Proteomic approaches to the analysis of early events in colony-stimulating factor-1 signal transduction

Low-grade systemic inflammation stimulates microglial turnover and accelerates the onset of Alzheimer's-like pathology

Several in vivo studies have shown that systemic inflammation, mimicked by LPS, triggers an inflammatory response in the CNS, driven by microglia, characterized by an increase in inflammatory cytokines and associated sickness behavior. However, most studies induce relatively high systemic inflammation, not directly compared with the more common low-grade inflammatory events experienced in humans during the life course. Using mice, we investigated the effects of low-grade systemic inflammation during an otherwise healthy early life, and how this may precondition the onset and severity of Alzheimer's disease (AD)-like pathology. Our results indicate that low-grade systemic inflammation induces sub-threshold brain inflammation and promotes microglial proliferation driven by the CSF1R pathway, contrary to the effects caused by high systemic inflammation. In addition, repeated systemic challenges with low-grade LPS induce disease-associated microglia. Finally, using an inducible model of AD-like pathology (Line 102 mice), we observed that preconditioning with repeated doses of low-grade systemic inflammation, prior to APP induction, promotes a detrimental effect later in life, leading to an increase in Aβ accumulation and disease-associated microglia. These results support the notion that episodic low-grade systemic inflammation has the potential to influence the onset and severity of age-related neurological disorders, such as AD.

Microglia-endothelial cross-talk regulates diabetes-induced retinal vascular dysfunction through remodeling inflammatory microenvironment

Inflammation-mediated crosstalk between neuroglial cells and endothelial cells (ECs) is a fundamental feature of many vascular diseases. Nevertheless, the landscape of inflammatory processes during diabetes-induced microvascular dysfunction remains elusive. Here, we applied single-cell RNA sequencing to elucidate the transcriptional landscape of diabetic retinopathy (DR). The transcriptome characteristics of microglia and ECs revealed two microglial subpopulations and three EC populations. Exploration of intercellular crosstalk between microglia and ECs showed that diabetes-induced interactions mainly participated in the inflammatory response and vessel development, with colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF1) and CSF1 receptor (CSF1R) playing important roles in early cell differentiation. Clinically, we found that CSF1/CSF1R crosstalk dysregulation was associated with proliferative DR. Mechanistically, ECs secrete CSF1 and activate CSF1R endocytosis and the CSF1R phosphorylation-mediated MAPK signaling pathway, which elicits the differentiation of microglia and triggers the secretion of inflammatory factors, and subsequently foster angiogenesis by remodeling the inflammatory microenvironment through a positive feedback mechanism.

Immunomodulatory effects of chicken cathelicidin-2 on a primary hepatic cell co-culture model

Cathelicidin-2 is an antimicrobial peptide (AMP) produced as part of the innate immune system of chickens and might be a new candidate to combat infection and inflammation within the gut-liver axis. Studying the hepatic immune response is of high importance as the liver is primarily exposed to gut-derived pathogen-associated molecular patterns. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of chicken cathelicidin-2 alone or combined with lipoteichoic acid (LTA) or phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) on cell viability, immune response and redox homeostasis in a primary hepatocyte-non-parenchymal cell co-culture of chicken origin. Both concentrations of cathelicidin-2 decreased the cellular metabolic activity and increased the extracellular lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity reflecting reduced membrane integrity. Neither LTA nor PMA affected these parameters, and when combined with LTA, cathelicidin-2 could not influence the LDH activity. Cathelicidin-2 had an increasing effect on the concentration of the proinflammatory CXCLi2 and interferon- (IFN-)γ, and on that of the anti-inflammatory IL-10. Meanwhile, macrophage colony stimulating factor (M-CSF), playing a complex role in inflammation, was diminished by the AMP. LTA elevated IFN-γ and decreased M-CSF levels, while PMA only increased the concentration of M-CSF. Both concentrations of cathelicidin-2 increased the H2O2 release of the cells, but the concentration of malondialdehyde as a lipid peroxidation marker was not affected. Our findings give evidence that cathelicidin-2 can also possess anti-inflammatory effects, reflected by the alleviation of the LTA-triggered IFN-γ elevation, and by reducing the M-CSF production induced by PMA. Based on the present results, cathelicidin-2 plays a substantial role in modulating the hepatic immune response with a multifaceted mode of action. It was found to have dose-dependent effects on metabolic activity, membrane integrity, and reactive oxygen species production, indicating that using it in excessively high concentrations can contribute to cell damage. In conclusion, cathelicidin-2 seems to be a promising candidate for future immunomodulating drug development with an attempt to reduce the application of antibiotics.

Blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala) MaCSF-1 contributes to proliferation, phagocytosis and immunoregulation of macrophages via MaCSF-1R

CSF-1 and CSF-1R have been well demonstrated in humans, regulating the differentiation, proliferation and survival of the mononuclear phagocyte system. However, the functional study on MaCSF-1 and MaCSF-1R from blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala) is still unknown. In the present study, we cloned and functionally characterized MaCSF-1 and MaCSF-1R. Multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic tree analysis showed that both MaCSF-1 and MaCSF-1R were mostly close to the grass carp counterparts. Tissue distribution analysis showed that both MaCSF-1 and MaCSF-1R were widely distributed in all examined tissues, dominantly distributed in spleen, blood and head kidney tissues. Furthermore, confocal microscopy assay and flow cytometry assay showed that MaCSF-1R was the marker on the surface of macrophages. Recombinant MaCSF-1 promoted macrophage proliferation, phagocytosis and the production of IL-10. Through the pull-down experiments and indirect immunofluorescence experiments, the interaction between MaCSF-1 and MaCSF-1R was confirmed. To explore the relationship between MaCSF-1 and its receptor, MaCSF-1R and MaCSF-1R antibody was prepared. Then the MaCSF-1R blockage assay indicated that the role of MaCSF-1 on the macrophages proliferation and phagocytosis was weakened, leading the reduction of IL-10 expression level. In conclusion, MaCSF-1R is the marker on the surface of macrophage membrane; and MaCSF-1 promotes macrophage proliferation, phagocytosis, and significantly increased the expression levels of IL-10 depended on the interacting with MaCSF-1R. This study provides basal data for the biological function of MaCSF-1 and MaCSF-1R, and is valuable for the exploration of MaCSF-1 and MaCSF-1R molecular interactions.

Aging Leads to Increased Monocytes and Macrophages With Altered CSF-1 Receptor Expression and Earlier Tumor-Associated Macrophage Expansion in Murine Mesothelioma

Increased cancer incidence occurs with the emergence of immunosenescence, highlighting the indispensability of the immune system in preventing cancer and its dysregulation with aging. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are often present in high numbers and are associated with poor clinical outcomes in solid cancers, including mesothelioma. Monocytes and macrophages from the bone marrow and spleen can respond to tumor-derived factors, such as CSF-1, and initiation of the CSF-1R signaling cascade results in their proliferation, differentiation, and migration to the tumor. Age-related changes occur in monocytes and macrophages in terms of numbers and function, which in turn can impact tumor initiation and progression. Whether this is due to changes in CSF-1R expression with aging is currently unknown and was investigated in this study. We examined monocytes and macrophages in the bone marrow and spleen during healthy aging in young (3–4 months) and elderly (20–24 months) female C57BL/6J mice. Additionally, changes to these tissues and in TAMs were examined during AE17 mesothelioma tumor growth. Healthy aging resulted in an expansion of Ly6C^high monocytes and macrophages in the bone marrow and spleen. CSF-1R expression levels were reduced in elderly splenic macrophages only, suggesting differences in CSF-1R signaling between both cell type and tissue site. In tumor-bearing mice, Ly6C^high monocytes increased with tumor growth in the spleen in the elderly and increased intracellular CSF-1R expression occurred in bone marrow Ly6C^high monocytes in elderly mice bearing large tumors. Age-related changes to bone marrow and splenic Ly6C^high monocytes were reflected in the tumor, where we observed increased Ly6C^high TAMs earlier and expansion of Ly6C^low TAMs later during AE17 tumor growth in the elderly compared to young mice. F4/80^high TAMs increased with tumor growth in both young and elderly mice and were the largest subset of TAMs in the tumor. Together, this suggests there may be a faster transition of Ly6C^high towards F4/80^high TAMs with aging. Amongst TAM subsets, expression of CSF-1R was lowest in F4/80^high TAMs, however Ly6C^low TAMs had higher intracellular CSF-1R expression. This suggests downstream CSF-1R signaling may vary between macrophage subsets, which can have implications towards CSF-1R blockade therapies targeting macrophages in cancer.

