1
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Pashley SL, Papageorgiou S, O'Regan L, Barone G, Robinson SW, Lucken K, Straatman KR, Roig J, Fry AM. The mesenchymal morphology of cells expressing the EML4-ALK V3 oncogene is dependent on phosphorylation of Eg5 by NEK7. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107144. [PMID: 38458397 PMCID: PMC11061729 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4 (EML4)-anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) oncogenic fusion proteins are found in approximately 5% of non-small cell lung cancers. Different EML4-ALK fusion variants exist with variant 3 (V3) being associated with a significantly higher risk than other common variants, such as variant 1 (V1). Patients with V3 respond less well to targeted ALK inhibitors, have accelerated rates of metastasis, and have poorer overall survival. A pathway has been described downstream of EML4-ALK V3 that is independent of ALK catalytic activity but dependent on the NEK9 and NEK7 kinases. It has been proposed that assembly of an EML4-ALK V3-NEK9-NEK7 complex on microtubules leads to cells developing a mesenchymal-like morphology and exhibiting enhanced migration. However, downstream targets of this complex remain unknown. Here, we show that the microtubule-based kinesin, Eg5, is recruited to interphase microtubules in cells expressing EML4-ALK V3, whereas chemical inhibition of Eg5 reverses the mesenchymal morphology of cells. Furthermore, we show that depletion of NEK7 interferes with Eg5 recruitment to microtubules in cells expressing EML4-ALK V3 and cell length is reduced, but this is reversed by coexpression of a phosphomimetic mutant of Eg5, in a site, S1033, phosphorylated by NEK7. Intriguingly, we also found that expression of Eg5-S1033D led to cells expressing EML4-ALK V1 adopting a more mesenchymal-like morphology. Together, we propose that Eg5 acts as a substrate of NEK7 in cells expressing EML4-ALK V3 and Eg5 phosphorylation promotes the mesenchymal morphology typical of these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L Pashley
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Savvas Papageorgiou
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Laura O'Regan
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Giancarlo Barone
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Susan W Robinson
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Kellie Lucken
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Kees R Straatman
- Advanced Imaging Facility, Core Biotechnology Services, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Joan Roig
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, Molecular Biology Institute of Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrew M Fry
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK.
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2
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Liu Z, Remsberg JR, Li H, Njomen E, DeMeester KE, Tao Y, Xia G, Hayward RE, Yoo M, Nguyen T, Simon GM, Schreiber SL, Melillo B, Cravatt BF. Proteomic Ligandability Maps of Spirocycle Acrylamide Stereoprobes Identify Covalent ERCC3 Degraders. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:10393-10406. [PMID: 38569115 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c13448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Covalent chemistry coupled with activity-based protein profiling (ABPP) offers a versatile way to discover ligands for proteins in native biological systems. Here, we describe a set of stereo- and regiochemically defined spirocycle acrylamides and the analysis of these electrophilic "stereoprobes" in human cancer cells by cysteine-directed ABPP. Despite showing attenuated reactivity compared to structurally related azetidine acrylamide stereoprobes, the spirocycle acrylamides preferentially liganded specific cysteines on diverse protein classes. One compound termed ZL-12A promoted the degradation of the TFIIH helicase ERCC3. Interestingly, ZL-12A reacts with the same cysteine (C342) in ERCC3 as the natural product triptolide, which did not lead to ERCC3 degradation but instead causes collateral loss of RNA polymerases. ZL-12A and triptolide cross-antagonized one another's protein degradation profiles. Finally, we provide evidence that the antihypertension drug spironolactone─previously found to promote ERCC3 degradation through an enigmatic mechanism─also reacts with ERCC3_C342. Our findings thus describe monofunctional degraders of ERCC3 and highlight how covalent ligands targeting the same cysteine can produce strikingly different functional outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonglin Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Jarrett R Remsberg
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Haoxin Li
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Evert Njomen
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Kristen E DeMeester
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Yongfeng Tao
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Guoqin Xia
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Rachel E Hayward
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Minjin Yoo
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Tracey Nguyen
- Vividion Therapeutics, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Gabriel M Simon
- Vividion Therapeutics, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Stuart L Schreiber
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science Program, Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Bruno Melillo
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science Program, Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Benjamin F Cravatt
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
- Vividion Therapeutics, San Diego, California 92121, United States
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3
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Flax RG, Rosston P, Rocha C, Anderson B, Capener JL, Durcan TM, Drewry DH, Prinos P, Axtman AD. Illumination of understudied ciliary kinases. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1352781. [PMID: 38523660 PMCID: PMC10958382 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1352781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Cilia are cellular signaling hubs. Given that human kinases are central regulators of signaling, it is not surprising that kinases are key players in cilia biology. In fact, many kinases modulate ciliogenesis, which is the generation of cilia, and distinct ciliary pathways. Several of these kinases are understudied with few publications dedicated to the interrogation of their function. Recent efforts to develop chemical probes for members of the cyclin-dependent kinase like (CDKL), never in mitosis gene A (NIMA) related kinase (NEK), and tau tubulin kinase (TTBK) families either have delivered or are working toward delivery of high-quality chemical tools to characterize the roles that specific kinases play in ciliary processes. A better understanding of ciliary kinases may shed light on whether modulation of these targets will slow or halt disease onset or progression. For example, both understudied human kinases and some that are more well-studied play important ciliary roles in neurons and have been implicated in neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, and other neurological diseases. Similarly, subsets of human ciliary kinases are associated with cancer and oncological pathways. Finally, a group of genetic disorders characterized by defects in cilia called ciliopathies have associated gene mutations that impact kinase activity and function. This review highlights both progress related to the understanding of ciliary kinases as well as in chemical inhibitor development for a subset of these kinases. We emphasize known roles of ciliary kinases in diseases of the brain and malignancies and focus on a subset of poorly characterized kinases that regulate ciliary biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond G. Flax
- Structural Genomics Consortium, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Peter Rosston
- Structural Genomics Consortium, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Cecilia Rocha
- The Neuro’s Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Brian Anderson
- Structural Genomics Consortium, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Jacob L. Capener
- Structural Genomics Consortium, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Thomas M. Durcan
- The Neuro’s Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - David H. Drewry
- Structural Genomics Consortium, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Panagiotis Prinos
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Alison D. Axtman
- Structural Genomics Consortium, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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4
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Basei FL, E Silva IR, Dias PRF, Ferezin CC, Peres de Oliveira A, Issayama LK, Moura LAR, da Silva FR, Kobarg J. The Mitochondrial Connection: The Nek Kinases' New Functional Axis in Mitochondrial Homeostasis. Cells 2024; 13:473. [PMID: 38534317 DOI: 10.3390/cells13060473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria provide energy for all cellular processes, including reactions associated with cell cycle progression, DNA damage repair, and cilia formation. Moreover, mitochondria participate in cell fate decisions between death and survival. Nek family members have already been implicated in DNA damage response, cilia formation, cell death, and cell cycle control. Here, we discuss the role of several Nek family members, namely Nek1, Nek4, Nek5, Nek6, and Nek10, which are not exclusively dedicated to cell cycle-related functions, in controlling mitochondrial functions. Specifically, we review the function of these Neks in mitochondrial respiration and dynamics, mtDNA maintenance, stress response, and cell death. Finally, we discuss the interplay of other cell cycle kinases in mitochondrial function and vice versa. Nek1, Nek5, and Nek6 are connected to the stress response, including ROS control, mtDNA repair, autophagy, and apoptosis. Nek4, in turn, seems to be related to mitochondrial dynamics, while Nek10 is involved with mitochondrial metabolism. Here, we propose that the participation of Neks in mitochondrial roles is a new functional axis for the Nek family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda L Basei
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-871, Brazil
| | - Ivan Rosa E Silva
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-871, Brazil
| | - Pedro R Firmino Dias
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-871, Brazil
| | - Camila C Ferezin
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-871, Brazil
| | | | - Luidy K Issayama
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-871, Brazil
| | - Livia A R Moura
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-871, Brazil
| | | | - Jörg Kobarg
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-871, Brazil
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5
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Gallisà-Suñé N, Sànchez-Fernàndez-de-Landa P, Zimmermann F, Serna M, Regué L, Paz J, Llorca O, Lüders J, Roig J. BICD2 phosphorylation regulates dynein function and centrosome separation in G2 and M. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2434. [PMID: 37105961 PMCID: PMC10140047 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38116-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The activity of dynein is regulated by a number of adaptors that mediate its interaction with dynactin, effectively activating the motor complex while also connecting it to different cargos. The regulation of adaptors is consequently central to dynein physiology but remains largely unexplored. We now describe that one of the best-known dynein adaptors, BICD2, is effectively activated through phosphorylation. In G2, phosphorylation of BICD2 by CDK1 promotes its interaction with PLK1. In turn, PLK1 phosphorylation of a single residue in the N-terminus of BICD2 results in a structural change that facilitates the interaction with dynein and dynactin, allowing the formation of active motor complexes. Moreover, modified BICD2 preferentially interacts with the nucleoporin RanBP2 once RanBP2 has been phosphorylated by CDK1. BICD2 phosphorylation is central for dynein recruitment to the nuclear envelope, centrosome tethering to the nucleus and centrosome separation in the G2 and M phases of the cell cycle. This work reveals adaptor activation through phosphorylation as crucial for the spatiotemporal regulation of dynein activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Núria Gallisà-Suñé
- Department of Cells and Tissues, Molecular Biology Institute of Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), Baldiri i Reixac 10-12, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paula Sànchez-Fernàndez-de-Landa
- Department of Cells and Tissues, Molecular Biology Institute of Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), Baldiri i Reixac 10-12, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
- Aging and Metabolism Programme, IRB Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Fabian Zimmermann
- Mechanisms of Disease Programme, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Baldiri Reixac 10-12, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marina Serna
- Structural Biology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Melchor Fernández Almagro 3, E-28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Regué
- Department of Cells and Tissues, Molecular Biology Institute of Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), Baldiri i Reixac 10-12, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joel Paz
- Mechanisms of Disease Programme, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Baldiri Reixac 10-12, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Oscar Llorca
- Structural Biology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Melchor Fernández Almagro 3, E-28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jens Lüders
- Mechanisms of Disease Programme, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Baldiri Reixac 10-12, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Roig
- Department of Cells and Tissues, Molecular Biology Institute of Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), Baldiri i Reixac 10-12, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.
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6
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Panchal NK, Evan Prince S. The NEK family of serine/threonine kinases as a biomarker for cancer. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:17-30. [PMID: 35037094 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-021-00782-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is defined by unrestrained cell proliferation due to impaired protein activity. Cell cycle-related proteins are likely to play a role in human cancers, including proliferation, invasion, and therapeutic resistance. The serine/threonine NEK kinases are the part of Never In Mitosis A Kinases (NIMA) family, which are less explored kinase family involved in the cell cycle, checkpoint regulation, and cilia biology. They comprise of eleven members, namely NEK1, NEK2, NEK3, NEK4, NEK5, NEK6, NEK7, NEK8, NEK9, NEK10, and NEK11, located in different cellular regions. Recent research has shown the role of NEK family in various cancers by perversely expressing. Therefore, this review aimed to provide a systematic account of our understanding of NEK kinases; structural details; and its role in the cell cycle regulation. Furthermore, we have comprehensively reviewed the NEK kinases in terms of their expression and regulation in different cancers. Lastly, we have emphasized on some of the potential NEK inhibitors reported so far.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nagesh Kishan Panchal
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632 014, India
| | - Sabina Evan Prince
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632 014, India.
