1
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Lovatt C, Williams M, Gibbs A, Mukhtar A, Morgan HJ, Lanfredini S, Olivero C, Spurlock G, Davies S, Philpott C, Tovell H, Turnpenny P, Baban D, Knight S, Brems H, Sampson JR, Legius E, Upadhyaya M, Patel GK. Pigment epithelium derived factor drives melanocyte proliferation and migration in neurofibromatosis café au lait macules. SKIN HEALTH AND DISEASE 2024; 4:e394. [PMID: 39355740 PMCID: PMC11442068 DOI: 10.1002/ski2.394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 10/03/2024]
Abstract
Background RASopathies, which include neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), are defined by Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase (Ras/MAPK) pathway activation. They represent a group of clinically related disorders often characterised by multiple Café au Lait Macules (CALMs). Objectives To determine, using in depth transcriptomic analysis of NF1 melanocytes from CALM and unaffected skin, (1) the gene(s) responsible for melanocyte proliferation and migration, and (2) the activated signalling pathway(s) in NF1 melanoma. Methods Classical NF1 (n = 2, who develop tumours) and 3bp deletion NF1 (p. Met992del, who do not develop tumours) (n = 3) patients underwent skin biopsies from CALM and unaffected skin. Melanocytes were isolated and propagated, with five replicates from each tissue sample. DNA and RNA were extracted for mutational analysis and transcriptomic profiling with six replicates per sample. Mechanistic determination was undertaken using melanocyte and melanoma cell lines. Results All CALMs in NF1 were associated with biallelic NF1 loss, resulting in amplification of Ras/MAPK and Wnt pathway signalling. CALMs were also associated with reduced SERPINF1 gene expression (and pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) levels, the reciprocal protein), a known downstream target of the master regulator of melanocyte differentiation microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), leading to increased melanocyte proliferation, migration and invasion. In classical NF1 and melanoma, but not 3bp deletion NF1, there was also activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. Pigment epithelium-derived factor was found to reduce cell proliferation and invasion of NF1 melanoma. Conclusions Melanocyte proliferation and migration leading to CALMs in NF1 arises from biallelic NF1 loss, resulting in RAS/MAPK pathway activation, and reduced expression of the tumour suppressor PEDF. Activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway in classical NF1 and NF1 melanoma may facilitate tumour growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Lovatt
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research InstituteCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
| | - Megan Williams
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research InstituteCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
| | - Alex Gibbs
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research InstituteCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
| | - Abdullahi Mukhtar
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research InstituteCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
| | - Huw J. Morgan
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research InstituteCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
| | - Simone Lanfredini
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research InstituteCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
| | - Carlotta Olivero
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research InstituteCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
| | - Gill Spurlock
- Division of Cancer and GeneticsInstitute of Medical GeneticsCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
| | - Sally Davies
- Division of Cancer and GeneticsInstitute of Medical GeneticsCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
| | - Charlotte Philpott
- Division of Cancer and GeneticsInstitute of Medical GeneticsCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
| | - Hannah Tovell
- Division of Cancer and GeneticsInstitute of Medical GeneticsCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
| | - Peter Turnpenny
- Clinical GeneticsRoyal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation TrustExeterUK
| | - Dilair Baban
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Human GeneticsOxfordUK
| | - Sam Knight
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Human GeneticsOxfordUK
| | - Hilde Brems
- Department of Human GeneticsKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Julian R. Sampson
- Division of Cancer and GeneticsInstitute of Medical GeneticsCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
| | - Eric Legius
- Department of Human GeneticsKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Meena Upadhyaya
- Division of Cancer and GeneticsInstitute of Medical GeneticsCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
| | - Girish K. Patel
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research InstituteCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
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2
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Botero V, Tomchik SM. Unraveling neuronal and metabolic alterations in neurofibromatosis type 1. J Neurodev Disord 2024; 16:49. [PMID: 39217323 PMCID: PMC11365184 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-024-09565-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (OMIM 162200) affects ~ 1 in 3,000 individuals worldwide and is one of the most common monogenetic neurogenetic disorders that impacts brain function. The disorder affects various organ systems, including the central nervous system, resulting in a spectrum of clinical manifestations. Significant progress has been made in understanding the disorder's pathophysiology, yet gaps persist in understanding how the complex signaling and systemic interactions affect the disorder. Two features of the disorder are alterations in neuronal function and metabolism, and emerging evidence suggests a potential relationship between them. This review summarizes neurofibromatosis type 1 features and recent research findings on disease mechanisms, with an emphasis on neuronal and metabolic features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Botero
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Scripps Research, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, FL, USA
- Skaggs School of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Seth M Tomchik
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
- Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
- Hawk-IDDRC, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, Scripps Research, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, FL, USA.
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3
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Chippalkatti R, Parisi B, Kouzi F, Laurini C, Ben Fredj N, Abankwa DK. RAS isoform specific activities are disrupted by disease associated mutations during cell differentiation. Eur J Cell Biol 2024; 103:151425. [PMID: 38795504 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2024.151425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The RAS-MAPK-pathway is aberrantly regulated in cancer and developmental diseases called RASopathies. While typically the impact of Ras on the proliferation of various cancer cell lines is assessed, it is poorly established how Ras affects cellular differentiation. Here we implement the C2C12 myoblast cell line to systematically study the effect of Ras mutants and Ras-pathway drugs on differentiation. We first provide evidence that a minor pool of Pax7+ progenitors replenishes a major pool of transit amplifying cells that are ready to differentiate. Our data indicate that Ras isoforms have distinct roles in the differentiating culture, where K-Ras depletion increases and H-Ras depletion decreases terminal differentiation. This assay could therefore provide significant new insights into Ras biology and Ras-driven diseases. In line with this, we found that all oncogenic Ras mutants block terminal differentiation of transit amplifying cells. By contrast, RASopathy associated K-Ras variants were less able to block differentiation. Profiling of eight targeted Ras-pathway drugs on seven oncogenic Ras mutants revealed their allele-specific activities and distinct abilities to restore normal differentiation as compared to triggering cell death. In particular, the MEK-inhibitor trametinib could broadly restore differentiation, while the mTOR-inhibitor rapamycin broadly suppressed differentiation. We expect that this quantitative assessment of the impact of Ras-pathway mutants and drugs on cellular differentiation has great potential to complement cancer cell proliferation data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohan Chippalkatti
- Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette 4362, Luxembourg
| | - Bianca Parisi
- Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette 4362, Luxembourg
| | - Farah Kouzi
- Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette 4362, Luxembourg
| | - Christina Laurini
- Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette 4362, Luxembourg
| | - Nesrine Ben Fredj
- Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette 4362, Luxembourg
| | - Daniel Kwaku Abankwa
- Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette 4362, Luxembourg.
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4
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Riaud M, Maxwell J, Soria-Bretones I, Dankner M, Li M, Rose AAN. The role of CRAF in cancer progression: from molecular mechanisms to precision therapies. Nat Rev Cancer 2024; 24:105-122. [PMID: 38195917 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-023-00650-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
The RAF family of kinases includes key activators of the pro-tumourigenic mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Hyperactivation of RAF proteins, particularly BRAF and CRAF, drives tumour progression and drug resistance in many types of cancer. Although BRAF is the most studied RAF protein, partially owing to its high mutation incidence in melanoma, the role of CRAF in tumourigenesis and drug resistance is becoming increasingly clinically relevant. Here, we summarize the main known regulatory mechanisms and gene alterations that contribute to CRAF activity, highlighting the different oncogenic roles of CRAF, and categorize RAF1 (CRAF) mutations according to the effect on kinase activity. Additionally, we emphasize the effect that CRAF alterations may have on drug resistance and how precision therapies could effectively target CRAF-dependent tumours. Here, we discuss preclinical and clinical findings that may lead to improved treatments for all types of oncogenic RAF1 alterations in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melody Riaud
- Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jennifer Maxwell
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Isabel Soria-Bretones
- Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Matthew Dankner
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Meredith Li
- Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - April A N Rose
- Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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5
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Rhodes SD, McCormick F, Cagan RL, Bakker A, Staedtke V, Ly I, Steensma MR, Lee SY, Romo CG, Blakeley JO, Sarin KY. RAS Signaling Gone Awry in the Skin: The Complex Role of RAS in Cutaneous Neurofibroma Pathogenesis, Emerging Biological Insights. J Invest Dermatol 2023; 143:1358-1368. [PMID: 37245145 PMCID: PMC10409534 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2023.01.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Cutaneous neurofibromas (cNFs) are the most common tumor in people with the rasopathy neurofibromatosis type 1. They number in hundreds or even thousands throughout the body, and currently, there are no effective interventions to prevent or treat these skin tumors. To facilitate the identification of novel and effective therapies, essential studies including a more refined understanding of cNF biology and the role of RAS signaling and downstream effector pathways responsible for cNF initiation, growth, and maintenance are needed. This review highlights the current state of knowledge of RAS signaling in cNF pathogenesis and therapeutic development for cNF treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven D Rhodes
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Frank McCormick
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA; Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Ross L Cagan
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland
| | | | - Verena Staedtke
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ina Ly
- Stephen E. and Catherine Pappas Center for Neuro-Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Matthew R Steensma
- Center for Cancer and Cell Biology, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA; Helen DeVos Children's Hospital, Spectrum Health System, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA; College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
| | - Sang Y Lee
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Carlos G Romo
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jaishri O Blakeley
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kavita Y Sarin
- Department of Dermatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA.
