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Hu L, Xiao X, Huang W, Zhou T, Chen W, Zhang C, Ying QL. A novel chemical genetic approach reveals paralog-specific role of ERK1/2 in mouse embryonic stem cell fate control. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1415621. [PMID: 39071800 PMCID: PMC11272557 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1415621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Mouse embryonic stem cell (ESC) self-renewal can be maintained through dual inhibition of GSK3 and MEK kinases. MEK has two highly homologous downstream kinases, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2). However, the exact roles of ERK1/2 in mouse ESC self-renewal and differentiation remain unclear. Methods: We selectively deleted or inhibited ERK1, ERK2, or both using genetic and chemical genetic approaches combined with small molecule inhibitors. The effects of ERK paralog-specific inhibition on mouse ESC self-renewal and differentiation were then assessed. Results: ERK1/2 were found to be dispensable for mouse ESC survival and self-renewal. The inhibition of both ERK paralogs, in conjunction with GSK3 inhibition, was sufficient to maintain mouse ESC self-renewal. In contrast, selective deletion or inhibition of only one ERK paralog did not mimic the effect of MEK inhibition in promoting mouse ESC self-renewal. Regarding ESC differentiation, inhibition of ERK1/2 prevented mesendoderm differentiation. Additionally, selective inhibition of ERK1, but not ERK2, promoted mesendoderm differentiation. Discussion: These findings suggest that ERK1 and ERK2 have both overlapping and distinct roles in regulating ESC self-renewal and differentiation. This study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms of ERK1/2 in governing ESC maintenance and lineage commitment, potentially informing future strategies for controlling stem cell fate in research and therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Hu
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at USC, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Xiong Xiao
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at USC, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Wesley Huang
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at USC, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Tao Zhou
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at USC, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Weilu Chen
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at USC, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Chao Zhang
- Loker Hydrocarbon Research Institute and Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Qi-Long Ying
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at USC, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Cuevas-Navarro A, Rodriguez-Muñoz L, Grego-Bessa J, Cheng A, Rauen KA, Urisman A, McCormick F, Jimenez G, Castel P. Cross-species analysis of LZTR1 loss-of-function mutants demonstrates dependency to RIT1 orthologs. eLife 2022; 11:e76495. [PMID: 35467524 PMCID: PMC9068208 DOI: 10.7554/elife.76495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
RAS GTPases are highly conserved proteins involved in the regulation of mitogenic signaling. We have previously described a novel Cullin 3 RING E3 ubiquitin ligase complex formed by the substrate adaptor protein LZTR1 that binds, ubiquitinates, and promotes proteasomal degradation of the RAS GTPase RIT1. In addition, others have described that this complex is also responsible for the ubiquitination of classical RAS GTPases. Here, we have analyzed the phenotypes of Lztr1 loss-of-function mutants in both fruit flies and mice and have demonstrated a biochemical preference for their RIT1 orthologs. Moreover, we show that Lztr1 is haplosufficient in mice and that embryonic lethality of the homozygous null allele can be rescued by deletion of Rit1. Overall, our results indicate that, in model organisms, RIT1 orthologs are the preferred substrates of LZTR1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Cuevas-Navarro
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Laura Rodriguez-Muñoz
- Institute for Molecular Biology of Barcelona, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasBarcelonaSpain
| | | | - Alice Cheng
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Katherine A Rauen
- UC Davis MIND Institute, University of California DavisSacramentoUnited States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California DavisSacramentoUnited States
| | - Anatoly Urisman
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, University of California San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Frank McCormick
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Gerardo Jimenez
- Institute for Molecular Biology of Barcelona, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasBarcelonaSpain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA)BarcelonaSpain
| | - Pau Castel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University Grossman School of MedicineNew YorkUnited States
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3
