Lyon Cedex 08, France
| | - Daniel Liebl
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Miami, Fl 33136, USA
| | - Laurent Pelletier
- Grenoble Institut des Neurosciences, Nanomedicine and Brain Laboratory, INSERM U 836, BP 170, F38042 Grenoble Cedex 9, France
| | - François Berger
- Grenoble Institut des Neurosciences, Nanomedicine and Brain Laboratory, INSERM U 836, BP 170, F38042 Grenoble Cedex 9, France
| | - David Meyronet
- Centre de Pathologie et de Neuropathologie Est, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Marie Castets
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory-Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', LabEx DEVweCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Patrick Mehlen
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory-Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', LabEx DEVweCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008 Lyon, France.,Netris Pharma, 69008 Lyon, France.,Research Pathology, Department of Translational Research and Innovation, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008 Lyon, France
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31
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Kim MA, Yoon HS, Park SH, Kim DY, Pyo A, Kim HS, Min JJ, Hong Y. Engineering of monobody conjugates for human EphA2-specific optical imaging. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0180786. [PMID: 28686661 PMCID: PMC5501600 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In a previous study, we developed an E1 monobody specific for the tumor biomarker hEphA2 [PLoS ONE (2015) 10(7): e0132976]. E1 showed potential as a molecular probe for in vitro and in vivo targeting of cancers overexpressing hEphA2. In the present study, we constructed expression vectors for E1 conjugated to optical reporters such as Renilla luciferase variant 8 (Rluc8) or enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) and purified such recombinant proteins by affinity chromatography in E. coli. E1-Rluc8 and E1-EGFP specifically bound to hEphA2 in human prostate cancer PC3 cells but not in human cervical cancer HeLa cells, which express hEphA2 at high and low levels, respectively. These recombinant proteins maintained >40% activity in mouse serum at 24 h. In vivo optical imaging for 24 h did not detect E1-EGFP signals, whereas E1-Rluc8 showed tumor-specific luminescence signals in PC3 but not in HeLa xenograft mice. E1-Rluc8 signals were detected at 4 h, peaked at 12 h, and were undetectable at 24 h. These results suggest the potential of E1-Rluc8 as an EphA2-specific optical imaging agent.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Neoplasm/biosynthesis
- Antibodies, Neoplasm/chemistry
- Biomarkers, Tumor/analysis
- Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics
- Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Escherichia coli/genetics
- Escherichia coli/metabolism
- Female
- Genes, Reporter
- Genetic Vectors/chemistry
- Genetic Vectors/metabolism
- Green Fluorescent Proteins/genetics
- Green Fluorescent Proteins/metabolism
- HeLa Cells
- Heterografts
- Humans
- Immunoconjugates/chemistry
- Immunoconjugates/metabolism
- Luciferases/genetics
- Luciferases/metabolism
- Male
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Nude
- Optical Imaging
- Organ Specificity
- Protein Engineering
- Receptor, EphA2/analysis
- Receptor, EphA2/genetics
- Receptor, EphA2/metabolism
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/genetics
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-A Kim
- Department of Microbiology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
- Department of Molecular Medicine (BK21Plus), Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Seung Yoon
- Department of Molecular Medicine (BK21Plus), Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Hwan Park
- Biological Resource Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience & Biotechnology (KRIBB), Jeongeup, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Yeon Kim
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Ayoung Pyo
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeon Sik Kim
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Joon Min
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeongjin Hong
- Department of Microbiology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail:
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32
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Schoonaert L, Rué L, Roucourt B, Timmers M, Little S, Chávez-Gutiérrez L, Dewilde M, Joyce P, Curnock A, Weber P, Haustraete J, Hassanzadeh-Ghassabeh G, De Strooper B, Van Den Bosch L, Van Damme P, Lemmens R, Robberecht W. Identification and characterization of Nanobodies targeting the EphA4 receptor. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:11452-11465. [PMID: 28526745 PMCID: PMC5500810 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.774141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2017] [Revised: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The ephrin receptor A4 (EphA4) is one of the receptors in the ephrin system that plays a pivotal role in a variety of cell-cell interactions, mostly studied during development. In addition, EphA4 has been found to play a role in cancer biology as well as in the pathogenesis of several neurological disorders such as stroke, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Alzheimer's disease. Pharmacological blocking of EphA4 has been suggested to be a therapeutic strategy for these disorders. Therefore, the aim of our study was to generate potent and selective Nanobodies against the ligand-binding domain of the human EphA4 receptor. We identified two Nanobodies, Nb 39 and Nb 53, that bind EphA4 with affinities in the nanomolar range. These Nanobodies were most selective for EphA4, with residual binding to EphA7 only. Using Alphascreen technology, we found that both Nanobodies displaced all known EphA4-binding ephrins from the receptor. Furthermore, Nb 39 and Nb 53 inhibited ephrin-induced phosphorylation of the EphA4 protein in a cell-based assay. Finally, in a cortical neuron primary culture, both Nanobodies were able to inhibit endogenous EphA4-mediated growth-cone collapse induced by ephrin-B3. Our results demonstrate the potential of Nanobodies to target the ligand-binding domain of EphA4. These Nanobodies may deserve further evaluation as potential therapeutics in disorders in which EphA4-mediated signaling plays a role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lies Schoonaert
- From the KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND), 3000 Leuven, Belgium.,VIB, Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Laura Rué
- From the KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND), 3000 Leuven, Belgium.,VIB, Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bart Roucourt
- KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Laboratory for Signal Integration in Cell Fate Decision, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mieke Timmers
- From the KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND), 3000 Leuven, Belgium.,VIB, Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Susan Little
- Vertex Pharmaceuticals (Europe) Ltd., Biology Department, OX14 4RW Abingdon, United Kingdom
| | - Lucía Chávez-Gutiérrez
