1
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Chen XY, Cheng AY, Wang ZY, Jin JM, Lin JY, Wang B, Guan YY, Zhang H, Jiang YX, Luan X, Zhang LJ. Dbl family RhoGEFs in cancer: different roles and targeting strategies. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 223:116141. [PMID: 38499108 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116141] [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: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Small Ras homologous guanosine triphosphatase (Rho GTPase) family proteins are highly associated with tumorigenesis and development. As intrinsic exchange activity regulators of Rho GTPases, Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factors (RhoGEFs) have been demonstrated to be closely involved in tumor development and received increasing attention. They mainly contain two families: the diffuse B-cell lymphoma (Dbl) family and the dedicator of cytokinesis (Dock) family. More and more emphasis has been paid to the Dbl family members for their abnormally high expression in various cancers and their correlation to poor prognosis. In this review, the common and distinctive structures of Dbl family members are discussed, and their roles in cancer are summarized with a focus on Ect2, Tiam1/2, P-Rex1/2, Vav1/2/3, Trio, KALRN, and LARG. Significantly, the strategies targeting Dbl family RhoGEFs are highlighted as novel therapeutic opportunities for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Yi Chen
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ao-Yu Cheng
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zi-Ying Wang
- School of Biological Engineering, Tianjin University of Science&Technology, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Jin-Mei Jin
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jia-Yi Lin
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Bei Wang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ying-Yun Guan
- Department of Pharmacy, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yi-Xin Jiang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Xin Luan
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Li-Jun Zhang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
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Ravala SK, Adame-Garcia SR, Li S, Chen CL, Cianfrocco MA, Gutkind JS, Cash JN, Tesmer JJG. Structural and dynamic changes in P-Rex1 upon activation by PIP 3 and inhibition by IP 4. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.09.15.557836. [PMID: 37745379 PMCID: PMC10515948 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.15.557836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
PIP3-dependent Rac exchanger 1 (P-Rex1) is abundantly expressed in neutrophils and plays central roles in chemotaxis and cancer metastasis by serving as a guanine-nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for Rac. The enzyme is synergistically activated by PIP3 and the heterotrimeric Gβγ subunits, but mechanistic details remain poorly understood. While investigating the regulation of P-Rex1 by PIP3, we discovered that Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 (IP4) inhibits P-Rex1 activity and induces large decreases in backbone dynamics in diverse regions of the protein. Cryo-electron microscopy analysis of the P-Rex1·IP4 complex revealed a conformation wherein the pleckstrin homology (PH) domain occludes the active site of the Dbl homology (DH) domain. This configuration is stabilized by interactions between the first DEP domain (DEP1) and the DH domain and between the PH domain and a 4-helix bundle (4HB) subdomain that extends from the C-terminal domain of P-Rex1. Disruption of the DH-DEP1 interface in a DH/PH-DEP1 fragment enhanced activity and led to a more extended conformation in solution, whereas mutations that constrain the occluded conformation led to decreased GEF activity. Variants of full-length P-Rex1 in which the DH-DEP1 and PH-4HB interfaces were disturbed exhibited enhanced activity during chemokine-induced cell migration, confirming that the observed structure represents the autoinhibited state in living cells. Interactions with PIP3-containing liposomes led to disruption of these interfaces and increased dynamics protein-wide. Our results further suggest that inositol phosphates such as IP4 help to inhibit basal P-Rex1 activity in neutrophils, similar to their inhibitory effects on phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep K. Ravala
- Departments of Biological Sciences and of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Sendi Rafael Adame-Garcia
- Department of Pharmacology and Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Sheng Li
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Chun-Liang Chen
- Departments of Biological Sciences and of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Michael A. Cianfrocco
