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Jee C, Batsaikhan E. JNK Signaling Positively Regulates Acute Ethanol Tolerance in C. elegans. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6398. [PMID: 38928105 PMCID: PMC11203441 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126398] [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: 05/12/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic neurobehavioral condition characterized by a cycle of tolerance development, increased consumption, and reinstated craving and seeking behaviors during withdrawal. Understanding the intricate mechanisms of AUD necessitates reliable animal models reflecting its key features. Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), with its conserved nervous system and genetic tractability, has emerged as a valuable model organism to study AUD. Here, we employ an ethanol vapor exposure model in Caenorhabditis elegans, recapitulating AUD features while maintaining high-throughput scalability. We demonstrate that ethanol vapor exposure induces intoxication-like behaviors, acute tolerance, and ethanol preference, akin to mammalian AUD traits. Leveraging this model, we elucidate the conserved role of c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling in mediating acute ethanol tolerance. Mutants lacking JNK signaling components exhibit impaired tolerance development, highlighting JNK's positive regulation. Furthermore, we detect ethanol-induced JNK activation in C. elegans. Our findings underscore the utility of C. elegans with ethanol vapor exposure for studying AUD and offer novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying acute ethanol tolerance through JNK signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changhoon Jee
- Department of Pharmacology, Addiction Science and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Tennesse Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA;
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2
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Nadel G, Yao Z, Hacohen-Lev-Ran A, Wainstein E, Maik-Rachline G, Ziv T, Naor Z, Admon A, Seger R. Phosphorylation of PP2Ac by PKC is a key regulatory step in the PP2A-switch-dependent AKT dephosphorylation that leads to apoptosis. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:154. [PMID: 38419089 PMCID: PMC10900696 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01536-7] [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: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although GqPCR activation often leads to cell survival by activating the PI3K/AKT pathway, it was previously shown that in several cell types AKT activity is reduced and leads to JNK activation and apoptosis. The mechanism of AKT inactivation in these cells involves an IGBP1-coupled PP2Ac switch that induces the dephosphorylation and inactivation of both PI3K and AKT. However, the machinery involved in the initiation of PP2A switch is not known. METHODS We used phospho-mass spectrometry to identify the phosphorylation site of PP2Ac, and raised specific antibodies to follow the regulation of this phosphorylation. Other phosphorylations were monitored by commercial antibodies. In addition, we used coimmunoprecipitation and proximity ligation assays to follow protein-protein interactions. Apoptosis was detected by a TUNEL assay as well as PARP1 cleavage using SDS-PAGE and Western blotting. RESULTS We identified Ser24 as a phosphorylation site in PP2Ac. The phosphorylation is mediated mainly by classical PKCs (PKCα and PKCβ) but not by novel PKCs (PKCδ and PKCε). By replacing the phosphorylated residue with either unphosphorylatable or phosphomimetic residues (S24A and S24E), we found that this phosphorylation event is necessary and sufficient to mediate the PP2A switch, which ultimately induces AKT inactivation, and a robust JNK-dependent apoptosis. CONCLUSION Our results show that the PP2A switch is induced by PKC-mediated phosphorylation of Ser24-PP2Ac and that this phosphorylation leads to apoptosis upon GqPCR induction of various cells. We propose that this mechanism may provide an unexpected way to treat some cancer types or problems in the endocrine machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guy Nadel
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, the Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Zhong Yao
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, the Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Avital Hacohen-Lev-Ran
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, the Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ehud Wainstein
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, the Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Galia Maik-Rachline
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, the Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Tamar Ziv
- Smoler Proteomic Center, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Zvi Naor
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Arie Admon
- Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Rony Seger
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, the Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
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3
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Cutolo EA, Caferri R, Campitiello R, Cutolo M. The Clinical Promise of Microalgae in Rheumatoid Arthritis: From Natural Compounds to Recombinant Therapeutics. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:630. [PMID: 38132951 PMCID: PMC10745133 DOI: 10.3390/md21120630] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an invalidating chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by joint inflammation and progressive bone damage. Dietary intervention is an important component in the treatment of RA to mitigate oxidative stress, a major pathogenic driver of the disease. Alongside traditional sources of antioxidants, microalgae-a diverse group of photosynthetic prokaryotes and eukaryotes-are emerging as anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory food supplements. Several species accumulate therapeutic metabolites-mainly lipids and pigments-which interfere in the pro-inflammatory pathways involved in RA and other chronic inflammatory conditions. The advancement of the clinical uses of microalgae requires the continuous exploration of phytoplankton biodiversity and chemodiversity, followed by the domestication of wild strains into reliable producers of said metabolites. In addition, the tractability of microalgal genomes offers unprecedented possibilities to establish photosynthetic microbes as light-driven biofactories of heterologous immunotherapeutics. Here, we review the evidence-based anti-inflammatory mechanisms of microalgal metabolites and provide a detailed coverage of the genetic engineering strategies to enhance the yields of endogenous compounds and to develop innovative bioproducts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo Andrea Cutolo
- Laboratory of Photosynthesis and Bioenergy, Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Strada le Grazie 15, 37134 Verona, Italy;
| | - Roberto Caferri
- Laboratory of Photosynthesis and Bioenergy, Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Strada le Grazie 15, 37134 Verona, Italy;
| | - Rosanna Campitiello
- Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 6, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (R.C.)
| | - Maurizio Cutolo
- Research Laboratory and Academic Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 6, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (R.C.)