- VIB, Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.,KU Leuven, Department of Neurosciences and Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND), 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Maarten Dewilde
- VIB, Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.,KU Leuven, Department of Neurosciences and Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND), 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Peter Joyce
- Vertex Pharmaceuticals (Europe) Ltd., Biology Department, OX14 4RW Abingdon, United Kingdom
| | - Adam Curnock
- Vertex Pharmaceuticals (Europe) Ltd., Biology Department, OX14 4RW Abingdon, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Weber
- Vertex Pharmaceuticals (Europe) Ltd., Biology Department, OX14 4RW Abingdon, United Kingdom
| | - Jurgen Haustraete
- Protein Service Facility, Inflammation Research Center, VIB, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Bart De Strooper
- VIB, Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.,KU Leuven, Department of Neurosciences and Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND), 3000 Leuven, Belgium.,Institute of Neurology, University College London, WC1E 6BT London, United Kingdom, and
| | - Ludo Van Den Bosch
- From the KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND), 3000 Leuven, Belgium.,VIB, Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Philip Van Damme
- From the KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND), 3000 Leuven, Belgium.,VIB, Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.,University Hospitals Leuven, Department of Neurology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Robin Lemmens
- From the KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND), 3000 Leuven, Belgium.,VIB, Center for Brain and Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.,University Hospitals Leuven, Department of Neurology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Wim Robberecht
- From the KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology and Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND), 3000 Leuven, Belgium, .,University Hospitals Leuven, Department of Neurology, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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33
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Lin CY, Lee YE, Tian YF, Sun DP, Sheu MJ, Lin CY, Li CF, Lee SW, Lin LC, Chang IW, Wang CT, He HL. High Expression of EphA4 Predicted Lesser Degree of Tumor Regression after Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy in Rectal Cancer. J Cancer 2017; 8:1089-1096. [PMID: 28529623 PMCID: PMC5436263 DOI: 10.7150/jca.17471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2016] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Numerous transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase pathways have been found to play an important role in tumor progression in some cancers. This study was aimed to evaluate the clinical impact of Eph receptor A4 (EphA4) in patients with rectal cancer treated with neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) combined with mesorectal excision, with special emphasis on tumor regression. Methods: Analysis of the publicly available expression profiling dataset of rectal cancer disclosed that EphA4 was the top-ranking, significantly upregulated, transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase pathway-associated gene in the non-responders to CCRT, compared with the responders. Immunohistochemical study was conducted to assess the EphA4 expression in pre-treatment biopsy specimens from 172 rectal cancer patients without distant metastasis. The relationships between EphA4 expression and various clinicopathological factors or survival were statistically analyzed. Results: EphA4 expression was significantly associated with vascular invasion (P=0.015), post-treatment depth of tumor invasion (P=0.006), pre-treatment and post-treatment lymph node metastasis (P=0.004 and P=0.011, respectively). More importantly, high EphA4 expression was significantly predictive for lesser degree of tumor regression after CCRT (P=0.031). At univariate analysis, high EphA4 expression was a negative prognosticator for disease-specific survival (P=0.0009) and metastasis-free survival (P=0.0001). At multivariate analysis, high expression of EphA4 still served as an independent adverse prognostic factor for disease-specific survival (HR, 2.528; 95% CI, 1.131-5.651; P=0.024) and metastasis-free survival (HR, 3.908; 95% CI, 1.590-9.601; P=0.003). Conclusion: High expression of EphA4 predicted lesser degree of tumor regression after CCRT and served as an independent negative prognostic factor in patients with rectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Yih Lin
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Leisure, Recreation, and Tourism Management, Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ying-En Lee
- Department of Anesthesiology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Feng Tian
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Health & Nutrition, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ding-Ping Sun
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Pharmacy, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Jen Sheu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Yi Lin
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Feng Li
- Department of Pathology, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan.,National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Biotechnology, Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Tainan, Taiwan.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Sung-Wei Lee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Liouying, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Li-Ching Lin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - I-Wei Chang
- Department of Pathology, E-DA Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chieh-Tien Wang
- Department of Pathology, Chi Mei Medical Center, Liuying, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Chung Hwa University of Medical Technology
| | - Hong-Lin He
- Department of Pathology, E-DA Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Institute of Biomedical Science, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Wu B, De SK, Kulinich A, Salem AF, Koeppen J, Wang R, Barile E, Wang S, Zhang D, Ethell I, Pellecchia M. Potent and Selective EphA4 Agonists for the Treatment of ALS. Cell Chem Biol 2017; 24:293-305. [PMID: 28196613 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2017.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Revised: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive degenerative disease that affects motor neurons. Recent studies identified the receptor tyrosine kinase EphA4 as a disease-modifying gene that is critical for the progression of motor neuron degeneration. We report on the design and characterization of a family of EphA4 targeting agents that bind to its ligand binding domain with nanomolar affinity. The molecules exhibit excellent selectivity and display efficacy in a SOD1 mutant mouse model of ALS. Interestingly, the molecules appear to act as agonists for the receptor in certain surrogate cellular assays. While the exact mechanisms responsible for the therapeutic effect of the new agonists remain to be elucidated, we believe that the described agent represents both an invaluable pharmacological tool to further decipher the role of the EphA4 in ALS and potentially other human diseases, and a significant stepping stone for the development of novel treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bainan Wu