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - J. Silvio Gutkind
- Department of Pharmacology and Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Jennifer N. Cash
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - John J. G. Tesmer
- Departments of Biological Sciences and of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
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Powis G, Meuillet EJ, Indarte M, Booher G, Kirkpatrick L. Pleckstrin Homology [PH] domain, structure, mechanism, and contribution to human disease. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115024. [PMID: 37399719 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The pleckstrin homology [PH] domain is a structural fold found in more than 250 proteins making it the 11th most common domain in the human proteome. 25% of family members have more than one PH domain and some PH domains are split by one, or several other, protein domains although still folding to give functioning PH domains. We review mechanisms of PH domain activity, the role PH domain mutation plays in human disease including cancer, hyperproliferation, neurodegeneration, inflammation, and infection, and discuss pharmacotherapeutic approaches to regulate PH domain activity for the treatment of human disease. Almost half PH domain family members bind phosphatidylinositols [PIs] that attach the host protein to cell membranes where they interact with other membrane proteins to give signaling complexes or cytoskeleton scaffold platforms. A PH domain in its native state may fold over other protein domains thereby preventing substrate access to a catalytic site or binding with other proteins. The resulting autoinhibition can be released by PI binding to the PH domain, or by protein phosphorylation thus providing fine tuning of the cellular control of PH domain protein activity. For many years the PH domain was thought to be undruggable until high-resolution structures of human PH domains allowed structure-based design of novel inhibitors that selectively bind the PH domain. Allosteric inhibitors of the Akt1 PH domain have already been tested in cancer patients and for proteus syndrome, with several other PH domain inhibitors in preclinical development for treatment of other human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garth Powis
- PHusis Therapeutics Inc., 6019 Folsom Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
| | | | - Martin Indarte
- PHusis Therapeutics Inc., 6019 Folsom Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Garrett Booher
- PHusis Therapeutics Inc., 6019 Folsom Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Lynn Kirkpatrick
- PHusis Therapeutics Inc., 6019 Folsom Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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4
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Cervantes-Villagrana RD, García-Jiménez I, Vázquez-Prado J. Guanine nucleotide exchange factors for Rho GTPases (RhoGEFs) as oncogenic effectors and strategic therapeutic targets in metastatic cancer. Cell Signal 2023; 109:110749. [PMID: 37290677 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.110749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Metastatic cancer cells dynamically adjust their shape to adhere, invade, migrate, and expand to generate secondary tumors. Inherent to these processes is the constant assembly and disassembly of cytoskeletal supramolecular structures. The subcellular places where cytoskeletal polymers are built and reorganized are defined by the activation of Rho GTPases. These molecular switches directly respond to signaling cascades integrated by Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factors (RhoGEFs), which are sophisticated multidomain proteins that control morphological behavior of cancer and stromal cells in response to cell-cell interactions, tumor-secreted factors and actions of oncogenic proteins within the tumor microenvironment. Stromal cells, including fibroblasts, immune and endothelial cells, and even projections of neuronal cells, adjust their shapes and move into growing tumoral masses, building tumor-induced structures that eventually serve as metastatic routes. Here we review the role of RhoGEFs in metastatic cancer. They are highly diverse proteins with common catalytic modules that select among a variety of homologous Rho GTPases enabling them to load GTP, acquiring an active conformation that stimulates effectors controlling actin cytoskeleton remodeling. Therefore, due to their strategic position in oncogenic signaling cascades, and their structural diversity flanking common catalytic modules, RhoGEFs possess unique characteristics that make them conceptual targets of antimetastatic precision therapies. Preclinical proof of concept, demonstrating the antimetastatic effect of inhibiting either expression or activity of βPix (ARHGEF7), P-Rex1, Vav1, ARHGEF17, and Dock1, among others, is emerging.
