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Rauen KA, Tidyman WE. RASopathies - what they reveal about RAS/MAPK signaling in skeletal muscle development. Dis Model Mech 2024; 17:dmm050609. [PMID: 38847227 PMCID: PMC11179721 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
RASopathies are rare developmental genetic syndromes caused by germline pathogenic variants in genes that encode components of the RAS/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal transduction pathway. Although the incidence of each RASopathy syndrome is rare, collectively, they represent one of the largest groups of multiple congenital anomaly syndromes and have severe developmental consequences. Here, we review our understanding of how RAS/MAPK dysregulation in RASopathies impacts skeletal muscle development and the importance of RAS/MAPK pathway regulation for embryonic myogenesis. We also discuss the complex interactions of this pathway with other intracellular signaling pathways in the regulation of skeletal muscle development and growth, and the opportunities that RASopathy animal models provide for exploring the use of pathway inhibitors, typically used for cancer treatment, to correct the unique skeletal myopathy caused by the dysregulation of this pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A Rauen
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genomic Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
- University of California Davis MIND Institute, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - William E Tidyman
- University of California Davis MIND Institute, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
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2
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Yi JS, Perla S, Bennett AM. An Assessment of the Therapeutic Landscape for the Treatment of Heart Disease in the RASopathies. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther 2023; 37:1193-1204. [PMID: 35156148 DOI: 10.1007/s10557-022-07324-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The RAS/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway controls a plethora of developmental and post-developmental processes. It is now clear that mutations in the RAS-MAPK pathway cause developmental diseases collectively referred to as the RASopathies. The RASopathies include Noonan syndrome, Noonan syndrome with multiple lentigines, cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome, neurofibromatosis type 1, and Costello syndrome. RASopathy patients exhibit a wide spectrum of congenital heart defects (CHD), such as valvular abnormalities and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Since the cardiovascular defects are the most serious and recurrent cause of mortality in RASopathy patients, it is critical to understand the pathological signaling mechanisms that drive the disease. Therapies for the treatment of HCM and other RASopathy-associated comorbidities have yet to be fully realized. Recent developments have shown promise for the use of repurposed antineoplastic drugs that target the RAS-MAPK pathway for the treatment of RASopathy-associated HCM. However, given the impact of the RAS-MAPK pathway in post-developmental physiology, establishing safety and evaluating risk when treating children will be paramount. As such insight provided by preclinical and clinical information will be critical. This review will highlight the cardiovascular manifestations caused by the RASopathies and will discuss the emerging therapies for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Sung Yi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, SHM B226D, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06520-8066, USA
| | - Sravan Perla
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, SHM B226D, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06520-8066, USA
| | - Anton M Bennett
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, SHM B226D, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06520-8066, USA.
- Yale Center for Molecular and Systems Metabolism, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
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3
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Johnson CW, Fetics SK, Davis KP, Rodrigues JA, Mattos C. Allosteric site variants affect GTP hydrolysis on Ras. Protein Sci 2023; 32:e4767. [PMID: 37615343 PMCID: PMC10510474 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
RAS GTPases are proto-oncoproteins that regulate cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation in response to extracellular signals. The signaling functions of RAS, and other small GTPases, are dependent on their ability to cycle between GDP-bound and GTP-bound states. Structural analyses suggest that GTP hydrolysis catalyzed by HRAS can be regulated by an allosteric site located between helices 3, 4, and loop 7. Here we explore the relationship between intrinsic GTP hydrolysis on HRAS and the position of helix 3 and loop 7 through manipulation of the allosteric site, showing that the two sites are functionally connected. We generated several hydrophobic mutations in the allosteric site of HRAS to promote shifts in helix 3 relative to helix 4. By combining crystallography and enzymology to study these mutants, we show that closure of the allosteric site correlates with increased hydrolysis of GTP on HRAS in solution. Interestingly, binding to the RAS binding domain of RAF kinase (RAF-RBD) inhibits GTP hydrolysis in the mutants. This behavior may be representative of a cluster of mutations found in human tumors, which potentially cooperate with RAF complex formation to stabilize the GTP-bound state of RAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian W. Johnson
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical BiologyNortheastern UniversityBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Susan K. Fetics
- Department of Molecular and Structural BiochemistryNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Kathleen P. Davis
- Department of Molecular and Structural BiochemistryNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Jose A. Rodrigues
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical BiologyNortheastern UniversityBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Carla Mattos
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical BiologyNortheastern UniversityBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Department of Molecular and Structural BiochemistryNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNorth CarolinaUSA
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4
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Kontaridis MI, Roberts AE, Schill L, Schoyer L, Stronach B, Andelfinger G, Aoki Y, Axelrad ME, Bakker A, Bennett AM, Broniscer A, Castel P, Chang CA, Cyganek L, Das TK, den Hertog J, Galperin E, Garg S, Gelb BD, Gordon K, Green T, Gripp KW, Itkin M, Kiuru M, Korf BR, Livingstone JR, López‐Juárez A, Magoulas PL, Mansour S, Milner T, Parker E, Pierpont EI, Plouffe K, Rauen KA, Shankar SP, Smith SB, Stevenson DA, Tartaglia M, Van R, Wagner ME, Ware SM, Zenker M. The seventh international RASopathies symposium: Pathways to a cure-expanding knowledge, enhancing research, and therapeutic discovery. Am J Med Genet A 2022; 188:1915-1927. [PMID: 35266292 PMCID: PMC9117434 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.62716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
RASopathies are a group of genetic disorders that are caused by genes that affect the canonical Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Despite tremendous progress in understanding the molecular consequences of these genetic anomalies, little movement has been made in translating these findings to the clinic. This year, the seventh International RASopathies Symposium focused on expanding the research knowledge that we have gained over the years to enhance new discoveries in the field, ones that we hope can lead to effective therapeutic treatments. Indeed, for the first time, research efforts are finally being translated to the clinic, with compassionate use of Ras/MAPK pathway inhibitors for the treatment of RASopathies. This biannual meeting, organized by the RASopathies Network, brought together basic scientists, clinicians, clinician scientists, patients, advocates, and their families, as well as representatives from pharmaceutical companies and the National Institutes of Health. A history of RASopathy gene discovery, identification of new disease genes, and the latest research, both at the bench and in the clinic, were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria I. Kontaridis
- Department of Biomedical Research and Translational MedicineMasonic Medical Research InstituteUticaNew YorkUSA
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular PharmacologyHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Amy E. Roberts
- Department of CardiologyBoston Children's HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Division of Genetics, Department of PediatricsBoston Children's HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Lisa Schill
- RASopathies Network USAAltadenaCaliforniaUSA
| | | | | | - Gregor Andelfinger
- Cardiovascular Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Saint‐Justine Research CentreUniversité de MontréalMontréalCanada
| | - Yoko Aoki
- Department of Medical GeneticsTohoku University School of MedicineSendaiJapan
| | - Marni E. Axelrad
- Section of Psychology, Department of PediatricsBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
| | | | - Anton M. Bennett
- Yale Center for Molecular and Systems MetabolismYale University School of MedicineNew HavenConnecticutUSA
| | - Alberto Broniscer
- Division of Hematology‐OncologyUPMC Children's Hospital of PittsburghPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Pau Castel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular PharmacologyNYU Grossman School of MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Caitlin A. Chang
- Department of Medical GeneticsBC Women and Children's HospitalVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Lukas Cyganek
- Stem Cell Unit, Clinic for Cardiology and PneumologyUniversity Medical Center GöttingenGöttingenGermany
| | - Tirtha K. Das
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative BiologyIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Jeroen den Hertog
- Hubrecht Institute‐KNAW and University Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
- Institute Biology LeidenLeiden UniversityLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Emilia Galperin
- Department of Molecular and Cellular BiochemistryUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | - Shruti Garg
- Division of Neuroscience & Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Biological Sciences, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences CentreUniversity of Manchester & Child & Adolescent Mental Health ServicesManchesterUK
| | - Bruce D. Gelb
- Mindich Child Health and Development Institute and the Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics and Genomic SciencesIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Kristiana Gordon
- Lymphovascular Medicine, Dermatology DepartmentSt. George's UniversityLondonUK
| | - Tamar Green
- Division of Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesStanford University School of MedicineStanfordCaliforniaUSA
| | - Karen W. Gripp
- Department of GeneticsAI duPont Hospital for ChildrenWilmingtonDelawareUSA
| | - Maxim Itkin
- Center for Lymphatic Disorders, Department of RadiologyUniversity of Pennsylvania Perelman School of MedicinePhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Maija Kiuru
- Department of Dermatology, Department of Pathology & Laboratory MedicineUniversity of California DavisSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Bruce R. Korf
- Department of GeneticsUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamAlabamaUSA
| | | | - Alejandro López‐Juárez
- Department of Health and Biomedical SciencesUniversity of Texas Rio Grande ValleyTexasUSA
| | - Pilar L. Magoulas
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of MedicineTexas Children's HospitalHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Sahar Mansour
- Molecular and Clinical Sciences InstituteSt George's UniversityLondonUK
- South West Thames Regional Genetics ServiceSt George's NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
| | | | | | - Elizabeth I. Pierpont
- Division of Clinical Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of PediatricsUniversity of MinnesotaMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
| | | | - Katherine A. Rauen
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genomic Medicine, MIND InstituteUniversity of California DavisSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Suma P. Shankar
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genomic Medicine, MIND InstituteUniversity of California DavisSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, School of MedicineUniversity of California DavisSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | | | - David A. Stevenson
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical GeneticsStanford UniversityStanfordCaliforniaUSA
| | - Marco Tartaglia
- Genetics and Rare Diseases Research DivisionOspedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCSRomeItaly
| | - Richard Van
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Morgan E. Wagner
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology ProgramFrederick National Laboratory for Cancer ResearchFrederickMarylandUSA
| | - Stephanie M. Ware
- Department of Pediatrics, Department of Medical and Molecular GeneticsIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisIndianaUSA
| | - Martin Zenker
- Institute of Human Genetics, University HospitalOtto‐von‐Guericke UniversityMagdeburgGermany
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5
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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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6
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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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7
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Ullah R, Yin Q, Snell AH, Wan L. RAF-MEK-ERK pathway in cancer evolution and treatment. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 85:123-154. [PMID: 33992782 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The RAF-MEK-ERK signaling cascade is a well-characterized MAPK pathway involved in cell proliferation and survival. The three-layered MAPK signaling cascade is initiated upon RTK and RAS activation. Three RAF isoforms ARAF, BRAF and CRAF, and their downstream MEK1/2 and ERK1/2 kinases constitute a coherently orchestrated signaling module that directs a range of physiological functions. Genetic alterations in this pathway are among the most prevalent in human cancers, which consist of numerous hot-spot mutations such as BRAFV600E. Oncogenic mutations in this pathway often override otherwise tightly regulated checkpoints to open the door for uncontrolled cell growth and neoplasia. The crosstalk between the RAF-MEK-ERK axis and other signaling pathways further extends the proliferative potential of this pathway in human cancers. In this review, we summarize the molecular architecture and physiological functions of the RAF-MEK-ERK pathway with emphasis on its dysregulations in human cancers, as well as the efforts made to target the RAF-MEK-ERK module using small molecule inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahim Ullah
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Qing Yin
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Aidan H Snell
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Lixin Wan
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA; Department of Cutaneous Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA.
