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Talajić A, Dominko K, Lončarić M, Ambriović-Ristov A, Ćetković H. The ancestral type of the R-RAS protein has oncogenic potential. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2024; 29:27. [PMID: 38383288 PMCID: PMC10882905 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-024-00546-0] [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: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The R-RAS2 is a small GTPase highly similar to classical RAS proteins at the regulatory and signaling levels. The high evolutionary conservation of R-RAS2, its links to basic cellular processes and its role in cancer, make R-RAS2 an interesting research topic. To elucidate the evolutionary history of R-RAS proteins, we investigated and compared structural and functional properties of ancestral type R-RAS protein with human R-RAS2. METHODS Bioinformatics analysis were used to elucidate the evolution of R-RAS proteins. Intrinsic GTPase activity of purified human and sponge proteins was analyzed with GTPase-GloTM Assay kit. The cell model consisted of human breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 transiently transfected with EsuRRAS2-like or HsaRRAS2. Biological characterization of R-RAS2 proteins was performed by Western blot on whole cell lysates or cell adhesion protein isolates, immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy, MTT test, colony formation assay, wound healing and Boyden chamber migration assays. RESULTS We found that the single sponge R-RAS2-like gene/protein probably reflects the properties of the ancestral R-RAS protein that existed prior to duplications during the transition to Bilateria, and to Vertebrata. Biochemical characterization of sponge and human R-RAS2 showed that they have the same intrinsic GTPase activity and RNA binding properties. By testing cell proliferation, migration and colony forming efficiency in MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells, we showed that the ancestral type of the R-RAS protein, sponge R-RAS2-like, enhances their oncogenic potential, similar to human R-RAS2. In addition, sponge and human R-RAS2 were not found in focal adhesions, but both homologs play a role in their regulation by increasing talin1 and vinculin. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that the ancestor of all animals possessed an R-RAS2-like protein with oncogenic properties similar to evolutionarily more recent versions of the protein, even before the appearance of true tissue and the origin of tumors. Therefore, we have unraveled the evolutionary history of R-RAS2 in metazoans and improved our knowledge of R-RAS2 properties, including its structure, regulation and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antea Talajić
- Laboratory for Molecular Genetics, Division of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Kristina Dominko
- Laboratory for Molecular Genetics, Division of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marija Lončarić
- Laboratory for Cell Biology and Signalling, Division of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Andreja Ambriović-Ristov
- Laboratory for Cell Biology and Signalling, Division of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Helena Ćetković
- Laboratory for Molecular Genetics, Division of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
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2
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Hortal AM, Villanueva A, Arellano I, Prieto C, Mendoza P, Bustelo XR, Alarcón B. Mice Overexpressing Wild-Type RRAS2 Are a Novel Model for Preclinical Testing of Anti-Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Therapies. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5817. [PMID: 38136362 PMCID: PMC10742337 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15245817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) is the most common type of leukemia in the Western world. Mutation in different genes, such as TP53 and ATM, and deletions at specific chromosomic regions, among which are 11q or 17p, have been described to be associated to worse disease prognosis. Recent research from our group has demonstrated that, contrary to what is the usual cancer development process through missense mutations, B-CLL is driven by the overexpression of the small GTPase RRAS2 in its wild-type form without activating mutations. Some mouse models of this disease have been developed to date and are commonly used in B-CLL research, but they present different disadvantages such as the long waiting period until the leukemia fully develops, the need to do cell engraftment or, in some cases, the fact that the model does not recapitulate the alterations found in human patients. We have recently described Rosa26-RRAS2fl/flxmb1-Cre as a new mouse model of B-CLL with a full penetrance of the disease. In this work, we have validated this mouse model as a novel tool for the development of new therapies for B-CLL, by testing two of the most broadly applied targeted agents: ibrutinib and venetoclax. This also opens the door to new targeted agents against R-RAS2 itself, an approach not yet explored in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro M. Hortal
- Immune System Development and Function Program, Centro Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (A.V.); (I.A.); (C.P.); (P.M.)
| | - Ana Villanueva
- Immune System Development and Function Program, Centro Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (A.V.); (I.A.); (C.P.); (P.M.)
| | - Irene Arellano
- Immune System Development and Function Program, Centro Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (A.V.); (I.A.); (C.P.); (P.M.)
| | - Cristina Prieto
- Immune System Development and Function Program, Centro Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (A.V.); (I.A.); (C.P.); (P.M.)
| | - Pilar Mendoza
- Immune System Development and Function Program, Centro Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (A.V.); (I.A.); (C.P.); (P.M.)
| | - Xosé R. Bustelo
- Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
| | - Balbino Alarcón
- Immune System Development and Function Program, Centro Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (A.V.); (I.A.); (C.P.); (P.M.)