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Johnson C, Burkhart DL, Haigis KM. Classification of KRAS-Activating Mutations and the Implications for Therapeutic Intervention. Cancer Discov 2022; 12:913-923. [PMID: 35373279 PMCID: PMC8988514 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-22-0035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Members of the family of RAS proto-oncogenes, discovered just over 40 years ago, were among the first cancer-initiating genes to be discovered. Of the three RAS family members, KRAS is the most frequently mutated in human cancers. Despite intensive biological and biochemical study of RAS proteins over the past four decades, we are only now starting to devise therapeutic strategies to target their oncogenic properties. Here, we highlight the distinct biochemical properties of common and rare KRAS alleles, enabling their classification into functional subtypes. We also discuss the implications of this functional classification for potential therapeutic avenues targeting mutant subtypes. SIGNIFICANCE Efforts in the recent past to inhibit KRAS oncogenicity have focused on kinases that function in downstream signal transduction cascades, although preclinical successes have not translated to patients with KRAS-mutant cancer. Recently, clinically effective covalent inhibitors of KRASG12C have been developed, establishing two principles that form a foundation for future efforts. First, KRAS is druggable. Second, each mutant form of KRAS is likely to have properties that make it uniquely druggable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Johnson
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Deborah L Burkhart
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kevin M Haigis
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Abstract
The RASopathies are a group of disorders caused by a germline mutation in one of the genes encoding a component of the RAS/MAPK pathway. These disorders, including neurofibromatosis type 1, Noonan syndrome, cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome, Costello syndrome and Legius syndrome, among others, have overlapping clinical features due to RAS/MAPK dysfunction. Although several of the RASopathies are very rare, collectively, these disorders are relatively common. In this Review, we discuss the pathogenesis of the RASopathy-associated genetic variants and the knowledge gained about RAS/MAPK signaling that resulted from studying RASopathies. We also describe the cell and animal models of the RASopathies and explore emerging RASopathy genes. Preclinical and clinical experiences with targeted agents as therapeutics for RASopathies are also discussed. Finally, we review how the recently developed drugs targeting RAS/MAPK-driven malignancies, such as inhibitors of RAS activation, direct RAS inhibitors and RAS/MAPK pathway inhibitors, might be leveraged for patients with RASopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie E Hebron
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Edjay Ralph Hernandez
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Marielle E Yohe
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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5
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Bruel AL, Nambot S, Quéré V, Vitobello A, Thevenon J, Assoum M, Moutton S, Houcinat N, Lehalle D, Jean-Marçais N, Chevarin M, Jouan T, Poë C, Callier P, Tisserand E, Philippe C, Them FTM, Duffourd Y, Faivre L, Thauvin-Robinet C. Increased diagnostic and new genes identification outcome using research reanalysis of singleton exome sequencing. Eur J Hum Genet 2019; 27:1519-1531. [PMID: 31231135 PMCID: PMC6777617 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-019-0442-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
In clinical exome sequencing (cES), the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics recommends limiting variant interpretation to established human-disease genes. The diagnostic yield of cES in intellectual disability and/or multiple congenital anomalies (ID/MCA) is currently about 30%. Though the results may seem acceptable for rare diseases, they mean that 70% of affected individuals remain genetically undiagnosed. Further analysis extended to all mutated genes in a research environment is a valuable strategy for improving diagnostic yields. This study presents the results of systematic research reanalysis of negative cES in a cohort of 313 individuals with ID/MCA. We identified 17 new genes not related to human disease, implicated 22 non-OMIM disease-causing genes recently or previously rarely related to disease, and described 1 new phenotype associated with a known gene. Twenty-six candidate genes were identified and are waiting for future recurrence. Overall, we diagnose 15% of the individuals with initial negative cES, increasing the diagnostic yield from 30% to more than 40% (or 46% if strong candidate genes are considered). This study demonstrates the power of such extended research reanalysis to increase scientific knowledge of rare diseases. These novel findings can then be applied in the field of diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ange-Line Bruel
- Inserm UMR 1231 GAD, Genetics of Developmental disorders, Université de Bourgogne-Franche Comté, FHU TRANSLAD, Dijon, France.