- Sanford-Burnham-Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Surya K De
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Anna Kulinich
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Ahmed F Salem
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Jordan Koeppen
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Rengang Wang
- Sanford-Burnham-Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Brain Development, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92090, USA
| | - Elisa Barile
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Si Wang
- Sanford-Burnham-Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Dongxiang Zhang
- Sanford-Burnham-Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Iryna Ethell
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Maurizio Pellecchia
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
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35
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Neill T, Buraschi S, Goyal A, Sharpe C, Natkanski E, Schaefer L, Morrione A, Iozzo RV. EphA2 is a functional receptor for the growth factor progranulin. J Cell Biol 2016; 215:687-703. [PMID: 27903606 PMCID: PMC5146997 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201603079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Revised: 08/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The receptor for the growth factor progranulin has remained unclear. Neill et al. show that the Ephrin receptor tyrosine kinase EphA2 is a functional signaling receptor for progranulin and mediates its effects in capillary morphogenesis and autoregulation. Although the growth factor progranulin was discovered more than two decades ago, the functional receptor remains elusive. Here, we discovered that EphA2, a member of the large family of Ephrin receptor tyrosine kinases, is a functional signaling receptor for progranulin. Recombinant progranulin bound with high affinity to EphA2 in both solid phase and solution. Interaction of progranulin with EphA2 caused prolonged activation of the receptor, downstream stimulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase and Akt, and promotion of capillary morphogenesis. Furthermore, we found an autoregulatory mechanism of progranulin whereby a feed-forward loop occurred in an EphA2-dependent manner that was independent of the endocytic receptor sortilin. The discovery of a functional signaling receptor for progranulin offers a new avenue for understanding the underlying mode of action of progranulin in cancer progression, tumor angiogenesis, and perhaps neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Neill
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107.,Cancer Cell Biology and Signaling Program, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107
| | - Simone Buraschi
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107.,Cancer Cell Biology and Signaling Program, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107
| | - Atul Goyal
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107.,Cancer Cell Biology and Signaling Program, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107
| | - Catherine Sharpe
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107.,Cancer Cell Biology and Signaling Program, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107
| | - Elizabeth Natkanski
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107.,Cancer Cell Biology and Signaling Program, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107
| | - Liliana Schaefer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main 60323, Germany
| | - Andrea Morrione
- Department of Urology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107.,Biology of Prostate Cancer Program, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107
| | - Renato V Iozzo
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107 .,Cancer Cell Biology and Signaling Program, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107
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36
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Takano H, Nakamura T, Tsuchikawa T, Kushibiki T, Hontani K, Inoko K, Takahashi M, Sato S, Abe H, Takeuchi S, Sato N, Hiraoka K, Nishihara H, Shichinohe T, Hirano S. Inhibition of Eph receptor A4 by 2,5-dimethylpyrrolyl benzoic acid suppresses human pancreatic cancer growing orthotopically in nude mice. Oncotarget 2016; 6:41063-76. [PMID: 26516928 PMCID: PMC4747390 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2015] [Accepted: 09/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ephrin receptor A4 (EphA4) is overexpressed in human pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and activate cell growth. Recent studies have identified small molecules that block EphA4. In this study, we investigated the correlation between EphA4 expression and the prognosis of patients with PDAC. We also examined the cytostatic efficacy of 2,5-dimethylpyrrolyl benzoic acid (compound 1), a small molecule that blocks EphA4, in PDAC cells. Overall survival of patients with EphA4 positivity was significantly shorter than that of patients with EphA4 negativity (P = 0.029). In addition, multivariate analysis revealed that EphA4 expression was an independent prognostic factor in PDAC patients (P = 0.039). Compound 1 showed a cytostatic efficacy in PDAC cells expressing EphA4 in vitro and in vivo. Our study indicated that compound 1 suppressed both EphA4 and Akt phosphorylations, and induced apoptosis in PDAC cells expressing EphA4. In conclusion,compound 1 has a high potential as a therapeutic agent for patients with PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hironobu Takano
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery II, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
| | - Toru Nakamura
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery II, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
| | - Takahiro Tsuchikawa
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery II, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Kushibiki
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery II, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
| | - Kouji Hontani
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery II, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
| | - Kazuho Inoko
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery II, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
| | - Mizuna Takahashi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery II, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
| | - Shoki Sato
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery II, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
| | - Hirotake Abe
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery II, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
| | - Shintaro Takeuchi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery II, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
| | - Nagato Sato
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery II, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
| | - Kei Hiraoka
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery II, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Nishihara