Role of the F-BAR Family Member PSTPIP2 in Autoinflammatory Diseases

Proline-serine-threonine-phosphatase-interacting protein 2 (PSTPIP2) belongs to the Fes/CIP4 homology-Bin/Amphiphysin/Rvs (F-BAR) domain family. It exhibits lipid-binding, membrane deformation, and F-actin binding activity, suggesting broader roles at the membrane–cytoskeleton interface. PSTPIP2 is known to participate in macrophage activation, neutrophil migration, cytokine production, and osteoclast differentiation. In recent years, it has been observed to play important roles in innate immune diseases and autoinflammatory diseases (AIDs). Current research indicates that the protein tyrosine phosphatase PTP-PEST, Src homology domain-containing inositol 5’-phosphatase 1 (SHIP1), and C‐terminal Src kinase (CSK) can bind to PSTPIP2 and inhibit the development of AIDs. However, the mechanisms underlying the function of PSTPIP2 have not been fully elucidated. This article reviews the research progress and mechanisms of PSTPIP2 in AIDs. PSTPIP2 also provides a new therapeutic target for the treatment of AIDs.

CSF1R signaling is a regulator of pathogenesis in progressive MS

Microglia serve as the innate immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS) by providing continuous surveillance of the CNS microenvironment and initiating defense mechanisms to protect CNS tissue. Upon injury, microglia transition into an activated state altering their transcriptional profile, transforming their morphology, and producing pro-inflammatory cytokines. These activated microglia initially serve a beneficial role, but their continued activation drives neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, inflammatory, demyelinating disease of the CNS, and activated microglia and macrophages play a significant role in mediating disease pathophysiology and progression. Colony-stimulating factor-1 receptor (CSF1R) and its ligand CSF1 are elevated in CNS tissue derived from MS patients. We performed a large-scale RNA-sequencing experiment and identified CSF1R as a key node of disease progression in a mouse model of progressive MS. We hypothesized that modulating microglia and infiltrating macrophages through the inhibition of CSF1R will attenuate deleterious CNS inflammation and reduce subsequent demyelination and neurodegeneration. To test this hypothesis, we generated a novel potent and selective small-molecule CSF1R inhibitor (sCSF1R_inh) for preclinical testing. sCSF1R_inh blocked receptor phosphorylation and downstream signaling in both microglia and macrophages and altered cellular functions including proliferation, survival, and cytokine production. In vivo, CSF1R inhibition with sCSF1R_inh attenuated neuroinflammation and reduced microglial proliferation in a murine acute LPS model. Furthermore, the sCSF1R_inh attenuated a disease-associated microglial phenotype and blocked both axonal damage and neurological impairments in an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model of MS. While previous studies have focused on microglial depletion following CSF1R inhibition, our data clearly show that signaling downstream of this receptor can be beneficially modulated in the context of CNS injury. Together, these data suggest that CSF1R inhibition can reduce deleterious microglial proliferation and modulate microglial phenotypes during neuroinflammatory pathogenesis, particularly in progressive MS.

Small-Molecule CSF1R Inhibitors as Anticancer Agents

Persuasive evidence has been presented linking the infiltration of Tumor-Associated Macrophages (TAMs) with the driving force of tumorigenesis and in the suppression of antitumor immunity. In this context CSF1R, the cellular receptor for Colony Stimulating Factor-1 (CSF1) and Interleukin 34 (IL-34), occupies a central role in manipulating the behavior of TAMs and the dysregulation of CSF1R signaling has been implicated in cancer progression and immunosuppression in many specific cancers. Consequently, CSF1R kinase has been a target of great interest in cancer treatment and significant research efforts have focused on the development of smallmolecule CSF1R inhibitors. In this review, we highlight current progress on the development of these small molecule CSF1R inhibitors as anticancer agents. Special attention is paid to the compounds available in advanced clinical trials.

CSF-1 in Osteocytes Inhibits Nox4-mediated Oxidative Stress and Promotes Normal Bone Homeostasis

CSF-1 is a key factor in regulating bone remodeling; osteocytes express CSF-1 and its receptor. Viable osteocytes are essential for bone remodeling through cell-cell contact and secretion of factors that regulate osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Increased oxidative stress contributes to osteocyte death and correlates with bone loss during aging. The NADPH oxidase Nox4 is a major source of ROS in bone. CSF-1 decreases Nox4, suggesting that CSF-1 protects against oxidative stress. Here, we show that osteocyte apoptosis previously reported in our global CSF-1KO mice is associated with increased Nox4, as well as 4-HNE expression in osteocytes. Osteocytes isolated from CSF-1KO mice were less viable and showed increased intracellular ROS, elevated NADPH oxidase activity/Nox4 protein, activation of mTOR/S6K, and downstream apoptosis signals compared with WT osteocytes. Nox4 expression was also increased in CSF-1KO osteocytes and colocalized with MitoTracker Red in mitochondria. Notably, CSF-1 inhibited Nox4 expression and apoptosis cascade signals. In additional studies, shNox4 decreased these signals in CSF-1KO osteocytes, whereas overexpression of Nox4 in WT osteocytes activated the apoptosis pathway. To determine the role of CSF-1 in osteocytes, DMP1Cre-CSF-1cKO (CSF-1cKO) mice that lack CSF-1 in osteocytes/late osteoblasts were developed. Osteocyte defects in CSF-1cKO mice overlapped with those in CSF-1KO mice, including increased apoptosis, Nox4, and 4-HNE-expressing osteocytes. CSF-1cKO mice showed unbalanced cancellous bone remodeling with decreased bone formation and resorption. Continued exposure to high Nox4/ROS levels may further compromise bone formation and predispose to bone loss and skeletal fragility. Taken together, our findings suggest a novel link between CSF-1, Nox4-derived ROS, and osteocyte survival/function that is crucial for osteocyte-mediated bone remodeling. Results reveal new mechanisms by which CSF-1/oxidative stress regulate osteocyte homeostasis, which may lead to therapeutic strategies to improve skeletal health in aging. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Bi-allelic CSF1R Mutations Cause Skeletal Dysplasia of Dysosteosclerosis-Pyle Disease Spectrum and Degenerative Encephalopathy with Brain Malformation

Colony stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R) plays key roles in regulating development and function of the monocyte/macrophage lineage, including microglia and osteoclasts. Mono-allelic mutations of CSF1R are known to cause hereditary diffuse leukoencephalopathy with spheroids (HDLS), an adult-onset progressive neurodegenerative disorder. Here, we report seven affected individuals from three unrelated families who had bi-allelic CSF1R mutations. In addition to early-onset HDLS-like neurological disorders, they had brain malformations and skeletal dysplasia compatible to dysosteosclerosis (DOS) or Pyle disease. We identified five CSF1R mutations that were homozygous or compound heterozygous in these affected individuals. Two of them were deep intronic mutations resulting in abnormal inclusion of intron sequences in the mRNA. Compared with Csf1r-null mice, the skeletal and neural phenotypes of the affected individuals appeared milder and variable, suggesting that at least one of the mutations in each affected individual is hypomorphic. Our results characterized a unique human skeletal phenotype caused by CSF1R deficiency and implied that bi-allelic CSF1R mutations cause a spectrum of neurological and skeletal disorders, probably depending on the residual CSF1R function.

