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Kimura E, Mongan M, Xiao B, Christianto A, Wang J, Carreira VS, Bolon B, Zhang X, Burns KA, Biesiada J, Medvedovic M, Puga A, Xia Y. MAP3K1 regulates female reproductive tract development. Dis Model Mech 2024; 17:dmm050669. [PMID: 38501211 PMCID: PMC10985838 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein 3 kinase 1 (MAP3K1) has a plethora of cell type-specific functions not yet fully understood. Herein, we describe a role for MAP3K1 in female reproductive tract (FRT) development. MAP3K1 kinase domain-deficient female mice exhibited an imperforate vagina, labor failure and infertility. These defects corresponded with shunted Müllerian ducts (MDs), the embryonic precursors of FRT, that manifested as a contorted caudal vagina and abrogated vaginal-urogenital sinus fusion in neonates. The MAP3K1 kinase domain is required for optimal activation of the Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) and cell polarity in the MD epithelium, and for upregulation of WNT signaling in the mesenchyme surrounding the caudal MD. The MAP3K1-deficient epithelial cells and MD epithelium had reduced expression of WNT7B ligands. Correspondingly, conditioned media derived from MAP3K1-competent, but not -deficient, epithelial cells activated a TCF/Lef-luciferase reporter in fibroblasts. These observations indicate that MAP3K1 regulates MD caudal elongation and FRT development, in part through the induction of paracrine factors in the epithelium that trans-activate WNT signaling in the mesenchyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eiki Kimura
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0056, USA
| | - Maureen Mongan
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0056, USA
| | - Bo Xiao
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0056, USA
| | - Antonius Christianto
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0056, USA
| | - Jingjing Wang
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0056, USA
| | - Vinicius S. Carreira
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0056, USA
| | - Brad Bolon
- GEMpath Inc., Longmont, CO 80501-1846, USA
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0056, USA
| | - Katherine A. Burns
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0056, USA
| | - Jacek Biesiada
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0056, USA
| | - Mario Medvedovic
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0056, USA
| | - Alvaro Puga
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0056, USA
| | - Ying Xia
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0056, USA
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Wilcox N, Dumont M, González-Neira A, Carvalho S, Joly Beauparlant C, Crotti M, Luccarini C, Soucy P, Dubois S, Nuñez-Torres R, Pita G, Gardner EJ, Dennis J, Alonso MR, Álvarez N, Baynes C, Collin-Deschesnes AC, Desjardins S, Becher H, Behrens S, Bolla MK, Castelao JE, Chang-Claude J, Cornelissen S, Dörk T, Engel C, Gago-Dominguez M, Guénel P, Hadjisavvas A, Hahnen E, Hartman M, Herráez B, Jung A, Keeman R, Kiechle M, Li J, Loizidou MA, Lush M, Michailidou K, Panayiotidis MI, Sim X, Teo SH, Tyrer JP, van der Kolk LE, Wahlström C, Wang Q, Perry JRB, Benitez J, Schmidt MK, Schmutzler RK, Pharoah PDP, Droit A, Dunning AM, Kvist A, Devilee P, Easton DF, Simard J. Exome sequencing identifies breast cancer susceptibility genes and defines the contribution of coding variants to breast cancer risk. Nat Genet 2023; 55:1435-1439. [PMID: 37592023 PMCID: PMC10484782 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-023-01466-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Linkage and candidate gene studies have identified several breast cancer susceptibility genes, but the overall contribution of coding variation to breast cancer is unclear. To evaluate the role of rare coding variants more comprehensively, we performed a meta-analysis across three large whole-exome sequencing datasets, containing 26,368 female cases and 217,673 female controls. Burden tests were performed for protein-truncating and rare missense variants in 15,616 and 18,601 genes, respectively. Associations between protein-truncating variants and breast cancer were identified for the following six genes at exome-wide significance (P < 2.5 × 10-6): the five known susceptibility genes ATM, BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2 and PALB2, together with MAP3K1. Associations were also observed for LZTR1, ATR and BARD1 with P < 1 × 10-4. Associations between predicted deleterious rare missense or protein-truncating variants and breast cancer were additionally identified for CDKN2A at exome-wide significance. The overall contribution of coding variants in genes beyond the previously known genes is estimated to be small.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Wilcox
- Centre for Cancer Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Martine Dumont
- Genomics Center, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Québec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Anna González-Neira
- Human Genotyping Unit-CeGen, Human Cancer Genetics Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara Carvalho
- Centre for Cancer Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Charles Joly Beauparlant
- Genomics Center, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Québec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marco Crotti
- Centre for Cancer Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Craig Luccarini
- Centre for Cancer Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Penny Soucy
- Genomics Center, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Québec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Stéphane Dubois
- Genomics Center, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Québec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Rocio Nuñez-Torres
- Human Genotyping Unit-CeGen, Human Cancer Genetics Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Guillermo Pita
- Human Genotyping Unit-CeGen, Human Cancer Genetics Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Eugene J Gardner
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Joe Dennis
- Centre for Cancer Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - M Rosario Alonso
- Human Genotyping Unit-CeGen, Human Cancer Genetics Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Nuria Álvarez
- Human Genotyping Unit-CeGen, Human Cancer Genetics Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Caroline Baynes
- Centre for Cancer Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Annie Claude Collin-Deschesnes
- Genomics Center, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Québec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sylvie Desjardins
- Genomics Center, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Québec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Heiko Becher
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sabine Behrens
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Manjeet K Bolla
- Centre for Cancer Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jose E Castelao
- Oncology and Genetics Unit, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Galicia Sur (IISGS), Xerencia de Xestion Integrada de Vigo-SERGAS, Vigo, Spain
| | - Jenny Chang-Claude
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Cancer Epidemiology Group, University Cancer Center Hamburg (UCCH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sten Cornelissen
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Thilo Dörk
- Gynaecology Research Unit, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Christoph Engel
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Statistics and Epidemiology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- LIFE-Leipzig Research Centre for Civilization Diseases, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Manuela Gago-Dominguez
- Cancer Genetics and Epidemiology Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela (IDIS) Foundation, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago, SERGAS, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Pascal Guénel
- Team 'Exposome and Heredity,' CESP, Gustave Roussy, INSERM, University Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Villejuif, France
| | - Andreas Hadjisavvas
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Therapeutics and Ultrastructural Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Eric Hahnen
- Center for Familial Breast and Ovarian Cancer, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Integrated Oncology (CIO), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Mikael Hartman
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore City, Singapore
- Department of Surgery, National University Health System, Singapore City, Singapore
- Department of Pathology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore City, Singapore
| | - Belén Herráez
- Human Genotyping Unit-CeGen, Human Cancer Genetics Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Audrey Jung
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Renske Keeman
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marion Kiechle
- Division of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Jingmei Li
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore City, Singapore.
| | - Maria A Loizidou
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Therapeutics and Ultrastructural Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Michael Lush
- Centre for Cancer Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Kyriaki Michailidou
- Centre for Cancer Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Biostatistics Unit, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Mihalis I Panayiotidis
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Therapeutics and Ultrastructural Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Xueling Sim
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore City, Singapore
| | - Soo Hwang Teo
- Breast Cancer Research Programme, Cancer Research Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, UM Cancer Research Institute, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Jonathan P Tyrer
- Centre for Cancer Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Lizet E van der Kolk
- Family Cancer Clinic, The Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek hospital, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Cecilia Wahlström
- Division of Oncology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Qin Wang
- Centre for Cancer Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - John R B Perry
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Metabolic Research Laboratory, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Javier Benitez
- Human Genetics Group, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
- Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marjanka K Schmidt
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Division of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek hospital, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Rita K Schmutzler
- Center for Familial Breast and Ovarian Cancer, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Integrated Oncology (CIO), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Paul D P Pharoah
- Centre for Cancer Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Centre for Cancer Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Arnaud Droit
- Genomics Center, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Québec City, Quebec, Canada
- Département de Médecine Moléculaire, Faculté de Médecine, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec Research Center, Laval University, Québec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Alison M Dunning
- Centre for Cancer Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Anders Kvist
- Division of Oncology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Peter Devilee
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Douglas F Easton
- Centre for Cancer Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Centre for Cancer Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Jacques Simard
- Genomics Center, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Québec City, Quebec, Canada
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3
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Kimura E, Mongan M, Xiao B, Wang J, Carreira VS, Bolon B, Zhang X, Burns KA, Biesiada J, Medvedovic M, Puga A, Xia Y. The Role of MAP3K1 in the Development of the Female Reproductive Tract. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023. [PMID: 37131749 PMCID: PMC10153227 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.20.537715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Mitogen-Activated Protein 3 Kinase 1 (MAP3K1) is a dynamic signaling molecule with a plethora of cell-type specific functions, most of which are yet to be understood. Here we describe a role for MAP3K1 in the development of female reproductive tract (FRT). MAP3K1 kinase domain-deficient ( Map3k1 ΔKD ) females exhibit imperforate vagina, labor failure, and infertility. These defects correspond to a shunted Müllerian duct (MD), the principle precursor of the FRT, in embryos, while they manifest as a contorted caudal vagina with abrogated vaginal-urogenital sinus fusion in neonates. In epithelial cells, MAP3K1 acts through JNK and ERK to activate WNT, yet in vivo MAP3K1 is crucial for WNT activity in mesenchyme associated with the caudal MD. Expression of Wnt7b is high in wild type, but low in Map3k1 knockout MD epithelium and MAP3K1-deficient keratinocytes. Correspondingly, conditioned media derived from MAP3K1-competent epithelial cells activate TCF/Lef-luciferase reporter in fibroblasts, suggesting that MAP3K1-induced factors released from epithelial cells trans-activate WNT signaling in fibroblasts. Our results reveal a temporal-spatial and paracrine MAP3K1-WNT crosstalk contributing to MD caudal elongation and FRT development. Highlights MAP3K1 deficient female mice exhibit imperforate vagina and infertilityLoss of MAP3K1 kinase activity impedes Müllerian duct (MD) caudal elongation and fusion with urogenital sinus (UGS) in embryogenesisThe MAP3K1-MAPK pathway up-regulates WNT signaling in epithelial cellsMAP3K1 deficiency down-regulates Wnt7b expression in the MD epithelium and prevents WNT activity in mesenchyme of the caudal MD.