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8
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Maeda Y, Tidyman WE, Ander BP, Pritchard CA, Rauen KA. Ras/MAPK dysregulation in development causes a skeletal myopathy in an activating Braf L597V mouse model for cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome. Dev Dyn 2021; 250:1074-1095. [PMID: 33522658 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardio-facio-cutaneous (CFC) syndrome is a human multiple congenital anomaly syndrome that is caused by activating heterozygous mutations in either BRAF, MEK1, or MEK2, three protein kinases of the Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. CFC belongs to a group of syndromes known as RASopathies. Skeletal muscle hypotonia is a ubiquitous phenotype of RASopathies, especially in CFC syndrome. To better understand the underlying mechanisms for the skeletal myopathy in CFC, a mouse model with an activating BrafL597V allele was utilized. RESULTS The activating BrafL597V allele resulted in phenotypic alterations in skeletal muscle characterized by a reduction in fiber size which leads to a reduction in muscle size which are functionally weaker. MAPK pathway activation caused inhibition of myofiber differentiation during embryonic myogenesis and global transcriptional dysregulation of developmental pathways. Inhibition in differentiation can be rescued by MEK inhibition. CONCLUSIONS A skeletal myopathy was identified in the CFC BrafL597V mouse validating the use of models to study the effect of Ras/MAPK dysregulation on skeletal myogenesis. RASopathies present a novel opportunity to identify new paradigms of myogenesis and further our understanding of Ras in development. Rescue of the phenotype by inhibitors may help advance the development of therapeutic options for RASopathy patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiko Maeda
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, USA.,UC Davis MIND Institute, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - William E Tidyman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, USA.,UC Davis MIND Institute, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Bradley P Ander
- UC Davis MIND Institute, Sacramento, California, USA.,Department of Neurology, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Catrin A Pritchard
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Katherine A Rauen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, USA.,UC Davis MIND Institute, Sacramento, California, USA
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Engler M, Fidan M, Nandi S, Cirstea IC. Senescence in RASopathies, a possible novel contributor to a complex pathophenoype. Mech Ageing Dev 2020; 194:111411. [PMID: 33309600 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2020.111411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Senescence is a biological process that induces a permanent cell cycle arrest and a specific gene expression program in response to various stressors. Following studies over the last few decades, the concept of senescence has evolved from an antiproliferative mechanism in cancer (oncogene-induced senescence) to a critical component of physiological processes associated with embryonic development, tissue regeneration, ageing and its associated diseases. In somatic cells, oncogenic mutations in RAS-MAPK pathway genes are associated with oncogene-induced senescence and cancer, while germline mutations in the same pathway are linked to a group of monogenic developmental disorders generally termed RASopathies. Here, we consider that in these disorders, senescence induction may result in opposing outcomes, a tumour protective effect and a possible contributor to a premature ageing phenotype identified in Costello syndrome, which belongs to the RASopathy group. In this review, we will highlight the role of senescence in organismal homeostasis and we will describe the current knowledge about senescence in RASopathies. Additionally, we provide a perspective on examples of experimentally characterised RASopathy mutations that, alone or in combination with various stressors, may also trigger an age-dependent chronic senescence, possibly contributing to the age-dependent worsening of RASopathy pathophenotype and the reduction of lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Engler
- Institute of Comparative Molecular Endocrinology, Ulm University, Helmholtzstr. 8/1, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Miray Fidan
- Institute of Comparative Molecular Endocrinology, Ulm University, Helmholtzstr. 8/1, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Sayantan Nandi
- Institute of Comparative Molecular Endocrinology, Ulm University, Helmholtzstr. 8/1, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Ion Cristian Cirstea
- Institute of Comparative Molecular Endocrinology, Ulm University, Helmholtzstr. 8/1, 89081, Ulm, Germany.
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10
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Knape MJ, Wallbott M, Burghardt NCG, Bertinetti D, Hornung J, Schmidt SH, Lorenz R, Herberg FW. Molecular Basis for Ser/Thr Specificity in PKA Signaling. Cells 2020; 9:cells9061548. [PMID: 32630525 PMCID: PMC7361990 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) is the major receptor of the second messenger cAMP and a prototype for Ser/Thr-specific protein kinases. Although PKA strongly prefers serine over threonine substrates, little is known about the molecular basis of this substrate specificity. We employ classical enzyme kinetics and a surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based method to analyze each step of the kinase reaction. In the absence of divalent metal ions and nucleotides, PKA binds serine (PKS) and threonine (PKT) substrates, derived from the heat-stable protein kinase inhibitor (PKI), with similar affinities. However, in the presence of metal ions and adenine nucleotides, the Michaelis complex for PKT is unstable. PKA phosphorylates PKT with a higher turnover due to a faster dissociation of the product complex. Thus, threonine substrates are not necessarily poor substrates of PKA. Mutation of the DFG+1 phenylalanine to β-branched amino acids increases the catalytic efficiency of PKA for a threonine peptide substrate up to 200-fold. The PKA Cα mutant F187V forms a stable Michaelis complex with PKT and shows no preference for serine versus threonine substrates. Disease-associated mutations of the DFG+1 position in other protein kinases underline the importance of substrate specificity for keeping signaling pathways segregated and precisely regulated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Robin Lorenz
- Correspondence: (R.L.); (F.W.H.); Tel.: +49-561-804-4539 (R.L.); +49-561-804-4511 (F.W.H.)
| | - Friedrich W. Herberg
- Correspondence: (R.L.); (F.W.H.); Tel.: +49-561-804-4539 (R.L.); +49-561-804-4511 (F.W.H.)
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11
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Kamata T, So TY, Ahmed Q, Giblett S, Patel B, Luo J, Reddel R, Pritchard C. Fibroblast-Derived STC-1 Modulates Tumor-Associated Macrophages and Lung Adenocarcinoma Development. Cell Rep 2020; 31:107802. [PMID: 32579928 PMCID: PMC7326292 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.107802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) consists of different cell types, including tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and tumor-associated fibroblasts (TAFs). How these cells interact and contribute to lung carcinogenesis remains elusive. Using G12DKRAS- and V600EBRAF-driven mouse lung models, we identify the pleiotropic glycoprotein stanniocalcin-1 (STC1) as a regulator of TAM-TAF interactions. STC1 is secreted by TAFs and suppresses TAM differentiation, at least in part, by sequestering the binding of GRP94, an autocrine macrophage-differentiation-inducing factor, to its cognate scavenger receptors. The accumulation of mature TAMs in the Stc1-deficient lung leads to enhanced secretion of TGF-β1 and, thus, TAF accumulation in the TME. Consistent with the mouse data, in human lung adenocarcinoma, STC1 expression is restricted to myofibroblasts, and a significant increase of naive macrophages is detected in STC1-high compared with STC1-low cases. This work increases our understanding of lung adenocarcinoma development and suggests new approaches for therapeutic targeting of the TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamihiro Kamata
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester LE2 7LX, UK.
| | - Tsz Y So
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester LE2 7LX, UK
| | - Qasim Ahmed
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 9HN, UK
| | - Susan Giblett
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 9HN, UK
| | - Bipin Patel
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 9HN, UK
| | - Jinli Luo
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester LE2 7LX, UK
| | - Roger Reddel
- Cancer Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Catrin Pritchard
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester LE2 7LX, UK.
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12
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Degirmenci U, Wang M, Hu J. Targeting Aberrant RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK Signaling for Cancer Therapy. Cells 2020; 9:E198. [PMID: 31941155 PMCID: PMC7017232 DOI: 10.3390/cells9010198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 296] [Impact Index Per Article: 74.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 12/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK (MAPK) signaling cascade is essential for cell inter- and intra-cellular communication, which regulates fundamental cell functions such as growth, survival, and differentiation. The MAPK pathway also integrates signals from complex intracellular networks in performing cellular functions. Despite the initial discovery of the core elements of the MAPK pathways nearly four decades ago, additional findings continue to make a thorough understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of this pathway challenging. Considerable effort has been focused on the regulation of RAF, especially after the discovery of drug resistance and paradoxical activation upon inhibitor binding to the kinase. RAF activity is regulated by phosphorylation and conformation-dependent regulation, including auto-inhibition and dimerization. In this review, we summarize the recent major findings in the study of the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK signaling cascade, particularly with respect to the impact on clinical cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ufuk Degirmenci
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Research, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 11 Hospital Crescent, Singapore 169610, Singapore
| | - Mei Wang
- Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Jiancheng Hu
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Research, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 11 Hospital Crescent, Singapore 169610, Singapore
- Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore 169857, Singapore
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13
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Kang M, Lee YS. The impact of RASopathy-associated mutations on CNS development in mice and humans. Mol Brain 2019; 12:96. [PMID: 31752929 PMCID: PMC6873535 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-019-0517-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The RAS signaling pathway is involved in the regulation of developmental processes, including cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation, in the central nervous system (CNS). Germline mutations in the RAS signaling pathway genes are associated with a group of neurodevelopmental disorders, collectively called RASopathy, which includes neurofibromatosis type 1, Noonan syndrome, cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome, and Costello syndrome. Most mutations associated with RASopathies increase the activity of the RAS-ERK signaling pathway, and therefore, most individuals with RASopathies share common phenotypes, such as a short stature, heart defects, facial abnormalities, and cognitive impairments, which are often accompanied by abnormal CNS development. Recent studies using mouse models of RASopathies demonstrated that particular mutations associated with each disorder disrupt CNS development in a mutation-specific manner. Here, we reviewed the recent literatures that investigated the developmental role of RASopathy-associated mutations using mutant mice, which provided insights into the specific contribution of RAS-ERK signaling molecules to CNS development and the subsequent impact on cognitive function in adult mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minkyung Kang
- Department of Physiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongro-gu, Seoul, 03080, South Korea.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Korea
| | - Yong-Seok Lee
- Department of Physiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongro-gu, Seoul, 03080, South Korea. .,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Korea. .,Neuroscience Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongro-gu, Seoul, 03080, South Korea.