- Department of Translational Pathology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
| | - Toshiaki Shichinohe
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery II, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
| | - Satoshi Hirano
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery II, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan
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37
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Barquilla A, Lamberto I, Noberini R, Heynen-Genel S, Brill LM, Pasquale EB. Protein kinase A can block EphA2 receptor-mediated cell repulsion by increasing EphA2 S897 phosphorylation. Mol Biol Cell 2016; 27:2757-70. [PMID: 27385333 PMCID: PMC5007095 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e16-01-0048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 06/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The EphA2 receptor plays multiple roles in cancer through two distinct signaling mechanisms. In a novel cross-talk, the β2-adrenoceptor/cAMP/PKA axis can promote EphA2 pro-oncogenic, ligand-independent signaling, blocking cell repulsion induced by ligand-dependent signaling. PKA emerges as a third kinase, besides AKT and RSK, that can regulate EphA2. The EphA2 receptor tyrosine kinase plays key roles in tissue homeostasis and disease processes such as cancer, pathological angiogenesis, and inflammation through two distinct signaling mechanisms. EphA2 “canonical” signaling involves ephrin-A ligand binding, tyrosine autophosphorylation, and kinase activity; EphA2 “noncanonical” signaling involves phosphorylation of serine 897 (S897) by AKT and RSK kinases. To identify small molecules counteracting EphA2 canonical signaling, we developed a high-content screening platform measuring inhibition of ephrin-A1–induced PC3 prostate cancer cell retraction. Surprisingly, most hits from a screened collection of pharmacologically active compounds are agents that elevate intracellular cAMP by activating G protein–coupled receptors such as the β2-adrenoceptor. We found that cAMP promotes phosphorylation of S897 by protein kinase A (PKA) as well as increases the phosphorylation of several nearby serine/threonine residues, which constitute a phosphorylation hotspot. Whereas EphA2 canonical and noncanonical signaling have been viewed as mutually exclusive, we show that S897 phosphorylation by PKA can coexist with EphA2 tyrosine phosphorylation and block cell retraction induced by EphA2 kinase activity. Our findings reveal a novel paradigm in EphA2 function involving the interplay of canonical and noncanonical signaling and highlight the ability of the β2-adrenoceptor/cAMP/PKA axis to rewire EphA2 signaling in a subset of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Barquilla
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Ilaria Lamberto
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Roberta Noberini
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Susanne Heynen-Genel
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Laurence M Brill
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Elena B Pasquale
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037 Pathology Department, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
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38
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Pearce AK, Fuchs AV, Fletcher NL, Thurecht KJ. Targeting Nanomedicines to Prostate Cancer: Evaluation of Specificity of Ligands to Two Different Receptors In Vivo. Pharm Res 2016; 33:2388-99. [DOI: 10.1007/s11095-016-1945-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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39
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Syed YA, Zhao C, Mahad D, Möbius W, Altmann F, Foss F, González GA, Sentürk A, Acker-Palmer A, Lubec G, Lilley K, Franklin RJM, Nave KA, Kotter MRN. Antibody-mediated neutralization of myelin-associated EphrinB3 accelerates CNS remyelination. Acta Neuropathol 2016; 131:281-298. [PMID: 26687980 PMCID: PMC4713754 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-015-1521-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Revised: 12/06/2015] [Accepted: 12/06/2015] [Indexed: 10/29/2022]
Abstract
Remyelination in multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions often remains incomplete despite the presence of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs). Amongst other factors, successful remyelination depends on the phagocytic clearance of myelin debris. However, the proteins in myelin debris that act as potent and selective inhibitors on OPC differentiation and inhibit CNS remyelination remain unknown. Here, we identify the transmembrane signalling protein EphrinB3 as important mediator of this inhibition, using a protein analytical approach in combination with a primary rodent OPC assay. In the presence of EphrinB3, OPCs fail to differentiate. In a rat model of remyelination, infusion of EphrinB3 inhibits remyelination. In contrast, masking EphrinB3 epitopes using antibodies promotes remyelination. Finally, we identify EphrinB3 in MS lesions and demonstrate that MS lesion extracts inhibit OPC differentiation while antibody-mediated masking of EphrinB3 epitopes promotes it. Our findings suggest that EphrinB3 could be a target for therapies aiming at promoting remyelination in demyelinating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasir A Syed
- Wellcome Trust and MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Anne McLaren Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0SZ, UK
- Department of Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, 37075, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Chao Zhao
- Wellcome Trust and MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Anne McLaren Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0SZ, UK
| | - Don Mahad
- Centre for Neuroregeneration, Chancellor's Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Wiebke Möbius
- Department of Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, 37075, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Friedrich Altmann
- Department of Chemistry, University of Natural Resource and Life Sciences, Muthgasse 18, 1190, Vienna, Austria
| | - Franziska Foss
- Frankfurt Institute for Molecular Life Sciences and Institute of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | | | - Aycan Sentürk
- Frankfurt Institute for Molecular Life Sciences and Institute of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Amparo Acker-Palmer
- Frankfurt Institute for Molecular Life Sciences and Institute of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Gert Lubec
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 4, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kathryn Lilley
- Cambridge Centre for Proteomics, Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QW, UK
| | - Robin J M Franklin
- Wellcome Trust and MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Anne McLaren Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0SZ, UK
| | - Klaus-A Nave
- Department of Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, 37075, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Mark R N Kotter
- Wellcome Trust and MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Anne McLaren Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0SZ, UK.
