1
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Gui Y, Fu H, Palanza Z, Tao J, Lin YH, Min W, Qiao Y, Bonin C, Hargis G, Wang Y, Yang P, Kreutzer DL, Wang Y, Liu Y, Yu Y, Liu Y, Zhou D. Fibroblast expression of transmembrane protein smoothened governs microenvironment characteristics after acute kidney injury. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e165836. [PMID: 38713523 PMCID: PMC11213467 DOI: 10.1172/jci165836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The smoothened (Smo) receptor facilitates hedgehog signaling between kidney fibroblasts and tubules during acute kidney injury (AKI). Tubule-derived hedgehog is protective in AKI, but the role of fibroblast-selective Smo is unclear. Here, we report that Smo-specific ablation in fibroblasts reduced tubular cell apoptosis and inflammation, enhanced perivascular mesenchymal cell activities, and preserved kidney function after AKI. Global proteomics of these kidneys identified extracellular matrix proteins, and nidogen-1 glycoprotein in particular, as key response markers to AKI. Intriguingly, Smo was bound to nidogen-1 in cells, suggesting that loss of Smo could affect nidogen-1 accessibility. Phosphoproteomics revealed that the 'AKI protector' Wnt signaling pathway was activated in these kidneys. Mechanistically, nidogen-1 interacted with integrin β1 to induce Wnt in tubules to mitigate AKI. Altogether, our results support that fibroblast-selective Smo dictates AKI fate through cell-matrix interactions, including nidogen-1, and offers a robust resource and path to further dissect AKI pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Gui
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Haiyan Fu
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Zachary Palanza
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jianling Tao
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Yi-Han Lin
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Wenjian Min
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | | | - Christopher Bonin
- University of Connecticut, School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Geneva Hargis
- University of Connecticut, School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Peng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | | | - Yanlin Wang
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Yansheng Liu
- Yale Cancer Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Yanbao Yu
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Youhua Liu
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Dong Zhou
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
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2
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Zhang J, Liu Y, Wang C, Vander Kooi CW, Jia J. Phosphatidic acid binding to Patched contributes to the inhibition of Smoothened and Hedgehog signaling in Drosophila wing development. Sci Signal 2023; 16:eadd6834. [PMID: 37847757 PMCID: PMC10661859 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.add6834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) signaling controls growth and patterning during embryonic development and homeostasis in adult tissues. Hh binding to the receptor Patched (Ptc) elicits intracellular signaling by relieving Ptc-mediated inhibition of the transmembrane protein Smoothened (Smo). We uncovered a role for the lipid phosphatidic acid (PA) in the regulation of the Hh pathway in Drosophila melanogaster. Deleting the Ptc C-terminal tail or mutating the predicted PA-binding sites within it prevented Ptc from inhibiting Smo in wing discs and in cultured cells. The C-terminal tail of Ptc directly interacted with PA in vitro, an association that was reduced by Hh, and increased the amount of PA at the plasma membrane in cultured cells. Smo also interacted with PA in vitro through a binding pocket located in the transmembrane region, and mutating residues in this pocket reduced Smo activity in vivo and in cells. By genetically manipulating PA amounts in vivo or treating cultured cells with PA, we demonstrated that PA promoted Smo activation. Our findings suggest that Ptc may sequester PA in the absence of Hh and release it in the presence of Hh, thereby increasing the amount of PA that is locally available to promote Smo activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhang
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Yajuan Liu
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Chi Wang
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Craig W. Vander Kooi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Jianhang Jia
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
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3
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Li Y, Wang H, Sun B, Su G, Cang Y, Zhao L, Zhao S, Li Y, Mao B, Ma P. Smurf1 and Smurf2 mediated polyubiquitination and degradation of RNF220 suppresses Shh-group medulloblastoma. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:494. [PMID: 37537194 PMCID: PMC10400574 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06025-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Sonic hedgehog (Shh)-group medulloblastoma (MB) (Shh-MB) encompasses a clinically and molecularly distinct group of cancers originating from the developing nervous system with aberrant high Shh signaling as a causative driver. We recently reported that RNF220 is required for sustained high Shh signaling during Shh-MB progression; however, how high RNF220 expression is achieved in Shh-MB is still unclear. In this study, we found that the ubiquitin E3 ligases Smurf1 and Smurf2 interact with RNF220, and target it for polyubiquitination and degradation. In MB cells, knockdown or overexpression of Smurf1 or Smurf2 promotes or inhibits cell proliferation, colony formation and xenograft growth, respectively, by controlling RNF220 protein levels, and thus modulating Shh signaling. Furthermore, in clinical human MB samples, the protein levels of Smurf1 or Smurf2 were negatively correlated with those of RNF220 or GAB1, a Shh-MB marker. Overall, this study highlights the importance of the Smurf1- and Smurf2-RNF220 axes during the pathogenesis of Shh-MB and provides new therapeutic targets for Shh-MB treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650203, China
| | - Huishan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Bin Sun
- Laboratory of Animal Tumour Models, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Guifeng Su
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry for Natural Resource, School of Pharmacy, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China
| | - Yu Cang
- Department of Urology, the Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, Kunming, 650021, China
| | - Ling Zhao
- Animal Center of Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Shuhua Zhao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650032, China
| | - Yan Li
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry for Natural Resource, School of Pharmacy, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China.
| | - Bingyu Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China.
- Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese of Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China.
| | - Pengcheng Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China.