| | - Sophie Nambot
- Inserm UMR 1231 GAD, Genetics of Developmental disorders, Université de Bourgogne-Franche Comté, FHU TRANSLAD, Dijon, France
| | - Virginie Quéré
- Inserm UMR 1231 GAD, Genetics of Developmental disorders, Université de Bourgogne-Franche Comté, FHU TRANSLAD, Dijon, France
| | - Antonio Vitobello
- Inserm UMR 1231 GAD, Genetics of Developmental disorders, Université de Bourgogne-Franche Comté, FHU TRANSLAD, Dijon, France
- Unité Fonctionnelle "Innovation diagnostique dans les maladies rares" laboratoire de génétique chromosomique et moléculaire, Plateau Technique de Biologie, CHU Dijon, Dijon, France
| | - Julien Thevenon
- Inserm UMR 1231 GAD, Genetics of Developmental disorders, Université de Bourgogne-Franche Comté, FHU TRANSLAD, Dijon, France
- Centre de Référence Maladies Rares "Anomalies du Développement et syndromes maformatifs", FHU-TRANSLAD, CHU Dijon Bourgogne, France
| | - Mirna Assoum
- Inserm UMR 1231 GAD, Genetics of Developmental disorders, Université de Bourgogne-Franche Comté, FHU TRANSLAD, Dijon, France
| | - Sébastien Moutton
- Inserm UMR 1231 GAD, Genetics of Developmental disorders, Université de Bourgogne-Franche Comté, FHU TRANSLAD, Dijon, France
- Centre de Référence Maladies Rares "Anomalies du Développement et syndromes maformatifs", FHU-TRANSLAD, CHU Dijon Bourgogne, France
| | - Nada Houcinat
- Inserm UMR 1231 GAD, Genetics of Developmental disorders, Université de Bourgogne-Franche Comté, FHU TRANSLAD, Dijon, France
- Centre de Référence Maladies Rares "Anomalies du Développement et syndromes maformatifs", FHU-TRANSLAD, CHU Dijon Bourgogne, France
| | - Daphné Lehalle
- Inserm UMR 1231 GAD, Genetics of Developmental disorders, Université de Bourgogne-Franche Comté, FHU TRANSLAD, Dijon, France
- Centre de Référence Maladies Rares "Anomalies du Développement et syndromes maformatifs", FHU-TRANSLAD, CHU Dijon Bourgogne, France
| | - Nolwenn Jean-Marçais
- Inserm UMR 1231 GAD, Genetics of Developmental disorders, Université de Bourgogne-Franche Comté, FHU TRANSLAD, Dijon, France
- Centre de Référence Maladies Rares "Anomalies du Développement et syndromes maformatifs", FHU-TRANSLAD, CHU Dijon Bourgogne, France
| | - Martin Chevarin
- Inserm UMR 1231 GAD, Genetics of Developmental disorders, Université de Bourgogne-Franche Comté, FHU TRANSLAD, Dijon, France
- Unité Fonctionnelle "Innovation diagnostique dans les maladies rares" laboratoire de génétique chromosomique et moléculaire, Plateau Technique de Biologie, CHU Dijon, Dijon, France
| | - Thibaud Jouan
- Inserm UMR 1231 GAD, Genetics of Developmental disorders, Université de Bourgogne-Franche Comté, FHU TRANSLAD, Dijon, France
| | - Charlotte Poë
- Inserm UMR 1231 GAD, Genetics of Developmental disorders, Université de Bourgogne-Franche Comté, FHU TRANSLAD, Dijon, France
- Unité Fonctionnelle "Innovation diagnostique dans les maladies rares" laboratoire de génétique chromosomique et moléculaire, Plateau Technique de Biologie, CHU Dijon, Dijon, France
| | - Patrick Callier
- Inserm UMR 1231 GAD, Genetics of Developmental disorders, Université de Bourgogne-Franche Comté, FHU TRANSLAD, Dijon, France
- Unité Fonctionnelle "Innovation diagnostique dans les maladies rares" laboratoire de génétique chromosomique et moléculaire, Plateau Technique de Biologie, CHU Dijon, Dijon, France
| | - Emilie Tisserand
- Inserm UMR 1231 GAD, Genetics of Developmental disorders, Université de Bourgogne-Franche Comté, FHU TRANSLAD, Dijon, France
| | - Christophe Philippe
- Inserm UMR 1231 GAD, Genetics of Developmental disorders, Université de Bourgogne-Franche Comté, FHU TRANSLAD, Dijon, France
- Unité Fonctionnelle "Innovation diagnostique dans les maladies rares" laboratoire de génétique chromosomique et moléculaire, Plateau Technique de Biologie, CHU Dijon, Dijon, France
| | - Frédéric Tran Mau Them
- Inserm UMR 1231 GAD, Genetics of Developmental disorders, Université de Bourgogne-Franche Comté, FHU TRANSLAD, Dijon, France
- Unité Fonctionnelle "Innovation diagnostique dans les maladies rares" laboratoire de génétique chromosomique et moléculaire, Plateau Technique de Biologie, CHU Dijon, Dijon, France
| | - Yannis Duffourd
- Inserm UMR 1231 GAD, Genetics of Developmental disorders, Université de Bourgogne-Franche Comté, FHU TRANSLAD, Dijon, France
- Unité Fonctionnelle "Innovation diagnostique dans les maladies rares" laboratoire de génétique chromosomique et moléculaire, Plateau Technique de Biologie, CHU Dijon, Dijon, France
| | - Laurence Faivre
- Inserm UMR 1231 GAD, Genetics of Developmental disorders, Université de Bourgogne-Franche Comté, FHU TRANSLAD, Dijon, France
- Centre de Référence Maladies Rares "Anomalies du Développement et syndromes maformatifs", FHU-TRANSLAD, CHU Dijon Bourgogne, France
| | - Christel Thauvin-Robinet
- Inserm UMR 1231 GAD, Genetics of Developmental disorders, Université de Bourgogne-Franche Comté, FHU TRANSLAD, Dijon, France