- Department of Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, 37075, Goettingen, Germany.
- Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, Universitätsklinik für Neurochirurgie, Robert-Koch-Straße 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany.
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40
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Hutchens T, Piston DW. EphA4 Receptor Forward Signaling Inhibits Glucagon Secretion From α-Cells. Diabetes 2015; 64:3839-51. [PMID: 26251403 PMCID: PMC4613968 DOI: 10.2337/db15-0488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2015] [Accepted: 07/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The loss of inhibition of glucagon secretion exacerbates hyperglycemia in type 1 and 2 diabetes. However, the molecular mechanisms that regulate glucagon secretion in unaffected and diabetic states remain relatively unexplained. We present evidence supporting a new model of juxtacrine-mediated regulation of glucagon secretion where neighboring islet cells negatively regulate glucagon secretion through tonic stimulation of α-cell EphA receptors. Primarily through EphA4 receptors, this stimulation correlates with maintenance of a dense F-actin network. In islets, additional stimulation and inhibition of endogenous EphA forward signaling result in inhibition and enhancement, respectively, of glucagon secretion, accompanied by an increase and decrease, respectively, in α-cell F-actin density. Sorted α-cells lack endogenous stimulation of EphA forward signaling from neighboring cells, resulting in enhanced basal glucagon secretion as compared with islets and the elimination of glucose inhibition of glucagon secretion. Restoration of EphA forward signaling in sorted α-cells recapitulates both normal basal glucagon secretion and glucose inhibition of glucagon secretion. Additionally, α-cell-specific EphA4(-/-) mice exhibit abnormal glucagon dynamics, and EphA4(-/-) α-cells contain less dense F-actin networks than EphA4(+/+) α-cells. This juxtacrine-mediated model provides insight into the functional and dysfunctional regulation of glucagon secretion and opens up new therapeutic strategies for the clinical management of diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Troy Hutchens
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN
| | - David W Piston
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
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41
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Dines M, Lamprecht R. The Role of Ephs and Ephrins in Memory Formation. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2015; 19:pyv106. [PMID: 26371183 PMCID: PMC4851260 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyv106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2015] [Accepted: 09/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to efficiently store memories in the brain is a fundamental process and its impairment is associated with multiple human mental disorders. Evidence indicates that long-term memory formation involves alterations of synaptic efficacy produced by modifications in neural transmission and morphology. The Eph receptors and their cognate ephrin ligands have been shown to be involved in these key neuronal processes by regulating events such as presynaptic transmitter release, postsynaptic glutamate receptor conductance and trafficking, synaptic glutamate reuptake, and dendritic spine morphogenesis. Recent findings show that Ephs and ephrins are needed for memory formation in different organisms. These proteins participate in the formation of various types of memories that are subserved by different neurons and brain regions. Ephs and ephrins are involved in brain disorders and diseases with memory impairment symptoms, including Alzheimer's disease and anxiety. Drugs that agonize or antagonize Ephs/ephrins signaling have been developed and could serve as therapeutic agents to treat such diseases. Ephs and ephrins may therefore induce cellular alterations mandatory for memory formation and serve as a target for pharmacological intervention for treatment of memory-related brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Raphael Lamprecht
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Israel.
