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Siemund AL, Hanewald T, Kowarz E, Marschalek R. MLL-AF4 and a murinized pSer-variant thereof are turning on the nucleolar stress pathway. Cell Biosci 2022; 12:47. [PMID: 35468859 PMCID: PMC9036721 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-022-00781-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recent pathomolecular studies on the MLL-AF4 fusion protein revealed that the murinized version of MLL-AF4, the MLL-Af4 fusion protein, was able to induce leukemia when expressed in murine or human hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (Lin et al. in Cancer Cell 30:737–749, 2016). In parallel, a group from Japan demonstrated that the pSer domain of the AF4 protein, as well as the pSer domain of the MLL-AF4 fusion is able to bind the Pol I transcription factor complex SL1 (Okuda et al. in Nat Commun 6:8869, 2015). Here, we investigated the human MLL-AF4 and a pSer-murinized version thereof for their functional properties in mammalian cells. Gene expression profiling studies were complemented by intracellular localization studies and functional experiments concerning their biological activities in the nucleolus. Results Based on our results, we have to conclude that MLL-AF4 is predominantly localizing inside the nucleolus, thereby interfering with Pol I transcription and ribosome biogenesis. The murinized pSer-variant is localizing more to the nucleus, which may suggest a different biological behavior. Of note, AF4-MLL seems to cooperate at the molecular level with MLL-AF4 to steer target gene transcription, but not with the pSer-murinized version of it. Conclusion This study provides new insights and a molecular explanation for the described differences between hMLL-hAF4 (not leukemogenic) and hMLL-mAf4 (leukemogenic). While the human pSer domain is able to efficiently recruit the SL1 transcription factor complex, the murine counterpart seems to be not. This has several consequences for our understanding of t(4;11) leukemia which is the most frequent leukemia in infants, childhood and adults suffering from MLL-r acute leukemia. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13578-022-00781-y.
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Khan M, Siddiqi R, Naqvi K. An update on classification, genetics, and clinical approach to mixed phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL). Ann Hematol 2018; 97:945-953. [PMID: 29546454 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-018-3297-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Mixed phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL) is an uncommon diagnosis, representing only about 2-5% of acute leukemia cases. The blast cells of MPAL express multilineage immunophenotypic markers and may have a shared B/T/myeloid phenotype. Due to historical ambiguity in the diagnosis of MPAL, the genetics and clinical features of this disease remain poorly characterized. Based on the 2008 and 2016 World Health Organization classifications, myeloid lineage is best determined by presence of myeloperoxidase, while B and T lymphoid lineages are demonstrated by CD19 and cytoplasmic CD3 expression. MPAL typically carries a worse prognosis than either acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL). Given the rarity of MPAL, there is a lack of prospective trial data to guide therapy; treatment generally relies on ALL-like regimens followed by consolidation chemotherapy or hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). Here, we review the updated classification, biology, clinical features, and treatment approach to MPAL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maliha Khan
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Unit 402, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Rabbia Siddiqi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Kiran Naqvi
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Unit 402, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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Aktary Z, Alaee M, Pasdar M. Beyond cell-cell adhesion: Plakoglobin and the regulation of tumorigenesis and metastasis. Oncotarget 2018; 8:32270-32291. [PMID: 28416759 PMCID: PMC5458283 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Plakoglobin (also known as? -catenin) is a member of the Armadillo family of proteins and a paralog of β -catenin. Plakoglobin is a component of both the adherens junctions and desmosomes, and therefore plays a vital role in the regulation of cell-cell adhesion. Similar to β -catenin, plakoglobin is capable of participating in cell signaling in addition to its role in cell-cell adhesion. In this context, β -catenin has a well-documented oncogenic potential as a component of the Wnt signaling pathway. In contrast, while some studies have suggested a tumor promoting activity of plakoglobin in a cell/malignancy specific context, it generally acts as a tumor/metastasis suppressor. How plakoglobin acts as a growth/metastasis inhibitory protein has remained, until recently, unclear. Recent evidence suggests that plakoglobin may suppress tumorigenesis and metastasis by multiple mechanisms, including the suppression of oncogenic signaling, interactions with various proteins involved in tumorigenesis and metastasis, and the regulation of the expression of genes involved in these processes. This review is primarily focused on various mechanisms by which plakoglobin may inhibit tumorigenesis and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zackie Aktary