- Unité Fonctionnelle "Innovation diagnostique dans les maladies rares" laboratoire de génétique chromosomique et moléculaire, Plateau Technique de Biologie, CHU Dijon, Dijon, France
- Centre de Référence Maladies Rares "Anomalies du Développement et syndromes maformatifs", FHU-TRANSLAD, CHU Dijon Bourgogne, France
- Centre de Référence Maladies Rares "Déficiences Intellectuelles de causes rares", FHU-TRANSLAD, CHU Dijon Bourgogne, France
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6
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Bera AK, Lu J, Wales TE, Gondi S, Gurbani D, Nelson A, Engen JR, Westover KD. Structural basis of the atypical activation mechanism of KRAS V14I. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:13964-13972. [PMID: 31341022 PMCID: PMC6755796 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.009131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
RAS regulation and signaling are largely accomplished by direct protein-protein interactions, making RAS protein dynamics a critical determinant of RAS function. Here, we report a crystal structure of GDP-bound KRASV14I, a mutated KRAS variant associated with the developmental RASopathy disorder Noonan syndrome (NS), at 1.5-1.6 Å resolution. The structure is notable for revealing a marked extension of switch 1 away from the G-domain and nucleotide-binding site of the KRAS protein. We found that this extension is associated with a loss of the magnesium ion and a tilt in the position of the guanine base because of the additional carbon introduced by the isoleucine substitution. Hydrogen-deuterium exchange MS analysis confirmed that this conformation occurs in solution, but also disclosed a difference in kinetics when compared with KRASA146T, another RAS mutant that displays a nearly identical conformation in previously reported crystal structures. This conformational change contributed to a high rate of guanine nucleotide-exchange factor (GEF)-dependent and -independent nucleotide exchange and to an increase in affinity for SOS Ras/Rac GEF 1 (SOS1), which appears to be the major mode of activation for this RAS variant. These results highlight a mechanistic connection between KRASA146T and KRASV14I that may have implications for the regulation of these variants and for the development of therapeutic strategies to manage KRAS variant-associated disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asim K Bera
- Departments of Biochemistry and Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas 75390
| | - Jia Lu
- Departments of Biochemistry and Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas 75390
| | - Thomas E Wales
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Masachusetts 02115
| | - Sudershan Gondi
- Departments of Biochemistry and Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas 75390
| | - Deepak Gurbani
- Departments of Biochemistry and Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas 75390
| | - Andrew Nelson
- Departments of Biochemistry and Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas 75390
| | - John R Engen
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Masachusetts 02115
| | - Kenneth D Westover
- Departments of Biochemistry and Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas 75390
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7
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Storr HL, Chatterjee S, Metherell LA, Foley C, Rosenfeld RG, Backeljauw PF, Dauber A, Savage MO, Hwa V. Nonclassical GH Insensitivity: Characterization of Mild Abnormalities of GH Action. Endocr Rev 2019; 40:476-505. [PMID: 30265312 PMCID: PMC6607971 DOI: 10.1210/er.2018-00146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
GH insensitivity (GHI) presents in childhood with growth failure and in its severe form is associated with extreme short stature and dysmorphic and metabolic abnormalities. In recent years, the clinical, biochemical, and genetic characteristics of GHI and other overlapping short stature syndromes have rapidly expanded. This can be attributed to advancing genetic techniques and a greater awareness of this group of disorders. We review this important spectrum of defects, which present with phenotypes at the milder end of the GHI continuum. We discuss their clinical, biochemical, and genetic characteristics. The objective of this review is to clarify the definition, identification, and investigation of this clinically relevant group of growth defects. We also review the therapeutic challenges of mild GHI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen L Storr
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, United Kingdom
| | - Sumana Chatterjee
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, United Kingdom
| | - Louise A Metherell
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, United Kingdom
| | - Corinne Foley
- Division of Endocrinology, Cincinnati Center for Growth Disorders, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Ron G Rosenfeld