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7
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Falb RJ, Müller AJ, Klein W, Grimmel M, Grasshoff U, Spranger S, Stöbe P, Gauck D, Kuechler A, Dikow N, Schwaibold EMC, Schmidt C, Averdunk L, Buchert R, Heinrich T, Prodan N, Park J, Kehrer M, Sturm M, Kelemen O, Hartmann S, Horn D, Emmerich D, Hirt N, Neumann A, Kristiansen G, Gembruch U, Haen S, Siebert R, Hentze S, Hoopmann M, Ossowski S, Waldmüller S, Beck-Wödl S, Gläser D, Tekesin I, Distelmaier F, Riess O, Kagan KO, Dufke A, Haack TB. Bi-allelic loss-of-function variants in KIF21A cause severe fetal akinesia with arthrogryposis multiplex. J Med Genet 2023; 60:48-56. [PMID: 34740919 PMCID: PMC9811090 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2021-108064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fetal akinesia (FA) results in variable clinical presentations and has been associated with more than 166 different disease loci. However, the underlying molecular cause remains unclear in many individuals. We aimed to further define the set of genes involved. METHODS We performed in-depth clinical characterisation and exome sequencing on a cohort of 23 FA index cases sharing arthrogryposis as a common feature. RESULTS We identified likely pathogenic or pathogenic variants in 12 different established disease genes explaining the disease phenotype in 13 index cases and report 12 novel variants. In the unsolved families, a search for recessive-type variants affecting the same gene was performed; and in five affected fetuses of two unrelated families, a homozygous loss-of-function variant in the kinesin family member 21A gene (KIF21A) was found. CONCLUSION Our study underlines the broad locus heterogeneity of FA with well-established and atypical genotype-phenotype associations. We describe KIF21A as a new factor implicated in the pathogenesis of severe neurogenic FA sequence with arthrogryposis of multiple joints, pulmonary hypoplasia and facial dysmorphisms. This hypothesis is further corroborated by a recent report on overlapping phenotypes observed in Kif21a null piglets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth J Falb
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Amelie J Müller
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | | | - Mona Grimmel
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Ute Grasshoff
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | | | - Petra Stöbe
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Darja Gauck
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Alma Kuechler
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Nicola Dikow
- Institute of Human Genetics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | - Luisa Averdunk
- Department of General Pediatrics, Neonatology and Pediatric Cardiology, Heinrich-Heine-University Dusseldorf, Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - Rebecca Buchert
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Tilman Heinrich
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Natalia Prodan
- Department of Women's Health, University Women's Hospital, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Joohyun Park
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Martin Kehrer
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Marc Sturm
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Olga Kelemen
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | | | - Denise Horn
- Institute of Medical and Human Genetics, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dirk Emmerich
- Practice for Ultrasound and Prenatal Medicine, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nina Hirt
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Glen Kristiansen
- Institute of Pathology, Center for Integrated Oncology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ulrich Gembruch
- Department of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Susanne Haen
- Institute of Pathology and Neuropathology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Reiner Siebert
- Institute of Human Genetics, Ulm University and Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Markus Hoopmann
- Department of Women's Health, University Women's Hospital, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Stephan Ossowski
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Stephan Waldmüller
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Stefanie Beck-Wödl
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | | | | | - Felix Distelmaier
- Department of General Pediatrics, Neonatology and Pediatric Cardiology, Heinrich-Heine-University Dusseldorf, Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - Olaf Riess
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany,Centre for Rare Diseases, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Karl-Oliver Kagan
- Department of Women's Health, University Women's Hospital, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Andreas Dufke
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany,Centre for Rare Diseases, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Tobias B Haack
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany,Centre for Rare Diseases, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
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8
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NIMA-related kinase 9 regulates the phosphorylation of the essential myosin light chain in the heart. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6209. [PMID: 36266340 PMCID: PMC9585074 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33658-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
To adapt to changing hemodynamic demands, regulatory mechanisms modulate actin-myosin-kinetics by calcium-dependent and -independent mechanisms. We investigate the posttranslational modification of human essential myosin light chain (ELC) and identify NIMA-related kinase 9 (NEK9) to interact with ELC. NEK9 is highly expressed in the heart and the interaction with ELC is calcium-dependent. Silencing of NEK9 results in blunting of calcium-dependent ELC-phosphorylation. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated disruption of NEK9 leads to cardiomyopathy in zebrafish. Binding to ELC is mediated via the protein kinase domain of NEK9. A causal relationship between NEK9 activity and ELC-phosphorylation is demonstrated by genetic sensitizing in-vivo. Finally, we observe significantly upregulated ELC-phosphorylation in dilated cardiomyopathy patients and provide a unique map of human ELC-phosphorylation-sites. In summary, NEK9-mediated ELC-phosphorylation is a calcium-dependent regulatory system mediating cardiac contraction and inotropy.
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9
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Wang J, Chen S, Liu M, Zhang M, Jia X. NEK7: a new target for the treatment of multiple tumors and chronic inflammatory diseases. Inflammopharmacology 2022; 30:1179-1187. [PMID: 35829941 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-022-01026-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
NIMA-related kinase 7 (NEK7) is a serine/threonine kinase, which is the smallest one in mammalian NEK family. At present, many studies have reported that NEK7 has a physiological role in regulating the cell cycle and promoting the mitotic process of cells. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have proposed that NEK7 is involved in the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Under normal conditions, NEK7 is in a low activity state, while under pathological conditions, NEK7 is abnormally expressed and therefore plays a key role in the progression of multiple tumors and chronic inflammatory diseases. This review will concentrate on the mechanism of NEK7 participates in the process of mitosis and regulates the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, the aberrant expression of NEK7 in a variety of tumors and chronic inflammatory diseases, and some potential inhibitors, which may provide some new ideas for the treatment of diverse tumors and chronic inflammatory diseases associated with NEK7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, People's Republic of China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula, Hefei, 230012, People's Republic of China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, People's Republic of China
| | - Simeng Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, People's Republic of China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula, Hefei, 230012, People's Republic of China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, People's Republic of China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula, Hefei, 230012, People's Republic of China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyi Jia
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, People's Republic of China. .,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula, Hefei, 230012, People's Republic of China. .,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, People's Republic of China.
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10
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Identification of potent inhibitors of NEK7 protein using a comprehensive computational approach. Sci Rep 2022; 12:6404. [PMID: 35436996 PMCID: PMC9016071 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10253-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
NIMA related Kinases (NEK7) plays an important role in spindle assembly and mitotic division of the cell. Over expression of NEK7 leads to the progression of different cancers and associated malignancies. It is becoming the next wave of targets for the development of selective and potent anti-cancerous agents. The current study is the first comprehensive computational approach to identify potent inhibitors of NEK7 protein. For this purpose, previously identified anti-inflammatory compound i.e., Phenylcarbamoylpiperidine-1,2,4-triazole amide derivatives by our own group were selected for their anti-cancer potential via detailed Computational studies. Initially, the density functional theory (DFT) calculations were carried out using Gaussian 09 software which provided information about the compounds' stability and reactivity. Furthermore, Autodock suite and Molecular Operating Environment (MOE) software’s were used to dock the ligand database into the active pocket of the NEK7 protein. Both software performances were compared in terms of sampling power and scoring power. During the analysis, Autodock results were found to be more reproducible, implying that this software outperforms the MOE. The majority of the compounds, including M7, and M12 showed excellent binding energies and formed stable protein–ligand complexes with docking scores of − 29.66 kJ/mol and − 31.38 kJ/mol, respectively. The results were validated by molecular dynamics simulation studies where the stability and conformational transformation of the best protein–ligand complex were justified on the basis of RMSD and RMSF trajectory analysis. The drug likeness properties and toxicity profile of all compounds were determined by ADMETlab 2.0. Furthermore, the anticancer potential of the potent compounds were confirmed by cell viability (MTT) assay. This study suggested that selected compounds can be further investigated at molecular level and evaluated for cancer treatment and associated malignancies.
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11
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In Mitosis You Are Not: The NIMA Family of Kinases in Aspergillus, Yeast, and Mammals. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23074041. [PMID: 35409400 PMCID: PMC8999480 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23074041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The Never in mitosis gene A (NIMA) family of serine/threonine kinases is a diverse group of protein kinases implicated in a wide variety of cellular processes, including cilia regulation, microtubule dynamics, mitotic processes, cell growth, and DNA damage response. The founding member of this family was initially identified in Aspergillus and was found to play important roles in mitosis and cell division. The yeast family has one member each, Fin1p in fission yeast and Kin3p in budding yeast, also with functions in mitotic processes, but, overall, these are poorly studied kinases. The mammalian family, the main focus of this review, consists of 11 members named Nek1 to Nek11. With the exception of a few members, the functions of the mammalian Neks are poorly understood but appear to be quite diverse. Like the prototypical NIMA, many members appear to play important roles in mitosis and meiosis, but their functions in the cell go well beyond these well-established activities. In this review, we explore the roles of fungal and mammalian NIMA kinases and highlight the most recent findings in the field.
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12
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Yang M, Guo Y, Guo X, Mao Y, Zhu S, Wang N, Lu D. Analysis of the effect of NEKs on the prognosis of patients with non-small-cell lung carcinoma based on bioinformatics. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1705. [PMID: 35105934 PMCID: PMC8807624 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05728-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
NEKs are proteins that are involved in various cell processes and play important roles in the formation and development of cancer. However, few studies have examined the role of NEKs in the development of non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). To address this problem, the Oncomine, UALCAN, and the Human Protein Atlas databases were used to analyze differential NEK expression and its clinicopathological parameters, while the Kaplan-Meier, cBioPortal, GEPIA, and DAVID databases were used to analyze survival, gene mutations, similar genes, and biological enrichments. The rate of NEK family gene mutation was high (> 50%) in patients with NSCLC, in which NEK2/4/6/8/ was overexpressed and significantly correlated with tumor stage and nodal metastasis status. In addition, the high expression of NEK2/3mRNA was significantly associated with poor prognosis in patients with NSCLC, while high expression of NEK1/4/6/7/8/9/10/11mRNA was associated with good prognosis. In summary, these results suggest that NEK2/4/6/8 may be a potential prognostic biomarker for the survival of patients with NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengxia Yang
- Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China.,Department of Oncology, Wangjing Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100102, People's Republic of China
| | - Yikun Guo
- Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaofei Guo
- Department of Oncology, Wangjing Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100102, People's Republic of China
| | - Yun Mao
- Department of Oncology, The Second Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, 410005, People's Republic of China
| | - Shijie Zhu
- Department of Oncology, Wangjing Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100102, People's Republic of China
| | - Ningjun Wang
- Department of Oncology, Wangjing Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100102, People's Republic of China.
| | - Dianrong Lu
- Department of Oncology, Wangjing Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100102, People's Republic of China.