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14
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Gunderwala AY, Nimbvikar AA, Cope NJ, Li Z, Wang Z. Development of Allosteric BRAF Peptide Inhibitors Targeting the Dimer Interface of BRAF. ACS Chem Biol 2019; 14:1471-1480. [PMID: 31243962 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.9b00191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BRAF is the most frequently mutated kinase in human cancers and is one of the major effectors of oncogenic RAS, making BRAF a target of considerable interest for anticancer drug development. Wild-type BRAF and a variety of oncogenic BRAF mutants are dependent on dimerization of the kinase domain, which also emerges as a culprit of drug resistance and side effects of current BRAF therapies. Thus, allosteric BRAF inhibitors capable of disrupting BRAF dimers could abrogate hyperactivated MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) signaling driven by oncogenic BRAF or RAS and overcome the major limitations of current BRAF inhibitors. To establish this, we applied an in silico approach to design a series of peptide inhibitors targeting the dimer interface of BRAF. One resulting inhibitor was found to potently inhibit the kinase activity of BRAF homo- and heterodimers, including oncogenic BRAFG469A mutant. Moreover, this inhibitor synergizes with FDA-approved, ATP-competitive BRAF inhibitors against dimeric BRAF, suggesting that allosteric BRAF inhibitors have great potential to extend the application of current BRAF therapies. Additionally, targeting the dimer interface of BRAF kinase leads to protein degradation of both RAF and MEK, uncovering a novel scaffolding function of RAF in protecting large MAPK complexes from protein degradation. In conclusion, we have developed a potent lead peptide inhibitor for targeting the dimer interface of BRAF in cancer cells. The dual function of this peptide inhibitor validates the strategy for developing allosteric BRAF inhibitors that specifically dissociate RAF dimers and destabilize the MAPK signaling complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber Y. Gunderwala
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Anushri A. Nimbvikar
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Nicholas J. Cope
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Zhijun Li
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Zhihong Wang
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
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15
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Holter MC, Hewitt LT, Koebele SV, Judd JM, Xing L, Bimonte-Nelson HA, Conrad CD, Araki T, Neel BG, Snider WD, Newbern JM. The Noonan Syndrome-linked Raf1L613V mutation drives increased glial number in the mouse cortex and enhanced learning. PLoS Genet 2019; 15:e1008108. [PMID: 31017896 PMCID: PMC6502435 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
RASopathies are a family of related syndromes caused by mutations in regulators of the RAS/Extracellular Regulated Kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) signaling cascade that often result in neurological deficits. RASopathy mutations in upstream regulatory components, such as NF1, PTPN11/SHP2, and RAS have been well-characterized, but mutation-specific differences in the pathogenesis of nervous system abnormalities remain poorly understood, especially those involving mutations downstream of RAS. Here, we assessed cellular and behavioral phenotypes in mice expressing a Raf1L613V gain-of-function mutation associated with the RASopathy, Noonan Syndrome. We report that Raf1L613V/wt mutants do not exhibit a significantly altered number of excitatory or inhibitory neurons in the cortex. However, we observed a significant increase in the number of specific glial subtypes in the forebrain. The density of GFAP+ astrocytes was significantly increased in the adult Raf1L613V/wt cortex and hippocampus relative to controls. OLIG2+ oligodendrocyte progenitor cells were also increased in number in mutant cortices, but we detected no significant change in myelination. Behavioral analyses revealed no significant changes in voluntary locomotor activity, anxiety-like behavior, or sociability. Surprisingly, Raf1L613V/wt mice performed better than controls in select aspects of the water radial-arm maze, Morris water maze, and cued fear conditioning tasks. Overall, these data show that increased astrocyte and oligodendrocyte progenitor cell (OPC) density in the cortex coincides with enhanced cognition in Raf1L613V/wt mutants and further highlight the distinct effects of RASopathy mutations on nervous system development and function. The RASopathies are a large and complex family of syndromes caused by mutations in the RAS/MAPK signaling cascade with no known cure. Individuals with these syndromes often present with heart defects, craniofacial differences, and neurological abnormalities, such as developmental delay, cognitive changes, epilepsy, and an increased risk of autism. However, there is wide variation in the extent of intellectual ability between individuals. It is currently unclear how different RASopathy mutations affect brain development. Here, we describe the cellular and behavioral consequences of a mutation in a gene called Raf1 that is associated with a common RASopathy, Noonan Syndrome. We find that mice harboring a mutation in Raf1 show moderate increases in the number of two subsets of glial cells, which is also observed in a number of other RASopathy brain samples. Surprisingly, we found that Raf1 mutant mice show improved performance in several learning and memory tasks. Our work highlights potential mutation-specific changes in RASopathy brain function and helps set the framework for future personalized therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael C. Holter
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Lauren. T. Hewitt
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Stephanie V. Koebele
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Jessica M. Judd
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Lei Xing
- Neuroscience Center, The University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Heather A. Bimonte-Nelson
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Cheryl D. Conrad
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Toshiyuki Araki
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Benjamin G. Neel
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - William D. Snider
- Neuroscience Center, The University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Jason M. Newbern
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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16
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Rakhit CP, Trigg RM, Le Quesne J, Kelly M, Shaw JA, Pritchard C, Martins LM. Early detection of pre-malignant lesions in a KRAS G12D-driven mouse lung cancer model by monitoring circulating free DNA. Dis Model Mech 2019; 12:dmm036863. [PMID: 30760495 PMCID: PMC6398498 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.036863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death. Two-thirds of cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage that is refractory to curative treatment. Therefore, strategies for the early detection of lung cancer are urgently sought. Total circulating free DNA (cfDNA) and tumour-derived circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) are emerging as important biomarkers within a 'liquid biopsy' for monitoring human disease progression and response to therapy. Owing to the late clinical diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, the potential for cfDNA and ctDNA as early detection biomarkers remains unexplored. Here, using a Cre-regulated genetically engineered mouse model of lung adenocarcinoma development, driven by KrasG12D (the KrasLSL-G12D mouse), we serially tracked the release of cfDNA/ctDNA and compared this with tumour burden as determined by micro-computed tomography (CT). To monitor ctDNA, a droplet digital PCR assay was developed to permit discrimination of the KrasLox-G12D allele from the KrasLSL-G12D and KrasWT alleles. We show that micro-CT correlates with endpoint histology and is able to detect pre-malignant tumours with a combined volume larger than 7 mm3 Changes in cfDNA/ctDNA levels correlate with micro-CT measurements in longitudinal sampling and are able to monitor the emergence of lesions before the adenoma-adenocarcinoma transition. Potentially, this work has implications for the early detection of human lung adenocarcinoma using ctDNA/cfDNA profiling.A video abstract for this article is available at https://youtu.be/Ku8xJJyGs3UThis article has an associated First Person interview with the joint first authors of the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Callum P Rakhit
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 9HN, UK
| | - Ricky M Trigg
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester LE2 7LX, UK
| | - John Le Quesne
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 9HN, UK
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester LE2 7LX, UK
| | - Michael Kelly
- Core Biotechnology Services, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Jacqueline A Shaw
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester LE2 7LX, UK
| | - Catrin Pritchard
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester LE2 7LX, UK
| | - L Miguel Martins
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 9HN, UK
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17
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Hey F, Andreadi C, Noble C, Patel B, Jin H, Kamata T, Straatman K, Luo J, Balmanno K, Jones DT, Collins VP, Cook SJ, Caunt CJ, Pritchard C. Over-expressed, N-terminally truncated BRAF is detected in the nucleus of cells with nuclear phosphorylated MEK and ERK. Heliyon 2018; 4:e01065. [PMID: 30603699 PMCID: PMC6304467 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2018.e01065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Revised: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BRAF is a cytoplasmic protein kinase, which activates the MEK-ERK signalling pathway. Deregulation of the pathway is associated with the presence of BRAF mutations in human cancer, the most common being V600E BRAF, although structural rearrangements, which remove N-terminal regulatory sequences, have also been reported. RAF-MEK-ERK signalling is normally thought to occur in the cytoplasm of the cell. However, in an investigation of BRAF localisation using fluorescence microscopy combined with subcellular fractionation of Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP)-tagged proteins expressed in NIH3T3 cells, surprisingly, we detected N-terminally truncated BRAF (ΔBRAF) in both nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments. In contrast, ΔCRAF and full-length, wild-type BRAF (WTBRAF) were detected at lower levels in the nucleus while full-length V600EBRAF was virtually excluded from this compartment. Similar results were obtained using ΔBRAF tagged with the hormone-binding domain of the oestrogen receptor (hbER) and with the KIAA1549-ΔBRAF translocation mutant found in human pilocytic astrocytomas. Here we show that GFP-ΔBRAF nuclear translocation does not involve a canonical Nuclear Localisation Signal (NLS), but is suppressed by N-terminal sequences. Nuclear GFP-ΔBRAF retains MEK/ERK activating potential and is associated with the accumulation of phosphorylated MEK and ERK in the nucleus. In contrast, full-length GFP-WTBRAF and GFP-V600EBRAF are associated with the accumulation of phosphorylated ERK but not phosphorylated MEK in the nucleus. These data have implications for cancers bearing single nucleotide variants or N-terminal deleted structural variants of BRAF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Hey
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 9HN, UK
| | - Catherine Andreadi
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre, Clinical Sciences Building, University of Leicester, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester LE2 7LX, UK
| | - Catherine Noble
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 9HN, UK
| | - Bipin Patel
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 9HN, UK
| | - Hong Jin
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 9HN, UK
| | - Tamihiro Kamata
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre, Clinical Sciences Building, University of Leicester, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester LE2 7LX, UK
| | - Kees Straatman
- Core Biotechnology Services, University of Leicester, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 9HN, UK
| | - Jinli Luo
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre, Clinical Sciences Building, University of Leicester, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester LE2 7LX, UK
| | - Kathryn Balmanno
- Signalling Laboratory, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
| | - David T.W. Jones
- Department of Pathology, Division of Molecular Histopathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - V. Peter Collins
- Department of Pathology, Division of Molecular Histopathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Simon J. Cook
- Signalling Laboratory, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Christopher J. Caunt
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Catrin Pritchard
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre, Clinical Sciences Building, University of Leicester, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester LE2 7LX, UK
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18
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Tajan M, Paccoud R, Branka S, Edouard T, Yart A. The RASopathy Family: Consequences of Germline Activation of the RAS/MAPK Pathway. Endocr Rev 2018; 39:676-700. [PMID: 29924299 DOI: 10.1210/er.2017-00232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Noonan syndrome [NS; Mendelian Inheritance in Men (MIM) #163950] and related syndromes [Noonan syndrome with multiple lentigines (formerly called LEOPARD syndrome; MIM #151100), Noonan-like syndrome with loose anagen hair (MIM #607721), Costello syndrome (MIM #218040), cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome (MIM #115150), type I neurofibromatosis (MIM #162200), and Legius syndrome (MIM #611431)] are a group of related genetic disorders associated with distinctive facial features, cardiopathies, growth and skeletal abnormalities, developmental delay/mental retardation, and tumor predisposition. NS was clinically described more than 50 years ago, and disease genes have been identified throughout the last 3 decades, providing a molecular basis to better understand their physiopathology and identify targets for therapeutic strategies. Most of these genes encode proteins belonging to or regulating the so-called RAS/MAPK signaling pathway, so these syndromes have been gathered under the name RASopathies. In this review, we provide a clinical overview of RASopathies and an update on their genetics. We then focus on the functional and pathophysiological effects of RASopathy-causing mutations and discuss therapeutic perspectives and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mylène Tajan
- INSERM UMR 1048, Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases (I2MC), University of Toulouse Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Romain Paccoud
- INSERM UMR 1048, Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases (I2MC), University of Toulouse Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Sophie Branka
- INSERM UMR 1048, Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases (I2MC), University of Toulouse Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Thomas Edouard
- Endocrine, Bone Diseases, and Genetics Unit, Children's Hospital, Toulouse University Hospital, Toulouse, France
| | - Armelle Yart
- INSERM UMR 1048, Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases (I2MC), University of Toulouse Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
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19
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Inoue SI, Takahara S, Yoshikawa T, Niihori T, Yanai K, Matsubara Y, Aoki Y. Activated Braf induces esophageal dilation and gastric epithelial hyperplasia in mice. Hum Mol Genet 2018; 26:4715-4727. [PMID: 28973166 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddx354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Germline mutations in BRAF are a major cause of cardio-facio-cutaneous (CFC) syndrome, which is characterized by heart defects, characteristic craniofacial dysmorphology and dermatologic abnormalities. Patients with CFC syndrome also commonly show gastrointestinal dysfunction, including feeding and swallowing difficulties and gastroesophageal reflux. We have previously found that knock-in mice expressing a Braf Q241R mutation exhibit CFC syndrome-related phenotypes, such as growth retardation, craniofacial dysmorphisms, congenital heart defects and learning deficits. However, it remains unclear whether BrafQ241R/+ mice exhibit gastrointestinal dysfunction. Here, we report that BrafQ241R/+ mice have neonatal feeding difficulties and esophageal dilation. The esophagus tissues from BrafQ241R/+ mice displayed incomplete replacement of smooth muscle with skeletal muscle and decreased contraction. Furthermore, the BrafQ241R/+ mice showed hyperkeratosis and a thickened muscle layer in the forestomach. Treatment with MEK inhibitors ameliorated the growth retardation, esophageal dilation, hyperkeratosis and thickened muscle layer in the forestomach in BrafQ241R/+ mice. The esophageal dilation with aberrant skeletal-smooth muscle boundary in BrafQ241R/+ mice were recovered after treatment with the histone H3K27 demethylase inhibitor GSK-J4. Our results provide clues to elucidate the pathogenesis and possible treatment of gastrointestinal dysfunction and failure to thrive in patients with CFC syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shingo Takahara
- Department of Medical Genetics.,Department of Cardiovascular Surgery
| | - Takeo Yoshikawa
- Department of Pharmacology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | | | - Kazuhiko Yanai
- Department of Pharmacology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yoichi Matsubara
- Department of Medical Genetics.,National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
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20
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Dard L, Bellance N, Lacombe D, Rossignol R. RAS signalling in energy metabolism and rare human diseases. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOENERGETICS 2018; 1859:845-867. [PMID: 29750912 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbabio.2018.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Revised: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The RAS pathway is a highly conserved cascade of protein-protein interactions and phosphorylation that is at the heart of signalling networks that govern proliferation, differentiation and cell survival. Recent findings indicate that the RAS pathway plays a role in the regulation of energy metabolism via the control of mitochondrial form and function but little is known on the participation of this effect in RAS-related rare human genetic diseases. Germline mutations that hyperactivate the RAS pathway have been discovered and linked to human developmental disorders that are known as RASopathies. Individuals with RASopathies, which are estimated to affect approximately 1/1000 human birth, share many overlapping characteristics, including cardiac malformations, short stature, neurocognitive impairment, craniofacial dysmorphy, cutaneous, musculoskeletal, and ocular abnormalities, hypotonia and a predisposition to developing cancer. Since the identification of the first RASopathy, type 1 neurofibromatosis (NF1), which is caused by the inactivation of neurofibromin 1, several other syndromes have been associated with mutations in the core components of the RAS-MAPK pathway. These syndromes include Noonan syndrome (NS), Noonan syndrome with multiple lentigines (NSML), which was formerly called LEOPARD syndrome, Costello syndrome (CS), cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome (CFC), Legius syndrome (LS) and capillary malformation-arteriovenous malformation syndrome (CM-AVM). Here, we review current knowledge about the bioenergetics of the RASopathies and discuss the molecular control of energy homeostasis and mitochondrial physiology by the RAS pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Dard
- Bordeaux University, 33000 Bordeaux, France; INSERM U1211, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - N Bellance
- Bordeaux University, 33000 Bordeaux, France; INSERM U1211, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - D Lacombe
- Bordeaux University, 33000 Bordeaux, France; INSERM U1211, 33000 Bordeaux, France; CHU de Bordeaux, Service de Génétique Médicale, F-33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - R Rossignol
- Bordeaux University, 33000 Bordeaux, France; INSERM U1211, 33000 Bordeaux, France; CELLOMET, CGFB-146 Rue Léo Saignat, Bordeaux, France.