GM-CSF: From Growth Factor to Central Mediator of Tissue Inflammation

The granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) was initially classified as a hematopoietic growth factor. However, unlike its close relatives macrophage CSF (M-CSF) and granulocyte CSF (G-CSF), the majority of myeloid cells do not require GM-CSF for steady-state myelopoiesis. Instead, in inflammation, GM-CSF serves as a communication conduit between tissue-invading lymphocytes and myeloid cells. Even though lymphocytes are in all likelihood the instigators of chronic inflammatory disease, GM-CSF-activated phagocytes are well equipped to cause tissue damage. The pivotal role of GM-CSF at the T cell:myeloid cell interface might shift our attention toward studying the function of the myeloid compartment in immunopathology. Targeting specifically the crosstalk between T cells and myeloid cells through GM-CSF holds promise for the development of therapeutics to combat chronic tissue inflammation. Here, we will review some of the major discoveries of the recent past, which indicate that GM-CSF is so much more than its name suggests.

Promotion of Tumor Invasion by Tumor-Associated Macrophages: The Role of CSF-1-Activated Phosphatidylinositol 3 Kinase and Src Family Kinase Motility Signaling

Macrophages interact with cells in every organ to facilitate tissue development, function and repair. However, the close interaction between macrophages and parenchymal cells can be subverted in disease, particularly cancer. Motility is an essential capacity for macrophages to be able to carry out their various roles. In cancers, the macrophage's interstitial migratory ability is frequently co-opted by tumor cells to enable escape from the primary tumor and metastatic spread. Macrophage accumulation within and movement through a tumor is often stimulated by tumor cell production of the mononuclear phagocytic growth factor, colony-stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1). CSF-1 also regulates macrophage survival, proliferation and differentiation, and its many effects are transduced by its receptor, the CSF-1R, via phosphotyrosine motif-activated signals. Mutational analysis of CSF-1R signaling indicates that the major mediators of CSF-1-induced motility are phosphatidyl-inositol-3 kinase (PI3K) and one or more Src family kinase (SFK), which activate signals to adhesion, actin polymerization, polarization and, ultimately, migration and invasion in macrophages. The macrophage transcriptome, including that of the motility machinery, is very complex and highly responsive to the environment, with selective expression of proteins and splice variants rarely found in other cell types. Thus, their unique motility machinery can be specifically targeted to block macrophage migration, and thereby, inhibit tumor invasion and metastasis.

CSF-1 receptor signalling is governed by pre-requisite EHD1 mediated receptor display on the macrophage cell surface

Colony stimulating factor-1 receptor (CSF-1R), a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK), is the master regulator of macrophage biology. CSF-1 can bind CSF-1R resulting in receptor activation and signalling essential for macrophage functions such as proliferation, differentiation, survival, polarization, phagocytosis, cytokine secretion, and motility. CSF-1R activation can only occur after the receptor is presented on the macrophage cell surface. This process is reliant upon the underlying macrophage receptor trafficking machinery. However, the mechanistic details governing this process are incompletely understood. C-terminal Eps15 Homology Domain-containing (EHD) proteins have recently emerged as key regulators of receptor trafficking but have not yet been studied in the context of macrophage CSF-1R signalling. In this manuscript, we utilize primary bone-marrow derived macrophages (BMDMs) to reveal a novel function of EHD1 as a regulator of CSF-1R abundance on the cell surface. We report that EHD1-knockout (EHD1-KO) macrophages cell surface and total CSF-1R levels are significantly decreased. The decline in CSF-1R levels corresponds with reduced downstream macrophage functions such as cell proliferation, migration, and spreading. In EHD1-KO macrophages, transport of newly synthesized CSF-1R to the macrophage cell surface was reduced and was associated with the shunting of the receptor to the lysosome, which resulted in receptor degradation. These findings reveal a novel and functionally important role for EHD1 in governing CSF-1R signalling via regulation of anterograde transport of CSF-1R to the macrophage cell surface.

Hereditary leukoencephalopathy with axonal spheroids: a spectrum of phenotypes from CNS vasculitis to parkinsonism in an adult onset leukodystrophy series

BACKGROUND

Hereditary diffuse leukoencephalopathy with neuroaxonal spheroids (HDLS) is a hereditary, adult onset leukodystrophy which is characterised by the presence of axonal loss, axonal spheroids and variably present pigmented macrophages on pathological examination. It most frequently presents in adulthood with dementia and personality change. HDLS has recently been found to be caused by mutations in the colony stimulating factor-1 receptor (CSF1R) gene.

METHODS

In this study, we sequenced the CSF1R gene in a cohort of 48 patients from the UK, Greece and Ireland with adult onset leukodystrophy of unknown cause.

RESULTS

Five pathogenic mutations were found, including three novel mutations. The presentations ranged from suspected central nervous system (CNS) vasculitis to extrapyramidal to cognitive phenotypes. The case histories and imaging are presented here, in addition to neuropathological findings from two cases with novel mutations.

CONCLUSION

We estimate that CSF1R mutations account for 10% of idiopathic adult onset leukodystrophies and that genetic testing for CSF1R mutations is essential in adult patients presenting with undefined CNS vasculitis or a leukodystrophy with prominent neuropsychiatric signs or dementia.

Colony stimulating factor-1 receptor signaling networks inhibit mouse macrophage inflammatory responses by induction of microRNA-21

Macrophage polarization between the M2 (repair, protumorigenic) and M1 (inflammatory) phenotypes is seen as a continuum of states. The detailed transcriptional events and signals downstream of colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF-1R) that contributes to amplification of the M2 phenotype and suppression of the M1 phenotype are largely unknown. Macrophage CSF-1R pTyr-721 signaling promotes cell motility and enhancement of tumor cell invasion in vitro. Combining analysis of cellular systems for CSF-1R gain of function and loss of function with bioinformatic analysis of the macrophage CSF-1R pTyr-721-regulated transcriptome, we uncovered microRNA-21 (miR-21) as a downstream molecular switch controlling macrophage activation and identified extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 and nuclear factor-κB as CSF-1R pTyr-721-regulated signaling nodes. We show that CSF-1R pTyr-721 signaling suppresses the inflammatory phenotype, predominantly by induction of miR-21. Profiling of the miR-21-regulated messenger RNAs revealed that 80% of the CSF-1-regulated canonical miR-21 targets are proinflammatory molecules. Additionally, miR-21 positively regulates M2 marker expression. Moreover, miR-21 feeds back to positively regulate its own expression and to limit CSF-1R-mediated activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 and nuclear factor-κB. Consistent with an anti-inflammatory role of miRNA-21, intraperitoneal injection of mice with a miRNA-21 inhibitor increases the recruitment of inflammatory monocytes and enhances the peritoneal monocyte/macrophage response to lipopolysaccharide. These results identify the CSF-1R-regulated miR-21 network that modulates macrophage polarization.