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Katzengruber L, Sander P, Laufer S. MKK4 Inhibitors-Recent Development Status and Therapeutic Potential. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087495. [PMID: 37108658 PMCID: PMC10144091 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
MKK4 (mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 4; also referred to as MEK4) is a dual-specificity protein kinase that phosphorylates and regulates both JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase) and p38 MAPK (p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase) signaling pathways and therefore has a great impact on cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Overexpression of MKK4 has been associated with aggressive cancer types, including metastatic prostate and ovarian cancer and triple-negative breast cancer. In addition, MKK4 has been identified as a key regulator in liver regeneration. Therefore, MKK4 is a promising target both for cancer therapeutics and for the treatment of liver-associated diseases, offering an alternative to liver transplantation. The recent reports on new inhibitors, as well as the formation of a startup company investigating an inhibitor in clinical trials, show the importance and interest of MKK4 in drug discovery. In this review, we highlight the significance of MKK4 in cancer development and other diseases, as well as its unique role in liver regeneration. Furthermore, we present the most recent progress in MKK4 drug discovery and future challenges in the development of MKK4-targeting drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leon Katzengruber
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Pascal Sander
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Laufer
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) 'Image-Guided & Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies', Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Tübingen Center for Academic Drug Discovery, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
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Proteomic Analysis of Decellularized Extracellular Matrix: Achieving a Competent Biomaterial for Osteogenesis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:6884370. [PMID: 36267842 PMCID: PMC9578822 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6884370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Decellularized ECMs have been used as biological scaffolds for tissue repair due to their tissue-specific biochemical and mechanical composition, poorly simulated by other materials. It is used as patches and powders, and it could be further processed via enzymatic digestion under acidic conditions using pepsin. However, part of the bioactivity is lost during the digestion process due to protein denaturation. Here, stepwise digestion was developed to prepare a competent biomaterial for osteogenesis from three different ECM sources. In addition, three different proteases were compared to evaluate the most effective digestion protocol for specific cellular processes. GAGs and peptide quantification showed that the stepwise method yielded a higher concentration of bioactive residues. Circular dichroism analysis also showed that the stepwise approach preserved the secondary structures better. The protein profiles of the digested ECMs were analyzed, and it was found to be highly diverse and tissue-specific. The digestion of ECM from pericardium produced peptides originated from 94 different proteins, followed by 48 proteins in ECM from tendon and 35 proteins in ECM from bone. In addition, digested products from pericardium ECM yielded increased proliferation and differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells to mature osteoblasts.
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Wang J, Kimura E, Mongan M, Xia Y. Genetic Control of MAP3K1 in Eye Development and Sex Differentiation. Cells 2021; 11:cells11010034. [PMID: 35011600 PMCID: PMC8750206 DOI: 10.3390/cells11010034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The MAP3K1 is responsible for transmitting signals to activate specific MAP2K-MAPK cascades. Following the initial biochemical characterization, genetic mouse models have taken center stage to elucidate how MAP3K1 regulates biological functions. To that end, mice were generated with the ablation of the entire Map3k1 gene, the kinase domain coding sequences, or ubiquitin ligase domain mutations. Analyses of the mutants identify diverse roles that MAP3K1 plays in embryonic survival, maturation of T/B cells, and development of sensory organs, including eye and ear. Specifically in eye development, Map3k1 loss-of-function was found to be autosomal recessive for congenital eye abnormalities, but became autosomal dominant in combination with Jnk and RhoA mutations. Additionally, Map3k1 mutation increased eye defects with an exposure to environmental agents such as dioxin. Data from eye developmental models reveal the nexus role of MAP3K1 in integrating genetic and environmental signals to control developmental activities. Here, we focus the discussions on recent advances in understanding the signaling mechanisms of MAP3K1 in eye development in mice and in sex differentiation from human genomics findings. The research works featured here lead to a deeper understanding of the in vivo signaling network, the mechanisms of gene-environment interactions, and the relevance of this multifaceted protein kinase in disease etiology and pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ying Xia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-513-558-0371
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Stoll K, Bergmann M, Spiliotis M, Brehm K. A MEKK1 - JNK mitogen activated kinase (MAPK) cascade module is active in Echinococcus multilocularis stem cells. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0010027. [PMID: 34879059 PMCID: PMC8687709 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The metacestode larval stage of the fox-tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis causes alveolar echinococcosis by tumour-like growth within the liver of the intermediate host. Metacestode growth and development is stimulated by host-derived cytokines such as insulin, fibroblast growth factor, and epidermal growth factor via activation of cognate receptor tyrosine kinases expressed by the parasite. Little is known, however, concerning signal transmission to the parasite nucleus and cross-reaction with other parasite signalling systems. Methodology/Principal findings Using bioinformatic approaches, cloning, and yeast two-hybrid analyses we identified a novel mitogen-activated kinase (MAPK) cascade module that consists of E. multilocularis orthologs of the tyrosine kinase receptor interactor Growth factor receptor-bound 2, EmGrb2, the MAPK kinase kinase EmMEKK1, a novel MAPK kinase, EmMKK3, and a close homolog to c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), EmMPK3. Whole mount in situ hybridization analyses indicated that EmMEKK1 and EmMPK3 are both expressed in E. multilocularis germinative (stem) cells but also in differentiated or differentiating cells. Treatment with the known JNK inhibitor SP600125 led to a significantly reduced formation of metacestode vesicles from stem cells and to a specific reduction of proliferating stem cells in mature metacestode vesicles. Conclusions/Significance We provide evidence for the expression of a MEKK1-JNK MAPK cascade module which, in mammals, is crucially involved in stress responses, cytoskeletal rearrangements, and apoptosis, in E. multilocularis stem cells. Inhibitor studies indicate an important role of JNK signalling in E. multilocularis stem cell survival and/or maintenance. Our data are relevant for molecular and cellular studies into crosstalk signalling mechanisms that govern Echinococcus stem cell function and introduce the JNK signalling cascade as a possible target of chemotherapeutics against echinococcosis. The metacestode larva of the tapeworm E. multilocularis grows infiltrative, like a malignant tumour, within the liver of the host thus causing the lethal disease alveolar echinococcosis. Previous work established that the metacestode senses signals of host hormones and cytokines by expressing surface receptors that share high homology with respective host receptors. However, little is known how these signals are transmitted from the parasite cell surface to the nucleus to alter gene expression. In this work, the authors present a module of several protein kinases that typically transmit cytokine signals from surface receptors to central regulators called mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK). The authors demonstrate that this module is active in parasite stem cells, which drive the development of metacestode larva. They also show that inhibitors directed against one component of the module, EmMPK3, affect maintenance and/or survival of stem cells in the metacestode and prevent the formation of metacestode larva from parasite cell cultures. This information facilitates molecular and cellular studies to unravel the complex signalling network that regulate Echinococcus stem cell proliferation in response to host signals. Furthermore, these data could open new ways of anti-parasitic chemotherapy by introducing EmMPK3 as a possible drug target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Stoll
- University of Würzburg, Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Monika Bergmann
- University of Würzburg, Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Markus Spiliotis
- University of Würzburg, Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Klaus Brehm
- University of Würzburg, Institute of Hygiene and Microbiology, Würzburg, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Li X, Kang J, Lv H, Liu R, Chen J, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Yu G, Zhang X, Ning B. CircPrkcsh, a circular RNA, contributes to the polarization of microglia towards the M1 phenotype induced by spinal cord injury and acts via the JNK/p38 MAPK pathway. FASEB J 2021; 35:e22014. [PMID: 34751973 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100993r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a complex pathological change that includes primary SCI and gradually evolves into secondary SCI. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that circular RNAs (circRNAs) are involved in the pathology of a variety of neurological diseases and injuries. However, the characteristics and function of circRNAs in SCI have yet to be elucidated. Although previous research demonstrated that circPrkcsh induces astrocytes to produce inflammatory factors and chemokines, the precise function and mechanism of circPrkcsh in microglia after SCI remains unknown. In this study, we constructed a mouse model of SCI by applying a SCI impactor. Quantitative Real-time PCR and Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis revealed that circPrkcsh was upregulated in the microglia of SCI mice when compared to sham-operated mice. Gain- or loss-of-function experiments and in vivo assays further indicated that circPrkcsh promotes microglia M1 polarization both in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis, dual-luciferase assays, and RNA immunoprecipitation assays, confirmed that circPrkcsh serves as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to promote the expression of MEKK1 mRNA by sponging miR-488. Double knockout rescue experiments further showed that circPrkcsh regulates the MEKK1/JNK/p38 MAPK pathway via miR-488. Our research provides a better understanding of the mechanism of circPrkcsh in SCI and demonstrates that the circPrkcsh/miR-488/Mekk1 axis is a promising regulatory method for the treatment of SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Li
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jianning Kang
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Hong Lv
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ronghan Liu
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jianan Chen
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yining Zhang
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Guilian Yu
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaodi Zhang
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Bin Ning
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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9
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Chandrasekaran A, Dittlau KS, Corsi GI, Haukedal H, Doncheva NT, Ramakrishna S, Ambardar S, Salcedo C, Schmidt SI, Zhang Y, Cirera S, Pihl M, Schmid B, Nielsen TT, Nielsen JE, Kolko M, Kobolák J, Dinnyés A, Hyttel P, Palakodeti D, Gorodkin J, Muddashetty RS, Meyer M, Aldana BI, Freude KK. Astrocytic reactivity triggered by defective autophagy and metabolic failure causes neurotoxicity in frontotemporal dementia type 3. Stem Cell Reports 2021; 16:2736-2751. [PMID: 34678206 PMCID: PMC8581052 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Frontotemporal dementia type 3 (FTD3), caused by a point mutation in the charged multivesicular body protein 2B (CHMP2B), affects mitochondrial ultrastructure and the endolysosomal pathway in neurons. To dissect the astrocyte-specific impact of mutant CHMP2B expression, we generated astrocytes from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and confirmed our findings in CHMP2B mutant mice. Our data provide mechanistic insights into how defective autophagy causes perturbed mitochondrial dynamics with impaired glycolysis, increased reactive oxygen species, and elongated mitochondrial morphology, indicating increased mitochondrial fusion in FTD3 astrocytes. This shift in astrocyte homeostasis triggers a reactive astrocyte phenotype and increased release of toxic cytokines, which accumulate in nuclear factor kappa b (NF-κB) pathway activation with increased production of CHF, LCN2, and C3 causing neurodegeneration. FTD3 iPSC-derived astrocytes display impaired autophagy Impaired autophagy affects mitochondria turnover, glucose hypometabolism and TCA cycle FTD3 astrocytes contribute to reactive gliosis by increased C3, LCN2, IL6, and IL8 Reactive astrocyte phenotypes are present in both in vitro and in vivo models
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Affiliation(s)
- Abinaya Chandrasekaran
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg 1870, Denmark
| | - Katarina Stoklund Dittlau
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg 1870, Denmark
| | - Giulia I Corsi
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg 1870, Denmark; Center for Non-coding RNA in Technology and Health, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg 1871, Denmark
| | - Henriette Haukedal
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg 1870, Denmark
| | - Nadezhda T Doncheva
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg 1870, Denmark; Center for Non-coding RNA in Technology and Health, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg 1871, Denmark; Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark
| | - Sarayu Ramakrishna
- Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore 560065, India; The University of Trans-Disciplinary Health Sciences and Technology, Bangalore 560064, India
| | - Sheetal Ambardar
- Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore 560065, India; National Center for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bangalore 560065, India
| | - Claudia Salcedo
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
| | - Sissel I Schmidt
- Department of Neurobiology Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine and Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund 22184, Sweden
| | - Susanna Cirera
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg 1870, Denmark
| | - Maria Pihl
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg 1870, Denmark
| | | | - Troels Tolstrup Nielsen
- Danish Dementia Research Centre, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
| | - Jørgen E Nielsen
- Danish Dementia Research Centre, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
| | - Miriam Kolko
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark; Department of Ophthalmology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
| | | | | | - Poul Hyttel
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg 1870, Denmark
| | - Dasaradhi Palakodeti
- Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore 560065, India
| | - Jan Gorodkin
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg 1870, Denmark; Center for Non-coding RNA in Technology and Health, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg 1871, Denmark
| | - Ravi S Muddashetty
- Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore 560065, India
| | - Morten Meyer
- Department of Neurobiology Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark; Department of Neurology, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Blanca I Aldana
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
| | - Kristine K Freude
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg 1870, Denmark.