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Xue R, Xiao H, Kumar V, Lan X, Malhotra A, Singhal PC, Chen J. The Molecular Mechanism of Renal Tubulointerstitial Inflammation Promoting Diabetic Nephropathy. Int J Nephrol Renovasc Dis 2023; 16:241-252. [PMID: 38075191 PMCID: PMC10710217 DOI: 10.2147/ijnrd.s436791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a common complication affecting many diabetic patients, leading to end-stage renal disease. However, its pathogenesis still needs to be fully understood to enhance the effectiveness of treatment methods. Traditional theories are predominantly centered on glomerular injuries and need more explicit explanations of recent clinical observations suggesting that renal tubules equally contribute to renal function and that tubular lesions are early features of DN, even occurring before glomerular lesions. Although the conventional view is that DN is not an inflammatory disease, recent studies indicate that systemic and local inflammation, including tubulointerstitial inflammation, contributes to the development of DN. In patients with DN, intrinsic tubulointerstitial cells produce many proinflammatory factors, leading to medullary inflammatory cell infiltration and activation of inflammatory cells in the interstitial region. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanism of renal tubulointerstitial inflammation contributing to DN injury is of great significance and will help further identify key factors regulating renal tubulointerstitial inflammation in the high glucose environment. This will aid in developing new targets for DN diagnosis and treatment and expanding new DN treatment methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Xue
- Affiliated Mental Health Center & Hangzhou Seventh People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haiting Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Luzhou City for Aging Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Vinod Kumar
- Department of Dermatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Xiqian Lan
- Key Laboratory of Luzhou City for Aging Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ashwani Malhotra
- Feinstein Institute for Medical Research and Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Pravin C Singhal
- Feinstein Institute for Medical Research and Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Jianning Chen
- Affiliated Mental Health Center & Hangzhou Seventh People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, People’s Republic of China
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Yang Y, Guo L, Chen L, Gong B, Jia D, Sun Q. Nuclear transport proteins: structure, function, and disease relevance. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:425. [PMID: 37945593 PMCID: PMC10636164 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01649-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Proper subcellular localization is crucial for the functioning of biomacromolecules, including proteins and RNAs. Nuclear transport is a fundamental cellular process that regulates the localization of many macromolecules within the nuclear or cytoplasmic compartments. In humans, approximately 60 proteins are involved in nuclear transport, including nucleoporins that form membrane-embedded nuclear pore complexes, karyopherins that transport cargoes through these complexes, and Ran system proteins that ensure directed and rapid transport. Many of these nuclear transport proteins play additional and essential roles in mitosis, biomolecular condensation, and gene transcription. Dysregulation of nuclear transport is linked to major human diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and viral infections. Selinexor (KPT-330), an inhibitor targeting the nuclear export factor XPO1 (also known as CRM1), was approved in 2019 to treat two types of blood cancers, and dozens of clinical trials of are ongoing. This review summarizes approximately three decades of research data in this field but focuses on the structure and function of individual nuclear transport proteins from recent studies, providing a cutting-edge and holistic view on the role of nuclear transport proteins in health and disease. In-depth knowledge of this rapidly evolving field has the potential to bring new insights into fundamental biology, pathogenic mechanisms, and therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Lu Guo
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Bo Gong
- The Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study of Sichuan Province and Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Da Jia
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Qingxiang Sun
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.
- Department of Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Centre, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Centre of Biotherapy, Chengdu, China.
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6
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Nadel G, Maik-Rachline G, Seger R. JNK Cascade-Induced Apoptosis-A Unique Role in GqPCR Signaling. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13527. [PMID: 37686335 PMCID: PMC10487481 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713527] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The response of cells to extracellular signals is mediated by a variety of intracellular signaling pathways that determine stimulus-dependent cell fates. One such pathway is the cJun-N-terminal Kinase (JNK) cascade, which is mainly involved in stress-related processes. The cascade transmits its signals via a sequential activation of protein kinases, organized into three to five tiers. Proper regulation is essential for securing a proper cell fate after stimulation, and the mechanisms that regulate this cascade may involve the following: (1) Activatory or inhibitory phosphorylations, which induce or abolish signal transmission. (2) Regulatory dephosphorylation by various phosphatases. (3) Scaffold proteins that bring distinct components of the cascade in close proximity to each other. (4) Dynamic change of subcellular localization of the cascade's components. (5) Degradation of some of the components. In this review, we cover these regulatory mechanisms and emphasize the mechanism by which the JNK cascade transmits apoptotic signals. We also describe the newly discovered PP2A switch, which is an important mechanism for JNK activation that induces apoptosis downstream of the Gq protein coupled receptors. Since the JNK cascade is involved in many cellular processes that determine cell fate, addressing its regulatory mechanisms might reveal new ways to treat JNK-dependent pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rony Seger
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel; (G.N.); (G.M.-R.)