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42
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Wu B, Wang S, De SK, Barile E, Quinn BA, Zharkikh I, Purves A, Stebbins JL, Oshima RG, Fisher PB, Pellecchia M. Design and Characterization of Novel EphA2 Agonists for Targeted Delivery of Chemotherapy to Cancer Cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 22:876-887. [PMID: 26165155 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2015.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2015] [Revised: 05/22/2015] [Accepted: 06/10/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The development of novel, targeted delivery agents for anti-cancer therapies requires the design and optimization of potent and selective tumor-targeting agents that are stable and amenable to conjugation with chemotherapeutic drugs. While short peptides represent potentially an excellent platform for these purposes, they often get degraded and are eliminated too rapidly in vivo. In this study, we used a combination of nuclear magnetic resonance-guided structure-activity relationships along with biochemical and cellular studies to derive a novel tumor-homing agent, named 123B9, targeting the EphA2 tyrosine kinase receptor ligand-binding domain. Conjugating 123B9 to the chemotherapeutic drug paclitaxel (PTX) via a stable linker results in an agent that is significantly more effective than the unconjugated drug in both a pancreatic cancer xenograft model and a melanoma lung colonization and metastases model. Hence, 123B9 could represent a promising strategy for the development of novel targeted therapies for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bainan Wu
- Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Si Wang
- Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Surya K De
- Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Elisa Barile
- Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Bridget A Quinn
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine and VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23298-0033, USA
| | - Irina Zharkikh
- Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Angela Purves
- Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - John L Stebbins
- Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Robert G Oshima
- Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Paul B Fisher
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine and VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23298-0033, USA
| | - Maurizio Pellecchia
- Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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43
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Karachaliou N, Rosell R, Molina MA, Viteri S. Predicting resistance by selection of signaling pathways. Transl Lung Cancer Res 2015; 3:107-15. [PMID: 25806289 DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.2218-6751.2014.02.04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2014] [Accepted: 02/25/2014] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations occur in 17% of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with notable response to single agent therapy but with low complete remission rate and, eventually, disease progression. Priming BIM, a pro-apoptotic signaling BH3-only protein, induces sensitivity to erlotinib in EGFR-mutant cell lines. Synthetic lethal approaches and preemptive therapies based on the initial expression of BIM may significantly improve the treatment outcome. EGFR mutations result in transient pro-death imbalance of survival and apoptotic signaling in response to EGFR inhibition. SHP2 is essential to the balance between ERK and the phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT and signal transducer activator of transcription (STAT) activity, while mTOR can be an additional marker for patients with high BIM expression. Furthermore, stromal hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) confers EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) resistance and induces interreceptor crosstalk with integrin-b4, Eph2, CUB domain-containing protein-1 (CDCP1), AXL and JAK1. Only by understanding better, and in more depth, complex cancer molecular biology will we have the information that will help us to design strategies to augment efficacy of EGFR TKIs and offer our patients the best, most correct therapeutic option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niki Karachaliou
- 1 Dr Rosell Oncology Institute, Quirón Dexeus University Institute, Barcelona, Spain ; 2 Pangaea Biotech, Quirón Dexeus University Institute, Barcelona, Spain ; 3 Catalan Institute of Oncology, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Spain ; 4 Molecular Cancer Research (MORe) Foundation, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael Rosell
- 1 Dr Rosell Oncology Institute, Quirón Dexeus University Institute, Barcelona, Spain ; 2 Pangaea Biotech, Quirón Dexeus University Institute, Barcelona, Spain ; 3 Catalan Institute of Oncology, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Spain ; 4 Molecular Cancer Research (MORe) Foundation, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel Angel Molina
- 1 Dr Rosell Oncology Institute, Quirón Dexeus University Institute, Barcelona, Spain ; 2 Pangaea Biotech, Quirón Dexeus University Institute, Barcelona, Spain ; 3 Catalan Institute of Oncology, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Spain ; 4 Molecular Cancer Research (MORe) Foundation, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Santiago Viteri
- 1 Dr Rosell Oncology Institute, Quirón Dexeus University Institute, Barcelona, Spain ; 2 Pangaea Biotech, Quirón Dexeus University Institute, Barcelona, Spain ; 3 Catalan Institute of Oncology, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Spain ; 4 Molecular Cancer Research (MORe) Foundation, Barcelona, Spain
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44
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Qin H, Lim LZ, Song J. Dynamic principle for designing antagonistic/agonistic molecules for EphA4 receptor, the only known ALS modifier. ACS Chem Biol 2015; 10:372-8. [PMID: 25334011 DOI: 10.1021/cb500413n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Additional to involvement in diverse physiological and pathological processes such as axon regeneration, synaptic plasticity, and cancers, EphA4 receptor has been recently identified as the only amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) modifier. Previously, we found that two small molecules bind the same EphA4 channel at almost equivalent affinities but mysteriously trigger opposite signaling outputs: one activated but another inhibited. Here, we determined the solution structure of the 181-residue EphA4 LBD, which represents the first for 16 Eph receptors. Further NMR dynamic studies deciphered that the agonistic and antagonistic effects of two small molecules are dynamically driven, which are achieved by oppositely modulating EphA4 dynamics. Consequently, in design of drugs to target EphA4, the dynamic requirement also needs to be satisfied in addition to the classic criteria. For example, to increase the survival of ALS patients by inhibiting EphA4, the drugs must enhance, or at least not suppress, the EphA4 dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haina Qin
- Department of Biological
Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 10 Kent
Ridge Crescent, Singapore 119260, Singapore
| | - Liang-Zhong Lim
- Department of Biological
Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 10 Kent
Ridge Crescent, Singapore 119260, Singapore
| | - Jianxing Song
- Department of Biological
Sciences, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 10 Kent
Ridge Crescent, Singapore 119260, Singapore