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10
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Abstract
The protein kinase MEKK1 activates stress-signaling pathways in response to various cellular stressors, including chemotherapies that disrupt dynamics of the tubulin cytoskeleton. We show that MEKK1 contains a previously uncharacterized domain that can preferentially bind to the curved tubulin heterodimer—which is found in soluble tubulin and at sites of microtubule assembly and disassembly. Mutations that interfere with MEKK1−tubulin binding disrupt microtubule networks in migrating cells and are enriched in patient-derived tumor sequences. These results suggest that MEKK1−tubulin binding may be relevant to cancer progression, and the efficacy of microtubule-disrupting chemotherapies that require the activity of MEKK1. The MEKK1 protein is a pivotal kinase activator of responses to cellular stress. Activation of MEKK1 can trigger various responses, including mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases, NF-κB signaling, or cell migration. Notably, MEKK1 activity is triggered by microtubule-targeting chemotherapies, among other stressors. Here we show that MEKK1 contains a previously unidentified tumor overexpressed gene (TOG) domain. The MEKK1 TOG domain binds to tubulin heterodimers—a canonical function of TOG domains—but is unusual in that it appears alone rather than as part of a multi-TOG array, and has structural features distinct from previously characterized TOG domains. MEKK1 TOG demonstrates a clear preference for binding curved tubulin heterodimers, which exist in soluble tubulin and at sites of microtubule polymerization and depolymerization. Mutations disrupting tubulin binding decrease microtubule density at the leading edge of polarized cells, suggesting that tubulin binding may play a role in MEKK1 activity at the cellular periphery. We also show that MEKK1 mutations at the tubulin-binding interface of the TOG domain recur in patient-derived tumor sequences, suggesting selective enrichment of tumor cells with disrupted MEKK1–microtubule association. Together, these findings provide a direct link between the MEKK1 protein and tubulin, which is likely to be relevant to cancer cell migration and response to microtubule-modulating therapies.
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11
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Deng J, Huang Y, Wang Q, Li J, Ma Y, Qi Y, Liu Z, Li Y, Ruan Q. Human Cytomegalovirus Influences Host circRNA Transcriptions during Productive Infection. Virol Sin 2020; 36:241-253. [PMID: 32757146 DOI: 10.1007/s12250-020-00275-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a double-strand DNA virus widely infected in human. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are non-coding RNAs with most functions of which keep unknown, and the effects of HCMV productive infection on host circRNA transcriptions remain unclear. In this study, we profiled 283 host circRNAs that significantly altered by HCMV productive infection in human embryonic lung fibroblasts (HELF) by RNA deep sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. Among these, circSP100, circMAP3K1, circPLEKHM1, and circTRIO were validated for their transcriptions and sequences. Furthermore, characteristics of circSP100 were investigated by RT-qPCR and northern blot. It was implied that circSP100 was produced from the sense strand of the SP100 gene containing six exons. Kinetics of circSP100 and SP100 mRNA were significantly different after infection: circSP100 levels increased gradually along with infection, whereas SP100 mRNA levels increased in the beginning and dropped at 24 h post-infection (hpi). Meanwhile, a total number of 257 proteins, including 10 HCMV encoding proteins, were identified potentially binding to cytoplasmic circSP100 by RNA antisense purification (RAP) and mass spectrometry. Enrichment analysis showed these proteins were mainly involved in the spliceosome, protein processing, ribosome, and phagosome pathways, suggesting multiple functions of circSP100 during HCMV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingui Deng
- Virology Laboratory, The Affiliated Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China.,Department of Laboratory, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, 110024, China
| | - Yujing Huang
- Virology Laboratory, The Affiliated Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China.
| | - Qing Wang
- Virology Laboratory, The Affiliated Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Jianming Li
- Virology Laboratory, The Affiliated Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Yanping Ma
- Virology Laboratory, The Affiliated Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Ying Qi
- Virology Laboratory, The Affiliated Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Zhongyang Liu
- Virology Laboratory, The Affiliated Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Yibo Li
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Affiliated Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China.,Department of Obstetrics, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, 110024, China
| | - Qiang Ruan
- Virology Laboratory, The Affiliated Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China.
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12
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Park JG, Aziz N, Cho JY. MKK7, the essential regulator of JNK signaling involved in cancer cell survival: a newly emerging anticancer therapeutic target. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2019; 11:1758835919875574. [PMID: 31579105 PMCID: PMC6759727 DOI: 10.1177/1758835919875574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), c-Jun NH2-terminal protein kinase (JNK) plays an important role in regulating cell fate, such as proliferation, differentiation, development, transformation, and apoptosis. Its activity is induced through the interaction of MAPK kinase kinases (MAP3Ks), MAPK kinases (MAP2Ks), and various scaffolding proteins. Because of the importance of the JNK cascade to intracellular bioactivity, many studies have been conducted to reveal its precise intracellular functions and mechanisms, but its regulatory mechanisms remain elusive. In this review, we discuss the molecular characterization, activation process, and physiological functions of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 7 (MKK7), the MAP2K that most specifically controls the activity of JNK. Understanding the role of MKK7/JNK signaling in physiological conditions could spark new hypotheses for targeted anticancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Gwang Park
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Nur Aziz
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Youl Cho
- Department of Integrative Biotechnology, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066 Seobu-ro, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
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13
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Delgado ME, Brunner T. The many faces of tumor necrosis factor signaling in the intestinal epithelium. Genes Immun 2019; 20:609-626. [DOI: 10.1038/s41435-019-0057-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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14
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JNK facilitates IL-1β-induced hepcidin transcription via JunB activation. Cytokine 2018; 111:295-302. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2018.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Revised: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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15
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Hosoda K, Motoishi M, Kunimoto T, Nishimura O, Hwang B, Kobayashi S, Yazawa S, Mochii M, Agata K, Umesono Y. Role of MEKK1 in the anterior-posterior patterning during planarian regeneration. Dev Growth Differ 2018; 60:341-353. [PMID: 29900546 DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Revised: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Planarians have established a unique body pattern along the anterior-posterior (AP) axis, which consists of at least four distinct body regions arranged in an anterior to posterior sequence: head, prepharyngeal, pharyngeal (containing a pharynx), and tail regions, and possess high regenerative ability. How they reconstruct the regional continuity in a head-to-tail sequence after amputation still remains unknown. We use as a model planarian Dugesia japonica head regeneration from tail fragments, which involves dynamic rearrangement of the body regionality of preexisting tail tissues along the AP axis, and show here that RNA interference of the gene D. japonica mek kinase 1 (Djmekk1) caused a significant anterior shift in the position of pharynx regeneration at the expense of the prepharyngeal region, while keeping the head region relatively constant in size, and accordingly led to development of a relatively longer tail region. Our data suggest that DjMEKK1 regulates anterior extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and posterior β-catenin signaling pathways in a positive and negative manner, respectively, to establish a proper balance resulting in the regeneration of planarian's scale-invariant trunk-to-tail patterns across individuals. Furthermore, we demonstrated that DjMEKK1 negatively modulates planarian β-catenin activity via its serine/threonine kinase domain, but not its PHD/RING finger domain, by testing secondary axis formation in Xenopus embryos. The data suggest that Djmekk1 plays an instructive role in the coordination between the establishment of the prepharyngeal region and posteriorizing of pharynx formation by balancing the two opposing morphogenetic signals along the AP axis during planarian regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazutaka Hosoda
- Department of Biophysics, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,Graduate School of Life Science, University of Hyogo, Kamigori-cho, Japan
| | - Minako Motoishi
- Graduate School of Life Science, University of Hyogo, Kamigori-cho, Japan
| | - Takuya Kunimoto
- Graduate School of Life Science, University of Hyogo, Kamigori-cho, Japan
| | - Osamu Nishimura
- Department of Biophysics, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,Phyloinformatics Unit, RIKEN Center for Life Science Technologies, Kobe, Japan
| | - Byulnim Hwang
- Department of Biophysics, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Sumire Kobayashi
- Graduate School of Life Science, University of Hyogo, Kamigori-cho, Japan
| | - Shigenobu Yazawa
- Department of Biophysics, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,Cellular and Structural Physiology Institute, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Makoto Mochii
- Graduate School of Life Science, University of Hyogo, Kamigori-cho, Japan
| | - Kiyokazu Agata
- Department of Biophysics, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science Graduate Course in Life Science, Graduate School of Science, Gakushuin University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshihiko Umesono
- Graduate School of Life Science, University of Hyogo, Kamigori-cho, Japan
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16
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Crawley O, Giles AC, Desbois M, Kashyap S, Birnbaum R, Grill B. A MIG-15/JNK-1 MAP kinase cascade opposes RPM-1 signaling in synapse formation and learning. PLoS Genet 2017; 13:e1007095. [PMID: 29228003 PMCID: PMC5754208 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Revised: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The Pam/Highwire/RPM-1 (PHR) proteins are conserved intracellular signaling hubs that regulate synapse formation and axon termination. The C. elegans PHR protein, called RPM-1, acts as a ubiquitin ligase to inhibit the DLK-1 and MLK-1 MAP kinase pathways. We have identified several kinases that are likely to form a new MAP kinase pathway that suppresses synapse formation defects, but not axon termination defects, in the mechanosensory neurons of rpm-1 mutants. This pathway includes: MIG-15 (MAP4K), NSY-1 (MAP3K), JKK-1 (MAP2K) and JNK-1 (MAPK). Transgenic overexpression of kinases in the MIG-15/JNK-1 pathway is sufficient to impair synapse formation in wild-type animals. The MIG-15/JNK-1 pathway functions cell autonomously in the mechanosensory neurons, and these kinases localize to presynaptic terminals providing further evidence of a role in synapse development. Loss of MIG-15/JNK-1 signaling also suppresses defects in habituation to repeated mechanical stimuli in rpm-1 mutants, a behavioral deficit that is likely to arise from impaired glutamatergic synapse formation. Interestingly, habituation results are consistent with the MIG-15/JNK-1 pathway functioning as a parallel opposing pathway to RPM-1. These findings indicate the MIG-15/JNK-1 pathway can restrict both glutamatergic synapse formation and short-term learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Crawley
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, Florida, United States of America