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21
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Dankner M, Rose AAN, Rajkumar S, Siegel PM, Watson IR. Classifying BRAF alterations in cancer: new rational therapeutic strategies for actionable mutations. Oncogene 2018. [DOI: 10.1038/s41388-018-0171-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 196] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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22
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Aoidi R, Houde N, Landry-Truchon K, Holter M, Jacquet K, Charron L, Krishnaswami SR, Yu BD, Rauen KA, Bisson N, Newbern J, Charron J. Mek1Y130C mice recapitulate aspects of human cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome. Dis Model Mech 2018; 11:dmm.031278. [PMID: 29590634 PMCID: PMC5897723 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.031278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The RAS/MAPK signaling pathway is one of the most investigated pathways, owing to its established role in numerous cellular processes and implication in cancer. Germline mutations in genes encoding members of the RAS/MAPK pathway also cause severe developmental syndromes collectively known as RASopathies. These syndromes share overlapping characteristics, including craniofacial dysmorphology, cardiac malformations, cutaneous abnormalities and developmental delay. Cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome (CFC) is a rare RASopathy associated with mutations in BRAF, KRAS, MEK1 (MAP2K1) and MEK2 (MAP2K2). MEK1 and MEK2 mutations are found in ∼25% of the CFC patients and the MEK1Y130C substitution is the most common one. However, little is known about the origins and mechanisms responsible for the development of CFC. To our knowledge, no mouse model carrying RASopathy-linked Mek1 or Mek2 gene mutations has been reported. To investigate the molecular and developmental consequences of the Mek1Y130C mutation, we generated a mouse line carrying this mutation. Analysis of mice from a Mek1 allelic series revealed that the Mek1Y130C allele expresses both wild-type and Y130C mutant forms of MEK1. However, despite reduced levels of MEK1 protein and the lower abundance of MEK1 Y130C protein than wild type, Mek1Y130C mutants showed increased ERK (MAPK) protein activation in response to growth factors, supporting a role for MEK1 Y130C in hyperactivation of the RAS/MAPK pathway, leading to CFC. Mek1Y130C mutant mice exhibited pulmonary artery stenosis, cranial dysmorphia and neurological anomalies, including increased numbers of GFAP+ astrocytes and Olig2+ oligodendrocytes in regions of the cerebral cortex. These data indicate that the Mek1Y130C mutation recapitulates major aspects of CFC, providing a new animal model to investigate the physiopathology of this RASopathy. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper. Summary: A mouse model for cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome caused by MEK1 Y130C mutant protein reveals the role of hyperactivation of the RAS/MAPK pathway in the development of the syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rifdat Aoidi
- Centre de recherche sur le cancer de l'Université Laval, CRCHU de Québec, L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, Québec G1R 3S3, Canada.,Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology, Université Laval, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Nicolas Houde
- Centre de recherche sur le cancer de l'Université Laval, CRCHU de Québec, L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, Québec G1R 3S3, Canada.,Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology, Université Laval, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Kim Landry-Truchon
- Centre de recherche sur le cancer de l'Université Laval, CRCHU de Québec, L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, Québec G1R 3S3, Canada.,Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology, Université Laval, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Michael Holter
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
| | - Kevin Jacquet
- Centre de recherche sur le cancer de l'Université Laval, CRCHU de Québec, L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, Québec G1R 3S3, Canada.,Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology, Université Laval, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Louis Charron
- Centre de recherche sur le cancer de l'Université Laval, CRCHU de Québec, L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, Québec G1R 3S3, Canada
| | - Suguna Rani Krishnaswami
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0761, USA
| | - Benjamin D Yu
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0761, USA.,Interpreta Inc., San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Katherine A Rauen
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genomic Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Nicolas Bisson
- Centre de recherche sur le cancer de l'Université Laval, CRCHU de Québec, L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, Québec G1R 3S3, Canada.,Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology, Université Laval, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Jason Newbern
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
| | - Jean Charron
- Centre de recherche sur le cancer de l'Université Laval, CRCHU de Québec, L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, Québec G1R 3S3, Canada .,Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology, Université Laval, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
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23
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Mi JL, Zhang B, Pan YF, Su YX, Fan JF, Liao SF, Qin XL, Yao DC, Tang HY, Jiang W. Chemotherapy regimens containing taxanes or fluorouracil in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: Which better? Oral Oncol 2017; 74:34-39. [DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2017.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Revised: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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24
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Nieto P, Ambrogio C, Esteban-Burgos L, Gómez-López G, Blasco MT, Yao Z, Marais R, Rosen N, Chiarle R, Pisano DG, Barbacid M, Santamaría D. A Braf kinase-inactive mutant induces lung adenocarcinoma. Nature 2017; 548:239-243. [PMID: 28783725 PMCID: PMC5648056 DOI: 10.1038/nature23297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2017] [Accepted: 06/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The initiating oncogenic event in almost half of human lung adenocarcinomas is still unknown, a fact that complicates the development of selective targeted therapies. Yet these tumours harbour a number of alterations without obvious oncogenic function including BRAF-inactivating mutations. Inactivating BRAF mutants in lung predominate over the activating V600E mutant that is frequently observed in other tumour types. Here we demonstrate that the expression of an endogenous Braf(D631A) kinase-inactive isoform in mice (corresponding to the human BRAF(D594A) mutation) triggers lung adenocarcinoma in vivo, indicating that BRAF-inactivating mutations are initiating events in lung oncogenesis. Moreover, inactivating BRAF mutations have also been identified in a subset of KRAS-driven human lung tumours. Co-expression of Kras(G12V) and Braf(D631A) in mouse lung cells markedly enhances tumour initiation, a phenomenon mediated by Craf kinase activity, and effectively accelerates tumour progression when activated in advanced lung adenocarcinomas. We also report a key role for the wild-type Braf kinase in sustaining Kras(G12V)/Braf(D631A)-driven tumours. Ablation of the wild-type Braf allele prevents the development of lung adenocarcinoma by inducing a further increase in MAPK signalling that results in oncogenic toxicity; this effect can be abolished by pharmacological inhibition of Mek to restore tumour growth. However, the loss of wild-type Braf also induces transdifferentiation of club cells, which leads to the rapid development of lethal intrabronchiolar lesions. These observations indicate that the signal intensity of the MAPK pathway is a critical determinant not only in tumour development, but also in dictating the nature of the cancer-initiating cell and ultimately the resulting tumour phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Nieto
- Experimental Oncology, Molecular Oncology Programme, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Chiara Ambrogio
- Experimental Oncology, Molecular Oncology Programme, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Esteban-Burgos
- Experimental Oncology, Molecular Oncology Programme, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gonzalo Gómez-López
- Bioinformatics Unit, Structural Biology and Biocomputing Programme, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - María Teresa Blasco
- Experimental Oncology, Molecular Oncology Programme, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Zhan Yao
- Program in Molecular Pharmacology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Richard Marais
- Molecular Oncology Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, M20 4BX Manchester, UK
| | - Neal Rosen
- Program in Molecular Pharmacology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Roberto Chiarle
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David G Pisano
- Bioinformatics Unit, Structural Biology and Biocomputing Programme, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Mariano Barbacid
- Experimental Oncology, Molecular Oncology Programme, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - David Santamaría
- Experimental Oncology, Molecular Oncology Programme, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), 28029 Madrid, Spain
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25
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Zheng X, Goodwin AF, Tian H, Jheon AH, Klein OD. Ras Signaling Regulates Stem Cells and Amelogenesis in the Mouse Incisor. J Dent Res 2017. [PMID: 28644741 DOI: 10.1177/0022034517717255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of Ras signaling during tooth development is poorly understood. Ras proteins-which are activated by many upstream pathways, including receptor tyrosine kinase cascades-signal through multiple effectors, such as the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and PI3K pathways. Here, we utilized the mouse incisor as a model to study how the MAPK and PI3K pathways regulate dental epithelial stem cells and amelogenesis. The rodent incisor-which grows continuously throughout the life of the animal due to the presence of epithelial and mesenchymal stem cells-provides a model for the study of ectodermal organ renewal and regeneration. Utilizing models of Ras dysregulation as well as inhibitors of the MAPK and PI3K pathways, we found that MAPK and PI3K regulate dental epithelial stem cell activity, transit-amplifying cell proliferation, and enamel formation in the mouse incisor.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Zheng
- 1 Department of Stomatology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,2 Department of Orofacial Sciences and Program in Craniofacial Biology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - A F Goodwin
- 2 Department of Orofacial Sciences and Program in Craniofacial Biology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - H Tian
- 2 Department of Orofacial Sciences and Program in Craniofacial Biology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - A H Jheon
- 2 Department of Orofacial Sciences and Program in Craniofacial Biology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - O D Klein
- 2 Department of Orofacial Sciences and Program in Craniofacial Biology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.,3 Department of Pediatrics and Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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26
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KRAS G12D expression in lung-resident myeloid cells promotes pulmonary LCH-like neoplasm sensitive to statin treatment. Blood 2017; 130:514-526. [PMID: 28550040 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2017-02-770149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare histiocytic neoplasm associated with somatic mutations in the genes involved in the RAF/MEK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway. Recently, oncogenic mutations in NRAS/KRAS, upstream regulators of the RAF/MEK/ERK pathway, have been reported in pulmonary, but not in nonpulmonary, LCH cases, suggesting organ-specific contribution of oncogenic RAS to LCH pathogenesis. Using a mouse model expressing KRASG12D in the lung by nasal delivery of adenoviral Cre recombinase (Cre), here we show that KRASG12D expression in lung-resident myeloid cells induces pulmonary LCH-like neoplasms composed of pathogenic CD11chighF4/80+CD207+ cells. The pathogenic cells were mitotically inactive, but proliferating precursors were detected in primary cultures of lung tissue. These precursors were derived, at least in part, from CD11cdimCD11bintGr1- lung-resident monocytic cells transformed by KRASG12D In contrast, BRAFV600E expression induced by the same method failed to develop LCH-like neoplasms, suggesting that each oncogene may initiate pulmonary LCH by transforming different types of lung-resident myeloid cells. In vivo treatment of the KRASG12D-induced LCH-like mouse with the cholesterol-lowering drug atorvastatin ameliorated the pathology, implicating statins as potential therapeutics against a subset of pulmonary LCH.