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Institut Curie, Orsay, France
| | - Mahsa Alaee
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Manijeh Pasdar
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Grey W, Ivey A, Milne TA, Haferlach T, Grimwade D, Uhlmann F, Voisset E, Yu V. The Cks1/Cks2 axis fine-tunes Mll1 expression and is crucial for MLL-rearranged leukaemia cell viability. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2018; 1865:105-116. [PMID: 28939057 PMCID: PMC5701546 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2017.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Revised: 09/09/2017] [Accepted: 09/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The Cdc28 protein kinase subunits, Cks1 and Cks2, play dual roles in Cdk-substrate specificity and Cdk-independent protein degradation, in concert with the E3 ubiquitin ligase complexes SCFSkp2 and APCCdc20. Notable targets controlled by Cks include p27 and Cyclin A. Here, we demonstrate that Cks1 and Cks2 proteins interact with both the MllN and MllC subunits of Mll1 (Mixed-lineage leukaemia 1), and together, the Cks proteins define Mll1 levels throughout the cell cycle. Overexpression of CKS1B and CKS2 is observed in multiple human cancers, including various MLL-rearranged (MLLr) AML subtypes. To explore the importance of MLL-Fusion Protein regulation by CKS1/2, we used small molecule inhibitors (MLN4924 and C1) to modulate their protein degradation functions. These inhibitors specifically reduced the proliferation of MLLr cell lines compared to primary controls. Altogether, this study uncovers a novel regulatory pathway for MLL1, which may open a new therapeutic approach to MLLr leukaemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Grey
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, King's College London, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, London, UK.
| | - Adam Ivey
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, King's College London, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, London, UK
| | - Thomas A Milne
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre Programme, University of Oxford, UK
| | | | - David Grimwade
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, King's College London, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, London, UK
| | - Frank Uhlmann
- Chromosome Segregation Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Edwige Voisset
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, King's College London, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, London, UK.
| | - Veronica Yu
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, King's College London, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, London, UK
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5
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW HOXA9 is a homeodomain transcription factor that plays an essential role in normal hematopoiesis and acute leukemia, in which its overexpression is strongly correlated with poor prognosis. The present review highlights recent advances in the understanding of genetic alterations leading to deregulation of HOXA9 and the downstream mechanisms of HOXA9-mediated transformation. RECENT FINDINGS A variety of genetic alterations including MLL translocations, NUP98-fusions, NPM1 mutations, CDX deregulation, and MOZ-fusions lead to high-level HOXA9 expression in acute leukemias. The mechanisms resulting in HOXA9 overexpression are beginning to be defined and represent attractive therapeutic targets. Small molecules targeting MLL-fusion protein complex members, such as DOT1L and menin, have shown promising results in animal models, and a DOT1L inhibitor is currently being tested in clinical trials. Essential HOXA9 cofactors and collaborators are also being identified, including transcription factors PU.1 and C/EBPα, which are required for HOXA9-driven leukemia. HOXA9 targets including IGF1, CDX4, INK4A/INK4B/ARF, mir-21, and mir-196b and many others provide another avenue for potential drug development. SUMMARY HOXA9 deregulation underlies a large subset of aggressive acute leukemias. Understanding the mechanisms regulating the expression and activity of HOXA9, along with its critical downstream targets, shows promise for the development of more selective and effective leukemia therapies.