| | - Andrew C. Giles
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, Florida, United States of America
| | - Muriel Desbois
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, Florida, United States of America
| | - Sudhanva Kashyap
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, Florida, United States of America
| | - Rayna Birnbaum
- Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL, United States of America
| | - Brock Grill
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, Florida, United States of America
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17
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Zou J, Wang R, Li R, Kong Y, Wang J, Ning X, Zhang L, Wang S, Hu X, Bao Z. The genome-wide identification of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MKK) genes in Yesso scallop Patinopecten yessoensis and their expression responses to bacteria challenges. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 45:901-911. [PMID: 26067168 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2015.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Revised: 06/02/2015] [Accepted: 06/07/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinases (MKK) are the essential components of the evolutionarily conserved MAPK signaling cascade, which regulates a variety of cellular activities and innate immune responses. Although MKK genes have been extensively studied in various vertebrate and invertebrate species, they have not been systematically characterized in bivalves. In this study, we identified and characterized five MKK genes (PyMKK1/2, PyMKK4, PyMKK5, PyMKK3/6 and PyMKK7) in the Yesso scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis). Phylogenetic and protein structural analyses were conducted to determine their identities and evolutionary relationships. To gain insights into the possible roles of MKK genes during scallop innate immune responses, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to investigate their expression profiles during different developmental stages in samples taken from healthy adult tissues and hemocytes after Micrococcus luteus and Vibrio anguillarum bacterial infections. The Yesso scallop MKKs (PyMKKs) were found to have highly conserved structural features compared to the MKK genes from other invertebrate species. Using qRT-PCR analysis, three distinct expression patterns were detected among the PyMKKs over the course of ten different developmental stages. In adult scallops, the majority of the PyMKKs were highly expressed in mantle, gill, muscle and hemocytes. The differential expression patterns of the five PyMKKs after M. luteus (Gram-positive) and V. anguillarum (Gram-negative) bacterial infections suggested their possible involvement in the innate immune response and provide the foundation and resource for the further study on innate immune response of MAPK signal pathway in mollusk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajun Zou
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Ruijia Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China.
| | - Ruojiao Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Yifan Kong
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Xianhui Ning
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Lingling Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Shi Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Xiaoli Hu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China.
| | - Zhenmin Bao
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
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18
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Suddason T, Gallagher E. A RING to rule them all? Insights into the Map3k1 PHD motif provide a new mechanistic understanding into the diverse roles of Map3k1. Cell Death Differ 2015; 22:540-8. [PMID: 25613373 PMCID: PMC4356348 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2014.239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2014] [Revised: 12/15/2014] [Accepted: 12/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the sizable number of components that comprise Mapk cascades, Map3k1 is the only element that contains both a kinase domain and a plant homeodomain (PHD) motif, allowing Map3k1 to regulate the protein phosphorylation and ubiquitin proteasome systems. As such, Map3k1 has complex roles in the regulation of cell death, survival, migration and differentiation. Numerous mouse and human genetic analyses have demonstrated that Map3k1 is of critical importance for the immune system, cardiac tissue, testis, wound healing, tumorigenesis and cancer. Recent gene knockin of Map3k1 to mutate the E2 binding site within the Map3k1 PHD motif and high throughput ubiquitin protein array screening for Map3k1 PHD motif substrates provide critical novel insights into Map3k1 PHD motif signal transduction and bring a brand-new understanding to Map3k1 signaling in mammalian biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Suddason
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London, UK
| | - E Gallagher
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London, UK
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19
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Tomida T. Visualization of the spatial and temporal dynamics of MAPK signaling using fluorescence imaging techniques. J Physiol Sci 2015; 65:37-49. [PMID: 25145828 PMCID: PMC10716987 DOI: 10.1007/s12576-014-0332-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2014] [Accepted: 08/07/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Conserved mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways are major mechanisms through which cells perceive and respond properly to their surrounding environment. Such homeostatic responses maintain the life of the organism. Since errors in MAPK signaling pathways can lead to cancers and to defects in immune responses, in the nervous system and metabolism, these pathways have been extensively studied as potential therapeutic targets. Although much has been studied about the roles of MAPKs in various cellular functions, less is known regarding regulation of MAPK in living organisms. This review will focus on the latest understanding of the dynamic regulation of MAPK signaling in intact cells that was revealed by using novel fluorescence imaging techniques and advanced systems-analytical methods. These techniques allowed quantitative analyses of signal transduction in situ with high spatio-temporal resolution and have revealed the nature of the molecular dynamics that determine cellular responses and fates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taichiro Tomida
- Division of Molecular Cell Signaling, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan,
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20
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Mills RD, Mulhern TD, Liu F, Culvenor JG, Cheng HC. Prediction of the Repeat Domain Structures and Impact of Parkinsonism-Associated Variations on Structure and Function of all Functional Domains of Leucine-Rich Repeat Kinase 2 (LRRK2). Hum Mutat 2014; 35:395-412. [DOI: 10.1002/humu.22515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2013] [Accepted: 01/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan D. Mills
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute; University of Melbourne; Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - Terrence D. Mulhern
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute; University of Melbourne; Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - Fei Liu
- Department of Chemistry & Biomolecular Sciences; Macquarie University; NSW Australia
| | - Janetta G. Culvenor
- Department of Pathology; University of Melbourne; Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - Heung-Chin Cheng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute; University of Melbourne; Parkville Victoria Australia
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21
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Pham TT, Angus SP, Johnson GL. MAP3K1: Genomic Alterations in Cancer and Function in Promoting Cell Survival or Apoptosis. Genes Cancer 2014; 4:419-26. [PMID: 24386504 DOI: 10.1177/1947601913513950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2013] [Accepted: 11/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
MAP3K1 is a member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase (MAP3K) family of serine/threonine kinases. MAP3K1 regulates JNK activation and is unique among human kinases in that it also encodes an E3 ligase domain that ubiquitylates c-Jun and ERK1/2. Full length MAP3K1 regulates cell migration and contributes to pro-survival signaling while its caspase 3-mediated cleavage generates a C-terminal kinase domain that promotes apoptosis. The critical function of MAP3K1 in cell fate decisions suggests that it may be a target for deregulation in cancer. Recent large-scale genomic studies have revealed that MAP3K1 copy number loss and somatic missense or nonsense mutations are observed in a significant number of different cancers, being most prominent in luminal breast cancer. The alteration of MAP3K1 in diverse cancer types demonstrates the importance of defining phenotypes for possible therapeutic targeting of tumor cell vulnerabilities created when MAP3K1 function is lost or gained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trang T Pham
- Department of Pharmacology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Steven P Angus
- Department of Pharmacology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Gary L Johnson
- Department of Pharmacology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Gomar-Alba M, Alepuz P, del Olmo M. Dissection of the elements of osmotic stress response transcription factor Hot1 involved in the interaction with MAPK Hog1 and in the activation of transcription. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2013; 1829:1111-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2013.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2013] [Revised: 07/26/2013] [Accepted: 07/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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Jin C, Chen J, Meng Q, Carreira V, Tam NNC, Geh E, Karyala S, Ho SM, Zhou X, Medvedovic M, Xia Y. Deciphering gene expression program of MAP3K1 in mouse eyelid morphogenesis. Dev Biol 2012. [PMID: 23201579 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2012.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Embryonic eyelid closure involves forward movement and ultimate fusion of the upper and lower eyelids, an essential step of mammalian ocular surface development. Although its underlying mechanism of action is not fully understood, a functional mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 1 (MAP3K1) is required for eyelid closure. Here we investigate the molecular signatures of MAP3K1 in eyelid morphogenesis. At mouse gestational day E15.5, the developmental stage immediately prior to eyelid closure, MAP3K1 expression is predominant in the eyelid leading edge (LE) and the inner eyelid (IE) epithelium. We used laser capture microdissection (LCM) to obtain highly enriched LE and IE cells from wild type and MAP3K1-deficient fetuses and analyzed genome-wide expression profiles. The gene expression data led to the identification of three distinct developmental features of MAP3K1. First, MAP3K1 modulated Wnt and Sonic hedgehog signals, actin reorganization, and proliferation only in LE but not in IE epithelium, illustrating the temporal-spatial specificity of MAP3K1 in embryogenesis. Second, MAP3K1 potentiated AP-2α expression and SRF and AP-1 activity, but its target genes were enriched for binding motifs of AP-2α and SRF, and not AP-1, suggesting the existence of novel MAP3K1-AP-2α/SRF modules in gene regulation. Third, MAP3K1 displayed variable effects on expression of lineage specific genes in the LE and IE epithelium, revealing potential roles of MAP3K1 in differentiation and lineage specification. Using LCM and expression array, our studies have uncovered novel molecular signatures of MAP3K1 in embryonic eyelid closure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Jin
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3223 Eden Avenue, Kettering Laboratory, Suite 410, P.O. Box 670056, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0056, USA
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24
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Zhang JY, Selim MA. The role of the c-Jun N-terminal Kinase signaling pathway in skin cancer. Am J Cancer Res 2012; 2:691-698. [PMID: 23226615 PMCID: PMC3512184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2012] [Accepted: 11/05/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The c-Jun N-terminal Kinases (JNK), along with Erk and p38, constitute the principle members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family. JNK functions primarily through AP1 family transcription factors to regulate a plethora of cellular processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, survival and migration. It also cross-talks and integrates with other signaling pathways in a cell context-specific and cell type-specific manner. The current views of JNK function in various skin cancers and the need of developing JNK subunit-specific inhibitors for cancer type-specific applications have been summarized in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Y Zhang