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3
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Sun C, Mahapatra KD, Elton J, Li C, Fernando W, Lohcharoenkal W, Lapins J, Homey B, Sonkoly E, Pivarcsi A. MicroRNA-23b Plays a Tumor-Suppressive Role in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Targets Ras-Related Protein RRAS2. J Invest Dermatol 2023; 143:2386-2396. [PMID: 37423552 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2023.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is one of the most common types of cancer with metastatic potential. MicroRNAs regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. In this study, we report that miR-23b is downregulated in cSCCs and in actinic keratosis and that its expression is regulated by the MAPK signaling pathway. We show that miR-23b suppresses the expression of a gene network associated with key oncogenic pathways and that the miR-23b-gene signature is enriched in human cSCCs. miR-23b decreased the expression of FGF2 both at mRNA and protein levels and impaired the angiogenesis-inducing ability of cSCC cells. miR23b overexpression suppressed the capacity of cSCC cells to form colonies and spheroids, whereas the CRISPR/Cas9-mediated deletion of MIR23B resulted in increased colony and tumor sphere formation in vitro. In accordance with this, miR-23b-overexpressing cSCC cells formed significantly smaller tumors upon injection into immunocompromised mice with decreased cell proliferation and angiogenesis. Mechanistically, we verify RRAS2 as a direct target of miR-23b in cSCC. We show that RRAS2 is overexpressed in cSCC and that interference with its expression impairs angiogenesis and colony and tumorsphere formation. Taken together, our results suggest that miR-23b acts in a tumor-suppressive manner in cSCC, and its expression is decreased during squamous carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengxi Sun
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Clinical Laboratory, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Kunal Das Mahapatra
- Unit of Dermatology and Venerology, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jonathan Elton
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Unit of Dermatology and Venerology, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Chen Li
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Winnie Fernando
- Unit of Dermatology and Venerology, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Warangkana Lohcharoenkal
- Unit of Dermatology and Venerology, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jan Lapins
- Unit of Dermatology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bernhard Homey
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Enikö Sonkoly
- Unit of Dermatology and Venerology, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Unit of Dermatology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Dermatology and Venereology, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Andor Pivarcsi
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Unit of Dermatology and Venerology, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Dermatology and Venereology, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Githaka JM, Pirayeshfard L, Goping IS. Cancer invasion and metastasis: Insights from murine pubertal mammary gland morphogenesis. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2023; 1867:130375. [PMID: 37150225 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2023.130375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Cancer invasion and metastasis accounts for the majority of cancer related mortality. A better understanding of the players that drive the aberrant invasion and migration of tumors cells will provide critical targets to inhibit metastasis. Postnatal pubertal mammary gland morphogenesis is characterized by highly proliferative, invasive, and migratory normal epithelial cells. Identifying the molecular regulators of pubertal gland development is a promising strategy since tumorigenesis and metastasis is postulated to be a consequence of aberrant reactivation of developmental stages. In this review, we summarize the pubertal morphogenesis regulators that are involved in cancer metastasis and revisit pubertal mammary gland transcriptome profiling to uncover both known and unknown metastasis genes. Our updated list of pubertal morphogenesis regulators shows that most are implicated in invasion and metastasis. This review highlights molecular linkages between development and metastasis and provides a guide for exploring novel metastatic drivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Maringa Githaka
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada.
| | - Leila Pirayeshfard
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
| | - Ing Swie Goping
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada; Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada.
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5
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Transfection of Sponge Cells and Intracellular Localization of Cancer-Related MYC, RRAS2, and DRG1 Proteins. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:md21020119. [PMID: 36827160 PMCID: PMC9964533 DOI: 10.3390/md21020119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The determination of the protein's intracellular localization is essential for understanding its biological function. Protein localization studies are mainly performed on primary and secondary vertebrate cell lines for which most protocols have been optimized. In spite of experimental difficulties, studies on invertebrate cells, including basal Metazoa, have greatly advanced. In recent years, the interest in studying human diseases from an evolutionary perspective has significantly increased. Sponges, placed at the base of the animal tree, are simple animals without true tissues and organs but with a complex genome containing many genes whose human homologs have been implicated in human diseases, including cancer. Therefore, sponges are an innovative model for elucidating the fundamental role of the proteins involved in cancer. In this study, we overexpressed human cancer-related proteins and their sponge homologs in human cancer cells, human fibroblasts, and sponge cells. We demonstrated that human and sponge MYC proteins localize in the nucleus, the RRAS2 in the plasma membrane, the membranes of the endolysosomal vesicles, and the DRG1 in the cell's cytosol. Despite the very low transfection efficiency of sponge cells, we observed an identical localization of human proteins and their sponge homologs, indicating their similar cellular functions.
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Clavaín L, Fernández-Pisonero I, Movilla N, Lorenzo-Martín LF, Nieto B, Abad A, García-Navas R, Llorente-González C, Sánchez-Martín M, Vicente-Manzanares M, Santos E, Alarcón B, García-Aznar JM, Dosil M, Bustelo XR. Characterization of mutant versions of the R-RAS2/TC21 GTPase found in tumors. Oncogene 2023; 42:389-405. [PMID: 36476833 PMCID: PMC9883167 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02563-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The R-RAS2 GTP hydrolase (GTPase) (also known as TC21) has been traditionally considered quite similar to classical RAS proteins at the regulatory and signaling levels. Recently, a long-tail hotspot mutation targeting the R-RAS2/TC21 Gln72 residue (Q72L) was identified as a potent oncogenic driver. Additional point mutations were also found in other tumors at low frequencies. Despite this, little information is available regarding the transforming role of these mutant versions and their relevance for the tumorigenic properties of already-transformed cancer cells. Here, we report that many of the RRAS2 mutations found in human cancers are highly transforming when expressed in immortalized cell lines. Moreover, the expression of endogenous R-RAS2Q72L is important for maintaining optimal levels of PI3K and ERK activities as well as for the adhesion, invasiveness, proliferation, and mitochondrial respiration of ovarian and breast cancer cell lines. Endogenous R-RAS2Q72L also regulates gene expression programs linked to both cell adhesion and inflammatory/immune-related responses. Endogenous R-RAS2Q72L is also quite relevant for the in vivo tumorigenic activity of these cells. This dependency is observed even though these cancer cell lines bear concurrent gain-of-function mutations in genes encoding RAS signaling elements. Finally, we show that endogenous R-RAS2, unlike the case of classical RAS proteins, specifically localizes in focal adhesions. Collectively, these results indicate that gain-of-function mutations of R-RAS2/TC21 play roles in tumor initiation and maintenance that are not fully redundant with those regulated by classical RAS oncoproteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Clavaín
- grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain ,grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain ,grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Isabel Fernández-Pisonero
- grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain ,grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain ,grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Nieves Movilla
- grid.11205.370000 0001 2152 8769Aragon Institute of Engineering Research, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - L. Francisco Lorenzo-Martín
- grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain ,grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain ,grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Blanca Nieto
- grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain ,grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Antonio Abad
- grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain ,grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain ,grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Rósula García-Navas
- grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain ,grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain ,grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Clara Llorente-González
- grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain ,grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Manuel Sánchez-Martín
- grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Transgenesis Facility and Nucleus Platform for Research Services, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Miguel Vicente-Manzanares
- grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain ,grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Eugenio Santos
- grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain ,grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain ,grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Balbino Alarcón
- grid.5515.40000000119578126Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - José M. García-Aznar
- grid.11205.370000 0001 2152 8769Aragon Institute of Engineering Research, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Mercedes Dosil
- grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain ,grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain ,grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Xosé R. Bustelo
- grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain ,grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain ,grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
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A hotspot mutation targeting the R-RAS2 GTPase acts as a potent oncogenic driver in a wide spectrum of tumors. Cell Rep 2022; 38:110522. [PMID: 35294890 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110522] [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: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A missense change in RRAS2 (Gln72 to Leu), analogous to the Gln61-to-Leu mutation of RAS oncoproteins, has been identified as a long-tail hotspot mutation in cancer and Noonan syndrome. However, the relevance of this mutation for in vivo tumorigenesis remains understudied. Here we show, using an inducible knockin mouse model, that R-Ras2Q72L triggers rapid development of a wide spectrum of tumors when somatically expressed in adult tissues. These tumors show limited overlap with those originated by classical Ras oncogenes. R-Ras2Q72L-driven tumors can be classified into different subtypes according to therapeutic susceptibility. Importantly, the most relevant R-Ras2Q72L-driven tumors are dependent on mTORC1 but independent of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-, MEK-, and Ral guanosine diphosphate (GDP) dissociation stimulator. This pharmacological vulnerability is due to the extensive rewiring by R-Ras2Q72L of pathways that orthogonally stimulate mTORC1 signaling. These findings demonstrate that RRAS2Q72L is a bona fide oncogenic driver and unveil therapeutic strategies for patients with cancer and Noonan syndrome bearing RRAS2 mutations.
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Li H, Li Q, Dang K, Ma S, Cotton JL, Yang S, Zhu LJ, Deng AC, Ip YT, Johnson RL, Wu X, Punzo C, Mao J. YAP/TAZ Activation Drives Uveal Melanoma Initiation and Progression. Cell Rep 2020; 29:3200-3211.e4. [PMID: 31801083 PMCID: PMC7871510 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Revised: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM), the most common ocular malignancy, is characterized by GNAQ/11 mutations. Hippo/YAP and Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) emerge as two important signaling pathways downstream of G protein alpha subunits of the Q class (GαQ/11)-mediated transformation, although whether and how they contribute to UM genesis in vivo remain unclear. Here, we adapt an adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based ocular injection method to directly deliver Cre recombinase into the mouse uveal tract and demonstrate that Lats1/2 kinases suppress UM formation specifically in uveal melanocytes. We find that genetic activation of YAP, but not Kras, is sufficient to initiate UM. We show that YAP/TAZ activation induced by Lats1/2 deletion cooperates with Kras to promote UM progression via downstream transcriptional reinforcement. Furthermore, dual inhibition of YAP/TAZ and Ras/MAPK synergizes to suppress oncogenic growth of human UM cells. Our data highlight the functional significance of Lats-YAP/TAZ in UM initiation and progression in vivo and suggest combination inhibition of YAP/TAZ and Ras/MAPK as a new therapeutic strategy for UM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huapeng Li
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Qi Li
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Kyvan Dang
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Shan Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Neurobiology & Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Jennifer L Cotton
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Sun Yang
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Lihua J Zhu
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - April C Deng
- Department of Pathology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Y Tony Ip
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Randy L Johnson
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Xu Wu
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Claudio Punzo
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA; Neurobiology & Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
| | - Junhao Mao
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
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R-Ras GTPases Signaling Role in Myelin Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21165911. [PMID: 32824627 PMCID: PMC7460555 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21165911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Myelination is required for fast and efficient synaptic transmission in vertebrates. In the central nervous system, oligodendrocytes are responsible for creating myelin sheaths that isolate and protect axons, even throughout adulthood. However, when myelin is lost, the failure of remyelination mechanisms can cause neurodegenerative myelin-associated pathologies. From oligodendrocyte progenitor cells to mature myelinating oligodendrocytes, myelination is a highly complex process that involves many elements of cellular signaling, yet many of the mechanisms that coordinate it, remain unknown. In this review, we will focus on the three major pathways involved in myelination (PI3K/Akt/mTOR, ERK1/2-MAPK, and Wnt/β-catenin) and recent advances describing the crosstalk elements which help to regulate them. In addition, we will review the tight relation between Ras GTPases and myelination processes and discuss its potential as novel elements of crosstalk between the pathways. A better understanding of the crosstalk elements orchestrating myelination mechanisms is essential to identify new potential targets to mitigate neurodegeneration.