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Soltan MA, Eldeen MA, Sajer BH, Abdelhameed RFA, Al-Salmi FA, Fayad E, Jafri I, Ahmed HEM, Eid RA, Hassan HM, Al-Shraim M, Negm A, Noreldin AE, Darwish KM. Integration of Chemoinformatics and Multi-Omics Analysis Defines ECT2 as a Potential Target for Cancer Drug Therapy. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12040613. [PMID: 37106813 PMCID: PMC10135641 DOI: 10.3390/biology12040613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial cell transforming 2 (ECT2) is a potential oncogene and a number of recent studies have correlated it with the progression of several human cancers. Despite this elevated attention for ECT2 in oncology-related reports, there is no collective study to combine and integrate the expression and oncogenic behavior of ECT2 in a panel of human cancers. The current study started with a differential expression analysis of ECT2 in cancerous versus normal tissue. Following that, the study asked for the correlation between ECT2 upregulation and tumor stage, grade, and metastasis, along with its effect on patient survival. Moreover, the methylation and phosphorylation status of ECT2 in tumor versus normal tissue was assessed, in addition to the investigation of the ECT2 effect on the immune cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment. The current study revealed that ECT2 was upregulated as mRNA and protein levels in a list of human tumors, a feature that allowed for the increased filtration of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) and decreased the level of natural killer T (NKT) cells, which ultimately led to a poor prognosis survival. Lastly, we screened for several drugs that could inhibit ECT2 and act as antitumor agents. Collectively, this study nominated ECT2 as a prognostic and immunological biomarker, with reported inhibitors that represent potential antitumor drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A Soltan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Sinai University, Ismailia 41611, Egypt
| | - Muhammad Alaa Eldeen
- Cell Biology, Histology & Genetics Division, Biology Department, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
| | - Bayan H Sajer
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 80200, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reda F A Abdelhameed
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Galala University, New Galala 43713, Egypt
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
| | - Fawziah A Al-Salmi
- Biology Department, College of Sciences, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Eman Fayad
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Sciences, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibrahim Jafri
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Sciences, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Refaat A Eid
- Pathology Department, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, P.O. Box 62529, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hesham M Hassan
- Pathology Department, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, P.O. Box 62529, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71515, Egypt
| | - Mubarak Al-Shraim
- Pathology Department, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, P.O. Box 62529, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amr Negm
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Ahmed E Noreldin
- Department of Histology and Cytology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour 22516, Egypt
| | - Khaled M Darwish
- Medicinal Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
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6
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Parnell E, Voorn RA, Martin-de-Saavedra MD, Loizzo DD, Dos Santos M, Penzes P. A developmental delay linked missense mutation in Kalirin-7 disrupts protein function and neuronal morphology. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:994513. [PMID: 36533124 PMCID: PMC9751355 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.994513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The Rac1 guanine exchange factor Kalirin-7 is a key regulator of dendritic spine morphology, LTP and dendritic arborization. Kalirin-7 dysfunction and genetic variation has been extensively linked to various neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. Here we characterize a Kalirin-7 missense mutation, glu1577lys (E1577K), identified in a patient with severe developmental delay. The E1577K point mutation is located within the catalytic domain of Kalirin-7, and results in a robust reduction in Kalirin-7 Rac1 Guanosine exchange factor activity. In contrast to wild type Kalirin-7, the E1577K mutant failed to drive dendritic arborization, spine density, NMDAr targeting to, and activity within, spines. Together these results indicate that reduced Rac1-GEF activity as result of E1577K mutation impairs neuroarchitecture, connectivity and NMDAr activity, and is a likely contributor to impaired neurodevelopment in a patient with developmental delay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Euan Parnell
- Department of Neuroscience, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Roos A. Voorn
- Department of Neuroscience, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - M. Dolores Martin-de-Saavedra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Pharmacy, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel D. Loizzo
- Department of Neuroscience, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Marc Dos Santos
- Department of Neuroscience, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Peter Penzes
- Department of Neuroscience, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
- Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopment, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
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7
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A current overview of RhoA, RhoB, and RhoC functions in vascular biology and pathology. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 206:115321. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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8
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Bandekar SJ, Chen CL, Ravala SK, Cash JN, Avramova LV, Zhalnina MV, Gutkind JS, Li S, Tesmer JJG. Structural/functional studies of Trio provide insights into its configuration and show that conserved linker elements enhance its activity for Rac1. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102209. [PMID: 35779635 PMCID: PMC9372627 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Trio is a large and highly conserved metazoan signaling scaffold that contains two Dbl family guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) modules, TrioN and TrioC, selective for Rac and RhoA GTPases, respectively. The GEF activities of TrioN and TrioC are implicated in several cancers, especially uveal melanoma. However, little is known about how these modules operate in the context of larger fragments of Trio. Here we show via negative stain electron microscopy that the N-terminal region of Trio is extended and could thus serve as a rigid spacer between the N-terminal putative lipid-binding domain and TrioN, whereas the C-terminal half of Trio seems globular. We found that regions C-terminal to TrioN enhance its Rac1 GEF activity and thus could play a regulatory role. We went on to characterize a minimal, well-behaved Trio fragment with enhanced activity, Trio1284-1959, in complex with Rac1 using cryo-electron microscopy and hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry and found that the region conferring enhanced activity is disordered. Deletion of two different strongly conserved motifs in this region eliminated this enhancement, suggesting that they form transient intramolecular interactions that promote GEF activity. Because Dbl family RhoGEF modules have been challenging to directly target with small molecules, characterization of accessory Trio domains such as these may provide alternate routes for the development of therapeutics that inhibit Trio activity in human cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumit J Bandekar
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Chun-Liang Chen
- Departments of Biological Sciences and of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Sandeep K Ravala
- Departments of Biological Sciences and of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Jennifer N Cash
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California-Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Larisa V Avramova
- Departments of Biological Sciences and of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Mariya V Zhalnina
- Departments of Biological Sciences and of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - J Silvio Gutkind
- Department of Pharmacology and Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Sheng Li
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - John J G Tesmer
- Departments of Biological Sciences and of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA.
