1
|
Yang J, Shu G, Chen T, Dong A, Dong C, Li W, Sun X, Zhou Y, Li D, Zhou J. ESM1 Interacts with c-Met to Promote Gastric Cancer Peritoneal Metastasis by Inducing Angiogenesis. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 16:194. [PMID: 38201620 PMCID: PMC10778290 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The peritoneum is the most common metastatic site of advanced gastric cancer and is associated with extremely poor prognosis. Endothelial-specific molecule 1 (ESM1) was found to be significantly associated with gastric cancer peritoneal metastasis (GCPM); however, the biological functions and molecular mechanisms of ESM1 in regulating GCPM remain unclear. Herein, we demonstrated that ESM1 expression was significantly upregulated in gastric cancer tissues and positively correlated with platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (CD31) levels. Moreover, clinical validation, in in vitro and in vivo experiments, confirmed that ESM1 promoted gastric cancer angiogenesis, eventually promoting gastric cancer peritoneal metastasis. Mechanistically, ESM1 promoted tumor angiogenesis by binding to c-Met on the vascular endothelial cell membrane. In addition, our results confirmed that ESM1 upregulated VEGFA, HIF1α, and MMP9 expression and induced angiogenesis by activating the MAPK/ERK pathway. In conclusion, our findings identified the role of ESM1 in gastric cancer angiogenesis and GCPM, thus providing insights into the diagnosis and treatment of advanced gastric cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Dongbao Li
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China; (J.Y.); (G.S.); (T.C.); (A.D.); (C.D.); (W.L.); (X.S.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Jin Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China; (J.Y.); (G.S.); (T.C.); (A.D.); (C.D.); (W.L.); (X.S.); (Y.Z.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wang S, Iyer R, Han X, Wei J, Li N, Cheng Y, Zhou Y, Gao Q, Zhang L, Yan M, Sun Z, Fang D. CRISPR screening identifies the deubiquitylase ATXN3 as a PD-L1-positive regulator for tumor immune evasion. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e167728. [PMID: 38038129 PMCID: PMC10688982 DOI: 10.1172/jci167728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulation of tumoral PD-L1 expression is critical to advancing our understanding of tumor immune evasion and the improvement of existing antitumor immunotherapies. Herein, we describe a CRISPR-based screening platform and identified ATXN3 as a positive regulator for PD-L1 transcription. TCGA database analysis revealed a positive correlation between ATXN3 and CD274 in more than 80% of human cancers. ATXN3-induced Pd-l1 transcription was promoted by tumor microenvironmental factors, including the inflammatory cytokine IFN-γ and hypoxia, through protection of their downstream transcription factors IRF1, STAT3, and HIF-2α. Moreover, ATXN3 functioned as a deubiquitinase of the AP-1 transcription factor JunB, indicating that ATNX3 promotes PD-L1 expression through multiple pathways. Targeted deletion of ATXN3 in cancer cells largely abolished IFN-γ- and hypoxia-induced PD-L1 expression and consequently enhanced antitumor immunity in mice, and these effects were partially reversed by PD-L1 reconstitution. Furthermore, tumoral ATXN3 suppression improved the preclinical efficacy of checkpoint blockade antitumor immunotherapy. Importantly, ATXN3 expression was increased in human lung adenocarcinoma and melanoma, and its levels were positively correlated with PD-L1 as well as its transcription factors IRF1 and HIF-2α. Collectively, our study identifies what we believe to be a previously unknown deubiquitinase, ATXN3, as a positive regulator for PD-L1 transcription and provides a rationale for targeting ATXN3 to sensitize checkpoint blockade antitumor immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shengnan Wang
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Radhika Iyer
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Xiaohua Han
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Juncheng Wei
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Na Li
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yang Cheng
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Yuanzhang Zhou
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Qiong Gao
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Lingqiang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, National Center of Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing, China
| | - Ming Yan
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology and Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhaolin Sun
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Deyu Fang
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Iesato A, Li S, Sadow PM, Abbasian M, Nazarian A, Lawler J, Nucera C. The Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Lenvatinib Inhibits Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma Growth by Targeting Pericytes in the Tumor Microenvironment. Thyroid 2023; 33:835-848. [PMID: 37171127 PMCID: PMC10354711 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2022.0597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Background: Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is a rapidly fatal cancer with a median survival of a few months. Enhanced therapeutic options for durable management of ATC will rely on an understanding of genetics and the role of the tumor microenvironment. The prognosis for patients with ATC has not improved despite more detailed scrutiny of underlying tumor genetics. Pericytes in the microenvironment play a key evasive role for thyroid carcinoma (TC) cells. Lenvatinib improves outcomes in patients with radioiodine-refractory well-differentiated TC. In addition to the unclear role of pericytes in ATC, the effect and mechanism of lenvatinib efficacy on ATC have not been sufficiently elucidated. Design: We assessed pericyte enrichment in ATC. We determined the effect of lenvatinib on ATC cell growth cocultured with pericytes and in a xenograft mouse model from human BRAFWT/V600E-ATC-derived cells coimplanted with pericytes. Results: ATC samples were significantly enriched in pericytes compared with normal thyroid samples. BRAFWT/V600E-ATC-derived cells were resistant to lenvatinib treatment shown by a lack of suppression of MAPK and Akt pathways. Moreover, lenvatinib increased CD47 protein (thrombospondin-1 [TSP-1] receptor) levels over time vs. vehicle. TSP-1 levels were downregulated upon lenvatinib at late vs. early time points. Critically, ATC cells, when cocultured with pericytes, showed increased sensitivity to this therapy and ultimately decreased number of cells. The coimplantation in vivo of ATC cells with pericytes increased ATC growth and did not downregulate TSP-1 in the microenvironment in vivo. Conclusions and Implications: Pericytes are enriched in ATC samples. Lenvatinib showed inhibitory effects on BRAFWT/V600E-ATC cells in the presence of pericytes. The presence of pericytes could be crucial for effective lenvatinib treatment in patients with ATC. Degree of pericyte abundance may be an attractive prognostic marker in assessing pharmacotherapeutic options. Effective durable management of ATC will rely on an understanding not only of genetics but also on the role of the tumor microenvironment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Asumi Iesato
- Human Thyroid Cancers Preclinical and Translational Research Program, Division of Experimental Pathology, Cancer Research Institute (CRI), Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Center for Vascular Biology Research (CVBR), Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Stephanie Li
- Human Thyroid Cancers Preclinical and Translational Research Program, Division of Experimental Pathology, Cancer Research Institute (CRI), Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Center for Vascular Biology Research (CVBR), Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Peter M. Sadow
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mohammadreza Abbasian
- Musculoskeletal Translational Innovation Initiative, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ara Nazarian
- Musculoskeletal Translational Innovation Initiative, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jack Lawler
- Center for Vascular Biology Research (CVBR), Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Carmelo Nucera
- Human Thyroid Cancers Preclinical and Translational Research Program, Division of Experimental Pathology, Cancer Research Institute (CRI), Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Center for Vascular Biology Research (CVBR), Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sanati M, Afshari AR, Ahmadi SS, Moallem SA, Sahebkar A. Modulation of the ubiquitin-proteasome system by phytochemicals: Therapeutic implications in malignancies with an emphasis on brain tumors. Biofactors 2023; 49:782-819. [PMID: 37162294 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Regarding the multimechanistic nature of cancers, current chemo- or radiotherapies often fail to eradicate disease pathology, and frequent relapses or resistance to therapies occur. Brain malignancies, particularly glioblastomas, are difficult-to-treat cancers due to their highly malignant and multidimensional biology. Unfortunately, patients suffering from malignant tumors often experience poor prognoses and short survival periods. Thus far, significant efforts have been conducted to discover novel and more effective modalities. To that end, modulation of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) has attracted tremendous interest since it affects the homeostasis of proteins critically engaged in various cell functions, for example, cell metabolism, survival, proliferation, and differentiation. With their safe and multimodal actions, phytochemicals are among the promising therapeutic tools capable of turning the operation of various UPS elements. The present review, along with an updated outline of the role of UPS dysregulation in multiple cancers, provided a detailed discussion on the impact of phytochemicals on the UPS function in malignancies, especially brain tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Sanati
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
- Experimental and Animal Study Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Amir R Afshari
- Natural Products and Medicinal Plants Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Seyed Sajad Ahmadi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Khatam-Ol-Anbia Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyed Adel Moallem
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Al-Zahraa University for Women, Karbala, Iraq
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Critchley WR, Smith GA, Zachary IC, Harrison MA, Ponnambalam S. The E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes UBE2D1 and UBE2D2 regulate VEGFR2 dynamics and endothelial function. J Cell Sci 2023; 136:jcs260657. [PMID: 37226882 PMCID: PMC10234107 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.260657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2, encoded by KDR) regulates endothelial function and angiogenesis. VEGFR2 undergoes ubiquitination that programs this receptor for trafficking and proteolysis, but the ubiquitin-modifying enzymes involved are ill-defined. Herein, we used a reverse genetics screen for the human E2 family of ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes to identify gene products that regulate VEGFR2 ubiquitination and proteolysis. We found that depletion of either UBE2D1 or UBE2D2 in endothelial cells caused a rise in steady-state VEGFR2 levels. This rise in plasma membrane VEGFR2 levels impacted on VEGF-A-stimulated signalling, with increased activation of canonical MAPK, phospholipase Cγ1 and Akt pathways. Analysis of biosynthetic VEGFR2 is consistent with a role for UBE2D enzymes in influencing plasma membrane VEGFR2 levels. Cell-surface-specific biotinylation and recycling studies showed an increase in VEGFR2 recycling to the plasma membrane upon reduction in UBE2D levels. Depletion of either UBE2D1 or UBE2D2 stimulated endothelial tubulogenesis, which is consistent with increased VEGFR2 plasma membrane levels promoting the cellular response to exogenous VEGF-A. Our studies identify a key role for UBE2D1 and UBE2D2 in regulating VEGFR2 function in angiogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William R. Critchley
- Endothelial Cell Biology Unit, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Gina A. Smith
- Endothelial Cell Biology Unit, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Ian C. Zachary
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology & Medicine, Rayne Building, University College London, London WC1E 6JF, UK
| | | | - Sreenivasan Ponnambalam
- Endothelial Cell Biology Unit, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Paul AA, Szulc NA, Kobiela A, Brown SJ, Pokrzywa W, Gutowska-Owsiak D. In silico analysis of the profilaggrin sequence indicates alterations in the stability, degradation route, and intracellular protein fate in filaggrin null mutation carriers. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1105678. [PMID: 37200867 PMCID: PMC10185843 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1105678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Loss of function mutation in FLG is the major genetic risk factor for atopic dermatitis (AD) and other allergic manifestations. Presently, little is known about the cellular turnover and stability of profilaggrin, the protein encoded by FLG. Since ubiquitination directly regulates the cellular fate of numerous proteins, their degradation and trafficking, this process could influence the concentration of filaggrin in the skin. Objective: To determine the elements mediating the interaction of profilaggrin with the ubiquitin-proteasome system (i.e., degron motifs and ubiquitination sites), the features responsible for its stability, and the effect of nonsense and frameshift mutations on profilaggrin turnover. Methods: The effect of inhibition of proteasome and deubiquitinases on the level and modifications of profilaggrin and processed products was assessed by immunoblotting. Wild-type profilaggrin sequence and its mutated variants were analysed in silico using the DEGRONOPEDIA and Clustal Omega tool. Results: Inhibition of proteasome and deubiquitinases stabilizes profilaggrin and its high molecular weight of presumably ubiquitinated derivatives. In silico analysis of the sequence determined that profilaggrin contains 18 known degron motifs as well as multiple canonical and non-canonical ubiquitination-prone residues. FLG mutations generate products with increased stability scores, altered usage of the ubiquitination marks, and the frequent appearance of novel degrons, including those promoting C-terminus-mediated degradation routes. Conclusion: The proteasome is involved in the turnover of profilaggrin, which contains multiple degrons and ubiquitination-prone residues. FLG mutations alter those key elements, affecting the degradation routes and the mutated products' stability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Argho Aninda Paul