- Department of Dermatology and Pathology, Duke UniversityDurham, NC, USA
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25
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Kyriakis JM, Avruch J. Mammalian MAPK signal transduction pathways activated by stress and inflammation: a 10-year update. Physiol Rev 2012; 92:689-737. [PMID: 22535895 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00028.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1001] [Impact Index Per Article: 83.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The mammalian stress-activated families of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) were first elucidated in 1994, and by 2001, substantial progress had been made in identifying the architecture of the pathways upstream of these kinases as well as in cataloguing candidate substrates. This information remains largely sound. Nevertheless, an informed understanding of the physiological and pathophysiological roles of these kinases remained to be accomplished. In the past decade, there has been an explosion of new work using RNAi in cells, as well as transgenic, knockout and conditional knockout technology in mice that has provided valuable insight into the functions of stress-activated MAPK pathways. These findings have important implications in our understanding of organ development, innate and acquired immunity, and diseases such as atherosclerosis, tumorigenesis, and type 2 diabetes. These new developments bring us within striking distance of the development and validation of novel treatment strategies. Herein we first summarize the molecular components of the mammalian stress-regulated MAPK pathways and their regulation as described thus far. We then review some of the in vivo functions of these pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M Kyriakis
- Molecular Cardiology Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington St., Box 8486, Boston, MA 02111, USA.
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26
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Meng Q, Xia Y. c-Jun, at the crossroad of the signaling network. Protein Cell 2011; 2:889-98. [PMID: 22180088 DOI: 10.1007/s13238-011-1113-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2011] [Accepted: 10/11/2011] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
c-Jun, the most extensively studied protein of the activator protein-1 (AP-1) complex, is involved in numerous cell activities, such as proliferation, apoptosis, survival, tumorigenesis and tissue morphogenesis. Earlier studies focused on the structure and function have led to the identification of c-Jun as a basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factor that acts as homo- or heterodimer, binding to DNA and regulating gene transcription. Later on, it was shown that extracellular signals can induce post-translational modifications of c-Jun, resulting in altered transcriptional activity and target gene expression. More recent work has uncovered multiple layers of a complex regulatory scheme in which c-Jun is able to crosstalk, amplify and integrate different signals for tissue development and disease. One example of such scheme is the autocrine amplification loop, in which signal-induced AP-1 activates the c-Jun gene promoter, while increased c-Jun expression feedbacks to potentiate AP-1 activity. Another example of such scheme, based on recent characterization of gene knockout mice, is that c-Jun integrates signals of several developmental pathways, including EGFR-ERK, EGFR-RhoA-ROCK, and activin B-MAP3K1-JNK for embryonic eyelid closure. After more than two decades of extensive research, c-Jun remains at the center stage of a molecular network with mysterious functional properties, some of which are yet to be discovered. In this article, we will provide a brief historical overview of studies on c-Jun regulation and function, and use eyelid development as an example to illustrate the complexity of c-Jun crosstalking with signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinghang Meng
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
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Wang J, Chen L, Ko CI, Zhang L, Puga A, Xia Y. Distinct signaling properties of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinases 4 (MKK4) and 7 (MKK7) in embryonic stem cell (ESC) differentiation. J Biol Chem 2011; 287:2787-97. [PMID: 22130668 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.281915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Signal transduction pathways are integral components of the developmental regulatory network that guides progressive cell fate determination. MKK4 and MKK7 are upstream kinases of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), responsible for channeling physiological and environmental signals to their cellular responses. Both kinases are essential for survival of mouse embryos, but because of embryonic lethality, their precise developmental roles remain largely unknown. Using gene knock-out mouse ESCs, we studied the roles of MKK4 and MKK7 in differentiation in vitro. While MKK4 and MKK7 were dispensable for ESC self-renewal and pluripotency maintenance, they exhibited unique signaling and functional properties in differentiation. MKK4 and MKK7 complemented each other in activation of the JNK-c-Jun cascades and loss of both led to senescence upon cell differentiation. On the other hand, MKK4 and MKK7 had opposite effects on activation of the p38 cascades during differentiation. Specifically, MKK7 reduced p38 activation, while Mkk7(-/-) ESCs had elevated phosphorylation of MKK4, p38, and ATF2, and increased MEF2C expression. Consequently, Mkk7(-/-) ESCs had higher expression of MHC and MLC and enhanced formation of contractile cardiomyocytes. In contrast, MKK4 was required for p38 activation and Mkk4(-/-) ESCs exhibited diminished p-ATF2 and MEF2C expression, resulting in impaired MHC induction and defective cardiomyocyte differentiation. Exogenous MKK4 expression partially restored the ability of Mkk4(-/-) ESCs to differentiate into cardiomyocytes. Our results uncover complementary and interdependent roles of MKK4 and MKK7 in development, and identify the essential requirement for MKK4 in p38 activation and cardiomyocyte differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingcai Wang
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45367-0056, USA
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Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) superfamily members mediate the cellular response to a wide variety of biological inputs. The responses range from cell death, survival, differentiation, proliferation, to the regulation of immunity. All these physiological responses are regulated by a limited number of highly pleiotropic kinases. The fact that the same signaling molecules are involved in transducing signals from TNFR superfamily members that regulate different and even opposing processes raises the question of how their specificity is determined. Regulatory strategies that can contribute to signaling specificity include scaffolding to control kinase specificity, combinatorial use of several signal transducers, and temporal control of signaling. In this review, we discuss these strategies in the context of TNFR superfamily member signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bärbel Schröfelbauer
- Signaling Systems Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0375, USA.
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Drew BA, Burow ME, Beckman BS. MEK5/ERK5 pathway: the first fifteen years. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2011; 1825:37-48. [PMID: 22020294 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2011.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2011] [Accepted: 10/07/2011] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
While conventional MAP kinase pathways are one of the most highly studied signal transduction molecules, less is known about the MEK5 signaling pathway. This pathway has been shown to play a role in normal cell growth cycles, survival and differentiation. The MEK5 pathway is also believed to mediate the effects of a number of oncogenes. MEK5 is the upstream activator of ERK5 in many epithelial cells. Activation of the MEK-MAPK pathway is a frequent event in malignant tumor formation and contributes to chemoresistance and anti-apoptotic signaling. This pathway may be involved in a number of more aggressive, metastatic varieties of cancer due to its role in cell survival, proliferation and EMT transitioning. Further study of this pathway may lead to new prognostic factors and new drug targets to combat more aggressive forms of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara A Drew
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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The bottleneck of JNK signaling: Molecular and functional characteristics of MKK4 and MKK7. Eur J Cell Biol 2011; 90:536-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2010.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2010] [Revised: 11/23/2010] [Accepted: 11/26/2010] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
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Akella R, Min X, Wu Q, Gardner KH, Goldsmith EJ. The third conformation of p38α MAP kinase observed in phosphorylated p38α and in solution. Structure 2011; 18:1571-8. [PMID: 21134636 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2010.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2010] [Revised: 09/01/2010] [Accepted: 09/22/2010] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
MAPKs engage substrates, MAP2Ks, and phosphatases via a docking groove in the C-terminal domain of the kinase. Prior crystallographic studies on the unphosphorylated MAPKs p38α and ERK2 defined the docking groove and revealed long-range conformational changes affecting the activation loop and active site of the kinase induced by peptide. Solution NMR data presented here for unphosphorylated p38α with a MEK3b-derived peptide (p38α/pepMEK3b) validate these findings. Crystallograhic data from doubly phosphorylated active p38α (p38α/T∗GY∗/pepMEK3b) reveal a structure similar to unphosphorylated p38α/MEK3b, and distinct from phosphorylated p38γ (p38γ/T∗GY∗) and ERK2 (ERK2/T∗EY∗). The structure supports the idea that MAP kinases adopt three distinct conformations: unphosphorylated, phosphorylated, and a docking peptide-induced form.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radha Akella
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390-8816, USA
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Stadler ZK, Vijai J, Thom P, Kirchhoff T, Hansen NA, Kauff ND, Robson M, Offit K. Genome-wide Association Studies of Cancer Predisposition. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am 2010; 24:973-96. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hoc.2010.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Deng M, Ding W, Min X, Xia Y. MLCK-independent phosphorylation of MLC20 and its regulation by MAP kinase pathway in human bladder smooth muscle cells. Cytoskeleton (Hoboken) 2010; 68:139-49. [PMID: 20722044 DOI: 10.1002/cm.20471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2010] [Revised: 01/10/2011] [Accepted: 01/10/2011] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Myosins are a superfamily of actin-based molecular motor proteins, which hydrolyze ATP and generate various forms of eukaryotic motility and muscle contraction. Myosin light chain 20 (MLC20) is small ring around the neck region of heavy chain of myosins. Phosphorylation of MLC20 is thought to play a key role in regulation of smooth muscle contraction. Calcium- and calmodulin-dependent myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) is considered the primary regulator of MLC20 phosphorylation. However, several observations in smooth muscle contraction cannot be explained by the mode of phosphorylation. By performing a series of experiments in vitro and in vivo, we report here MLCK-independent MLC20 phosphorylation. Gene expression study reveals that expression of MLCK in smooth muscles is inconsistent with MLC20 phosphorylation at Ser19. None of inactivating calmodulin/MLCK, depriving of calcium and silencing MLCK expression by siRNA blocks effectively the phosphorylation of MLC20 at Ser19. In addition, by overexpressing active human MAP (mitogen-activated protein)-ERK kinase kinase-1 (MEKK1) and blocking its downstream messengers, we have demonstrated a new regulatory system of MLC phosphorylation via MEKK1, which downregulates Ser19 phosphorylation of MLC20 through its downstream molecules, p38, JNK, and ERK in human bladder smooth muscle cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maoxian Deng
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Jiangsu Polytechnic College of Agriculture and Forestry, Jurong, Jiangsu, China.