Modulating the tumor microenvironment with RNA interference as a cancer treatment strategy

The tumor microenvironment is composed of accessory cells and immune cells in addition to extracellular matrix (ECM) components. The stromal compartment interacts with cancer cells in a complex crosstalk to support tumor development. Growth factors and cytokines produced by stromal cells support the growth of tumor cells and promote interaction with the vasculature to enhance tumor progression and invasion. The activation of autocrine and paracrine oncogenic signaling pathways by growth factors, cytokines, and proteases derived from both tumor cells and the stromal compartment is thought to play a major role in assisting tumor cells during metastasis. Consequently, targeting tumor-stroma interactions by RNA interference (RNAi)-based approaches is a promising strategy in the search for novel treatment modalities in human cancer. Recent advances in packaging technology including the use of polymers, peptides, liposomes, and nanoparticles to deliver small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) into target cells may overcome limitations associated with potential RNAi-based therapeutics. Newly developed nonviral gene delivery approaches have shown improved anticancer efficacy suggesting that RNAi-based therapeutics provide novel opportunities to elicit significant gene silencing and induce regression of tumor growth. This chapter summarizes our current understanding of the tumor microenvironment and highlights some potential targets for therapeutic intervention with RNAi-based cancer therapeutics.

Macrophage colony-stimulating factor and cancer: a review

Tumor growth is influenced by a wide variety of external and internal factors. One of the most important mediators of tumor development is our immune system. The nonstop surveillance of the immune system was originally expected to clear the transformed cells from the body and guard against the development of tumor. But contradictory evidences are reported to show the involvement of immune system in supporting the growth and spread of tumor. Tumor infiltrating immune cells, in addition to harboring immunosuppressive activities, also promote angiogenesis and metastasis of tumor. Many growth factors and cytokines are involved in shaping this complex immune microenvironment of the tumor. Macrophage colony-stimulating factor (MCSF) is one such growth factor which is overexpressed in many tumors. In this review, we summarize the basic biology of MCSF, its role in cancer and discuss the involvement of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in tumor development.

CSF-1R signaling in health and disease: a focus on the mammary gland

Colony-stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1), also known as macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF), is the primary growth factor regulating survival, proliferation and differentiation of macrophages. It is also a potent chemokine for macrophages and monocytes. Signaling via the CSF-1 receptor (CSF-1R) is necessary for the production of almost all tissue resident macrophage populations and these macrophages participate, via trophic mechanisms, in the normal development and homeostasis of tissues and organs in which they reside, including the mammary gland. The drawback of this close interaction between macrophages and parenchymal cells is that dysregulation of macrophage trophic functions assists in the development and progression of many cancers, including breast cancer. Furthermore, tumour cells secrete CSF-1 to attract more macrophages to the tumour microenvironment where CSF-1R signaling frequently drives the behaviour of these tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) to promote tumour progression and metastasis. Evidence is mounting that treated tumours secrete more CSF-1 and the increased recruitment of TAMs limits treatment efficacy. Thus, therapeutic targeting of the CSF-1R to inhibit TAM function is likely to enhance tumour response and improve patient outcomes in the treatment of cancer, including breast cancer.

Macrophage colony-stimulating factor augments Tie2-expressing monocyte differentiation, angiogenic function, and recruitment in a mouse model of breast cancer

Reports demonstrate the role of M-CSF (CSF1) in tumor progression in mouse models as well as the prognostic value of macrophage numbers in breast cancer patients. Recently, a subset of CD14+ monocytes expressing the Tie2 receptor, once thought to be predominantly expressed on endothelial cells, has been characterized. We hypothesized that increased levels of CSF1 in breast tumors can regulate differentiation of Tie2- monocytes to a Tie2+ phenotype. We treated CD14+ human monocytes with CSF1 and found a significant increase in CD14+/Tie2+ positivity. To understand if CSF1-induced Tie2 expression on these cells improved their migratory ability, we pre-treated CD14+ monocytes with CSF1 and used Boyden chemotaxis chambers to observe enhanced response to angiopoietin-2 (ANG2), the chemotactic ligand for the Tie2 receptor. We found that CSF1 pre-treatment significantly augmented chemotaxis and that Tie2 receptor upregulation was responsible as siRNA targeting Tie2 receptor abrogated this effect. To understand any augmented angiogenic effect produced by treating these cells with CSF1, we cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with conditioned supernatants from CSF1-pre-treated CD14+ monocytes for a tube formation assay. While supernatants from CSF1-pre-treated TEMs increased HUVEC branching, a neutralizing antibody against the CSF1R abrogated this activity, as did siRNA against the Tie2 receptor. To test our hypothesis in vivo, we treated PyMT tumor-bearing mice with CSF1 and observed an expansion in the TEM population relative to total F4/80+ cells, which resulted in increased angiogenesis. Investigation into the mechanism of Tie2 receptor upregulation on CD14+ monocytes by CSF1 revealed a synergistic contribution from the PI3 kinase and HIF pathways as the PI3 kinase inhibitor LY294002, as well as HIF-1α-deficient macrophages differentiated from the bone marrow of HIF-1αfl/fl/LysMcre mice, diminished CSF1-stimulated Tie2 receptor expression.

CSF-1 receptor signaling in myeloid cells

The CSF-1 receptor (CSF-1R) is activated by the homodimeric growth factors colony-stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1) and interleukin-34 (IL-34). It plays important roles in development and in innate immunity by regulating the development of most tissue macrophages and osteoclasts, of Langerhans cells of the skin, of Paneth cells of the small intestine, and of brain microglia. It also regulates the differentiation of neural progenitor cells and controls functions of oocytes and trophoblastic cells in the female reproductive tract. Owing to this broad tissue expression pattern, it plays a central role in neoplastic, inflammatory, and neurological diseases. In this review we summarize the evolution, structure, and regulation of expression of the CSF-1R gene. We discuss the structures of CSF-1, IL-34, and the CSF-1R and the mechanism of ligand binding to and activation of the receptor. We further describe the pathways regulating macrophage survival, proliferation, differentiation, and chemotaxis downstream from the CSF-1R.

CSF-1R expression in tumor-associated macrophages is associated with worse prognosis in classical Hodgkin lymphoma

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic relevance of colony-stimulating 1 receptor (CSF-1R) expression in both Hodgkin/Reed-Sternberg (HRS) cells and the surrounding cells (non-HRS cells) in patients with classical Hodgkin lymphoma (CHL) .

METHODS

Diagnostic tissues from 112 patients with CHL treated with doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine were evaluated retrospectively by immunohistochemical analysis for CSF-1R and CD68 and CD163 for tissue-associated macrophages.

RESULTS

High numbers (≥30%) of non-HRS cells expressing CSF-1R conferred inferior event-free survival and overall survival in univariate and multivariate analysis. High numbers of non-HRS cells expressing CSF-1R were significantly associated with a high number of tumor-associated macrophages as detected by CD163 expression (P < .001). In particular, coexpression of CSF-1R and CD163 was associated with a worse survival outcome than either CSF-1R or CD163 expression alone or no expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data demonstrate that a high number of non-HRS cells expressing CSF-1R are correlated with an increased tumor macrophage content and worse survival.

Development of a rapid streptavidin capture-based assay for the tyrosine phosphorylated CSF-1R in peripheral blood mononuclear cells

A novel assay was developed to measure ratio of p-FMS (phospho FMS) to FMS using the Meso Scale Discovery(®) (MSD) technology and compared to the routinely used, IP-Western based approach. The existing IP-Western assay used lysed PBMCs (Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells) that were immunoprecipitated (IP) overnight, and assayed qualitatively by Western analysis. This procedure takes three days for completion. The novel IP-MSD method described in this paper employed immunoprecipitation of the samples for one hour, followed by assessment of the samples by a ruthenium labeled secondary antibody on a 96-well Streptavidin-coated MSD plate. This IP-MSD method was semi-quantitative, could be run in less than a day, required one-eighth the volume of sample, and compared well to the IP-Western method. In order to measure p-FMS/FMS, samples from healthy volunteers (HV) were first stimulated with CSF-1(Macrophage colony-stimulating factor) to initiate the changes in the phosphotyrosyl signaling complexes in FMS. The objective of the present work was to develop a high throughput assay that measured p-FMS/FMS semi-quantitatively, with minimal sample requirement, and most importantly compared well to the current IP-Western assay.