- Experimental and Translational Immunology Group, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology of University of Gdansk and Medical University of Gdansk, University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Natalia A. Szulc
- Laboratory of Protein Metabolism, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Adrian Kobiela
- Experimental and Translational Immunology Group, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology of University of Gdansk and Medical University of Gdansk, University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Sara J. Brown
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Wojciech Pokrzywa
- Laboratory of Protein Metabolism, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Danuta Gutowska-Owsiak
- Experimental and Translational Immunology Group, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology of University of Gdansk and Medical University of Gdansk, University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Li XM, Zhao ZY, Yu X, Xia QD, Zhou P, Wang SG, Wu HL, Hu J. Exploiting E3 ubiquitin ligases to reeducate the tumor microenvironment for cancer therapy. Exp Hematol Oncol 2023; 12:34. [PMID: 36998063 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-023-00394-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractTumor development relies on a complex and aberrant tissue environment in which cancer cells receive the necessary nutrients for growth, survive through immune escape, and acquire mesenchymal properties that mediate invasion and metastasis. Stromal cells and soluble mediators in the tumor microenvironment (TME) exhibit characteristic anti-inflammatory and protumorigenic activities. Ubiquitination, which is an essential and reversible posttranscriptional modification, plays a vital role in modulating the stability, activity and localization of modified proteins through an enzymatic cascade. This review was motivated by accumulating evidence that a series of E3 ligases and deubiquitinases (DUBs) finely target multiple signaling pathways, transcription factors and key enzymes to govern the functions of almost all components of the TME. In this review, we systematically summarize the key substrate proteins involved in the formation of the TME and the E3 ligases and DUBs that recognize these proteins. In addition, several promising techniques for targeted protein degradation by hijacking the intracellular E3 ubiquitin-ligase machinery are introduced.
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
Eryptosis is a coordinated non-lytic cell death of erythrocytes characterized by cell shrinkage, cell membrane scrambling, Ca2+ influx, ceramide accumulation, oxidative stress, activation of calpain and caspases. Physiologically, it aims at removing damaged or aged erythrocytes from circulation. A plethora of diseases are associated with enhanced eryptosis, including metabolic diseases, cardiovascular pathology, renal and hepatic diseases, hematological disorders, systemic autoimmune pathology, and cancer. This makes eryptosis and eryptosis-regulating signaling pathways a target for therapeutic interventions. This review highlights the eryptotic signaling machinery containing several protein kinases and its small molecular inhibitors with a special emphasis on casein kinase 1α (CK1α), a serine/threonine protein kinase with a broad spectrum of activity. In this review article, we provide a critical analysis of the regulatory role of CK1α in eryptosis, highlight triggers of CK1α-mediated suicidal death of red blood cells, cover the knowledge gaps in understanding CK1α-driven eryptosis and discover the opportunity of CK1α-targeted pharmacological modulation of eryptosis. Moreover, we discuss the directions of future research focusing on uncovering crosstalks between CK1α and other eryptosis-regulating kinases and pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anton Tkachenko
- Research Institute of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Kharkiv National Medical University, 4 Nauky ave, 61022, Kharkiv, Ukraine.
| | - Anatolii Onishchenko
- Research Institute of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Kharkiv National Medical University, 4 Nauky ave, 61022, Kharkiv, Ukraine
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Paul D, Kales SC, Cornwell JA, Afifi MM, Rai G, Zakharov A, Simeonov A, Cappell SD. Revealing β-TrCP activity dynamics in live cells with a genetically encoded biosensor. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6364. [PMID: 36289220 PMCID: PMC9606124 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33762-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The F-box protein beta-transducin repeat containing protein (β-TrCP) acts as a substrate adapter for the SCF E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, plays a crucial role in cell physiology, and is often deregulated in many types of cancers. Here, we develop a fluorescent biosensor to quantitatively measure β-TrCP activity in live, single cells in real-time. We find β-TrCP remains constitutively active throughout the cell cycle and functions to maintain discreet steady-state levels of its substrates. We find no correlation between expression levels of β-TrCP and β-TrCP activity, indicating post-transcriptional regulation. A high throughput screen of small-molecules using our reporter identifies receptor-tyrosine kinase signaling as a key axis for regulating β-TrCP activity by inhibiting binding between β-TrCP and the core SCF complex. Our study introduces a method to monitor β-TrCP activity in live cells and identifies a key signaling network that regulates β-TrCP activity throughout the cell cycle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Debasish Paul
- grid.48336.3a0000 0004 1936 8075Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| | - Stephen C. Kales
- grid.94365.3d0000 0001 2297 5165National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20850 USA
| | - James A. Cornwell
- grid.48336.3a0000 0004 1936 8075Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| | - Marwa M. Afifi
- grid.48336.3a0000 0004 1936 8075Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| | - Ganesha Rai
- grid.94365.3d0000 0001 2297 5165National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20850 USA
| | - Alexey Zakharov
- grid.94365.3d0000 0001 2297 5165National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20850 USA
| | - Anton Simeonov
- grid.94365.3d0000 0001 2297 5165National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20850 USA
| | - Steven D. Cappell
- grid.48336.3a0000 0004 1936 8075Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Lawler J. Counter Regulation of Tumor Angiogenesis by Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Thrombospondin-1. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:126-135. [PMID: 36191900 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Considerable progress has been made in our understanding of the process of angiogenesis in the context of normal and tumor tissue over the last fifty years. Angiogenesis, like most physiological processes, is carefully controlled by dynamic and opposing effects of positive factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and negative factors, such as thrombospondin-1. In most cases, the progression of a small mass of cancerous cells to a life-threatening tumor depends upon the initiation of angiogenesis and involves the dysregulation of the angiogenic balance. Whereas our newfound appreciation for the role of angiogenesis in cancer has opened up new avenues for treatment, the success of these treatments, which have focused almost exclusively on antagonizing the VEGF pathway, has been limited to date. It is anticipated that this situation will improve as more therapeutics that target other pathways are developed, more strategies for combination therapies are advanced, more detailed stratification of patient populations occurs, and a better understanding of resistance to anti-angiogenic therapy is gained.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jack Lawler
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, The Center for Vascular Biology Research, 99 Brookline Ave, Boston MA 02215, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zhang Y, Xing Z, Liu T, Tang M, Mi L, Zhu J, Wu W, Wei T. Targeted therapy and drug resistance in thyroid cancer. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 238:114500. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
|
12
|
Saikia Q, Reeve H, Alzahrani A, Critchley WR, Zeqiraj E, Divan A, Harrison MA, Ponnambalam S. VEGFR endocytosis: Implications for angiogenesis. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2022; 194:109-139. [PMID: 36631189 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2022.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The binding of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) superfamily to VEGF receptor tyrosine kinases (VEGFRs) and co-receptors regulates vasculogenesis, angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. A recurring theme is that dysfunction in VEGF signaling promotes pathological angiogenesis, an important feature of cancer and pro-inflammatory disease states. Endocytosis of basal (resting) or activated VEGFRs facilitates signal attenuation and endothelial quiescence. However, increasing evidence suggest that activated VEGFRs can continue to signal from intracellular compartments such as endosomes. In this chapter, we focus on the evolving link between VEGFR endocytosis, signaling and turnover and the implications for angiogenesis. There is much interest in how such understanding of VEGFR dynamics can be harnessed therapeutically for a wide range of human disease states.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Queen Saikia
- School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah Reeve
- School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Areej Alzahrani
- School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - William R Critchley
- School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Elton Zeqiraj
- School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Aysha Divan
- School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Michael A Harrison
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Wang H, Yang L, Liu M, Luo J. Protein post-translational modifications in the regulation of cancer hallmarks. Cancer Gene Ther 2022; 30:529-547. [PMID: 35393571 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-022-00464-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Posttranslational modifications (PTMs) of proteins, the major mechanism of protein function regulation, play important roles in regulating a variety of cellular physiological and pathological processes. Although the classical PTMs, such as phosphorylation, acetylation, ubiquitination and methylation, have been well studied, the emergence of many new modifications, such as succinylation, hydroxybutyrylation, and lactylation, introduces a new layer to protein regulation, leaving much more to be explored and wide application prospects. In this review, we will provide a broad overview of the significant roles of PTMs in regulating human cancer hallmarks through selecting a diverse set of examples, and update the current advances in the therapeutic implications of these PTMs in human cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haiying Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Protein Posttranslational Modifications and Cell Function, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, 100191, Beijing, China.
| | - Liqian Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Protein Posttranslational Modifications and Cell Function, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Minghui Liu
- Department of Medical Genetics, Center for Medical Genetics, Peking University Health Science Center, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Jianyuan Luo
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Protein Posttranslational Modifications and Cell Function, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, 100191, Beijing, China. .,Department of Medical Genetics, Center for Medical Genetics, Peking University Health Science Center, 100191, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Posttranslational Modifications in Thyroid Cancer: Implications for Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, Classification, and Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14071610. [PMID: 35406382 PMCID: PMC8996999 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14071610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
There is evidence that posttranslational modifications, including phosphorylation, acetylation, methylation, ubiquitination, sumoylation, glycosylation, and succinylation, may be involved in thyroid cancer. We review recent reports supporting a role of posttranslational modifications in the tumorigenesis of thyroid cancer, sensitivity to radioiodine and other types of treatment, the identification of molecular treatment targets, and the development of molecular markers that may become useful as diagnostic tools. An increased understanding of posttranslational modifications may be an important supplement to the determination of alterations in gene expression that has gained increasing prominence in recent years.