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13
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Abraham SP, Nita A, Krejci P, Bosakova M. Cilia kinases in skeletal development and homeostasis. Dev Dyn 2021; 251:577-608. [PMID: 34582081 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary cilia are dynamic compartments that regulate multiple aspects of cellular signaling. The production, maintenance, and function of cilia involve more than 1000 genes in mammals, and their mutations disrupt the ciliary signaling which manifests in a plethora of pathological conditions-the ciliopathies. Skeletal ciliopathies are genetic disorders affecting the development and homeostasis of the skeleton, and encompass a broad spectrum of pathologies ranging from isolated polydactyly to lethal syndromic dysplasias. The recent advances in forward genetics allowed for the identification of novel regulators of skeletogenesis, and revealed a growing list of ciliary proteins that are critical for signaling pathways implicated in bone physiology. Among these, a group of protein kinases involved in cilia assembly, maintenance, signaling, and disassembly has emerged. In this review, we summarize the functions of cilia kinases in skeletal development and disease, and discuss the available and upcoming treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara P Abraham
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Alexandru Nita
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Krejci
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.,Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics of the CAS, Brno, Czech Republic.,International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Michaela Bosakova
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.,Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics of the CAS, Brno, Czech Republic.,International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
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14
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NEK9 regulates primary cilia formation by acting as a selective autophagy adaptor for MYH9/myosin IIA. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3292. [PMID: 34078910 PMCID: PMC8172835 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23599-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy regulates primary cilia formation, but the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. In this study, we identify NIMA-related kinase 9 (NEK9) as a GABARAPs-interacting protein and find that NEK9 and its LC3-interacting region (LIR) are required for primary cilia formation. Mutation in the LIR of NEK9 in mice also impairs in vivo cilia formation in the kidneys. Mechanistically, NEK9 interacts with MYH9 (also known as myosin IIA), which has been implicated in inhibiting ciliogenesis through stabilization of the actin network. MYH9 accumulates in NEK9 LIR mutant cells and mice, and depletion of MYH9 restores ciliogenesis in NEK9 LIR mutant cells. These results suggest that NEK9 regulates ciliogenesis by acting as an autophagy adaptor for MYH9. Given that the LIR in NEK9 is conserved only in land vertebrates, the acquisition of the autophagic regulation of the NEK9–MYH9 axis in ciliogenesis may have possible adaptive implications for terrestrial life. Ciliogenesis is a tightly regulated process, although the role of selective autophagy is unclear. Here, the authors show NIMA-related kinase 9 controls actin network stabilization and subsequently ciliogenesis by targeting myosin MYH9 for autophagic degradation via GABARAP interaction.
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15
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Zhao N, Li CC, Di B, Xu LL. Recent advances in the NEK7-licensed NLRP3 inflammasome activation: Mechanisms, role in diseases and related inhibitors. J Autoimmun 2020; 113:102515. [PMID: 32703754 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2020.102515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor containing pyrin domain 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a high-molecular-weight complex mediated by the activation of pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs) seed in innate immunity. Once NLRP3 is activated, the following recruitment of the adapter apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (CARD) (ASC) and procaspase-1 would be initiated. Cleavage of procaspase-1 into active caspase-1 then leads to the maturation of the precursor forms of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 into biologically active IL-1β and IL-18. The activation of NLRP3 inflammasome is thought to be tightly associated with a regulator never in mitosis A (NIMA)-related kinase 7 (NEK7), apart from other signaling events such as K+ efflux and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Plus, the NLRP3 inflammasome has been linked to various metabolic disorders, chronic inflammation and other diseases. In this review, we firstly describe the cellular/molecular mechanisms of the NEK7-licensed NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Then we detail the potential inhibitors that can selectively and effectively modulate either the NEK7-NLRP3 complex itself or the related molecular/cellular events. Finally, we describe some inhibitors as promising therapeutic strategies for diverse diseases driven by NLRP3 inflammasome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ni Zhao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Cui-Cui Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Bin Di
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Li-Li Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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16
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O'Regan L, Barone G, Adib R, Woo CG, Jeong HJ, Richardson EL, Richards MW, Muller PAJ, Collis SJ, Fennell DA, Choi J, Bayliss R, Fry AM. EML4-ALK V3 oncogenic fusion proteins promote microtubule stabilization and accelerated migration through NEK9 and NEK7. J Cell Sci 2020; 133:jcs241505. [PMID: 32184261 PMCID: PMC7240300 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.241505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
EML4-ALK is an oncogenic fusion present in ∼5% of non-small cell lung cancers. However, alternative breakpoints in the EML4 gene lead to distinct variants of EML4-ALK with different patient outcomes. Here, we show that, in cell models, EML4-ALK variant 3 (V3), which is linked to accelerated metastatic spread, causes microtubule stabilization, formation of extended cytoplasmic protrusions and increased cell migration. EML4-ALK V3 also recruits the NEK9 and NEK7 kinases to microtubules via the N-terminal EML4 microtubule-binding region. Overexpression of wild-type EML4, as well as constitutive activation of NEK9, also perturbs cell morphology and accelerates migration in a microtubule-dependent manner that requires the downstream kinase NEK7 but does not require ALK activity. Strikingly, elevated NEK9 expression is associated with reduced progression-free survival in EML4-ALK patients. Hence, we propose that EML4-ALK V3 promotes microtubule stabilization through NEK9 and NEK7, leading to increased cell migration. This represents a novel actionable pathway that could drive metastatic disease progression in EML4-ALK lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura O'Regan
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 9HN, UK
| | - Giancarlo Barone
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 9HN, UK
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Sheffield Institute for Nucleic Acids (SInFoNiA), University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK
| | - Rozita Adib
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 9HN, UK
| | - Chang Gok Woo
- Department of Pathology, Chungbuk National University Hospital, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Hui Jeong Jeong
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Emily L Richardson
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 9HN, UK
| | - Mark W Richards
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Patricia A J Muller
- Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, University of Manchester, Alderley Park SK10 4TG, UK
| | - Spencer J Collis
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Sheffield Institute for Nucleic Acids (SInFoNiA), University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK
| | - Dean A Fennell
- Cancer Research Centre, University of Leicester, Robert Kilpatrick Clinical Sciences Building, Leicester LE1 9HN, UK
| | - Jene Choi
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Richard Bayliss
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Andrew M Fry
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 9HN, UK
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17
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Peres de Oliveira A, Kazuo Issayama L, Betim Pavan IC, Riback Silva F, Diniz Melo-Hanchuk T, Moreira Simabuco F, Kobarg J. Checking NEKs: Overcoming a Bottleneck in Human Diseases. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25081778. [PMID: 32294979 PMCID: PMC7221840 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25081778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In previous years, several kinases, such as phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK), have been linked to important human diseases, although some kinase families remain neglected in terms of research, hiding their relevance to therapeutic approaches. Here, a review regarding the NEK family is presented, shedding light on important information related to NEKs and human diseases. NEKs are a large group of homologous kinases with related functions and structures that participate in several cellular processes such as the cell cycle, cell division, cilia formation, and the DNA damage response. The review of the literature points to the pivotal participation of NEKs in important human diseases, like different types of cancer, diabetes, ciliopathies and central nervous system related and inflammatory-related diseases. The different known regulatory molecular mechanisms specific to each NEK are also presented, relating to their involvement in different diseases. In addition, important information about NEKs remains to be elucidated and is highlighted in this review, showing the need for other studies and research regarding this kinase family. Therefore, the NEK family represents an important group of kinases with potential applications in the therapy of human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andressa Peres de Oliveira
- Instituto de Biologia, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Tecidual, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo 13083-862, Brazil; (A.P.d.O.); (L.K.I.); (I.C.B.P.); (F.R.S.); (T.D.M.-H.)
| | - Luidy Kazuo Issayama
- Instituto de Biologia, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Tecidual, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo 13083-862, Brazil; (A.P.d.O.); (L.K.I.); (I.C.B.P.); (F.R.S.); (T.D.M.-H.)
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo 13083-871, Brazil
| | - Isadora Carolina Betim Pavan
- Instituto de Biologia, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Tecidual, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo 13083-862, Brazil; (A.P.d.O.); (L.K.I.); (I.C.B.P.); (F.R.S.); (T.D.M.-H.)
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo 13083-871, Brazil
- Laboratório Multidisciplinar em Alimentos e Saúde, Faculdade de Ciências Aplicadas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, São Paulo 13484-350, Brazil;
| | - Fernando Riback Silva
- Instituto de Biologia, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Tecidual, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo 13083-862, Brazil; (A.P.d.O.); (L.K.I.); (I.C.B.P.); (F.R.S.); (T.D.M.-H.)
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo 13083-871, Brazil
| | - Talita Diniz Melo-Hanchuk
- Instituto de Biologia, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Tecidual, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo 13083-862, Brazil; (A.P.d.O.); (L.K.I.); (I.C.B.P.); (F.R.S.); (T.D.M.-H.)
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo 13083-871, Brazil
| | - Fernando Moreira Simabuco
- Laboratório Multidisciplinar em Alimentos e Saúde, Faculdade de Ciências Aplicadas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, São Paulo 13484-350, Brazil;
| | - Jörg Kobarg
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo 13083-871, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-19-3521-8143
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18
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Xu Z, Shen W, Pan A, Sun F, Zhang J, Gao P, Li L. Decreased Nek9 expression correlates with aggressive behaviour and predicts unfavourable prognosis in breast cancer. Pathology 2020; 52:329-335. [PMID: 32098687 DOI: 10.1016/j.pathol.2019.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 11/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
As a new member of Neks family, Nek9 regulates spindle assembly and controls chromosome alignment and centrosome separation. In the current study we aimed to investigate the expression of Nek9 in breast cancer and its clinical significance. We evaluated the expression of Nek9 in invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC, n=316), ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), usual ductal hyperplasia, atypical ductal hyperplasia, fibroadenoma and normal breast tissues using immunohistochemistry. The results revealed significantly reduced Nek9 in IDCs (41.8%) compared to benign breast lesions. Moreover, gradually reduced Nek9 was found from DCIS to invasive carcinoma and metastatic tumour within the same tumours. The decrease in Nek9 expression was associated with larger tumour size (p=0.0087), high grade (p<0.0001) and high Ki-67 index (p<0.0020). TCGA and GEO datasets analysis revealed low level of Nek9 mRNA was more frequent in triple negative breast cancers, and associated with poor overall survival and distant metastasis-free survival. These findings suggest an important role of Nek9 in the progression of breast cancer, and aberrantly expressed Nek9 correlates with more aggressive clinicopathological variables and predicts poor clinical prognosis. Nek9 may serve as a potential predictive factor for patients with breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziru Xu
- Department of Pathology, Shandong University, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Wenping Shen
- Department of Pathology, Shandong University, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Aifeng Pan
- Department of Pathology, Shandong University, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Feifei Sun
- Department of Pathology, Shandong University, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Shandong University, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Peng Gao
- Department of Pathology, Shandong University, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Pathology, Shandong University, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, PR China.