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27
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Chen CA, Yin J, Lewis RA, Schaaf CP. Genetic causes of optic nerve hypoplasia. J Med Genet 2017; 54:441-449. [PMID: 28501829 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2017-104626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Optic nerve hypoplasia (ONH) is the most common congenital optic nerve anomaly and a leading cause of blindness in the USA. Although most cases of ONH occur as isolated cases within their respective families, the advancement in molecular diagnostic technology has made us realise that a substantial fraction of cases has identifiable genetic causes, typically de novo mutations. An increasing number of genes has been reported, mutations of which can cause ONH. Many of the genes involved serve as transcription factors, participating in an intricate multistep process critical to eye development and neurogenesis in the neural retina. This review will discuss the respective genes and mutations, human phenotypes, and animal models that have been created to gain a deeper understanding of the disorders. The identification of the underlying gene and mutation provides an important step in diagnosis, medical care and counselling for the affected individuals and their families. We envision that future research will lead to further disease gene identification, but will also teach us about gene-gene and gene-environment interactions relevant to optic nerve development. How much of the functional impairment of the various forms of ONH is a reflection of altered morphogenesis versus neuronal homeostasis will determine the prospect of therapeutic intervention, with the ultimate goal of improving the quality of life of the individuals affected with ONH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-An Chen
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jiani Yin
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Richard Alan Lewis
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Christian P Schaaf
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
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28
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Abstract
The RAS/MAPK signaling pathway plays key roles in development, cell survival and proliferation, as well as in cancer pathogenesis. Molecular genetic studies have identified a group of developmental syndromes, the RASopathies, caused by germ line mutations in this pathway. The syndromes included within this classification are neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), Noonan syndrome (NS), Noonan syndrome with multiple lentigines (NS-ML, formerly known as LEOPARD syndrome), Costello syndrome (CS), cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome (CFC), Legius syndrome (LS, NF1-like syndrome), capillary malformation-arteriovenous malformation syndrome (CM-AVM), and hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF) type 1. Although these syndromes present specific molecular alterations, they are characterized by a large spectrum of functional and morphological abnormalities, which include heart defects, short stature, neurocognitive impairment, craniofacial malformations, and, in some cases, cancer predisposition. The development of genetically modified animals, such as mice (Mus musculus), flies (Drosophila melanogaster), and zebrafish (Danio rerio), has been instrumental in elucidating the molecular and cellular bases of these syndromes. Moreover, these models can also be used to determine tumor predisposition, the impact of different genetic backgrounds on the variable phenotypes found among the patients and to evaluate preventative and therapeutic strategies. Here, we review a wide range of genetically modified mouse models used in the study of RASopathies and the potential application of novel technologies, which hopefully will help us resolve open questions in the field.
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29
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Stefan E, Bister K. MYC and RAF: Key Effectors in Cellular Signaling and Major Drivers in Human Cancer. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2017; 407:117-151. [PMID: 28466200 DOI: 10.1007/82_2017_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The prototypes of the human MYC and RAF gene families are orthologs of animal proto-oncogenes that were originally identified as transduced alleles in the genomes of highly oncogenic retroviruses. MYC and RAF genes are now established as key regulatory elements in normal cellular physiology, but also as major cancer driver genes. Although the predominantly nuclear MYC proteins and the cytoplasmic RAF proteins have different biochemical functions, they are functionally linked in pivotal signaling cascades and circuits. The MYC protein is a transcription factor and together with its dimerization partner MAX holds a central position in a regulatory network of bHLH-LZ proteins. MYC regulates transcription conducted by all RNA polymerases and controls virtually the entire transcriptome. Fundamental cellular processes including distinct catabolic and anabolic branches of metabolism, cell cycle regulation, cell growth and proliferation, differentiation, stem cell regulation, and apoptosis are under MYC control. Deregulation of MYC expression by rearrangement or amplification of the MYC locus or by defects in kinase-mediated upstream signaling, accompanied by loss of apoptotic checkpoints, leads to tumorigenesis and is a hallmark of most human cancers. The critically controlled serine/threonine RAF kinases are central nodes of the cytoplasmic MAPK signaling cascade transducing converted extracellular signals to the nucleus for reshaping transcription factor controlled gene expression profiles. Specific mutations of RAF kinases, such as the prevalent BRAF(V600E) mutation in melanoma, or defects in upstream signaling or feedback loops cause decoupled kinase activities which lead to tumorigenesis. Different strategies for pharmacological interference with MYC- or RAF-induced tumorigenesis are being developed and several RAF kinase inhibitors are already in clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduard Stefan
- Institute of Biochemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Klaus Bister
- Institute of Biochemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
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30
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Umelo I, Noeparast A, Chen G, Renard M, Geers C, Vansteenkiste J, Giron P, De Wever O, Teugels E, De Grève J. Identification of a novel HER3 activating mutation homologous to EGFR-L858R in lung cancer. Oncotarget 2016; 7:3068-83. [PMID: 26689995 PMCID: PMC4823091 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 11/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Somatic mutations found within the tyrosine kinase domain (TKD) of the human epidermal growth factor (HER) family of receptors have been implicated in the development and progression of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, no conclusive reports have described pathogenic mutations in kinase-impaired HER3. Here, we report a case of an advanced chemotherapy-resistant NSCLC, harboring a novel HER3V855A somatic mutation homologous to the EGFRL858Ractivating mutation. Co-expression of HER3V855A and wild-type HER2 enhances ligand-induced transformation of murine and human cell lines, while HER-targeted inhibitors potently suppress mutant HER3 activity. Consistent with these observations, in silico computational modeling predicts that mutant V855A alters the kinase domain and c-terminal end of the HER3 protein. Taken together, these findings provide a basis for the clinical exploration of targeted therapies in HER3 mutant NSCLC and by extrapolation, in other cancers that more frequently carry somatic HER3 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ijeoma Umelo
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Department of Medical Oncology, Oncologisch Centrum, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Amir Noeparast
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Department of Medical Oncology, Oncologisch Centrum, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Gang Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Department of Medical Oncology, Oncologisch Centrum, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | | | | | | | - Philippe Giron
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Department of Medical Oncology, Oncologisch Centrum, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Olivier De Wever
- Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Research and Department of Radiotherapy, Universitair Ziekenhuis Gent, Gent, Belgium
| | - Erik Teugels
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Department of Medical Oncology, Oncologisch Centrum, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Jacques De Grève
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Department of Medical Oncology, Oncologisch Centrum, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Bruxelles, Belgium
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31
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Josowitz R, Mulero-Navarro S, Rodriguez NA, Falce C, Cohen N, Ullian EM, Weiss LA, Rauen KA, Sobie EA, Gelb BD. Autonomous and Non-autonomous Defects Underlie Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in BRAF-Mutant hiPSC-Derived Cardiomyocytes. Stem Cell Reports 2016; 7:355-369. [PMID: 27569062 PMCID: PMC5032183 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2016.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2014] [Revised: 07/24/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Germline mutations in BRAF cause cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome (CFCS), whereby 40% of patients develop hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). As the role of the RAS/MAPK pathway in HCM pathogenesis is unclear, we generated a human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) model for CFCS from three patients with activating BRAF mutations. By cell sorting for SIRPα and CD90, we generated a method to examine hiPSC-derived cell type-specific phenotypes and cellular interactions underpinning HCM. BRAF-mutant SIRPα+/CD90− cardiomyocytes displayed cellular hypertrophy, pro-hypertrophic gene expression, and intrinsic calcium-handling defects. BRAF-mutant SIRPα−/CD90+ cells, which were fibroblast-like, exhibited a pro-fibrotic phenotype and partially modulated cardiomyocyte hypertrophy through transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) paracrine signaling. Inhibition of TGFβ or RAS/MAPK signaling rescued the hypertrophic phenotype. Thus, cell autonomous and non-autonomous defects underlie HCM due to BRAF mutations. TGFβ inhibition may be a useful therapeutic option for patients with HCM due to RASopathies or other etiologies. Cardiomyocytes and fibroblast-like cells can be purified separately from EBs BRAF-mutant cardiomyocytes display hypertrophy and intrinsic Ca2+-handling defects BRAF-mutant fibroblast-like cells influence cardiomyocyte hypertrophy through TGFβ The hypertrophic phenotype can be rescued by TGFβ or RAS/MAPK inhibition
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Josowitz
- The Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Sonia Mulero-Navarro
- The Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Nelson A Rodriguez
- The Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Christine Falce
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Therapeutics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Ninette Cohen
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Erik M Ullian
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Lauren A Weiss
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Katherine A Rauen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Eric A Sobie
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Therapeutics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Bruce D Gelb
- The Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.