Collapse
|
15
|
Ding P, Ma Z, Fan Y, Feng Y, Shao C, Pan M, Zhang Y, Huang D, Han J, Hu Y, Yan X. Emerging role of ubiquitination/deubiquitination modification of PD-1/PD-L1 in cancer immunotherapy. Genes Dis 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2022.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
|
16
|
Oskouie AA, Ahmadi MS, Taherkhani A. Identification of Prognostic Biomarkers in Papillary Thyroid Cancer and Developing Non-Invasive Diagnostic Models Through Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis. Microrna 2022; 11:73-87. [PMID: 35068400 DOI: 10.2174/2211536611666220124115445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is the most frequent subtype of thyroid carcinoma, mainly detected in patients with benign thyroid nodules (BTN). Due to the invasiveness of accurate diagnostic tests, there is a need to discover applicable biomarkers for PTC. So, in this study, we aimed to identify the genes associated with prognosis in PTC. Besides, we performed a machine learning tool to develop a non-invasive diagnostic approach for PTC. METHODS For the study purposes, the miRNA dataset GSE130512 was downloaded from the GEO database and then analyzed to identify the common differentially expressed miRNAs in patients with non-metastatic PTC (nm-PTC)/metastatic PTC (m-PTC) compared with BTNs. The SVM was also applied to differentiate patients with PTC from those patients with BTN using the common DEMs. A protein-protein interaction network was also constructed based on the targets of the common DEMs. Next, functional analysis was performed, the hub genes were determined, and survival analysis was then executed. RESULTS A total of three common miRNAs were found to be differentially expressed among patients with nm-PTC/m-PTC compared with BTNs. In addition, it was established that the autophagosome maturation, ciliary basal body-plasma membrane docking, antigen processing as ubiquitination & proteasome degradation, and class I MHC mediated antigen processing & presentation are associated with the pathogenesis of PTC. Furthermore, it was illustrated that RPS6KB1, CCNT1, SP1, and CHD4 might serve as new potential biomarkers for PTC prognosis. CONCLUSION RPS6KB1, CCNT1, SP1, and CHD4 may be considered new potential biomarkers used for prognostic aims in PTC. However, performing validation tests is inevitable in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Afsaneh Arefi Oskouie
- Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Saeed Ahmadi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Besat Hospital, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Amir Taherkhani
- Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Liang Q, Zhong W. Downregulated Expression of USP18 Is Associated with a Higher Recurrence Risk of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma. TOHOKU J EXP MED 2021; 255:203-212. [PMID: 34759076 DOI: 10.1620/tjem.255.203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
As a member of the deubiquitinating protease family, ubiquitin specific peptidase 18 (USP18) is well acknowledged for its roles in stabilizing downstream protein substrates and inhibiting type I interferon signaling. USP18 has been reported to exert distinct roles in different cancer types. However, its expression and function in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) remain unknown. Here we collected 156 PTC patients and retrospectively retrieved their clinicopathological characteristics as well as their survival data. Among them, USP18 was hypoexpressed in 47 PTC samples (30.1%) and significantly correlated with oncogenic characteristics. According to univariate and multivariate analyses, low USP18 can act as an independent prognostic indicator for unfavorable progression-free survival of PTC patients. Ectopic overexpression and knockdown assays indicated that USP18 can negatively regulate the proliferation of PTC cell lines. The anti-tumor effect of USP18 was finally validated by xenografts results from nude mice. Taken together, PTC patients with low level of USP18 have worse survival compared to those possess high USP18 expression. Downregulated USP18 may be involved in the proliferation of PTC, and USP18 expression can serve as an independent survival predictor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qihong Liang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Science and Technology
| | - Wei Zhong
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Science and Technology
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Wang Y, Cen A, Yang Y, Ye H, Li J, Liu S, Zhao L. miR-181a, delivered by hypoxic PTC-secreted exosomes, inhibits DACT2 by downregulating MLL3, leading to YAP-VEGF-mediated angiogenesis. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2021; 24:610-621. [PMID: 33898109 PMCID: PMC8054101 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2021.02.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is the most common type of thyroid cancer, and angiogenesis plays critical roles in its recurrence and metastasis. In this study, we investigated the effects of hypoxia-induced exosomal microRNA-181 (miR-181a) from PTC on tumor growth and angiogenesis. Thyroid-cancer-related differentially expressed miR-181a was identified by microarray-based analysis in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. We validated that miR-181a was highly expressed in PTC cells and even more so in cells cultured under hypoxic conditions, which also augmented exosome secretion from PTC cells. Exosomes extracted from PTC cells with manipulated miR-181a and mixed-lineage leukemia 3 (MLL3) were subjected to normoxic or hypoxic conditions. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were transfected with miR-181a inhibitor/mimic or small interfering RNA (siRNA)-MLL3 or treated with exosomes from hypoxic PTC cells. Hypoxic exosomal miR-181a delivery promoted proliferation and capillary-like network formation in HUVECs. Mechanistically, miR-181a targeted and inhibited MLL3. Furthermore, miR-181a downregulated DACT2 and upregulated YAP and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Further, hypoxic exosomal miR-181a induced angiogenesis and tumor growth in vivo, which was reversed by hypoxic exosomal miR-181a inhibitor. In conclusion, exosomal miR-181a from hypoxic PTC cells promotes tumor angiogenesis and growth through MLL3 and DACT2 downregulation, as well as VEGF upregulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingxue Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, P.R. China
| | - Aiying Cen
- Department of Endocrinology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, P.R. China
| | - Yuxian Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| | - Huilin Ye
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangzhou 510120, P.R. China
| | - Jiaying Li
- Department of Endocrinology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, P.R. China
| | - Shiliang Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| | - Lei Zhao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Fhu CW, Ali A. Dysregulation of the Ubiquitin Proteasome System in Human Malignancies: A Window for Therapeutic Intervention. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13071513. [PMID: 33805973 PMCID: PMC8037609 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) governs the non-lysosomal degradation of oxidized, damaged, or misfolded proteins in eukaryotic cells. Dysregulation of the UPS results in loss of ability to maintain protein quality through proteolysis, and is closely related to the development of various malignancies and tumorigenesis. Here, we provide a comprehensive general overview on the regulation and roles of UPS and discuss the mechanisms linking dysregulated UPS to human malignancies. Inhibitors developed against components of the UPS, which include U.S. Food and Drug Administration FDA-approved and those currently undergoing clinical trials, are also presented in this review. Abstract The ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) governs the non-lysosomal degradation of oxidized, damaged, or misfolded proteins in eukaryotic cells. This process is tightly regulated through the activation and transfer of polyubiquitin chains to target proteins which are then recognized and degraded by the 26S proteasome complex. The role of UPS is crucial in regulating protein levels through degradation to maintain fundamental cellular processes such as growth, division, signal transduction, and stress response. Dysregulation of the UPS, resulting in loss of ability to maintain protein quality through proteolysis, is closely related to the development of various malignancies and tumorigenesis. Here, we provide a comprehensive general overview on the regulation and roles of UPS and discuss functional links of dysregulated UPS in human malignancies. Inhibitors developed against components of the UPS, which include U.S. Food and Drug Administration FDA-approved and those currently undergoing clinical trials, are also presented in this review.
Collapse
|
20
|
Islam S, Dutta P, Chopra K, Rapole S, Chauhan R, Santra MK. FBXW8 regulates G1 and S phases of cell cycle progression by restricting β-TrCP1 function. FEBS J 2021; 288:5474-5497. [PMID: 33742524 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Sequential alteration in the expression levels of cell cycle regulatory proteins is crucial for faithful cell cycle progression to maintain the cellular homeostasis. F-box protein β-TrCP1 is known to control the expression levels of several important cell cycle regulatory proteins. However, how the function of β-TrCP1 is regulated in spatiotemporal manner during cell cycle progression remains elusive. Here, we show that expression levels of β-TrCP1 oscillate during cell cycle progression with a minimum level at the G1 and S phases of cell cycle. Using biochemical, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence techniques, we found that oscillation of β-TrCP1 expression is controlled by another F-box protein FBXW8. FBXW8 directs the proteasomal degradation of β-TrCP1 in MAPK pathway-dependent manner. Interestingly, we found that the attenuation of β-TrCP1 by FBXW8 is important for Cdc25A-mediated cell cycle transition from G1 phase to S phase as well as DNA damage-free progression of S phase. Overall, our study reveals the intriguing molecular mechanism and significance of maintenance of β-TrCP1 levels during cell cycle progression by FBXW8-mediated proteasomal degradation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sehbanul Islam
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, National Centre for Cell Science, Pune, India.,Department of Biotechnology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, India
| | - Parul Dutta
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, National Centre for Cell Science, Pune, India.,Department of Biotechnology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, India
| | - Kriti Chopra
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, National Centre for Cell Science, Pune, India
| | - Srikanth Rapole
- Proteomics Laboratory, National Centre for Cell Science, Pune, India
| | - Radha Chauhan
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, National Centre for Cell Science, Pune, India
| | - Manas Kumar Santra
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, National Centre for Cell Science, Pune, India
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
β-Trcp and CK1δ-mediated degradation of LZTS2 activates PI3K/AKT signaling to drive tumorigenesis and metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncogene 2021; 40:1269-1283. [PMID: 33420362 PMCID: PMC7892348 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-01596-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Distant metastasis is the leading cause of treatment failure in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Here, we report that Leucine zipper tumor suppressor 2 (LZTS2) is downregulated and correlated with poor prognosis in HCC. Furthermore, we provide evidence that LZTS2 associates with p85 to inhibit the activation of PI3K/AKT signaling and impairs HCC tumorigenesis and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, we identify LZTS2 as a bona fide substrate of the E3 ligase β-Trcp and protein kinase CK1δ, which are responsible for the ubiquitination and degradation of LZTS2. Importantly, we show that the β-Trcp and CK1δ-mediated degradation of LZTS2 promotes HCC progression and metastasis by activating PI3K/AKT signaling. Collectively, our study not only illustrates the roles of LZTS2 in regulating HCC tumorigenesis and metastasis but also reveals a novel posttranslational modification of LZTS2 by β-Trcp and CK1δ, indicating that the β-Trcp/CK1δ/LZTS2/PI3K axis may be a novel oncogenic driver involved in HCC progression and metastasis.