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Cizkova K, Tauber Z. Fibrates Affect Levels of Phosphorylated p38 in Intestinal Cells in a Differentiation-Dependent Manner. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24097695. [PMID: 37175404 PMCID: PMC10178720 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097695] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrates are widely used hypolipidaemic agents that act as ligands of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα). p38 is a protein kinase that is mainly activated by environmental and genotoxic stress. We investigated the effect of the PPARα activators fenofibrate and WY-14643 and the PPARα inhibitor GW6471 on the levels of activated p38 (p-p38) in the colorectal cancer cell lines HT-29 and Caco2 in relation to their differentiation status. Fibrates increased p-p38 in undifferentiated HT-29 cells, whereas in other cases p-p38 expression was decreased. HT-29 cells showed p-p38 predominantly in the cytoplasm, whereas Caco2 cells showed higher nuclear positivity. The effect of fibrates may depend on the differentiation status of the cell, as differentiated HT-29 and undifferentiated Caco2 cells share similar characteristics in terms of villin, CYP2J2, and soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) expression. In human colorectal carcinoma, higher levels of p-p38 were detected in the cytoplasm, whereas in normal colonic surface epithelium, p-p38 showed nuclear positivity. The decrease in p-p38 positivity was associated with a decrease in sEH, consistent with in vitro results. In conclusion, fibrates affect the level of p-p38, but its exact role in the process of carcinogenesis remains unclear and further research is needed in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Cizkova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Zdenek Tauber
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
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8
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Ding N, Li H, Zhang Z, Jia H. Inhibition of importin-7 attenuates ventilator-induced lung injury by targeting nuclear translocation of p38. Inflamm Res 2023; 72:971-988. [PMID: 37004548 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-023-01727-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ability of p38 to phosphorylate substrates in the nucleus and the role of nuclear p38 in the regulation of inflammation have focused attention on the subcellular localization of the kinase. Although it is clear that p38 shuttles to the nucleus upon stimulation, the mechanisms that regulate p38 nuclear input in response to mechanical stretch remain to be determined. METHODS Cyclic stretch (CS)-induced nuclear translocation of p38 was determined by Western blotting and immunofluorescence. The p38 interacting protein was identified using endogenous pull-down and protein binding assays. The potential role of importin-7 (Imp7) in CS-induced nuclear translocation of p38 and p38-dependent gene expression was confirmed using a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments. Furthermore, we tested the therapeutic potential of intratracheal administration of Imp7 siRNA-loaded nanoparticles in the ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) mouse model. RESULTS We show that CS induced phosphorylation-dependent nuclear translocation of p38, which required the involvement of microtubules and dynein. Endogenous pull-down assay revealed Imp7 to be a potential p38-interacting protein, and the direct interaction between p38 and Imp7 was confirmed by in vitro and in vivo binding assays. Furthermore, silencing Imp7 inhibited CS-induced nuclear translocation of p38 and subsequent cytokine production. Notably, intratracheal administration of Imp7 siRNA nanoparticles attenuated lung inflammation and histological damage in the VILI mouse model. CONCLUSIONS Our findings uncover a key role for Imp7 in the process of p38 nuclear import after CS stimulation and highlight the potential of preventing p38 nuclear translocation in treatment of VILI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Ding
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shandong Provincial Third Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250031, China.
- Key Laboratory of Critical Rehabilitation Medicine of Shandong Province, Shandong Provincial Third Hospital, Jinan, 250031, China.
| | - Huiqing Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shandong Provincial Third Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250031, China
- Key Laboratory of Critical Rehabilitation Medicine of Shandong Province, Shandong Provincial Third Hospital, Jinan, 250031, China
| | - Zengzhen Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shandong Provincial Third Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250031, China
- Key Laboratory of Critical Rehabilitation Medicine of Shandong Province, Shandong Provincial Third Hospital, Jinan, 250031, China
| | - Haiyan Jia
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Shandong Provincial Third Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250031, China
- Key Laboratory of Critical Rehabilitation Medicine of Shandong Province, Shandong Provincial Third Hospital, Jinan, 250031, China
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Retention of ERK in the cytoplasm mediates the pluripotency of embryonic stem cells. Stem Cell Reports 2022; 18:305-318. [PMID: 36563690 PMCID: PMC9860118 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The dynamic subcellular localization of ERK1/2 plays an important role in regulating cell fate. Differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) involves inductive stimulation of ERK1/2, and therefore, inhibitors of the ERK cascade are used to maintain pluripotency. Interestingly, we found that in pluripotent mESCs, ERK1/2 do not translocate to the nucleus either before or after stimulation. This inhibition of nuclear translocation may be dependent on a lack of stimulated ERK1/2 interaction with importin7 rather than a lack of ERK1/2 phosphorylation activating translocation. At late stages of naive-to-primed transition, the action of the translocating machinery is restored, leading to elevation in ERK1/2-importin7 interaction and their nuclear translocation. Importantly, forcing ERK2 into the naive cells' nuclei accelerates their early differentiation, while prevention of the translocation restores stem cells' pluripotency. These results indicate that prevention of nuclear ERK1/2 translocation serves as a safety mechanism for keeping pluripotency of mESCs.
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Wainstein E, Maik-Rachline G, Blenis J, Seger R. AKTs do not translocate to the nucleus upon stimulation but AKT3 can constitutively signal from the nuclear envelope. Cell Rep 2022; 41:111733. [PMID: 36476861 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111733] [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: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
AKT is a central signaling protein kinase that plays a role in the regulation of cellular survival metabolism and cell growth, as well as in pathologies such as diabetes and cancer. Human AKT consists of three isoforms (AKT1-3) that may fulfill different functions. Here, we report that distinct subcellular localization of the isoforms directly influences their activity and function. AKT1 is localized primarily in the cytoplasm, AKT2 in the nucleus, and AKT3 in the nucleus or nuclear envelope. None of the isoforms actively translocates into the nucleus upon stimulation. Interestingly, AKT3 at the nuclear envelope is constitutively phosphorylated, enabling a constant phosphorylation of TSC2 at this location. Knockdown of AKT3 induces moderate attenuation of cell proliferation of breast cancer cells. We suggest that in addition to the stimulation-induced activation of the lysosomal/cytoplasmic AKT1-TSC2 pathway, a subpopulation of TSC2 is constitutively inactivated by AKT3 at the nuclear envelope of transformed cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehud Wainstein
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Galia Maik-Rachline
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - John Blenis
- Meyer Cancer Center and Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Rony Seger
- Department of Immunology and Regenerative Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel.