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45
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Lefort R. Reversing synapse loss in Alzheimer's disease: Rho-guanosine triphosphatases and insights from other brain disorders. Neurotherapeutics 2015; 12:19-28. [PMID: 25588580 PMCID: PMC4322073 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-014-0328-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a monumental public health crisis with no effective cure or treatment. To date, therapeutic strategies have focused almost exclusively on upstream signaling events in the disease, namely on β-amyloid and amyloid precursor protein processing, and have, unfortunately, yielded few, if any, promising results. An alternative approach may be to target signaling events downstream of β-amyloid and even tau. However, with so many pathways already linked to the disease, understanding which ones are "drivers" versus "passengers" in the pathogenesis of the disease remains a tremendous challenge. Given the critical roles of Rho-guanosine triphosphatases (GTPases) in regulating the actin cytoskeleton and spine dynamics, and the strong association between spine abnormalities and cognition, it is not surprising that mutations in a number of genes involved in Rho-GTPase signaling have been implicated in several brain disorders, including schizophrenia and autism. And now, there is mounting literature implicating Rho-GTPase signaling in AD pathogenesis as well. Here, I review this evidence, with a particular emphasis on the regulators of Rho-GTPase signaling, namely guanine nucleotide exchange factors and GTPase-activating proteins. Several of these have been linked to various aspects of AD, and each offers a novel potential therapeutic target for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger Lefort
- The Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, and Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA,
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46
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Riedl SJ, Pasquale EB. Targeting the Eph System with Peptides and Peptide Conjugates. Curr Drug Targets 2015; 16:1031-47. [PMID: 26212263 PMCID: PMC4861043 DOI: 10.2174/1389450116666150727115934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2015] [Revised: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 07/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Eph receptor tyrosine kinases and ephrin ligands constitute an important cell communication system that controls development, tissue homeostasis and many pathological processes. Various Eph receptors/ephrins are present in essentially all cell types and their expression is often dysregulated by injury and disease. Thus, the 14 Eph receptors are attracting increasing attention as a major class of potential drug targets. In particular, agents that bind to the extracellular ephrin-binding pocket of these receptors show promise for medical applications. This pocket comprises a broad and shallow groove surrounded by several flexible loops, which makes peptides particularly suitable to target it with high affinity and selectivity. Accordingly, a number of peptides that bind to Eph receptors with micromolar affinity have been identified using phage display and other approaches. These peptides are generally antagonists that inhibit ephrin binding and Eph receptor/ ephrin signaling, but some are agonists mimicking ephrin-induced Eph receptor activation. Importantly, some of the peptides are exquisitely selective for single Eph receptors. Most identified peptides are linear, but recently the considerable advantages of cyclic scaffolds have been recognized, particularly in light of potential optimization towards drug leads. To date, peptide improvements have yielded derivatives with low nanomolar Eph receptor binding affinity, high resistance to plasma proteases and/or long in vivo half-life, exemplifying the merits of peptides for Eph receptor targeting. Besides their modulation of Eph receptor/ephrin function, peptides can also serve to deliver conjugated imaging and therapeutic agents or various types of nanoparticles to tumors and other diseased tissues presenting target Eph receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elena B Pasquale
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 N. Torrey Pines Rd., La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
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47
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Miao B, Ji Z, Tan L, Taylor M, Zhang J, Choi HG, Frederick DT, Kumar R, Wargo JA, Flaherty KT, Gray NS, Tsao H. EPHA2 is a mediator of vemurafenib resistance and a novel therapeutic target in melanoma. Cancer Discov 2014; 5:274-87. [PMID: 25542448 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-14-0295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED BRAF(V600E) is the most common oncogenic lesion in melanoma and results in constitutive activation of the MAPK pathway and uncontrolled cell growth. Selective BRAF inhibitors such as vemurafenib have been shown to neutralize oncogenic signaling, restrain cellular growth, and improve patient outcome. Although several mechanisms of vemurafenib resistance have been described, directed solutions to overcome these resistance lesions are still lacking. Herein, we found that vemurafenib resistance can be (i) mediated by EPHA2, a member of the largest receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK) subfamily erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular (EPH) receptors, and (ii) associated with a greater phenotypic dependence on EPHA2. Furthermore, we developed a series of first-in-class EPHA2 inhibitors and show that these new compounds potently induce apoptosis, suppress viability, and abrogate tumorigenic growth of melanoma cells, including those that are resistant to vemurafenib. These results provide proof of concept that RTK-guided growth, and therapeutic resistance, can be prospectively defined and selectively targeted. SIGNIFICANCE In this study, we show that resistance to selective BRAF inhibitors can be mediated by the RTK EPHA2. Furthermore, direct targeting of EPHA2 can successfully suppress melanoma growth and mitigate therapeutic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benchun Miao
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts. Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Zhenyu Ji
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts. Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Li Tan
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts. Department of Cancer Biology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Michael Taylor
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jianming Zhang
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Hwan Geun Choi
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts. Department of Cancer Biology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Dennie T Frederick
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Raj Kumar
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts. Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jennifer A Wargo
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Division of Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Keith T Flaherty
- Division of Medical Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts. MGH Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nathanael S Gray
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts. Department of Cancer Biology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Hensin Tsao
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts. Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts. MGH Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.