Collapse
|
22
|
Hu X, Wang J, Chu M, Liu Y, Wang ZW, Zhu X. Emerging Role of Ubiquitination in the Regulation of PD-1/PD-L1 in Cancer Immunotherapy. Mol Ther 2021; 29:908-919. [PMID: 33388422 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.12.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A growing amount of evidence suggests that ubiquitination and deubiquitination of programmed death 1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) play crucial roles in the regulation of PD-1 and PD-L1 protein stabilization and dynamics. PD-1/PD-L1 is a major coinhibitory checkpoint pathway that modulates immune escape in cancer patients, and its engagement and inhibition has significantly reshaped the landscape of tumor clearance. The abnormal ubiquitination and deubiquitination of PD-1/PD-L1 influence PD-1/PD-L1-mediated immunosuppression. In this review, we describe the ubiquitination- and deubiquitination-mediated modulation of PD-1/PD-L1 signaling through a variety of E3 ligases and deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs). Moreover, we briefly expound on the anticancer potential of some agents that target related E3 ligases, which further modulate the ubiquitination of PD-1/PD-L1 in cancers. Therefore, this review reveals the development of a highly promising therapeutic approach for cancer immunotherapy by targeting PD-1/PD-L1 ubiquitination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Man Chu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China; Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Zhi-Wei Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China.
| | - Xueqiong Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Celebi G, Kesim H, Ozer E, Kutlu O. The Effect of Dysfunctional Ubiquitin Enzymes in the Pathogenesis of Most Common Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21176335. [PMID: 32882786 PMCID: PMC7503467 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitination is a multi-step enzymatic process that involves the marking of a substrate protein by bonding a ubiquitin and protein for proteolytic degradation mainly via the ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS). The process is regulated by three main types of enzymes, namely ubiquitin-activating enzymes (E1), ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes (E2), and ubiquitin ligases (E3). Under physiological conditions, ubiquitination is highly reversible reaction, and deubiquitinases or deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) can reverse the effect of E3 ligases by the removal of ubiquitin from substrate proteins, thus maintaining the protein quality control and homeostasis in the cell. The dysfunction or dysregulation of these multi-step reactions is closely related to pathogenic conditions; therefore, understanding the role of ubiquitination in diseases is highly valuable for therapeutic approaches. In this review, we first provide an overview of the molecular mechanism of ubiquitination and UPS; then, we attempt to summarize the most common diseases affecting the dysfunction or dysregulation of these mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gizem Celebi
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Molecular Biology, Genetics, and Bioengineering Program, Sabanci University, Istanbul 34956, Turkey; (G.C.); (H.K.); (E.O.)
| | - Hale Kesim
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Molecular Biology, Genetics, and Bioengineering Program, Sabanci University, Istanbul 34956, Turkey; (G.C.); (H.K.); (E.O.)
| | - Ebru Ozer
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Molecular Biology, Genetics, and Bioengineering Program, Sabanci University, Istanbul 34956, Turkey; (G.C.); (H.K.); (E.O.)
| | - Ozlem Kutlu
- Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Istanbul 34956, Turkey
- Center of Excellence for Functional Surfaces and Interfaces for Nano Diagnostics (EFSUN), Sabanci University, Istanbul 34956, Turkey
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +90-216-483-9000 (ext. 2413)
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Bayliss AL, Sundararaman A, Granet C, Mellor H. Raftlin is recruited by neuropilin-1 to the activated VEGFR2 complex to control proangiogenic signaling. Angiogenesis 2020; 23:371-383. [PMID: 32274611 PMCID: PMC7311514 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-020-09715-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background VEGFR2 (vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2) is the major pro-angiogenic receptor in endothelial cells. Compared to other members of the receptor tyrosine kinase family, we know relatively few VEGFR2 signaling partners. Our objective was to use mass spectrometry-based proteomics to identify novel binding partners of activated VEGFR2. Methods We created an endothelial cell line stably expressing GFP-tagged VEGFR2 and isolated activated receptor complexes. Analysis by mass spectrometry identified raftlin as a novel binding partner of VEGFR2. Results We found that raftlin is recruited to the activated VEGFR2 complex via the co-receptor Nrp1 (neuropilin-1). We show that raftlin regulates the surface levels of Nrp1 in endothelial cells, controlling the availability of Nrp1 for VEGFR2 interaction. Raftlin stabilizes active VEGFR2 at the cell surface by inhibiting endocytosis of the activated receptor. Raftlin also promotes recycling of internalized VEGFR2 to the cell surface. Raftlin alters the signaling outcomes of VEGFR2 activation, inhibiting the activation of p38 and FAK (focal adhesion kinases) specifically. Both pathways are linked to cell migration in endothelial cells, and raftlin inhibits endothelial cell migration in response to VEGF. Conclusion Nrp1 is an important co-receptor for VEGFR2; however, its functions are still only partially understood. We show that raftlin works with Nrp1 in endothelial cells to control intracellular trafficking of the activated VEGFR2. This modulates the response to VEGF and controls endothelial cell migration. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s10456-020-09715-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Asha L Bayliss
- School of Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Ananthalakshmy Sundararaman
- School of Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Camille Granet
- School of Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Harry Mellor
- School of Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Majolée J, Kovačević I, Hordijk PL. Ubiquitin-based modifications in endothelial cell-cell contact and inflammation. J Cell Sci 2019; 132:132/17/jcs227728. [PMID: 31488505 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.227728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cell-cell contacts are essential for vascular integrity and physiology, protecting tissues and organs from edema and uncontrolled invasion of inflammatory cells. The vascular endothelial barrier is dynamic, but its integrity is preserved through a tight control at different levels. Inflammatory cytokines and G-protein-coupled receptor agonists, such as histamine, reduce endothelial integrity and increase vascular leakage. This is due to elevated myosin-based contractility, in conjunction with phosphorylation of proteins at cell-cell contacts. Conversely, reducing contractility stabilizes or even increases endothelial junctional integrity. Rho GTPases are key regulators of such cytoskeletal dynamics and endothelial cell-cell contacts. In addition to signaling-induced regulation, the expression of junctional proteins, such as occludin, claudins and vascular endothelial cadherin, also controls endothelial barrier function. There is increasing evidence that, in addition to protein phosphorylation, ubiquitylation (also known as ubiquitination) is an important and dynamic post-translational modification that regulates Rho GTPases, junctional proteins and, consequently, endothelial barrier function. In this Review, we discuss the emerging role of ubiquitylation and deubiquitylation events in endothelial integrity and inflammation. The picture that emerges is one of increasing complexity, which is both fascinating and promising given the clinical relevance of vascular integrity in the control of inflammation, and of tissue and organ damage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jisca Majolée
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, location VUmc, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Igor Kovačević
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, location VUmc, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peter L Hordijk
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, location VUmc, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
SUMOylation of VEGFR2 regulates its intracellular trafficking and pathological angiogenesis. Nat Commun 2018; 9:3303. [PMID: 30120232 PMCID: PMC6098000 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-05812-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulation of VEGFR2 represents an important mechanism for the control of angiogenesis. VEGFR2 activity can be regulated by post-translational modifications such as ubiquitination and acetylation. However, whether VEGFR2 can be regulated by SUMOylation has not been investigated. Here we show that endothelial-specific deletion of the SUMO endopeptidase SENP1 reduces pathological angiogenesis and tissue repair during hindlimb ischemia, and VEGF-induced angiogenesis in the cornea, retina, and ear. SENP1-deficient endothelial cells show increased SUMOylation of VEGFR2 and impaired VEGFR2 signalling. SUMOylation at lysine 1270 retains VEGFR2 in the Golgi and reduces its surface expression, attenuating VEGFR2-dependent signalling. Moreover, we find that SENP1 is downregulated and VEGFR2 hyper-SUMOylated in diabetic settings and that expression of a non-SUMOylated form of VEGFR2 rescues angiogenic defects in diabetic mice. These results show that VEGFR2 is regulated by deSUMOylation during pathological angiogenesis, and propose SENP1 as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of diabetes-associated angiogenesis.
Collapse
|
27
|
β-Trcp ubiquitin ligase and RSK2 kinase-mediated degradation of FOXN2 promotes tumorigenesis and radioresistance in lung cancer. Cell Death Differ 2018; 25:1473-1485. [PMID: 29396548 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-017-0055-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Revised: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant expression of FOXN2, a member of the Forkhead box transcription factors, has been found in several types of cancer. However, the underlying mechanisms of FOXN2 deregulation in tumorigenesis remain largely unknown. Here, we find that FOXN2 binds to and is ubiquitinated by β-Trcp ubiquitin ligase and RSK2 kinase for degradation. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the Ser365 and Ser369 sites in a conserved DSGYAS motif are critical for the degradation of FOXN2 by β-Trcp and RSK2. Moreover, gain-of-function and loss-of-function studies show that FOXN2 impairs cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo and enhances the radiosensitivity of lung cancer. Importantly, β-Trcp-mediated and RSK2-mediated degradation of FOXN2 promotes tumorigenesis and radioresistance in lung cancer cells. Collectively, our study reveals a novel post-translational modification of FOXN2 and suggests that FOXN2 may be a potential therapeutic and radiosensitization target for lung cancer.