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Tea Polyphenols Protect the Mammary Gland of Dairy Cows by Enhancing Antioxidant Capacity and Regulating the TGF-β1/p38/JNK Pathway. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12111009. [PMID: 36355092 PMCID: PMC9699432 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12111009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tea polyphenols (TPs) are the main active substances in tea and they have many beneficial effects, such as anti-inflammation, antioxidant, anti-cancer and metabolic regulation effects. The quality of milk is affected by mammary gland diseases and there are substantial economic losses resulting from reduced milk production as a consequence of inflammatory injury of the mammary gland. In this study, transcriptome analysis and molecular biology techniques were used to study the effects of TPs on inflammatory injury of the mammary gland. After intervention with TPs, a total of 2085 differentially expressed genes were identified, including 1189 up-regulated genes and 896 down-regulated genes. GO analysis showed that differentially expressed genes played an important role in proton transmembrane transport, oxidation-reduction reactions and inflammatory response. KEGG enrichment suggested that differential genes were concentrated in the TGF-β pathway and active oxygen metabolism process. Experiments were performed to confirm that TPs increased SOD, CAT, T-AOC and GSH-Px content along with a reduction in MDA. Meanwhile, TPs inhibited the expression of TGF-β1 and reduced the phosphorylation of p38 and JNK. The expression of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly decreased after intervention with TPs. In summary, all the data indicated that TPs protected the mammary gland by enhancing the antioxidant capacity and down-regulating the TGF-β1/p38/JNK pathway.
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12
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Kaufman T, Nitzan E, Firestein N, Ginzberg MB, Iyengar S, Patel N, Ben-Hamo R, Porat Z, Hunter J, Hilfinger A, Rotter V, Kafri R, Straussman R. Visual barcodes for clonal-multiplexing of live microscopy-based assays. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2725. [PMID: 35585055 PMCID: PMC9117331 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30008-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
While multiplexing samples using DNA barcoding revolutionized the pace of biomedical discovery, multiplexing of live imaging-based applications has been limited by the number of fluorescent proteins that can be deconvoluted using common microscopy equipment. To address this limitation, we develop visual barcodes that discriminate the clonal identity of single cells by different fluorescent proteins that are targeted to specific subcellular locations. We demonstrate that deconvolution of these barcodes is highly accurate and robust to many cellular perturbations. We then use visual barcodes to generate ‘Signalome’ cell-lines by mixing 12 clones of different live reporters into a single population, allowing simultaneous monitoring of the activity in 12 branches of signaling, at clonal resolution, over time. Using the ‘Signalome’ we identify two distinct clusters of signaling pathways that balance growth and proliferation, emphasizing the importance of growth homeostasis as a central organizing principle in cancer signaling. The ability to multiplex samples in live imaging applications, both in vitro and in vivo may allow better high-content characterization of complex biological systems. Multiplex analyses of samples allow understanding complex processes in cancer initiation, progression and therapy response. Here, the authors present a fluorescence imaging-based visual barcode for livecell clonal-multiplexing which allows identifying signalling pathways clusters in response to different chemotherapy compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Kaufman
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Erez Nitzan
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Nir Firestein
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | | | - Seshu Iyengar
- Department of Chemical and Physical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nish Patel
- Programme in Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rotem Ben-Hamo
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ziv Porat
- Flow Cytometry Unit, Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Jaryd Hunter
- Programme in Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andreas Hilfinger
- Department of Chemical and Physical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Varda Rotter
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ran Kafri
- Programme in Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Ravid Straussman
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
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Yung Y, Yao Z, Hanoch T, Seger R. ERK1b, a 46-kDa ERK Isoform That Is Differentially Regulated by MEK. Cell Biol Int 2022; 46:1021-1035. [PMID: 35332606 PMCID: PMC9320930 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11801] [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: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERK) 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) are members of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase family. Using various stimulated rodent cells and kinase activation techniques, we identified a 46‐kDa ERK. The kinetics of activation of this ERK isoform was similar to that of ERK1 and ERK2 under most but not all circumstances. We purified this isoform from rat cells followed by its cloning. The sequence of this isoform revealed that it is an alternatively spliced version of the 44‐kDa ERK1 and therefore we termed it ERK1b. Interestingly, this isoform had a 26‐amino acid insertion between residues 340 and 341 of ERK1, which results from Intron 7 insertion to the sequence. Examining the expression pattern, we found that ERK1b is detected mainly in rat and particularly in Ras‐transformed Rat1 cells. In this cell line, ERK1b was more sensitive to extracellular stimulation than ERK1 and ERK2. Moreover, unlike ERK1 and ERK2, ERK1b had a very low binding affinity to MEK1. This low interaction led to nuclear localization of this isoform when expressed together with MEK1 under conditions in which ERK1 and ERK2 are retained in the cytoplasm. In addition, ERK1b was not coimmunoprecipitated with MEK1. We identified a new, 46‐kDa ERK alternatively spliced isoform. Our results indicate that this isoform is the major one to respond to exogenous stimulation in Ras‐transformed cells, probably due to its differential regulation by MAPK/ERK kinase and by phosphatases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuval Yung
- Department of Biological Regulation,, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 76100, Israel
| | - Zhong Yao
- Department of Biological Regulation,, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 76100, Israel
| | - Tamar Hanoch
- Department of Biological Regulation,, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 76100, Israel
| | - Rony Seger
- Department of Biological Regulation,, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 76100, Israel
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14
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JNK-dependent phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of EGR-1 promotes cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Apoptosis 2022; 27:246-260. [PMID: 35103892 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-022-01714-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Myocardial apoptosis induced by myocardial ischemia and hyperlipemia are the main causes of high mortality of cardiovascular diseases. It is not clear whether there is a common mechanism responsible for these two kinds of cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Previous studies demonstrated that early growth response protein 1 (EGR-1) has a pro-apoptotic effect on cardiomyocytes under various stress conditions. Here, we found that EGR-1 is also involved in cardiomyocyte apoptosis induced by both ischemia and high-fat, but how EGR-1 enters the nucleus and whether nuclear EGR-1 (nEGR-1) has a universal effect on cardiomyocyte apoptosis are still unknown. By analyzing the phosphorylation sites and nucleation information of EGR-1, we constructed different mutant plasmids to confirm that the nucleus location of EGR-1 requires Ser501 phosphorylation and regulated by JNK. Furthermore, the pro-apoptotic effect of nEGR-1 was further explored through genetic methods. The results showed that EGR-1 positively regulates the mRNA levels of apoptosis-related proteins (ATF2, CTCF, HAND2, ELK1), which may be the downstream targets of EGR-1 to promote the cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Our research announced the universal pro-apoptotic function of nEGR-1 and explored the mechanism of its nucleus location in cardiomyocytes, providing a new target for the "homotherapy for heteropathy" to cardiovascular diseases.