M-CSF receptor mutations in hereditary diffuse leukoencephalopathy with spheroids impair not only kinase activity but also surface expression

The tyrosine kinase Fms, the cell surface receptor for M-CSF and IL-34, is critical for microglial proliferation and differentiation in the brain. Recently, a number of mutations have been identified in Fms as a putative genetic cause of hereditary diffuse leukoencephalopathy with spheroids (HDLS), implying an important role of microglial dysfunction in HDLS pathogenesis. In this study, we initially confirmed that 11 mutations, which reside within the ATP-binding or major tyrosine kinase domain, caused a severe impairment of ligand-induced Fms auto-phosphorylation. Intriguingly, we found that 10 of the 11 mutants also showed a weak cell surface expression, which was associated with a concomitant increase in the low molecular weight hypo-N-glycosylated immature gp130Fms-like species. Indeed, the mutant proteins heavily accumulated to the Golgi-like perinuclear regions. These results indicate that all of the Fms mutations tested severely impair the kinase activity and most of the mutations also impair the trafficking to the cell surface, further suggesting that HDLS is caused by the loss of Fms function.

Enhanced detection of multiply phosphorylated peptides and identification of their sites of modification

Phosphorylation is an important post-translational modification that rapidly mediates many cellular events. A key to understanding the dynamics of the phosphoproteome is localization of the modification site(s), primarily determined using LC-MS/MS. A major technical challenge to analysis is the formation of phosphopeptide-metal ion complexes during LC which hampers phosphopeptide detection. We have devised a strategy that enhances analysis of phosphopeptides, especially multiply phosphorylated peptides. It involves treatment of the LC system with EDTA and 2D-RP/RP-nanoUPLC-MS/MS (high pH/low pH) analysis. A standard triphosphorylated peptide that could not be detected with 1D-RP-nanoUPLC-MS/MS, even if the column was treated with EDTA-Na2 or if 25 mM EDTA-Na2 was added to the sample, was detectable at less than 100 fmol using EDTA-2D-RP/RP-nanoUPLC-MS/MS. Digests of α-casein and ß-casein were analyzed by EDTA-1D-RP-nanoUPLC, 2D-RP/RP-nanoUPLC, and EDTA-2D-RP/RP-nanoUPLC to compare their performance in phosphopeptide analysis. With the first two approaches, no tri- and tetraphosphopeptides were identified in either α- or ß-casein sample. With the EDTA-2D-RP/RP approach, 13 mono-, 6 di-, and 3 triphosphopeptides were identified in the α-casein sample, while 19 mono-, 8 di-, 4 tri-, and 3 tetraphosphopeptides were identified in the ß-casein sample. Using EDTA-2D-RP/RP-nanoUPLC-MS/MS to examine 500 μg of a human foreskin fibroblast cell lysate a total of 1,944 unique phosphopeptides from 1,087 unique phosphoproteins were identified, and 2,164 unique phosphorylation sites were confidently localized (Ascore ≥20). Of these sites 79% were mono-, 20% di-, and ∼1% were tri- and tetraphosphopeptides, and 78 novel phosphorylation sites in human proteins were identified.

Receptor-type protein-tyrosine phosphatase ζ is a functional receptor for interleukin-34

Interleukin-34 (IL-34) is highly expressed in brain. IL-34 signaling via its cognate receptor, colony-stimulating factor-1 receptor (CSF-1R), is required for the development of microglia. However, the differential expression of IL-34 and the CSF-1R in brain suggests that IL-34 may signal via an alternate receptor. By IL-34 affinity chromatography of solubilized mouse brain membrane followed by mass spectrometric analysis, we identified receptor-type protein-tyrosine phosphatase ζ (PTP-ζ), a cell surface chondroitin sulfate (CS) proteoglycan, as a novel IL-34 receptor. PTP-ζ is primarily expressed on neural progenitors and glial cells and is highly expressed in human glioblastomas. IL-34 selectively bound PTP-ζ in CSF-1R-deficient U251 human glioblastoma cell lysates and inhibited the proliferation, clonogenicity, and motility of U251 cells in a PTP-ζ-dependent manner. These effects were correlated with an increase in tyrosine phosphorylation of the previously identified PTP-ζ downstream effectors focal adhesion kinase and paxillin. IL-34 binding to U251 cells was abrogated by chondroitinase ABC treatment, and CS competed with IL-34 for binding to the extracellular domain of PTP-ζ and to the cells, indicating a dependence of binding on PTP-ζ CS moieties. This study identifies an alternate receptor for IL-34 that may mediate its action on novel cellular targets.

Macrophage Migration and Its Regulation by CSF-1

Macrophages are terminally differentiated cells of the mononuclear phagocytic lineage and develop under the stimulus of their primary growth and differentiation factor, CSF-1. Although they differentiate into heterogeneous populations, depending upon their tissue of residence, motility is an important aspect of their function. To facilitate their migration through tissues, macrophages express a unique range of adhesion and cytoskeletal proteins. Notably, macrophages do not form large, stable adhesions or actin stress fibers but rely on small, short lived point contacts, focal complexes and podosomes for traction. Thus, macrophages are built to respond rapidly to migratory stimuli. As well as triggering growth and differentiation, CSF-1 is also a chemokine that regulates macrophage migration via activation the CSF-1 receptor tyrosine kinase. CSF-1R autophosphorylation of several intracellular tyrosine residues leads to association and activation of many downstream signaling molecules. However, phosphorylation of just one residue, Y721, mediates association of PI3K with the receptor to activate the major motility signaling pathways in macrophages. Dissection of these pathways will identify drug targets for the inhibition of diseases in which macrophages contribute to adverse outcomes.

ERK1 regulates the hematopoietic stem cell niches

The mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) ERK1 and ERK2 are among the major signal transduction molecules but little is known about their specific functions in vivo. ERK activity is provided by two isoforms, ERK1 and ERK2, which are ubiquitously expressed and share activators and substrates. However, there are not in vivo studies which have reported a role for ERK1 or ERK2 in HSCs and the bone marrow microenvironment. The present study shows that the ERK1-deficient mice present a mild osteopetrosis phenotype. The lodging and the homing abilities of the ERK1(-/-) HSC are impaired, suggesting that the ERK1(-/-)-defective environment may affect the engrafment of HSCs. Serial transplantations demonstrate that ERK1 is involved in the maintenance of an appropriate medullar microenvironment, but that the intrinsic properties of HSCs are not altered by the ERK1(-/-) defective microenvironment. Deletion of ERK1 impaired in vitro and in vivo osteoclastogenesis while osteoblasts were unaffected. As osteoclasts derive from precursors of the monocyte/macrophage lineage, investigation of the monocytic compartment was performed. In vivo analysis of the myeloid lineage progenitors revealed that the frequency of CMPs increased by approximately 1.3-fold, while the frequency of GMPs significantly decreased by almost 2-fold, compared with the respective WT compartments. The overall mononuclear-phagocyte lineage development was compromised in these mice due to a reduced expression of the M-CSF receptor on myeloid progenitors. These results show that the cellular targets of ERK1 are M-CSFR-responsive cells, upstream to osteoclasts. While ERK1 is well known to be activated by M-CSF, the present results are the first to point out an ERK1-dependent M-CSFR regulation on hematopoietic progenitors. This study reinforces the hypothesis of an active cross-talk between HSCs, their progeny and bone cells in the maintenance of the homeostasis of these compartments.