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19
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Adib R, Montgomery JM, Atherton J, O'Regan L, Richards MW, Straatman KR, Roth D, Straube A, Bayliss R, Moores CA, Fry AM. Mitotic phosphorylation by NEK6 and NEK7 reduces the microtubule affinity of EML4 to promote chromosome congression. Sci Signal 2019; 12:eaaw2939. [PMID: 31409757 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aaw2939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
EML4 is a microtubule-associated protein that promotes microtubule stability. We investigated its regulation across the cell cycle and found that EML4 was distributed as punctate foci along the microtubule lattice in interphase but exhibited reduced association with spindle microtubules in mitosis. Microtubule sedimentation and cryo-electron microscopy with 3D reconstruction revealed that the basic N-terminal domain of EML4 mediated its binding to the acidic C-terminal tails of α- and β-tubulin on the microtubule surface. The mitotic kinases NEK6 and NEK7 phosphorylated the EML4 N-terminal domain at Ser144 and Ser146 in vitro, and depletion of these kinases in cells led to increased EML4 binding to microtubules in mitosis. An S144A-S146A double mutant not only bound inappropriately to mitotic microtubules but also increased their stability and interfered with chromosome congression. In addition, constitutive activation of NEK6 or NEK7 reduced the association of EML4 with interphase microtubules. Together, these data support a model in which NEK6- and NEK7-dependent phosphorylation promotes the dissociation of EML4 from microtubules in mitosis in a manner that is required for efficient chromosome congression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rozita Adib
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 9HN, UK
| | - Jessica M Montgomery
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 9HN, UK
| | - Joseph Atherton
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck College, Malet Street, London WC1E 7HX, UK
| | - Laura O'Regan
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 9HN, UK
| | - Mark W Richards
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Kees R Straatman
- Centre for Core Biotechnology Services, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Daniel Roth
- Centre for Mechanochemical Cell Biology and Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Anne Straube
- Centre for Mechanochemical Cell Biology and Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Richard Bayliss
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Carolyn A Moores
- Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck College, Malet Street, London WC1E 7HX, UK
| | - Andrew M Fry
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 9HN, UK.
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20
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van de Kooij B, Creixell P, van Vlimmeren A, Joughin BA, Miller CJ, Haider N, Simpson CD, Linding R, Stambolic V, Turk BE, Yaffe MB. Comprehensive substrate specificity profiling of the human Nek kinome reveals unexpected signaling outputs. eLife 2019; 8:44635. [PMID: 31124786 PMCID: PMC6570481 DOI: 10.7554/elife.44635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Human NimA-related kinases (Neks) have multiple mitotic and non-mitotic functions, but few substrates are known. We systematically determined the phosphorylation-site motifs for the entire Nek kinase family, except for Nek11. While all Nek kinases strongly select for hydrophobic residues in the −3 position, the family separates into four distinct groups based on specificity for a serine versus threonine phospho-acceptor, and preference for basic or acidic residues in other positions. Unlike Nek1-Nek9, Nek10 is a dual-specificity kinase that efficiently phosphorylates itself and peptide substrates on serine and tyrosine, and its activity is enhanced by tyrosine auto-phosphorylation. Nek10 dual-specificity depends on residues in the HRD+2 and APE-4 positions that are uncommon in either serine/threonine or tyrosine kinases. Finally, we show that the phosphorylation-site motifs for the mitotic kinases Nek6, Nek7 and Nek9 are essentially identical to that of their upstream activator Plk1, suggesting that Nek6/7/9 function as phospho-motif amplifiers of Plk1 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bert van de Kooij
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States.,Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States.,Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States.,MIT Center for Precision Cancer Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
| | - Pau Creixell
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States.,Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States.,Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States.,MIT Center for Precision Cancer Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
| | - Anne van Vlimmeren
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States.,Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States.,Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States.,MIT Center for Precision Cancer Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
| | - Brian A Joughin
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States.,Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States.,Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States.,MIT Center for Precision Cancer Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States
| | - Chad J Miller
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, United States
| | - Nasir Haider
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Craig D Simpson
- Biotech Research and Innovation Center, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rune Linding
- Biotech Research and Innovation Center, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Vuk Stambolic
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Benjamin E Turk
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, United States
| | - Michael B Yaffe
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States.,Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States.,Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States.,MIT Center for Precision Cancer Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, United States.,Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Divisions of Acute Care Surgery, Trauma, and Critical Care and Surgical Oncology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
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21
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Common J, Barker J, Steensel M. What does acne genetics teach us about disease pathogenesis? Br J Dermatol 2019; 181:665-676. [DOI: 10.1111/bjd.17721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J.E.A. Common
- Skin Research Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) Singapore
| | - J.N. Barker
- St John's Institute of Dermatology Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine King's College London London U.K
| | - M.A.M. Steensel
- Skin Research Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine Nanyang Technological University Clinical Sciences Building Novena Singapore
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22
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Eisa NH, Jilani Y, Kainth K, Redd P, Lu S, Bougrine O, Abdul Sater H, Patwardhan CA, Shull A, Shi H, Liu K, Elsherbiny NM, Eissa LA, El-Shishtawy MM, Horuzsko A, Bollag R, Maihle N, Roig J, Korkaya H, Cowell JK, Chadli A. The co-chaperone UNC45A is essential for the expression of mitotic kinase NEK7 and tumorigenesis. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:5246-5260. [PMID: 30737284 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.006597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Revised: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cumulative evidence suggests that the heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) co-chaperone UNC-45 myosin chaperone A (UNC45A) contributes to tumorigenesis and that its expression in cancer cells correlates with proliferation and metastasis of solid tumors. However, the molecular mechanism by which UNC45A regulates cancer cell proliferation remains largely unknown. Here, using siRNA-mediated gene silencing and various human cells, we report that UNC45A is essential for breast cancer cell growth, but is dispensable for normal cell proliferation. Immunofluorescence microscopy, along with gene microarray and RT-quantitative PCR analyses, revealed that UNC45A localizes to the cancer cell nucleus, where it up-regulates the transcriptional activity of the glucocorticoid receptor and thereby promotes expression of the mitotic kinase NIMA-related kinase 7 (NEK7). We observed that UNC45A-deficient cancer cells exhibit extensive pericentrosomal material disorganization, as well as defects in centrosomal separation and mitotic chromosome alignment. Consequently, these cells stalled in metaphase and cytokinesis and ultimately underwent mitotic catastrophe, phenotypes that were rescued by heterologous NEK7 expression. Our results identify a key role for the co-chaperone UNC45A in cell proliferation and provide insight into the regulatory mechanism. We propose that UNC45A represents a promising new therapeutic target to inhibit cancer cell growth in solid tumor types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nada H Eisa
- From the Georgia Cancer Center.,the Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt 35516
| | | | | | | | - Su Lu
- From the Georgia Cancer Center
| | - Oulia Bougrine
- the Department of Pathology, Augusta University, CN-3151, Augusta, Georgia 30912
| | - Houssein Abdul Sater
- the Department of Pathology, Augusta University, CN-3151, Augusta, Georgia 30912
| | | | | | | | - Kebin Liu
- the Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt 35516
| | - Nehal M Elsherbiny
- the Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt 35516
| | - Laila A Eissa
- the Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt 35516
| | - Mamdouh M El-Shishtawy
- the Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt 35516
| | | | - Roni Bollag
- From the Georgia Cancer Center.,the Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt 35516.,the Georgia Cancer Center Biorepository, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia 30912, and
| | | | - Joan Roig
- the Institut de Biologia Molecular de Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), Parc Científic de Barcelona, c/Baldiri i Reixac, 10-12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
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23
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Dunn J, Ferluga S, Sharma V, Futschik M, Hilton DA, Adams CL, Lasonder E, Hanemann CO. Proteomic analysis discovers the differential expression of novel proteins and phosphoproteins in meningioma including NEK9, HK2 and SET and deregulation of RNA metabolism. EBioMedicine 2018; 40:77-91. [PMID: 30594554 PMCID: PMC6412084 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2018.12.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Meningioma is the most frequent primary intracranial tumour. Surgical resection remains the main therapeutic option as pharmacological intervention is hampered by poor knowledge of their proteomic signature. There is an urgent need to identify new therapeutic targets and biomarkers of meningioma. Methods We performed proteomic profiling of grade I, II and III frozen meningioma specimens and three normal healthy human meninges using LC-MS/MS to analyse global proteins, enriched phosphoproteins and phosphopeptides. Differential expression and functional annotation of proteins was completed using Perseus, IPA® and DAVID. We validated differential expression of proteins and phosphoproteins by Western blot on a meningioma validation set and by immunohistochemistry. Findings We quantified 3888 proteins and 3074 phosphoproteins across all meningioma grades and normal meninges. Bioinformatics analysis revealed commonly upregulated proteins and phosphoproteins to be enriched in Gene Ontology terms associated with RNA metabolism. Validation studies confirmed significant overexpression of proteins such as EGFR and CKAP4 across all grades, as well as the aberrant activation of the downstream PI3K/AKT pathway, which seems differential between grades. Further, we validated upregulation of the total and activated phosphorylated form of the NIMA-related kinase, NEK9, involved in mitotic progression. Novel proteins identified and validated in meningioma included the nuclear proto-oncogene SET, the splicing factor SF2/ASF and the higher-grade specific protein, HK2, involved in cellular metabolism. Interpretation Overall, we generated a proteomic thesaurus of meningiomas for the identification of potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Fund This study was supported by Brain Tumour Research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jemma Dunn
- Institute of Translational and Stratified Medicine, Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, John Bull Building, Plymouth Science Park, Research Way, Derriford, Plymouth PL6 8BU, UK
| | - Sara Ferluga
- Institute of Translational and Stratified Medicine, Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, John Bull Building, Plymouth Science Park, Research Way, Derriford, Plymouth PL6 8BU, UK
| | - Vikram Sharma
- School of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Plymouth, Derriford Research Facility, Research Way, Derriford, Plymouth PL6 8BU, UK
| | - Matthias Futschik
- School of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Plymouth, Derriford Research Facility, Research Way, Derriford, Plymouth PL6 8BU, UK
| | - David A Hilton
- Cellular and Anatomical Pathology, Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust, Derriford Road, Plymouth PL6 8DH, UK
| | - Claire L Adams
- Institute of Translational and Stratified Medicine, Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, John Bull Building, Plymouth Science Park, Research Way, Derriford, Plymouth PL6 8BU, UK
| | - Edwin Lasonder
- School of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Plymouth, Derriford Research Facility, Research Way, Derriford, Plymouth PL6 8BU, UK
| | - C Oliver Hanemann
- Institute of Translational and Stratified Medicine, Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, John Bull Building, Plymouth Science Park, Research Way, Derriford, Plymouth PL6 8BU, UK.
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24
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Eibes S, Gallisà-Suñé N, Rosas-Salvans M, Martínez-Delgado P, Vernos I, Roig J. Nek9 Phosphorylation Defines a New Role for TPX2 in Eg5-Dependent Centrosome Separation before Nuclear Envelope Breakdown. Curr Biol 2017; 28:121-129.e4. [PMID: 29276125 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2017.11.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2017] [Revised: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Centrosomes [1, 2] play a central role during spindle assembly in most animal cells [3]. In early mitosis, they organize two symmetrical microtubule arrays that upon separation define the two poles of the forming spindle. Centrosome separation is tightly regulated [4, 5], occurring through partially redundant mechanisms that rely on the action of microtubule-based dynein and kinesin motors and the actomyosin system [6]. While centrosomes can separate in prophase or in prometaphase after nuclear envelope breakdown (NEBD), prophase centrosome separation optimizes spindle assembly and minimizes the occurrence of abnormal chromosome attachments that could end in aneuploidy [7, 8]. Prophase centrosome separation relies on the activity of Eg5/KIF11, a mitotic kinesin [9] that accumulates around centrosomes in early mitosis under the control of CDK1 and the Nek9/Nek6/7 kinase module [10-17]. Here, we show that Eg5 localization and centrosome separation in prophase depend on the nuclear microtubule-associated protein TPX2 [18], a pool of which localizes to the centrosomes before NEBD. This localization involves RHAMM/HMMR [19] and the kinase Nek9 [20], which phosphorylates TPX2 nuclear localization signal (NLS) preventing its interaction with importin and nuclear import. The pool of centrosomal TPX2 in prophase has a critical role for both microtubule aster organization and Eg5 localization, and thereby for centrosome separation. Our results uncover an unsuspected role for TPX2 before NEBD and define a novel regulatory mechanism for centrosome separation in prophase. They furthermore suggest NLS phosphorylation as a novel regulatory mechanism for spindle assembly factors controlled by the importin/Ran system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Eibes
- Molecular Biology Institute of Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC) and Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Núria Gallisà-Suñé
- Molecular Biology Institute of Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC) and Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Miquel Rosas-Salvans
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona 08003, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Paula Martínez-Delgado
- Molecular Biology Institute of Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC) and Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Isabelle Vernos
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona 08003, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona 08003, Spain; Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona 08010, Spain
| | - Joan Roig
- Molecular Biology Institute of Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC) and Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona 08028, Spain.