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Philippe F Backeljauw
- Division of Endocrinology, Cincinnati Center for Growth Disorders, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Andrew Dauber
- Division of Endocrinology, Cincinnati Center for Growth Disorders, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Martin O Savage
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, United Kingdom
| | - Vivian Hwa
- Division of Endocrinology, Cincinnati Center for Growth Disorders, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
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8
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Aoidi R, Houde N, Landry-Truchon K, Holter M, Jacquet K, Charron L, Krishnaswami SR, Yu BD, Rauen KA, Bisson N, Newbern J, Charron J. Mek1Y130C mice recapitulate aspects of human cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome. Dis Model Mech 2018; 11:dmm.031278. [PMID: 29590634 PMCID: PMC5897723 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.031278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The RAS/MAPK signaling pathway is one of the most investigated pathways, owing to its established role in numerous cellular processes and implication in cancer. Germline mutations in genes encoding members of the RAS/MAPK pathway also cause severe developmental syndromes collectively known as RASopathies. These syndromes share overlapping characteristics, including craniofacial dysmorphology, cardiac malformations, cutaneous abnormalities and developmental delay. Cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome (CFC) is a rare RASopathy associated with mutations in BRAF, KRAS, MEK1 (MAP2K1) and MEK2 (MAP2K2). MEK1 and MEK2 mutations are found in ∼25% of the CFC patients and the MEK1Y130C substitution is the most common one. However, little is known about the origins and mechanisms responsible for the development of CFC. To our knowledge, no mouse model carrying RASopathy-linked Mek1 or Mek2 gene mutations has been reported. To investigate the molecular and developmental consequences of the Mek1Y130C mutation, we generated a mouse line carrying this mutation. Analysis of mice from a Mek1 allelic series revealed that the Mek1Y130C allele expresses both wild-type and Y130C mutant forms of MEK1. However, despite reduced levels of MEK1 protein and the lower abundance of MEK1 Y130C protein than wild type, Mek1Y130C mutants showed increased ERK (MAPK) protein activation in response to growth factors, supporting a role for MEK1 Y130C in hyperactivation of the RAS/MAPK pathway, leading to CFC. Mek1Y130C mutant mice exhibited pulmonary artery stenosis, cranial dysmorphia and neurological anomalies, including increased numbers of GFAP+ astrocytes and Olig2+ oligodendrocytes in regions of the cerebral cortex. These data indicate that the Mek1Y130C mutation recapitulates major aspects of CFC, providing a new animal model to investigate the physiopathology of this RASopathy. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper. Summary: A mouse model for cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome caused by MEK1 Y130C mutant protein reveals the role of hyperactivation of the RAS/MAPK pathway in the development of the syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rifdat Aoidi
- Centre de recherche sur le cancer de l'Université Laval, CRCHU de Québec, L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, Québec G1R 3S3, Canada.,Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology, Université Laval, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Nicolas Houde
- Centre de recherche sur le cancer de l'Université Laval, CRCHU de Québec, L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, Québec G1R 3S3, Canada.,Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology, Université Laval, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Kim Landry-Truchon
- Centre de recherche sur le cancer de l'Université Laval, CRCHU de Québec, L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, Québec G1R 3S3, Canada.,Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology, Université Laval, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Michael Holter
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
| | - Kevin Jacquet
- Centre de recherche sur le cancer de l'Université Laval, CRCHU de Québec, L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, Québec G1R 3S3, Canada.,Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology, Université Laval, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Louis Charron
- Centre de recherche sur le cancer de l'Université Laval, CRCHU de Québec, L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, Québec G1R 3S3, Canada
| | - Suguna Rani Krishnaswami
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0761, USA
| | - Benjamin D Yu