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32
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Abstract
Cancer is driven by mutations in genes whose products participate in major signaling pathways that fuel cell proliferation and survival. It is easy to assume that the more of these so-called driver mutations a tumor accumulates, the faster it progresses. However, this does not appear to be the case: Data from large-scale genome sequencing studies indicate that mutations in driver oncogenes often are mutually exclusive. The mechanisms underlying the mutual exclusivity of oncogenes are not completely understood, but recent reports suggest that the mechanisms may depend on the tumor type, and the nature of interacting oncogenes. Here we discuss our recent findings that the oncogenes KRASG12D and BRAFV600E are mutually exclusive in lung cancer in mouse models because their coexpression leads to oncogene-induced senescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaroslaw Cisowski
- a Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine , University of Gothenburg , Gothenburg , Sweden
| | - Martin O Bergo
- a Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine , University of Gothenburg , Gothenburg , Sweden.,b Department of Biosciences and Nutrition , Karolinska Institutet , Huddinge , Sweden
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33
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Jindal GA, Goyal Y, Burdine RD, Rauen KA, Shvartsman SY. RASopathies: unraveling mechanisms with animal models. Dis Model Mech 2016. [PMID: 26203125 PMCID: PMC4527292 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.020339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
RASopathies are developmental disorders caused by germline mutations in the Ras-MAPK pathway, and are characterized by a broad spectrum of functional and morphological abnormalities. The high incidence of these disorders (∼1/1000 births) motivates the development of systematic approaches for their efficient diagnosis and potential treatment. Recent advances in genome sequencing have greatly facilitated the genotyping and discovery of mutations in affected individuals, but establishing the causal relationships between molecules and disease phenotypes is non-trivial and presents both technical and conceptual challenges. Here, we discuss how these challenges could be addressed using genetically modified model organisms that have been instrumental in delineating the Ras-MAPK pathway and its roles during development. Focusing on studies in mice, zebrafish and Drosophila, we provide an up-to-date review of animal models of RASopathies at the molecular and functional level. We also discuss how increasingly sophisticated techniques of genetic engineering can be used to rigorously connect changes in specific components of the Ras-MAPK pathway with observed functional and morphological phenotypes. Establishing these connections is essential for advancing our understanding of RASopathies and for devising rational strategies for their management and treatment. Summary: Developmental disorders caused by germline mutations in the Ras-MAPK pathway are called RASopathies. Studies with animal models, including mice, zebrafish and Drosophila, continue to enhance our understanding of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Granton A Jindal
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Yogesh Goyal
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Rebecca D Burdine
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Katherine A Rauen
- Department of Pediatrics, MIND Institute, Division of Genomic Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Stanislav Y Shvartsman
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
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34
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Hayakawa Y, Kawada M, Nishikawa H, Ochiya T, Saya H, Seimiya H, Yao R, Hayashi M, Kai C, Matsuda A, Naoe T, Ohtsu A, Okazaki T, Saji H, Sata M, Sugimura H, Sugiyama Y, Toi M, Irimura T. Report on the use of non-clinical studies in the regulatory evaluation of oncology drugs. Cancer Sci 2016; 107:189-202. [PMID: 26919617 PMCID: PMC4768389 DOI: 10.1111/cas.12857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2015] [Revised: 12/04/2015] [Accepted: 12/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Non‐clinical studies are necessary at each stage of the development of oncology drugs. Many experimental cancer models have been developed to investigate carcinogenesis, cancer progression, metastasis, and other aspects in cancer biology and these models turned out to be useful in the efficacy evaluation and the safety prediction of oncology drugs. While the diversity and the degree of engagement in genetic changes in the initiation of cancer cell growth and progression are widely accepted, it has become increasingly clear that the roles of host cells, tissue microenvironment, and the immune system also play important roles in cancer. Therefore, the methods used to develop oncology drugs should continuously be revised based on the advances in our understanding of cancer. In this review, we extensively summarize the effective use of those models, their advantages and disadvantages, ranges to be evaluated and limitations of the models currently used for the development and for the evaluation of oncology drugs. This review summarizes the effective use of animal models, their advantages and disadvantages, ranges to be evaluated and limitations of the models currently used for the development and for the evaluation of oncology drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiro Hayakawa
- Subcommittee on Non-clinical Studies, The Science Board to the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency, Tokyo, Japan.,Division of Pathogenic Biochemistry, Department of Bioscience, Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Manabu Kawada
- Subcommittee on Non-clinical Studies, The Science Board to the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency, Tokyo, Japan.,Institute of Microbial Chemistry, Microbial Chemistry Research Foundation, Numazu-shi, Japan
| | - Hiroyoshi Nishikawa
- Subcommittee on Non-clinical Studies, The Science Board to the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency, Tokyo, Japan.,Division of Cancer Immunology, Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center, Chiba, Japan
| | - Takahiro Ochiya
- Subcommittee on Non-clinical Studies, The Science Board to the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency, Tokyo, Japan.,Division of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Saya
- Subcommittee on Non-clinical Studies, The Science Board to the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency, Tokyo, Japan.,Division of Gene Regulation, Institute for Advanced Medical Research, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Seimiya
- Subcommittee on Non-clinical Studies, The Science Board to the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency, Tokyo, Japan.,Division of Molecular Biotherapy, Cancer Chemotherapy Center, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryoji Yao
- Subcommittee on Non-clinical Studies, The Science Board to the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency, Tokyo, Japan.,Division of Cell Biology, Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahiro Hayashi
- Subcommittee on Non-clinical Studies, The Science Board to the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Pharmacy, Toranomon Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chieko Kai
- Subcommittee on Non-clinical Studies, The Science Board to the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency, Tokyo, Japan.,Laboratory Animal Research Center, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akira Matsuda
- Subcommittee on Non-clinical Studies, The Science Board to the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Tomoki Naoe
- Subcommittee on Non-clinical Studies, The Science Board to the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency, Tokyo, Japan.,National Hospital Organization Nagoya Medical Center, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Atsushi Ohtsu
- Subcommittee on Non-clinical Studies, The Science Board to the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency, Tokyo, Japan.,Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center, Chiba, Japan
| | - Taku Okazaki
- Subcommittee on Non-clinical Studies, The Science Board to the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency, Tokyo, Japan.,Division of Immune Regulation, Institute for Genome Research, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Hideo Saji
- Subcommittee on Non-clinical Studies, The Science Board to the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Patho-Functional Bioanalysis, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masataka Sata
- Subcommittee on Non-clinical Studies, The Science Board to the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Sugimura
- Subcommittee on Non-clinical Studies, The Science Board to the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Tumor Pathology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Yuichi Sugiyama
- Subcommittee on Non-clinical Studies, The Science Board to the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency, Tokyo, Japan.,Sugiyama Laboratory, RIKEN Innovation Center, RIKEN Cluster for Industry Partnerships, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Masakazu Toi
- Subcommittee on Non-clinical Studies, The Science Board to the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Breast Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tatsuro Irimura
- Subcommittee on Non-clinical Studies, The Science Board to the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency, Tokyo, Japan.,Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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35
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Chen SH, Zhang Y, Van Horn RD, Yin T, Buchanan S, Yadav V, Mochalkin I, Wong SS, Yue YG, Huber L, Conti I, Henry JR, Starling JJ, Plowman GD, Peng SB. Oncogenic BRAF Deletions That Function as Homodimers and Are Sensitive to Inhibition by RAF Dimer Inhibitor LY3009120. Cancer Discov 2016; 6:300-15. [PMID: 26732095 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-15-0896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2015] [Accepted: 12/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED We have identified previously undiscovered BRAF in-frame deletions near the αC-helix region of the kinase domain in pancreatic, lung, ovarian, and thyroid cancers. These deletions are mutually exclusive with KRAS mutations and occur in 4.21% of KRAS wild-type pancreatic cancer. siRNA knockdown in cells harboring BRAF deletions showed that the MAPK activity and cell growth are BRAF dependent. Structurally, the BRAF deletions are predicted to shorten the β3/αC-helix loop and hinder its flexibility by locking the helix in the active αC-helix-in conformation that favors dimer formation. Expression of L485-P490-deleted BRAF is able to transform NIH/3T3 cells in a BRAF dimer-dependent manner. BRAF homodimer is confirmed to be the dominant RAF dimer by proximity ligation assays in BRAF deletion cells, which are resistant to the BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib and sensitive to LY3009120, a RAF dimer inhibitor. In tumor models with BRAF deletions, LY3009120 has shown tumor growth regression, whereas vemurafenib is inactive. SIGNIFICANCE This study discovered oncogenic BRAF deletions with a distinct activation mechanism dependent on the BRAF dimer formation in tumor cells. LY3009120 is active against these cells and represents a potential treatment option for patients with cancer with these BRAF deletions, or other atypical BRAF mutations where BRAF functions as a dimer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Hsun Chen
- Oncology Research, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Youyan Zhang
- Oncology Research, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | | | - Tinggui Yin
- Oncology Research, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Sean Buchanan
- Oncology Research, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Vipin Yadav
- Oncology Research, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Igor Mochalkin
- Discovery Chemistry Research and Technologies, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Swee Seong Wong
- Tailored Therapeutics, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Yong Gang Yue
- Tailored Therapeutics, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Lysiane Huber
- Oncology Research, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Ilaria Conti
- Oncology Business Unit, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - James R Henry
- Discovery Chemistry Research and Technologies, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | | | | | - Sheng-Bin Peng
- Oncology Research, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, Indiana.
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36
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Köhler M, Röring M, Schorch B, Heilmann K, Stickel N, Fiala GJ, Schmitt LC, Braun S, Ehrenfeld S, Uhl FM, Kaltenbacher T, Weinberg F, Herzog S, Zeiser R, Schamel WW, Jumaa H, Brummer T. Activation loop phosphorylation regulates B-Raf in vivo and transformation by B-Raf mutants. EMBO J 2015; 35:143-61. [PMID: 26657898 DOI: 10.15252/embj.201592097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2015] [Accepted: 10/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite being mutated in cancer and RASopathies, the role of the activation segment (AS) has not been addressed for B-Raf signaling in vivo. Here, we generated a conditional knock-in mouse allowing the expression of the B-Raf(AVKA) mutant in which the AS phosphoacceptor sites T599 and S602 are replaced by alanine residues. Surprisingly, despite producing a kinase-impaired protein, the Braf(AVKA) allele does not phenocopy the lethality of Braf-knockout or paradoxically acting knock-in alleles. However, Braf(AVKA) mice display abnormalities in the hematopoietic system, a distinct facial morphology, reduced ERK pathway activity in the brain, and an abnormal gait. This phenotype suggests that maximum B-Raf activity is required for the proper development, function, and maintenance of certain cell populations. By establishing conditional murine embryonic fibroblast cultures, we further show that MEK/ERK phosphorylation and the immediate early gene response toward growth factors are impaired in the presence of B-Raf(AVKA). Importantly, alanine substitution of T599/S602 impairs the transformation potential of oncogenic non-V600E B-Raf mutants and a fusion protein, suggesting that blocking their phosphorylation could represent an alternative strategy to ATP-competitive inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Köhler
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research, Albert-Ludwigs-University (ALU), Freiburg, Germany Centre for Biological Systems Analysis ZBSA, ALU, Freiburg, Germany Spemann Graduate School for Biology and Medicine, ALU, Freiburg, Germany Faculty of Biology, ALU, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michael Röring
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research, Albert-Ludwigs-University (ALU), Freiburg, Germany Centre for Biological Systems Analysis ZBSA, ALU, Freiburg, Germany Spemann Graduate School for Biology and Medicine, ALU, Freiburg, Germany Faculty of Biology, ALU, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Björn Schorch
- Centre for Biological Systems Analysis ZBSA, ALU, Freiburg, Germany Spemann Graduate School for Biology and Medicine, ALU, Freiburg, Germany Faculty of Biology, ALU, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Heilmann
- Centre for Biological Systems Analysis ZBSA, ALU, Freiburg, Germany Faculty of Biology, ALU, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Natalie Stickel
- Spemann Graduate School for Biology and Medicine, ALU, Freiburg, Germany Faculty of Biology, ALU, Freiburg, Germany Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center ALU, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Gina J Fiala
- Spemann Graduate School for Biology and Medicine, ALU, Freiburg, Germany Faculty of Biology, ALU, Freiburg, Germany Centre for Biological Signalling Studies BIOSS, ALU, Freiburg, Germany Department of Molecular Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lisa C Schmitt
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research, Albert-Ludwigs-University (ALU), Freiburg, Germany Centre for Biological Systems Analysis ZBSA, ALU, Freiburg, Germany Faculty of Biology, ALU, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sandra Braun
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research, Albert-Ludwigs-University (ALU), Freiburg, Germany Centre for Biological Systems Analysis ZBSA, ALU, Freiburg, Germany Centre for Biological Signalling Studies BIOSS, ALU, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sophia Ehrenfeld
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research, Albert-Ludwigs-University (ALU), Freiburg, Germany Faculty of Biology, ALU, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Franziska M Uhl
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research, Albert-Ludwigs-University (ALU), Freiburg, Germany Faculty of Biology, ALU, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Kaltenbacher
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research, Albert-Ludwigs-University (ALU), Freiburg, Germany Faculty of Biology, ALU, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Florian Weinberg