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25
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Fry AM, Bayliss R, Roig J. Mitotic Regulation by NEK Kinase Networks. Front Cell Dev Biol 2017; 5:102. [PMID: 29250521 PMCID: PMC5716973 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2017.00102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic studies in yeast and Drosophila led to identification of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), Polo-like kinases (PLKs) and Aurora kinases as essential regulators of mitosis. These enzymes have since been found in the majority of eukaryotes and their cell cycle-related functions characterized in great detail. However, genetic studies in another fungal species, Aspergillus nidulans, identified a distinct family of protein kinases, the NEKs, that are also widely conserved and have key roles in the cell cycle, but which remain less well studied. Nevertheless, it is now clear that multiple NEK family members act in networks to regulate specific events of mitosis, including centrosome separation, spindle assembly and cytokinesis. Here, we describe our current understanding of how the NEK kinases contribute to these processes, particularly through targeted phosphorylation of proteins associated with the microtubule cytoskeleton. We also present the latest findings on molecular events that control the activation state of the NEKs and how these are revealing novel modes of enzymatic regulation relevant not only to other kinases but also to pathological mechanisms of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M. Fry
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Bayliss
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Joan Roig
- Institut de Biologia Molecular de Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
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26
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Cullati SN, Kabeche L, Kettenbach AN, Gerber SA. A bifurcated signaling cascade of NIMA-related kinases controls distinct kinesins in anaphase. J Cell Biol 2017. [PMID: 28630147 PMCID: PMC5551695 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201512055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
A signaling module of NIMA-related kinases (Neks) regulates two kinesins, Mklp2 and Kif14, to spatiotemporally coordinate their subcellular localizations and activities. This is important for faithful completion of cytokinesis and reveals novel mechanisms by which Neks regulate late mitosis. In mitosis, cells undergo a precisely orchestrated series of spatiotemporal changes in cytoskeletal structure to divide their genetic material. These changes are coordinated by a sophisticated network of protein–protein interactions and posttranslational modifications. In this study, we report a bifurcation in a signaling cascade of the NIMA-related kinases (Neks) Nek6, Nek7, and Nek9 that is required for the localization and function of two kinesins essential for cytokinesis, Mklp2 and Kif14. We demonstrate that a Nek9, Nek6, and Mklp2 signaling module controls the timely localization and bundling activity of Mklp2 at the anaphase central spindle. We further show that a separate Nek9, Nek7, and Kif14 signaling module is required for the recruitment of the Rho-interacting kinase citron to the anaphase midzone. Our findings uncover an anaphase-specific function for these effector kinesins that is controlled by specific Nek kinase signaling modules to properly coordinate cytokinesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sierra N Cullati
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH
| | - Lilian Kabeche
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH
| | - Arminja N Kettenbach
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH.,Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH
| | - Scott A Gerber
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH .,Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH.,Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH
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27
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Hung G, Flint SJ. Normal human cell proteins that interact with the adenovirus type 5 E1B 55kDa protein. Virology 2017; 504:12-24. [PMID: 28135605 PMCID: PMC5337154 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2017.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Revised: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Several of the functions of the human adenovirus type 5 E1B 55kDa protein are fulfilled via the virus-specific E3 ubiquitin ligase it forms with the viral E4 Orf6 protein and several cellular proteins. Important substrates of this enzyme have not been identified, and other functions, including repression of transcription of interferon-sensitive genes, do not require the ligase. We therefore used immunoaffinity purification and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry of lysates of normal human cells infected in parallel with HAdV-C5 and E1B 55kDa protein-null mutant viruses to identify specifically E1B 55kDa-associated proteins. The resulting set of >90 E1B-associated proteins contained the great majority identified previously, and was enriched for those associated with the ubiquitin-proteasome system, RNA metabolism and the cell cycle. We also report very severe inhibition of viral genome replication when cells were exposed to both specific or non-specific siRNAs and interferon prior to infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Hung
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - S J Flint
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA.
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28
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van Ree JH, Nam HJ, van Deursen JM. Mitotic kinase cascades orchestrating timely disjunction and movement of centrosomes maintain chromosomal stability and prevent cancer. Chromosome Res 2016; 24:67-76. [PMID: 26615533 DOI: 10.1007/s10577-015-9501-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Centrosomes are microtubule-organizing centers that duplicate in S phase to form bipolar spindles that separate duplicated chromosomes faithfully into two daughter cells during cell division. Recent studies show that proper timing of centrosome dynamics, the disjunction and movement of centrosomes, is tightly linked to spindle symmetry, correct microtubule-kinetochore attachment, and chromosome segregation. Here, we review mechanisms that regulate centrosome dynamics, with emphasis on the roles of key mitotic kinases in the proper timing of centrosome dynamics and how aberrancies in these processes may cause chromosomal instability and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine H van Ree
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Hyun-Ja Nam
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Jan M van Deursen
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA. .,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
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29
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Somatic Mutations in NEK9 Cause Nevus Comedonicus. Am J Hum Genet 2016; 98:1030-1037. [PMID: 27153399 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2016.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Acne vulgaris (AV) affects most adolescents, and of those affected, moderate to severe disease occurs in 20%. Comedones, follicular plugs consisting of desquamated keratinocytes and sebum, are central to its pathogenesis. Despite high heritability in first-degree relatives, AV genetic determinants remain incompletely understood. We therefore employed whole-exome sequencing (WES) in nevus comedonicus (NC), a rare disorder that features comedones and inflammatory acne cysts in localized, linear configurations. WES identified somatic NEK9 mutations, each affecting highly conserved residues within its kinase or RCC1 domains, in affected tissue of three out of three NC-affected subjects. All mutations are gain of function, resulting in increased phosphorylation at Thr210, a hallmark of NEK9 kinase activation. We found that comedo formation in NC is marked by loss of follicular differentiation markers, expansion of keratin-15-positive cells from localization within the bulge to the entire sub-bulge follicle and cyst, and ectopic expression of keratin 10, a marker of interfollicular differentiation not present in normal follicles. These findings suggest that NEK9 mutations in NC disrupt normal follicular differentiation and identify NEK9 as a potential regulator of follicular homeostasis.
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30
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Casey JP, Brennan K, Scheidel N, McGettigan P, Lavin PT, Carter S, Ennis S, Dorkins H, Ghali N, Blacque OE, Mc Gee MM, Murphy H, Lynch SA. Recessive NEK9 mutation causes a lethal skeletal dysplasia with evidence of cell cycle and ciliary defects. Hum Mol Genet 2016; 25:1824-35. [PMID: 26908619 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddw054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2015] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Skeletal dysplasias are a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of bone and cartilage disorders. Whilst >450 skeletal dysplasias have been reported, 30% are genetically uncharacterized. We report two Irish Traveller families with a previously undescribed lethal skeletal dysplasia characterized by fetal akinesia, shortening of all long bones, multiple contractures, rib anomalies, thoracic dysplasia, pulmonary hypoplasia and protruding abdomen. Single nucleotide polymorphism homozygosity mapping and whole exome sequencing identified a novel homozygous stop-gain mutation in NEK9 (c.1489C>T; p.Arg497*) as the cause of this disorder. NEK9 encodes a never in mitosis gene A-related kinase involved in regulating spindle organization, chromosome alignment, cytokinesis and cell cycle progression. This is the first disorder to be associated with NEK9 in humans. Analysis of NEK9 protein expression and localization in patient fibroblasts showed complete loss of full-length NEK9 (107 kDa). Functional characterization of patient fibroblasts showed a significant reduction in cell proliferation and a delay in cell cycle progression. We also provide evidence to support possible ciliary associations for NEK9. Firstly, patient fibroblasts displayed a significant reduction in cilia number and length. Secondly, we show that the NEK9 orthologue in Caenorhabditis elegans, nekl-1, is almost exclusively expressed in a subset of ciliated cells, a strong indicator of cilia-related functions. In summary, we report the clinical and molecular characterization of a lethal skeletal dysplasia caused by NEK9 mutation and suggest that this disorder may represent a novel ciliopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian P Casey
- Clinical Genetics, Children's University Hospital, Temple Street, Dublin 1, Ireland, UCD Academic Centre on Rare Diseases, School of Medicine and Medical Sciences,
| | - Kieran Brennan
- UCD School of Biomolecular & Biomedical Science, Conway Institute
| | - Noemie Scheidel
- UCD School of Biomolecular & Biomedical Science, Conway Institute
| | - Paul McGettigan
- UCD Academic Centre on Rare Diseases, School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, UCD School of Agriculture, Food Science and Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Paul T Lavin
- UCD School of Biomolecular & Biomedical Science, Conway Institute
| | - Stephen Carter
- UCD School of Biomolecular & Biomedical Science, Conway Institute
| | - Sean Ennis
- UCD Academic Centre on Rare Diseases, School of Medicine and Medical Sciences
| | - Huw Dorkins
- North West Thames Regional Genetics Service, Northwick Park Hospital, London North West Healthcare NHS Trust, Watford Road, Harrow HA1 3UJ, UK, Leicestershire Genetics Service, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester LE1 5WW, UK, St Peter's College, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 2DL, UK and
| | - Neeti Ghali
- North West Thames Regional Genetics Service, Northwick Park Hospital, London North West Healthcare NHS Trust, Watford Road, Harrow HA1 3UJ, UK
| | - Oliver E Blacque
- UCD School of Biomolecular & Biomedical Science, Conway Institute
| | | | - Helen Murphy
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Genetic Medicine-University of Manchester, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - Sally Ann Lynch
- Clinical Genetics, Children's University Hospital, Temple Street, Dublin 1, Ireland, UCD Academic Centre on Rare Diseases, School of Medicine and Medical Sciences
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31
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The Dual Nature of Nek9 in Adenovirus Replication. J Virol 2015; 90:1931-43. [PMID: 26676776 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02392-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2015] [Accepted: 11/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED To successfully replicate in an infected host cell, a virus must overcome sophisticated host defense mechanisms. Viruses, therefore, have evolved a multitude of devices designed to circumvent cellular defenses that would lead to abortive infection. Previous studies have identified Nek9, a cellular kinase, as a binding partner of adenovirus E1A, but the biology behind this association remains a mystery. Here we show that Nek9 is a transcriptional repressor that functions together with E1A to silence the expression of p53-inducible GADD45A gene in the infected cell. Depletion of Nek9 in infected cells reduces virus growth but unexpectedly enhances viral gene expression from the E2 transcription unit, whereas the opposite occurs when Nek9 is overexpressed. Nek9 localizes with viral replication centers, and its depletion reduces viral genome replication, while overexpression enhances viral genome numbers in infected cells. Additionally, Nek9 was found to colocalize with the viral E4 orf3 protein, a repressor of cellular stress response. Significantly, Nek9 was also shown to associate with viral and cellular promoters and appears to function as a transcriptional repressor, representing the first instance of Nek9 playing a role in gene regulation. Overall, these results highlight the complexity of virus-host interactions and identify a new role for the cellular protein Nek9 during infection, suggesting a role for Nek9 in regulating p53 target gene expression. IMPORTANCE In the arms race that exists between a pathogen and its host, each has continually evolved mechanisms to either promote or prevent infection. In order to successfully replicate and spread, a virus must overcome every mechanism that a cell can assemble to block infection. On the other hand, to counter viral spread, cells must have multiple mechanisms to stifle viral replication. In the present study, we add to our understanding of how the human adenovirus is able to circumvent cellular roadblocks to replication. We show that the virus uses a cellular protein, Nek9, in order to block activation of p53-regulated gene GADD45A, which is an important player in stress response and p53-mediated cell cycle arrest. Importantly, our study also identifies Nek9 as a transcriptional repressor.