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6
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Zhang L, Jiang L, Zeng L, Jin Z, Dong X, Zhang Y, Chen L, Shu Y, Liu Y, Huang Y. The oncogenic role of NF1 in gallbladder cancer through regulation of YAP1 stability by direct interaction with YAP1. J Transl Med 2023; 21:306. [PMID: 37147639 PMCID: PMC10163693 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04157-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is the most prevalent and invasive biliary tract malignancy. As a GTPase-activating protein, Neurofibromin 1 (NF1) is a tumor suppressor that negatively regulates the RAS signaling pathway, and its abnormality leads to neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1) disease. However, the role of NF1 playing in GBC and the underlying molecular mechanism has not been defined yet. METHODS A combination of NOZ and EH-GB1 cell lines as well as nude mice, were utilized in this study. mRNA expression and protein levels of NF1 and YAP1 were evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), western blot (WB), and immunohistochemistry (IHC). In vitro and in vivo assays were performed to explore the biological effects of NF1 in NOZ and EH-GB1 cells via siRNA or lv-shRNA mediated knockdown. Direct interaction between NF1 and YAP1 was detected by confocal microscopy and co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), and further confirmed by GST pull-down assay and isothermal titration calorimetry assay (ITC). The stability of proteins was measured by western blot (WB) in the presence of cycloheximide. RESULTS This study showed that a higher level of NF1 and YAP1 was found in GBC samples than in normal tissues and associated with worse prognoses. The NF1 knockdown impaired the proliferation and migration of NOZ in vivo and in vitro by downregulating YAP1 expression. Moreover, NF1 co-localized with YAP1 in NOZ and EH-GB1 cells, and the WW domains of YAP1 specifically recognized the PPQY motif of NF1. The structural modeling also indicated the hydrophobic interactions between YAP1 and NF1. On the other hand, YAP1 knockdown also impaired the proliferation of NOZ in vitro, phenocopying the effects of NF1 knockdown. Overexpression of YAP1 can partially rescue the impaired proliferation in NF1 stably knockdown cells. In mechanism, NF1 interacted with YAP1 and increased the stability of YAP1 by preventing ubiquitination. CONCLUSIONS Our findings discovered a novel oncogenic function of NF1 by directly interacting with YAP1 protein and stabilizing YAP1 to protect it from proteasome degradation in NOZ cells. NF1 may serve as a potential therapeutic target in GBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingxiao Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Biliary Tract Disease Research, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200092, China
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Lin Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Biliary Tract Disease Research, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200092, China
- School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093, China
| | - Ling Zeng
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Biliary Tract Disease Research, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Zhaohui Jin
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Biliary Tract Disease Research, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Xuanjia Dong
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Biliary Tract Disease Research, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yuhan Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Biliary Tract Disease Research, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Litian Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Biliary Tract Disease Research, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yijun Shu
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Biliary Tract Disease Research, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - Yingbin Liu
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China.
| | - Ying Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Biliary Tract Disease Research, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
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7
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Lopez J, Bonsor DA, Sale MJ, Urisman A, Mehalko JL, Cabanski-Dunning M, Castel P, Simanshu DK, McCormick F. The Ribosomal S6 Kinase 2 (RSK2)-SPRED2 complex regulates phosphorylation of RSK substrates and MAPK signaling. J Biol Chem 2023:104789. [PMID: 37149146 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Sprouty-related EVH-1 domain-containing (SPRED) proteins are a family of proteins that negatively regulate the RAS-MAPK pathway, which is involved in the regulation of the mitogenic response and cell proliferation. However, the mechanism by which these proteins affect RAS-MAPK signaling has not been fully elucidated. Patients with mutations in SPRED give rise to unique disease phenotypes, thus we hypothesized that distinct interactions across SPRED proteins may account for alternative nodes of regulation. To characterize the SPRED interactome and evaluate how members of the SPRED family function through unique binding partners, here we performed affinity purification mass spectrometry. We identified 90-kDa ribosomal S6 kinase 2 (RSK2) as a specific interactor of SPRED2, but not SPRED1 or SPRED3. We identified that the N-terminal kinase domain of RSK2 mediates interaction between amino acids 123-201 of SPRED2. Using X-ray crystallography, we determined the structure of the SPRED2-RSK2 complex and identified the SPRED2 motif, F145A, as critical for interaction. Additionally, we found that formation of this interaction is regulated by MAPK signaling events. We also find that that this interaction between SPRED2 and RSK2 has functional consequences, whereby knockdown of SPRED2 resulted in increased phosphorylation of RSK substrates, YB1 and CREB. Furthermore, SPRED2 knockdown hindered phospho-RSK membrane and nuclear subcellular localization. Lastly, we report that disruption of the SPRED2-RSK complex has effects on RAS-MAPK signaling dynamics. Overall, our analysis reveals that members of the SPRED family have unique protein binding partners and describes the molecular and functional determinants of SPRED2-RSK2 complex dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jocelyne Lopez
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, 1450 3rd Street, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Daniel A Bonsor
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Matthew J Sale
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, 1450 3rd Street, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Anatoly Urisman
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Jennifer L Mehalko
- Protein Expression Laboratory, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc. PO Box B, Frederick, MD 21702, United States
| | - Miranda Cabanski-Dunning
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, 1450 3rd Street, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Pau Castel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University, 450 E 29(th) Street, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Dhirendra K Simanshu
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Frank McCormick
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, 1450 3rd Street, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
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8
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Báez-Flores J, Rodríguez-Martín M, Lacal J. The therapeutic potential of neurofibromin signaling pathways and binding partners. Commun Biol 2023; 6:436. [PMID: 37081086 PMCID: PMC10119308 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04815-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromin controls many cell processes, such as growth, learning, and memory. If neurofibromin is not working properly, it can lead to health problems, including issues with the nervous, skeletal, and cardiovascular systems and cancer. This review examines neurofibromin's binding partners, signaling pathways and potential therapeutic targets. In addition, it summarizes the different post-translational modifications that can affect neurofibromin's interactions with other molecules. It is essential to investigate the molecular mechanisms that underlie neurofibromin variants in order to provide with functional connections between neurofibromin and its associated proteins for possible therapeutic targets based on its biological function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Báez-Flores
- Laboratory of Functional Genetics of Rare Diseases, Department of Microbiology and Genetics, University of Salamanca (USAL), 37007, Salamanca, Spain
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Mario Rodríguez-Martín
- Laboratory of Functional Genetics of Rare Diseases, Department of Microbiology and Genetics, University of Salamanca (USAL), 37007, Salamanca, Spain
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Jesus Lacal
- Laboratory of Functional Genetics of Rare Diseases, Department of Microbiology and Genetics, University of Salamanca (USAL), 37007, Salamanca, Spain.
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007, Salamanca, Spain.
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9
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Functional Assays Combined with Pre-mRNA-Splicing Analysis Improve Variant Classification and Diagnostics for Individuals with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 and Legius Syndrome. Hum Mutat 2023. [DOI: 10.1155/2023/9628049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and Legius syndrome (LS) are caused by inactivating variants in NF1 and SPRED1. NF1 encodes neurofibromin (NF), a GTPase-activating protein (GAP) for RAS that interacts with the SPRED1 product, Sprouty-related protein with an EVH (Ena/Vasp homology) domain 1 (SPRED1). Obtaining a clinical and molecular diagnosis of NF1 or LS can be challenging due to the phenotypic diversity, the size and complexity of the NF1 and SPRED1 loci, and uncertainty over the effects of some NF1 and SPRED1 variants on pre-mRNA splicing and/or protein expression and function. To improve NF1 and SPRED1 variant classification and establish pathogenicity for NF1 and SPRED1 variants identified in individuals with NF1 or LS, we analyzed patient RNA by RT-PCR and performed in vitro exon trap experiments and estimated NF and SPRED1 protein expression, RAS GAP activity, and interaction. We obtained evidence to support pathogenicity according to American College of Medical Genetics guidelines for 73/114 variants tested, demonstrating the utility of functional approaches for NF1 and SPRED1 variant classification and NF and LS diagnostics.
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10
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Destabilizing NF1 variants act in a dominant negative manner through neurofibromin dimerization. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2208960120. [PMID: 36689660 PMCID: PMC9945959 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2208960120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The majority of pathogenic mutations in the neurofibromatosis type I (NF1) gene reduce total neurofibromin protein expression through premature truncation or microdeletion, but it is less well understood how loss-of-function missense variants drive NF1 disease. We have found that patient variants in codons 844 to 848, which correlate with a severe phenotype, cause protein instability and exert an additional dominant-negative action whereby wild-type neurofibromin also becomes destabilized through protein dimerization. We have used our neurofibromin cryogenic electron microscopy structure to predict and validate other patient variants that act through a similar mechanism. This provides a foundation for understanding genotype-phenotype correlations and has important implications for patient counseling, disease management, and therapeutics.
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11
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Yang H, Zhou X, Fu D, Le C, Wang J, Zhou Q, Liu X, Yuan Y, Ding K, Xiao Q. Targeting RAS mutants in malignancies: successes, failures, and reasons for hope. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2023; 43:42-74. [PMID: 36316602 PMCID: PMC9859734 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
RAS genes are the most frequently mutated oncogenes and play critical roles in the development and progression of malignancies. The mutation, isoform (KRAS, HRAS, and NRAS), position, and type of substitution vary depending on the tissue types. Despite decades of developing RAS-targeted therapies, only small subsets of these inhibitors are clinically effective, such as the allele-specific inhibitors against KRASG12C . Targeting the remaining RAS mutants would require further experimental elucidation of RAS signal transduction, RAS-altered metabolism, and the associated immune microenvironment. This study reviews the mechanisms and efficacy of novel targeted therapies for different RAS mutants, including KRAS allele-specific inhibitors, combination therapies, immunotherapies, and metabolism-associated therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Yang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and OncologyKey Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and InterventionMinistry of EducationThe Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310009P. R. China
| | - Xinyi Zhou
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and OncologyKey Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and InterventionMinistry of EducationThe Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310009P. R. China
| | - Dongliang Fu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and OncologyKey Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and InterventionMinistry of EducationThe Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310009P. R. China
| | - Chenqin Le
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and OncologyKey Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and InterventionMinistry of EducationThe Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310009P. R. China
| | - Jiafeng Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Gastroenterology of the Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310058P. R. China
| | - Quan Zhou
- Department of Cell BiologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058P. R. China
| | - Xiangrui Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Department of Gastroenterology of the Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310058P. R. China
- Cancer CenterZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058P. R. China
| | - Ying Yuan
- Department of Medical Oncologythe Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310058P. R. China
| | - Kefeng Ding
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and OncologyKey Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and InterventionMinistry of EducationThe Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310009P. R. China
- Cancer CenterZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiang310058P. R. China
| | - Qian Xiao
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and OncologyKey Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and InterventionMinistry of EducationThe Second Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiang310009P. R. China
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12
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Tartaglia M, Aoki Y, Gelb BD. The molecular genetics of RASopathies: An update on novel disease genes and new disorders. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS. PART C, SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2022; 190:425-439. [PMID: 36394128 PMCID: PMC10100036 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.32012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Enhanced signaling through RAS and the mitogen-associated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade underlies the RASopathies, a family of clinically related disorders affecting development and growth. In RASopathies, increased RAS-MAPK signaling can result from the upregulated activity of various RAS GTPases, enhanced function of proteins positively controlling RAS function or favoring the efficient transmission of RAS signaling to downstream transducers, functional upregulation of RAS effectors belonging to the MAPK cascade, or inefficient signaling switch-off operated by feedback mechanisms acting at different levels. The massive effort in RASopathy gene discovery performed in the last 20 years has identified more than 20 genes implicated in these disorders. It has also facilitated the characterization of several molecular activating mechanisms that had remained unappreciated due to their minor impact in oncogenesis. Here, we provide an overview on the discoveries collected during the last 5 years that have delivered unexpected insights (e.g., Noonan syndrome as a recessive disease) and allowed to profile new RASopathies, novel disease genes and new molecular circuits contributing to the control of RAS-MAPK signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Tartaglia
- Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Yoko Aoki
- Department of Medical Genetics, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Bruce D Gelb
- Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Pediatrics and Genetics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
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13
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Miller AH, Halloran MC. Mechanistic insights from animal models of neurofibromatosis type 1 cognitive impairment. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:276464. [PMID: 36037004 PMCID: PMC9459395 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal-dominant neurogenetic disorder caused by mutations in the gene neurofibromin 1 (NF1). NF1 predisposes individuals to a variety of symptoms, including peripheral nerve tumors, brain tumors and cognitive dysfunction. Cognitive deficits can negatively impact patient quality of life, especially the social and academic development of children. The neurofibromin protein influences neural circuits via diverse cellular signaling pathways, including through RAS, cAMP and dopamine signaling. Although animal models have been useful in identifying cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate NF1-dependent behaviors, translating these discoveries into effective treatments has proven difficult. Clinical trials measuring cognitive outcomes in patients with NF1 have mainly targeted RAS signaling but, unfortunately, resulted in limited success. In this Review, we provide an overview of the structure and function of neurofibromin, and evaluate several cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying neurofibromin-dependent cognitive function, which have recently been delineated in animal models. A better understanding of neurofibromin roles in the development and function of the nervous system will be crucial for identifying new therapeutic targets for the various cognitive domains affected by NF1. Summary: Neurofibromin influences neural circuits through RAS, cAMP and dopamine signaling. Exploring the mechanisms underlying neurofibromin-dependent behaviors in animal models might enable future treatment of the various cognitive deficits that are associated with neurofibromatosis type 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew H Miller
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA.,Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Mary C Halloran
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
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14
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Li M, Wang Y, Fan J, Zhuang H, Liu Y, Ji D, Lu S. Mechanistic Insights into the Long-range Allosteric Regulation of KRAS Via Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) Scaffold Upon SPRED1 Loading. J Mol Biol 2022; 434:167730. [PMID: 35872068 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Allosteric regulation is the most direct and efficient way of regulating protein function, wherein proteins transmit the perturbations at one site to another distinct functional site. Deciphering the mechanism of allosteric regulation is of vital importance for the comprehension of both physiological and pathological events in vivo as well as the rational allosteric drug design. However, it remains challenging to elucidate dominant allosteric signal transduction pathways, especially for large and multi-component protein machineries where long-range allosteric regulation exits. One of the quintessential examples having long-range allosteric regulation is the ternary complex, SPRED1-RAS-neurofibromin type 1 (NF1, a RAS GTPase-activating protein), in which SPRED1 facilitates RAS-GTP hydrolysis by interacting with NF1 at a distal, allosteric site from the RAS binding site. To address the underlying mechanism, we performed extensive Gaussian accelerated molecular dynamics simulations and Markov state model analysis of KRAS-NF1 complex in the presence and absence of SPRED1. Our findings suggested that SPRED1 loading allosterically enhanced KRAS-NF1 binding, but hindered conformational transformation of the NF1 catalytic center for RAS hydrolysis. Moreover, we unveiled the possible allosteric pathways upon SPRED1 binding through difference contact network analysis. This study not only provided an in-depth mechanistic insight into the allosteric regulation of KRAS by SPRED1, but also shed light on the investigation of long-range allosteric regulation among complex macromolecular systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minyu Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yuanhao Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Jigang Fan
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Haiming Zhuang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yaqin Liu
- Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Dong Ji
- Department of Anesthesiology, Changhai Hospital, Navy Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Shaoyong Lu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China.