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6
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Medunjanin S, Schleithoff L, Fiegehenn C, Weinert S, Zuschratter W, Braun-Dullaeus RC. GSK-3β controls NF-kappaB activity via IKKγ/NEMO. Sci Rep 2016; 6:38553. [PMID: 27929056 PMCID: PMC5144080 DOI: 10.1038/srep38553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 11/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The NF-κB signaling pathway is central for the innate immune response and its deregulation is found in multiple disorders such as autoimmune, chronic inflammatory and metabolic diseases. IKKγ/NEMO is essential for NF-κB activation and NEMO dysfunction in humans has been linked to so-called progeria syndromes, which are characterized by advanced ageing due to age-dependent inflammatory diseases. It has been suggested that glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) participates in NF-κB regulation but the exact mechanism remained incompletely understood. In this study, we identified NEMO as a GSK-3β substrate that is phosphorylated at serine 8, 17, 31 and 43 located within its N-terminal domain. The kinase forms a complex with wild-type NEMO while point mutations of NEMO at the specific serines abrogated GSK-3β binding and subsequent phosphorylation of NEMO resulting in its destabilization. However, K63-linked polyubiquitination was augmented in mutated NEMO explaining an increased binding to IKKα and IKKβ. Even IκBα was found degraded. Still, TNFα-stimulated NF-κB activation was impaired pointing towards an un-controlled signalling process. Our data suggest that GSK-3β is critically important for ordered NF-κB signalling through modulation of NEMO phosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Senad Medunjanin
- Internal Medicine/Cardiology and Angiology, Magdeburg University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Lisa Schleithoff
- Internal Medicine/Cardiology and Angiology, Magdeburg University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Christian Fiegehenn
- Internal Medicine/Cardiology and Angiology, Magdeburg University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Soenke Weinert
- Internal Medicine/Cardiology and Angiology, Magdeburg University, Magdeburg, Germany
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7
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McCubrey JA, Rakus D, Gizak A, Steelman LS, Abrams SL, Lertpiriyapong K, Fitzgerald TL, Yang LV, Montalto G, Cervello M, Libra M, Nicoletti F, Scalisi A, Torino F, Fenga C, Neri LM, Marmiroli S, Cocco L, Martelli AM. Effects of mutations in Wnt/β-catenin, hedgehog, Notch and PI3K pathways on GSK-3 activity-Diverse effects on cell growth, metabolism and cancer. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2016; 1863:2942-2976. [PMID: 27612668 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2016.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2016] [Revised: 08/14/2016] [Accepted: 09/02/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) is a serine/threonine kinase that participates in an array of critical cellular processes. GSK-3 was first characterized as an enzyme that phosphorylated and inactivated glycogen synthase. However, subsequent studies have revealed that this moon-lighting protein is involved in numerous signaling pathways that regulate not only metabolism but also have roles in: apoptosis, cell cycle progression, cell renewal, differentiation, embryogenesis, migration, regulation of gene transcription, stem cell biology and survival. In this review, we will discuss the roles that GSK-3 plays in various diseases as well as how this pivotal kinase interacts with multiple signaling pathways such as: PI3K/PTEN/Akt/mTOR, Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK, Wnt/beta-catenin, hedgehog, Notch and TP53. Mutations that occur in these and other pathways can alter the effects that natural GSK-3 activity has on regulating these signaling circuits that can lead to cancer as well as other diseases. The novel roles that microRNAs play in regulation of the effects of GSK-3 will also be evaluated. Targeting GSK-3 and these other pathways may improve therapy and overcome therapeutic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University Greenville, NC 27858, USA.