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32
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Shi H, Wang Y, Li X, Zhan X, Tang M, Fina M, Su L, Pratt D, Bu CH, Hildebrand S, Lyon S, Scott L, Quan J, Sun Q, Russell J, Arnett S, Jurek P, Chen D, Kravchenko VV, Mathison JC, Moresco EMY, Monson NL, Ulevitch RJ, Beutler B. NLRP3 activation and mitosis are mutually exclusive events coordinated by NEK7, a new inflammasome component. Nat Immunol 2015; 17:250-8. [PMID: 26642356 PMCID: PMC4862588 DOI: 10.1038/ni.3333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 504] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2015] [Accepted: 10/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The NLRP3 inflammasome responds to microbes and danger signals by processing and activating proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and IL-18. We found here that activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome was restricted to interphase of the cell cycle by NEK7, a serine-threonine kinase previously linked to mitosis. Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome required NEK7, which bound to the leucine-rich repeat domain of NLRP3 in a kinase-independent manner downstream of the induction of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS). This interaction was necessary for the formation of a complex containing NLRP3 and the adaptor ASC, oligomerization of ASC and activation of caspase-1. NEK7 promoted the NLRP3-dependent cellular inflammatory response to intraperitoneal challenge with monosodium urate and the development of experimental autoimmune encephalitis in mice. Our findings suggest that NEK7 serves as a cellular switch that enforces mutual exclusivity of the inflammasome response and cell division.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hexin Shi
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Ying Wang
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Xiaohong Li
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Xiaoming Zhan
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Miao Tang
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Maggy Fina
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Lijing Su
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - David Pratt
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Chun Hui Bu
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Sara Hildebrand
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Stephen Lyon
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Lindsay Scott
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Jiexia Quan
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Qihua Sun
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Jamie Russell
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Stephanie Arnett
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Peter Jurek
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Ding Chen
- Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Vladimir V Kravchenko
- Department of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - John C Mathison
- Department of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Eva Marie Y Moresco
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Nancy L Monson
- Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Richard J Ulevitch
- Department of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Bruce Beutler
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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Mechanistic basis of Nek7 activation through Nek9 binding and induced dimerization. Nat Commun 2015; 6:8771. [PMID: 26522158 PMCID: PMC4632185 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms9771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2015] [Accepted: 10/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitotic spindle assembly requires the regulated activities of protein kinases such as Nek7 and Nek9. Nek7 is autoinhibited by the protrusion of Tyr97 into the active site and activated by the Nek9 non-catalytic C-terminal domain (CTD). CTD binding apparently releases autoinhibition because mutation of Tyr97 to phenylalanine increases Nek7 activity independently of Nek9. Here we find that self-association of the Nek9-CTD is needed for Nek7 activation. We map the minimal Nek7 binding region of Nek9 to residues 810-828. A crystal structure of Nek7(Y97F) bound to Nek9(810-828) reveals a binding site on the C-lobe of the Nek7 kinase domain. Nek7(Y97F) crystallizes as a back-to-back dimer between kinase domain N-lobes, in which the specific contacts within the interface are coupled to the conformation of residue 97. Hence, we propose that the Nek9-CTD activates Nek7 through promoting back-to-back dimerization that releases the autoinhibitory tyrosine residue, a mechanism conserved in unrelated kinase families.
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Takatani S, Otani K, Kanazawa M, Takahashi T, Motose H. Structure, function, and evolution of plant NIMA-related kinases: implication for phosphorylation-dependent microtubule regulation. JOURNAL OF PLANT RESEARCH 2015; 128:875-91. [PMID: 26354760 DOI: 10.1007/s10265-015-0751-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2015] [Accepted: 08/20/2015] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Microtubules are highly dynamic structures that control the spatiotemporal pattern of cell growth and division. Microtubule dynamics are regulated by reversible protein phosphorylation involving both protein kinases and phosphatases. Never in mitosis A (NIMA)-related kinases (NEKs) are a family of serine/threonine kinases that regulate microtubule-related mitotic events in fungi and animal cells (e.g. centrosome separation and spindle formation). Although plants contain multiple members of the NEK family, their functions remain elusive. Recent studies revealed that NEK6 of Arabidopsis thaliana regulates cell expansion and morphogenesis through β-tubulin phosphorylation and microtubule destabilization. In addition, plant NEK members participate in organ development and stress responses. The present phylogenetic analysis indicates that plant NEK genes are diverged from a single NEK6-like gene, which may share a common ancestor with other kinases involved in the control of microtubule organization. On the contrary, another mitotic kinase, polo-like kinase, might have been lost during the evolution of land plants. We propose that plant NEK members have acquired novel functions to regulate cell growth, microtubule organization, and stress responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shogo Takatani
- Division of Bioscience, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Tsushimanaka 3-1-1, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan
| | - Kento Otani
- Division of Bioscience, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Tsushimanaka 3-1-1, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan
| | - Mai Kanazawa
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Okayama University, Tsushimanaka 3-1-1, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan
| | - Taku Takahashi
- Division of Bioscience, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Tsushimanaka 3-1-1, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Okayama University, Tsushimanaka 3-1-1, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan
| | - Hiroyasu Motose
- Division of Bioscience, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Tsushimanaka 3-1-1, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan.
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Okayama University, Tsushimanaka 3-1-1, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan.
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O'Regan L, Sampson J, Richards MW, Knebel A, Roth D, Hood FE, Straube A, Royle SJ, Bayliss R, Fry AM. Hsp72 is targeted to the mitotic spindle by Nek6 to promote K-fiber assembly and mitotic progression. J Cell Biol 2015; 209:349-58. [PMID: 25940345 PMCID: PMC4427782 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201409151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2014] [Accepted: 03/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hsp70 proteins represent a family of chaperones that regulate cellular homeostasis and are required for cancer cell survival. However, their function and regulation in mitosis remain unknown. In this paper, we show that the major inducible cytoplasmic Hsp70 isoform, Hsp72, is required for assembly of a robust bipolar spindle capable of efficient chromosome congression. Mechanistically, Hsp72 associates with the K-fiber-stabilizing proteins, ch-TOG and TACC3, and promotes their interaction with each other and recruitment to spindle microtubules (MTs). Targeting of Hsp72 to the mitotic spindle is dependent on phosphorylation at Thr-66 within its nucleotide-binding domain by the Nek6 kinase. Phosphorylated Hsp72 concentrates on spindle poles and sites of MT-kinetochore attachment. A phosphomimetic Hsp72 mutant rescued defects in K-fiber assembly, ch-TOG/TACC3 recruitment and mitotic progression that also resulted from Nek6 depletion. We therefore propose that Nek6 facilitates association of Hsp72 with the mitotic spindle, where it promotes stable K-fiber assembly through recruitment of the ch-TOG-TACC3 complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura O'Regan
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 9HN, England, UK
| | - Josephina Sampson
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 9HN, England, UK
| | - Mark W Richards
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 9HN, England, UK
| | - Axel Knebel
- Kinasource Ltd, The Sir James Black Center, Dundee DD1 5EH, Scotland, UK
| | - Daniel Roth
- Centre for Mechanochemical Cell Biology, Warwick Medical School, Coventry CV4 7AL, England, UK
| | - Fiona E Hood
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, England, UK
| | - Anne Straube
- Centre for Mechanochemical Cell Biology, Warwick Medical School, Coventry CV4 7AL, England, UK
| | - Stephen J Royle
- Centre for Mechanochemical Cell Biology, Warwick Medical School, Coventry CV4 7AL, England, UK Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, England, UK
| | - Richard Bayliss
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 9HN, England, UK
| | - Andrew M Fry
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 9HN, England, UK
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Moraes EC, Meirelles GV, Honorato RV, de Souza TDACB, de Souza EE, Murakami MT, de Oliveira PSL, Kobarg J. Kinase inhibitor profile for human nek1, nek6, and nek7 and analysis of the structural basis for inhibitor specificity. Molecules 2015; 20:1176-91. [PMID: 25591119 PMCID: PMC6272266 DOI: 10.3390/molecules20011176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2014] [Accepted: 01/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Human Neks are a conserved protein kinase family related to cell cycle progression and cell division and are considered potential drug targets for the treatment of cancer and other pathologies. We screened the activation loop mutant kinases hNek1 and hNek2, wild-type hNek7, and five hNek6 variants in different activation/phosphorylation statesand compared them against 85 compounds using thermal shift denaturation. We identified three compounds with significant Tm shifts: JNK Inhibitor II for hNek1(Δ262-1258)-(T162A), Isogranulatimide for hNek6(S206A), andGSK-3 Inhibitor XIII for hNek7wt. Each one of these compounds was also validated by reducing the kinases activity by at least 25%. The binding sites for these compounds were identified by in silico docking at the ATP-binding site of the respective hNeks. Potential inhibitors were first screened by thermal shift assays, had their efficiency tested by a kinase assay, and were finally analyzed by molecular docking. Our findings corroborate the idea of ATP-competitive inhibition for hNek1 and hNek6 and suggest a novel non-competitive inhibition for hNek7 in regard to GSK-3 Inhibitor XIII. Our results demonstrate that our approach is useful for finding promising general and specific hNekscandidate inhibitors, which may also function as scaffolds to design more potent and selective inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Cruz Moraes
- LaboratórioNacional de Biociências, Centro Nacional de PesquisaemEnergia e Materiais, Campinas, 13083-970 SP, Brazil.
| | - Gabriela Vaz Meirelles
- LaboratórioNacional de Biociências, Centro Nacional de PesquisaemEnergia e Materiais, Campinas, 13083-970 SP, Brazil.
| | - Rodrigo Vargas Honorato
- LaboratórioNacional de Biociências, Centro Nacional de PesquisaemEnergia e Materiais, Campinas, 13083-970 SP, Brazil.
| | | | - Edmarcia Elisa de Souza
- LaboratórioNacional de Biociências, Centro Nacional de PesquisaemEnergia e Materiais, Campinas, 13083-970 SP, Brazil.
| | - Mario Tyago Murakami
- LaboratórioNacional de Biociências, Centro Nacional de PesquisaemEnergia e Materiais, Campinas, 13083-970 SP, Brazil.
| | | | - Jörg Kobarg
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia Funcional e Molecular, Departamento de Bioquímica e BiologiaTecidual, Instituto de Biologia, UniversidadeEstadual de Campinas, Campinas, 13083-862 SP, Brazil.
