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Djurkovic F, Ferjancic Z, Bihelovic F. Intramolecular Dearomative Inverse-Electron-Demand Diels Alder Strategy for the Total Synthesis of (+)-Alstonlarsine A. J Org Chem 2023; 88:11618-11626. [PMID: 37556165 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.3c00923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
An evolution of a synthetic route leading to a successful enantioselective total synthesis of monoterpenoid indole alkaloid (+)-alstonlarsine A is represented. The unique 9-azatricyclo[4.3.1.03,8]decane core was assembled through an efficient domino sequence comprising enamine formation in situ, followed by intramolecular dearomative inverse-electron-demand Diels Alder reaction. The preparation of the tricyclic dihydrocyclohepta[b]indole key intermediate via the intramolecular Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons reaction required a development of a new general method for the introduction of the phosphonoacetate moiety into the indole C-2 position, through copper-carbenoid insertion. The modular nature of the represented synthetic approach makes it suitable for the synthesis of analogues with different substituents' patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Djurkovic
- University of Belgrade─Faculty of Chemistry, Studentski trg 16, POB 51, Belgrade 11158, Serbia
| | - Zorana Ferjancic
- University of Belgrade─Faculty of Chemistry, Studentski trg 16, POB 51, Belgrade 11158, Serbia
| | - Filip Bihelovic
- University of Belgrade─Faculty of Chemistry, Studentski trg 16, POB 51, Belgrade 11158, Serbia
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2
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Mandarano AH, Harris TL, Creasy BM, Wehenkel M, Duggar M, Wilander BA, Mishra A, Crawford JC, Mullen SA, Williams KM, Pillai M, High AA, McGargill MA. DRAK2 contributes to type 1 diabetes by negatively regulating IL-2 sensitivity to alter regulatory T cell development. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112106. [PMID: 36773294 PMCID: PMC10412737 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112106] [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: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Drak2-deficient (Drak2-/-) mice are resistant to multiple models of autoimmunity yet effectively eliminate pathogens and tumors. Thus, DRAK2 represents a potential target to treat autoimmune diseases. However, the mechanisms by which DRAK2 contributes to autoimmunity, particularly type 1 diabetes (T1D), remain unresolved. Here, we demonstrate that resistance to T1D in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice is due to the absence of Drak2 in T cells and requires the presence of regulatory T cells (Tregs). Contrary to previous hypotheses, we show that DRAK2 does not limit TCR signaling. Rather, DRAK2 regulates IL-2 signaling by inhibiting STAT5A phosphorylation. We further demonstrate that enhanced sensitivity to IL-2 in the absence of Drak2 augments thymic Treg development. Overall, our data indicate that DRAK2 contributes to autoimmunity in multiple ways by regulating thymic Treg development and by impacting the sensitivity of conventional T cells to Treg-mediated suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra H Mandarano
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Tarsha L Harris
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Blaine M Creasy
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Marie Wehenkel
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Marygrace Duggar
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA; St. Jude Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Benjamin A Wilander
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA; St. Jude Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Ashutosh Mishra
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Jeremy Chase Crawford
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Sarah A Mullen
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Katherine M Williams
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Meenu Pillai
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Anthony A High
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Maureen A McGargill
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA.