Meox2Cre-mediated disruption of CSF-1 leads to osteopetrosis and osteocyte defects

CSF-1, a key regulator of mononuclear phagocyte production, is highly expressed in the skeleton by osteoblasts/osteocytes and in a number of nonskeletal tissues such as uterus, kidney and brain. The spontaneous mutant op/op mouse has been the conventional model of CSF-1 deficiency and exhibits a pleiotropic phenotype characterized by osteopetrosis, and defects in hematopoiesis, fertility and neural function. Studies to further delineate the biologic effect of CSF-1 within various tissues have been hampered by the lack of suitable models. To address this issue, we generated CSF-1 floxed/floxed mice and demonstrate that Cre-mediated recombination using Meox2Cre, a Cre line expressed in epiblast during early embryogenesis, results in mice with ubiquitous CSF-1 deficiency (CSF-1KO). Homozygous CSF-1KO mice lacked CSF-1 in all tissues and displayed, in part, a similar phenotype to op/op mice that included: failure of tooth eruption, osteopetrosis, reduced macrophage densities in reproductive and other organs and altered hematopoiesis with decreased marrow cellularity, circulating monocytes and B cell lymphopoiesis. In contrast to op/op mice, CSF-1KO mice showed elevated circulating and splenic T cells. A striking feature in CSF-1KO mice was defective osteocyte maturation, bone mineralization and osteocyte-lacunar system that was associated with reduced dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1) expression in osteocytes. CSF-1KO mice also showed a dramatic reduction in osteomacs along the endosteal surface that may have contributed to the hematopoietic and cortical bone defects. Thus, our findings show that ubiquitous CSF-1 gene deletion using a Cre-based system recapitulates the expected osteopetrotic phenotype. Moreover, results point to a novel link between CSF-1 and osteocyte survival/function that is essential for maintaining bone mass and strength during skeletal development.

Mutations in the colony stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R) gene cause hereditary diffuse leukoencephalopathy with spheroids

Hereditary diffuse leukoencephalopathy with spheroids (HDLS) is an autosomal dominantly inherited central nervous system white matter disease with variable clinical presentations including personality and behavioral changes, dementia, depression, parkinsonism, seizures, and others^1,2. We combined genome-wide linkage analysis with exome sequencing and identified 14 different mutations affecting the tyrosine kinase domain of the colony stimulating factor receptor 1 (encoded by CSF1R) in 14 families affected by HDLS. In one kindred, the de novo occurrence of the mutation was confirmed. Follow-up sequencing analyses identified an additional CSF1R mutation in a patient clinically diagnosed with corticobasal syndrome (CBS). In vitro, CSF-1 stimulation resulted in the rapid autophosphorylation of selected tyrosine-residues in the kinase domain of wild-type but not mutant CSF1R, suggesting that HDLS may result from a partial loss of CSF1R function. Since CSF1R is a critical mediator of microglial proliferation and differentiation in the brain, our findings suggest an important role for microglial dysfunction in HDLS pathogenesis.

Macrophage colony stimulating factor regulation by nuclear factor kappa B: a relevant pathway in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infected macrophages

Macrophage colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) is a cytokine that promotes monocyte differentiation and survival. When overexpressed, M-CSF contributes to pathology in a wide variety of diseases, including osteoporosis, obesity, certain human cancers, and in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection, particularly with respect to monocyte/macrophage infection and the development of HIV-1 associated central nervous system disorders. In this study, our aim was to expand the current knowledge of M-CSF regulation, focusing on nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), a transcription factor playing a prominent role during inflammation and HIV-1 infection. Our results suggest that tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) promotes M-CSF secretion in primary macrophages and activates the -1310/+48 bp M-CSF promoter in Mono-Mac 1 cells. Inhibitors of the NF-κB pathway diminish this response. We identified four putative NF-κB and four CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein beta binding sites within the M-CSF promoter. Our findings, using promoter constructs mutated at individual NF-κB sites within the M-CSF promoter region, suggest that these sites are redundant with respect to NF-κB regulation. TNF-α treatment promoted NF-κB p65 binding to the M-CSF promoter in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) treated U937 cells chronically infected with HIV-1 (U1 cells), but not in PMA treated uninfected U937 cells, suggesting that the presence of HIV-1 increases the NF-κB response. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that NF-κB induces M-CSF expression on a promoter level via multiple functional NF-κB binding sites and that this pathway is likely relevant in HIV-1 infection of macrophages.

Efficient differentiation and function of human macrophages in humanized CSF-1 mice

Humanized mouse models are useful tools to understand pathophysiology and to develop therapies for human diseases. While significant progress has been made in generating immunocompromised mice with a human hematopoietic system, there are still several shortcomings, one of which is poor human myelopoiesis. Here, we report that human CSF-1 knockin mice show augmented frequencies and functions of human myeloid cells. Insertion of human CSF1 into the corresponding mouse locus of Balb/c Rag2(-/-) γc(-/-) mice through VELOCIGENE technology resulted in faithful expression of human CSF-1 in these mice both qualitatively and quantitatively. Intra-hepatic transfer of human fetal liver derived hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (CD34(+)) in humanized CSF-1 (CSF1(h/h)) newborn mice resulted in more efficient differentiation and enhanced frequencies of human monocytes/macrophages in the bone marrow, spleens, peripheral blood, lungs, liver and peritoneal cavity. Human monocytes/macrophages obtained from the humanized CSF-1 mice show augmented functional properties including migration, phagocytosis, activation and responses to LPS. Thus, humanized mice engineered to express human cytokines will significantly help to overcome the current technical challenges in the field. In addition, humanized CSF-1 mice will be a valuable experimental model to study human myeloid cell biology.

Regulation of tyrosine phosphorylation in macrophage phagocytosis and chemotaxis

Macrophages display a large variety of surface receptors that are critical for their normal cellular functions in host defense, including finding sites of infection (chemotaxis) and removing foreign particles (phagocytosis). However, inappropriate regulation of these processes can lead to human diseases. Many of these receptors utilize tyrosine phosphorylation cascades to initiate and terminate signals leading to cell migration and clearance of infection. Actin remodeling dominates these processes and many regulators have been identified. This review focuses on how tyrosine kinases and phosphatases regulate actin dynamics leading to macrophage chemotaxis and phagocytosis.

Liver X receptors inhibit macrophage proliferation through downregulation of cyclins D1 and B1 and cyclin-dependent kinases 2 and 4

Macrophages serve essential functions as regulators of immunity and homeostasis, and their proliferation contributes to pathogenesis of certain disorders. In this report, we show that induction of macrophage proliferation by the growth factor M-CSF is negatively modulated by agonists that activate the nuclear receptor liver X receptor (LXR), both in vitro and in vivo. Both isoforms LXR α and β are involved in the antiproliferative actions of LXR ligands in macrophages. In contrast, M-CSF does not exert negative effects on LXR-mediated gene expression. Treatment with LXR agonists results in the accumulation of macrophages in the G(0)/G(1) phase of the cell cycle without affecting ERK-1/2 phosphorylation. The use of small interfering RNA or genetically modified mice revealed that, in contrast to other cellular models, functional expression of either the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27KIP1 or the cholesterol transporters ATP-binding cassette A1 or ATP-binding cassette G1 was not required for the antiproliferative effects of LXR agonists in macrophages. Western blot analysis revealed that protein expression of key molecules that regulate progression through the cell cycle, such as cyclins D1 and B1 and cyclin-dependent kinases 2 and 4, was downregulated upon LXR activation. These observations suggest a role for LXR agonists in limiting macrophage proliferative responses associated to pathogenic disorders.