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Smith SC, Petrova AV, Madden MZ, Wang H, Pan Y, Warren MD, Hardy CW, Liang D, Liu EA, Robinson MH, Rudra S, Wang J, Ehdaivand S, Torres MA, Wang Y, Yu DS. A gemcitabine sensitivity screen identifies a role for NEK9 in the replication stress response. Nucleic Acids Res 2014; 42:11517-27. [PMID: 25217585 PMCID: PMC4191414 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gku840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The Replication Stress Response (RSR) is a signaling network that recognizes challenges to DNA replication and coordinates diverse DNA repair and cell-cycle checkpoint pathways. Gemcitabine is a nucleoside analogue that causes cytotoxicity by inducing DNA replication blocks. Using a synthetic lethal screen of a RNAi library of nuclear enzymes to identify genes that when silenced cause gemcitabine sensitization or resistance in human triple-negative breast cancer cells, we identified NIMA (never in mitosis gene A)-related kinase 9 (NEK9) as a key component of the RSR. NEK9 depletion in cells leads to replication stress hypersensitivity, spontaneous accumulation of DNA damage and RPA70 foci, and an impairment in recovery from replication arrest. NEK9 protein levels also increase in response to replication stress. NEK9 complexes with CHK1, and moreover, NEK9 depletion impairs CHK1 autophosphorylation and kinase activity in response to replication stress. Thus, NEK9 is a critical component of the RSR that promotes CHK1 activity, maintaining genome integrity following challenges to DNA replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott C Smith
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Aleksandra V Petrova
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Matthew Z Madden
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Hongyan Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Yunfeng Pan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Matthew D Warren
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Claire W Hardy
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Dong Liang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Elaine A Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - M Hope Robinson
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Soumon Rudra
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Shahrzad Ehdaivand
- Department of Pathology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Mylin A Torres
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Ya Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - David S Yu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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NEK9-dependent proliferation of cancer cells lacking functional p53. Sci Rep 2014; 4:6111. [PMID: 25131192 PMCID: PMC4135330 DOI: 10.1038/srep06111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Accepted: 07/31/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysfunction of the p53 network is a major cause of cancer development, and selective elimination of p53-inactivated cancer cells therefore represents an ideal therapeutic strategy. In this study, we performed a microRNA target screen that identified NEK9 (NIMA-related kinase 9) as a crucial regulator of cell-cycle progression in p53-inactivated cancer cells. NEK9 depletion selectively inhibited proliferation in p53-deficient cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. The resultant cell-cycle arrest occurred predominantly in G1 phase, and exhibited senescence-like features. Furthermore, NEK9 repression affected expression of a broad range of genes encoding cell-cycle regulators and factors involved in mRNA processing, suggesting a novel role for NEK9 in p53-deficient cells. Lung adenocarcinoma patients with positive staining for NEK9 and mutant p53 proteins exhibited significantly poorer prognoses, suggesting that expression of both proteins promotes tumor growth. Our findings demonstrate that a novel NEK9 network regulates the growth of cancer cells lacking functional p53.
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Meirelles GV, Perez AM, de Souza EE, Basei FL, Papa PF, Melo Hanchuk TD, Cardoso VB, Kobarg J. “Stop Ne(c)king around”: How interactomics contributes to functionally characterize Nek family kinases. World J Biol Chem 2014; 5:141-160. [PMID: 24921005 PMCID: PMC4050109 DOI: 10.4331/wjbc.v5.i2.141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2013] [Revised: 01/07/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Aside from Polo and Aurora, a third but less studied kinase family involved in mitosis regulation is the never in mitosis-gene A (NIMA)-related kinases (Neks). The founding member of this family is the sole member NIMA of Aspergillus nidulans, which is crucial for the initiation of mitosis in that organism. All 11 human Neks have been functionally assigned to one of the three core functions established for this family in mammals: (1) centrioles/mitosis; (2) primary ciliary function/ciliopathies; and (3) DNA damage response (DDR). Recent findings, especially on Nek 1 and 8, showed however, that several Neks participate in parallel in at least two of these contexts: primary ciliary function and DDR. In the core section of this in-depth review, we report the current detailed functional knowledge on each of the 11 Neks. In the discussion, we return to the cross-connections among Neks and point out how our and other groups’ functional and interactomics studies revealed that most Neks interact with protein partners associated with two if not all three of the functional contexts. We then raise the hypothesis that Neks may be the connecting regulatory elements that allow the cell to fine tune and synchronize the cellular events associated with these three core functions. The new and exciting findings on the Nek family open new perspectives and should allow the Neks to finally claim the attention they deserve in the field of kinases and cell cycle biology.
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40
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Bayliss R, Fry A, Haq T, Yeoh S. On the molecular mechanisms of mitotic kinase activation. Open Biol 2013; 2:120136. [PMID: 23226601 PMCID: PMC3513839 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.120136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2012] [Accepted: 10/12/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
During mitosis, human cells exhibit a peak of protein phosphorylation that alters the behaviour of a significant proportion of proteins, driving a dramatic transformation in the cell's shape, intracellular structures and biochemistry. These mitotic phosphorylation events are catalysed by several families of protein kinases, including Auroras, Cdks, Plks, Neks, Bubs, Haspin and Mps1/TTK. The catalytic activities of these kinases are activated by phosphorylation and through protein–protein interactions. In this review, we summarize the current state of knowledge of the structural basis of mitotic kinase activation mechanisms. This review aims to provide a clear and comprehensive primer on these mechanisms to a broad community of researchers, bringing together the common themes, and highlighting specific differences. Along the way, we have uncovered some features of these proteins that have previously gone unreported, and identified unexplored questions for future work. The dysregulation of mitotic kinases is associated with proliferative disorders such as cancer, and structural biology will continue to play a critical role in the development of chemical probes used to interrogate disease biology and applied to the treatment of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Bayliss
- Department of Biochemistry, Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Structural Biology, University of Leicester, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 9HN, UK.
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41
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Kaneta Y, Ullrich A. NEK9 depletion induces catastrophic mitosis by impairment of mitotic checkpoint control and spindle dynamics. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2013; 442:139-46. [PMID: 23665325 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2013.04.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2013] [Accepted: 04/30/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
NEK9 is known to play a role in spindle assembly and in the control of centrosome separation, but the consequences of NEK9 targeting in cancer cells remain to be elucidated. In this study, we used siRNA to investigate the consequences of targeting NEK9 in glioblastoma and kidney cancer cells as a first step in assessing its potential as an anti-cancer therapeutic target. Live cell imaging revealed that NEK9 depletion of U1242 glioblastoma and Caki2 kidney carcinoma cells resulted in failure of cytokinesis. Interestingly, NEK9-depleted Caki2 cells overrode mitosis under incorrect chromosome alignment and were converted to a micronucleated phenotype, leading to cell death. Whereas, the RPE1 normal epithelium cell line was refractory to abnormal mitosis upon NEK9 knockdown. Nocodazole-induced mitotic arrest was compromised after NEK9 depletion, indicating that NEK9 has an important role in mitotic checkpoint system. Taken together, we propose that NEK9 inhibition represents a novel anti-cancer strategy by induction of mitotic catastrophe via impairment of spindle dynamics, cytokinesis and mitotic checkpoint control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuyuki Kaneta
- Max-Planck-Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Molecular Biology, Martinsried, Germany; Shinagawa R&D Center, Daiichi Sankyo Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan.
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Gallego P, Velazquez-Campoy A, Regué L, Roig J, Reverter D. Structural analysis of the regulation of the DYNLL/LC8 binding to Nek9 by phosphorylation. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:12283-94. [PMID: 23482567 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.459149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The NIMA family protein kinases Nek9/Nercc1, Nek6, and Nek7 constitute a signaling module activated in early mitosis involved in the control of spindle organization. DYNLL/LC8 (dynein light chain 8) was originally described as a component of the dynein complex, but the recent discovery of multiple interaction partners for LC8 has suggested that it has a general role as a dimerization hub that organizes different protein partners. Recent experiments suggested that LC8 binding to Nek9 was regulated by Nek9 autophosphorylation on Ser(944), a residue immediately located N-terminal to the LC8 conserved (K/R)xTQT binding motif, and that this was crucial for the control of signal transduction through the Nek/Nek6/7 module. In the present work, we present two crystal structures of LC8 with a peptide corresponding to the Nek9 binding region with and without a phosphorylation on Ser(944). Structural analysis of LC8 with both Nek9 peptides, together with different biophysical experiments, explains the observed diminished binding affinity of Nek9 to LC8 upon phosphorylation on Ser(944) within the Nek9 sequence, thus shedding light into a novel phosphorylation regulatory mechanism that interferes with LC8 protein · protein complex formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Gallego
- Structural Biology Unit, Institut de Biotecnologia i Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
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43
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Cohen S, Aizer A, Shav-Tal Y, Yanai A, Motro B. Nek7 kinase accelerates microtubule dynamic instability. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2013; 1833:1104-13. [PMID: 23313050 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2012.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2012] [Revised: 12/27/2012] [Accepted: 12/28/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The NIMA-related kinases (NRK or Nek) are emerging as conserved and crucial regulators of mitosis and cilia formation. The microtubule (MT) network has long been suspected as a major target of the Neks. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Using the PlusTipTracker software, recently developed by the Danuser group, we followed the consequences of alterations in Nek7 levels on MT dynamic instability. siRNA-mediated downregulation of Nek7 in HeLa cells resulted in lower speeds of MT growth and catastrophe, reduction of the relative time spent in catastrophe, and considerably lowered the overall MT dynamicity. Co-expression of Nek7 with the siRNA treatment rescued the MT phenotypes, while ectopic overexpression of Nek7 yielded inverse characteristics compared to Nek7 downregulation. MT dynamics in mouse embryonic fibroblasts derived from targeted null mutants for Nek7 recapitulated the siRNA downregulation phenotypes. Precise MT dynamic instability is critical for accurate shaping of the mitotic spindle and for cilium formation, and higher MT dynamicity is associated with tumorigenicity. Thus, our results can supply a mechanistic explanation for Nek involvement in these processes.