Collapse
|
28
|
Huang Y, Hu K, Zhang S, Dong X, Yin Z, Meng R, Zhao Y, Dai X, Zhang T, Yang K, Liu L, Huang K, Shi S, Zhang Y, Chen J, Wu G, Xu S. S6K1 phosphorylation-dependent degradation of Mxi1 by β-Trcp ubiquitin ligase promotes Myc activation and radioresistance in lung cancer. Theranostics 2018; 8:1286-1300. [PMID: 29507620 PMCID: PMC5835936 DOI: 10.7150/thno.22552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Mxi1 is regarded as a potential tumor suppressor protein that antagonizes the transcriptional activity of proto-oncogene Myc. However, the clinical significances and underlying mechanisms by which Mxi1 is regulated in lung cancer remain poorly understood. Methods: Mass spectrometry analysis and immunoprecipitation assay were utilized to detect the protein-protein interaction. The phosphorylation of Mxi1 was evaluated by in vitro kinase assays. Poly-ubiquitination of Mxi1 was examined by in vivo ubiquitination assay. Lung cancer cells stably expressing wild-type Mxi1 or Mxi1-S160A were used for functional analyses. The expression levels of Mxi1 and S6K1 were determined by immunohistochemistry in lung cancer tissues and adjacent normal lung tissues. Results: We found that Mxi1 is downregulated and correlated with poor prognosis in lung cancer. Using tandem affinity purification technology, we provided evidence that β-Trcp E3 ubiquitin ligase interacts with and promotes the ubiquitination and degradation of Mxi1. Furthermore, we demonstrated that Mxi1 is phosphorylated at S160 site by the protein kinase S6K1 and subsequently degraded via the ubiquitin ligase β-Trcp. Moreover, a phosphorylation mutant form of Mxi1 (Mxi1-S160A), which cannot be degraded by S6K1 and β-Trcp, is much more stable and efficient in suppressing the transcriptional activity of Myc and radioresistance in lung cancer cells. More importantly, a strong inverse correlation between S6K1 and Mxi1 expression was observed in human lung cancer tissues. Conclusion: Our findings not only establish a crosstalk between the mTOR/S6K1 signaling pathway and Myc activation, but also suggest that targeting S6K1/Mxi1 pathway is a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of lung cancer.
Collapse
|
29
|
Angiogenesis Analysis by In Vitro Coculture Assays in Transwell Chambers in Ovarian Cancer. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1699:179-186. [PMID: 29086377 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7435-1_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is an important biological process in tumor growth and metastasis of tumor cells, and it has been associated with poor clinical outcomes in ovarian cancer. In vitro assays are useful tools for understanding the complex mechanisms of angiogenesis under a variety of conditions. Capillary-like formation and transwell migration assays are two of the most common techniques used in angiogenesis research. Here, we show an easy coculture model to study the role of microRNAs on angiogenesis that combines tube formation and cell migration assays. Recently, we reported that miR-204 is repressed in breast cancer and restoration in cancer cell lines results in angiogenesis inhibition. Here, we restored the expression of miR-204 by transfection of precursor molecule in the tumorigenic SKOV3 ovarian cancer cell line, and analyzed the effects in cell migration, invasion, and tube formation of endothelial cells using matrigel-coated transwell chambers.
Collapse
|
30
|
Wu F, Xiong ZQ, Mao SH, Hu JM, Wang JQ, Jiang HW, Ding Q. Aldosterone induces inflammatory cytokines in penile corpus cavernosum by activating the NF-κB pathway. Asian J Androl 2018; 20:24-29. [PMID: 28382926 PMCID: PMC5753550 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_8_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2016] [Revised: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence indicates that aldosterone and mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs) are associated with the pathogenesis of erectile dysfunction. However, the molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. In this study, freshly isolated penile corpus cavernosum tissue from rats was treated with aldosterone, with or without MRs inhibitors. Nuclear factor (NF)-kappa B (NF-κB) activity was evaluated by real-time quantitative PCR, luciferase assay, and immunoblot. The results demonstrated that mRNA levels of the NF-κB target genes, including inhibitor of NF-κB alpha (IκB-α), NF-κB1, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin 6 (IL-6), were higher after aldosterone treatment. Accordingly, phosphorylation of p65/RelA, IκB-α, and inhibitor of NF-κB kinase-β was markedly increased by aldosterone. Furthermore, knockdown of MRs prevented activation of the NF-κB canonical pathway by aldosterone. Consistent with this finding, ectopic overexpression of MRs enhanced the transcriptional activation of NF-κB by aldosterone. More importantly, the MRs antagonist, spironolactone blocked aldosterone-mediated activation of the canonical NF-κB pathway. In conclusion, aldosterone has an inflammatory effect in the corpus cavernosum penis, inducing NF-κB activation via an MRs-dependent pathway, which may be prevented by selective MRs antagonists. These data reveal the possible role of aldosterone in erectile dysfunction as well as its potential as a novel pharmacologic target for treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fei Wu
- Department of Urology, Fudan Institute of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Zu-Quan Xiong
- Department of Urology, Fudan Institute of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Shan-Hua Mao
- Department of Urology, Fudan Institute of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Ji-Meng Hu
- Department of Urology, Fudan Institute of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Jian-Qing Wang
- Department of Urology, Fudan Institute of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Hao-Wen Jiang
- Department of Urology, Fudan Institute of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Qiang Ding
- Department of Urology, Fudan Institute of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Zhang L, Boufraqech M, Lake R, Kebebew E. Carfilzomib potentiates CUDC-101-induced apoptosis in anaplastic thyroid cancer. Oncotarget 2017; 7:16517-28. [PMID: 26934320 PMCID: PMC4941332 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is one of the most aggressive human malignancies, with no effective treatment currently available. Previously, we identified agents active against ATC cells, both in vitro and in vivo, using quantitative high-throughput screening of 3282 clinically approved drugs and small molecules. Here, we report that combining two of these active agents, carfilzomib, a second-generation proteasome inhibitor, and CUDC-101, a histone deacetylase and multi-kinase inhibitor, results in increased, synergistic activity in ATC cells. The combination of carfilzomib and CUDC-101 synergistically inhibited cellular proliferation and caused cell death in multiple ATC cell lines harboring various driver mutations observed in human ATC tumors. This increased anti-ATC effect was associated with a synergistically enhanced G2/M cell cycle arrest and increased caspase 3/7 activity induced by the drug combination. Mechanistically, treatment with carfilzomib and CUDC-101 increased p21 expression and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase protein cleavage. Our results suggest that combining carfilzomib and CUDC-101 would offer an effective therapeutic strategy to treat ATC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Zhang
- Endocrine Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Myriem Boufraqech
- Endocrine Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Ross Lake
- Laboratory of Genitourinary Cancer Pathogenesis, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Electron Kebebew
- Endocrine Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Shen J, Spruck C. F-box proteins in epigenetic regulation of cancer. Oncotarget 2017; 8:110650-110655. [PMID: 29299176 PMCID: PMC5746411 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.22469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic abnormalities are now realized as important as genetic alterations in contributing to the initiation and progression of cancer. Recent advancements in the cancer epigenetics field have identified extensive alterations of the epigenetic network in human cancers, including histone modifications and DNA methylation. F-box proteins, the substrate receptors of SCF (SKP1-Cullin1-F-box protein) E3 ubiquitin ligases, can directly and indirectly affect the balance of epigenetic regulation. In this brief review, we discuss our current understanding of F-box proteins in cellular epigenetic regulation and how dysregulation of these processes contribute to cancer development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jia Shen
- Tumor Initiation and Maintenance Program, NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Charles Spruck
- Tumor Initiation and Maintenance Program, NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, San Diego, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
A partnership with the proteasome; the destructive nature of GSK3. Biochem Pharmacol 2017; 147:77-92. [PMID: 29102676 PMCID: PMC5954166 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2017.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 (GSK3) was originally reported as a key enzyme of glucose homeostasis through regulation of the rate of glycogen synthesis. It has subsequently been found to influence most cellular processes, including growth, differentiation and death, as part of its role in modulating response to hormonal, nutritional and cellular stress stimuli. More than 100 protein targets for GSK3 have been proposed although only a small fraction of these have been convincingly validated in physiological cell systems. The effects of GSK3 phosphorylation on substrates include alteration of enzyme activity, protein localisation, protein:protein interaction and protein stability. This latter form of regulation of GSK3 substrates is the focus of this review. There is an ever-growing list of GSK3 substrates that upon phosphorylation are targeted to the beta-transducin repeat containing protein (β-TrCP), thereby allowing ubiquitination of bound protein by cullin-1 and so initiating destruction at the proteasome. We propose the existence of a GSK3-β-TrCP ‘destruction hit-list’ that allows co-ordinated removal (or stabilisation) of a set of proteins with a common physiological purpose, through control of GSK3. We identify 29 proteins where there is relatively strong evidence for regulation by a GSK3-β-TrCP axis and note common features of regulation and pathophysiology. Furthermore, we assess the potential of pre-phosphorylation (priming) of these targets (normally a prerequisite for GSK3 recognition) to provide a second layer of regulation delineated by the priming kinase that allows GSK3 to mark them for destruction. Finally, we discuss whether this knowledge improves options for therapeutic intervention.