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Zheng Y, Li X, Kuang L, Wang Y. New insights into the characteristics of DRAK2 and its role in apoptosis: From molecular mechanisms to clinically applied potential. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1014508. [PMID: 36386181 PMCID: PMC9649744 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1014508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
As a member of the death-associated protein kinase (DAPK) family, DAP kinase-associated apoptosis-inducing kinase 2 (DRAK2) performs apoptosis-related functions. Compelling evidence suggests that DRAK2 is involved in regulating the activation of T lymphocytes as well as pancreatic β-cell apoptosis in type I diabetes. In addition, DRAK2 has been shown to be involved in the development of related tumor and non-tumor diseases through a variety of mechanisms, including exacerbation of alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) through SRSF6-associated RNA selective splicing mechanism, regulation of chronic lymphocytic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia, and progression of colorectal cancer. This review focuses on the structure, function, and upstream pathways of DRAK2 and discusses the potential and challenges associated with the clinical application of DRAK2-based small-molecule inhibitors, with the aim of advancing DRAK2 research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yong Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Ferjancic Z, Kukuruzar A, Bihelovic F. Total Synthesis of (+)‐Alstonlarsine A. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202210297. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.202210297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zorana Ferjancic
- University of Belgrade— Faculty of Chemistry Studentski trg 16, POB 51 11158 Belgrade 118 Serbia
| | - Andrej Kukuruzar
- University of Belgrade— Faculty of Chemistry Studentski trg 16, POB 51 11158 Belgrade 118 Serbia
| | - Filip Bihelovic
- University of Belgrade— Faculty of Chemistry Studentski trg 16, POB 51 11158 Belgrade 118 Serbia
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Ferjancic Z, Kukuruzar A, Bihelovic F. Total Synthesis of (+)‐Alstonlarsine A. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202210297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zorana Ferjancic
- Univerzitet u Beogradu Hemijski fakultet Faculty of Chemistry 11158 Belgrade SERBIA
| | - Andrej Kukuruzar
- Univerzitet u Beogradu Hemijski fakultet Faculty of Chemistry 11158 Belgrade SERBIA
| | - Filip Bihelovic
- University of Belgrade Faculty of Chemistry Studentski trg 12-16 11158 Belgrade SERBIA
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Chen HM, MacDonald JA. Death-associated protein kinases and intestinal epithelial homeostasis. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2022; 306:1062-1087. [PMID: 35735750 DOI: 10.1002/ar.25022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The family of death-associated protein kinases (DAPKs) and DAPK-related apoptosis-inducing protein kinases (DRAKs) act as molecular switches for a multitude of cellular processes, including apoptotic and autophagic cell death events. This review summarizes the mechanisms for kinase activity regulation and discusses recent molecular investigations of DAPK and DRAK family members in the intestinal epithelium. In general, recent literature convincingly supports the importance of this family of protein kinases in the homeostatic processes that govern the proper function of the intestinal epithelium. Each of the DAPK family of proteins possesses distinct biochemical properties, and we compare similarities in the information available as well as those cases where functional distinctions are apparent. As the prototypical member of the family, DAPK1 is noteworthy for its tumor suppressor function and association with colorectal cancer. In the intestinal epithelium, DAPK2 is associated with programmed cell death, potential tumor-suppressive functions, and a unique influence on granulocyte biology. The impact of the DRAKs in the epithelium is understudied, but recent studies support a role for DRAK1 in inflammation-mediated tumor growth and metastasis. A commentary is provided on the potential importance of DAPK3 in facilitating epithelial restitution and wound healing during the resolution of colitis. An update on efforts to develop selective pharmacologic effectors of individual DAPK members is also supplied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huey-Miin Chen
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Justin A MacDonald
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Hou X, Li JY, Zhao M, Dai C, Li Y, Liu Y. Synthesis, Characterization, and DRAK2 Inhibitory Activities of Hydroxyaurone Derivatives. HETEROCYCLES 2021. [DOI: 10.3987/com-21-14481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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Lieske J, Cerv M, Kreida S, Komadina D, Fischer J, Barthelmess M, Fischer P, Pakendorf T, Yefanov O, Mariani V, Seine T, Ross BH, Crosas E, Lorbeer O, Burkhardt A, Lane TJ, Guenther S, Bergtholdt J, Schoen S, Törnroth-Horsefield S, Chapman HN, Meents A. On-chip crystallization for serial crystallography experiments and on-chip ligand-binding studies. IUCRJ 2019; 6:714-728. [PMID: 31316815 PMCID: PMC6608620 DOI: 10.1107/s2052252519007395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Efficient and reliable sample delivery has remained one of the bottlenecks for serial crystallography experiments. Compared with other methods, fixed-target sample delivery offers the advantage of significantly reduced sample consumption and shorter data collection times owing to higher hit rates. Here, a new method of on-chip crystallization is reported which allows the efficient and reproducible growth of large numbers of protein crystals directly on micro-patterned silicon chips for in-situ serial crystallography experiments. Crystals