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15
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Chaker-Margot M, Werten S, Dunzendorfer-Matt T, Lechner S, Ruepp A, Scheffzek K, Maier T. Structural basis of activation of the tumor suppressor protein neurofibromin. Mol Cell 2022; 82:1288-1296.e5. [PMID: 35353986 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2022.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in the NF1 gene cause the familial genetic disease neurofibromatosis type I, as well as predisposition to cancer. The NF1 gene product, neurofibromin, is a GTPase-activating protein and acts as a tumor suppressor by negatively regulating the small GTPase, Ras. However, structural insights into neurofibromin activation remain incompletely defined. Here, we provide cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures that reveal an extended neurofibromin homodimer in two functional states: an auto-inhibited state with occluded Ras-binding site and an asymmetric open state with an exposed Ras-binding site. Mechanistically, the transition to the active conformation is stimulated by nucleotide binding, which releases a lock that tethers the catalytic domain to an extended helical repeat scaffold in the occluded state. Structure-guided mutational analysis supports functional relevance of allosteric control. Disease-causing mutations are mapped and primarily impact neurofibromin stability. Our findings suggest a role for nucleotides in neurofibromin regulation and may lead to therapeutic modulation of Ras signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sebastiaan Werten
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | | | - Stefan Lechner
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Angela Ruepp
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Klaus Scheffzek
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria.
| | - Timm Maier
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.
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16
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Anastasaki C, Orozco P, Gutmann DH. RAS and beyond: the many faces of the neurofibromatosis type 1 protein. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:274437. [PMID: 35188187 PMCID: PMC8891636 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 is a rare neurogenetic syndrome, characterized by pigmentary abnormalities, learning and social deficits, and a predisposition for benign and malignant tumor formation caused by germline mutations in the NF1 gene. With the cloning of the NF1 gene and the recognition that the encoded protein, neurofibromin, largely functions as a negative regulator of RAS activity, attention has mainly focused on RAS and canonical RAS effector pathway signaling relevant to disease pathogenesis and treatment. However, as neurofibromin is a large cytoplasmic protein the RAS regulatory domain of which occupies only 10% of its entire coding sequence, both canonical and non-canonical RAS pathway modulation, as well as the existence of potential non-RAS functions, are becoming apparent. In this Special article, we discuss our current understanding of neurofibromin function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corina Anastasaki
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Paola Orozco
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - David H Gutmann
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
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17
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Mo J, Moye SL, McKay RM, Le LQ. Neurofibromin and suppression of tumorigenesis: beyond the GAP. Oncogene 2022; 41:1235-1251. [PMID: 35066574 PMCID: PMC9063229 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-02156-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant genetic disease and one of the most common inherited tumor predisposition syndromes, affecting 1 in 3000 individuals worldwide. The NF1 gene encodes neurofibromin, a large protein with RAS GTP-ase activating (RAS-GAP) activity, and loss of NF1 results in increased RAS signaling. Neurofibromin contains many other domains, and there is considerable evidence that these domains play a role in some manifestations of NF1. Investigating the role of these domains as well as the various signaling pathways that neurofibromin regulates and interacts with will provide a better understanding of how neurofibromin acts to suppress tumor development and potentially open new therapeutic avenues. In this review, we discuss what is known about the structure of neurofibromin, its interactions with other proteins and signaling pathways, its role in development and differentiation, and its function as a tumor suppressor. Finally, we discuss the latest research on potential therapeutics for neurofibromin-deficient neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Mo
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, 75390-9069, USA
| | - Stefanie L Moye
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, 75390-9069, USA
| | - Renee M McKay
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, 75390-9069, USA
| | - Lu Q Le
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, 75390-9069, USA.
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, 75390-9069, USA.
- UTSW Comprehensive Neurofibromatosis Clinic, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, 75390-9069, USA.
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, 75390-9069, USA.
- O'Donnell Brain Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, 75390-9069, USA.
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18
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Xiong D, Lee D, Li L, Zhao Q, Yu H. Implications of disease-related mutations at protein-protein interfaces. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2022; 72:219-225. [PMID: 34959033 PMCID: PMC8863207 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2021.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Protein-protein interfaces have been attracting great attention owing to their critical roles in protein-protein interactions and the fact that human disease-related mutations are generally enriched in them. Recently, substantial research progress has been made in this field, which has significantly promoted the understanding and treatment of various human diseases. For example, many studies have discovered the properties of disease-related mutations. Besides, as more large-scale experimental data become available, various computational approaches have been proposed to advance our understanding of disease mutations from the data. Here, we overview recent advances in characteristics of disease-related mutations at protein-protein interfaces, mutation effects on protein interactions, and investigation of mutations on specific diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dapeng Xiong
- Department of Computational Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA,Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Dongjin Lee
- Department of Computational Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA,Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Le Li
- Department of Computational Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA,Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Qiuye Zhao
- Department of Computational Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA,Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Haiyuan Yu
- Department of Computational Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA,Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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19
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Abstract
The RASopathies are a group of disorders caused by a germline mutation in one of the genes encoding a component of the RAS/MAPK pathway. These disorders, including neurofibromatosis type 1, Noonan syndrome, cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome, Costello syndrome and Legius syndrome, among others, have overlapping clinical features due to RAS/MAPK dysfunction. Although several of the RASopathies are very rare, collectively, these disorders are relatively common. In this Review, we discuss the pathogenesis of the RASopathy-associated genetic variants and the knowledge gained about RAS/MAPK signaling that resulted from studying RASopathies. We also describe the cell and animal models of the RASopathies and explore emerging RASopathy genes. Preclinical and clinical experiences with targeted agents as therapeutics for RASopathies are also discussed. Finally, we review how the recently developed drugs targeting RAS/MAPK-driven malignancies, such as inhibitors of RAS activation, direct RAS inhibitors and RAS/MAPK pathway inhibitors, might be leveraged for patients with RASopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie E Hebron
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Edjay Ralph Hernandez
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Marielle E Yohe
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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20
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Abstract
Activating mutations in RAS genes are the most common genetic driver of human cancers. Yet, drugging this small GTPase has proven extremely challenging and therapeutic strategies targeting these recurrent alterations have long had limited success. To circumvent this difficulty, research has focused on the molecular dissection of the RAS pathway to gain a more-precise mechanistic understanding of its regulation, with the hope to identify new pharmacological approaches. Here, we review the current knowledge on the (dys)regulation of the RAS pathway, using melanoma as a paradigm. We first present a map of the main proteins involved in the RAS pathway, highlighting recent insights into their molecular roles and diverse mechanisms of regulation. We then overview genetic data pertaining to RAS pathway alterations in melanoma, along with insight into other cancers, that inform the biological function of members of the pathway. Finally, we describe the clinical implications of RAS pathway dysregulation in melanoma, discuss past and current approaches aimed at drugging the RAS pathway, and outline future opportunities for therapeutic development. Summary: This Review describes the molecular regulation of the RAS pathway, presents the clinical consequences of its pathological activation in human cancer, and highlights recent advances towards its therapeutic inhibition, using melanoma as an example.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira Al Mahi
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, INSERM U1052 CNRS UMR5286, Tumor Escape, Resistance and Immunity Department, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Julien Ablain
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, INSERM U1052 CNRS UMR5286, Tumor Escape, Resistance and Immunity Department, 69008 Lyon, France
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21
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Palit A, Inamadar AC. RASopathies: Dermatologists’ viewpoints. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 2021; 88:452-463. [DOI: 10.25259/ijdvl_799_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway dysregulation results in a group of disorders, collectively termed as RASopathies. Neurofibromatosis type 1, Noonan syndrome, Noonan syndrome with multiple lentigines, Noonan syndrome/loose anagen hair, Legius syndrome, Costello syndrome, cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome and capillary malformation-arteriovenous malformation are the well-recognized RASopathies. These are characterized by multi-organ tumours and hamartomas. Some other features in common are facial dysmorphism, skeletal abnormalities, congenital heart disease, neurocognitive abnormalities and risk of various solid-organ and haematological malignancies. Some of the RASopathies are heterogeneous, caused by several gene mutations resulting in variations in phenotypes and severity ranging from mild to fatal. Significant phenotypic overlaps among different disorders, often makes it difficult to pinpoint a clinical diagnosis. Specific cutaneous manifestations are present in some of the RASopathies and are often the earliest clinical signs/symptoms. Hence, dermatologists contribute significantly as primary care physicians by identifying disorder-specific cutaneous lesions. However, diagnostic work-up and management of these disorders are often multidisciplinary. Confirmation of diagnosis is possible only by genetic mapping in each case. Genetic counseling of the patients and the affected families is an important component of the management. The aim of this review is description of cutaneous manifestations of RASopathies in the background of multi-system involvement to enable dermatologists a comprehensive and logical approach to work up and diagnose such patients in the absence of facility for specific molecular testing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arun C. Inamadar
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Shri B. M. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Center, BLDE University, Vijayapur, Karnataka, India
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22
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Kehrer-Sawatzki H, Cooper DN. Challenges in the diagnosis of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) in young children facilitated by means of revised diagnostic criteria including genetic testing for pathogenic NF1 gene variants. Hum Genet 2021; 141:177-191. [PMID: 34928431 PMCID: PMC8807470 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-021-02410-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is the most frequent disorder associated with multiple café-au-lait macules (CALM) which may either be present at birth or appear during the first year of life. Other NF1-associated features such as skin-fold freckling and Lisch nodules occur later during childhood whereas dermal neurofibromas are rare in young children and usually only arise during early adulthood. The NIH clinical diagnostic criteria for NF1, established in 1988, include the most common NF1-associated features. Since many of these features are age-dependent, arriving at a definitive diagnosis of NF1 by employing these criteria may not be possible in infancy if CALM are the only clinical feature evident. Indeed, approximately 46% of patients who are diagnosed with NF1 later in life do not meet the NIH diagnostic criteria by the age of 1 year. Further, the 1988 diagnostic criteria for NF1 are not specific enough to distinguish NF1 from other related disorders such as Legius syndrome. In this review, we outline the challenges faced in diagnosing NF1 in young children, and evaluate the utility of the recently revised (2021) diagnostic criteria for NF1, which include the presence of pathogenic variants in the NF1 gene and choroidal anomalies, for achieving an early and accurate diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hildegard Kehrer-Sawatzki
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Ulm, University of Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany.