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4
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Qiu Z, Lin Z, Hu A, Liu Y, Zeng W, Zhao X, Shi X, Luo J, Song B. GRAMD1/ASTER-mediated cholesterol transport promotes Smoothened cholesterylation at the endoplasmic reticulum. EMBO J 2023; 42:e111513. [PMID: 36524353 PMCID: PMC9890235 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2022111513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in embryonic development. Hh binding to Patched1 (PTCH1) derepresses Smoothened (SMO), thereby activating the downstream signal transduction. Covalent SMO modification by cholesterol in its cysteine-rich domain (CRD) is essential for SMO function. SMO cholesterylation is a calcium-accelerated autoprocessing reaction, and STIM1-ORAI1-mediated store-operated calcium entry promotes cholesterylation and activation of endosome-localized SMO. However, it is unknown whether the Hh-PTCH1 interplay regulates the activity of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-localized SMO. Here, we found that PTCH1 inhibited the COPII-dependent export of SMO from the ER, whereas Hh promoted this process. The RRxWxR amino acid motif in the cytosolic tail of SMO was essential for COPII recognition, ciliary localization, and signal transduction activity. Hh and PTCH1 regulated cholesterol modification of the ER-localized SMO, and SMO cholesterylation accelerated its exit from ER. The GRAMD1/ASTER sterol transport proteins facilitated cholesterol transfer to ER from PM, resulting in increased SMO cholesterylation and enhanced Hh signaling. Collectively, we reveal a regulatory role of GRAMD-mediated cholesterol transport in ER-resident SMO maturation and Hh signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi‐Ping Qiu
- College of Life Sciences, Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Taikang Medical School, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell HomeostasisWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Zi‐Cun Lin
- College of Life Sciences, Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Taikang Medical School, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell HomeostasisWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Ao Hu
- College of Life Sciences, Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Taikang Medical School, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell HomeostasisWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Yuan‐Bin Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Taikang Medical School, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell HomeostasisWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Wan‐Er Zeng
- College of Life Sciences, Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Taikang Medical School, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell HomeostasisWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Xiaolu Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Taikang Medical School, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell HomeostasisWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Xiong‐Jie Shi
- College of Life Sciences, Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Taikang Medical School, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell HomeostasisWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Jie Luo
- College of Life Sciences, Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Taikang Medical School, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell HomeostasisWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Bao‐Liang Song
- College of Life Sciences, Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Taikang Medical School, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell HomeostasisWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
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5
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Jiang J. Hedgehog signaling mechanism and role in cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 85:107-122. [PMID: 33836254 PMCID: PMC8492792 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cell-cell communication through evolutionarily conserved signaling pathways governs embryonic development and adult tissue homeostasis. Deregulation of these signaling pathways has been implicated in a wide range of human diseases including cancer. One such pathway is the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway, which was originally discovered in Drosophila and later found to play a fundamental role in human development and diseases. Abnormal Hh pathway activation is a major driver of basal cell carcinomas (BCC) and medulloblastoma. Hh exerts it biological influence through a largely conserved signal transduction pathway from the activation of the GPCR family transmembrane protein Smoothened (Smo) to the conversion of latent Zn-finger transcription factors Gli/Ci proteins from their repressor (GliR/CiR) to activator (GliA/CiA) forms. Studies from model organisms and human patients have provided deep insight into the Hh signal transduction mechanisms, revealed roles of Hh signaling in a wide range of human cancers, and suggested multiple strategies for targeting this pathway in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Jiang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
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6
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Gonçalves Antunes M, Sanial M, Contremoulins V, Carvalho S, Plessis A, Becam I. High hedgehog signaling is transduced by a multikinase-dependent switch controlling the apico-basal distribution of the GPCR smoothened. eLife 2022; 11:79843. [PMID: 36083801 PMCID: PMC9462849 DOI: 10.7554/elife.79843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The oncogenic G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) Smoothened (SMO) is a key transducer of the hedgehog (HH) morphogen, which plays an essential role in the patterning of epithelial structures. Here, we examine how HH controls SMO subcellular localization and activity in a polarized epithelium using the Drosophila wing imaginal disc as a model. We provide evidence that HH promotes the stabilization of SMO by switching its fate after endocytosis toward recycling. This effect involves the sequential and additive action of protein kinase A, casein kinase I, and the Fused (FU) kinase. Moreover, in the presence of very high levels of HH, the second effect of FU leads to the local enrichment of SMO in the most basal domain of the cell membrane. Together, these results link the morphogenetic effects of HH to the apico-basal distribution of SMO and provide a novel mechanism for the regulation of a GPCR.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Anne Plessis
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod
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7
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Kaushal JB, Batra SK, Rachagani S. Hedgehog signaling and its molecular perspective with cholesterol: a comprehensive review. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:266. [PMID: 35486193 PMCID: PMC9990174 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04233-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is evolutionarily conserved and plays an instructional role in embryonic morphogenesis, organogenesis in various animals, and the central nervous system organization. Multiple feedback mechanisms dynamically regulate this pathway in a spatiotemporal and context-dependent manner to confer differential patterns in cell fate determination. Hh signaling is complex due to canonical and non-canonical mechanisms coordinating cell-cell communication. In addition, studies have demonstrated a regulatory framework of Hh signaling and shown that cholesterol is vital for Hh ligand biogenesis, signal generation, and transduction from the cell surface to intracellular space. Studies have shown the importance of a specific cholesterol pool, termed accessible cholesterol, which serves as a second messenger, conveying signals between smoothened (Smo) and patched 1 (Ptch1) across the plasma and ciliary membranes. Remarkably, recent high-resolution structural and molecular studies shed new light on the interplay between Hh signaling and cholesterol in membrane biology. These studies elucidated novel mechanistic insight into the release and dispersal of cholesterol-anchored Hh and the basis of Hh recognition by Ptch1. Additionally, the putative model of Smo activation by cholesterol binding and/or modification and Ptch1 antagonization of Smo has been explicated. However, the coupling mechanism of Hh signaling and cholesterol offered a new regulatory principle in cell biology: how effector molecules of the Hh signal network react to and remodel cholesterol accessibility in the membrane and selectively activate Hh signaling proteins thereof. Recognizing the biological importance of cholesterol in Hh signaling activation and transduction opens the door for translational research to develop novel therapeutic strategies. This review looks in-depth at canonical and non-canonical Hh signaling and the distinct proposed model of cholesterol-mediated regulation of Hh signaling components, facilitating a more sophisticated understanding of the Hh signal network and cholesterol biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyoti B Kaushal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA.