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48
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Lamberto I, Lechtenberg BC, Olson EJ, Mace PD, Dawson PE, Riedl SJ, Pasquale EB. Development and structural analysis of a nanomolar cyclic peptide antagonist for the EphA4 receptor. ACS Chem Biol 2014; 9:2787-95. [PMID: 25268696 PMCID: PMC4273976 DOI: 10.1021/cb500677x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The EphA4 receptor is highly expressed in the nervous system, and recent findings suggest that its signaling activity hinders neural repair and exacerbates certain neurodegenerative processes. EphA4 has also been implicated in cancer progression. Thus, EphA4 inhibitors represent potential therapeutic leads and useful research tools to elucidate the role of EphA4 in physiology and disease. Here, we report the structure of a cyclic peptide antagonist, APY, in complex with the EphA4 ligand-binding domain (LBD), which represents the first structure of a cyclic peptide bound to a receptor tyrosine kinase. The structure shows that the dodecameric APY efficiently occupies the ephrin ligand-binding pocket of EphA4 and promotes a "closed" conformation of the surrounding loops. Structure-guided relaxation of the strained APY β-turn and amidation of the C terminus to allow an additional intrapeptide hydrogen bond yielded APY-βAla8.am, an improved APY derivative that binds to EphA4 with nanomolar affinity. APY-βAla8.am potently inhibits ephrin-induced EphA4 activation in cells and EphA4-dependent neuronal growth cone collapse, while retaining high selectivity for EphA4. The two crystal structures of APY and APY-βAla8.am bound to EphA4, in conjunction with secondary phage display screens, highlighted peptide residues that are essential for EphA4 binding as well as residues that can be modified. Thus, the APY scaffold represents an exciting prototype, particularly since cyclic peptides have potentially favorable metabolic stability and are emerging as an important class of molecules for disruption of protein-protein interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Lamberto
- Cancer Center, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Bernhard C. Lechtenberg
- Cancer Center, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Erika J. Olson
- Department
of Chemistry and Cell and Molecular Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Peter D. Mace
- Cancer Center, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Philip E. Dawson
- Department
of Chemistry and Cell and Molecular Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Stefan J. Riedl
- Cancer Center, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Elena B. Pasquale
- Cancer Center, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
- Pathology
Department, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
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Shu Y, Xiao B, Wu Q, Liu T, Du Y, Tang H, Chen S, Feng L, Long L, Li Y. The Ephrin-A5/EphA4 Interaction Modulates Neurogenesis and Angiogenesis by the p-Akt and p-ERK Pathways in a Mouse Model of TLE. Mol Neurobiol 2014; 53:561-576. [PMID: 25502292 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-014-9020-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2014] [Accepted: 11/18/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Studies have shown that neurogenesis and angiogenesis do exist in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). The ephrin ligands and Eph receptors are the largest members of receptor tyrosine kinases, and their interaction via cell-cell contact participates in cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, and tissue remodeling. However, there is little information about the function of the ephrin-A5/EphA4 complex in TLE. In the current study, we found that ephrin-A5 was expressed in astrocytes, while EphA4 existed in endothelial cells in the hippocampus in a mouse model of TLE. Furthermore, the messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels of both ephrin-A5 and EphA4 and the binding capacity of ephrin-A5/EphA4 showed gradual increase in spatiotemporal course. When ephrin-A5-Fc was injected into the hippocampus at 3 days post-status epilepticus (SE) for 7 days, the spontaneous recurrent seizure (SRS) frequency and intensity of the mice attenuated in the following 2 weeks. Furthermore, doublecortin-positive neuronal progenitor cells were reduced in the subgranular zone, and the density of microvessels decreased in the hilus. The molecular mechanism was attributed to ephrin-A5-Fc-induced inhibition of phosphorylated ERK (p-ERK) and phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt), and also EphA4 and VEGF reduction. In summary, interaction between ephrin-A5 and EphA4 could mediate the ERK and Akt signaling pathways in pilocarpine-induced epilepsy, and intervention of the ephrin/Eph interaction may play an essential role in the suppression of newborn neuron generation, microvessel remodeling, and SRS in a mouse model of TLE. The ephrin-A5/EphA4 communication may provide a potential therapy for the treatment of TLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Shu
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Bo Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, 410008, China.
| | - Qian Wu
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Tiantian Liu
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Yang Du
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Haiyun Tang
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Si Chen
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Li Feng
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Lili Long
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, 410008, China.
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA, 01604, USA.
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50
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On the use of 2,5-dimethyl-pyrrol-1-yl-benzoic acid derivatives as EPH-ephrin antagonists. J Virol 2014; 88:12173. [PMID: 25246598 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02152-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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