| | - Dariusz Rakus
- Department of Animal Molecular Physiology, Institute of Experimental Biology, Wroclaw University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Gizak
- Department of Animal Molecular Physiology, Institute of Experimental Biology, Wroclaw University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Linda S Steelman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Steve L Abrams
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Kvin Lertpiriyapong
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, USA
| | - Timothy L Fitzgerald
- Department of Surgery, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, USA
| | - Li V Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology/Oncology Section, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, USA
| | - Giuseppe Montalto
- Biomedical Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy; Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biomedicina e Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy", Palermo, Italy
| | - Melchiorre Cervello
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biomedicina e Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy", Palermo, Italy
| | - Massimo Libra
- Department of Bio-medical Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Aurora Scalisi
- Unit of Oncologic Diseases, ASP-Catania, Catania 95100, Italy
| | - Francesco Torino
- Department of Systems Medicine, Chair of Medical Oncology, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Concettina Fenga
- Department of Biomedical, Odontoiatric, Morphological and Functional Images, Occupational Medicine Section - Policlinico "G. Martino" - University of Messina, Messina 98125, Italy
| | - Luca M Neri
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sandra Marmiroli
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Lucio Cocco
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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8
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Luo K, Gu X, Liu J, Zeng G, Peng L, Huang H, Jiang M, Yang P, Li M, Yang Y, Wang Y, Peng Q, Zhu L, Zhang K. Inhibition of disheveled-2 resensitizes cisplatin-resistant lung cancer cells through down-regulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Exp Cell Res 2016; 347:105-113. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2016.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2016] [Revised: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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9
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Pandey MK, DeGrado TR. Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 (GSK-3)-Targeted Therapy and Imaging. Am J Cancer Res 2016; 6:571-93. [PMID: 26941849 PMCID: PMC4775866 DOI: 10.7150/thno.14334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2015] [Accepted: 01/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) is associated with various key biological processes, including glucose regulation, apoptosis, protein synthesis, cell signaling, cellular transport, gene transcription, proliferation, and intracellular communication. Accordingly, GSK-3 has been implicated in a wide variety of diseases and specifically targeted for both therapeutic and imaging applications by a large number of academic laboratories and pharmaceutical companies. Here, we review the structure, function, expression levels, and ligand-binding properties of GSK-3 and its connection to various diseases. A selected list of highly potent GSK-3 inhibitors, with IC50 <20 nM for adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-competitive inhibitors and IC50 <5 μM for non-ATP-competitive inhibitors, were analyzed for structure activity relationships. Furthermore, ubiquitous expression of GSK-3 and its possible impact on therapy and imaging are also highlighted. Finally, a rational perspective and possible route to selective and effective GSK-3 inhibitors is discussed.
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10
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Kandimalla R, Reddy PH. Multiple faces of dynamin-related protein 1 and its role in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2015; 1862:814-828. [PMID: 26708942 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2015.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2015] [Revised: 12/08/2015] [Accepted: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondria play a large role in neuronal function by constantly providing energy, particularly at synapses. Recent studies suggest that amyloid beta (Aβ) and phosphorylated tau interact with the mitochondrial fission protein, dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), causing excessive fragmentation of mitochondria and leading to abnormal mitochondrial dynamics and synaptic degeneration in Alzheimer's disease (AD) neurons. Recent research also revealed Aβ-induced and phosphorylated tau-induced changes in mitochondria, particularly affecting mitochondrial shape, size, distribution and axonal transport in AD neurons. These changes affect mitochondrial health and, in turn, could affect synaptic function and neuronal damage and ultimately leading to memory loss and cognitive impairment in patients with AD. This article highlights recent findings in the role of Drp1 in AD pathogenesis. This article also highlights Drp1 and its relationships to glycogen synthase kinase 3, cyclin-dependent kinase 5, p53, and microRNAs in AD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh Kandimalla
- Garrison Institute on Aging, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4(th) Street, MS 9424, Lubbock, TX 79430, United States
| | - P Hemachandra Reddy
- Garrison Institute on Aging, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4(th) Street, MS 9424, Lubbock, TX 79430, United States; Cell Biology & Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4(th) Street, MS 9424, Lubbock, TX 79430, United States; Department of Neuroscience & Pharmacology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4(th) Street, MS 9424, Lubbock, TX 79430, United States; Department of Neurology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4(th) Street, MS 9424, Lubbock, TX 79430, United States; Garrison Institute on Aging, South West Campus, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 6630 S. Quaker Ste. E, MS 7495, Lubbock, TX 79413, United States.