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Ras2, the TC21/R-Ras2 Drosophila homologue, contributes to insulin signalling but is not required for organism viability. Dev Biol 2020; 461:172-183. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2020.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Kassouf T, Larive RM, Morel A, Urbach S, Bettache N, Marcial Medina MC, Mèrezègue F, Freiss G, Peter M, Boissière-Michot F, Solassol J, Montcourrier P, Coopman P. The Syk Kinase Promotes Mammary Epithelial Integrity and Inhibits Breast Cancer Invasion by Stabilizing the E-Cadherin/Catenin Complex. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11121974. [PMID: 31817924 PMCID: PMC6966528 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11121974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
While first discovered in immunoreceptor signaling, the Syk protein kinase behaves as a tumor and metastasis suppressor in epithelial cells. Its reduced expression in breast and other carcinomas is correlated with decreased survival and increased metastasis risk, but its action mechanism remains largely unknown. Using phosphoproteomics we found that Syk phosphorylated E-cadherin and α-, β-, and p120-catenins on multiple tyrosine residues that concentrate at intercellular junctions. Increased Syk expression and activation enhanced E-cadherin/catenin phosphorylation, promoting their association and complex stability. In human breast cancer cells, Syk stimulated intercellular aggregation, E-cadherin recruitment and retention at adherens junctions, and promoted epithelial integrity, whereas it inhibited cell migration and invasion. Opposite effects were obtained with Syk knockdown or non-phosphorylatable mutant E-cadherin expression. Mechanistically, Syk stimulated the interaction of the E-cadherin/catenin complex with zonula occludens proteins and the actin cytoskeleton. Conditional Syk knockout in the lactating mouse mammary gland perturbed alveologenesis and disrupted E-cadherin localization at adherens junctions, corroborating the observations in cells. Hence, Syk is involved in the maintenance of the epithelial integrity of the mammary gland via the phosphorylation and stabilization of the E-cadherin/catenin adherens junction complex, thereby inhibiting cell migration and malignant tumor invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toufic Kassouf
- IRCM, Inserm, CNRS, Universit@#xE9; de Montpellier, ICM, 208 Rue des Apothicaires, 34298 Montpellier, France; (T.K.); (R.M.L.); (G.F.); (M.P.); (J.S.)
- CRBM, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France;
| | - Romain Maxime Larive
- IRCM, Inserm, CNRS, Universit@#xE9; de Montpellier, ICM, 208 Rue des Apothicaires, 34298 Montpellier, France; (T.K.); (R.M.L.); (G.F.); (M.P.); (J.S.)
- IBMM, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, 15 avenue Charles Flahault - BP 14491, 34093 Montpellier, France;
| | - Anne Morel
- CRBM, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France;
| | - Serge Urbach
- Functional Proteomics Platform, IGF, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, 141 rue de la Cardonille, 34094 Montpellier, France;
| | - Nadir Bettache
- IBMM, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, 15 avenue Charles Flahault - BP 14491, 34093 Montpellier, France;
| | | | - Fabrice Mèrezègue
- BioMV Department, Université de Montpellier CC25000, Place Eugène Bataillon, 34095 Montpellier, France;
| | - Gilles Freiss
- IRCM, Inserm, CNRS, Universit@#xE9; de Montpellier, ICM, 208 Rue des Apothicaires, 34298 Montpellier, France; (T.K.); (R.M.L.); (G.F.); (M.P.); (J.S.)
| | - Marion Peter
- IRCM, Inserm, CNRS, Universit@#xE9; de Montpellier, ICM, 208 Rue des Apothicaires, 34298 Montpellier, France; (T.K.); (R.M.L.); (G.F.); (M.P.); (J.S.)
| | | | - Jérôme Solassol
- IRCM, Inserm, CNRS, Universit@#xE9; de Montpellier, ICM, 208 Rue des Apothicaires, 34298 Montpellier, France; (T.K.); (R.M.L.); (G.F.); (M.P.); (J.S.)
| | - Philippe Montcourrier
- IRCM, Inserm, CNRS, Universit@#xE9; de Montpellier, ICM, 208 Rue des Apothicaires, 34298 Montpellier, France; (T.K.); (R.M.L.); (G.F.); (M.P.); (J.S.)