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15
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Nadel G, Yao Z, Wainstein E, Cohen I, Ben-Ami I, Schajnovitz A, Maik-Rachline G, Naor Z, Horwitz BA, Seger R. GqPCR-stimulated dephosphorylation of AKT is induced by an IGBP1-mediated PP2A switch. Cell Commun Signal 2022; 20:5. [PMID: 34998390 PMCID: PMC8742922 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-021-00805-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) usually regulate cellular processes via activation of intracellular signaling pathways. However, we have previously shown that in several cell lines, GqPCRs induce immediate inactivation of the AKT pathway, which leads to JNK-dependent apoptosis. This apoptosis-inducing AKT inactivation is essential for physiological functions of several GqPCRs, including those for PGF2α and GnRH. METHODS Here we used kinase activity assays of PI3K and followed phosphorylation state of proteins using specific antibodies. In addition, we used coimmunoprecipitation and proximity ligation assays to follow protein-protein interactions. Apoptosis was detected by TUNEL assay and PARP1 cleavage. RESULTS We identified the mechanism that allows the unique stimulated inactivation of AKT and show that the main regulator of this process is the phosphatase PP2A, operating with the non-canonical regulatory subunit IGBP1. In resting cells, an IGBP1-PP2Ac dimer binds to PI3K, dephosphorylates the inhibitory pSer608-p85 of PI3K and thus maintains its high basal activity. Upon GqPCR activation, the PP2Ac-IGBP1 dimer detaches from PI3K and thus allows the inhibitory dephosphorylation. At this stage, the free PP2Ac together with IGBP1 and PP2Aa binds to AKT, causing its dephosphorylation and inactivation. CONCLUSION Our results show a stimulated shift of PP2Ac from PI3K to AKT termed "PP2A switch" that represses the PI3K/AKT pathway, providing a unique mechanism of GPCR-stimulated dephosphorylation. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guy Nadel
- Departments of Biological Regulation, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Zhong Yao
- Departments of Biological Regulation, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ehud Wainstein
- Departments of Biological Regulation, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Izel Cohen
- Departments of Biological Regulation, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ido Ben-Ami
- Departments of Biological Regulation, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.,IVF and Fertility Unit, Department of OB/GYN, Shaare Zedek Medical Center and The Hebrew University Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Amir Schajnovitz
- Departments of Biological Regulation, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Galia Maik-Rachline
- Departments of Biological Regulation, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Zvi Naor
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Benjamin A Horwitz
- Departments of Biological Regulation, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.,Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Rony Seger
- Departments of Biological Regulation, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
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16
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The p38 MAPK Components and Modulators as Biomarkers and Molecular Targets in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010370. [PMID: 35008796 PMCID: PMC8745478 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family is an important bridge in the transduction of extracellular and intracellular signals in different responses at the cellular level. Within this MAPK family, the p38 kinases can be found altered in various diseases, including cancer, where these kinases play a fundamental role, sometimes with antagonistic mechanisms of action, depending on several factors. In fact, this family has an immense number of functionalities, many of them yet to be discovered in terms of regulation and action in different types of cancer, being directly involved in the response to cancer therapies. To date, three main groups of MAPKs have been identified in mammals: the extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK), Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and the different isoforms of p38 (α, β, γ, δ). In this review, we highlight the mechanism of action of these kinases, taking into account their extensive regulation at the cellular level through various modifications and modulations, including a wide variety of microRNAs. We also analyze the importance of the different isoforms expressed in the different tissues and their possible role as biomarkers and molecular targets. In addition, we include the latest preclinical and clinical trials with different p38-related drugs that are ongoing with hopeful expectations in the present/future of developing precision medicine in cancer.
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17
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Pancione M, Cerulo L, Remo A, Giordano G, Gutierrez-Uzquiza Á, Bragado P, Porras A. Centrosome Dynamics and Its Role in Inflammatory Response and Metastatic Process. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11050629. [PMID: 33922633 PMCID: PMC8146599 DOI: 10.3390/biom11050629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is a process by which cancer cells escape from the location of the primary tumor invading normal tissues at distant organs. Chromosomal instability (CIN) is a hallmark of human cancer, associated with metastasis and therapeutic resistance. The centrosome plays a major role in organizing the microtubule cytoskeleton in animal cells regulating cellular architecture and cell division. Loss of centrosome integrity activates the p38-p53-p21 pathway, which results in cell-cycle arrest or senescence and acts as a cell-cycle checkpoint pathway. Structural and numerical centrosome abnormalities can lead to aneuploidy and CIN. New findings derived from studies on cancer and rare genetic disorders suggest that centrosome dysfunction alters the cellular microenvironment through Rho GTPases, p38, and JNK (c-Jun N-terminal Kinase)-dependent signaling in a way that is favorable for pro-invasive secretory phenotypes and aneuploidy tolerance. We here review recent data on how centrosomes act as complex molecular platforms for Rho GTPases and p38 MAPK (Mitogen activated kinase) signaling at the crossroads of CIN, cytoskeleton remodeling, and immune evasion via both cell-autonomous and non-autonomous mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Pancione
- Department of Sciences and Technologies, University of Sannio, 82100 Benevento, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0824305116
| | - Luigi Cerulo
- Department of Sciences and Technologies, University of Sannio, 82100 Benevento, Italy;
| | - Andrea Remo
- Pathology Unit, Mater Salutis Hospital AULSS9, “Scaligera”, 37122 Verona, Italy;
| | - Guido Giordano
- Department of Medical Oncology Unit, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy;
| | - Álvaro Gutierrez-Uzquiza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (Á.G.-U.); (P.B.); (A.P.)