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11
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Persano L, Zagoura D, Louisse J, Pistollato F. Role of Environmental Chemicals, Processed Food Derivatives, and Nutrients in the Induction of Carcinogenesis. Stem Cells Dev 2015; 24:2337-52. [DOI: 10.1089/scd.2015.0081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Persano
- Istituto di Riceca Pediatrica Città della Speranza—IRP, Padova, Italy
- Department of Woman and Child Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Dimitra Zagoura
- Laboratory of Biology, University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Jochem Louisse
- Division of Toxicology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Francesca Pistollato
- Center for Nutrition & Health, Universidad Europea del Atlantico (UEA), Santander, Spain
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12
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Kroon J, in 't Veld LS, Buijs JT, Cheung H, van der Horst G, van der Pluijm G. Glycogen synthase kinase-3β inhibition depletes the population of prostate cancer stem/progenitor-like cells and attenuates metastatic growth. Oncotarget 2015; 5:8986-94. [PMID: 25344861 PMCID: PMC4253412 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.1510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells with stem or progenitor properties play a pivotal role in the initiation, recurrence and metastatic potential of solid tumors, including those of the human prostate. Cancer stem cells are generally more resistant to conventional therapies thus requiring the characterization of key pathways involved in the formation and/or maintenance of this malignant cellular subpopulation. To this end, we identified Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3β (GSK-3β) as a crucial kinase for the maintenance of prostate cancer stem/progenitor-like cells and pharmacologic inhibition of GSK-3β dramatically decreased the size of this cellular subpopulation. This was paralleled by impaired clonogenicity, decreased migratory potential and dramatic morphological changes. In line with our in vitro observations, treatment with a GSK-3β inhibitor leads to a complete loss of tumorigenicity and a decrease in metastatic potential in preclinical in vivo models. These observed anti-tumor effects appear to be largely Wnt-independent as simultaneous Wnt inhibition does not reverse the observed antitumor effects of GSK-3β blockage. We found that GSK-3β activity is linked to cytoskeletal protein F-actin and inhibition of GSK-3β leads to disturbance of F-actin polymerization. This may underlie the dramatic effects of GSK-3β inhibition on prostate cancer migration. Furthermore, GSK-3β inhibition led to strongly decreased expression of several integrin types including the cancer stem cell-associated α2β1 integrin. Taken together, our mechanistic observations highlight the importance of GSK-3β activity in prostate cancer stemness and may facilitate the development of novel therapy for advanced prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Kroon
- Department of Urology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Lars S in 't Veld
- Department of Urology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Jeroen T Buijs
- Department of Urology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Henry Cheung
- Department of Urology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Gabri van der Pluijm
- Department of Urology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
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13
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Role of HOXA9 in leukemia: dysregulation, cofactors and essential targets. Oncogene 2015; 35:1090-8. [PMID: 26028034 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2015.174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Revised: 03/24/2015] [Accepted: 04/14/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
HOXA9 is a homeodomain-containing transcription factor that has an important role in hematopoietic stem cell expansion and is commonly deregulated in acute leukemias. A variety of upstream genetic alterations in acute myeloid leukemia lead to overexpression of HOXA9, which is a strong predictor of poor prognosis. In many cases, HOXA9 has been shown to be necessary for maintaining leukemic transformation; however, the molecular mechanisms through which it promotes leukemogenesis remain elusive. Recent work has established that HOXA9 regulates downstream gene expression through binding at promoter distal enhancers along with a subset of cell-specific cofactor and collaborator proteins. Increasing efforts are being made to identify both the critical cofactors and target genes required for maintaining transformation in HOXA9-overexpressing leukemias. With continued advances in understanding HOXA9-mediated transformation, there is a wealth of opportunity for developing novel therapeutics that would be applicable for greater than 50% of AML with overexpression of HOXA9.