| | - Peter Coopman
- IRCM, Inserm, CNRS, Universit@#xE9; de Montpellier, ICM, 208 Rue des Apothicaires, 34298 Montpellier, France; (T.K.); (R.M.L.); (G.F.); (M.P.); (J.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-467-61-3191
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Wang K, Peng K. RRAS2 knockdown suppresses osteosarcoma progression by inactivating the MEK/ERK signaling pathway. Anticancer Drugs 2019; 30:933-939. [PMID: 31517733 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000000799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Aberrant function of RRAS2 drives malignant transformation in a various of cancers. However, little information exists on the function of RRAS2 in tumorigenesis of osteosarcoma. In this study, we investigated the effect of RRAS2 on osteosarcoma progression and its underlying mechanism. The gene expression level and prognostic power of RRAS2 in osteosarcoma were first investigated using the data from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Then RNA interference was performed to silence the expression of RRAS2 in osteosarcoma cells. Quantitative real-time-PCR and western blot were used to examine the gene and protein expressions of RRAS2 in osteosarcoma cells. In-vitro cancer proliferation and migration were determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolum bromide solution and wound-healing assays, respectively. We found that RRAS2 was significantly upregulated in osteosarcoma cells and high expression of RRAS2 was associated with a poor prognosis for patients with osteosarcoma. RNA interference decreased the gene and protein expression of RRAS2, reduced in-vitro the proliferation and migration of osteosarcoma cells, and suppressed the activation of the MEK/ERK signaling pathway. RRAS2 as an adverse prognostic factor promoted cell proliferation and migration by activating the MEK/ERK signaling pathway, and may provide new therapeutic value for osteosarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kejun Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Jingzhou Central Hospital, Jingzhou
| | - Kan Peng
- Department of Trauma Orthopaedics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
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Capri Y, Flex E, Krumbach OH, Carpentieri G, Cecchetti S, Lißewski C, Rezaei Adariani S, Schanze D, Brinkmann J, Piard J, Pantaleoni F, Lepri FR, Goh ESY, Chong K, Stieglitz E, Meyer J, Kuechler A, Bramswig NC, Sacharow S, Strullu M, Vial Y, Vignal C, Kensah G, Cuturilo G, Kazemein Jasemi NS, Dvorsky R, Monaghan KG, Vincent LM, Cavé H, Verloes A, Ahmadian MR, Tartaglia M, Zenker M. Activating Mutations of RRAS2 Are a Rare Cause of Noonan Syndrome. Am J Hum Genet 2019; 104:1223-1232. [PMID: 31130282 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2019.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant signaling through pathways controlling cell response to extracellular stimuli constitutes a central theme in disorders affecting development. Signaling through RAS and the MAPK cascade controls a variety of cell decisions in response to cytokines, hormones, and growth factors, and its upregulation causes Noonan syndrome (NS), a developmental disorder whose major features include a distinctive facies, a wide spectrum of cardiac defects, short stature, variable cognitive impairment, and predisposition to malignancies. NS is genetically heterogeneous, and mutations in more than ten genes have been reported to underlie this disorder. Despite the large number of genes implicated, about 10%-20% of affected individuals with a clinical diagnosis of NS do not have mutations in known RASopathy-associated genes, indicating that additional unidentified genes contribute to the disease, when mutated. By using a mixed strategy of functional candidacy and exome sequencing, we identify RRAS2 as a gene implicated in NS in six unrelated subjects/families. We show that the NS-causing RRAS2 variants affect highly conserved residues localized around the nucleotide binding pocket of the GTPase and are predicted to variably affect diverse aspects of RRAS2 biochemical behavior, including nucleotide binding, GTP hydrolysis, and interaction with effectors. Additionally, all pathogenic variants increase activation of the MAPK cascade and variably impact cell morphology and cytoskeletal rearrangement. Finally, we provide a characterization of the clinical phenotype associated with RRAS2 mutations.
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Vav proteins maintain epithelial traits in breast cancer cells using miR-200c-dependent and independent mechanisms. Oncogene 2018; 38:209-227. [PMID: 30087437 PMCID: PMC6230471 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-018-0433-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2017] [Revised: 07/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The bidirectional regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transitions (EMT) is key in tumorigenesis. Rho GTPases regulate this process via canonical pathways that impinge on the stability of cell-to-cell contacts, cytoskeletal dynamics, and cell invasiveness. Here, we report that the Rho GTPase activators Vav2 and Vav3 utilize a new Rac1-dependent and miR-200c-dependent mechanism that maintains the epithelial state by limiting the abundance of the Zeb2 transcriptional repressor in breast cancer cells. In parallel, Vav proteins engage a mir-200c-independent expression prometastatic program that maintains epithelial cell traits only under 3D culture conditions. Consistent with this, the depletion of endogenous Vav proteins triggers mesenchymal features in epithelioid breast cancer cells. Conversely, the ectopic expression of an active version of Vav2 promotes mesenchymal-epithelial transitions using E-cadherin-dependent and independent mechanisms depending on the mesenchymal breast cancer cell line used. In silico analyses suggest that the negative Vav anti-EMT pathway is operative in luminal breast tumors. Gene signatures from the Vav-associated proepithelial and prometastatic programs have prognostic value in breast cancer patients.
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15
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Janapati S, Wurtzel J, Dangelmaier C, Manne BK, Bhavanasi D, Kostyak JC, Kim S, Holinstat M, Kunapuli SP, Goldfinger LE. TC21/RRas2 regulates glycoprotein VI-FcRγ-mediated platelet activation and thrombus stability. J Thromb Haemost 2018; 16:S1538-7836(22)02217-6. [PMID: 29883056 PMCID: PMC6286703 DOI: 10.1111/jth.14197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Essentials RAS proteins are expressed in platelets but their functions are largely uncharacterized. TC21/RRas2 is required for glycoprotein VI-induced platelet responses and for thrombus stability in vivo. TC21 regulates platelet aggregation by control of αIIb β3 integrin activation, via crosstalk with Rap1b. This is the first indication of functional importance of a proto-oncogenic RAS protein in platelets. SUMMARY Background Many RAS family small GTPases are expressed in platelets, including RAC, RHOA, RAP, and HRAS/NRAS/RRAS1, but most of their signaling and cellular functions remain poorly understood. Like RRAS1, TC21/RRAS2 reverses HRAS-induced suppression of integrin activation in CHO cells. However, a role for TC21 in platelets has