- Health Research Institute of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Paloma Bragado
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (Á.G.-U.); (P.B.); (A.P.)
- Health Research Institute of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Almudena Porras
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (Á.G.-U.); (P.B.); (A.P.)
- Health Research Institute of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
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18
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Burke RM, Dirkx RA, Quijada P, Lighthouse JK, Mohan A, O'Brien M, Wojciechowski W, Woeller CF, Phipps RP, Alexis JD, Ashton JM, Small EM. Prevention of Fibrosis and Pathological Cardiac Remodeling by Salinomycin. Circ Res 2021; 128:1663-1678. [PMID: 33825488 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.120.317791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
[Figure: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan M Burke
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine (R.M.B., R.A.D., P.Q., J.K.L., A.M., E.M.S.), University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, NY
| | - Ronald A Dirkx
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine (R.M.B., R.A.D., P.Q., J.K.L., A.M., E.M.S.), University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, NY
| | - Pearl Quijada
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine (R.M.B., R.A.D., P.Q., J.K.L., A.M., E.M.S.), University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, NY
| | - Janet K Lighthouse
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine (R.M.B., R.A.D., P.Q., J.K.L., A.M., E.M.S.), University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, NY
| | - Amy Mohan
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine (R.M.B., R.A.D., P.Q., J.K.L., A.M., E.M.S.), University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, NY
| | - Meghann O'Brien
- Genomics Research Center (M.O., W.W., J.M.A.), University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, NY
| | - Wojciech Wojciechowski
- Genomics Research Center (M.O., W.W., J.M.A.), University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, NY
| | - Collynn F Woeller
- Environmental Medicine (C.F.W., R.P.P.), University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, NY.,Department of Medicine (C.F.W., R.P.P., J.D.A., E.M.S.), University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, NY
| | - Richard P Phipps
- Environmental Medicine (C.F.W., R.P.P.), University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, NY.,Department of Medicine (C.F.W., R.P.P., J.D.A., E.M.S.), University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, NY
| | - Jeffrey D Alexis
- Department of Medicine (C.F.W., R.P.P., J.D.A., E.M.S.), University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, NY
| | - John M Ashton
- Genomics Research Center (M.O., W.W., J.M.A.), University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, NY
| | - Eric M Small
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine (R.M.B., R.A.D., P.Q., J.K.L., A.M., E.M.S.), University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, NY.,Department of Medicine (C.F.W., R.P.P., J.D.A., E.M.S.), University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, NY.,Pharmacology and Physiology (E.M.S.), University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, NY.,Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, NY (E.M.S.)
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19
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MAGI1 inhibits the AMOTL2/p38 stress pathway and prevents luminal breast tumorigenesis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:5752. [PMID: 33707576 PMCID: PMC7952706 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85056-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Alterations to cell polarization or to intercellular junctions are often associated with epithelial cancer progression, including breast cancers (BCa). We show here that the loss of the junctional scaffold protein MAGI1 is associated with bad prognosis in luminal BCa, and promotes tumorigenesis. E-cadherin and the actin binding scaffold AMOTL2 accumulate in MAGI1 deficient cells which are subjected to increased stiffness. These alterations are associated with low YAP activity, the terminal Hippo-pathway effector, but with an elevated ROCK and p38 Stress Activated Protein Kinase activities. Blocking ROCK prevented p38 activation, suggesting that MAGI1 limits p38 activity in part through releasing actin strength. Importantly, the increased tumorigenicity of MAGI1 deficient cells is rescued in the absence of AMOTL2 or after inhibition of p38, demonstrating that MAGI1 acts as a tumor-suppressor in luminal BCa by inhibiting an AMOTL2/p38 stress pathway.
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20
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Canovas B, Nebreda AR. Diversity and versatility of p38 kinase signalling in health and disease. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2021; 22:346-366. [PMID: 33504982 PMCID: PMC7838852 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-020-00322-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 234] [Impact Index Per Article: 78.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The ability of cells to deal with different types of stressful situations in a precise and coordinated manner is key for survival and involves various signalling networks. Over the past 25 years, p38 kinases — in particular, p38α — have been implicated in the cellular response to stress at many levels. These span from environmental and intracellular stresses, such as hyperosmolarity, oxidative stress or DNA damage, to physiological situations that involve important cellular changes such as differentiation. Given that p38α controls a plethora of functions, dysregulation of this pathway has been linked to diseases such as inflammation, immune disorders or cancer, suggesting the possibility that targeting p38α could be of therapeutic interest. In this Review, we discuss the organization of this signalling pathway focusing on the diversity of p38α substrates, their mechanisms and their links to particular cellular functions. We then address how the different cellular responses can be generated depending on the signal received and the cell type, and highlight the roles of this kinase in human physiology and in pathological contexts. p38α — the best-characterized member of the p38 kinase family — is a key mediator of cellular stress responses. p38α is activated by a plethora of signals and functions through a multitude of substrates to regulate different cellular behaviours. Understanding context-dependent p38α signalling provides important insights into p38α roles in physiology and pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Begoña Canovas
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Angel R Nebreda
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain. .,ICREA, Barcelona, Spain.