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44
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Yurimoto S, Fujimoto T, Magari M, Kanayama N, Kobayashi R, Tokumitsu H. In vitro substrate phosphorylation by Ca²⁺/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase using guanosine-5'-triphosphate as a phosphate donor. BMC BIOCHEMISTRY 2012; 13:27. [PMID: 23216827 PMCID: PMC3537517 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2091-13-27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2012] [Accepted: 11/29/2012] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Background Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase (CaMKK) phosphorylates and activates particular downstream protein kinases — including CaMKI, CaMKIV, and AMPK— to stimulate multiple Ca2+-signal transduction pathways. To identify previously unidentified CaMKK substrates, we used various nucleotides as phosphate donors to develop and characterize an in vitro phosphorylation assay for CaMKK. Results Here, we found that the recombinant CaMKK isoforms were capable of utilizing Mg-GTP as a phosphate donor to phosphorylate the Thr residue in the activation-loop of CaMKIα (Thr177) and of AMPK (Thr172) in vitro. Kinetic analysis indicated that the Km values of CaMKK isoforms for GTP (400-500 μM) were significantly higher than those for ATP (~15 μM), and a 2- to 4-fold decrease in Vmax was observed with GTP. We also confirmed that an ATP competitive CaMKK inhibitor, STO-609, also competes with GTP to inhibit the activities of CaMKK isoforms. In addition, to detect enhanced CaMKI phosphorylation in brain extracts with Mg-GTP and recombinant CaMKKs, we found potential CaMKK substrates of ~45 kDa and ~35 kDa whose Ca2+/CaM-induced phosphorylation was inhibited by STO-609. Conclusions These results indicated that screens that use STO-609 as a CaMKK inhibitor and Mg-GTP as a CaMKK-dependent phosphate donor might be useful to identify previously unidentified downstream target substrates of CaMKK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saki Yurimoto
- Department of Signal Transduction Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, 1750-1 Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
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45
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Yang SW, Gao C, Chen L, Song YL, Zhu JL, Qi ST, Jiang ZZ, Wang ZW, Lin F, Huang H, Xing FQ, Sun QY. Nek9 regulates spindle organization and cell cycle progression during mouse oocyte meiosis and its location in early embryo mitosis. Cell Cycle 2012; 11:4366-77. [PMID: 23159858 DOI: 10.4161/cc.22690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Nek9 (also known as Nercc1), a member of the NIMA (never in mitosis A) family of protein kinases, regulates spindle formation, chromosome alignment and segregation in mitosis. Here, we showed that Nek9 protein was expressed from germinal vesicle (GV) to metaphase II (MII) stages in mouse oocytes with no detectable changes. Confocal microscopy identified that Nek9 was localized to the spindle poles at the metaphase stages and associated with the midbody at anaphase or telophase stage in both meiotic oocytes and the first mitotic embyros. Depletion of Nek9 by specific morpholino injection resulted in severely defective spindles and misaligned chromosomes with significant pro-MI/MI arrest and failure of first polar body (PB1) extrusion. Knockdown of Nek9 also impaired the spindle-pole localization of γ-tubulin and resulted in retention of the spindle assembly checkpoint protein Bub3 at the kinetochores even after 10 h of culture. Live-cell imaging analysis also confirmed that knockdown of Nek9 resulted in oocyte arrest at the pro-MI/MI stage with abnormal spindles, misaligned chromosomes and failed polar body emission. Taken together, our results suggest that Nek9 may act as a MTOC-associated protein regulating microtubule nucleation, spindle organization and, thus, cell cycle progression during mouse oocyte meiotic maturation, fertilization and early embryo cleavage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shang-Wu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Fry AM, O'Regan L, Sabir SR, Bayliss R. Cell cycle regulation by the NEK family of protein kinases. J Cell Sci 2012; 125:4423-33. [PMID: 23132929 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.111195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 247] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic screens for cell division cycle mutants in the filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans led to the discovery of never-in-mitosis A (NIMA), a serine/threonine kinase that is required for mitotic entry. Since that discovery, NIMA-related kinases, or NEKs, have been identified in most eukaryotes, including humans where eleven genetically distinct proteins named NEK1 to NEK11 are expressed. Although there is no evidence that human NEKs are essential for mitotic entry, it is clear that several NEK family members have important roles in cell cycle control. In particular, NEK2, NEK6, NEK7 and NEK9 contribute to the establishment of the microtubule-based mitotic spindle, whereas NEK1, NEK10 and NEK11 have been implicated in the DNA damage response. Roles for NEKs in other aspects of mitotic progression, such as chromatin condensation, nuclear envelope breakdown, spindle assembly checkpoint signalling and cytokinesis have also been proposed. Interestingly, NEK1 and NEK8 also function within cilia, the microtubule-based structures that are nucleated from basal bodies. This has led to the current hypothesis that NEKs have evolved to coordinate microtubule-dependent processes in both dividing and non-dividing cells. Here, we review the functions of the human NEKs, with particular emphasis on those family members that are involved in cell cycle control, and consider their potential as therapeutic targets in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Fry
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Leicester, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 9HN, UK.
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Cabeza-Arvelaiz Y, Schiestl RH. Transcriptome analysis of a rotenone model of parkinsonism reveals complex I-tied and -untied toxicity mechanisms common to neurodegenerative diseases. PLoS One 2012; 7:e44700. [PMID: 22970289 PMCID: PMC3436760 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0044700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2012] [Accepted: 08/09/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The pesticide rotenone, a neurotoxin that inhibits the mitochondrial complex I, and destabilizes microtubules (MT) has been linked to Parkinson disease (PD) etiology and is often used to model this neurodegenerative disease (ND). Many of the mechanisms of action of rotenone are posited mechanisms of neurodegeneration; however, they are not fully understood. Therefore, the study of rotenone-affected functional pathways is pertinent to the understanding of NDs pathogenesis. This report describes the transcriptome analysis of a neuroblastoma (NB) cell line chronically exposed to marginally toxic and moderately toxic doses of rotenone. The results revealed a complex pleiotropic response to rotenone that impacts a variety of cellular events, including cell cycle, DNA damage response, proliferation, differentiation, senescence and cell death, which could lead to survival or neurodegeneration depending on the dose and time of exposure and cell phenotype. The response encompasses an array of physiological pathways, modulated by transcriptional and epigenetic regulatory networks, likely activated by homeostatic alterations. Pathways that incorporate the contribution of MT destabilization to rotenone toxicity are suggested to explain complex I-independent rotenone-induced alterations of metabolism and redox homeostasis. The postulated mechanisms involve the blockage of mitochondrial voltage-dependent anions channels (VDACs) by tubulin, which coupled with other rotenone-induced organelle dysfunctions may underlie many presumed neurodegeneration mechanisms associated with pathophysiological aspects of various NDs including PD, AD and their variant forms. Thus, further investigation of such pathways may help identify novel therapeutic paths for these NDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yofre Cabeza-Arvelaiz
- Department of Pathology and Environmental Health Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine and School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America.
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Sdelci S, Schütz M, Pinyol R, Bertran MT, Regué L, Caelles C, Vernos I, Roig J. Nek9 phosphorylation of NEDD1/GCP-WD contributes to Plk1 control of γ-tubulin recruitment to the mitotic centrosome. Curr Biol 2012; 22:1516-23. [PMID: 22818914 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2012.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2012] [Revised: 05/03/2012] [Accepted: 06/07/2012] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The accumulation of γ-tubulin at the centrosomes during maturation is a key mechanism that ensures the formation of two dense microtubule (MT) asters in cells entering mitosis, defining spindle pole positioning and ensuring the faithful outcome of cell division. Centrosomal γ-tubulin recruitment depends on the adaptor protein NEDD1/GCP-WD and is controlled by the kinase Plk1. Surprisingly, and although Plk1 binds and phosphorylates NEDD1 at multiple sites, the mechanism by which this kinase promotes the centrosomal recruitment of γ-tubulin has remained elusive. Using Xenopus egg extracts and mammalian cells, we now show that it involves Nek9, a NIMA-family kinase required for normal mitotic progression and spindle organization. Nek9 phosphorylates NEDD1 on Ser377 driving its recruitment and thereby that of γ-tubulin to the centrosome in mitotic cells. This role of Nek9 requires its activation by Plk1-dependent phosphorylation but is independent from the downstream related kinases Nek6 and Nek7. Our data contribute to understand the mechanism by which Plk1 promotes the recruitment of γ-tubulin to the centrosome in dividing cells and position Nek9 as a key regulator of centrosome maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Sdelci
- Cell Signaling Research Group, Molecular Medicine Program, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), Baldiri i Reixac, 10-12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
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McCooke JK, Appels R, Barrero RA, Ding A, Ozimek-Kulik JE, Bellgard MI, Morahan G, Phillips JK. A novel mutation causing nephronophthisis in the Lewis polycystic kidney rat localises to a conserved RCC1 domain in Nek8. BMC Genomics 2012; 13:393. [PMID: 22899815 PMCID: PMC3441220 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-13-393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2012] [Accepted: 08/06/2012] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Nephronophthisis (NPHP) as a cause of cystic kidney disease is the most common genetic cause of progressive renal failure in children and young adults. NPHP is characterized by abnormal and/or loss of function of proteins associated with primary cilia. Previously, we characterized an autosomal recessive phenotype of cystic kidney disease in the Lewis Polycystic Kidney (LPK) rat. Results In this study, quantitative trait locus analysis was used to define a ~1.6Mbp region on rat chromosome 10q25 harbouring the lpk mutation. Targeted genome capture and next-generation sequencing of this region identified a non-synonymous mutation R650C in the NIMA (never in mitosis gene a)- related kinase 8 ( Nek8) gene. This is a novel Nek8 mutation that occurs within the regulator of chromosome condensation 1 (RCC1)-like region of the protein. Specifically, the R650C substitution is located within a G[QRC]LG repeat motif of the predicted seven bladed beta-propeller structure of the RCC1 domain. The rat Nek8 gene is located in a region syntenic to portions of human chromosome 17 and mouse 11. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed abnormally long cilia on LPK kidney epithelial cells, and fluorescence immunohistochemistry for Nek8 protein revealed altered cilia localisation. Conclusions When assessed relative to other Nek8 NPHP mutations, our results indicate the whole propeller structure of the RCC1 domain is important, as the different mutations cause comparable phenotypes. This study establishes the LPK rat as a novel model system for NPHP and further consolidates the link between cystic kidney disease and cilia proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- John K McCooke
- Centre for Comparative Genomics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia
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Protein kinases of the Hippo pathway: regulation and substrates. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2012; 23:770-84. [PMID: 22898666 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2012.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2012] [Accepted: 07/31/2012] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The "Hippo" signaling pathway has emerged as a major regulator of cell proliferation and survival in metazoans. The pathway, as delineated by genetic and biochemical studies in Drosophila, consists of a kinase cascade regulated by cell-cell contact and cell polarity that inhibits the transcriptional coactivator Yorkie and its proliferative, anti-differentiation, antiapoptotic transcriptional program. The core pathway components are the GC kinase Hippo, which phosphorylates the noncatalytic polypeptide Mats/Mob1 and, with the assistance of the scaffold protein Salvador, phosphorylates the ndr-family kinase Lats. In turn phospho-Lats, after binding to phospho-Mats, autoactivates and phosphorylates Yorkie, resulting in its nuclear exit. Hippo also uses the scaffold protein Furry and a different Mob protein to control another ndr-like kinase, the morphogenetic regulator Tricornered. Architecturally homologous kinase cascades consisting of a GC kinase, a Mob protein, a scaffolding polypeptide and an ndr-like kinase are well described in yeast; in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, e.g., the MEN pathway promotes mitotic exit whereas the RAM network, using a different GC kinase, Mob protein, scaffold and ndr-like kinase, regulates cell polarity and morphogenesis. In mammals, the Hippo orthologs Mst1 and Mst2 utilize the Salvador ortholog WW45/Sav1 and other scaffolds to regulate the kinases Lats1/Lats2 and ndr1/ndr2. As in Drosophila, murine Mst1/Mst2, in a redundant manner, negatively regulate the Yorkie ortholog YAP in the epithelial cells of the liver and gut; loss of both Mst1 and Mst2 results in hyperproliferation and tumorigenesis that can be largely negated by reduction or elimination of YAP. Despite this conservation, considerable diversification in pathway composition and regulation is already evident; in skin, e.g., YAP phosphorylation is independent of Mst1Mst2 and Lats1Lats2. Moreover, in lymphoid cells, Mst1/Mst2, under the control of the Rap1 GTPase and independent of YAP, promotes integrin clustering, actin remodeling and motility while restraining the proliferation of naïve T cells. This review will summarize current knowledge of the structure and regulation of the kinases Hippo/Mst1&2, their noncatalytic binding partners, Salvador and the Rassf polypeptides, and their major substrates Warts/Lats1&2, Trc/ndr1&2, Mats/Mob1 and FOXO.
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