- Fred and Pamela Buffet Cancer Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA.
| | - Satyanarayana Rachagani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA.
- Fred and Pamela Buffet Cancer Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA.
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8
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Jia J, Jiang J. Regulation of Smoothened Trafficking and Abundance in Hedgehog Signaling. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:847844. [PMID: 35321245 PMCID: PMC8936432 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.847844] [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: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The GPCR-family protein Smoothened (Smo) is essential for Hedgehog (Hh) signal transduction in both insects and vertebrates. The regulation of subcellular localization and abundance of Smo is a critical step in Hh signaling. Recent studies have demonstrated that Smo is subjected to ubiquitination mediated by multiple E3 ubiquitin ligases, leading to Smo endocytosis and subsequent degradation through the proteasome- and lysosome-mediated pathways in Drosophila. Ubiquitination of Smo also promotes its ciliary exit in mammalian cells. Hh inhibits Smo ubiquitination by blocking E3 ligase recruitment and promoting Smo deubiquitination through the ubiquitin-specific protease 8 (USP8) in Drosophila. Inhibition of Smo ubiquitination by Hh promotes Smo cell surface accumulation in Drosophila and ciliary accumulation in mammalian cells. Interestingly, Hh also induces sumoylation of Smo in both Drosophila and mammalian cells, which promotes Smo cell surface/ciliary accumulation. This review focuses on how ubiquitination and sumoylation regulate Smo intracellular trafficking and abundance and how these processes are regulated by Hh.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhang Jia
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Jin Jiang
- Department of Molecular Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
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9
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Abstract
The Hedgehog (Hh) family of secreted proteins governs embryonic development and adult tissue homeostasis by regulating the abundance, localization, and activity of the GPCR family protein Smoothened (Smo). Smo trafficking and subcellular accumulation are controlled by multiple posttranslational modifications (PTMs) including phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and sumoylation, which appears to be conserved from Drosophila to mammals. Smo ubiquitination is dynamically regulated by E3 ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinases (dubs) and is opposed by Hh signaling. By contrast, Smo sumoylation is stimulated by Hh, which counteracts Smo ubiquitination by recruiting the dub USP8. We describe cell-base assays for Smo ubiquitination and its regulation by Hh and the E3 ligases in Drosophila. We also describe assays for Smo sumoylation in both Drosophila and mammalian cultured cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhong Han
- Department of Molecular Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jin Jiang
- Department of Molecular Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA.
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10
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Zhang Q, Jiang J. Regulation of Hedgehog Signal Transduction by Ubiquitination and Deubiquitination. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413338. [PMID: 34948134 PMCID: PMC8703657 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog (Hh) family of secreted proteins governs embryonic development and adult tissue homeostasis in species ranging from insects to mammals. Deregulation of Hh pathway activity has been implicated in a wide range of human disorders, including congenital diseases and cancer. Hh exerts its biological influence through a conserved signaling pathway. Binding of Hh to its receptor Patched (Ptc), a twelve-span transmembrane protein, leads to activation of an atypical GPCR family protein and Hh signal transducer Smoothened (Smo), which then signals downstream to activate the latent Cubitus interruptus (Ci)/Gli family of transcription factors. Hh signal transduction is regulated by ubiquitination and deubiquitination at multiple steps along the pathway including regulation of Ptc, Smo and Ci/Gli proteins. Here we review the effect of ubiquitination and deubiquitination on the function of individual Hh pathway components, the E3 ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinases involved, how ubiquitination and deubiquitination are regulated, and whether the underlying mechanisms are conserved from Drosophila to mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Model Animal Research Center, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210061, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animals for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210061, China
- Correspondence: (Q.Z.); (J.J.)
| | - Jin Jiang
- Department of Molecular Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Correspondence: (Q.Z.); (J.J.)