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Visualization of JNK activity dynamics with a genetically encoded fluorescent biosensor. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2010; 107:5459-64. [PMID: 20212108 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0909671107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The signaling pathway mediated by JNK transduces different types of signals, such as stress stimuli and cytokines, into functional responses that mediate apoptosis, as well as proliferation, differentiation, and inflammation. To better characterize the dynamic information flow and signal processing of this pathway in the cellular context, a genetically encoded, fluorescent protein-based biosensor was engineered to detect endogenous JNK activity. This biosensor, named JNKAR1 (for JNK activity reporter), specifically detects stress- (ribotoxic and osmotic) and cytokine- (TNF-alpha) induced JNK activity in living cells with a 15 to 30% increase in the yellow-to-cyan emission ratio because of a phosphorylation-dependent increase in FRET between two fluorescent proteins. JNK activity was detected not only in the cytoplasm, but also in the nucleus, mitochondria, and plasma membrane with similar kinetics after induction of ribotoxic stress by anisomycin, suggesting relatively rapid signal propagation to the nuclear, mitochondrial, and plasma membrane compartments. Furthermore, quantitative single-cell analysis revealed that anisomycin-induced JNK activity exhibited ultrasensitivity, sustainability, and bimodality, features that are consistent with behaviors of bistable systems. The development of JNKAR1, therefore, laid a foundation for evaluating the signaling properties and behaviors of the JNK cascade in single living cells.
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Wasserman T, Katsenelson K, Daniliuc S, Hasin T, Choder M, Aronheim A. A novel c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)-binding protein WDR62 is recruited to stress granules and mediates a nonclassical JNK activation. Mol Biol Cell 2009; 21:117-30. [PMID: 19910486 PMCID: PMC2801705 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e09-06-0512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
WDR62 is a novel JNK-binding protein. WDR62 potentiates JNK kinase activity but inhibits AP-1 transcription. Cells transfected with WDR62 display cytoplasmic granular localization. WDR62 is localized to stress granule and activated JNK to processing bodies following arsenite treatment. WDR62 may mediate mRNA fate following stress. The c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) is part of a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling cascade. Scaffold proteins simultaneously associate with various components of the MAPK signaling pathway and play a role in signal transmission and regulation. Here we describe the identification of a novel scaffold JNK-binding protein, WDR62, with no sequence homology to any of the known scaffold proteins. WDR62 is a ubiquitously expressed heat-sensitive 175-kDa protein that specifically associates with JNK but not with ERK and p38. Association between WDR62 and JNKs occurs in the absence and after either transient or persistent stimuli. WDR62 potentiates JNK kinase activity; however it inhibits AP-1 transcription through recruitment of JNK to a nonnuclear compartment. HEK-293T cells transfected with WDR62 display cytoplasmic granular localization. Overexpression of stress granule (SG) resident proteins results in the recruitment of endogenous WDR62 and activated JNK to SG. In addition, cell treatment with arsenite results in recruitment of WDR62 to SG and activated JNK to processing bodies (PB). JNK inhibition results in reduced number and size of SG and reduced size of PB. Collectively, we propose that JNK and WDR62 may regulate the dynamic interplay between polysomes SG and PB, thereby mediating mRNA fate after stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Wasserman
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Rappaport Family Institute for Research in the Medical Sciences, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
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Ahn YH, Kurie JM. MKK4/SEK1 is negatively regulated through a feedback loop involving the E3 ubiquitin ligase itch. J Biol Chem 2009; 284:29399-404. [PMID: 19737936 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m109.044958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells exposed to environmental stress rapidly activate the MAPK cascade (MKKK/MKK/MAPK). The transient nature of stress signaling is a consequence of negative feedback signals that lead to kinase dephosphorylation, degradation, and sequestration, which have not been fully elucidated for MKK family members. Here, we investigated the signals that negatively regulate MKK4/SEK1, an upstream activator of the MAPKs JNK and p38/HOG1. Following exposure of cells to sorbitol, MKK4 underwent ubiquitination and degradation in a proteasome-dependent manner. MKK4 ubiquitination required JNK kinase activity. The JNK substrate Itch (a HECT domain-containing Nedd4-like ubiquitin protein ligase) bound to MKK4, ubiquitinated lysines 140 and 143, and promoted MKK4 degradation. Other E3 ligases within the MAPK modular complex did not ubiquitinate MKK4. These data suggest that MKK4 is negatively regulated through a feedback loop involving the E3 ubiquitin ligase Itch, which has a fundamental role in the mechanism that controls MKK4 protein levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Ho Ahn
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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Enzler T, Chang X, Facchinetti V, Melino G, Karin M, Su B, Gallagher E. MEKK1 Binds HECT E3 Ligase Itch by Its Amino-Terminal RING Motif to Regulate Th2 Cytokine Gene Expression. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2009; 183:3831-8. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.0803412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Wang X, Chang X, Facchinetti V, Zhuang Y, Su B. MEKK3 is essential for lymphopenia-induced T cell proliferation and survival. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2009; 182:3597-608. [PMID: 19265138 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.0803738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
T cell homeostasis is crucial for maintaining an efficient and balanced T cell immunity. The interaction between TCR and self peptide (sp) MHC ligands is known to be the key driving force in this process, and it is believed to be functionally and mechanistically different from that initiated by the antigenic TCR stimulation. Yet, very little is known about the downstream signaling events triggered by this TCR-spMHC interaction and how they differ from those triggered by antigenic TCR stimulation. In this study, we show that T cell conditional ablation of MEKK3, a Ser/Thr kinase in the MAPK cascade, causes a significant reduction in peripheral T cell numbers in the conditional knockout mice, but does not perturb thymic T cell development and maturation. Using an adoptive mixed transfer method, we show that MEKK3-deficient T cells are severely impaired in lymphopenia-induced cell proliferation and survival. Interestingly, the Ag-induced T cell proliferation proceeds normally in the absence of MEKK3. Finally, we found that the activity of ERK1/2, but not p38 MAPK, was attenuated during the lymphopenia-driven response in MEKK3-deficient T cells. Together, these data suggest that MEKK3 may play a crucial selective role for spMHC-mediated T cell homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofang Wang
- Department of Immunobiology and Vascular Biology and Therapeutic Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
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Karin M, Gallagher E. TNFR signaling: ubiquitin-conjugated TRAFfic signals control stop-and-go for MAPK signaling complexes. Immunol Rev 2009; 228:225-40. [PMID: 19290931 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-065x.2008.00755.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Nearly two decades after the initial cloning and identification of the founding father of the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) family, much has been learned about the mechanisms by which these receptors signal to critical transcription factors and other targets that regulate gene expression and cellular physiology. Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and inhibitor of nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB (I kappaB) kinases (IKKs) were identified early on as the upstream kinases responsible for activation of activator-protein 1 (AP-1) and NF-kappaB, respectively, and later on for their ability to control life-or-death decisions in TNF-stimulated cells. Both of these critical pathways are regulated at the level of MAPK kinase kinases (MAP3Ks), after which point they diverge. Recent work, however, illustrates that protein ubiquitination cascades play a critical initiating role in TNFR signaling and account for spatial and temporal separation of IKK and MAPK signaling cascades and thereby determine biological specificity and outcome. Cellular inhibitors of apoptosis (cIAPs) 1 and 2 are ubiquitin (Ub) ligases (E3s) that mediate canonical Lys48-linked ubiquitination of TNFR-associated factor 3 (TRAF3), marking it for subsequent degradation by the proteasome. TRAF3 degradation releases the brake on TRAF2/6:MAP3K signaling complexes responsible for MAPK activation, leading to their translocation from the cytoplasmic segment of the receptor to the cytosol where they initiate MAPK phosphorylation and activation. By contrast, IKK activation proceeds considerably faster than MAPK activation, takes place at the receptor, and is independent of cIAP1/2 activity and TRAF3 degradation. This arrangement may be important for ensuring the proper delivery of NF-kappaB-dependent survival signals and conversion of JNK-promoted death signals to proliferative ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Karin
- Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Signal Transduction, Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0723, USA.