Profiling Y561-dependent and -independent substrates of CSF-1R in epithelial cells

Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) activate multiple downstream cytosolic tyrosine kinases following ligand stimulation. SRC family kinases (SFKs), which are recruited to activated RTKs through SH2 domain interactions with RTK autophosphorylation sites, are targets of many subfamilies of RTKs. To date, there has not been a systematic analysis of the downstream substrates of such receptor-activated SFKs. Here, we conducted quantitative mass spectrometry utilizing stable isotope labeling (SILAC) analysis to profile candidate SRC-substrates induced by the CSF-1R tyrosine kinase by comparing the phosphotyrosine-containing peptides from cells expressing either CSF-1R or a mutant form of this RTK that is unable to bind to SFKs. This analysis identified previously uncharacterized changes in tyrosine phosphorylation induced by CSF-1R in mammary epithelial cells as well as a set of candidate substrates dependent on SRC recruitment to CSF-1R. Many of these candidates may be direct SRC targets as the amino acids flanking the phosphorylation sites in these proteins are similar to known SRC kinase phosphorylation motifs. The putative SRC-dependent proteins include known SRC substrates as well as previously unrecognized SRC targets. The collection of substrates includes proteins involved in multiple cellular processes including cell-cell adhesion, endocytosis, and signal transduction. Analyses of phosphoproteomic data from breast and lung cancer patient samples identified a subset of the SRC-dependent phosphorylation sites as being strongly correlated with SRC activation, which represent candidate markers of SRC activation downstream of receptor tyrosine kinases in human tumors. In summary, our data reveal quantitative site-specific changes in tyrosine phosphorylation induced by CSF-1R activation in epithelial cells and identify many candidate SRC-dependent substrates phosphorylated downstream of an RTK.

Microglia-derived macrophage colony stimulating factor promotes generation of proinflammatory cytokines by astrocytes in the periventricular white matter in the hypoxic neonatal brain

Inflammation in the periventricular white matter (PWM) of hypoxic neonatal brain causes myelination disturbances. In this connection, macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) has been reported to regulate release of proinflammatory cytokines that may be linked to PWM damage. We sought to determine if M-CSF derived from amoeboid microglial cells (AMC) would promote proinflammatory cytokine production by astrocytes in the PWM following hypoxic exposure, and, if so, whether it is associated with axon degeneration and myelination disturbances. In 1-day hypoxic rats, expression of M-CSF was upregulated in AMC. This was coupled with increased expression of CSF-1 receptor, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) in astrocytes, and TNF-receptor 1 and IL-receptor 1 on the axons. Neurofilament-200 immunopositive axons and myelin basic protein immunopositive processes appeared to undergo disruption in 14-days hypoxic rats. By electron microscopy, some axons showed degenerative changes affecting the microtubules and myelin sheath. Primary cultured microglial cells subjected to hypoxia showed enhanced release of M-CSF. Remarkably, primary cultured astrocytes treated with conditioned-medium derived from hypoxic microglia or M-CSF exhibited increased production of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta. Our results suggest that AMC-derived M-CSF promotes astrocytes to generate proinflammatory cytokines, which may be involved in axonal damage following a hypoxic insult.

Colony-stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1) directly inhibits receptor activator of nuclear factor-{kappa}B ligand (RANKL) expression by osteoblasts

Colony-stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1), released by osteoblasts, stimulates the proliferation of osteoclast progenitors via the c-fms receptor (CSF-1R) and, in combination with receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL), leads to the formation of mature osteoclasts. Whether the CSF-1R is expressed by osteoblasts and mediates specific biological effects in osteoblasts has not been explored. Wild-type primary calvaria osteoblasts (OB) were analyzed for CSF-1R expression (RT-PCR and Western blot) and functionality (immunocomplex kinase assay). OB were serum starved for 24 h, and the effect of CSF-1 (0-100 ng/ml) on OB biological activities was determined at 48 h. In wild-type mouse bone marrow cultures, CSF-1 was tested for its effect on RANKL mRNA and osteoclast formation. Because ROS influence osteoblast RANKL expression, studies analyzed the effect of CSF-1 on reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase activity and Nox1 and Nox4 proteins. Results indicate that OB express CSF-1R mRNA and protein and that CSF-1R could be phosphorylated in the presence of CSF-1. In osteoblasts, CSF-1 decreased RANKL mRNA in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Incubation of bone marrow cultures with CSF-1 resulted in a significant decline in tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRACP) activity and CTR expression. RANKL-decreased expression by CSF-1 was correlated with a decrease of NADPH oxidase activity as well as Nox1 and Nox4 protein levels. These findings provide the first evidence that osteoblasts express CSF-1R and are a target for CSF-1 ligand. CSF-1-mediated inhibition of RANKL expression on osteoblasts may provide an important mechanism for coupling bone formation/resorption and preventing excessive osteoclastogenesis during normal skeletal growth.

Vav GEFs regulate macrophage morphology and adhesion-induced Rac and Rho activation

The Vav family of proteins have the potential to act as both signalling adapters and GEFs for Rho GTPases. They have therefore been proposed as regulators of the cytoskeleton in various cell types. We have used macrophages from mice deficient in all three Vav isoforms to determine how their function affects cell morphology and migration. Macrophages lacking Vav proteins adopt an elongated morphology and have enhanced migratory persistence in culture. To investigate the pathways through which Vav proteins exert their effects we analysed the responses of macrophages to the chemoattractant CSF-1 and to adhesion. We found that morphological and signalling responses of macrophages to CSF-1 did not require Vav proteins. In contrast, adhesion-induced cell spreading, RhoA and Rac1 activation and cell signalling were all dependent on Vav proteins. We propose that Vav proteins affect macrophage morphology and motile behaviour by coupling adhesion receptors to Rac1 and RhoA activity and regulating adhesion signalling events such as paxillin and ERK1/2 phosphorylation by acting as adapters.

Macrophage colony-stimulating factor induces the proliferation and survival of macrophages via a pathway involving DAP12 and beta-catenin

Macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) influences the proliferation and survival of mononuclear phagocytes through the receptor CSF-1R. The adaptor protein DAP12 is critical for the function of mononuclear phagocytes. DAP12-mutant mice and humans have defects in osteoclasts and microglia, as well as brain and bone abnormalities. Here we show DAP12 deficiency impaired the M-CSF-induced proliferation and survival of macrophages in vitro. DAP12-deficient mice had fewer microglia in defined central nervous system areas, and DAP12-deficient progenitors regenerated myeloid cells inefficiently after bone marrow transplantation. Signaling by M-CSF through CSF-1R induced the stabilization and nuclear translocation of beta-catenin, which activated genes involved in the cell cycle. DAP12 was essential for phosphorylation and nuclear accumulation of beta-catenin. Our results provide a mechanistic explanation for the many defects of DAP12-deficient mononuclear phagocytes.

CD148/DEP-1 association with areas of cytoskeletal organisation in macrophages

In macrophages, tyrosine phosphorylation regulates many signalling pathways leading to growth, differentiation, activation, phagocytosis and adhesion. Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) represent a biochemical counterbalance to the activity of protein tyrosine kinases, thus regulating the dynamic phosphorylation state of a cell. CD148 is a receptor PTP that is highly expressed in macrophages and is further regulated by pro-inflammatory stimuli. CD148 is normally localised to the plasma membrane of macrophages. Following stimulation with CSF-1 or LPS, there was a re-distribution and concentration of CD148 in areas of membrane ruffling. Treatment of macrophages with anti-CD148 monoclonal antibody inhibited CSF-1-induced macrophage spreading, cytoskeletal re-arrangements and chemotaxis, without affecting cell survival. There were no detectable effects on the CSF-1 receptor-akt signalling pathway. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that CD148 is a regulator of macrophage activity.