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11
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Liu M, Su Y, Peng J, Zhu AJ. Protein modifications in Hedgehog signaling: Cross talk and feedback regulation confer divergent Hedgehog signaling activity. Bioessays 2021; 43:e2100153. [PMID: 34738654 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202100153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The complexity of the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling cascade has increased over the course of evolution; however, it does not suffice to accommodate the dynamic yet robust requirements of differential Hh signaling activity needed for embryonic development and adult homeostatic maintenance. One solution to solve this dilemma is to apply multiple forms of post-translational modifications (PTMs) to the core Hh signaling components, modulating their abundance, localization, and signaling activity. This review summarizes various forms of protein modifications utilized to regulate Hh signaling, with a special emphasis on crosstalk between different forms of PTMs and their feedback regulation by Hh signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Su
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Jingyu Peng
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Alan Jian Zhu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
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12
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Qiu ZP, Hu A, Song BL. The 3-beta-hydroxysteroid-Delta(8), Delta(7)-isomerase EBP inhibits cholesterylation of Smoothened. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2021; 1866:159041. [PMID: 34450268 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2021.159041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) pathway plays a central role in vertebrate embryonic development and carcinogenesis. The G-protein coupled receptor-like protein Smoothened (SMO) is one of the major members in Hh pathway. Covalent modification of cholesterol on the 95th asparagine (D95) of human SMO, which is regulated by Hh and PTCH1, is critical for SMO activation. However, it is not known whether SMO cholesterylation is regulated by other proteins. In this study, we identified Emopamil binding protein (EBP, also known as 3-beta-hydroxysteroid-Delta(8),Delta(7)-isomerase) as a SMO-interacting protein. Overexpression of EBP suppressed SMO cholesterylation and Hh pathway activity, whereas genetic disruption of EBP enhanced SMO cholesterylation and the downstream signaling. EBP-mediated inhibition of SMO cholesterylation was independent of its isomerase activity, but dependent on the C-terminus of EBP that was required for SMO binding. The X-linked dominant chondrodysplasia punctate 2 (CDPX2)-associated EBP mutants inhibited SMO cholesterylation too. Together, this study shows that EBP modulates SMO cholesterylation through direct binding and suggests a possible mechanism of CDPX2 pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Ping Qiu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ao Hu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Bao-Liang Song
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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13
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Mechanisms of Smoothened Regulation in Hedgehog Signaling. Cells 2021; 10:cells10082138. [PMID: 34440907 PMCID: PMC8391454 DOI: 10.3390/cells10082138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The seven-transmembrane protein, Smoothened (SMO), has shown to be critical for the hedgehog (HH) signal transduction on the cell membrane (and the cilium in vertebrates). SMO is subjected to multiple types of post-translational regulations, including phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and sumoylation, which alter SMO intracellular trafficking and cell surface accumulation. Recently, SMO is also shown to be regulated by small molecules, such as oxysterol, cholesterol, and phospholipid. The activity of SMO must be very well balanced by these different mechanisms in vivo because the malfunction of SMO will not only cause developmental defects in early stages, but also induce cancers in late stages. Here, we discuss the activation and inactivation of SMO by different mechanisms to better understand how SMO is regulated by the graded HH signaling activity that eventually governs distinct development outcomes.
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14
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Lv B, Stuck MW, Desai PB, Cabrera OA, Pazour GJ. E3 ubiquitin ligase Wwp1 regulates ciliary dynamics of the Hedgehog receptor Smoothened. J Cell Biol 2021; 220:212435. [PMID: 34161574 PMCID: PMC8236919 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202010177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog pathway, critical to vertebrate development, is organized in primary cilia. Activation of signaling causes the Hedgehog receptor Ptch1 to exit cilia, allowing a second receptor, Smo, to accumulate in cilia and activate the downstream steps of the pathway. Mechanisms regulating the dynamics of these receptors are unknown, but the ubiquitination of Smo regulates its interaction with the intraflagellar transport system to control ciliary levels. A focused screen of ubiquitin-related genes identified nine required for maintaining low ciliary Smo at the basal state. These included cytoplasmic E3s (Arih2, Mgrn1, and Maea), a ciliary localized E3 (Wwp1), a ciliary localized E2 (Ube2l3), a deubiquitinase (Bap1), and three adaptors (Kctd5, Skp1a, and Skp2). The ciliary E3, Wwp1, binds Ptch1 and localizes to cilia at the basal state. Activation of signaling removes both Ptch1 and Wwp1 from cilia, thus providing an elegant mechanism for Ptch1 to regulate ciliary Smo levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Lv
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA
| | - Michael W Stuck
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA
| | - Paurav B Desai
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA
| | - Oscar A Cabrera
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA
| | - Gregory J Pazour
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA
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15
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Glia-derived temporal signals orchestrate neurogenesis in the Drosophila mushroom body. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2020098118. [PMID: 34078666 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2020098118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrinsic mechanisms such as temporal series of transcription factors orchestrate neurogenesis from a limited number of neural progenitors in the brain. Extrinsic regulations, however, remain largely unexplored. Here we describe a two-step glia-derived signal that regulates neurogenesis in the Drosophila mushroom body (MB). In a temporal manner, glial-specific ubiquitin ligase dSmurf activates non-cell-autonomous Hedgehog signaling propagation by targeting the receptor Patched to suppress and promote the exit of MB neuroblast (NB) proliferation, thereby specifying the correct α/β cell number without affecting differentiation. Independent of NB proliferation, dSmurf also stabilizes the expression of the cell-adhesion molecule Fasciclin II (FasII) via its WW domains and regulates FasII homophilic interaction between glia and MB axons to refine α/β-lobe integrity. Our findings provide insights into how extrinsic glia-to-neuron communication coordinates with NB proliferation capacity to regulate MB neurogenesis; glial proteostasis is likely a generalized mechanism in orchestrating neurogenesis.