| | - David N Cooper
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
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23
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Motta M, Fasano G, Gredy S, Brinkmann J, Bonnard AA, Simsek-Kiper PO, Gulec EY, Essaddam L, Utine GE, Guarnetti Prandi I, Venditti M, Pantaleoni F, Radio FC, Ciolfi A, Petrini S, Consoli F, Vignal C, Hepbasli D, Ullrich M, de Boer E, Vissers LELM, Gritli S, Rossi C, De Luca A, Ben Becher S, Gelb BD, Dallapiccola B, Lauri A, Chillemi G, Schuh K, Cavé H, Zenker M, Tartaglia M. SPRED2 loss-of-function causes a recessive Noonan syndrome-like phenotype. Am J Hum Genet 2021; 108:2112-2129. [PMID: 34626534 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2021.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Upregulated signal flow through RAS and the mitogen-associated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade is the unifying mechanistic theme of the RASopathies, a family of disorders affecting development and growth. Pathogenic variants in more than 20 genes have been causally linked to RASopathies, the majority having a dominant role in promoting enhanced signaling. Here, we report that SPRED2 loss of function is causally linked to a recessive phenotype evocative of Noonan syndrome. Homozygosity for three different variants-c.187C>T (p.Arg63∗), c.299T>C (p.Leu100Pro), and c.1142_1143delTT (p.Leu381Hisfs∗95)-were identified in four subjects from three families. All variants severely affected protein stability, causing accelerated degradation, and variably perturbed SPRED2 functional behavior. When overexpressed in cells, all variants were unable to negatively modulate EGF-promoted RAF1, MEK, and ERK phosphorylation, and time-course experiments in primary fibroblasts (p.Leu100Pro and p.Leu381Hisfs∗95) documented an increased and prolonged activation of the MAPK cascade in response to EGF stimulation. Morpholino-mediated knockdown of spred2a and spred2b in zebrafish induced defects in convergence and extension cell movements indicating upregulated RAS-MAPK signaling, which were rescued by expressing wild-type SPRED2 but not the SPRED2Leu381Hisfs∗95 protein. The clinical phenotype of the four affected individuals included developmental delay, intellectual disability, cardiac defects, short stature, skeletal anomalies, and a typical facial gestalt as major features, without the occurrence of the distinctive skin signs characterizing Legius syndrome. These features, in part, characterize the phenotype of Spred2-/- mice. Our findings identify the second recessive form of Noonan syndrome and document pleiotropic consequences of SPRED2 loss of function in development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marialetizia Motta
- Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Fasano
- Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Sina Gredy
- Institute of Physiology, University of Wuerzburg, 97070 Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Julia Brinkmann
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Adeline Alice Bonnard
- Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Robert Debré, Département de Génétique, 75019 Paris, France; INSERM UMR 1131, Institut de Recherche Saint-Louis, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Pelin Ozlem Simsek-Kiper
- Department of Pediatric Genetics, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Sihhiye, 06100 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Elif Yilmaz Gulec
- Department of Medical Genetics, Health Sciences University, Istanbul Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital, 34303 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Leila Essaddam
- Department of Pediatrics-PUC, Béchir Hamza Children's Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tunis El Manar, Jebbari 1007, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Gulen Eda Utine
- Department of Pediatric Genetics, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Sihhiye, 06100 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ingrid Guarnetti Prandi
- Dipartimento per la Innovazione nei Sistemi Biologici, Agroalimentari e Forestali, Università Della Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
| | - Martina Venditti
- Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Pantaleoni
- Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Clementina Radio
- Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Ciolfi
- Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Petrini
- Confocal Microscopy Core Facility, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Consoli
- Medical Genetics Division, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Cédric Vignal
- Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Robert Debré, Département de Génétique, 75019 Paris, France
| | - Denis Hepbasli
- Institute of Physiology, University of Wuerzburg, 97070 Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Melanie Ullrich
- Institute of Physiology, University of Wuerzburg, 97070 Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Elke de Boer
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboudumc, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Lisenka E L M Vissers
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboudumc, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Sami Gritli
- Department of Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, 1002 Tunis-Belvédère, Tunisia
| | - Cesare Rossi
- Genetica Medica, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandro De Luca
- Medical Genetics Division, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Saayda Ben Becher
- Department of Pediatrics-PUC, Béchir Hamza Children's Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tunis El Manar, Jebbari 1007, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Bruce D Gelb
- Mindich Child Health and Development Institute and Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Bruno Dallapiccola
- Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Lauri
- Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Chillemi
- Dipartimento per la Innovazione nei Sistemi Biologici, Agroalimentari e Forestali, Università Della Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; Istituto di Biomembrane, Bioenergetica e Biotecnologie Molecolari, Centro Nazionale Delle Ricerche, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Kai Schuh
- Institute of Physiology, University of Wuerzburg, 97070 Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Hélène Cavé
- Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Robert Debré, Département de Génétique, 75019 Paris, France; INSERM UMR 1131, Institut de Recherche Saint-Louis, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Martin Zenker
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Marco Tartaglia
- Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy.
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24
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Fowlkes JL, Thrailkill KM, Bunn RC. RASopathies: The musculoskeletal consequences and their etiology and pathogenesis. Bone 2021; 152:116060. [PMID: 34144233 PMCID: PMC8316423 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2021.116060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The RASopathies comprise an ever-growing number of clinical syndromes resulting from germline mutations in components of the RAS/MAPK signaling pathway. While multiple organs and tissues may be affected by these mutations, this review will focus on how these mutations specifically impact the musculoskeletal system. Herein, we review the genetics and musculoskeletal phenotypes of these syndromes in humans. We discuss how mutations in the RASopathy syndromes have been studied in translational mouse models. Finally, we discuss how signaling molecules within the RAS/MAPK pathway are involved in normal and abnormal bone biology in the context of osteoblasts, osteoclasts and chondrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- John L Fowlkes
- University of Kentucky Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, United States of America.
| | - Kathryn M Thrailkill
- University of Kentucky Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, United States of America
| | - R Clay Bunn
- University of Kentucky Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, United States of America
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25
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Vasic V, Jones MSO, Haslinger D, Knaus LS, Schmeisser MJ, Novarino G, Chiocchetti AG. Translating the Role of mTOR- and RAS-Associated Signalopathies in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Models, Mechanisms and Treatment. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12111746. [PMID: 34828352 PMCID: PMC8624393 DOI: 10.3390/genes12111746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations affecting mTOR or RAS signaling underlie defined syndromes (the so-called mTORopathies and RASopathies) with high risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). These syndromes show a broad variety of somatic phenotypes including cancers, skin abnormalities, heart disease and facial dysmorphisms. Less well studied are the neuropsychiatric symptoms such as ASD. Here, we assess the relevance of these signalopathies in ASD reviewing genetic, human cell model, rodent studies and clinical trials. We conclude that signalopathies have an increased liability for ASD and that, in particular, ASD individuals with dysmorphic features and intellectual disability (ID) have a higher chance for disruptive mutations in RAS- and mTOR-related genes. Studies on rodent and human cell models confirm aberrant neuronal development as the underlying pathology. Human studies further suggest that multiple hits are necessary to induce the respective phenotypes. Recent clinical trials do only report improvements for comorbid conditions such as epilepsy or cancer but not for behavioral aspects. Animal models show that treatment during early development can rescue behavioral phenotypes. Taken together, we suggest investigating the differential roles of mTOR and RAS signaling in both human and rodent models, and to test drug treatment both during and after neuronal development in the available model systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verica Vasic
- Institute for Microscopic Anatomy and Neurobiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (V.V.); (M.J.S.)
| | - Mattson S. O. Jones
- Autism Therapy and Research Center of Excellence, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (M.S.O.J.); (D.H.)
- Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe University Frankfurt, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Denise Haslinger
- Autism Therapy and Research Center of Excellence, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (M.S.O.J.); (D.H.)
- Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria; (L.S.K.); (G.N.)
| | - Lisa S. Knaus
- Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria; (L.S.K.); (G.N.)
| | - Michael J. Schmeisser
- Institute for Microscopic Anatomy and Neurobiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (V.V.); (M.J.S.)
- Focus Program Translational Neurosciences (FTN), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Gaia Novarino
- Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria; (L.S.K.); (G.N.)
| | - Andreas G. Chiocchetti
- Autism Therapy and Research Center of Excellence, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (M.S.O.J.); (D.H.)
- Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe University Frankfurt, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-69-6301-80658
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26
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Naschberger A, Baradaran R, Rupp B, Carroni M. The structure of neurofibromin isoform 2 reveals different functional states. Nature 2021; 599:315-319. [PMID: 34707296 PMCID: PMC8580823 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-04024-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The autosomal dominant monogenetic disease neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) affects approximately one in 3,000 individuals and is caused by mutations in the NF1 tumour suppressor gene, leading to dysfunction in the protein neurofibromin (Nf1)1,2. As a GTPase-activating protein, a key function of Nf1 is repression of the Ras oncogene signalling cascade. We determined the human Nf1 dimer structure at an overall resolution of 3.3 Å. The cryo-electron microscopy structure reveals domain organization and structural details of the Nf1 exon 23a splicing3 isoform 2 in a closed, self-inhibited, Zn-stabilized state and an open state. In the closed conformation, HEAT/ARM core domains shield the GTPase-activating protein-related domain (GRD) so that Ras binding is sterically inhibited. In a distinctly different, open conformation of one protomer, a large-scale movement of the GRD occurs, which is necessary to access Ras, whereas Sec14-PH reorients to allow interaction with the cellular membrane4. Zn incubation of Nf1 leads to reduced Ras-GAP activity with both protomers in the self-inhibited, closed conformation stabilized by a Zn binding site between the N-HEAT/ARM domain and the GRD–Sec14-PH linker. The transition between closed, self-inhibited states of Nf1 and open states provides guidance for targeted studies deciphering the complex molecular mechanism behind the widespread neurofibromatosis syndrome and Nf1 dysfunction in carcinogenesis. Cryo-EM structure of Nf1 protein is reported, revealing closed and open conformations that regulate interaction with Ras oncogene, setting the stage for understanding the mechanistic action of Nf1 and how disease mutations lead to dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Naschberger
- SciLifeLab, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Solna, Sweden.,Institute of Genetic Epidemiology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Rozbeh Baradaran
- SciLifeLab, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Solna, Sweden
| | - Bernhard Rupp
- Institute of Genetic Epidemiology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria. .,k.-k. Hofkristallamt, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Marta Carroni
- SciLifeLab, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Solna, Sweden.
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27
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Long A, Liu H, Liu J, Daniel M, Bedwell DM, Korf B, Kesterson RA, Wallis D. Analysis of patient-specific NF1 variants leads to functional insights for Ras signaling that can impact personalized medicine. Hum Mutat 2021; 43:30-41. [PMID: 34694046 DOI: 10.1002/humu.24290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
We have created a panel of 29 NF1 variant complementary DNAs (cDNAs) representing missense variants, many with clinically relevant phenotypes, in-frame deletions, splice variants, and nonsense variants. We have determined the functional consequences of the variants, assessing their ability to produce mature neurofibromin and restore Ras signaling activity in NF1 null (-/-) cells. cDNAs demonstrate variant-specific differences in neurofibromin protein levels, suggesting that some variants lead to neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) gene or protein instability or enhanced degradation. When expressed at high levels, some variant proteins are still able to repress Ras activity, indicating that the NF1 phenotype may be due to low protein abundance. In contrast, other variant proteins are incapable of repressing Ras activity, indicating that some do not functionally engage Ras and stimulate GTPase activity. We observed that effects on protein abundance and Ras activity can be mutually exclusive. These assays allow us to categorize variants by functional effects, may help to classify variants of unknown significance, and may have future implications for more directed therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashlee Long
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Jian Liu
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Michael Daniel
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - David M Bedwell
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Bruce Korf
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Robert A Kesterson
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Deeann Wallis
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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28
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Borrie SC, Plasschaert E, Callaerts-Vegh Z, Yoshimura A, D'Hooge R, Elgersma Y, Kushner SA, Legius E, Brems H. MEK inhibition ameliorates social behavior phenotypes in a Spred1 knockout mouse model for RASopathy disorders. Mol Autism 2021; 12:53. [PMID: 34311771 PMCID: PMC8314535 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-021-00458-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND RASopathies are a group of disorders that result from mutations in genes coding for proteins involved in regulating the Ras-MAPK signaling pathway, and have an increased incidence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Legius syndrome is a rare RASopathy caused by loss-of-function mutations in the SPRED1 gene. The patient phenotype is similar to, but milder than, Neurofibromatosis type 1-another RASopathy caused by loss-of-function mutations in the NF1 gene. RASopathies exhibit increased activation of Ras-MAPK signaling and commonly manifest with cognitive impairments and ASD. Here, we investigated if a Spred1-/- mouse model for Legius syndrome recapitulates ASD-like symptoms, and whether targeting the Ras-MAPK pathway has therapeutic potential in this RASopathy mouse model. METHODS We investigated social and communicative behaviors in Spred1-/- mice and probed therapeutic mechanisms underlying the observed behavioral phenotypes by pharmacological targeting of the Ras-MAPK pathway with the MEK inhibitor PD325901. RESULTS Spred1-/- mice have robust increases in social dominance in the automated tube test and reduced adult ultrasonic vocalizations during social communication. Neonatal ultrasonic vocalization was also altered, with significant differences in spectral properties. Spred1-/- mice also exhibit impaired nesting behavior. Acute MEK inhibitor treatment in adulthood with PD325901 reversed the enhanced social dominance in Spred1-/- mice to normal levels, and improved nesting behavior in adult Spred1-/- mice. LIMITATIONS This study used an acute treatment protocol to administer the drug. It is not known what the effects of longer-term treatment would be on behavior. Further studies titrating the lowest dose of this drug that is required to alter Spred1-/- social behavior are still required. Finally, our findings are in a homozygous mouse model, whereas patients carry heterozygous mutations. These factors should be considered before any translational conclusions are drawn. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate for the first time that social behavior phenotypes in a mouse model for RASopathies (Spred1-/-) can be acutely reversed. This highlights a key role for Ras-MAPK dysregulation in mediating social behavior phenotypes in mouse models for ASD, suggesting that proper regulation of Ras-MAPK signaling is important for social behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C Borrie
- Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, O&N1 Herestraat 49, Box 607, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ellen Plasschaert
- Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, O&N1 Herestraat 49, Box 607, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Akihiko Yoshimura
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Rudi D'Hooge
- Laboratory for Biological Psychology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ype Elgersma
- ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Steven A Kushner
- ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eric Legius
- Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, O&N1 Herestraat 49, Box 607, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Hilde Brems
- Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, O&N1 Herestraat 49, Box 607, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
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29
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Pudewell S, Wittich C, Kazemein Jasemi NS, Bazgir F, Ahmadian MR. Accessory proteins of the RAS-MAPK pathway: moving from the side line to the front line. Commun Biol 2021; 4:696. [PMID: 34103645 PMCID: PMC8187363 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02149-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Health and disease are directly related to the RTK-RAS-MAPK signalling cascade. After more than three decades of intensive research, understanding its spatiotemporal features is afflicted with major conceptual shortcomings. Here we consider how the compilation of a vast array of accessory proteins may resolve some parts of the puzzles in this field, as they safeguard the strength, efficiency and specificity of signal transduction. Targeting such modulators, rather than the constituent components of the RTK-RAS-MAPK signalling cascade may attenuate rather than inhibit disease-relevant signalling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silke Pudewell
- grid.411327.20000 0001 2176 9917Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christoph Wittich
- grid.411327.20000 0001 2176 9917Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Neda S. Kazemein Jasemi
- grid.411327.20000 0001 2176 9917Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Farhad Bazgir
- grid.411327.20000 0001 2176 9917Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Mohammad R. Ahmadian
- grid.411327.20000 0001 2176 9917Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
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30
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Szybowska P, Kostas M, Wesche J, Haugsten EM, Wiedlocha A. Negative Regulation of FGFR (Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor) Signaling. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061342. [PMID: 34071546 PMCID: PMC8226934 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
FGFR (fibroblast growth factor receptor) signaling controls fundamental processes in embryonic, fetal and adult human life. The magnitude, duration, and location of FGFR signaling must be strictly controlled in order to induce the correct biological response. Uncontrolled receptor signaling has been shown to lead to a variety of diseases, such as skeletal disorders and cancer. Here we review the numerous cellular mechanisms that regulate and turn off FGFR signaling, once the receptor is activated. These mechanisms include endocytosis and endocytic sorting, phosphatase activity, negative regulatory proteins and negative feedback phosphorylation events. The mechanisms act together simultaneously or sequentially, controlling the same or different steps in FGFR signaling. Although more work is needed to fully understand the regulation of FGFR signaling, it is clear that the cells in our body have evolved an extensive repertoire of mechanisms that together keep FGFR signaling tightly controlled and prevent excess FGFR signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrycja Szybowska
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Montebello, 0379 Oslo, Norway; (P.S.); (M.K.); (J.W.)
- Centre for Cancer Cell Reprogramming, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Montebello, 0379 Oslo, Norway
| | - Michal Kostas
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Montebello, 0379 Oslo, Norway; (P.S.); (M.K.); (J.W.)
- Centre for Cancer Cell Reprogramming, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Montebello, 0379 Oslo, Norway
| | - Jørgen Wesche
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Montebello, 0379 Oslo, Norway; (P.S.); (M.K.); (J.W.)
- Centre for Cancer Cell Reprogramming, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Montebello, 0379 Oslo, Norway
| | - Ellen Margrethe Haugsten
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Montebello, 0379 Oslo, Norway; (P.S.); (M.K.); (J.W.)
- Centre for Cancer Cell Reprogramming, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Montebello, 0379 Oslo, Norway
- Correspondence: (E.M.H.); (A.W.); Tel.: +47-2278-1785 (E.M.H.); +47-2278-1930 (A.W.)
| | - Antoni Wiedlocha
- Centre for Cancer Cell Reprogramming, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Montebello, 0379 Oslo, Norway
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Montebello, 0379 Oslo, Norway
- Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, 01-163 Warsaw, Poland
- Correspondence: (E.M.H.); (A.W.); Tel.: +47-2278-1785 (E.M.H.); +47-2278-1930 (A.W.)
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31
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Oncogenic KRAS engages an RSK1/NF1 pathway to inhibit wild-type RAS signaling in pancreatic cancer. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2016904118. [PMID: 34021083 PMCID: PMC8166058 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2016904118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a lethal malignancy with limited treatment options. Although activating mutations of the KRAS GTPase are the predominant dependency present in >90% of PDAC patients, targeting KRAS mutants directly has been challenging in PDAC. Similarly, strategies targeting known KRAS downstream effectors have had limited clinical success due to feedback mechanisms, alternate pathways, and dose-limiting toxicities in normal tissues. Therefore, identifying additional functionally relevant KRAS interactions in PDAC may allow for a better understanding of feedback mechanisms and unveil potential therapeutic targets. Here, we used proximity labeling to identify protein interactors of active KRAS in PDAC cells. We expressed fusions of wild-type (WT) (BirA-KRAS4B), mutant (BirA-KRAS4BG12D), and nontransforming cytosolic double mutant (BirA-KRAS4BG12D/C185S) KRAS with the BirA biotin ligase in murine PDAC cells. Mass spectrometry analysis revealed that RSK1 selectively interacts with membrane-bound KRASG12D, and we demonstrate that this interaction requires NF1 and SPRED2. We find that membrane RSK1 mediates negative feedback on WT RAS signaling and impedes the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells upon the ablation of mutant KRAS. Our findings link NF1 to the membrane-localized functions of RSK1 and highlight a role for WT RAS signaling in promoting adaptive resistance to mutant KRAS-specific inhibitors in PDAC.