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14
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Noble M, Mayer-Pröschel M, Li Z, Dong T, Cui W, Pröschel C, Ambeskovic I, Dietrich J, Han R, Yang YM, Folts C, Stripay J, Chen HY, Stevens BM. Redox biology in normal cells and cancer: restoring function of the redox/Fyn/c-Cbl pathway in cancer cells offers new approaches to cancer treatment. Free Radic Biol Med 2015; 79:300-23. [PMID: 25481740 PMCID: PMC10173888 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2014.10.860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2014] [Revised: 10/29/2014] [Accepted: 10/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
This review discusses a unique discovery path starting with novel findings on redox regulation of precursor cell and signaling pathway function and identification of a new mechanism by which relatively small changes in redox status can control entire signaling networks that regulate self-renewal, differentiation, and survival. The pathway central to this work, the redox/Fyn/c-Cbl (RFC) pathway, converts small increases in oxidative status to pan-activation of the c-Cbl ubiquitin ligase, which controls multiple receptors and other proteins of central importance in precursor cell and cancer cell function. Integration of work on the RFC pathway with attempts to understand how treatment with systemic chemotherapy causes neurological problems led to the discovery that glioblastomas (GBMs) and basal-like breast cancers (BLBCs) inhibit c-Cbl function through altered utilization of the cytoskeletal regulators Cool-1/βpix and Cdc42, respectively. Inhibition of these proteins to restore normal c-Cbl function suppresses cancer cell division, increases sensitivity to chemotherapy, disrupts tumor-initiating cell (TIC) activity in GBMs and BLBCs, controls multiple critical TIC regulators, and also allows targeting of non-TICs. Moreover, these manipulations do not increase chemosensitivity or suppress division of nontransformed cells. Restoration of normal c-Cbl function also allows more effective harnessing of estrogen receptor-α (ERα)-independent activities of tamoxifen to activate the RFC pathway and target ERα-negative cancer cells. Our work thus provides a discovery strategy that reveals mechanisms and therapeutic targets that cannot be deduced by standard genetics analyses, which fail to reveal the metabolic information, isoform shifts, protein activation, protein complexes, and protein degradation critical to our discoveries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Noble
- Department of Biomedical Genetics and University of Rochester Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA.
| | - Margot Mayer-Pröschel
- Department of Biomedical Genetics and University of Rochester Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA.
| | - Zaibo Li
- Department of Pathology, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 410W 10th Avenue, E403 Doan Hall, Columbus, OH 43210-1240, USA.
| | - Tiefei Dong
- University of Michigan Tech Transfer, 1600 Huron Pkwy, 2nd Floor, Building 520, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2590, USA.
| | - Wanchang Cui
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine,10 South Pine Street, MSTF Room 600, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
| | - Christoph Pröschel
- Department of Biomedical Genetics and University of Rochester Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA.
| | - Ibro Ambeskovic
- Department of Biomedical Genetics and University of Rochester Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA.
| | - Joerg Dietrich
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit Street, Yawkey 9E, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - Ruolan Han
- Department of Biomedical Genetics and University of Rochester Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA.
| | - Yin Miranda Yang
- Department of Biomedical Genetics and University of Rochester Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA.
| | - Christopher Folts
- Department of Biomedical Genetics and University of Rochester Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA.
| | - Jennifer Stripay
- Department of Biomedical Genetics and University of Rochester Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA.