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16
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Chapouly C, Hollier PL, Guimbal S, Cornuault L, Gadeau AP, Renault MA. Desert Hedgehog-Driven Endothelium Integrity Is Enhanced by Gas1 (Growth Arrest-Specific 1) but Negatively Regulated by Cdon (Cell Adhesion Molecule-Related/Downregulated by Oncogenes). Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2020; 40:e336-e349. [PMID: 33028094 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.120.314441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Evidences accumulated within the past decades identified hedgehog signaling as a new regulator of endothelium integrity. More specifically, we recently identified Dhh (desert hedgehog) as a downstream effector of Klf2 (Kruppel-like factor 2) in endothelial cells (ECs). The purpose of this study is to investigate whether hedgehog coreceptors Gas1 (growth arrest-specific 1) and Cdon (cell adhesion molecule-related/downregulated by oncogenes) may be used as therapeutic targets to modulate Dhh signaling in ECs. Approach and Results: We demonstrated that both Gas1 and Cdon are expressed in adult ECs and relied on either siRNAs- or EC-specific conditional knockout mice to investigate their role. We found that Gas1 deficiency mainly phenocopies Dhh deficiency especially by inducing VCAM-1 (vascular cell adhesion molecule 1) and ICAM-1 (intercellular adhesion molecule 1) overexpression while Cdon deficiency has opposite effects by promoting endothelial junction integrity. At a molecular level, Cdon prevents Dhh binding to Ptch1 (patched-1) and thus acts as a decoy receptor for Dhh, while Gas1 promotes Dhh binding to Smo (smoothened) and as a result potentiates Dhh effects. Since Cdon is upregulated in ECs treated by inflammatory cytokines, including TNF (tumor necrosis factor)-α and Il (interleukin)-1β, we then tested whether Cdon inhibition would promote endothelium integrity in acute inflammatory conditions and found that both fibrinogen and IgG extravasation were decreased in association with an increased Cdh5 (cadherin-5) expression in the brain cortex of EC-specific Cdon knockout mice administered locally with Il-1β. CONCLUSIONS Altogether, these results demonstrate that Gas1 is a positive regulator of Dhh in ECs while Cdon is a negative regulator. Interestingly, Cdon blocking molecules may then be used to promote endothelium integrity, at least in inflammatory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candice Chapouly
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm, Biology of Cardiovascular Diseases, U1034, F-33604 Pessac, France
| | - Pierre-Louis Hollier
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm, Biology of Cardiovascular Diseases, U1034, F-33604 Pessac, France
| | - Sarah Guimbal
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm, Biology of Cardiovascular Diseases, U1034, F-33604 Pessac, France
| | - Lauriane Cornuault
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm, Biology of Cardiovascular Diseases, U1034, F-33604 Pessac, France
| | - Alain-Pierre Gadeau
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm, Biology of Cardiovascular Diseases, U1034, F-33604 Pessac, France
| | - Marie-Ange Renault
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm, Biology of Cardiovascular Diseases, U1034, F-33604 Pessac, France
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17
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Vriend J, Rastegar M. Ubiquitin ligases and medulloblastoma: genetic markers of the four consensus subgroups identified through transcriptome datasets. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2020; 1866:165839. [PMID: 32445667 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2020.165839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The ubiquitin proteasome system regulates key cellular processes in normal and in cancer cells. Herein, we review published data on the role of ubiquitin ligases in the four major subgroups of medulloblastoma (MB). While conventional literature serves as an initial source of information on cellular pathways in MB, large publicly available datasets of gene expression can be used to add information not previously identified in the literature. By analysing the publicly available Cavalli dataset, we show that increased expression of ZNRF3 characterizes the WNT subgroup of MB. The ZNRF3 gene codes for an E3 ligase associated with WNT receptors. Loss of a copy of chromosome 6 in a subtype of the WNT group was associated with decreased expression of the gene encoding the E3 ligase RNF146. While the E3 ligase SMURF regulates SHH receptors, increased expression of the gene encoding the Cullin Ring E3 adaptor PPP2R2C was statistically a better genetic marker of the SHH group. Genes whose expression was statistically strongly related to Group 3 included the E3 ligase gene TRIM58, and the gene for the E3 ligase adaptor, PPP2R2B. Group 4 MB was associated with expression of genes encoding several E3 ligases and E3 ligase adaptors involved in ribosome biogenesis. Increased expression of the genes encoding the E3 ligase adaptors and transcription repressors ZBTB18 and ZBTB38 were also noted in subgroup 4. These data suggest that several E3 ligases and their adaptors should be investigated as therapeutic targets for subgroup specific MB brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerry Vriend
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
| | - Mojgan Rastegar
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics and Regenerative Medicine Program, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0J9, Canada
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18
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DUBs Activating the Hedgehog Signaling Pathway: A Promising Therapeutic Target in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12061518. [PMID: 32531973 PMCID: PMC7352588 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog (HH) pathway governs cell proliferation and patterning during embryonic development and is involved in regeneration, homeostasis and stem cell maintenance in adult tissues. The activity of this signaling is finely modulated at multiple levels and its dysregulation contributes to the onset of several human cancers. Ubiquitylation is a coordinated post-translational modification that controls a wide range of cellular functions and signaling transduction pathways. It is mediated by a sequential enzymatic network, in which ubiquitin ligases (E3) and deubiquitylase (DUBs) proteins are the main actors. The dynamic balance of the activity of these enzymes dictates the abundance and the fate of cellular proteins, thus affecting both physiological and pathological processes. Several E3 ligases regulating the stability and activity of the key components of the HH pathway have been identified. Further, DUBs have emerged as novel players in HH signaling transduction, resulting as attractive and promising drug targets. Here, we review the HH-associated DUBs, discussing the consequences of deubiquitylation on the maintenance of the HH pathway activity and its implication in tumorigenesis. We also report the recent progress in the development of selective inhibitors for the DUBs here reviewed, with potential applications for the treatment of HH-related tumors.