not been explored. Objectives To determine TC21 expression in platelets, TC21 activation in response to platelet agonists, and roles of TC21 in platelet function in in vitro and in vivo thrombosis. Results We demonstrate that TC21 is expressed in human and murine platelets, and is activated in response to agonists for the glycoprotein (GP) VI-FcRγ immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM)-containing collagen receptor, in an Src-dependent manner. GPVI-induced platelet aggregation, integrin αIIb β3 activation, and α-granule and dense granule secretion, as well as phosphorylation of Syk, phospholipase Cγ2, AKT, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase, were inhibited in TC21-deficient platelets ex vivo. In contrast, these responses were normal in TC21-deficient platelets following stimulation with P2Y, protease-activated receptor 4 and C-type lectin receptor 2 receptor agonists, indicating that the function of TC21 in platelets is GPVI-FcRγ-ITAM-specific. TC21 was required for GPVI-induced activation of Rap1b. TC21-deficient mice did not show a significant delay in injury-induced thrombosis as compared with wild-type controls; however, thrombi were unstable. Hemostatic responses showed similar effects. Conclusions TC21 is essential for GPVI-FcRγ-mediated platelet activation and for thrombus stability in vivo via control of Rap1b and integrins.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Janapati
- The Sol Sherry Thrombosis Research Center and Department of Pharmacology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - J Wurtzel
- The Sol Sherry Thrombosis Research Center and Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - C Dangelmaier
- The Sol Sherry Thrombosis Research Center and Department of Pharmacology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - B K Manne
- The Sol Sherry Thrombosis Research Center and Department of Pharmacology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - D Bhavanasi
- The Sol Sherry Thrombosis Research Center and Department of Pharmacology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - J C Kostyak
- The Sol Sherry Thrombosis Research Center and Department of Pharmacology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - S Kim
- The Sol Sherry Thrombosis Research Center and Department of Pharmacology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - M Holinstat
- Department of Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - S P Kunapuli
- The Sol Sherry Thrombosis Research Center and Department of Pharmacology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - L E Goldfinger
- The Sol Sherry Thrombosis Research Center and Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Cancer Biology Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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R-Ras1 and R-Ras2 Are Essential for Oligodendrocyte Differentiation and Survival for Correct Myelination in the Central Nervous System. J Neurosci 2018; 38:5096-5110. [PMID: 29720552 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3364-17.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Revised: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapid and effective neural transmission of information requires correct axonal myelination. Modifications in myelination alter axonal capacity to transmit electric impulses and enable pathological conditions. In the CNS, oligodendrocytes (OLs) myelinate axons, a complex process involving various cellular interactions. However, we know little about the mechanisms that orchestrate correct myelination. Here, we demonstrate that OLs express R-Ras1 and R-Ras2. Using female and male mutant mice to delete these proteins, we found that activation of the PI3K/Akt and Erk1/2-MAPK pathways was weaker in mice lacking one or both of these GTPases, suggesting that both proteins coordinate the activity of these two pathways. Loss of R-Ras1 and/or R-Ras2 diminishes the number of OLs in major myelinated CNS tracts and increases the proportion of immature OLs. In R-Ras1-/- and R-Ras2-/--null mice, OLs show aberrant morphologies and fail to differentiate correctly into myelin-forming phenotypes. The smaller OL population and abnormal OL maturation induce severe hypomyelination, with shorter nodes of Ranvier in R-Ras1-/- and/or R-Ras2-/- mice. These defects explain the slower conduction velocity of myelinated axons that we observed in the absence of R-Ras1 and R-Ras2. Together, these results suggest that R-Ras1 and R-Ras2 are upstream elements that regulate the survival and differentiation of progenitors into OLs through the PI3K/Akt and Erk1/2-MAPK pathways for proper myelination.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT In this study, we show that R-Ras1 and R-Ras2 play essential roles in regulating myelination in vivo and control fundamental aspects of oligodendrocyte (OL) survival and differentiation through synergistic activation of PI3K/Akt and Erk1/2-MAPK signaling. Mice lacking R-Ras1 and/or R-Ras2 show a diminished OL population with a higher proportion of immature OLs, explaining the observed hypomyelination in main CNS tracts. In vivo electrophysiology recordings demonstrate a slower conduction velocity of nerve impulses in the absence of R-Ras1 and R-Ras2. Therefore, R-Ras1 and R-Ras2 are essential for proper axonal myelination and accurate neural transmission.
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Owens DA, Butler AM, Aguero TH, Newman KM, Van Booven D, King ML. High-throughput analysis reveals novel maternal germline RNAs crucial for primordial germ cell preservation and proper migration. Development 2017; 144:292-304. [PMID: 28096217 DOI: 10.1242/dev.139220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
During oogenesis, hundreds of maternal RNAs are selectively localized to the animal or vegetal pole, including determinants of somatic and germline fates. Although microarray analysis has identified localized determinants, it is not comprehensive and is limited to known transcripts. Here, we utilized high-throughput RNA-sequencing analysis to comprehensively interrogate animal and vegetal pole RNAs in the fully grown Xenopus laevis oocyte. We identified 411 (198 annotated) and 27 (15 annotated) enriched mRNAs at the vegetal and animal pole, respectively. Ninety were novel mRNAs over 4-fold enriched at the vegetal pole and six were over 10-fold enriched at the animal pole. Unlike mRNAs, microRNAs were not asymmetrically distributed. Whole-mount in situ hybridization confirmed that all 17 selected mRNAs were localized. Biological function and network analysis of vegetally enriched transcripts identified protein-modifying enzymes, receptors, ligands, RNA-binding proteins, transcription factors and co-factors with five defining hubs linking 47 genes in a network. Initial functional studies of maternal vegetally localized mRNAs show that sox7 plays a novel and important role in primordial germ cell (PGC) development and that ephrinB1 (efnb1) is required for proper PGC migration. We propose potential pathways operating at the vegetal pole that highlight where future investigations might be most fruitful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawn A Owens
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1011 NW 15th St, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Amanda M Butler
