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Kuhn E, Natacci F, Corbo M, Pisani L, Ferrero S, Bulfamante G, Gambini D. The Contribution of Oxidative Stress to NF1-Altered Tumors. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1557. [PMID: 37627552 PMCID: PMC10451967 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12081557] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The neurofibromatosis-1 gene (NF1) was initially characterized because its germline mutation is responsible for an inherited syndromic disease predisposing tumor development, in particular neurofibromas but also various malignancies. Recently, large-scale tumor sequencing efforts have demonstrated NF1 as one of the most frequently mutated genes in human cancer, being mutated in approximately 5-10% of all tumors, especially in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors and different skin tumors. NF1 acts as a tumor suppressor gene that encodes neurofibromin, a large protein that controls neoplastic transformation through several molecular mechanisms. On the other hand, neurofibromin loss due to NF1 biallelic inactivation induces tumorigenic hyperactivation of Ras and mTOR signaling pathways. Moreover, neurofibromin controls actin cytoskeleton structure and the metaphase-anaphase transition. Consequently, neurofibromin deficiency favors cell mobility and proliferation as well as chromosomal instability and aneuploidy, respectively. Growing evidence supports the role of oxidative stress in NF1-related tumorigenesis. Neurofibromin loss induces oxidative stress both directly and through Ras and mTOR signaling activation. Notably, innovative therapeutic approaches explore drug combinations that further increase reactive oxygen species to boost the oxidative unbalance of NF1-altered cancer cells. In our paper, we review NF1-related tumors and their pathogenesis, highlighting the twofold contribution of oxidative stress, both tumorigenic and therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Kuhn
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (S.F.); (G.B.)
- Pathology Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Natacci
- Medical Genetics Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Massimo Corbo
- Department of Neurorehabilitation Sciences, Casa di Cura Igea, 20144 Milan, Italy; (M.C.); (L.P.); (D.G.)
| | - Luigi Pisani
- Department of Neurorehabilitation Sciences, Casa di Cura Igea, 20144 Milan, Italy; (M.C.); (L.P.); (D.G.)
| | - Stefano Ferrero
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (S.F.); (G.B.)
- Pathology Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Gaetano Bulfamante
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (S.F.); (G.B.)
- Human Pathology and Molecular Pathology, TOMA Advanced Biomedical Assays S.p.A., 21052 Busto Arsizio, Italy
| | - Donatella Gambini
- Department of Neurorehabilitation Sciences, Casa di Cura Igea, 20144 Milan, Italy; (M.C.); (L.P.); (D.G.)
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Tsujimoto K, Takamatsu H, Kumanogoh A. The Ragulator complex: delving its multifunctional impact on metabolism and beyond. Inflamm Regen 2023; 43:28. [PMID: 37173755 PMCID: PMC10175929 DOI: 10.1186/s41232-023-00278-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Our understanding of lysosomes has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, from the view that they are static organelles primarily responsible for the disposal and recycling of cellular waste to their recognition as highly dynamic structures. Current research posits that lysosomes function as a signaling hub that integrates both extracellular and intracellular stimuli, thereby regulating cellular homeostasis. The dysregulation of lysosomal function has been linked to a wide range of diseases. Of note, lysosomes contribute to the activation of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), a key regulator of cellular metabolism. The Ragulator complex, a protein complex anchored on the lysosomal membrane, was initially shown to tether the mTORC1 complex to lysosomes. Recent research has substantially expanded our understanding of the roles of the Ragulator complex in lysosomes, including roles in the regulation of metabolism, inflammation, cell death, cell migration, and the maintenance of homeostasis, via interactions with various proteins. This review summarizes our current knowledge on the diverse functions of the Ragulator complex, highlighting important protein interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohei Tsujimoto
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Immunopathology, Immunology Frontier Research Center (IFReC), Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hyota Takamatsu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan.
- Department of Immunopathology, Immunology Frontier Research Center (IFReC), Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Atsushi Kumanogoh
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Immunopathology, Immunology Frontier Research Center (IFReC), Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Center for Infectious Diseases Education and Research (CiDER), Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Integrated Frontier Research for Medical Science Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives (OTRI), Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development - Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (AMED-CREST), Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Center for Advanced Modalities and DDS (CAMaD), Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
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Báez-Flores J, Rodríguez-Martín M, Lacal J. The therapeutic potential of neurofibromin signaling pathways and binding partners. Commun Biol 2023; 6:436. [PMID: 37081086 PMCID: PMC10119308 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04815-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromin controls many cell processes, such as growth, learning, and memory. If neurofibromin is not working properly, it can lead to health problems, including issues with the nervous, skeletal, and cardiovascular systems and cancer. This review examines neurofibromin's binding partners, signaling pathways and potential therapeutic targets. In addition, it summarizes the different post-translational modifications that can affect neurofibromin's interactions with other molecules. It is essential to investigate the molecular mechanisms that underlie neurofibromin variants in order to provide with functional connections between neurofibromin and its associated proteins for possible therapeutic targets based on its biological function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Báez-Flores
- Laboratory of Functional Genetics of Rare Diseases, Department of Microbiology and Genetics, University of Salamanca (USAL), 37007, Salamanca, Spain
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Mario Rodríguez-Martín
- Laboratory of Functional Genetics of Rare Diseases, Department of Microbiology and Genetics, University of Salamanca (USAL), 37007, Salamanca, Spain
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Jesus Lacal
- Laboratory of Functional Genetics of Rare Diseases, Department of Microbiology and Genetics, University of Salamanca (USAL), 37007, Salamanca, Spain.