Collapse
|
34
|
Smith GA, Fearnley GW, Abdul-Zani I, Wheatcroft SB, Tomlinson DC, Harrison MA, Ponnambalam S. Ubiquitination of basal VEGFR2 regulates signal transduction and endothelial function. Biol Open 2017; 6:1404-1415. [PMID: 28798148 PMCID: PMC5665470 DOI: 10.1242/bio.027896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell surface receptors can undergo recycling or proteolysis but the cellular decision-making events that sort between these pathways remain poorly defined. Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) regulate signal transduction and angiogenesis, but how signaling and proteolysis is regulated is not well understood. Here, we provide evidence that a pathway requiring the E1 ubiquitin-activating enzyme UBA1 controls basal VEGFR2 levels, hence metering plasma membrane receptor availability for the VEGF-A-regulated endothelial cell response. VEGFR2 undergoes VEGF-A-independent constitutive degradation via a UBA1-dependent ubiquitin-linked pathway. Depletion of UBA1 increased VEGFR2 recycling from endosome-to-plasma membrane and decreased proteolysis. Increased membrane receptor availability after UBA1 depletion elevated VEGF-A-stimulated activation of key signaling enzymes such as PLCγ1 and ERK1/2. Although UBA1 depletion caused an overall decrease in endothelial cell proliferation, surviving cells showed greater VEGF-A-stimulated responses such as cell migration and tubulogenesis. Our study now suggests that a ubiquitin-linked pathway regulates the balance between receptor recycling and degradation which in turn impacts on the intensity and duration of VEGF-A-stimulated signal transduction and the endothelial response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gina A Smith
- Endothelial Cell Biology Unit, School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Gareth W Fearnley
- Endothelial Cell Biology Unit, School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Izma Abdul-Zani
- Endothelial Cell Biology Unit, School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Stephen B Wheatcroft
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Darren C Tomlinson
- Endothelial Cell Biology Unit, School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | | | - Sreenivasan Ponnambalam
- Endothelial Cell Biology Unit, School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Liang J, Wang WF, Xie S, Zhang XL, Qi WF, Zhou XP, Hu JX, Shi Q, Yu RT. β-transducin repeat-containing E3 ubiquitin protein ligase inhibits migration, invasion and proliferation of glioma cells. Oncol Lett 2017; 14:3131-3135. [PMID: 28928851 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.6533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
β-transducin repeat-containing E3 ubiquitin protein ligase (β-TrCP) serves as the substrate recognition subunit for the Skp1-Cullin1-F-box protein E3 ubiquitin ligase, which recognizes the double phosphorylated DSG (X)2+nS destruction motif in various substrates that are essential for numerous aspects of tumorigenesis and regulates several important signaling pathways. However, the biological significance of β-TrCP in glioma progression remains largely unknown. A previous study by the authors demonstrated that the levels of β-TrCP protein expression in brain glioma tissues were significantly lower compared with non-tumorous tissues and that higher grades of gliomas exhibited lower levels of β-TrCP expression in comparison with lower glioma grades. In addition, low β-TrCP expression was associated with poor prognosis in patients with glioma. Subsequently, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of β-TrCP on migratory, invasive and proliferative abilities of glioma cells. β-TrCP plasmids were transfected into cultured U251 and U87 glioma cells, and changes in migration, invasion and proliferation were analyzed using wound healing, Transwell and EdU assays. It was identified that the overexpression of β-TrCP inhibited migration, invasion and proliferation in glioma cells. In summary, these results indicate that β-TrCP may serve a protective role against the progression of glioma by suppressing cell migration, invasion and proliferation. The potential mechanism of β-TrCP I glioma cells requires additional investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Liang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, P.R. China.,Laboratory of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, P.R. China
| | - Wei-Feng Wang
- Laboratory of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, P.R. China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Graduate School, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, P.R. China
| | - Shao Xie
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, P.R. China.,Laboratory of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, P.R. China
| | - Xian-Li Zhang
- Laboratory of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, P.R. China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Graduate School, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, P.R. China
| | - Wei-Feng Qi
- Laboratory of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, P.R. China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Graduate School, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, P.R. China
| | - Xiu-Ping Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, P.R. China.,Laboratory of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, P.R. China
| | - Jin-Xia Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, P.R. China.,Laboratory of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, P.R. China
| | - Qiong Shi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, P.R. China.,Laboratory of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, P.R. China
| | - Ru-Tong Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, P.R. China.,Laboratory of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Dynamic alterations in decoy VEGF receptor-1 stability regulate angiogenesis. Nat Commun 2017; 8:15699. [PMID: 28589930 PMCID: PMC5467243 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms15699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood vessel expansion is driven by sprouting angiogenesis of endothelial cells, and is essential for development, wound healing and disease. Membrane-localized vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (mVEGFR1) is an endothelial cell-intrinsic decoy receptor that negatively modulates blood vessel morphogenesis. Here we show that dynamic regulation of mVEGFR1 stability and turnover in blood vessels impacts angiogenesis. mVEGFR1 is highly stable and constitutively internalizes from the plasma membrane. Post-translational palmitoylation of mVEGFR1 is a binary stabilization switch, and ligand engagement leads to depalmitoylation and lysosomal degradation. Trafficking of palmitoylation enzymes via Rab27a regulates mVEGFR1 stability, as reduced levels of Rab27a impaired palmitoylation of mVEGFR1, decreased its stability, and elevated blood vessel sprouting and in vivo angiogenesis. These findings identify a regulatory axis affecting blood vessel morphogenesis that highlights exquisite post-translational regulation of mVEGFR1 in its role as a molecular rheostat.
Collapse
|
37
|
The Different Effects of VEGFA121 and VEGFA165 on Regulating Angiogenesis Depend on Phosphorylation Sites of VEGFR2. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2017; 23:603-616. [PMID: 28296822 DOI: 10.1097/mib.0000000000001055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The effects of VEGFA isoforms on the vascular permeability and structure are still unclear. In this study, we found that VEGFA121 and VEGFA165, 2 isoforms of VEGFA, exerted the opposing effects of antiangiogenesis and proangiogenesis on regulating vascular endothelia cells proliferation and tube formation. The 2 isoforms affected the protein expression of Ras-related protein 1-GTPase-activating protein 1 (Rap1GAP) and thrombospondin 1, 2 important signal molecules of Rap1GAP/thrombospondin 1 signal pathway in primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells by regulating 2 different phosphorylating sites of VEGFR2, Tyr(1175) and Tyr(1214). We also found that VEGFA121 and VEGFA165 regulating angiogenesis was related to their regulating VEGFR2 and Rap1GAP/thrombospondin 1 signal pathway with the technology of RNA intervening the gene expression of VEGFR2 and Rap1GAP. Meanwhile, 2 inhibitors of VEGFR2, cabozantinib malate and ZM 323881 HCl (ZM), were used to investigate the relationship among VEGFA(121 and 165), VEGFR2, and angiogenesis. It was demonstrated that cabozantinib malate blocked VEGFA121 and VEGFA165 binding to VEGFR2 and inhibited angiogenesis by specifically binding to VEGFR2 rather than changing VEGFR2 phosphorylation or regulating the expression of VEGFR2. However, ZM antagonized the effect of VEGFA on angiogenesis by specifically reversing the phosphorylation induced by VEGFA121 and VEGFA165. The experiments in vivo also demonstrated that obvious abnormality of VEGFA121 and VEGFA165 presented in the serum of ulcerative colitis (UC) rats compared with that of the normal rats. ZM could promote the repairation of the injuries of the vessels and tissues of colonic mucosa of UC rats and caused mild inflammation in colonic mucosa of normal rats. On the contrary, cabozantinib malate caused injury of vessels and inflammation in the colonic mucosa of normal rats and aggravated the injuries of the vessels and inflammation in the colonic mucosa of UC rats. Hence, our data indicated that the activation of different phosphorylation sites of VEGFR2 leaded to VEGFA121 and VEGFA165 exerting opposing effects on angiogenesis, and it might be an underlying pathogenesis of UC and a potential target for UC treatment.
Collapse
|
38
|
The CUL3-SPOP-DAXX axis is a novel regulator of VEGFR2 expression in vascular endothelial cells. Sci Rep 2017; 7:42845. [PMID: 28216678 PMCID: PMC5317005 DOI: 10.1038/srep42845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial cell growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) is an essential receptor for the homeostasis of endothelial cells. In this study, we showed that NEDD8-conjugated Cullin3 (CUL3)-based ubiquitin E3 (UbE3) ligase plays a crucial role in VEGFR2 mRNA expression. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells treated with MLN4924, an inhibitor of NEDD8-activating enzyme, or with CUL3 siRNA drastically lost their response to VEGF due to the intense decrease in VEGFR2 expression. Moreover, speckle-type POZ protein (SPOP) and death-domain associated protein (DAXX) were involved in the CUL3 UbE3 ligase complex as a substrate adaptor and a substrate, respectively. Knockdown of SPOP and CUL3 led to the upregulation of DAXX protein and downregulation of VEGFR2 levels. These levels were inversely correlated with one another. In addition, simultaneous knockdown of SPOP and DAXX completely reversed the downregulation of VEGFR2 levels. Moreover, the CUL3-SPOP-DAXX axis had the same effects on NOTCH1, DLL4 and NRP1 expression. Taken together, these findings suggest that the CUL3-SPOP-DAXX axis plays a very important role in endothelial cell function by targeting key angiogenic regulators.