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1011 NW 15th St, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Tristan H Aguero
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1011 NW 15th St, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Karen M Newman
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1011 NW 15th St, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Derek Van Booven
- The Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1011 NW 15th St, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Mary Lou King
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1011 NW 15th St, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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Adhikary S, Sanyal S, Basu M, Sengupta I, Sen S, Srivastava DK, Roy S, Das C. Selective Recognition of H3.1K36 Dimethylation/H4K16 Acetylation Facilitates the Regulation of All-trans-retinoic Acid (ATRA)-responsive Genes by Putative Chromatin Reader ZMYND8. J Biol Chem 2015; 291:2664-81. [PMID: 26655721 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.679985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
ZMYND8 (zinc finger MYND (Myeloid, Nervy and DEAF-1)-type containing 8), a newly identified component of the transcriptional coregulator network, was found to interact with the Nucleosome Remodeling and Deacetylase (NuRD) complex. Previous reports have shown that ZMYND8 is instrumental in recruiting the NuRD complex to damaged chromatin for repressing transcription and promoting double strand break repair by homologous recombination. However, the mode of transcription regulation by ZMYND8 has remained elusive. Here, we report that through its specific key residues present in its conserved chromatin-binding modules, ZMYND8 interacts with the selective epigenetic marks H3.1K36Me2/H4K16Ac. Furthermore, ZMYND8 shows a clear preference for canonical histone H3.1 over variant H3.3. Interestingly, ZMYND8 was found to be recruited to several developmental genes, including the all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA)-responsive ones, through its modified histone-binding ability. Being itself inducible by ATRA, this zinc finger transcription factor is involved in modulating other ATRA-inducible genes. We found that ZMYND8 interacts with transcription initiation-competent RNA polymerase II phosphorylated at Ser-5 in a DNA template-dependent manner and can alter the global gene transcription. Overall, our study identifies that ZMYND8 has CHD4-independent functions in regulating gene expression through its modified histone-binding ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santanu Adhikary
- From the Biophysics and Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata-700064 and the Structural Biology and Bioinformatics Division, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4 Raja S.C. Mullick Road, Kolkata-700032, India
| | - Sulagna Sanyal
- From the Biophysics and Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata-700064 and
| | - Moitri Basu
- From the Biophysics and Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata-700064 and
| | - Isha Sengupta
- From the Biophysics and Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata-700064 and
| | - Sabyasachi Sen
- From the Biophysics and Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata-700064 and
| | - Dushyant Kumar Srivastava
- the Structural Biology and Bioinformatics Division, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4 Raja S.C. Mullick Road, Kolkata-700032, India
| | - Siddhartha Roy
- the Structural Biology and Bioinformatics Division, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4 Raja S.C. Mullick Road, Kolkata-700032, India
| | - Chandrima Das
- From the Biophysics and Structural Genomics Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata-700064 and
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Hadsell DL, Hadsell LA, Olea W, Rijnkels M, Creighton CJ, Smyth I, Short KM, Cox LL, Cox TC. In-silico QTL mapping of postpubertal mammary ductal development in the mouse uncovers potential human breast cancer risk loci. Mamm Genome 2015; 26:57-79. [PMID: 25552398 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-014-9551-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2014] [Accepted: 12/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Genetic background plays a dominant role in mammary gland development and breast cancer (BrCa). Despite this, the role of genetics is only partially understood. This study used strain-dependent variation in an inbred mouse mapping panel, to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) underlying structural variation in mammary ductal development, and determined if these QTL correlated with genomic intervals conferring BrCa susceptibility in humans. For about half of the traits, developmental variation among the complete set of strains in this study was greater (P < 0.05) than that of previously studied strains, or strains in current common use for mammary gland biology. Correlations were also detected with previously reported variation in mammary tumor latency and metastasis. In-silico genome-wide association identified 20 mammary development QTL (Mdq). Of these, five were syntenic with previously reported human BrCa loci. The most significant (P = 1 × 10(-11)) association of the study was on MMU6 and contained the genes Plxna4, Plxna4os1, and Chchd3. On MMU5, a QTL was detected (P = 8 × 10(-7)) that was syntenic to a human BrCa locus on h12q24.5 containing the genes Tbx3 and Tbx5. Intersection of linked SNP (r(2) > 0.8) with genomic and epigenomic features, and intersection of candidate genes with gene expression and survival data from human BrCa highlighted several for further study. These results support the conclusion that mammary tumorigenesis and normal ductal development are influenced by common genetic factors and that further studies of genetically diverse mice can improve our understanding of BrCa in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darryl L Hadsell
- Department of Pediatrics, USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, 1100 Bates St. Suite 10072, Mail Stop: BCM-320, Houston, TX, 77030-2600, USA,
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20
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Larive RM, Moriggi G, Menacho-Márquez M, Cañamero M, de Álava E, Alarcón B, Dosil M, Bustelo XR. Contribution of the R-Ras2 GTP-binding protein to primary breast tumorigenesis and late-stage metastatic disease. Nat Commun 2014; 5:3881. [PMID: 24826867 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms4881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2014] [Accepted: 04/14/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
R-Ras2 is a transforming GTPase that shares downstream effectors with Ras subfamily proteins. However, little information exists about the function of this protein in tumorigenesis and its signalling overlap with classical Ras GTPases. Here we show, by combining loss- and gain-of-function studies in breast cancer cells, mammary epithelial cells and mouse models, that endogenous R-Ras2 has a role in both primary breast tumorigenesis and the late metastatic steps of cancer cells in the lung parenchyma. R-Ras2 drives tumorigenesis in a phosphatidylinostiol-3 kinase (PI3K)-dependent and signalling autonomous manner. By contrast, its prometastatic role requires other priming oncogenic signals and the engagement of several downstream elements. R-Ras2 function is required even in cancer cells exhibiting constitutive activation of classical Ras proteins, indicating that these GTPases are not functionally redundant. Our results also suggest that application of long-term R-Ras2 therapies will result in the development of compensatory mechanisms in breast tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romain M Larive