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007, Salamanca, Spain.
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Molecular Dynamics Simulations Reveal Structural Interconnections within Sec14-PH Bipartite Domain from Human Neurofibromin. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105707. [PMID: 35628517 PMCID: PMC9147397 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromin, the main RasGAP in the nervous system, is a 2818 aa protein with several poorly characterized functional domains. Mutations in the NF1-encoding gene lead to an autosomal dominant syndrome, neurofibromatosis, with an incidence of 1 out of 3000 newborns. Missense mutations spread in the Sec14-PH-encoding sequences as well. Structural data could not highlight the defect in mutant Sec14-PH functionality. By performing molecular dynamics simulations at different temperatures, we found that the lid-lock is fundamental for the structural interdependence of the NF1 bipartite Sec14-PH domain. In fact, increased flexibility in the lid-lock loop, observed for the K1750Δ mutant, leads to disconnection of the two subdomains and can affect the stability of the Sec14 subdomain.
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Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Gene Alterations Define Specific Features of a Subset of Glioblastomas. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010352. [PMID: 35008787 PMCID: PMC8745708 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) gene mutations or alterations occur within neurofibromatosis type 1 as well as in many different malignant tumours on the somatic level. In glioblastoma, NF1 loss of function plays a major role in inducing the mesenchymal (MES) subtype and, therefore defining the most aggressive glioblastoma. This is associated with an immune signature and mediated via the NF1–MAPK–FOSL1 axis. Specifically, increased invasion seems to be regulated via mutations in the leucine-rich domain (LRD) of the NF1 gene product neurofibromin. Novel targets for therapy may arise from neurofibromin deficiency-associated cellular mechanisms that are summarised in this review.
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Chen Z, Chen J. Mass spectrometry-based protein‒protein interaction techniques and their applications in studies of DNA damage repair. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B 2021; 22:1-20. [PMID: 33448183 PMCID: PMC7818012 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.b2000356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Proteins are major functional units that are tightly connected to form complex and dynamic networks. These networks enable cells and organisms to operate properly and respond efficiently to environmental cues. Over the past decades, many biochemical methods have been developed to search for protein-binding partners in order to understand how protein networks are constructed and connected. At the same time, rapid development in proteomics and mass spectrometry (MS) techniques makes it possible to identify interacting proteins and build comprehensive protein‒protein interaction networks. The resulting interactomes and networks have proven informative in the investigation of biological functions, such as in the field of DNA damage repair. In recent years, a number of proteins involved in DNA damage response and DNA repair pathways have been uncovered with MS-based protein‒protein interaction studies. As the technologies for enriching associated proteins and MS become more sophisticated, the studies of protein‒protein interactions are entering a new era. In this review, we summarize the strategies and recent developments for exploring protein‒protein interaction. In addition, we discuss the application of these tools in the investigation of protein‒protein interaction networks involved in DNA damage response and DNA repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Chen
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Junjie Chen
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Bergoug M, Doudeau M, Godin F, Mosrin C, Vallée B, Bénédetti H. Neurofibromin Structure, Functions and Regulation. Cells 2020; 9:cells9112365. [PMID: 33121128 PMCID: PMC7692384 DOI: 10.3390/cells9112365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromin is a large and multifunctional protein encoded by the tumor suppressor gene NF1, mutations of which cause the tumor predisposition syndrome neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Over the last three decades, studies of neurofibromin structure, interacting partners, and functions have shown that it is involved in several cell signaling pathways, including the Ras/MAPK, Akt/mTOR, ROCK/LIMK/cofilin, and cAMP/PKA pathways, and regulates many fundamental cellular processes, such as proliferation and migration, cytoskeletal dynamics, neurite outgrowth, dendritic-spine density, and dopamine levels. The crystallographic structure has been resolved for two of its functional domains, GRD (GAP-related (GTPase-activating protein) domain) and SecPH, and its post-translational modifications studied, showing it to be localized to several cell compartments. These findings have been of particular interest in the identification of many therapeutic targets and in the proposal of various therapeutic strategies to treat the symptoms of NF1. In this review, we provide an overview of the literature on neurofibromin structure, function, interactions, and regulation and highlight the relationships between them.