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Grubisha MJ, DeGiosio RA, Wills ZP, Sweet RA. Trio and Kalirin as unique enactors of Rho/Rac spatiotemporal precision. Cell Signal 2022; 98:110416. [PMID: 35872089 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2022.110416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Rac1 and RhoA are among the most widely studied small GTPases. The classic dogma surrounding their biology has largely focused on their activity as an "on/off switch" of sorts. However, the advent of more sophisticated techniques, such as genetically-encoded FRET-based sensors, has afforded the ability to delineate the spatiotemporal regulation of Rac1 and RhoA. As a result, there has been a shift from this simplistic global view to one incorporating the precision of spatiotemporal modularity. This review summarizes emerging data surrounding the roles of Rac1 and RhoA as cytoskeletal regulators and examines how these new data have led to a revision of the traditional dogma which placed Rac1 and RhoA in antagonistic pathways. This more recent evidence suggests that rather than absolute activity levels, it is the tight spatiotemporal regulation of Rac1 and RhoA across multiple roles, from oppositional to complementary, that is necessary to execute coordinated cytoskeletal processes affecting cell structure, function, and migration. We focus on how Kalirin and Trio, as dual GEFs that target Rac1 and RhoA, are uniquely designed to provide the spatiotemporally-precise shifts in Rac/Rho balance which mediate changes in neuronal structure and function, particularly by way of cytoskeletal rearrangements. Finally, we review how alterations in Trio and/or Kalirin function are associated with cellular abnormalities and neuropsychiatric disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Grubisha
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - R A DeGiosio
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Z P Wills
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - R A Sweet
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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10
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Structure of the metastatic factor P-Rex1 reveals a two-layered autoinhibitory mechanism. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2022; 29:767-773. [PMID: 35864164 PMCID: PMC9371973 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-022-00804-9] [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: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
P-Rex (PI(3,4,5)P3-dependent Rac exchanger) guanine nucleotide exchange factors potently activate Rho GTPases. P-Rex guanine nucleotide exchange factors are autoinhibited, synergistically activated by Gβγ and PI(3,4,5)P3 binding and dysregulated in cancer. Here, we use X-ray crystallography, cryogenic electron microscopy and crosslinking mass spectrometry to determine the structural basis of human P-Rex1 autoinhibition. P-Rex1 has a bipartite structure of N- and C-terminal modules connected by a C-terminal four-helix bundle that binds the N-terminal Pleckstrin homology (PH) domain. In the N-terminal module, the Dbl homology (DH) domain catalytic surface is occluded by the compact arrangement of the DH-PH-DEP1 domains. Structural analysis reveals a remarkable conformational transition to release autoinhibition, requiring a 126° opening of the DH domain hinge helix. The off-axis position of Gβγ and PI(3,4,5)P3 binding sites further suggests a counter-rotation of the P-Rex1 halves by 90° facilitates PH domain uncoupling from the four-helix bundle, releasing the autoinhibited DH domain to drive Rho GTPase signaling. Cryo-EM, X-ray crystallography and crosslinking mass spectrometry are harnessed to solve the structure of the full-length Rho-GEF P-Rex1, uncovering a two-layered mechanism of autoinhibition released upon Gβγ and PI(3,4,5)P3 binding.