| | - Hsing-Yu Chen
- Harvard Medical School, Department of Cell Biology 240 Longwood Avenue Building C1, Room 513B Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Brett M Stevens
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Division of Hematology, 12700 E. 19th Avenue, Campus Box F754-AMCA, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
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15
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McCubrey JA, Steelman LS, Bertrand FE, Davis NM, Sokolosky M, Abrams SL, Montalto G, D'Assoro AB, Libra M, Nicoletti F, Maestro R, Basecke J, Rakus D, Gizak A, Demidenko ZN, Cocco L, Martelli AM, Cervello M. GSK-3 as potential target for therapeutic intervention in cancer. Oncotarget 2015; 5:2881-911. [PMID: 24931005 PMCID: PMC4102778 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.2037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 376] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The serine/threonine kinase glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) was initially identified and studied in the regulation of glycogen synthesis. GSK-3 functions in a wide range of cellular processes. Aberrant activity of GSK-3 has been implicated in many human pathologies including: bipolar depression, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, cancer, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and others. In some cases, suppression of GSK-3 activity by phosphorylation by Akt and other kinases has been associated with cancer progression. In these cases, GSK-3 has tumor suppressor functions. In other cases, GSK-3 has been associated with tumor progression by stabilizing components of the beta-catenin complex. In these situations, GSK-3 has oncogenic properties. While many inhibitors to GSK-3 have been developed, their use remains controversial because of the ambiguous role of GSK-3 in cancer development. In this review, we will focus on the diverse roles that GSK-3 plays in various human cancers, in particular in solid tumors. Recently, GSK-3 has also been implicated in the generation of cancer stem cells in various cell types. We will also discuss how this pivotal kinase interacts with multiple signaling pathways such as: PI3K/PTEN/Akt/mTORC1, Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK, Wnt/beta-catenin, Hedgehog, Notch and others.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology,Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University Greenville, NC 27858 USA
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16
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Abstract
Mixed-phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL) encompasses a heterogeneous group of rare leukemias in which assigning a single lineage of origin is not possible. A variety of different terms and classification systems have been used historically to describe this entity. MPAL is currently defined by a limited set of lineage-specific markers proposed in the 2008 World Health Organization monograph on classification of tumors of hematopoietic and lymphoid tissues. In adult patients, MPAL is characterized by relative therapeutic resistance that may be attributed in part to the high proportion of patients with adverse cytogenetic abnormalities. No prospective, controlled trials exist to guide therapy. The limited available data suggest that an "acute lymphoblastic leukemia-like" regimen followed by allogeneic stem-cell transplant may be advisable; addition of a tyrosine kinase inhibitor in patients with t(9;22) translocation is recommended. The role of immunophenotypic and genetic markers in guiding chemotherapy choice and postremission strategy, as well as the utility of targeted therapies in non-Ph-positive MPALs is unknown.
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17
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NRASG12V oncogene facilitates self-renewal in a murine model of acute myelogenous leukemia. Blood 2014; 124:3274-83. [PMID: 25316678 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2013-08-521708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutant RAS oncoproteins activate signaling molecules that drive oncogenesis in multiple human tumors including acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). However, the specific functions of these pathways in AML are unclear, thwarting the rational application of targeted therapeutics. To elucidate the downstream functions of activated NRAS in AML, we used a murine model that harbors Mll-AF9 and a tetracycline-repressible, activated NRAS (NRAS(G12V)). Using computational approaches to explore our gene-expression data sets, we found that NRAS(G12V) enforced the leukemia self-renewal gene-expression signature and was required to maintain an MLL-AF9- and Myb-dependent leukemia self-renewal gene-expression program. NRAS(G12V) was required for leukemia self-renewal independent of its effects on growth and survival. Analysis of the gene-expression patterns of leukemic subpopulations revealed that the NRAS(G12V)-mediated leukemia self-renewal signature is preferentially expressed in the leukemia stem cell-enriched subpopulation. In a multiplexed analysis of RAS-dependent signaling, Mac-1(Low) cells, which harbor leukemia stem cells, were preferentially sensitive to NRAS(G12V) withdrawal. NRAS(G12V) maintained leukemia self-renewal through mTOR and MEK pathway activation, implicating these pathways as potential targets for cancer stem cell-specific therapies. Together, these experimental results define a RAS oncogene-driven function that is critical for leukemia maintenance and represents a novel mechanism of oncogene addiction.