Collapse
|
39
|
Shimizu K, Fukushima H, Ogura K, Lien EC, Nihira NT, Zhang J, North BJ, Guo A, Nagashima K, Nakagawa T, Hoshikawa S, Watahiki A, Okabe K, Yamada A, Toker A, Asara JM, Fukumoto S, Nakayama KI, Nakayama K, Inuzuka H, Wei W. The SCFβ-TRCP E3 ubiquitin ligase complex targets Lipin1 for ubiquitination and degradation to promote hepatic lipogenesis. Sci Signal 2017; 10:10/460/eaah4117. [PMID: 28049764 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aah4117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The SCFβ-TRCP E3 ubiquitin ligase complex plays pivotal roles in normal cellular physiology and in pathophysiological conditions. Identification of β-transducin repeat-containing protein (β-TRCP) substrates is therefore critical to understand SCFβ-TRCP biology and function. We used a β-TRCP-phosphodegron motif-specific antibody in a β-TRCP substrate screen coupled with tandem mass spectrometry and identified multiple β-TRCP substrates. One of these substrates was Lipin1, an enzyme and suppressor of the family of sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP) transcription factors, which activate genes encoding lipogenic factors. We showed that SCFβ-TRCP specifically interacted with and promoted the polyubiquitination of Lipin1 in a manner that required phosphorylation of Lipin1 by mechanistic target of rapamycin 1 (mTORC1) and casein kinase I (CKI). β-TRCP depletion in HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells resulted in increased Lipin1 protein abundance, suppression of SREBP-dependent gene expression, and attenuation of triglyceride synthesis. Moreover, β-TRCP1 knockout mice showed increased Lipin1 protein abundance and were protected from hepatic steatosis induced by a high-fat diet. Together, these data reveal a critical physiological function of β-TRCP in regulating hepatic lipid metabolic homeostasis in part through modulating Lipin1 stability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kouhei Shimizu
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.,Center for Advanced Stem Cell and Regenerative Research, Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Hidefumi Fukushima
- Center for Advanced Stem Cell and Regenerative Research, Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Kohei Ogura
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.,Department of Infectious Diseases, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo 162-8655, Japan
| | - Evan C Lien
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Naoe Taira Nihira
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Jinfang Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Brian J North
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Ailan Guo
- Cell Signaling Technology Inc., Danvers, MA 01923, USA
| | - Katsuyuki Nagashima
- Department of Physiological Science and Molecular Biology, Fukuoka Dental College, Fukuoka 814-0193, Japan
| | - Tadashi Nakagawa
- Division of Cell Proliferation, United Centers for Advanced Research and Translational Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Seira Hoshikawa
- Center for Advanced Stem Cell and Regenerative Research, Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry, Sendai 980-8575, Japan.,Division of Pediatric Dentistry, Department of Oral Health and Development Sciences, Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Asami Watahiki
- Center for Advanced Stem Cell and Regenerative Research, Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Koji Okabe
- Department of Physiological Science and Molecular Biology, Fukuoka Dental College, Fukuoka 814-0193, Japan
| | - Aya Yamada
- Division of Pediatric Dentistry, Department of Oral Health and Development Sciences, Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Alex Toker
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - John M Asara
- Division of Signal Transduction, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Satoshi Fukumoto
- Center for Advanced Stem Cell and Regenerative Research, Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry, Sendai 980-8575, Japan.,Division of Pediatric Dentistry, Department of Oral Health and Development Sciences, Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Keiichi I Nakayama
- Division of Cell Regulation Systems, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Keiko Nakayama
- Division of Cell Proliferation, United Centers for Advanced Research and Translational Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Inuzuka
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA. .,Center for Advanced Stem Cell and Regenerative Research, Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Wenyi Wei
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Metastasis-associated MCL1 and P16 copy number alterations dictate resistance to vemurafenib in a BRAFV600E patient-derived papillary thyroid carcinoma preclinical model. Oncotarget 2016; 6:42445-67. [PMID: 26636651 PMCID: PMC4767444 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2015] [Accepted: 10/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BRAFV600E mutation exerts an essential oncogenic function in many tumors, including papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Although BRAFV600E inhibitors are available, lack of response has been frequently observed. To study the mechanism underlying intrinsic resistance to the mutant BRAFV600E selective inhibitor vemurafenib, we established short-term primary cell cultures of human metastatic/recurrent BRAFV600E-PTC, intrathyroidal BRAFV600E-PTC, and normal thyroid (NT). We also generated an early intervention model of human BRAFV600E-PTC orthotopic mouse. We find that metastatic BRAFV600E-PTC cells elicit paracrine-signaling which trigger migration of pericytes, blood endothelial cells and lymphatic endothelial cells as compared to BRAFWT-PTC cells, and show a higher rate of invasion. We further show that vemurafenib therapy significantly suppresses these aberrant functions in non-metastatic BRAFV600E-PTC cells but lesser in metastatic BRAFV600E-PTC cells as compared to vehicle treatment. These results concur with similar folds of down-regulation of tumor microenvironment–associated pro-metastatic molecules, with no effects in BRAFWT-PTC and NT cells. Our early intervention preclinical trial shows that vemurafenib delays tumor growth in the orthotopic BRAFWT/V600E-PTC mice. Importantly, we identify high copy number gain of MCL1 (chromosome 1q) and loss of CDKN2A (P16, chromosome 9p) in metastatic BRAFV600E-PTC cells which are associated with resistance to vemurafenib treatment. Critically, we demonstrate that combined vemurafenib therapy with BCL2/MCL1 inhibitor increases metastatic BRAFV600E-PTC cell death and ameliorates response to vemurafenib treatment as compared to single agent treatment. In conclusion, short-term PTC and NT cultures offer a predictive model for evaluating therapeutic response in patients with PTC. Our PTC pre-clinical model suggests that combined targeted therapy might be an important therapeutic strategy for metastatic and refractory BRAFV600E-positive PTC.
Collapse
|
41
|
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) and their receptors (VEGFRs) are uniquely required to balance the formation of new blood vessels with the maintenance and remodelling of existing ones, during development and in adult tissues. Recent advances have greatly expanded our understanding of the tight and multi-level regulation of VEGFR2 signalling, which is the primary focus of this Review. Important insights have been gained into the regulatory roles of VEGFR-interacting proteins (such as neuropilins, proteoglycans, integrins and protein tyrosine phosphatases); the dynamics of VEGFR2 endocytosis, trafficking and signalling; and the crosstalk between VEGF-induced signalling and other endothelial signalling cascades. A clear understanding of this multifaceted signalling web is key to successful therapeutic suppression or stimulation of vascular growth.
Collapse
|
42
|
Fearnley GW, Smith GA, Abdul-Zani I, Yuldasheva N, Mughal NA, Homer-Vanniasinkam S, Kearney MT, Zachary IC, Tomlinson DC, Harrison MA, Wheatcroft SB, Ponnambalam S. VEGF-A isoforms program differential VEGFR2 signal transduction, trafficking and proteolysis. Biol Open 2016; 5:571-83. [PMID: 27044325 PMCID: PMC4874356 DOI: 10.1242/bio.017434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) binding to the receptor tyrosine kinase VEGFR2 triggers multiple signal transduction pathways, which regulate endothelial cell responses that control vascular development. Multiple isoforms of VEGF-A can elicit differential signal transduction and endothelial responses. However, it is unclear how such cellular responses are controlled by isoform-specific VEGF-A-VEGFR2 complexes. Increasingly, there is the realization that the membrane trafficking of receptor-ligand complexes influences signal transduction and protein turnover. By building on these concepts, our study shows for the first time that three different VEGF-A isoforms (VEGF-A165, VEGF-A121 and VEGF-A145) promote distinct patterns of VEGFR2 endocytosis for delivery into early endosomes. This differential VEGFR2 endocytosis and trafficking is linked to VEGF-A isoform-specific signal transduction events. Disruption of clathrin-dependent endocytosis blocked VEGF-A isoform-specific VEGFR2 activation, signal transduction and caused substantial depletion in membrane-bound VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 levels. Furthermore, such VEGF-A isoforms promoted differential patterns of VEGFR2 ubiquitylation, proteolysis and terminal degradation. Our study now provides novel insights into how different VEGF-A isoforms can bind the same receptor tyrosine kinase and elicit diverse cellular outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gareth W Fearnley
- Endothelial Cell Biology Unit, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Gina A Smith
- Endothelial Cell Biology Unit, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Izma Abdul-Zani
- Endothelial Cell Biology Unit, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Nadira Yuldasheva
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular Metabolism and Medicine, LIGHT Laboratories, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Nadeem A Mughal
- Endothelial Cell Biology Unit, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | | | - Mark T Kearney
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular Metabolism and Medicine, LIGHT Laboratories, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Ian C Zachary
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Medicine, Division of Medicine, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Darren C Tomlinson
- Biomedical Health Research Centre, Astbury Building, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | | | - Stephen B Wheatcroft
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular Metabolism and Medicine, LIGHT Laboratories, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Sreenivasan Ponnambalam
- Endothelial Cell Biology Unit, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Wu W, Zhang D, Pan D, Zuo G, Ren X, Chen S. Downregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 under oxidative stress conditions is mediated by β-transduction repeat-containing protein via glycogen synthase kinase-3β signaling. Int J Mol Med 2016; 37:911-20. [PMID: 26935904 PMCID: PMC4790698 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2016.2493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 02/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2), which is a key determinant of the angiogenecic response, is decreased in diabetic mice under oxidative stress. β-transduction repeat-containing protein (β-TrCP) has been reported to participate in VEGFR-2 degradation in thyroid cancer cells. Additionally, glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) acts as a mediator in the β-TrCP-induced degradation of several proteins. However, the role played by β-TrCP and GSK-3β in the degradation of VEGFR-2 in endothelial cells where hyperglycemia had been induced was not fully understood. In the present study, we aimed to analyze the mechanisms of VEGFR-2 degradation by studying excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by hyperglycemia or glucose oxidase (GO). Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with different concentrations of glucose (6.6, 19.8 and 33 mM), mannitol (33 mM) and GO (1 U/ml). Angiogenic function, ROS levels, the co-location of VEGFR-2 and β-TrCP were evaluated. Cells were collected for RT-qPCR and western blot analysis. We noted that angiogenesis was impaired upon increasing the glucose concentration. When HUVECs were in a hyperglycemic state, ROS production increased, comparable to exposure to GO; GO catalyzes oxidation of glucose into H2O2 and D-glucono-δ-lactone. Phosphorylated VEGFR-2 was reduced by hyperglycemia while total VEGFR-2 was almost unaltered. However, VEGFR-2 was reduced when directly exposed to ROS, with resultant co-location of β-TrCP and VEGFR-2. Through a co-immunoprecipitation assay, we noted that ubiquitinated VEGFR-2 was significantly augmented by excess ROS. Decreased VEGFR-2 caused by ROS was ameliorated by β-TrCP siRNA, proteasome inhibitor MG132 and GSK-3β activity inhibitor (lithium chloride and SB216763). We suggest that redundant ROS reduces VEGFR-2 through β-TrCP-mediated VEGFR-2 degradation, which is postulated to be regulated by GSK-3β.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wen Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Qinhuai, Nanjing 210006, P.R. China
| | - Daimin Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Qinhuai, Nanjing 210006, P.R. China
| | - Daorong Pan
- Department of Cardiology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Qinhuai, Nanjing 210006, P.R. China
| | - Guangfeng Zuo
- Department of Cardiology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Qinhuai, Nanjing 210006, P.R. China
| | - Xiaomin Ren
- Department of Cardiology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Qinhuai, Nanjing 210006, P.R. China
| | - Shaoliang Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Qinhuai, Nanjing 210006, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Maghsoudlou A, Meyer RD, Rezazadeh K, Arafa E, Pudney J, Hartsough E, Rahimi N. RNF121 Inhibits Angiogenic Growth Factor Signaling by Restricting Cell Surface Expression of VEGFR-2. Traffic 2015; 17:289-300. [PMID: 26602861 DOI: 10.1111/tra.12353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2015] [Revised: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 11/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Ligand stimulation promotes downregulation of RTKs, a mechanism by which RTKs, through the ubiquitination pathway are removed from the cell surface, causing a temporary termination of RTK signaling. The molecular mechanisms governing RTK trafficking and maturation in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)/Golgi compartments are poorly understood. Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) is a prototypic RTK that plays a critical role in physiologic and pathologic angiogenesis. Here we demonstrate that Ring Finger Protein 121 (RNF121), an ER ubiquitin E3 ligase, is expressed in endothelial cells and regulates maturation of VEGFR-2. RNF121 recognizes newly synthesized VEGFR-2 in the ER and controls its trafficking and maturation. Over-expression of RNF121 promoted ubiquitination of VEGFR-2, inhibited its maturation and resulted a significantly reduced VEGFR-2 presence at the cell surface. Conversely, the shRNA-mediated knockdown of RNF121 in primary endothelial cells reduced VEGFR-2 ubiquitination and increased its cell surface level. The RING Finger domain of RNF121 is required for its activity toward VEGFR-2, as its deletion significantly reduced the effect of RNF121 on VEGFR-2. Additionally, RNF121 inhibited VEGF-induced endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis. Taken together, these data identify RNF121 as a key determinant of angiogenic signaling that restricts VEGFR-2 cell surface presence and its angiogenic signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Armin Maghsoudlou
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University Medical Campus, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Rosana D Meyer
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University Medical Campus, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Kobra Rezazadeh
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University Medical Campus, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Emad Arafa
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University Medical Campus, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Jeffrey Pudney
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Boston University Medical Campus, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Edward Hartsough
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University Medical Campus, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Nader Rahimi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University Medical Campus, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
SCF(β-TRCP) promotes cell growth by targeting PR-Set7/Set8 for degradation. Nat Commun 2015; 6:10185. [PMID: 26666832 PMCID: PMC4682171 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms10185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2015] [Accepted: 11/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The Set8/PR-Set7/KMT5a methyltransferase plays critical roles in governing transcriptional regulation, cell cycle progression and tumorigenesis. Although CRL4(Cdt2) was reported to regulate Set8 stability, deleting the PIP motif only led to partial resistance to ultraviolet-induced degradation of Set8, indicating the existence of additional E3 ligase(s) controlling Set8 stability. Furthermore, it remains largely undefined how DNA damage-induced kinase cascades trigger the timely destruction of Set8 to govern tumorigenesis. Here, we report that SCF(β-TRCP) earmarks Set8 for ubiquitination and degradation in a casein kinase I-dependent manner, which is activated by DNA-damaging agents. Biologically, both CRL4(Cdt2) and SCF(β-TRCP)-mediated pathways contribute to ultraviolet-induced Set8 degradation to control cell cycle progression, governing the onset of DNA damage-induced checkpoints. Therefore, like many critical cell cycle regulators including p21 and Cdt1, we uncover a tight regulatory network to accurately control Set8 abundance. Our studies further suggest that aberrancies in this delicate degradation pathway might contribute to aberrant elevation of Set8 in human tumours.