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research, Albert-Ludwigs-University (ALU), Freiburg, Germany Centre for Biological Systems Analysis ZBSA, ALU, Freiburg, Germany Faculty of Biology, ALU, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Herzog
- Centre for Biological Systems Analysis ZBSA, ALU, Freiburg, Germany Centre for Biological Signalling Studies BIOSS, ALU, Freiburg, Germany Department of Molecular Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Robert Zeiser
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center ALU, Freiburg, Germany Centre for Biological Signalling Studies BIOSS, ALU, Freiburg, Germany Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Freiburg, Germany German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research DKTK, Standort Freiburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang W Schamel
- Centre for Biological Signalling Studies BIOSS, ALU, Freiburg, Germany Department of Molecular Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency CCI, University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hassan Jumaa
- Centre for Biological Signalling Studies BIOSS, ALU, Freiburg, Germany Department of Molecular Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany Institute of Immunology, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Tilman Brummer
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research, Albert-Ludwigs-University (ALU), Freiburg, Germany Centre for Biological Systems Analysis ZBSA, ALU, Freiburg, Germany Faculty of Biology, ALU, Freiburg, Germany Centre for Biological Signalling Studies BIOSS, ALU, Freiburg, Germany Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Freiburg, Germany German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research DKTK, Standort Freiburg, Germany
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37
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Kordes M, Röring M, Heining C, Braun S, Hutter B, Richter D, Geörg C, Scholl C, Gröschel S, Roth W, Rosenwald A, Geissinger E, von Kalle C, Jäger D, Brors B, Weichert W, Grüllich C, Glimm H, Brummer T, Fröhling S. Cooperation of BRAF(F595L) and mutant HRAS in histiocytic sarcoma provides new insights into oncogenic BRAF signaling. Leukemia 2015; 30:937-46. [PMID: 26582644 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2015.319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2015] [Revised: 10/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Activating BRAF mutations, in particular V600E/K, drive many cancers and are considered mutually exclusive with mutant RAS, whereas inactivating BRAF mutations in the D(594)F(595)G(596) motif cooperate with RAS via paradoxical MEK/ERK activation. Due to the increasing use of comprehensive tumor genomic profiling, many non-V600 BRAF mutations are being detected whose functional consequences and therapeutic actionability are often unknown. We investigated an atypical BRAF mutation, F595L, which was identified along with mutant HRAS in histiocytic sarcoma and also occurs in epithelial cancers, melanoma and neuroblastoma, and determined its interaction with mutant RAS. Unlike other DFG motif mutants, BRAF(F595L) is a gain-of-function variant with intermediate activity that does not act paradoxically, but nevertheless cooperates with mutant RAS to promote oncogenic signaling, which is efficiently blocked by pan-RAF and MEK inhibitors. Mutation data from patients and cell lines show that BRAF(F595L), as well as other intermediate-activity BRAF mutations, frequently coincide with mutant RAS in various cancers. These data define a distinct class of activating BRAF mutations, extend the spectrum of patients with systemic histiocytoses and other malignancies who are candidates for therapeutic blockade of the RAF-MEK-ERK pathway and underscore the value of comprehensive genomic testing for uncovering the vulnerabilities of individual tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Kordes
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Internal Medicine VI, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - M Röring
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research, Faculty of Medicine, BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Freiburg, Germany
| | - C Heining
- Department of Translational Oncology, NCT Heidelberg, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Section for Personalized Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,DKTK, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - S Braun
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research, Faculty of Medicine, BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Freiburg, Germany
| | - B Hutter
- DKTK, Heidelberg, Germany.,Division of Applied Bioinformatics, DKFZ and NCT Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - D Richter
- Department of Translational Oncology, NCT Heidelberg, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,DKTK, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - C Geörg
- Department of Translational Oncology, NCT Heidelberg, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,DKTK, Heidelberg, Germany.,DKFZ-Heidelberg Center for Personalized Oncology (HIPO), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - C Scholl
- Department of Translational Oncology, NCT Heidelberg, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,DKTK, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - S Gröschel
- Department of Translational Oncology, NCT Heidelberg, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Section for Personalized Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,DKTK, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - W Roth
- Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University Hospital and NCT Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - A Rosenwald
- Institute of Pathology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University of Würzburg and Würzburg University Hospital, Würzburg, Germany
| | - E Geissinger
- Institute of Pathology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University of Würzburg and Würzburg University Hospital, Würzburg, Germany
| | - C von Kalle
- Department of Translational Oncology, NCT Heidelberg, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Section for Personalized Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,DKTK, Heidelberg, Germany.,DKFZ-Heidelberg Center for Personalized Oncology (HIPO), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - D Jäger
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Internal Medicine VI, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - B Brors
- DKTK, Heidelberg, Germany.,Division of Applied Bioinformatics, DKFZ and NCT Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - W Weichert
- DKTK, Heidelberg, Germany.,Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University Hospital and NCT Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - C Grüllich
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Internal Medicine VI, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - H Glimm
- Department of Translational Oncology, NCT Heidelberg, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Section for Personalized Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,DKTK, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - T Brummer
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research, Faculty of Medicine, BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Freiburg, Germany
| | - S Fröhling
- Department of Translational Oncology, NCT Heidelberg, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Section for Personalized Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,DKTK, Heidelberg, Germany
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38
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Moriya M, Inoue SI, Miyagawa-Tomita S, Nakashima Y, Oba D, Niihori T, Hashi M, Ohnishi H, Kure S, Matsubara Y, Aoki Y. Adult mice expressing a Braf Q241R mutation on an ICR/CD-1 background exhibit a cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome phenotype. Hum Mol Genet 2015; 24:7349-60. [PMID: 26472072 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddv435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of the RAS pathway has been implicated in oncogenesis and developmental disorders called RASopathies. Germline mutations in BRAF have been identified in 50-75% of patients with cardio-facio-cutaneous (CFC) syndrome, which is characterized by congenital heart defects, distinctive facial features, short stature and ectodermal abnormalities. We recently demonstrated that mice expressing a Braf Q241R mutation, which corresponds to the most frequent BRAF mutation (Q257R) in CFC syndrome, on a C57BL/6J background are embryonic/neonatal lethal, with multiple congenital defects, preventing us from analyzing the phenotypic consequences after birth. Here, to further explore the pathogenesis of CFC syndrome, we backcrossed these mice onto a BALB/c or ICR/CD-1 genetic background. On a mixed (BALB/c and C57BL/6J) background, all heterozygous Braf(Q241R/+) mice died between birth and 24 weeks and exhibited growth retardation, sparse and ruffled fur, liver necrosis and atrial septal defects (ASDs). In contrast, 31% of the heterozygous Braf(Q241R/+) ICR mice survived over 74 weeks. The surviving Braf(Q241R/+) ICR mice exhibited growth retardation, sparse and ruffled fur, a hunched appearance, craniofacial dysmorphism, long and/or dystrophic nails, extra digits and ovarian cysts. The Braf(Q241R/+) ICR mice also showed learning deficits in the contextual fear-conditioning test. Echocardiography indicated the presence of pulmonary stenosis and ASDs in the Braf(Q241R/+) ICR mice, which were confirmed by histological analysis. These data suggest that the heterozygous Braf(Q241R/+) ICR mice show similar phenotypes as CFC syndrome after birth and will be useful for elucidating the pathogenesis and potential therapeutic strategies for RASopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sachiko Miyagawa-Tomita
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Division of Cardiovascular Development and Differentiation, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasumi Nakashima
- Department of Pediatrics, Seirei Hamamatsu General Hospital, Shizuoka, Japan
| | | | | | - Misato Hashi
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Gunma University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Gunma, Japan and
| | - Hiroshi Ohnishi
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Gunma University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Gunma, Japan and
| | - Shigeo Kure
- Department of Pediatrics, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yoichi Matsubara
- Department of Medical Genetics and National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
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39
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Goodwin AF, Kim R, Bush JO, Klein OD. From Bench to Bedside and Back: Improving Diagnosis and Treatment of Craniofacial Malformations Utilizing Animal Models. Curr Top Dev Biol 2015; 115:459-92. [PMID: 26589935 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2015.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Craniofacial anomalies are among the most common birth defects and are associated with increased mortality and, in many cases, the need for lifelong treatment. Over the past few decades, dramatic advances in the surgical and medical care of these patients have led to marked improvements in patient outcomes. However, none of the treatments currently in clinical use address the underlying molecular causes of these disorders. Fortunately, the field of craniofacial developmental biology provides a strong foundation for improved diagnosis and for therapies that target the genetic causes of birth defects. In this chapter, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of the embryology of craniofacial conditions, and we focus on the use of animal models to guide rational therapies anchored in genetics and biochemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice F Goodwin
- Program in Craniofacial Biology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA; Department of Orofacial Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Rebecca Kim
- Program in Craniofacial Biology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA; Department of Orofacial Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jeffrey O Bush
- Program in Craniofacial Biology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA; Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA; Institute for Human Genetics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA.
| | - Ophir D Klein
- Program in Craniofacial Biology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA; Department of Orofacial Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA; Institute for Human Genetics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA.
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40
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Creixell P, Schoof EM, Simpson CD, Longden J, Miller CJ, Lou HJ, Perryman L, Cox TR, Zivanovic N, Palmeri A, Wesolowska-Andersen A, Helmer-Citterich M, Ferkinghoff-Borg J, Itamochi H, Bodenmiller B, Erler JT, Turk BE, Linding R. Kinome-wide decoding of network-attacking mutations rewiring cancer signaling. Cell 2015; 163:202-17. [PMID: 26388441 PMCID: PMC4644236 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2015.08.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2014] [Revised: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 08/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cells acquire pathological phenotypes through accumulation of mutations that perturb signaling networks. However, global analysis of these events is currently limited. Here, we identify six types of network-attacking mutations (NAMs), including changes in kinase and SH2 modulation, network rewiring, and the genesis and extinction of phosphorylation sites. We developed a computational platform (ReKINect) to identify NAMs and systematically interpreted the exomes and quantitative (phospho-)proteomes of five ovarian cancer cell lines and the global cancer genome repository. We identified and experimentally validated several NAMs, including PKCγ M501I and PKD1 D665N, which encode specificity switches analogous to the appearance of kinases de novo within the kinome. We discover mutant molecular logic gates, a drift toward phospho-threonine signaling, weakening of phosphorylation motifs, and kinase-inactivating hotspots in cancer. Our method pinpoints functional NAMs, scales with the complexity of cancer genomes and cell signaling, and may enhance our capability to therapeutically target tumor-specific networks. Mutations perturbing signaling networks are systematically classified and interpreted Several such functional mutations are identified in cancer and experimentally validated The results suggest that a single point mutant can have profound signaling effects Systematic interpretation of genomic data may assist future precision-medicine efforts
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Affiliation(s)
- Pau Creixell
- Department of Systems Biology, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Erwin M Schoof
- Department of Systems Biology, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Craig D Simpson
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen (UCPH), 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - James Longden
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen (UCPH), 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Chad J Miller
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Hua Jane Lou
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Lara Perryman
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen (UCPH), 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas R Cox
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen (UCPH), 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nevena Zivanovic
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Antonio Palmeri
- Centre for Molecular Bioinformatics, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Jesper Ferkinghoff-Borg
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen (UCPH), 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Bernd Bodenmiller
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Janine T Erler
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen (UCPH), 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Benjamin E Turk
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Rune Linding
- Department of Systems Biology, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Lyngby, Denmark; Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen (UCPH), 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Abstract
RAF family kinases were among the first oncoproteins to be described more than 30 years ago. They primarily act as signalling relays downstream of RAS, and their close ties to cancer have fuelled a large number of studies. However, we still lack a systems-level understanding of their regulation and mode of action. The recent discovery that the catalytic activity of RAF depends on an allosteric mechanism driven by kinase domain dimerization is providing a vital new piece of information towards a comprehensive model of RAF function. The fact that current RAF inhibitors unexpectedly induce ERK signalling by stimulating RAF dimerization also calls for a deeper structural characterization of this family of kinases.