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18
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Ismail F, Winkler DA. Getting to the Source: Selective Drug Targeting of Cancer Stem Cells. ChemMedChem 2014; 9:885-98. [DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201400068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2014] [Revised: 04/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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19
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Ma JJ, Monsivais D, Dyson MT, Coon JS, Malpani S, Ono M, Zhao H, Xin H, Pavone ME, Kim JJ, Chakravarti D, Bulun SE. Ligand-activated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor β/δ modulates human endometrial cancer cell survival. Discov Oncol 2013; 4:358-70. [PMID: 23943160 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-013-0157-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2013] [Accepted: 07/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrial cancer is the fourth most common malignancy among women and is a major cause of morbidity contributing to approximately 8,200 annual deaths in the USA. Despite advances to the understanding of endometrial cancer, novel interventions for the disease are necessary given that many tumors become refractory to therapy. As a strategy to identify novel therapies for endometrial carcinoma, in this study, we examined the contribution of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor β/δ (PPARβ/δ) to endometrial cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis. We found that when activated with the highly selective PPARβ/δ agonists, GW0742 and GW501516, PPARβ/δ inhibited the proliferation and markedly induced the apoptosis of three endometrial cancer cell lines. The specificity of the PPARβ/δ-induced effects on cell proliferation and apoptosis was demonstrated using PPARβ/δ-selective antagonists and PPARβ/δ small interfering RNA in combination with PPARβ/δ-selective agonists. Furthermore, we showed that PPARβ/δ activation increased phosphatase and tensin homolog expression, which led to protein kinase B (AKT) and glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β) dephosphorylation, and increased β-catenin phosphorylation associated with its degradation. Overall, our data suggest that the antitumorigenic effect of PPARβ/δ activation in endometrial cancer is mediated through the negative regulation of the AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin pathway. These findings warrant further investigation of PPARβ/δ as a therapeutic target in endometrial cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J Ma
- Division of Reproductive Biology Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 250 E. Superior Street, Suite 3-2306, Chicago, IL, 60611-02914, USA
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20
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Reddy PH. Amyloid beta-induced glycogen synthase kinase 3β phosphorylated VDAC1 in Alzheimer's disease: implications for synaptic dysfunction and neuronal damage. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2013; 1832:1913-21. [PMID: 23816568 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2013.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2013] [Revised: 06/17/2013] [Accepted: 06/21/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) is a serine/threonine protein kinase that is involved in the multiple signaling processes of a cell. Increasing evidence suggests that GSK3β plays a key role in multiple cellular processes in the progression of diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), inflammatory diseases, schizophrenia, bipolar and several mood disorders, and mitochondrial diseases. Recent research has found that increased GSK3β activity is linked to the pathogenesis of AD through amyloid beta (Aβ), phosphorylated tau and mitochondrial dysfunction. Recent research has also revealed that GSK3β is elevated in AD-affected tissues and is critically involved in dissociating the voltage-dependent anion channel 1 (VDAC1) protein from hexokinases, and causing disrupted glucose metabolism, mitochondrial dysfunction and activating apoptotic cell death. The purpose of this article is to review recent research that is elucidating the role of GSK3β in AD pathogenesis. We discuss the involvement of GSK3β in the phosphorylation of VDAC1 and dissociation of VADC1 with hexokinases in AD neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Hemachandra Reddy
- Neurogenetics Laboratory, Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, 505 NW 185th Avenue, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
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21
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Morgan RG, Liddiard K, Pearn L, Pumford SL, Burnett AK, Darley RL, Tonks A. γ-Catenin is expressed throughout normal human hematopoietic development and is required for normal PU.1-dependent monocyte differentiation. Leukemia 2013; 27:2096-100. [PMID: 23545990 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2013.96] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R G Morgan
- Department of Hematology, Institute of Cancer & Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Wales, UK
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22
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Normal hematopoiesis and hematologic malignancies: role of canonical Wnt signaling pathway and stromal microenvironment. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2012; 1835:1-10. [PMID: 22982245 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2012.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2012] [Revised: 08/22/2012] [Accepted: 08/28/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Wnts are a family of evolutionary-conserved secreted signaling molecules critically involved in a variety of developmental processes and in cell fate determination. A growing body of evidence suggests that Wnt signaling plays a crucial role in the influence of bone marrow stromal microenvironment on the balance between hematopoietic stem cell self-renewal and differentiation. Emerging clinical and experimental evidence also indicates Wnt signaling involvement in the disruption of the latter balance in hematologic malignancies, where the stromal microenvironment favors the homing of cancer cells to the bone marrow, as well as leukemia stem cell development and chemoresistance. In the present review, we summarize and discuss the role of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway in normal hematopoiesis and hematologic malignancies, with regard to recent findings on the stromal microenvironment involvement in these process and diseases.
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