Collapse
|
46
|
Randle SJ, Laman H. F-box protein interactions with the hallmark pathways in cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2015; 36:3-17. [PMID: 26416465 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2015.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2015] [Revised: 09/18/2015] [Accepted: 09/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
F-box proteins (FBP) are the substrate specifying subunit of Skp1-Cul1-FBP (SCF)-type E3 ubiquitin ligases and are responsible for directing the ubiquitination of numerous proteins essential for cellular function. Due to their ability to regulate the expression and activity of oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes, FBPs themselves play important roles in cancer development and progression. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of FBPs and their targets in relation to their interaction with the hallmarks of cancer cell biology, including the regulation of proliferation, epigenetics, migration and invasion, metabolism, angiogenesis, cell death and DNA damage responses. Each cancer hallmark is revealed to have multiple FBPs which converge on common signalling hubs or response pathways. We also highlight the complex regulatory interplay between SCF-type ligases and other ubiquitin ligases. We suggest six highly interconnected FBPs affecting multiple cancer hallmarks, which may prove sensible candidates for therapeutic intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne J Randle
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QP, United Kingdom
| | - Heike Laman
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QP, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Wang H, Maitra A, Wang H. The emerging roles of F-box proteins in pancreatic tumorigenesis. Semin Cancer Biol 2015; 36:88-94. [PMID: 26384530 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2015.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 09/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The role of F-box proteins in pancreatic tumorigenesis is emerging owing to their pivotal and indispensable roles in cell differentiation, cell cycle regulation and proliferation. In this review, we will focus on β-TrCP (β-transducin repeat-containing protein) and two other prototypical mammalian F-box proteins, Fbxw7 and Fbxw8, in pancreatic tumorigenesis and progression. We will highlight the functions and regulation of these F-box proteins, their respective substrates and cross-talks with other key signaling pathways, such as the Ras-Raf-Mek-Erk, Hedgehog, NFκB, TGF-β, Myc and HPK1 signaling pathways in pancreatic cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hua Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, United States
| | - Anirban Maitra
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, United States; Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, United States
| | - Huamin Wang
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, United States; Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Tsumagari K, Abd Elmageed ZY, Sholl AB, Friedlander P, Abdraboh M, Xing M, Boulares AH, Kandil E. Simultaneous suppression of the MAP kinase and NF-κB pathways provides a robust therapeutic potential for thyroid cancer. Cancer Lett 2015. [PMID: 26208433 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2015.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The MAP kinase and NF-κB signaling pathways play an important role in thyroid cancer tumorigenesis. We aimed to examine the therapeutic potential of dually targeting the two pathways using AZD6244 and Bortezomib in combination. We evaluated their effects on cell proliferation, cell-cycle progression, apoptosis, cell migration assay, and the activation of the MAPK pathway in vitro and the in vivo using tumor size and immunohistochemical changes of Ki67 and ppRB. We found inhibition of cell growth rate by 10%, 20%, and 56% (p <0.05), migration to 55%, 61%, and 29% (p <0.05), and induction of apoptosis to 10%, 15%, and 38% (p <0.05) with AZD6244, Bortezomib, or combination, respectively. Induction of cell cycle arrest occurred only with drug combination. Dual drug treatment in the xenograft model caused a 94% reduction in tumor size (p <0.05) versus 15% with AZD6244 and 34% with Bortezomib (p < 0.05) and also reduced proliferative marker Ki67, and increased pRb dephosphorylation. Our results demonstrate a robust therapeutic potential of combining AZD6244 and Bortezomib as an effective strategy to overcome drug resistance encountered in monotherapy in the treatment of thyroid cancer, strongly supporting clinical trials to further test this strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Koji Tsumagari
- Departments of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Zakaria Y Abd Elmageed
- Departments of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Andrew B Sholl
- Departments of Pathology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Paul Friedlander
- Departments of Otolaryngology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Mohamed Abdraboh
- Departments of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Mingzhao Xing
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - A Hamid Boulares
- The Stanley Scott Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacology, Louisiana State University Health Science Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Emad Kandil
- Departments of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Husain A, Hu N, Sadow PM, Nucera C. Expression of angiogenic switch, cachexia and inflammation factors at the crossroad in undifferentiated thyroid carcinoma with BRAF(V600E). Cancer Lett 2015; 380:577-585. [PMID: 26189429 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2015.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2015] [Revised: 07/11/2015] [Accepted: 07/13/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cachexia is the result of complex metabolic alterations which cause morbidity and mortality in patients with advanced cancers including undifferentiated (anaplastic) thyroid carcinoma (ATC). ATC is a lethal disease with limited therapeutic options and unclear etiology for cachexia. We hypothesize that the BRAF(V600E) oncoprotein triggers microvascular endothelial cell tubule formation (in vitro angiogenesis) by means of factors which play a crucial role in angiogenic switch, inflammation/immune response and cachexia. We use human ATC cells and applied multiplex ELISA assay to screen for and measure angiogenic/cachectic and pro-inflammatory factors in the ATC-derived secretome. We find that vemurafenib anti-BRAF(V600E) therapy significantly reduces secreted VEGFA, VEGFC and IL6 protein levels compared to vehicle-treated ATC cells. As a result, the secretome from vemurafenib-treated ATC cells inhibits microvascular endothelial cell-related in vitro angiogenesis. Furthermore, ATC clinical samples express VEGFA, VEGFC and IL6 proteins. Our results suggest that angiogenic/cachectic and pro-inflammatory/immune response factors could play a crucial role in BRAF(V600E)-positive human ATC aggressiveness. Understanding the extent to which microenvironment-associated angiogenic factors participate in cachexia and cancer metabolism in advanced thyroid cancers will reveal new biomarkers and foster novel therapeutic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amjad Husain
- Center for Vascular Biology Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nina Hu
- Laboratory of Human Thyroid Cancers Preclinical and Translational Research, Division of Cancer Biology and Angiogenesis, Cancer Research Institute (CRI), Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Peter M Sadow
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Carmelo Nucera
- Center for Vascular Biology Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Laboratory of Human Thyroid Cancers Preclinical and Translational Research, Division of Cancer Biology and Angiogenesis, Cancer Research Institute (CRI), Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Ji W, Li Y, He Y, Yin M, Zhou HJ, Boggon TJ, Zhang H, Min W. AIP1 Expression in Tumor Niche Suppresses Tumor Progression and Metastasis. Cancer Res 2015; 75:3492-504. [PMID: 26139244 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-15-0088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2015] [Accepted: 06/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Studies from tumor cells suggest that tumor-suppressor AIP1 inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, the role of AIP1 in the tumor microenvironment has not been examined. We show that a global or vascular endothelial cell (EC)-specific deletion of the AIP1 gene in mice augments tumor growth and metastasis in melanoma and breast cancer models. AIP1-deficient vascular environment not only enhances tumor neovascularization and increases premetastatic niche formation, but also secretes tumor EMT-promoting factors. These effects from AIP1 loss are associated with increased VEGFR2 signaling in the vascular EC and could be abrogated by systemic administration of VEGFR2 kinase inhibitors. Mechanistically, AIP1 blocks VEGFR2-dependent signaling by directly binding to the phosphotyrosine residues within the activation loop of VEGFR2. Our data reveal that AIP1, by inhibiting VEGFR2-dependent signaling in tumor niche, suppresses tumor EMT switch, tumor angiogenesis, and tumor premetastatic niche formation to limit tumor growth and metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weidong Ji
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Center for Translational Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yonghao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yun He
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingzhu Yin
- Department of Pathology, Vascular Biology Program/Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Huanjiao Jenny Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Vascular Biology Program/Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Titus J Boggon
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Haifeng Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Vascular Biology Program/Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Wang Min
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Center for Translational Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China. Department of Pathology, Vascular Biology Program/Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.
| |
Collapse
|