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11
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Wang J, Yuan L, Xu X, Zhang Z, Ma Y, Hong L, Ma J. Rho-GEF Trio regulates osteosarcoma progression and osteogenic differentiation through Rac1 and RhoA. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:1148. [PMID: 34893584 PMCID: PMC8664940 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-04448-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary bone tumor. Its high mortality rate and metastasis rate seriously threaten human health. Currently, the treatment has reached a plateau, hence we urgently need to explore new therapeutic directions. In this paper, we found that Trio was highly expressed in osteosarcoma than normal tissues and promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of osteosarcoma cells. Furthermore, Trio inhibited osteosarcoma cells' osteogenic differentiation in vitro and accelerated the growth of osteosarcoma in vivo. Given Trio contains two GEF domains, which have been reported as the regulators of RhoGTPases, we further discovered that Trio could regulate osteosarcoma progression and osteogenic differentiation through activating RhoGTPases. In summary, all our preliminary results showed that Trio could be a potential target and prognostic marker of osteosarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyi Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, 140 Hanzhong Road, 210029, Nanjing, China
| | - Lichan Yuan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, 140 Hanzhong Road, 210029, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaohong Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, 140 Hanzhong Road, 210029, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhongyin Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, 140 Hanzhong Road, 210029, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuhuan Ma
- Nanjing Foreign Language School, 210008, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Leilei Hong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, 140 Hanzhong Road, 210029, Nanjing, China
| | - Junqing Ma
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, 140 Hanzhong Road, 210029, Nanjing, China.
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12
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Nussinov R, Zhang M, Maloney R, Tsai CJ, Yavuz BR, Tuncbag N, Jang H. Mechanism of activation and the rewired network: New drug design concepts. Med Res Rev 2021; 42:770-799. [PMID: 34693559 PMCID: PMC8837674 DOI: 10.1002/med.21863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Precision oncology benefits from effective early phase drug discovery decisions. Recently, drugging inactive protein conformations has shown impressive successes, raising the cardinal questions of which targets can profit and what are the principles of the active/inactive protein pharmacology. Cancer driver mutations have been established to mimic the protein activation mechanism. We suggest that the decision whether to target an inactive (or active) conformation should largely rest on the protein mechanism of activation. We next discuss the recent identification of double (multiple) same-allele driver mutations and their impact on cell proliferation and suggest that like single driver mutations, double drivers also mimic the mechanism of activation. We further suggest that the structural perturbations of double (multiple) in cis mutations may reveal new surfaces/pockets for drug design. Finally, we underscore the preeminent role of the cellular network which is deregulated in cancer. Our structure-based review and outlook updates the traditional Mechanism of Action, informs decisions, and calls attention to the intrinsic activation mechanism of the target protein and the rewired tumor-specific network, ushering innovative considerations in precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Nussinov
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, USA.,Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Mingzhen Zhang
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Ryan Maloney
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Chung-Jung Tsai
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Bengi Ruken Yavuz
- Department of Health Informatics, Graduate School of Informatics, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Nurcan Tuncbag
- Department of Health Informatics, Graduate School of Informatics, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey.,Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, College of Engineering, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey.,Koc University Research Center for Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hyunbum Jang
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, USA
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13
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The RhoGEF Trio: A Protein with a Wide Range of Functions in the Vascular Endothelium. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221810168. [PMID: 34576329 PMCID: PMC8467920 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221810168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Many cellular processes are controlled by small GTPases, which can be activated by guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs). The RhoGEF Trio contains two GEF domains that differentially activate the small GTPases such as Rac1/RhoG and RhoA. These small RhoGTPases are mainly involved in the remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton. In the endothelium, they regulate junctional stabilization and play a crucial role in angiogenesis and endothelial barrier integrity. Multiple extracellular signals originating from different vascular processes can influence the activity of Trio and thereby the regulation of the forementioned small GTPases and actin cytoskeleton. This review elucidates how various signals regulate Trio in a distinct manner, resulting in different functional outcomes that are crucial for endothelial cell function in response to inflammation.