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Affinity Purification of NF1 Protein-Protein Interactors Identifies Keratins and Neurofibromin Itself as Binding Partners. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10090650. [PMID: 31466283 PMCID: PMC6770187 DOI: 10.3390/genes10090650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) is caused by pathogenic variants in the NF1 gene encoding neurofibromin. Definition of NF1 protein–protein interactions (PPIs) has been difficult and lacks replication, making it challenging to define binding partners that modulate its function. We created a novel tandem affinity purification (TAP) tag cloned in frame to the 3’ end of the full-length murine Nf1 cDNA (mNf1). We show that this cDNA is functional and expresses neurofibromin, His-Tag, and can correct p-ERK/ERK ratios in NF1 null HEK293 cells. We used this affinity tag to purify binding partners with Strep-Tactin®XT beads and subsequently, identified them via mass spectrometry (MS). We found the tagged mNf1 can affinity purify human neurofibromin and vice versa, indicating that neurofibromin oligomerizes. We identify 21 additional proteins with high confidence of interaction with neurofibromin. After Metacore network analysis of these 21 proteins, eight appear within the same network, primarily keratins regulated by estrogen receptors. Previously, we have shown that neurofibromin levels negatively regulate keratin expression. Here, we show through pharmacological inhibition that this is independent of Ras signaling, as the inhibitors, selumetinib and rapamycin, do not alter keratin expression. Further characterization of neurofibromin oligomerization and binding partners could aid in discovering new neurofibromin functions outside of Ras regulation, leading to novel drug targets.
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Carnes RM, Mobley JA, Crossman DK, Liu H, Korf BR, Kesterson RA, Wallis D. Multi-Omics Profiling for NF1 Target Discovery in Neurofibromin (NF1) Deficient Cells. Proteomics 2019; 19:e1800334. [PMID: 30908848 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201800334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Revised: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Loss of NF1 is an oncogenic driver. In efforts to define pathways responsible for the development of neurofibromas and other cancers, transcriptomic and proteomic changes are evaluated in a non-malignant NF1 null cell line. NF1 null HEK293 cells were created using CRISPR/Cas9 technology and they are compared to parental cells that express neurofibromin. A total of 1222 genes and 132 proteins are found to be differentially expressed. The analysis is integrated to identify eight transcripts/proteins that are differentially regulated in both analyses. Metacore Pathway analysis identifies Neurogenesis NGF/TrkA MAPK-mediated signaling alterations. Next, the data set is compared with other published studies that involve analysis of cells or tumors deficient for NF1 and it is found that 141 genes recur in the sample and others; only thirteen of these genes recur in two or more studies. Genes/proteins of interest are validated via q-RT-PCR or Western blot. It is shown that KRT8 and 14-3-3σ protein levels respond to exogenously introduced mNf1 cDNA. Hence, transcripts/proteins that respond to neurofibromin levels are identified and they can potentially be used as biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M Carnes
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 35294, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - James A Mobley
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 35294, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - David K Crossman
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 35294, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 35294, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Bruce R Korf
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 35294, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Robert A Kesterson
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 35294, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Deeann Wallis
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 35294, Birmingham, AL, USA
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Brioschi M, Banfi C. The application of gene silencing in proteomics: from laboratory to clinic. Expert Rev Proteomics 2018; 15:717-732. [PMID: 30205712 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2018.1521275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Since the completion of genome sequencing, gene silencing technologies have emerged as powerful tools to study gene functions in various biological processes, both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, they have also been proposed as therapeutic agents to inhibit selected genes in a variety of pathological conditions, such as cancer, neurodegenerative, and cardiovascular diseases. Area covered: This review summarizes the mechanisms of action and applications of genome editing tools, from RNA interference to clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-based systems, in research and in clinics. We describe their essential role in high-throughput genetic screens and, in particular, in functional proteomics studies, to identify diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets. Indeed, gene silencing and proteomics have been extensively integrated to study global proteome changes, posttranslational modifications, and protein-protein interactions. Expert commentary: Functional proteomics approaches that leverage gene silencing tools have been successfully applied to examine the role of several genes in various contexts, leading to a deeper knowledge of biological pathways and disease mechanisms. Recent developments of gene silencing tools have improved their performance, also in terms of off-targets effects reduction, paving the way for a wider therapeutic application of these systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maura Brioschi
- a Unit of Proteomics , Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS , Milano , Italy
| | - Cristina Banfi
- a Unit of Proteomics , Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS , Milano , Italy
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Recent progress in mass spectrometry proteomics for biomedical research. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2017; 60:1093-1113. [DOI: 10.1007/s11427-017-9175-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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