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32
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Borrie SC, Horner AE, Yoshimura A, Legius E, Kopanitsa MV, Brems H. Impaired instrumental learning in Spred1 -/- mice, a model for a rare RASopathy. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2021; 20:e12727. [PMID: 33624414 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
RASopathies are neuro-cardio-facio-cutaneous disorders stemming from mutations in genes regulating the RAS-MAPK pathway. Legius syndrome is a rare RASopathy disorder caused by mutations in the SPRED1 gene. SPRED1 protein negatively regulates activation of Ras by inhibiting RAS/RAF and by its interaction with neurofibromin, a Ras GTPase-activating protein (RAS-GAP). Cognitive impairments have been reported in Legius syndrome as well as in other RASopathy disorders. Modelling these cognitive deficits in a Spred1 mouse model for Legius syndrome has demonstrated spatial learning and memory deficits, but other cognitive domains remained unexplored. Here, we attempted to utilize a cognitive touchscreen battery to investigate if Spred1-/- mice exhibit deficits in other cognitive domains. We show that Spred1-/- mice had heterogeneous performance in instrumental operant learning, with a large subgroup (n = 9/20) failing to reach the standard criterion on touchscreen operant pretraining, precluding further cognitive testing. To examine whether targeting the RAS-MAPK signalling pathway could rescue these cognitive impairments, Spred1-/- mice were acutely treated with the clinically relevant mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK) inhibitor PD325901. However, MEK inhibition did not improve their instrumental learning. We conclude that Spred1-/- mice can model severe cognitive impairments that cannot be reversed in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C Borrie
- Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Akihiko Yoshimura
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Eric Legius
- Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Hilde Brems
- Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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33
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Ablain J, Liu S, Moriceau G, Lo RS, Zon LI. SPRED1 deletion confers resistance to MAPK inhibition in melanoma. J Exp Med 2021; 218:e20201097. [PMID: 33306107 PMCID: PMC7927430 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20201097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional evaluation of genetic lesions can discover a role in cancer initiation and progression and help develop novel therapeutic strategies. We previously identified the negative MAPK regulator SPRED1 as a novel tumor suppressor in KIT-driven melanoma. Here, we show that SPRED1 is also frequently deleted in human melanoma driven by mutant BRAF. We found that SPRED1 inactivation in human melanoma cell lines and primary zebrafish melanoma conferred resistance to BRAFV600E inhibition in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, SPRED1 loss promoted melanoma cell proliferation under mutant BRAF inhibition by reactivating MAPK activity. Consistently, biallelic deletion of SPRED1 was observed in a patient whose melanoma acquired resistance to MAPK-targeted therapy. These studies combining work in human cells and in vivo modeling in zebrafish demonstrate a new mechanism of resistance to BRAFV600E inhibition in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Ablain
- Stem Cell Program and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Sixue Liu
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Gatien Moriceau
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Roger S. Lo
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Leonard I. Zon
- Stem Cell Program and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA
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Promotion of cancer cell stemness by Ras. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:467-476. [PMID: 33544116 PMCID: PMC7925005 DOI: 10.1042/bst20200964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSC) may be the most relevant and elusive cancer cell population, as they have the exquisite ability to seed new tumors. It is plausible, that highly mutated cancer genes, such as KRAS, are functionally associated with processes contributing to the emergence of stemness traits. In this review, we will summarize the evidence for a stemness driving activity of oncogenic Ras. This activity appears to differ by Ras isoform, with the highly mutated KRAS having a particularly profound impact. Next to established stemness pathways such as Wnt and Hedgehog (Hh), the precise, cell cycle dependent orchestration of the MAPK-pathway appears to relay Ras activation in this context. We will examine how non-canonical activities of K-Ras4B (hereafter K-Ras) could be enabled by its trafficking chaperones calmodulin and PDE6D/PDEδ. Both dynamically localize to the cellular machinery that is intimately linked to cell fate decisions, such as the primary cilium and the centrosome. Thus, it can be speculated that oncogenic K-Ras disrupts fundamental polarized signaling and asymmetric apportioning processes that are necessary during cell differentiation.
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YOSHIMURA A, AKI D, ITO M. SOCS, SPRED, and NR4a: Negative regulators of cytokine signaling and transcription in immune tolerance. PROCEEDINGS OF THE JAPAN ACADEMY. SERIES B, PHYSICAL AND BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES 2021; 97:277-291. [PMID: 34121041 PMCID: PMC8403526 DOI: 10.2183/pjab.97.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Cytokines are important intercellular communication tools for immunity. Most cytokines utilize the JAK-STAT and Ras-ERK pathways to promote gene transcription and proliferation; however, this signaling is tightly regulated. The suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) family and SPRED family are a representative negative regulators of the JAK-STAT pathway and the Ras-ERK pathway, respectively. The SOCS family regulates the differentiation and function of CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and regulatory T cells, and is involved in immune tolerance, anergy, and exhaustion. SPRED family proteins have been shown to inactivate Ras by recruiting the Ras-GTPase neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) protein. Human genetic analysis has shown that SOCS family members are strongly associated with autoimmune diseases, allergies, and tumorigenesis, and SPRED1 is involved in NF1-like syndromes and tumors. We also identified the NR4a family of nuclear receptors as a key transcription factor for immune tolerance that suppresses cytokine expression and induces various immuno-regulatory molecules including SOCS1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihiko YOSHIMURA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Correspondence should be addressed: A. Yoshimura, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan (e-mail: )
| | - Daisuke AKI
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Minako ITO
- Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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Tan W, Lin Z, Chen X, Li W, Zhu S, Wei Y, Huo L, Chen Y, Shang C. miR-126-3p contributes to sorafenib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma via downregulating SPRED1. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:38. [PMID: 33553331 PMCID: PMC7859776 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-2081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Background Sorafenib can prolong the survival of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, drug resistance remains the main obstacle to improving its efficiency. This study aimed to explore the likely molecular mechanism of sorafenib resistance. Methods Differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) related to sorafenib response were analyzed with the Limma package in R software. The expression levels of miR-126-3p and sprouty-related EVH1 domain-containing protein 1 (SPRED1) in HCC cells were measured by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Cell viability and proliferation were detected with Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), EdU proliferation, and clone formation assays. Transwell assays were performed to measure cell migration and invasion. TargetScan, MicroRNA Target Prediction Database (miRDB), and StarBase v2.0 were used to predict the targets of miR-126-3p. SPRED1 was confirmed as a target gene of miR-126-3p by dual-luciferase reporter assay and Western blotting. Finally, the in vivo anti-tumor effect of LV-miR-126-3p inhibitor combined with sorafenib was evaluated via subcutaneous tumor models. Results HCC cells with high expression of miR-126-3p exhibited increased resistance to sorafenib. The results of bioinformatics analysis and the dual-luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-126-3p directly targeted SPRED1. The sensitivity of HCC cells to sorafenib was markedly enhanced by SPRED1 upregulation. Gain- and loss-of function experiments verified that miR-126-3p induced sorafenib resistance in HCC through downregulating SPRED1. Furthermore, the inhibition of miR-126-3p markedly increased the effectiveness of sorafenib against HCC in vivo. Mechanistically, our results suggested that miR-126-3p promoted sorafenib resistance via targeting SPRED1 and activating the ERK signaling pathway. Conclusions Our study demonstrates that regulating the miR-126-3p/SPRED1 axis might be a promising strategy for enhancing the antitumor effect of sorafenib in the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenliang Tan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhirong Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xianqing Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wenxin Li
- Department of Cardiology, the Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Sicong Zhu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingcheng Wei
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liyun Huo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yajin Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Changzhen Shang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Cui Y, Ma L, Schacke S, Yin JC, Hsueh YP, Jin H, Morrison H. Merlin cooperates with neurofibromin and Spred1 to suppress the Ras-Erk pathway. Hum Mol Genet 2020; 29:3793-3806. [PMID: 33331896 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddaa263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The Ras-Erk pathway is frequently overactivated in human tumors. Neurofibromatosis types 1 and 2 (NF1, NF2) are characterized by multiple tumors of Schwann cell origin. The NF1 tumor suppressor neurofibromin is a principal Ras-GAP accelerating Ras inactivation, whereas the NF2 tumor suppressor merlin is a scaffold protein coordinating multiple signaling pathways. We have previously reported that merlin interacts with Ras and p120RasGAP. Here, we show that merlin can also interact with the neurofibromin/Spred1 complex via merlin-binding sites present on both proteins. Further, merlin can directly bind to the Ras-binding domain (RBD) and the kinase domain (KiD) of Raf1. As the third component of the neurofibromin/Spred1 complex, merlin cannot increase the Ras-GAP activity; rather, it blocks Ras binding to Raf1 by functioning as a 'selective Ras barrier'. Merlin-deficient Schwann cells require the Ras-Erk pathway activity for proliferation. Accordingly, suppression of the Ras-Erk pathway likely contributes to merlin's tumor suppressor activity. Taken together, our results, and studies by others, support targeting or co-targeting of this pathway as a therapy for NF2 inactivation-related tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Cui
- Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Lin Ma
- Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), 07745 Jena, Germany.,College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Stephan Schacke
- Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Jiani C Yin
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Yi-Ping Hsueh
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - Hongchuan Jin
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Medical School of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Helen Morrison
- Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), 07745 Jena, Germany.,Faculty of Biological Sciences, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743, Germany
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Bui K, Hong YK. Ras Pathways on Prox1 and Lymphangiogenesis: Insights for Therapeutics. Front Cardiovasc Med 2020; 7:597374. [PMID: 33263009 PMCID: PMC7688453 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2020.597374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past couple of decades, lymphatics research has accelerated and gained a much-needed recognition in pathophysiology. As the lymphatic system plays heavy roles in interstitial fluid drainage, immune surveillance and lipid absorption, the ablation or excessive growth of this vasculature could be associated with many complications, from lymphedema to metastasis. Despite their growing importance in cancer, few anti-lymphangiogenic therapies exist today, as they have yet to pass phase 3 clinical trials and acquire FDA approval. As such, many studies are being done to better define the signaling pathways that govern lymphangiogenesis, in hopes of developing new therapeutic approaches to inhibit or stimulate this process. This review will cover our current understanding of the Ras signaling pathways and their interactions with Prox1, the master transcriptional switch involved in specifying lymphatic endothelial cell fate and lymphangiogenesis, in hopes of providing insights to lymphangiogenesis-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khoa Bui
- Department of Surgery, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Young-Kwon Hong
- Department of Surgery, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Abankwa D, Gorfe AA. Mechanisms of Ras Membrane Organization and Signaling: Ras Rocks Again. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E1522. [PMID: 33172116 PMCID: PMC7694788 DOI: 10.3390/biom10111522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ras is the most frequently mutated oncogene and recent drug development efforts have spurred significant new research interest. Here we review progress toward understanding how Ras functions in nanoscale, proteo-lipid signaling complexes on the plasma membrane, called nanoclusters. We discuss how G-domain reorientation is plausibly linked to Ras-nanoclustering and -dimerization. We then look at how these mechanistic features could cooperate in the engagement and activation of RAF by Ras. Moreover, we show how this structural information can be integrated with microscopy data that provide nanoscale resolution in cell biological experiments. Synthesizing the available data, we propose to distinguish between two types of Ras nanoclusters, an active, immobile RAF-dependent type and an inactive/neutral membrane anchor-dependent. We conclude that it is possible that Ras reorientation enables dynamic Ras dimerization while the whole Ras/RAF complex transits into an active state. These transient di/oligomer interfaces of Ras may be amenable to pharmacological intervention. We close by highlighting a number of open questions including whether all effectors form active nanoclusters and whether there is an isoform specific composition of Ras nanocluster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Abankwa
- Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery Group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette 4362, Luxembourg
| | - Alemayehu A. Gorfe
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin St., Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Abstract
The roles of SPRED proteins in signaling, development, and cancer are becoming increasingly recognized. SPRED proteins comprise an N-terminal EVH-1 domain, a central c-Kit-binding domain, and C-terminal SROUTY domain. They negatively regulate signaling from tyrosine kinases to the Ras-MAPK pathway. SPRED1 binds directly to both c-KIT and to the RasGAP, neurofibromin, whose function is completely dependent on this interaction. Loss-of-function mutations in SPRED1 occur in human cancers and cause the developmental disorder, Legius syndrome. Genetic ablation of SPRED genes in mice leads to behavioral problems, dwarfism, and multiple other phenotypes including increased risk of leukemia. In this review, we summarize and discuss biochemical, structural, and biological functions of these proteins including their roles in normal cell growth and differentiation and in human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Lorenzo
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
| | - Frank McCormick
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
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Bergoug M, Doudeau M, Godin F, Mosrin C, Vallée B, Bénédetti H. Neurofibromin Structure, Functions and Regulation. Cells 2020; 9:cells9112365. [PMID: 33121128 PMCID: PMC7692384 DOI: 10.3390/cells9112365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromin is a large and multifunctional protein encoded by the tumor suppressor gene NF1, mutations of which cause the tumor predisposition syndrome neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Over the last three decades, studies of neurofibromin structure, interacting partners, and functions have shown that it is involved in several cell signaling pathways, including the Ras/MAPK, Akt/mTOR, ROCK/LIMK/cofilin, and cAMP/PKA pathways, and regulates many fundamental cellular processes, such as proliferation and migration, cytoskeletal dynamics, neurite outgrowth, dendritic-spine density, and dopamine levels. The crystallographic structure has been resolved for two of its functional domains, GRD (GAP-related (GTPase-activating protein) domain) and SecPH, and its post-translational modifications studied, showing it to be localized to several cell compartments. These findings have been of particular interest in the identification of many therapeutic targets and in the proposal of various therapeutic strategies to treat the symptoms of NF1. In this review, we provide an overview of the literature on neurofibromin structure, function, interactions, and regulation and highlight the relationships between them.
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Bellazzo A, Collavin L. Cutting the Brakes on Ras-Cytoplasmic GAPs as Targets of Inactivation in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12103066. [PMID: 33096593 PMCID: PMC7588890 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12103066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary GTPase-Activating Proteins (RasGAPs) are a group of structurally related proteins with a fundamental role in controlling the activity of Ras in normal and cancer cells. In particular, loss of function of RasGAPs may contribute to aberrant Ras activation in cancer. Here we review the multiple molecular mechanisms and factors that are involved in downregulating RasGAPs expression and functions in cancer. Additionally, we discuss how extracellular stimuli from the tumor microenvironment can control RasGAPs expression and activity in cancer cells and stromal cells, indirectly affecting Ras activation, with implications for cancer development and progression. Abstract The Ras pathway is frequently deregulated in cancer, actively contributing to tumor development and progression. Oncogenic activation of the Ras pathway is commonly due to point mutation of one of the three Ras genes, which occurs in almost one third of human cancers. In the absence of Ras mutation, the pathway is frequently activated by alternative means, including the loss of function of Ras inhibitors. Among Ras inhibitors, the GTPase-Activating Proteins (RasGAPs) are major players, given their ability to modulate multiple cancer-related pathways. In fact, most RasGAPs also have a multi-domain structure that allows them to act as scaffold or adaptor proteins, affecting additional oncogenic cascades. In cancer cells, various mechanisms can cause the loss of function of Ras inhibitors; here, we review the available evidence of RasGAP inactivation in cancer, with a specific focus on the mechanisms. We also consider extracellular inputs that can affect RasGAP levels and functions, implicating that specific conditions in the tumor microenvironment can foster or counteract Ras signaling through negative or positive modulation of RasGAPs. A better understanding of these conditions might have relevant clinical repercussions, since treatments to restore or enhance the function of RasGAPs in cancer would help circumvent the intrinsic difficulty of directly targeting the Ras protein.
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Riccardi C, Perrone L, Napolitano F, Sampaolo S, Melone MAB. Understanding the Biological Activities of Vitamin D in Type 1 Neurofibromatosis: New Insights into Disease Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Design. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2965. [PMID: 33066259 PMCID: PMC7602022 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble steroid hormone playing a pivotal role in calcium and phosphate homeostasis as well as in bone health. Vitamin D levels are not exclusively dependent on food intake. Indeed, the endogenous production-occurring in the skin and dependent on sun exposure-contributes to the majority amount of vitamin D present in the body. Since vitamin D receptors (VDRs) are ubiquitous and drive the expression of hundreds of genes, the interest in vitamin D has tremendously grown and its role in different diseases has been extensively studied. Several investigations indicated that vitamin D action extends far beyond bone health and calcium metabolism, showing broad effects on a variety of critical illnesses, including cancer, infections, cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases. Epidemiological studies indicated that low circulating vitamin D levels inversely correlate with cutaneous manifestations and bone abnormalities, clinical hallmarks of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). NF1 is an autosomal dominant tumour predisposition syndrome causing significant pain and morbidity, for which limited treatment options are available. In this context, vitamin D or its analogues have been used to treat both skin and bone lesions in NF1 patients, alone or combined with other therapeutic agents. Here we provide an overview of vitamin D, its characteristic nutritional properties relevant for health benefits and its role in NF1 disorder. We focus on preclinical and clinical studies that demonstrated the clinical correlation between vitamin D status and NF1 disease, thus providing important insights into disease pathogenesis and new opportunities for targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Riccardi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Cintia 21, I-80126 Naples, Italy;
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, via Sergio Pansini 5, I-80131 Naples, Italy; (L.P.); (F.N.); (S.S.)
| | - Lorena Perrone
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, via Sergio Pansini 5, I-80131 Naples, Italy; (L.P.); (F.N.); (S.S.)
| | - Filomena Napolitano
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, via Sergio Pansini 5, I-80131 Naples, Italy; (L.P.); (F.N.); (S.S.)
| | - Simone Sampaolo
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, via Sergio Pansini 5, I-80131 Naples, Italy; (L.P.); (F.N.); (S.S.)
| | - Mariarosa Anna Beatrice Melone
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, via Sergio Pansini 5, I-80131 Naples, Italy; (L.P.); (F.N.); (S.S.)
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Department of Biology, Temple University, BioLife Building (015-00), 1900 North 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122-6078, USA
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Legius E, Brems H. Genetic basis of neurofibromatosis type 1 and related conditions, including mosaicism. Childs Nerv Syst 2020; 36:2285-2295. [PMID: 32601904 DOI: 10.1007/s00381-020-04771-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a frequent autosomal dominant disorder characterised by café-au-lait maculae (CALM), skinfold freckling, iris Lisch nodules and benign peripheral nerve sheath tumours (neurofibromas). MECHANISM The NF1 gene is a tumour suppressor gene and NF1 individuals have an increased risk for a long list of tumours, all resulting from a second hit in the normal copy of the NF1 gene. Remarkably, some non-tumour phenotypes such as CALM and pseudarthrosis are also caused by a "second hit". Germline mutations inactivating the NF1 gene show a large variability in genetic mechanisms ranging from single-nucleotide substitutions and somatic mosaicism to large deletions affecting neighbouring genes. Molecular confirmation of the clinical diagnosis is becoming increasingly more important to differentiate NF1 from other syndromes such as Legius syndrome, to investigate genotype-phenotype correlations relevant in 10% of cases and to detect somatic mosaicism. SURVEILLANCE AND THERAPY Some degree of learning difficulties, attention deficit and social problems are observed in most children and affect quality of life. There is a large individual variability in complications and the evolution of the disease is difficult to predict. Specialised outpatient clinics for children have been widely established and are important for surveillance and guidance. Regular surveillance is also important for adolescents and adults because many tumour complications can be detected by whole-body MRI and treated even before symptoms develop and irreversible damage occurs. Recent data on nodular plexiform neurofibromas with continued growth in adolescents and young adults show that many of these tumours are premalignant lesions called atypical neurofibromatous neoplasm of uncertain biological potential (ANNUBP). Specific surveillance and timely local resection of these benign peripheral nerve sheath tumours might be important to prevent malignant degeneration. In the last years, targeted therapy with MEK inhibitors has shown promise to treat unresectable and symptomatic plexiform neurofibromas. Many more challenges remain to find the best way to monitor children and adults for potential complications and to find a satisfying cure for many complications in this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Legius
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Hilde Brems
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
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Cui XW, Ren JY, Gu YH, Li QF, Wang ZC. NF1, Neurofibromin and Gene Therapy: Prospects of Next-Generation Therapy. Curr Gene Ther 2020; 20:100-108. [PMID: 32767931 DOI: 10.2174/1566523220666200806111451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 [NF1] is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder affecting multiple organs. NF1 is well known for its various clinical manifestations, including café-au-late macules, Lisch nodules, bone deformity and neurofibromas. However, there is no effective therapy for NF1. Current therapies are aimed at alleviating NF1 clinical symptoms but not curing the disease. By altering pathogenic genes, gene therapy regulates cell activities at the nucleotide level. In this review, we described the structure and functions of neurofibromin domains, including GAP-related domain [GRD], cysteine-serine rich domain [CSRD], leucine-rich domain [LRD] and C-terminal domain [CTD], which respectively alter downstream pathways. By transfecting isolated sequences of these domains, researchers can partially restore normal cell functions in neurofibroma cell lines. Furthermore, recombinant transgene sequences may be designed to encode truncated proteins, which is functional and easy to be packaged into viral vectors. In addition, the treatment effect of gene therapy is also determined by various factors such as the vectors selection, transgene packaging strategies and drug administration. We summarized multiple NF1 gene therapy strategies and discussed their feasibility from multiple angles. Different protein domains alter the function and downstream pathways of neurofibromin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi-Wei Cui
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Jie-Yi Ren
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Yi-Hui Gu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Qing-Feng Li
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Zhi-Chao Wang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
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Yan W, Markegard E, Dharmaiah S, Urisman A, Drew M, Esposito D, Scheffzek K, Nissley DV, McCormick F, Simanshu DK. Structural Insights into the SPRED1-Neurofibromin-KRAS Complex and Disruption of SPRED1-Neurofibromin Interaction by Oncogenic EGFR. Cell Rep 2020; 32:107909. [PMID: 32697994 PMCID: PMC7437355 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.107909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sprouty-related, EVH1 domain-containing (SPRED) proteins negatively regulate RAS/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling following growth factor stimulation. This inhibition of RAS is thought to occur primarily through SPRED1 binding and recruitment of neurofibromin, a RasGAP, to the plasma membrane. Here, we report the structure of neurofibromin (GTPase-activating protein [GAP]-related domain) complexed with SPRED1 (EVH1 domain) and KRAS. The structure provides insight into how the membrane targeting of neurofibromin by SPRED1 allows simultaneous interaction with activated KRAS. SPRED1 and NF1 loss-of-function mutations occur across multiple cancer types and developmental diseases. Analysis of the neurofibromin-SPRED1 interface provides a rationale for mutations observed in Legius syndrome and suggests why SPRED1 can bind to neurofibromin but no other RasGAPs. We show that oncogenic EGFR(L858R) signaling leads to the phosphorylation of SPRED1 on serine 105, disrupting the SPRED1-neurofibromin complex. The structural, biochemical, and biological results provide new mechanistic insights about how SPRED1 interacts with neurofibromin and regulates active KRAS levels in normal and pathologic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wupeng Yan
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, MD 21701, USA
| | - Evan Markegard
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Srisathiyanarayanan Dharmaiah
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, MD 21701, USA
| | - Anatoly Urisman
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Matthew Drew
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, MD 21701, USA
| | - Dominic Esposito
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, MD 21701, USA
| | - Klaus Scheffzek
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Dwight V Nissley
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, MD 21701, USA
| | - Frank McCormick
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, MD 21701, USA; Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
| | - Dhirendra K Simanshu
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, MD 21701, USA.