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42
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Cisowski J, Sayin VI, Liu M, Karlsson C, Bergo MO. Oncogene-induced senescence underlies the mutual exclusive nature of oncogenic KRAS and BRAF. Oncogene 2015; 35:1328-33. [PMID: 26028035 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2015.186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2014] [Revised: 03/06/2015] [Accepted: 04/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
KRAS and BRAF are among the most commonly mutated oncogenes in human cancer that contribute to tumorigenesis in both distinct and overlapping tissues. However, KRAS and BRAF mutations are mutually exclusive; they never occur in the same tumor cell. The reason for the mutual exclusivity is unknown, but there are several possibilities. The two mutations could be functionally redundant and not create a selective advantage to tumor cells. Alternatively, they could be deleterious for the tumor cell and induce apoptosis or senescence. To distinguish between these possibilities, we activated the expression of BRAF(V600E) and KRAS(G12D) from their endogenous promoters in mouse lungs. Although the tumor-forming ability of BRAF(V600E) was higher than KRAS(G12D), KRAS(G12D) tumors were larger and more advanced. Coactivation of BRAF(V600E) and KRAS(G12D) markedly reduced lung tumor numbers and overall tumor burden compared with activation of BRAF(V600E) alone. Moreover, several tumors expressed only one oncogene, suggesting negative selection against expression of both. Similarly, expression of both oncogenes in mouse embryonic fibroblasts essentially stopped proliferation. The expression of both oncogenes hyperactivated the MEK-ERK-cyclin D pathway but reduced proliferation by increasing the production of p15, p16 and p19 proteins encoded by the Ink4/Arf locus and thereby increased senescence-associated β-galactosidase-positive cells. The data suggest that coexpression of BRAF(V600E) and KRAS(G12D) in early tumorigenesis leads to negative selection due to oncogene-induced senescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Cisowski
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - V I Sayin
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Wallenberg Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - M Liu
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Transfusion Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - C Karlsson
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - M O Bergo
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Charles R. Overview of Genetically Engineered Mouse Models of Papillary and Anaplastic Thyroid Cancers: Enabling Translational Biology for Patient Care Improvement. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 69:14.33.1-14.33.14. [DOI: 10.1002/0471141755.ph1433s69] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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44
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Co-targeting BRAF and cyclin dependent kinases 4/6 for BRAF mutant cancers. Pharmacol Ther 2014; 149:139-49. [PMID: 25550229 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2014.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2014] [Accepted: 12/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Selective BRAF inhibitors have demonstrated significant clinical benefit in melanoma patients harboring oncogenic BRAF mutations. However, the majority of such patients either exhibit de novo resistance from the beginning of the treatment or acquire resistance and eventually relapse. Despite tremendous progress in understanding the underlying mechanisms of resistance, overcoming resistance to BRAF inhibitors remains an unmet medical need. Constitutive activation of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) 4/6 as a result of genetic aberrations including CDKN2A inactivation and CCND1 amplification is common across many cancer types and frequently co-occurs with oncogenic BRAF mutations. Also, cyclin D1 overexpression is a common feature of resistance to BRAF inhibitors. Here we review CDK4/6 as a therapeutic target in BRAF mutant cancers and discuss emerging evidence supporting a critical role of cyclin D1/CDK4/6 axis in de novo and acquired resistance to BRAF inhibitors. Co-targeting CDK4/6 and BRAF could be a more effective therapy to augment clinical response of BRAF inhibitors and overcome resistance in BRAF mutant cancers.
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45
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46
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Inoue SI, Moriya M, Watanabe Y, Miyagawa-Tomita S, Niihori T, Oba D, Ono M, Kure S, Ogura T, Matsubara Y, Aoki Y. New BRAF knockin mice provide a pathogenetic mechanism of developmental defects and a therapeutic approach in cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome. Hum Mol Genet 2014; 23:6553-66. [PMID: 25035421 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddu376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardio-facio-cutaneous (CFC) syndrome is one of the 'RASopathies', a group of phenotypically overlapping syndromes caused by germline mutations that encode components of the RAS-MAPK pathway. Germline mutations in BRAF cause CFC syndrome, which is characterized by heart defects, distinctive facial features and ectodermal abnormalities. To define the pathogenesis and to develop a potential therapeutic approach in CFC syndrome, we here generated new knockin mice (here Braf(Q241R/+)) expressing the Braf Q241R mutation, which corresponds to the most frequent mutation in CFC syndrome, Q257R. Braf(Q241R/+) mice manifested embryonic/neonatal lethality, showing liver necrosis, edema and craniofacial abnormalities. Histological analysis revealed multiple heart defects, including cardiomegaly, enlarged cardiac valves, ventricular noncompaction and ventricular septal defects. Braf(Q241R/+) embryos also showed massively distended jugular lymphatic sacs and subcutaneous lymphatic vessels, demonstrating lymphatic defects in RASopathy knockin mice for the first time. Prenatal treatment with a MEK inhibitor, PD0325901, rescued the embryonic lethality with amelioration of craniofacial abnormalities and edema in Braf(Q241R/+) embryos. Unexpectedly, one surviving pup was obtained after treatment with a histone 3 demethylase inhibitor, GSK-J4, or NCDM-32b. Combination treatment with PD0325901 and GSK-J4 further increased the rescue from embryonic lethality, ameliorating enlarged cardiac valves. These results suggest that our new Braf knockin mice recapitulate major features of RASopathies and that epigenetic modulation as well as the inhibition of the ERK pathway will be a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of CFC syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yusuke Watanabe
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Sachiko Miyagawa-Tomita
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Division of Cardiovascular Development and Differentiation, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan and
| | | | | | | | - Shigeo Kure
- Department of Pediatrics, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Toshihiko Ogura
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yoichi Matsubara
- Department of Medical Genetics, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
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47
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Kiel C, Serrano L. Structure-energy-based predictions and network modelling of RASopathy and cancer missense mutations. Mol Syst Biol 2014; 10:727. [PMID: 24803665 PMCID: PMC4188041 DOI: 10.1002/msb.20145092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The Ras/MAPK syndromes ('RASopathies') are a class of developmental disorders caused by germline mutations in 15 genes encoding proteins of the Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway frequently involved in cancer. Little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying the differences in mutations of the same protein causing either cancer or RASopathies. Here, we shed light on 956 RASopathy and cancer missense mutations by combining protein network data with mutational analyses based on 3D structures. Using the protein design algorithm FoldX, we predict that most of the missense mutations with destabilising energies are in structural regions that control the activation of proteins, and only a few are predicted to compromise protein folding. We find a trend that energy changes are higher for cancer compared to RASopathy mutations. Through network modelling, we show that partly compensatory mutations in RASopathies result in only minor downstream pathway deregulation. In summary, we suggest that quantitative rather than qualitative network differences determine the phenotypic outcome of RASopathy compared to cancer mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Kiel
- EMBL/CRG Systems Biology Research Unit, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona, Spain
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48
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Vandal G, Geiling B, Dankort D. Ras effector mutant expression suggest a negative regulator inhibits lung tumor formation. PLoS One 2014; 9:e84745. [PMID: 24489653 PMCID: PMC3904846 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0084745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2013] [Accepted: 11/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is currently the most deadly malignancy in industrialized countries and accounts for 18% of all cancer-related deaths worldwide. Over 70% of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are diagnosed at a late stage, with a 5-year survival below 10%. KRAS and the EGFR are frequently mutated in NSCLC and while targeted therapies for patients with EGFR mutations exist, oncogenic KRAS is thus far not druggable. KRAS activates multiple signalling pathways, including the PI3K/Akt pathway, the Raf-Mek-Erk pathway and the RalGDS/Ral pathway. Lung-specific expression of BrafV600E, the most prevalent BRAF mutation found in human tumors, results in Raf-Mek-Erk pathway activation and in the formation of benign adenomas that undergo widespread senescence in a Cre-activated Braf mouse model (Braf(CA)). However, oncogenic KRAS expression in mice induces adenocarcinomas, suggesting additional KRAS-activated pathways cooperate with sustained RAF-MEK-ERK signalling to bypass the oncogene-induced senescence proliferation arrest. To determine which KRAS effectors were responsible for tumor progression, we created four effector domain mutants (S35, G37, E38 and C40) in G12V-activated KRAS and expressed these alone or with BrafV600E in mouse lungs... The S35 and E38 mutants bind to Raf proteins but not PI3K or RalGDS; the G37 mutant binds to RalGDS and not Raf or PI3K and the C40 mutant is specific to PI3K. We designed lentiviral vectors to code for Cre recombinase along with KRAS mutants (V12, V12/S35, V12/G37, V12/E38 or V12/C40) or EGFP as a negative control.. These lentiviruses were used to infect Braf(CA) and wild-type mice. Surprisingly there was a significant decrease in tumor number and penetrance with each KRAS effector domain mutant relative to controls, suggesting that KRAS directly activates effectors with tumor suppressive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Vandal
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Benjamin Geiling
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - David Dankort
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- * E-mail:
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49
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Picker JD, Walsh CA. New innovations: therapeutic opportunities for intellectual disabilities. Ann Neurol 2013; 74:382-90. [PMID: 24038210 DOI: 10.1002/ana.24002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2013] [Revised: 07/01/2013] [Accepted: 07/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Intellectual disability is common and is associated with significant morbidity. Until the latter half of the 20th century, there were no efficacious treatments. Following initial breakthroughs associated with newborn screening and metabolic corrections, little progress was made until recently. With improved understanding of genetic and cellular mechanisms, novel treatment options are beginning to appear for a number of specific conditions. Fragile X and tuberous sclerosis offer paradigms for the development of targeted therapeutics, but advances in understanding of other disorders such as Down syndrome and Rett syndrome, for example, are also resulting in promising treatment directions. In addition, better understanding of the underlying neurobiology is leading to novel developments in enzyme replacement for storage disorders and adjunctive therapies for metabolic disorders, as well as potentially more generalizable approaches that target dysfunctional cell regulation via RNA and chromatin. Physiologic therapies, including deep brain stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation, offer yet another direction to enhance cognitive functioning. Current options and evolving opportunities for the intellectually disabled are reviewed and exemplified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D Picker
- Division of Genetics, Boston Children's Hospital, and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA; Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology,, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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50
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Dalin MG, Zou Z, Scharin-Täng M, Safari R, Karlsson C, Bergo MO. Myocardial KRAS(G12D) expression does not cause cardiomyopathy in mice. Cardiovasc Res 2013; 101:229-35. [PMID: 24259500 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvt260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Germ-line mutations in genes encoding components of the RAS/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway cause developmental disorders called RASopathies. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common myocardial pathology and a leading cause of death in RASopathy patients. KRAS mutations are found in Noonan and cardio-facio-cutaneous syndromes. KRAS mutations, unlike mutations of RAF1 and HRAS, are rarely associated with HCM. This has been attributed to the fact that germ-line KRAS mutations cause only a moderate up-regulation of the MAPK pathway. Highly bioactive KRAS mutations have been hypothesized to cause severe cardiomyopathy incompatible with life. The aim of this study was to define the impact of KRAS(G12D) expression in the heart. METHODS AND RESULTS To generate mice with endogenous cardiomyocyte-specific KRAS(G12D) expression (cKRAS(G12D) mice), we bred mice with a Cre-inducible allele expressing KRAS(G12D) from its endogenous promoter (Kras2(LSL)) to mice expressing Cre under control of the cardiomyocyte-specific α-myosin heavy chain promoter (αMHC-Cre). cKRAS(G12D) mice showed high levels of myocardial ERK and AKT signalling. However, surprisingly, cKRAS(G12D) mice were born in Mendelian ratios, appeared healthy, and had normal function, size, and histology of the heart. CONCLUSION Mice with cardiomyocyte-specific KRAS(G12D) expression do not develop heart pathology. These results challenge the view that the level of MAPK activation correlates with the severity of HCM in RASopathies and suggests that MAPK-independent strategies may be of interest in the development of new treatments for these syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin G Dalin
- Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 425, S-41390 Gothenburg, Sweden
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