- 1] Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-University of Salamanca, Campus Unamuno s/n, 37007 Salamanca, Spain [2] Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-University of Salamanca, Campus Unamuno s/n, 37007 Salamanca, Spain [3]
| | - Giulia Moriggi
- 1] Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-University of Salamanca, Campus Unamuno s/n, 37007 Salamanca, Spain [2] Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-University of Salamanca, Campus Unamuno s/n, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Mauricio Menacho-Márquez
- 1] Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-University of Salamanca, Campus Unamuno s/n, 37007 Salamanca, Spain [2] Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-University of Salamanca, Campus Unamuno s/n, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Marta Cañamero
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), 3 Fernández Almagro Street, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Enrique de Álava
- 1] Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-University of Salamanca, Campus Unamuno s/n, 37007 Salamanca, Spain [2] Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-University of Salamanca, Campus Unamuno s/n, 37007 Salamanca, Spain [3] Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Manuel Suriot Avenue, 41013 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Balbino Alarcón
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa", CSIC-Madrid Autonomous University, 1 Nicolás Cabrera Street, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercedes Dosil
- 1] Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-University of Salamanca, Campus Unamuno s/n, 37007 Salamanca, Spain [2] Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-University of Salamanca, Campus Unamuno s/n, 37007 Salamanca, Spain [3] Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, University of Salamanca, Campus Unamuno s/n, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Xosé R Bustelo
- 1] Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-University of Salamanca, Campus Unamuno s/n, 37007 Salamanca, Spain [2] Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-University of Salamanca, Campus Unamuno s/n, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
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21
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Gutierrez-Erlandsson S, Herrero-Vidal P, Fernandez-Alfara M, Hernandez-Garcia S, Gonzalo-Flores S, Mudarra-Rubio A, Fresno M, Cubelos B. R-RAS2 overexpression in tumors of the human central nervous system. Mol Cancer 2013; 12:127. [PMID: 24148564 PMCID: PMC3900289 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-12-127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2013] [Accepted: 10/17/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant tumors of the central nervous system (CNS) are the 10th most frequent cause of cancer mortality. Despite the strong malignancy of some such tumors, oncogenic mutations are rarely found in classic members of the RAS family of small GTPases. This raises the question as to whether other RAS family members may be affected in CNS tumors, excessively activating RAS pathways. The RAS-related subfamily of GTPases is that which is most closely related to classical Ras and it currently contains 3 members: RRAS, RRAS2 and RRAS3. While R-RAS and R-RAS2 are expressed ubiquitously, R-RAS3 expression is restricted to the CNS. Significantly, both wild type and mutated RRAS2 (also known as TC21) are overexpressed in human carcinomas of the oral cavity, esophagus, stomach, skin and breast, as well as in lymphomas. Hence, we analyzed the expression of R-RAS2 mRNA and protein in a wide variety of human CNS tumors and we found the R-RAS2 protein to be overexpressed in all of the 90 CNS cancer samples studied, including glioblastomas, astrocytomas and oligodendrogliomas. However, R-Ras2 was more strongly expressed in low grade (World Health Organization grades I-II) rather than high grade (grades III-IV) tumors, suggesting that R-RAS2 is overexpressed in the early stages of malignancy. Indeed, R-RAS2 overexpression was evident in pre-malignant hyperplasias, both at the mRNA and protein levels. Nevertheless, such dramatic changes in expression were not evident for the other two subfamily members, which implies that RRAS2 is the main factor triggering neural transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Beatriz Cubelos
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Departamento de Biología Molecular, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid 28049, Spain.
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22
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Citterio C, Menacho-Márquez M, García-Escudero R, Larive RM, Barreiro O, Sánchez-Madrid F, Paramio JM, Bustelo XR. The rho exchange factors vav2 and vav3 control a lung metastasis-specific transcriptional program in breast cancer cells. Sci Signal 2012; 5:ra71. [PMID: 23033540 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.2002962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The guanosine triphosphatases of the Rho and Rac subfamilies regulate protumorigenic pathways and are activated by guanine nucleotide exchange factors (Rho GEFs), which could be potential targets for anticancer therapies. We report that two Rho GEFs, Vav2 and Vav3, play synergistic roles in breast cancer by sustaining tumor growth, neoangiogenesis, and many of the steps involved in lung-specific metastasis. The involvement of Vav proteins in these processes did not correlate with Rac1 and RhoA activity or cell migration, implying the presence of additional biological programs. Microarray analyses revealed that Vav2 and Vav3 controlled a vast transcriptional program in breast cancer cells through mechanisms that were shared between the two proteins, isoform-specific or synergistic. Furthermore, the abundance of Vav-regulated transcripts was modulated by Rac1-dependent and Rac1-independent pathways. This transcriptome encoded therapeutically targetable proteins that played nonredundant roles in primary tumorigenesis and lung-specific metastasis, such as integrin-linked kinase (Ilk), the transforming growth factor-β family ligand inhibin βA, cyclooxygenase-2, and the epithelial cell adhesion molecule Tacstd2. It also contained gene signatures that predicted disease outcome in breast cancer patients. These results identify possible targets for treating breast cancer and lung metastases and provide a potential diagnostic tool for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Citterio
- Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, CSIC-University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
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