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19
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Li Y, Sun X, Gao D, Ding Y, Liu J, Chen J, Luo J, Zhang J, Liu Q, Zhou Z. Dual functions of Rack1 in regulating Hedgehog pathway. Cell Death Differ 2020; 27:3082-3096. [PMID: 32467643 PMCID: PMC7560836 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-020-0563-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2019] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) pathway plays multiple roles in many physiological processes and its dysregulation leads to congenital disorders and cancers. Hh regulates the cellular localization of Smoothened (Smo) and the stability of Cubitus interruptus (Ci) to fine-tune the signal outputs. However, the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. Here, we show that the scaffold protein Rack1 plays dual roles in Hh signaling. In the absence of Hh, Rack1 promotes Ci and Cos2 to form a Ci–Rack1–Cos2 complex, culminating in Slimb-mediated Ci proteolysis. In the presence of Hh, Rack1 dissociates from Ci–Rack1–Cos2 complex and forms a trimeric complex with Smo and Usp8, leading to Smo deubiquitination and cell surface accumulation. Furthermore, we find the regulation of Rack1 on Hh pathway is conserved from Drosophila to mammalian cells. Our findings demonstrate that Rack1 plays dual roles during Hh signal transduction and provide Rack1 as a potential drug target for Hh-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, 271018, Tai'an, China
| | - Xiaohan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, 271018, Tai'an, China
| | - Dongqing Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, 271018, Tai'an, China
| | - Yan Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, 271018, Tai'an, China
| | - Jinxiao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, 271018, Tai'an, China
| | - Jiong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animals for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center, Nanjing University, 210061, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animals for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center, Nanjing University, 210061, Nanjing, China
| | - Junzheng Zhang
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, 100094, Beijing, China
| | - Qingxin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, 271018, Tai'an, China.
| | - Zizhang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, 271018, Tai'an, China.
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20
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Qi X, Li X. Mechanistic Insights into the Generation and Transduction of Hedgehog Signaling. Trends Biochem Sci 2020; 45:397-410. [PMID: 32311334 PMCID: PMC7174405 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2020.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 01/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Cell differentiation and proliferation require Hedgehog (HH) signaling and aberrant HH signaling causes birth defects or cancers. In this signaling pathway, the N-terminally palmitoylated and C-terminally cholesterylated HH ligand is secreted into the extracellular space with help of the Dispatched-1 (DISP1) and Scube2 proteins. The Patched-1 (PTCH1) protein releases its inhibition of the oncoprotein Smoothened (SMO) after binding the HH ligand, triggering downstream signaling events. In this review, we discuss the recent structural and biochemical studies on four major components of the HH pathway: the HH ligand, DISP1, PTCH1, and SMO. This research provides mechanistic insights into how HH signaling is generated and transduced from the cell surface into the intercellular space and will aid in facilitating the treatment of HH-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Qi
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
| | - Xiaochun Li
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
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21
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Zhao G, Li H, Guo Q, Zhou A, Wang X, Li P, Zhang S. Exosomal Sonic Hedgehog derived from cancer-associated fibroblasts promotes proliferation and migration of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer Med 2020; 9:2500-2513. [PMID: 32030915 PMCID: PMC7131837 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.2873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most common and aggressive malignancies in China. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) can actively communicate with and stimulate tumor cells, thereby contributing to the development and progression of tumors. Yet, whether CAFs-derived exosomes have a role in the progression of ESCC is largely unknown. Here, we find that Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) is highly expressed in CAFs lysis solution, conditioned medium of cultured CAFs (CAF-CM) and CAFs-derived exosomes, and esophageal cancer cell lines educated by CAF-CM and CAFs-derived exosomes can improve their growth and migration abilities in vitro and in vivo. Besides, those effects can be partly neutralized by cyclopamine, inhibitor of the Hedgehog signaling pathway. Thus, our research elucidates the crucial role of CAFs-derived exosomes in the growth and progression of ESCC, and may open up new avenues in the treatment of ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guiping Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Disease, Beijing Digestive Disease Center, Beijing Key Laboratory for Precancerous Lesion of Digestive Disease, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Hengcun Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Disease, Beijing Digestive Disease Center, Beijing Key Laboratory for Precancerous Lesion of Digestive Disease, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Qingdong Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Disease, Beijing Digestive Disease Center, Beijing Key Laboratory for Precancerous Lesion of Digestive Disease, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Anni Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Disease, Beijing Digestive Disease Center, Beijing Key Laboratory for Precancerous Lesion of Digestive Disease, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Xingyu Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Disease, Beijing Digestive Disease Center, Beijing Key Laboratory for Precancerous Lesion of Digestive Disease, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Peng Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Disease, Beijing Digestive Disease Center, Beijing Key Laboratory for Precancerous Lesion of Digestive Disease, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Shutian Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Disease, Beijing Digestive Disease Center, Beijing Key Laboratory for Precancerous Lesion of Digestive Disease, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P. R. China
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22
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Secreted tyrosine kinase Vlk negatively regulates Hedgehog signaling by inducing lysosomal degradation of Smoothened. Biochem J 2020; 477:121-136. [PMID: 31845979 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20190784] [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: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Vlk is a secreted tyrosine kinase that plays crucial roles during vertebrate embryonic development including skeletal formation. Genetic studies suggest that Vlk can modulate the Hedgehog signaling pathway during skeletal development. Despite its potential roles as an extracellular regulator of signaling pathways, little is known regarding the molecular functions of Vlk. Here we show that Vlk can negatively regulate the Hedgehog signaling pathway. We found that Vlk can induce lysosomal degradation of Smoothened, a crucial transmembrane signal transducer of the Hedgehog pathway, through the interaction with the extracellular domain of Smoothened (Smo-ECD). In addition, we observed that Vlk can attenuate Hedgehog signaling-induced ciliary localization of Smoothened. Furthermore, Vlk-mediated suppression of Hedgehog signaling can be diminished by tyrosine-to-phenylalanine substitutions in Smo-ECD. Taken together, these results suggest that Vlk may function as a signaling regulator in extracellular space to modulate the Hedgehog pathway.