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Chang Q, Zhang Y, Beezhold KJ, Bhatia D, Zhao H, Chen J, Castranova V, Shi X, Chen F. Sustained JNK1 activation is associated with altered histone H3 methylations in human liver cancer. J Hepatol 2009; 50:323-33. [PMID: 19041150 PMCID: PMC4417500 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2008.07.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2008] [Revised: 07/07/2008] [Accepted: 07/23/2008] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Aberrant c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation has been linked to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in mouse models. It remains unclear whether JNK activation plays an important role in human HCC and, if so, how JNK signaling contributes to the initiation or progression of HCC. METHODS The JNK activation, global gene expression, and the status of histone H3 methylations were measured in 31 primary human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) samples paired with the adjacent non-cancerous (ANC) tissues. RESULTS Enhanced JNK1 activation was noted in 17 out of 31 HCC samples (55%) relative to the corresponding ANC tissues, whereas JNK2 activation was roughly equal between HCC and ANC tissues. This enhancement in JNK1 activation is associated with an increased tumor size and a lack of encapsulation of the tumors. In addition, an association of JNK1 activation with the histone H3 lysines 4 and 9 tri-methylation was observed in the HCC tissues, which leads to an elevated expression of genes regulating cell growth and a decreased expression of the genes for cell differentiation and the p450 family members in HCC. CONCLUSIONS These results, thus, suggest that JNK1 plays important roles in the development of human HCC partially through the epigenetic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingshan Chang
- Graduate Center for Toxicology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Yadong Zhang
- The Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Pathology and Physiology Research Branch, 1095 Willowdale Road, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
| | - Kevin J. Beezhold
- The Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Pathology and Physiology Research Branch, 1095 Willowdale Road, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
,Cancer Cell Biology Program, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
| | - Deepak Bhatia
- The Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Pathology and Physiology Research Branch, 1095 Willowdale Road, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
| | - Hongwen Zhao
- The Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Pathology and Physiology Research Branch, 1095 Willowdale Road, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
,Institute of Respiratory Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, PR China
| | - Jianguo Chen
- Qidong Liver Cancer Institute, Jiangsu Province, Qidong 226200, PR China
| | - Vince Castranova
- The Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Pathology and Physiology Research Branch, 1095 Willowdale Road, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
| | - Xianglin Shi
- The Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Pathology and Physiology Research Branch, 1095 Willowdale Road, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
,Graduate Center for Toxicology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Fei Chen
- The Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Pathology and Physiology Research Branch, 1095 Willowdale Road, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
,Graduate Center for Toxicology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
,Cancer Cell Biology Program, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA,Corresponding author. Tel.: +1 304 285 6021. (F. Chen)
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Inactivation of rho GTPases by statins attenuates anthrax lethal toxin activity. Infect Immun 2008; 77:348-59. [PMID: 18936176 DOI: 10.1128/iai.01005-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthrax lethal factor (LF), secreted by Bacillus anthracis, interacts with protective antigen to form a bipartite toxin (lethal toxin [LT]) that exerts pleiotropic biological effects resulting in subversion of the innate immune response. Although the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinases (MKKs) are the major intracellular protein targets of LF, the pathology induced by LT is not well understood. The statin family of HMG-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors have potent anti-inflammatory effects independent of their cholesterol-lowering properties, which have been attributed to modulation of Rho family GTPase activity. The Rho GTPases regulate vesicular trafficking, cytoskeletal dynamics, and cell survival and proliferation. We hypothesized that disruption of Rho GTPase function by statins might alter LT action. We show here that statins delay LT-induced death and MKK cleavage in RAW macrophages and that statin-mediated effects on LT action are attributable to disruption of Rho GTPases. The Rho GTPase-inactivating toxin, toxin B, did not significantly affect LT binding or internalization, suggesting that the Rho GTPases regulate trafficking and/or localization of LT once internalized. The use of drugs capable of inhibiting Rho GTPase activity, such as statins, may provide a means to attenuate intoxication during B. anthracis infection.
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42
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Takatori A, Geh E, Chen L, Zhang L, Meller J, Xia Y. Differential transmission of MEKK1 morphogenetic signals by JNK1 and JNK2. Development 2008; 135:23-32. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.007120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
JNK1 and JNK2 are two ubiquitously expressed isoforms that exert redundant roles in many physiological processes, but the extent of their relative contributions to these processes has not been well characterized. We show that both JNK isoforms transmit MEK kinase 1 (MEKK1)-mediated morphogenetic signals during mouse embryonic eyelid closure. However, JNK1 and JNK2 are not synonymous, because MEKK1 is haploinsufficient for normal eyelid closure in Jnk1-null mice, but is haplosufficient in Jnk2-null mice. In the Mekk1 heterozygous background, a more efficient phosphorylation of JNK1 than JNK2 leads to differential downstream reactions, such as c-Jun phosphorylation and PAI1 expression in the developing eyelid epithelium. Differences in efficiency of phosphorylation are attributed to JNK1 Gly177 and Ser179 - residues that are absent in JNK2 - which promote a less ordered structural conformation. This leads to more favorable JNK phosphorylation by activin B morphogenetic signals mediated by the MEKK1-MKK4 pathway. Interestingly, Mekk1-Jnk1-Jnk2 triple hemizygotes display a partial eye-open phenotype at birth, suggesting that all three genes dose-dependently contribute to morphogenetic eyelid closure. We propose that a MEKK1-JNK1/2 axis governs the JNK activation levels to control downstream transcriptional events and eyelid morphogenesis and that reduction of upstream MEKK1 signals uncovers analogous but differential roles of JNK1 and JNK2 in a biological process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Takatori
- Department of Environmental Health and Center of Environmental Genetics,University of Cincinnati Medical Center, 123 E. Shields Street, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0056, USA
| | - Esmond Geh
- Department of Environmental Health and Center of Environmental Genetics,University of Cincinnati Medical Center, 123 E. Shields Street, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0056, USA
| | - Liang Chen
- Department of Environmental Health and Center of Environmental Genetics,University of Cincinnati Medical Center, 123 E. Shields Street, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0056, USA
| | - Lin Zhang
- Department of Environmental Health and Center of Environmental Genetics,University of Cincinnati Medical Center, 123 E. Shields Street, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0056, USA
- Department of Central Lab, Southern Medical University, Tonghe, Guangzhou,People's Republic of China
| | - Jarek Meller
- Department of Environmental Health and Center of Environmental Genetics,University of Cincinnati Medical Center, 123 E. Shields Street, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0056, USA
| | - Ying Xia
- Department of Environmental Health and Center of Environmental Genetics,University of Cincinnati Medical Center, 123 E. Shields Street, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0056, USA
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Enomoto A, Kido N, Ito M, Morita A, Matsumoto Y, Takamatsu N, Hosoi Y, Miyagawa K. Negative regulation of MEKK1/2 signaling by serine-threonine kinase 38 (STK38). Oncogene 2007; 27:1930-8. [PMID: 17906693 DOI: 10.1038/sj.onc.1210828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are activated through the kinase cascades of MAPK, MAPK kinase (MAPKK) and MAPKK kinase (MAPKKK). MAPKKKs phosphorylate and activate their downstream MAPKKs, which in turn phosphorylate and activate their downstream MAPKs. MAPKKK proteins relay upstream signals through the MAPK cascades to induce cellular responses. However, the molecular mechanisms by which given MAPKKKs are regulated remain largely unknown. Here, we found that serine-threonine protein kinase 38, STK38, physically interacts with the MAPKKKs MEKK1 and MEKK2 (MEKK1/2). The carboxy terminus, including the catalytic domain, but not the amino terminus of MEKK1/2 was necessary for the interaction with STK38. STK38 inhibited MEKK1/2 activation without preventing MEKK1/2 binding to its substrate, SEK1. Importantly, STK38 suppressed the autophosphorylation of MEKK2 without interfering with MEKK2 dimer formation, and converted MEKK2 from its phosphorylated to its nonphosphorylated form. The negative regulation of MEKK1/2 was not due to its phosphorylation by STK38. On the other hand, stk38 short hairpin RNA enhanced sorbitol-induced activation of MEKK2 and phosphorylation of the downstream MAPKKs, MKK3/6. Taken together, our results indicate that STK38 negatively regulates the activation of MEKK1/2 by direct interaction with the catalytic domain of MEKK1/2, suggesting a novel mechanism of MEKK1/2 regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Enomoto
- Section of Radiation Biology, Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
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Legewie S, Schoeberl B, Blüthgen N, Herzel H. Competing docking interactions can bring about bistability in the MAPK cascade. Biophys J 2007; 93:2279-88. [PMID: 17526574 PMCID: PMC1965452 DOI: 10.1529/biophysj.107.109132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2007] [Accepted: 05/18/2007] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinases are crucial regulators of various cell fate decisions including proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Depending on the cellular context, the Raf-Mek-Erk mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade responds to extracellular stimuli in an all-or-none manner, most likely due to bistable behavior. Here, we describe a previously unrecognized positive-feedback mechanism that emerges from experimentally observed sequestration effects in the core Raf-Mek-Erk cascade. Unphosphorylated/monophosphorylated Erk sequesters Mek into Raf-inaccessible complexes upon weak stimulation, and thereby inhibits cascade activation. Mek, once phosphorylated by Raf, triggers Erk phosphorylation, which in turn induces dissociation of Raf-inaccessible Mek-Erk heterodimers, and thus further amplifies Mek phosphorylation. We show that this positive circuit can bring about bistability for parameter values measured experimentally in living cells. Previous studies revealed that bistability can also arise from enzyme depletion effects in the Erk double (de)phosphorylation cycle. We demonstrate that the feedback mechanism proposed in this article synergizes with such enzyme depletion effects to bring about a much larger bistable range than either mechanism alone. Our results show that stable docking interactions and competition effects, which are common in protein kinase cascades, can result in sequestration-based feedback, and thus can have profound effects on the qualitative behavior of signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Legewie
- Institute for Theoretical Biology, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany.