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21
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Anti-cancer potential of persimmon (Diospyros kaki) leaves via the PDGFR-Rac-JNK pathway. Sci Rep 2020; 10:18119. [PMID: 33093618 PMCID: PMC7581826 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-75140-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Persimmon leaves are known to have some beneficial effects, including ROS elimination, lipid circulation, and neuronal protection. However, their anti-cancer properties and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Herein, we show that treatment with the ethanol extract of persimmon, Diospyros kaki, leaves (EEDK) induces cancer cell death and inhibits cell proliferation. Using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) technology with genetically-encoded biosensors, we first found that EEDK stimulates a PDGFR-Rac signaling cascade in live cells. Moreover, we found that downstream of the PDGFR-Rac pathway, JNKs are activated by EEDK. In contrast, JNK-downstream inhibitors, such as CoCl2, T-5224, and pepstatin A, attenuated EEDK-induced cell death. Thus, we illustrate that the PDGFR-Rac-JNK signaling axis is triggered by EEDK, leading to cancer cell death, suggesting the extract of persimmon leaves may be a promising anti-cancer agent.
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22
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Nuclear P38: Roles in Physiological and Pathological Processes and Regulation of Nuclear Translocation. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21176102. [PMID: 32847129 PMCID: PMC7504396 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK, termed here p38) cascade is a central signaling pathway that transmits stress and other signals to various intracellular targets in the cytoplasm and nucleus. More than 150 substrates of p38α/β have been identified, and this number is likely to increase. The phosphorylation of these substrates initiates or regulates a large number of cellular processes including transcription, translation, RNA processing and cell cycle progression, as well as degradation and the nuclear translocation of various proteins. Being such a central signaling cascade, its dysregulation is associated with many pathologies, particularly inflammation and cancer. One of the hallmarks of p38α/β signaling is its stimulated nuclear translocation, which occurs shortly after extracellular stimulation. Although p38α/β do not contain nuclear localization or nuclear export signals, they rapidly and robustly translocate to the nucleus, and they are exported back to the cytoplasm within minutes to hours. Here, we describe the physiological and pathological roles of p38α/β phosphorylation, concentrating mainly on the ill-reviewed regulation of p38α/β substrate degradation and nuclear translocation. In addition, we provide information on the p38α/β ’s substrates, concentrating mainly on the nuclear targets and their role in p38α/β functions. Finally, we also provide information on the mechanisms of nuclear p38α/β translocation and its use as a therapeutic target for p38α/β-dependent diseases.
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23
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Yang L, Huang X, Wang W, Jiang T, Ding F. XEDAR inhibits the proliferation and induces apoptosis of gastric cancer cells by regulating JNK signaling pathway. Biosci Rep 2019; 39:BSR20192726. [PMID: 31829409 PMCID: PMC6928531 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20192726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
X-linked ectodermal dysplasia receptor (XEDAR) has been widely studied in epidermal morphogenesis, but few studies have been conducted on tumorigenesis and development, including gastric cancer. In the present research, we aimed to investigate the effect of XEDAR on gastric cancer and further explore the molecular mechanisms involved. The differential expression of XEDAR in 90 tissue specimens (30 gastric cancer tissues, 30 adjacent tissues and 30 normal tissues) was detected by real-time PCR (RT-PCR) and Western blot. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were explored using MTT and Annexin-V/propidium iodide (PI) assays, respectively. The results revealed that the expression of XEDAR was decreased in gastric cancer tissues and in gastric cancer cell lines, and its expression is regulated by p53 in BGC-823 cells. Furthermore, overexpression of XEDAR inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in BGC-823 cells. XEDAR moreover inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in gastric cancer cells by regulating the JNK signaling pathway. Collectively, the results of the present study suggested that XEDAR inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis by participating in p53-mediated signaling pathway and inhibiting the downstream JNK signaling pathway in gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihong Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, 730000 Gansu, China
| | - Xiaojun Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, 730000 Gansu, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, 730000 Gansu, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, 730000 Gansu, China
| | - Feifei Ding
- Department of Gastroenterology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, 730000 Gansu, China
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24
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Lee SY, Kim S, Lim Y, Yoon HN, Ku NO. Keratins regulate Hsp70-mediated nuclear localization of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. J Cell Sci 2019; 132:jcs.229534. [PMID: 31427430 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.229534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Intermediate filament protein keratin 8 (K8) binds to heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) and p38 MAPK, and is phosphorylated at Ser74 by p38α (MAPK14, hereafter p38). However, a p38 binding site on K8 and the molecular mechanism of K8-p38 interaction related to Hsp70 are unknown. Here, we identify a p38 docking site on K8 (Arg148/149 and Leu159/161) that is highly conserved in other intermediate filaments. A docking-deficient K8 mutation caused increased p38-Hsp70 interaction and enhanced p38 nuclear localization, indicating that the p38 dissociated from mutant K8 makes a complex with Hsp70, which is known as a potential chaperone for p38 nuclear translocation. Comparison of p38 MAPK binding with keratin variants associated with liver disease showed that the K18 I150V variant dramatically reduced binding with p38, which is similar to the effect of the p38 docking-deficient mutation on K8. Because the p38 docking site on K8 (Arg148/149 and Leu159/161) and the K18 Ile150 residue are closely localized in the parallel K8/K18 heterodimer, the K18 I150V mutation might interfere with K8-p38 interaction. These findings show that keratins, functioning as cytoplasmic anchors for p38, modulate p38 nuclear localization and thereby might affect a number of p38-mediated signal transduction pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- So-Young Lee
- Interdisciplinary Program of Integrated OMICS for Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-749, Korea
| | - Sujin Kim
- Interdisciplinary Program of Integrated OMICS for Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-749, Korea
| | - Younglan Lim
- Interdisciplinary Program of Integrated OMICS for Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-749, Korea
| | - Han-Na Yoon