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23
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PKAc-directed interaction and phosphorylation of Ptc is required for Hh signaling inhibition in Drosophila. Cell Discov 2019; 5:44. [PMID: 31636957 PMCID: PMC6796939 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-019-0112-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Ptc is a gatekeeper to avoid abnormal Hh signaling activation, but the key regulators involved in Ptc-mediated inhibition remain largely unknown. Here, we identify PKAc as a key regulator required for Ptc inhibitory function. In the absence of Hh, PKAc physically interacts with Ptc and phosphorylates Ptc at Ser-1150 and -1183 residues. The presence of Hh unleashes PKAc from Ptc and activates Hh signaling. By combining both in vitro and in vivo functional assays, we demonstrate that such Ptc–PKAc interaction and Ptc phosphorylation are both important for Ptc inhibitory function. Interestingly, we further demonstrate that PKAc is subjected to palmitoylation, contributing to its kinase activity on plasma membrane. Based on those novel findings, we establish a working model on Ptc inhibitory function: In the absence of Hh, PKAc interacts with and phosphorylates Ptc to ensure its inhibitory function; and Hh presence releases PKAc from Ptc, resulting in Hh signaling activation.
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24
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Huang Y, Fang J, Lu W, Wang Z, Wang Q, Hou Y, Jiang X, Reizes O, Lathia J, Nussinov R, Eng C, Cheng F. A Systems Pharmacology Approach Uncovers Wogonoside as an Angiogenesis Inhibitor of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer by Targeting Hedgehog Signaling. Cell Chem Biol 2019; 26:1143-1158.e6. [PMID: 31178408 PMCID: PMC6697584 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2019.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive and heterogeneous disease that lacks clinically actionable genetic alterations that limit targeted therapies. Here we explore a systems pharmacology approach that integrates drug-target networks and large-scale genomic profiles of TNBC and identify wogonoside, one of the major active flavonoids, as a potent angiogenesis inhibitor. We validate that wogonoside attenuates cell migration, tube formation, and rat aorta microvessel outgrowth, and reduces formation of blood vessels in chicken chorioallantoic membrane and TNBC cell-induced Matrigel plugs. In addition, wogonoside inhibits growth and angiogenesis in TNBC cell xenograft models. This network-based approach predicts, and we empirically validate, wogonoside's antiangiogenic effects resulting from vascular endothelial growth factor secretion. Mechanistically, wogonoside inhibits Gli1 nuclear translocation and transcriptional activities associated with Hedgehog signaling, by promoting Smoothened degradation in a proteasome-dependent mechanism. This study offers a powerful, integrated, systems pharmacology-based strategy for oncological drug discovery and identifies wogonoside as a potential TNBC angiogenesis inhibitor.
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MESH Headings
- Angiogenesis Inhibitors/chemistry
- Angiogenesis Inhibitors/isolation & purification
- Angiogenesis Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/chemistry
- Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/isolation & purification
- Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/pharmacology
- Biological Products/chemistry
- Biological Products/isolation & purification
- Biological Products/pharmacology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor
- Female
- Flavanones/chemistry
- Flavanones/isolation & purification
- Flavanones/pharmacology
- Glucosides/chemistry
- Glucosides/isolation & purification
- Glucosides/pharmacology
- Hedgehog Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors
- Hedgehog Proteins/metabolism
- Humans
- Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/drug therapy
- Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/metabolism
- Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/pathology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Nude
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/drug therapy
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/metabolism
- Neovascularization, Pathologic/pathology
- Scutellaria baicalensis/chemistry
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms/metabolism
- Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms/pathology
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Huang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Jiansong Fang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China; Genomic Medicine Institute, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
| | - Weiqiang Lu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China.
| | - Zihao Wang
- Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China
| | - Yuan Hou
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Xingwu Jiang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Ofer Reizes
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44915, USA
| | - Justin Lathia
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44915, USA
| | - Ruth Nussinov
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Charis Eng
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Feixiong Cheng
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
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25
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Hu A, Song BL. The interplay of Patched, Smoothened and cholesterol in Hedgehog signaling. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2019; 61:31-38. [PMID: 31369952 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2019.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 06/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The Hedgehog (HH) pathway plays a pivotal role in regulating a diverse array of events from embryonic tissue patterning to adult organ self-renewal. Aberrant activation of the pathway is linked to carcinogenesis. Key factors in the HH pathway include the signaling ligand HH, the receptor Patched (PTCH), and the G-protein-coupled receptor-like transducer Smoothened (SMO). A long-lasting question about this pathway is how PTCH prevents SMO from being activated. Recent high-resolution structural studies provide insight into the molecular basis of HH recognition by PTCH. Moreover, cholesterol stands out as the endogenous ligand of SMO and acts by binding and/or covalently linking to SMO. In this review, we discuss current advances in HH signaling, the interplay of PTCH, SMO and cholesterol, and propose putative models of SMO activation by cholesterol binding and/or modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ao Hu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Bao-Liang Song
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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26
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Sun X, Sun B, Cui M, Zhou Z. HERC4 exerts an anti-tumor role through destabilizing the oncoprotein Smo. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 513:1013-1018. [PMID: 31010679 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.04.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The GPCR-like transmembrane protein Smoothened (Smo) is an indispensable transducer in Hedgehog (Hh) pathway, its hyperactivation leads to several human cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The mechanism governing Smo stability still remains elusive. Here, we perform a modifier screening in Drosophila, and find that the E3 ligase dHerc4 degrades dSmo. Depletion of dherc4 increases dSmo protein and activates Hh pathway. In addition, we reveal that HERC4 is downregulated in NSCLC samples, negative correlating with Smo. HERC4 interacts with Smo reciprocally in NSCLC cells. Finally, we show that knockdown of herc4 activates Hh pathway and promotes NSCLC cell proliferation. Taken together, our studies have demonstrated that HERC4 acts as a tumor suppressor via destabilizing the oncoprotein Smo, and provided HERC4 as a promising therapeutic target for NSCLC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohan Sun
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong, China
| | - Bing Sun
- Department of Anorectum, Qianfo Mount Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Ji'nan, Shandong, China
| | - Meng Cui
- Department of Anorectum, Qianfo Mount Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Ji'nan, Shandong, China.