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45
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Jiménez-Sánchez M, Cid VJ, Molina M. Retrophosphorylation of Mkk1 and Mkk2 MAPKKs by the Slt2 MAPK in the yeast cell integrity pathway. J Biol Chem 2007; 282:31174-85. [PMID: 17711850 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m706270200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a variety of stresses and aggressions to the cell wall stimulate the activation of the cell wall integrity MAPK pathway, which triggers the expression of a series of genes important for the maintenance of cell wall homeostasis. This MAPK module lies downstream of the Rho1 small GTPase and protein kinase C Pkc1 and consists of MAPKKK Bck1, MAPKKs Mkk1 and Mkk2, and the Slt2 MAPK. In agreement with previous reports suggesting that Mkk1 and Mkk2 were functionally redundant, we show here that both Mkk1 and Mkk2 alone or even chimerical proteins constructed by interchanging their catalytic and regulatory domains are able to efficiently maintain signal transduction through the pathway. Both Mkk1 and Mkk2 are phosphorylated in vivo concomitant to activation of the cell integrity pathway. Interestingly, hyperphosphorylation of the MEKs required not only the upstream components of the pathway, but also a catalytically competent Slt2 MAPK downstream. Active Slt2 purified from yeast extracts was able to phosphorylate Mkk1 and Mkk2 in vitro. We have mapped Ser(50) as a direct phosphorylation target for Slt2 in Mkk2. However, substitution of all (Ser/Thr)-Pro canonical MAPK target sites with alanine did not totally abrogate Slt2-dependent Mkk2 phosphorylation. Mutation or deletion of a conserved MAPK-docking site at the N-terminal extension of Mkk2 precluded its interaction with Slt2 and negatively affected retrophosphorylation. Our data show that the cell wall integrity MAPKKs are targets for their downstream MAPK, suggesting the existence of complex feedback regulatory mechanisms at this level.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Jiménez-Sánchez
- Departamento de Microbiología II, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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46
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Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) regulate diverse cellular programs including embryogenesis, proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis based on cues derived from the cell surface and the metabolic state and environment of the cell. In mammals, there are more than a dozen MAPK genes. The best known are the extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK(1-3)) and p38(alpha, beta, gamma and delta) families. ERK3, ERK5 and ERK7 are other MAPKs that have distinct regulation and functions. MAPK cascades consist of a core of three protein kinases. Despite the apparently simple architecture of this pathway, these enzymes are capable of responding to a bewildering number of stimuli to produce exquisitely specific cellular outcomes. These responses depend on the kinetics of their activation and inactivation, the subcellular localization of the kinases, the complexes in which they act, and the availability of substrates. Fine-tuning of cascade activity can occur through modulatory inputs to cascade component from the primary kinases to the scaffolding accessory proteins. Here, we describe some of the properties of the three major MAPK pathways and discuss how these properties govern pathway regulation and activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Raman
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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47
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Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase kinase 4 (MKK4) is a component of stress activated MAP kinase signaling modules. It directly phosphorylates and activates the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 families of MAP kinases in response to environmental stress, pro-inflammatory cytokines and developmental cues. MKK4 is ubiquitously expressed and the targeted deletion of the Mkk4 gene in mice results in early embryonic lethality. Further studies in mice have indicated a role for MKK4 in liver formation, the immune system and cardiac hypertrophy. In humans, it is reported that loss of function mutations in the MKK4 gene are found in approximately 5% of tumors from a variety of tissues, suggesting it may have a tumor suppression function. Furthermore, MKK4 has been identified as a suppressor of metastasis of prostate and ovarian cancers. However, the role of MKK4 in cancer development appears complex as other studies support a pro-oncogenic role for MKK4 and JNK. Here we review the biochemical and functional properties of MKK4 and discuss the likely mechanisms by which it may regulate the steps leading to the formation of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Whitmarsh
- Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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48
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Oh SM, Zhu F, Cho YY, Lee KW, Kang BS, Kim HG, Zykova T, Bode AM, Dong Z. T-Lymphokine–Activated Killer Cell–Originated Protein Kinase Functions as a Positive Regulator of c-Jun-NH2-Kinase 1 Signaling and H-Ras–Induced Cell Transformation. Cancer Res 2007; 67:5186-94. [PMID: 17545598 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-06-4506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
T-lymphokine-activated killer cell-originated protein kinase (TOPK) is overexpressed in highly proliferating tumors such as leukemias and myelomas, and seems to play a key role in tumorigenesis or metastasis. However, the precise role and regulatory mechanism explaining the effects of TOPK on tumor cells still remain elusive. Here, we reported that TOPK regulates UVB-induced c-Jun-NH2-kinase 1 (JNK1) activity, and is essential for H-Ras-induced activator protein-1 activity and cell transformation. We showed that TOPK associated with and phosphorylated JNK1 following UVB irradiation in vitro or in vivo. Moreover, UVB-induced JNK1 activity was greatly augmented in mouse epidermal JB6 Cl41 cells that stably expressed TOPK cDNA. On the other hand, JNK1 activity was markedly attenuated by stable expression of small interfering RNA against TOPK in malignant melanoma RPMI 7951 cells. Interestingly, TOPK interacted with JNK-interacting protein 1 and caused an elevation of JNK-interacting protein 1 scaffolding activity, thereby enhancing JNK1 activity. Furthermore, JNK1 was required for TOPK-mediated activator protein-1 transcriptional activity and transformed foci induced by UVB or H-Ras. Taken together, these findings showed that TOPK positively modulated UVB-induced JNK1 activity and played a pivotal role in JNK1-mediated cell transformation induced by H-Ras. These studies might also provide a novel molecular mechanism for the role of TOPK in UVB-mediated skin carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Muk Oh
- Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, Minnesota
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49
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Liu S, Shi-wen X, Kennedy L, Pala D, Chen Y, Eastwood M, Carter DE, Black CM, Abraham DJ, Leask A. FAK is required for TGFbeta-induced JNK phosphorylation in fibroblasts: implications for acquisition of a matrix-remodeling phenotype. Mol Biol Cell 2007; 18:2169-78. [PMID: 17409352 PMCID: PMC1877111 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e06-12-1121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) plays a critical role in connective tissue remodeling by fibroblasts during development, tissue repair, and fibrosis. We investigated the molecular pathways in the transmission of TGFbeta signals that lead to features of connective tissue remodeling, namely formation of an alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) cytoskeleton, matrix contraction, and expression of profibrotic genes. TGFbeta causes the activation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), leading to JNK phosphorylation. TGFbeta induces JNK-dependent actin stress fiber formation, matrix contraction, and expression of profibrotic genes in fak+/+, but not fak-/-, fibroblasts. Overexpression of MEKK1, a kinase acting upstream of JNK, rescues TGFbeta responsiveness of JNK-dependent transcripts and actin stress fiber formation in FAK-deficient fibroblasts. Thus we propose a FAK-MEKK1-JNK pathway in the transmission of TGFbeta signals leading to the control of alpha-SMA cytoskeleton reorganization, matrix contraction, and profibrotic gene expression and hence to the physiological and pathological effects of TGFbeta on connective tissue remodeling by fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shangxi Liu
- *Canadian Institutes of Health Research Group in Skeletal Development and Remodeling, Division of Oral Biology and Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada N6A 5C1
| | - Xu Shi-wen
- Centre for Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Royal Free and University College Medical School, University College London (Royal Free Campus), London, United Kingdom NW3 2PF
| | - Laura Kennedy
- *Canadian Institutes of Health Research Group in Skeletal Development and Remodeling, Division of Oral Biology and Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada N6A 5C1
| | - Daphne Pala
- *Canadian Institutes of Health Research Group in Skeletal Development and Remodeling, Division of Oral Biology and Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada N6A 5C1
| | - Yunliang Chen
- School of Biosciences, University of Westminster, London, United Kingdom, W1W 6UW; and
| | - Mark Eastwood
- School of Biosciences, University of Westminster, London, United Kingdom, W1W 6UW; and
| | | | - Carol M. Black
- Centre for Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Royal Free and University College Medical School, University College London (Royal Free Campus), London, United Kingdom NW3 2PF
| | - David J. Abraham
- Centre for Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Royal Free and University College Medical School, University College London (Royal Free Campus), London, United Kingdom NW3 2PF
| | - Andrew Leask
- *Canadian Institutes of Health Research Group in Skeletal Development and Remodeling, Division of Oral Biology and Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada N6A 5C1
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50
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Nakajima A, Komazawa-Sakon S, Takekawa M, Sasazuki T, Yeh WC, Yagita H, Okumura K, Nakano H. An antiapoptotic protein, c-FLIPL, directly binds to MKK7 and inhibits the JNK pathway. EMBO J 2006; 25:5549-59. [PMID: 17110930 PMCID: PMC1679768 DOI: 10.1038/sj.emboj.7601423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2006] [Accepted: 10/04/2006] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Inhibition of NF-kappaB activation increases susceptibility to tumor necrosis factor (TNF)alpha-induced cell death, concurrent with caspases and prolonged c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. However, the detailed mechanisms are unclear. Here we show that cellular FLICE-inhibitory protein (c-FLIP) is rapidly lost in NF-kappaB activation-deficient, but not wild-type fibroblasts upon TNFalpha stimulation, indicating that NF-kappaB normally maintains the cellular levels of c-FLIP. The ectopic expression of the long form of c-FLIP (c-FLIPL) inhibits TNFalpha-induced prolonged JNK activation and ROS accumulation in NF-kappaB activation-deficient fibroblasts. Conversely, TNFalpha induces prolonged JNK activation and ROS accumulation in c-Flip-/- fibroblasts. Moreover, c-FLIPL directly interacts with a JNK activator, MAP kinase kinase (MKK)7, in a TNFalpha-dependent manner and inhibits the interactions of MKK7 with MAP/ERK kinase kinase 1, apoptosis-signal-regulating kinase 1, and TGFbeta-activated kinase 1. This stimuli-dependent interaction of c-FLIPL with MKK7 might selectively suppress the prolonged phase of JNK activation. Taken that ROS promote JNK activation and activation of the JNK pathway may promote ROS accumulation, c-FLIPL might block this positive feedback loop, thereby suppressing ROS accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihito Nakajima
- Department of Immunology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Mutsuhiro Takekawa
- Division of Molecular Cell Signaling, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomonari Sasazuki
- Department of Immunology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Wen-Chen Yeh
- Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research, University Health Network, Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hideo Yagita
- Department of Immunology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ko Okumura
- Department of Immunology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyasu Nakano
- Department of Immunology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Immunology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan. Tel.: +81 3 5802 1045; Fax: +81 3 3813 0421; E-mail:
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