are grown by sitting-drop vapor diffusion and previously established crystallization conditions can be directly applied. By reducing the number of crystal-handling steps, the method is particularly well suited for sensitive crystal systems. Excessive mother liquor can be efficiently removed from the crystals by blotting, and no sealing of the fixed-target sample holders is required to prevent the crystals from dehydrating. As a consequence, 'naked' crystals are obtained on the chip, resulting in very low background scattering levels and making the crystals highly accessible for external manipulation such as the application of ligand solutions. Serial diffraction experiments carried out at cryogenic temperatures at a synchrotron and at room temperature at an X-ray free-electron laser yielded high-quality X-ray structures of the human membrane protein aquaporin 2 and two new ligand-bound structures of thermolysin and the human kinase DRAK2. The results highlight the applicability of the method for future high-throughput on-chip screening of pharmaceutical compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Lieske
- Center for Free-Electron Laser Science, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Notkestrasse 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
- Photon Science, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Notkestrasse 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maximilian Cerv
- Photon Science, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Notkestrasse 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Kreida
- Center for Molecular Protein Science, Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Lund University, Kemicentrum, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | - Dana Komadina
- Center for Free-Electron Laser Science, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Notkestrasse 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Janine Fischer
- Photon Science, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Notkestrasse 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Miriam Barthelmess
- Center for Free-Electron Laser Science, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Notkestrasse 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Pontus Fischer
- Photon Science, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Notkestrasse 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tim Pakendorf
- Photon Science, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Notkestrasse 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Oleksandr Yefanov
- Center for Free-Electron Laser Science, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Notkestrasse 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Valerio Mariani
- Center for Free-Electron Laser Science, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Notkestrasse 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Seine
- Center for Free-Electron Laser Science, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Notkestrasse 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
- EMBL, Notkestrasse 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Breyan H. Ross
- Center for Free-Electron Laser Science, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Notkestrasse 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
- Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Eva Crosas
- Photon Science, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Notkestrasse 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Olga Lorbeer
- Photon Science, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Notkestrasse 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anja Burkhardt
- Photon Science, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Notkestrasse 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thomas J. Lane
- Bioscience Division and Linac Coherent Light Source, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
| | - Sebastian Guenther
- Photon Science, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Notkestrasse 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Julian Bergtholdt
- Center for Free-Electron Laser Science, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Notkestrasse 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Silvan Schoen
- Photon Science, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Notkestrasse 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Susanna Törnroth-Horsefield
- Center for Molecular Protein Science, Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Lund University, Kemicentrum, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | - Henry N. Chapman
- Center for Free-Electron Laser Science, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Notkestrasse 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Physics, University of Hamburg, Luruper Chaussee 149, 22761 Hamburg, Germany
- Centre for Ultrafast Imaging, University of Hamburg, Luruper Chaussee 149, 22761 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Alke Meents
- Center for Free-Electron Laser Science, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Notkestrasse 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
- Photon Science, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Notkestrasse 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
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9
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Farag AK, Roh EJ. Death-associated protein kinase (DAPK) family modulators: Current and future therapeutic outcomes. Med Res Rev 2018; 39:349-385. [DOI: 10.1002/med.21518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2018] [Revised: 05/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Karam Farag
- Chemical Kinomics Research Center; Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST); Seoul Republic of Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science &Technology, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) School; University of Science and Technology; Seoul Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Joo Roh