Targeting stromal-cancer cell interactions with siRNAs

Tumors are composed of both malignant and normal cells, including fibroblasts, endothelial cells, mesenchymal stem cells, and inflammatory immune cells such as macrophages. These various stromal components interact with cancer cells to promote growth and metastasis. For example, macrophages, attracted by colony-stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1) produced by tumor cells, in turn produce various growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor, which supports the growth of tumor cells and their interaction with blood vessels leading to enhanced tumor cell spreading. The activation of autocrine and paracrine oncogenic signaling pathways by stroma-derived growth factors and cytokines has been implicated in promoting tumor cell proliferation and metastasis. Furthermore, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) derived from both tumor cells and the stromal compartment are regarded as major players assisting tumor cells during metastasis. Collectively, these recent findings indicate that targeting tumor-stroma interactions is a promising strategy in the search for novel treatment modalities in human cancer. This chapter summarizes our current understanding of the tumor microenvironment and highlights some potential targets for therapeutic intervention with small interfering RNAs.

Macrophage colony stimulating factor: not just for macrophages anymore! A gateway into complex biologies

Macrophage colony stimulating factor (M-CSF, also called colony stimulating factor-1) has traditionally been viewed as a growth/differentiation factor for monocytes, macrophages, and some female-specific tumors. As a result of alternative mRNA splicing and post-translational processing, several forms of M-CSF protein are produced: a secreted glycoprotein, a longer secreted form containing proteoglycan, and a short membrane-bound isoform. These different forms of M-CSF all initiate cell signaling in cells bearing the M-CSF receptor, called c-fms. Here we review the biology of M-CSF, which has important roles in bone physiology, the intestinal tract, cancer metastases to the bone, macrophage-mediated tumor cell killing and tumor immunity. Although this review concentrates mostly on the membrane form of human M-CSF (mM-CSF), the biology of the soluble forms and the M-CSF receptor will also be discussed for comparative purposes. The mechanisms of the biological effects of the membrane-bound M-CSF reveal that this cytokine is unexpectedly involved in many complex molecular events. Recent experiments suggest that a tumor vaccine based on membrane-bound M-CSF-transduced tumor cells, combined with anti-angiogenic therapy, should be evaluated further for use in clinical trials.

A role for caspases in the differentiation of erythroid cells and macrophages

Several cysteine proteases of the caspase family play a central role in many forms of cell death by apoptosis. Other enzymes of the family are involved in cytokine maturation along inflammatory response. In recent years, several caspases involved in cell death were shown to play a role in other cellular processes such as proliferation and differentiation. In the present review, we summarize the current knowledge of the role of caspases in the differentiation of erythroid cells and macrophages. Based on these two examples, we show that the nature of involved enzymes, the pathways leading to their activation in response to specific growth factors, and the specificity of the target proteins that are cleaved by the activated enzymes strongly differ from one cell type to another. Deregulation of these pathways is thought to play a role in the pathophysiology of low-grade myelodysplastic syndromes, characterized by excessive activation of caspases and erythroid precursor apoptosis, and that of chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, characterized by a defective activation of caspases in monocytes exposed to M-CSF, which blocks their differentiation.

Functional proteomics to identify critical proteins in signal transduction pathways

Reversible protein phosphorylation plays a crucial role in the regulation of signaling pathways that control various biological responses, such as cell growth, differentiation, invasion, metastasis and apoptosis. Proteomics is a powerful research approach for fully monitoring global molecular responses to the activation of signal transduction pathways. Identification of different phosphoproteins and their phosphorylation sites by functional proteomics provides informational insights into signaling pathways triggered by all kinds of factors. This review summarizes how functional proteomics can be used to answer specific questions related to signal transduction systems of interest. By examining our own example on identifying the novel phosphoproteins in signaling pathways activated by EB virus-encoded latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1), we demonstrated a functional proteomic strategy to elucidate the molecular activity of phosphorylated annexin A2 in LMP1 signaling pathway. Functional profiling of signaling pathways is promising for the identification of novel targets for drug discovery and for the understanding of disease pathogenesis.

Identification of novel phosphoproteins in signaling pathways triggered by latent membrane protein 1 using functional proteomics technology

Previous studies have shown that the Epstein-Barr virus-encoded latent membrane protein1 (LMP1) could activate nuclear factor kappa B, activator protein-1, and Janus kinases/signal transducer and activation of transcription factors pathways. However, many signaling molecules and downstream target proteins triggered by LMP1 have not been identified. To determine the functional components in signaling pathways triggered by LMP1, we combined the novel strategy of phosphoprotein enrichment with proteomics technology to elucidate the signaling cascade activated by LMP1. We found that LMP1 could increase the quantity of total phosphoproteins by 18.03%, and 43 proteins showed significant changes in the degree of phosphorylation when LMP1 was expressed. Twenty-five signaling molecules or downstream targets of signaling pathways triggered by LMP1 were identified, several of which had previously been implicated in LMP1 signal pathways. The other proteins, including annexin A2, heat shock protein 27, stathmin, annexin I, basic transcription factor 3, and porin, were novel signaling molecules or targets with no previously known function in LMP1 signal transduction. The method used here has proven to be suitable for the identification of molecules involved in various signaling pathways.

Membrane-associated STAT3 and PY-STAT3 in the Cytoplasm

Signal transduction from the plasma membrane to the nucleus by STAT proteins is widely represented as exclusively a soluble cytosolic process. Using cell-fractionation methods, we observed that approximately 5% of cytoplasmic STAT3 was constitutively associated with the purified early endosome (EE) fraction in human Hep3B liver cells. By 15-30 min after interleukin-6 (IL-6) treatment, up to two-thirds of cytoplasmic Tyr-phosphorylated STAT3 can be associated with the purified early endosome fraction (Rab-5-, EEA1-, transferrin receptor-, and clathrin-positive fraction). Electron microscopy, immunofluorescence, and detergent dissection approaches confirmed the association of STAT3 and PY-STAT3 with early endosomes. STAT3 was constitutively associated with clathrin heavy chain in membrane and in the 1- to 2-MDa cytosolic complexes. The membrane association was dynamic in that, within 15 min of treatment with the vicinal-thiol cross-linker phenylarsine oxide, there was a dramatic increase in bulk STAT3 association with sedimentable membranes. The functional contribution of PY-STAT3 association with the endocytic pathway was evaluated in transient transfection assays using IL-6-inducible STAT3-reporter-luciferase constructs and selective regulators of this pathway. STAT3-transcriptional activation was inhibited by expression constructs for dominant negative dynamin K44A, epsin 2a, amphiphysin A1, and clathrin light chain but enhanced by that for the active dynamin species MxA. Taken together, these studies emphasize the contribution of the endocytic pathway to productive IL-6/STAT3 signaling.

A proteomics strategy for the enrichment of receptor-associated complexes

Multimeric protein complexes are important for cell function and are being identified by proteomics approaches. Enrichment strategies, such as those employing affinity matrices, are required for the characterization of such complexes, for example, those containing growth factor receptors. The receptor for the macrophage lineage growth factor, macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF or CSF-1), is the tyrosine kinase, c-Fms. There is evidence that the CSF-1 receptor (CSF-1R) forms distinct multimeric complexes involving autophosphorylated tyrosines in its cytoplasmic region; however, these complexes are difficult to identify by immunoprecipitation, making enrichment necessary. We report here the use of a tyrosine-phosphorylated, GST-fusion construct of the entire CSF-1R cytoplasmic region to characterize proteins putatively associating with the activated CSF-1R. Besides signalling molecules known to associate with the receptor or be involved in CSF-1R-dependent signalling, mass spectrometry identified a number of other molecules binding to the construct. So far among these candidate proteins, dynein, claudin and silencer of death domains co-immunoprecipitated with the CSF-1R, suggesting association. This affinity matrix method, using an entire cytoplasmic region, may have relevance for other growth factor receptors.