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0761, USA.,Interpreta Inc., San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Katherine A Rauen
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genomic Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Nicolas Bisson
- Centre de recherche sur le cancer de l'Université Laval, CRCHU de Québec, L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, Québec G1R 3S3, Canada.,Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology, Université Laval, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Jason Newbern
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
| | - Jean Charron
- Centre de recherche sur le cancer de l'Université Laval, CRCHU de Québec, L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, Québec G1R 3S3, Canada .,Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology, Université Laval, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
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Schuhmacher AJ, Hernández-Porras I, García-Medina R, Guerra C. Noonan syndrome: lessons learned from genetically modified mouse models. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab 2017; 12:367-378. [PMID: 30058892 DOI: 10.1080/17446651.2017.1361821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Noonan syndrome is a RASopathy that results from activating mutations in different members of the RAS/MAPK signaling pathway. At least eleven members of this pathway have been found mutated, PTPN11 being the most frequently mutated gene affecting about 50% of the patients, followed by SOS1 (10%), RAF1 (10%) and KRAS (5%). Recently, even more infrequent mutations have been newly identified by next generation sequencing. This spectrum of mutations leads to a broad variety of clinical symptoms such as cardiopathies, short stature, facial dysmorphia and neurocognitive impairment. The genetic variability of this syndrome makes it difficult to establish a genotype-phenotype correlation, which will greatly help in the clinical management of the patients. Areas covered: Studies performed with different genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) developed up to date. Expert commentary: GEMMs have helped us understand the role of some genes and the effect of the different mutations in the development of the syndrome. However, few models have been developed and more characterization of the existing ones should be performed to learn about the impact of the different modifiers in the phenotypes, the potential cancer risk in patients, as well as preventative and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto J Schuhmacher
- a Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón , Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Aragón , Zaragoza , Spain
| | - Isabel Hernández-Porras
- b Molecular Oncology Programs , Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO) , Madrid , Spain
| | - Raquel García-Medina
- b Molecular Oncology Programs , Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO) , Madrid , Spain
| | - Carmen Guerra
- b Molecular Oncology Programs , Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO) , Madrid , Spain
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Abstract
The RAS/MAPK signaling pathway plays key roles in development, cell survival and proliferation, as well as in cancer pathogenesis. Molecular genetic studies have identified a group of developmental syndromes, the RASopathies, caused by germ line mutations in this pathway. The syndromes included within this classification are neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), Noonan syndrome (NS), Noonan syndrome with multiple lentigines (NS-ML, formerly known as LEOPARD syndrome), Costello syndrome (CS), cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome (CFC), Legius syndrome (LS, NF1-like syndrome), capillary malformation-arteriovenous malformation syndrome (CM-AVM), and hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF) type 1. Although these syndromes present specific molecular alterations, they are characterized by a large spectrum of functional and morphological abnormalities, which include heart defects, short stature, neurocognitive impairment, craniofacial malformations, and, in some cases, cancer predisposition. The development of genetically modified animals, such as mice (Mus musculus), flies (Drosophila melanogaster), and zebrafish (Danio rerio), has been instrumental in elucidating the molecular and cellular bases of these syndromes. Moreover, these models can also be used to determine tumor predisposition, the impact of different genetic backgrounds on the variable phenotypes found among the patients and to evaluate preventative and therapeutic strategies. Here, we review a wide range of genetically modified mouse models used in the study of RASopathies and the potential application of novel technologies, which hopefully will help us resolve open questions in the field.
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