- Chemical Kinomics Research Center; Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST); Seoul Republic of Korea
- Division of Bio-Medical Science &Technology, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) School; University of Science and Technology; Seoul Republic of Korea
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10
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Lan Y, Han J, Wang Y, Wang J, Yang G, Li K, Song R, Zheng T, Liang Y, Pan S, Liu X, Zhu M, Liu Y, Meng F, Mohsin M, Cui Y, Zhang B, Subash S, Liu L. STK17B promotes carcinogenesis and metastasis via AKT/GSK-3β/Snail signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:236. [PMID: 29445189 PMCID: PMC5833726 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-0262-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Revised: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a lethal malignancy worldwide with frequent intrahepatic and distant metastasis. Elucidating the underlying molecular mechanism that modulates HCC progression is critical for exploring novel therapeutic strategies. Serine/Threonine Kinase 17B (STK17B) is upregulated in HCC tissues, but its role in HCC progression remains elusive. In the present studies, we reported that STK17B had a critical role in HCC progression. STK17B was significantly upregulated in HCC cell lines and specimens, and patients with ectopic STK17B expression characterized with poor clinicopathological features. In vitro and in vivo assay demonstrated that inhibition of STK17B markedly inhibits HCC tumorigenesis and metastasis, while STK17B overexpression promoted these processes. Furthermore, we found that STK17B promoted EMT process via activating AKT/GSK-3β/Snail signal pathway, and miR-455-3p was identified as the upstream regulator of STK17B. Combination of high level of STK17B and low level of miR-455-3p predicted poor prognosis with higher accuracy for HCC patients. In conclusion, our research demonstrated that STK17B promotes HCC progression, induces EMT process via activating AKT/GSK-3β/Snail signal and predicts poor prognosis in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaliang Lan
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Jihua Han
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Jiabei Wang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Guangchao Yang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Keyu Li
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Ruipeng Song
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Tongsen Zheng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yingjian Liang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Shangha Pan
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Xirui Liu
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Mingxi Zhu
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Yao Liu
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Fanzheng Meng
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Manzoor Mohsin
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Yifeng Cui
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Sharma Subash
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China
| | - Lianxin Liu
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China.
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Harris TL, McGargill MA. Drak2 Does Not Regulate TGF-β Signaling in T Cells. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0123650. [PMID: 25951457 PMCID: PMC4423867 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0123650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2014] [Accepted: 02/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Drak2 is a serine/threonine kinase expressed highest in T cells and B cells. Drak2-/- mice are resistant to autoimmunity in mouse models of type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis. Resistance to these diseases occurs, in part, because Drak2 is required for the survival of autoreactive T cells that induce disease. However, the molecular mechanisms by which Drak2 affects T cell survival and autoimmunity are not known. A recent report demonstrated that Drak2 negatively regulated transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling in tumor cell lines. Thus, increased TGF-β signaling in the absence of Drak2 may contribute to the resistance to autoimmunity in Drak2-/- mice. Therefore, we examined if Drak2 functioned as a negative regulator of TGF-β signaling in T cells, and whether the enhanced susceptibility to death of Drak2-/- T cells was due to augmented TGF-β signaling. Using several in vitro assays to test TGF-β signaling and T cell function, we found that activation of Smad2 and Smad3, which are downstream of the TGF-β receptor, was similar between wildtype and Drak2-/- T cells. Furthermore, TGF-β-mediated effects on naïve T cell proliferation, activated CD8+ T cell survival, and regulatory T cell induction was similar between wildtype and Drak2-/- T cells. Finally, the increased susceptibility to death in the absence of Drak2 was not due to enhanced TGF-β signaling. Together, these data suggest that Drak2 does not function as a negative regulator of TGF-β signaling in primary T cells stimulated in vitro. It is important to investigate and discern potential molecular mechanisms by which Drak2 functions in order to better understand the etiology of autoimmune diseases, as well as to validate the use of Drak2 as a target for therapeutic treatment of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarsha L. Harris
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
- Integrated Biomedical Sciences Program, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Maureen A. McGargill
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
- Integrated Biomedical Sciences Program, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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