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47
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Patterson VL, Burdine RD. Swimming toward solutions: Using fish and frogs as models for understanding RASopathies. Birth Defects Res 2020; 112:749-765. [PMID: 32506834 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The RAS signaling pathway regulates cell growth, survival, and differentiation, and its inappropriate activation is associated with disease in humans. The RASopathies, a set of developmental syndromes, arise when the pathway is overactive during development. Patients share a core set of symptoms, including congenital heart disease, craniofacial anomalies, and neurocognitive delay. Due to the conserved nature of the pathway, animal models are highly informative for understanding disease etiology, and zebrafish and Xenopus are emerging as advantageous model systems. Here we discuss these aquatic models of RASopathies, which recapitulate many of the core symptoms observed in patients. Craniofacial structures become dysmorphic upon expression of disease-associated mutations, resulting in wider heads. Heart defects manifest as delays in cardiac development and changes in heart size, and behavioral deficits are beginning to be explored. Furthermore, early convergence and extension defects cause elongation of developing embryos: this phenotype can be quantitatively assayed as a readout of mutation strength, raising interesting questions regarding the relationship between pathway activation and disease. Additionally, the observation that RAS signaling may be simultaneously hyperactive and attenuated suggests that downregulation of signaling may also contribute to etiology. We propose that models should be characterized using a standardized approach to allow easier comparison between models, and a better understanding of the interplay between mutation and disease presentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria L Patterson
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Rebecca D Burdine
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
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48
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Li X, Li J, Lu F, Cao Y, Xing J, Li J, Hou R, Yin G, Zhang K. Role of SPRED1 in keratinocyte proliferation in psoriasis. J Dermatol 2020; 47:735-742. [PMID: 32396270 DOI: 10.1111/1346-8138.15369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Psoriasis is a recurrent inflammatory skin disease, affecting approximately 2% of the population. Previous studies have demonstrated that psoriatic dermal mesenchymal stem cells (DMSC) stimulated keratinocyte (KC) proliferation and that psoriasis exhibited missense SPRED1 mutations. To further investigate the molecular mechanism by which psoriatic DMSC stimulate KC proliferation, and the role of missense SPRED1 mutations in psoriasis, we assessed expression levels of miRNA, and both mRNA and protein of SPRED1 in normal human epidermal keratinocyte cells (NHEK) cocultured with either psoriatic or control DMSC. Expression levels of miRNA and mRNA were determined by RNA sequencing. Expression levels of spred1 protein were assessed using western blot analysis. Moreover, the variation in SPRED1 was also examined by whole-genome sequencing in 665 psoriatic patients, and verified by Sanger sequencing. Our results showed that coculture of NHEK with psoriatic DMSC induced 32 differentially expressed miRNA, in which expression levels of miR-1 increased approximately 16-fold over control DMSC-treated NHEK (P < 0.05). Likewise, expression levels of miR-21-3p increased over twofold (P < 0.05). Moreover, coculture of NHEK with psoriatic DMSC induced marked increase in expression levels of mRNA for MAPK3, CDC25B and CDC25C, while decreasing expression levels of SPRED1 mRNA and protein in comparison with control DMSC treatment (P < 0.05 for all between cocultured with control and psoriatic DMSC). Furthermore, psoriasis displayed non-synonymous mutation of SPRED1 enriched in exon 7: c.A881T:p.Y294F (chr15:38351210). These results suggest that dysregulation and mutations of SPRED1 may participate in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, including epidermal hyperproliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinhua Li
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Stem Cells for Immunological Dermatosis, Institute of Dermatology, Taiyuan Central Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Junqin Li
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Stem Cells for Immunological Dermatosis, Institute of Dermatology, Taiyuan Central Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Funa Lu
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Stem Cells for Immunological Dermatosis, Institute of Dermatology, Taiyuan Central Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yue Cao
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Stem Cells for Immunological Dermatosis, Institute of Dermatology, Taiyuan Central Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jianxiao Xing
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Stem Cells for Immunological Dermatosis, Institute of Dermatology, Taiyuan Central Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Juan Li
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Stem Cells for Immunological Dermatosis, Institute of Dermatology, Taiyuan Central Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Ruixia Hou
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Stem Cells for Immunological Dermatosis, Institute of Dermatology, Taiyuan Central Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Guohua Yin
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Stem Cells for Immunological Dermatosis, Institute of Dermatology, Taiyuan Central Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Kaiming Zhang
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Stem Cells for Immunological Dermatosis, Institute of Dermatology, Taiyuan Central Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
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Zhang R, Zhang Y, Lu X, Xu W, Wang H, Mo W, Pang H, Tang R, Li S, Yan X, Li Y. SPRED1 Is Downregulated and a Prognostic Biomarker in Adult Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Front Oncol 2020; 10:204. [PMID: 32175275 PMCID: PMC7056905 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We report herein that Sprouty-Related EVH1 Domain-Containing Protein1 (SPRED1) is downregulated and a prognostic biomarker in adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We determined mRNA levels of SPRED1 in the bone marrow mononuclear cells from adult patients, including 113 AMLs and 22 acute lymphoblastic leukemias (ALLs), as well as in 37 healthy control subjects. Significantly decreased SPRED1 mRNA expression was found in AML patients comparing to those in ALL patients and healthy controls, which was confirmed by immunocytochemistry analysis of SPRED1 protein and ELISA measurement of serum SPRED1 level. Further analysis demonstrated that SPRED1 expression was significantly higher for most patients at complete remission after induction treatment than at diagnosis. Moreover, SPRED1 expression was significantly downregulated in M2 and M3 types. Non-acute promyelocytic leukemia (non-APL) patients with decreased SPRED1 had significantly lower 2-year progression-free survival and event-free survival rates. In vitro, ectopic overexpression of SPRED1 leads to a decrease of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation, induction of apoptosis and reduction of proliferation of THP-1 cells. Our findings suggest SPRED1 is not only a predictor of treatment response, but also an independent prognostic factor for non-APL, and targeting Ras- Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling may be a promising strategy for the treatment of AML with downregulation of SPRED1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xianglan Lu
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Weihong Xu
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - He Wang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Wenbin Mo
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Hui Pang
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Rurong Tang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Shibo Li
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Xiaojing Yan
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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50
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Sherekar M, Han SW, Ghirlando R, Messing S, Drew M, Rabara D, Waybright T, Juneja P, O'Neill H, Stanley CB, Bhowmik D, Ramanathan A, Subramaniam S, Nissley DV, Gillette W, McCormick F, Esposito D. Biochemical and structural analyses reveal that the tumor suppressor neurofibromin (NF1) forms a high-affinity dimer. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:1105-1119. [PMID: 31836666 PMCID: PMC6983858 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.010934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromin is a tumor suppressor encoded by the NF1 gene, which is mutated in Rasopathy disease neurofibromatosis type I. Defects in NF1 lead to aberrant signaling through the RAS-mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway due to disruption of the neurofibromin GTPase-activating function on RAS family small GTPases. Very little is known about the function of most of the neurofibromin protein; to date, biochemical and structural data exist only for its GAP domain and a region containing a Sec-PH motif. To better understand the role of this large protein, here we carried out a series of biochemical and biophysical experiments, including size-exclusion chromatography-multiangle light scattering (SEC-MALS), small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering, and analytical ultracentrifugation, indicating that full-length neurofibromin forms a high-affinity dimer. We observed that neurofibromin dimerization also occurs in human cells and likely has biological and clinical implications. Analysis of purified full-length and truncated neurofibromin variants by negative-stain EM revealed the overall architecture of the dimer and predicted the potential interactions that contribute to the dimer interface. We could reconstitute structures resembling high-affinity full-length dimers by mixing N- and C-terminal protein domains in vitro The reconstituted neurofibromin was capable of GTPase activation in vitro, and co-expression of the two domains in human cells effectively recapitulated the activity of full-length neurofibromin. Taken together, these results suggest how neurofibromin dimers might form and be stabilized within the cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mukul Sherekar
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702
| | - Sae-Won Han
- Helen Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Rodolfo Ghirlando
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Simon Messing
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702
| | - Matthew Drew
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702
| | - Dana Rabara
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702
| | - Timothy Waybright
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702
| | - Puneet Juneja
- Robert P. Apkarian Integrated Electron Microscopy Core, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322
| | - Hugh O'Neill
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830
| | | | | | | | - Sriram Subramaniam
- Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702
- Department of Biochemistry, Life Sciences Center, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T1Z3, Canada
| | - Dwight V Nissley
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702
| | - William Gillette
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702
| | - Frank McCormick
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702
- Helen Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158
| | - Dominic Esposito
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702
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