| | - Zizhang Zhou
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, Shandong, China.
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Montagnani V, Stecca B. Role of Protein Kinases in Hedgehog Pathway Control and Implications for Cancer Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11040449. [PMID: 30934935 PMCID: PMC6520855 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11040449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog (HH) signaling is an evolutionarily conserved pathway that is crucial for growth and tissue patterning during embryonic development. It is mostly quiescent in the adult, where it regulates tissue homeostasis and stem cell behavior. Aberrant reactivation of HH signaling has been associated to several types of cancer, including those in the skin, brain, prostate, breast and hematological malignancies. Activation of the canonical HH signaling is triggered by binding of HH ligand to the twelve-transmembrane protein PATCHED. The binding releases the inhibition of the seven-transmembrane protein SMOOTHENED (SMO), leading to its phosphorylation and activation. Hence, SMO activates the transcriptional effectors of the HH signaling, that belong to the GLI family of transcription factors, acting through a not completely elucidated intracellular signaling cascade. Work from the last few years has shown that protein kinases phosphorylate several core components of the HH signaling, including SMO and the three GLI proteins, acting as powerful regulatory mechanisms to fine tune HH signaling activities. In this review, we will focus on the mechanistic influence of protein kinases on HH signaling transduction. We will also discuss the functional consequences of this regulation and the possible implications for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Montagnani
- Core Research Laboratory⁻Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), 50139 Florence, Italy.
| | - Barbara Stecca
- Core Research Laboratory⁻Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), 50139 Florence, Italy.
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28
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Liu A. Proteostasis in the Hedgehog signaling pathway. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2018; 93:153-163. [PMID: 31429406 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2018.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Revised: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway is crucial for the development of vertebrate and invertebrate animals alike. Hh ligand binds its receptor Patched (Ptc), allowing the activation of the obligate signal transducer Smoothened (Smo). The levels and localizations of both Ptc and Smo are regulated by ubiquitination, and Smo is under additional regulation by phosphorylation and SUMOylation. Downstream of Smo, the Ci/Gli family of transcription factors regulates the transcriptional responses to Hh. Phosphorylation, ubiquitination and SUMOylation are important for the stability and localization of Ci/Gli proteins and Hh signaling output. Finally, Suppressor of Fused directly regulates Ci/Gli proteins and itself is under proteolytic regulation that is critical for normal Hh signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimin Liu
- Department of Biology, Eberly College of Science, Huck Institute of Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, United States.
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29
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Li S, Cho YS, Wang B, Li S, Jiang J. Regulation of Smoothened ubiquitylation and cell surface expression through a Cul4-DDB1-Gβ E3 ubiquitin ligase complex. J Cell Sci 2018; 131:jcs.218016. [PMID: 29930086 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.218016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) transduces signals by promoting cell surface accumulation and activation of the G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-family protein Smoothened (Smo) in Drosophila, but the molecular mechanism underlying the regulation of Smo trafficking remains poorly understood. Here, we identified the Cul4-DDB1 E3 ubiquitin ligase complex as being essential for Smo ubiquitylation and cell surface clearance. We found that the C-terminal intracellular domain of Smo recruits Cul4-DDB1 through the β subunit of trimeric G protein (Gβ), and that Cul4-DDB1-Gβ promotes the ubiquitylation of both Smo and its binding partner G-protein-coupled-receptor kinase 2 (Gprk2) and induces the internalization and degradation of Smo. Hh dissociates Cul4-DDB1 from Smo by recruiting the catalytic subunit of protein kinase A (PKA) to phosphorylate DDB1, which disrupts its interaction with Gβ. Inactivation of the Cul4-DDB1 complex resulted in elevated Smo cell surface expression, whereas an excessive amount of Cul4-DDB1 blocked Smo accumulation and attenuated Hh pathway activation. Taken together, our study identifies an E3 ubiquitin ligase complex targeting Smo for ubiquitylation and provides new insight into how Hh signaling regulates Smo trafficking and cell surface expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Li
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Yong Suk Cho
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Bing Wang
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Shuangxi Li
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Jin Jiang
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75390, USA .,Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
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30
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Abstract
The kinase GRK2 has been linked to the clinically important Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway, where it is paradoxically required for signal transduction yet also promotes internalization and degradation of the critical HH signal transducer Smoothened. Two reports by Li et al and Pusapati et al in this issue of Science Signaling provide new insights into the role of GRK2 in HH signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley J Sharpe
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK
| | - Frederic J de Sauvage
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA.
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