- Interdisciplinary Program of Integrated OMICS for Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-749, Korea
| | - Nam-On Ku
- Interdisciplinary Program of Integrated OMICS for Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-749, Korea .,Department of Bio-Convergence ISED, Underwood International College, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-749, Korea
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25
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Tang KS. The cellular and molecular processes associated with scopolamine-induced memory deficit: A model of Alzheimer's biomarkers. Life Sci 2019; 233:116695. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.116695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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26
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Maik-Rachline G, Hacohen-Lev-Ran A, Seger R. Nuclear ERK: Mechanism of Translocation, Substrates, and Role in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20051194. [PMID: 30857244 PMCID: PMC6429060 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20051194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK) are central signaling components that regulate stimulated cellular processes such as proliferation and differentiation. When dysregulated, these kinases participate in the induction and maintenance of various pathologies, primarily cancer. While ERK is localized in the cytoplasm of resting cells, many of its substrates are nuclear, and indeed, extracellular stimulation induces a rapid and robust nuclear translocation of ERK. Similarly to other signaling components that shuttle to the nucleus upon stimulation, ERK does not use the canonical importinα/β mechanism of nuclear translocation. Rather, it has its own unique nuclear translocation signal (NTS) that interacts with importin7 to allow stimulated shuttling via the nuclear pores. Prevention of the nuclear translocation inhibits proliferation of B-Raf- and N/K-Ras-transformed cancers. This effect is distinct from the one achieved by catalytic Raf and MEK inhibitors used clinically, as cells treated with the translocation inhibitors develop resistance much more slowly. In this review, we describe the mechanism of ERK translocation, present all its nuclear substrates, discuss its role in cancer and compare its translocation to the translocation of other signaling components. We also present proof of principle data for the use of nuclear ERK translocation as an anti-cancer target. It is likely that the prevention of nuclear ERK translocation will eventually serve as a way to combat Ras and Raf transformed cancers with less side-effects than the currently used drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galia Maik-Rachline
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel.
| | - Avital Hacohen-Lev-Ran
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel.
| | - Rony Seger
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel.
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27
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Flores K, Yadav SS, Katz AA, Seger R. The Nuclear Translocation of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases: Molecular Mechanisms and Use as Novel Therapeutic Target. Neuroendocrinology 2019; 108:121-131. [PMID: 30261516 DOI: 10.1159/000494085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades are central signaling pathways that play a central role in the regulation of most stimulated cellular processes including proliferation, differentiation, stress response and apoptosis. Currently 4 such cascades are known, each termed by its downstream MAPK components: the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), cJun-N-terminal kinase (JNK), p38 and ERK5. One of the hallmarks of these cascades is the stimulated nuclear translocation of their MAPK components using distinct mechanisms. ERK1/2 are shuttled into the nucleus by importin7, JNK and p38 by a dimer of importin3 with either importin9 or importin7, and ERK5 by importin-α/β. Dysregulation of these cascades often results in diseases, including cancer and inflammation, as well as developmental and neurological disorders. Much effort has been invested over the years in developing inhibitors to the MAPK cascades to combat these diseases. Although some inhibitors are already in clinical use or clinical trials, their effects are hampered by development of resistance or adverse side-effects. Recently, our group developed 2 myristoylated peptides: EPE peptide, which inhibits the interaction of ERK1/2 with importin7, and PERY peptide, which prevents JNK/p38 interaction with either importin7 or importin9. These peptides block the nuclear translocation of their corresponding kinases, resulting in prevention of several cancers, while the PERY peptide also inhibits inflammation-induced diseases. These peptides provide a proof of concept for the use of the nuclear translocation of MAPKs as therapeutic targets for cancer and/or inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Flores
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Suresh Singh Yadav
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Arieh A Katz
- Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Rony Seger
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot,
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28
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Ordan M, Pallara C, Maik-Rachline G, Hanoch T, Gervasio FL, Glaser F, Fernandez-Recio J, Seger R. Intrinsically active MEK variants are differentially regulated by proteinases and phosphatases. Sci Rep 2018; 8:11830. [PMID: 30087384 PMCID: PMC6081382 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-30202-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
MAPK/ERK kinase (MEK) 1/2 are central signaling proteins that serve as specificity determinants of the MAPK/ERK cascade. More than twenty activating mutations have been reported for MEK1/2, and many of them are known to cause diseases such as cancers, arteriovenous malformation and RASopathies. Changes in their intrinsic activity do not seem to correlate with the severity of the diseases. Here we studied four MEK1/2 mutations using biochemical and molecular dynamic methods. Although the studied mutants elevated the activating phosphorylation of MEK they had no effect on the stimulated ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Studying the regulatory mechanism that may explain this lack of effect, we found that one type of mutation affects MEK stability and two types of mutations demonstrate a reduced sensitivity to PP2A. Together, our results indicate that some MEK mutations exert their function not only by their elevated intrinsic activity, but also by modulation of regulatory elements such as protein stability or dephosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merav Ordan
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Chiara Pallara
- Life Sciences Department, Barcelona Supercomputing Center, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Galia Maik-Rachline
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Tamar Hanoch
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | | | - Fabian Glaser
- Bioinformatics Knowledge Unit, Technion, Haifa, Israel
| | - Juan Fernandez-Recio
- Life Sciences Department, Barcelona Supercomputing Center, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut de Biologia Molecular de Barcelona, CSIC, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rony Seger
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
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