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14
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Bircher JE, Koleske AJ. Trio family proteins as regulators of cell migration and morphogenesis in development and disease - mechanisms and cellular contexts. J Cell Sci 2021; 134:jcs248393. [PMID: 33568469 PMCID: PMC7888718 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.248393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The well-studied members of the Trio family of proteins are Trio and kalirin in vertebrates, UNC-73 in Caenorhabditis elegans and Trio in Drosophila Trio proteins are key regulators of cell morphogenesis and migration, tissue organization, and secretion and protein trafficking in many biological contexts. Recent discoveries have linked Trio and kalirin to human disease, including neurological disorders and cancer. The genes for Trio family proteins encode a series of large multidomain proteins with up to three catalytic activities and multiple scaffolding and protein-protein interaction domains. As such, Trio family proteins engage a wide array of cell surface receptors, substrates and interaction partners to coordinate changes in cytoskeletal regulatory and protein trafficking pathways. We provide a comprehensive review of the specific mechanisms by which Trio family proteins carry out their functions in cells, highlight the biological and cellular contexts in which they occur, and relate how alterations in these functions contribute to human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josie E Bircher
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Biophysics, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511 USA
| | - Anthony J Koleske
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Biophysics, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511 USA
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15
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Castillo-Kauil A, García-Jiménez I, Cervantes-Villagrana RD, Adame-García SR, Beltrán-Navarro YM, Gutkind JS, Reyes-Cruz G, Vázquez-Prado J. Gα s directly drives PDZ-RhoGEF signaling to Cdc42. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:16920-16928. [PMID: 33023908 PMCID: PMC7863908 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ac120.015204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Gα proteins promote dynamic adjustments of cell shape directed by actin-cytoskeleton reorganization via their respective RhoGEF effectors. For example, Gα13 binding to the RGS-homology (RH) domains of several RH-RhoGEFs allosterically activates these proteins, causing them to expose their catalytic Dbl-homology (DH)/pleckstrin-homology (PH) regions, which triggers downstream signals. However, whether additional Gα proteins might directly regulate the RH-RhoGEFs was not known. To explore this question, we first examined the morphological effects of expressing shortened RH-RhoGEF DH/PH constructs of p115RhoGEF/ARHGEF1, PDZ-RhoGEF (PRG)/ARHGEF11, and LARG/ARHGEF12. As expected, the three constructs promoted cell contraction and activated RhoA, known to be downstream of Gα13 Intriguingly, PRG DH/PH also induced filopodia-like cell protrusions and activated Cdc42. This pathway was stimulated by constitutively active Gαs (GαsQ227L), which enabled endogenous PRG to gain affinity for Cdc42. A chemogenetic approach revealed that signaling by Gs-coupled receptors, but not by those coupled to Gi or Gq, enabled PRG to bind Cdc42. This receptor-dependent effect, as well as CREB phosphorylation, was blocked by a construct derived from the PRG:Gαs-binding region, PRG-linker. Active Gαs interacted with isolated PRG DH and PH domains and their linker. In addition, this construct interfered with GαsQ227L's ability to guide PRG's interaction with Cdc42. Endogenous Gs-coupled prostaglandin receptors stimulated PRG binding to membrane fractions and activated signaling to PKA, and this canonical endogenous pathway was attenuated by PRG-linker. Altogether, our results demonstrate that active Gαs can recognize PRG as a novel effector directing its DH/PH catalytic module to gain affinity for Cdc42.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Castillo-Kauil
- Department of Cell Biology, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Irving García-Jiménez
- Department of Cell Biology, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Sendi Rafael Adame-García
- Department of Pharmacology, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Yarely Mabell Beltrán-Navarro
- Department of Pharmacology, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - J Silvio Gutkind
- Moores Cancer Center and Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Guadalupe Reyes-Cruz
- Department of Cell Biology, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - José Vázquez-Prado
- Department of Pharmacology, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico.
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16
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Parnell E, Shapiro LP, Voorn RA, Forrest MP, Jalloul HA, Loizzo DD, Penzes P. KALRN: A central regulator of synaptic function and synaptopathies. Gene 2020; 768:145306. [PMID: 33189799 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2020.145306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The synaptic regulator, kalirin, plays a key role in synaptic plasticity and formation of dendritic arbors and spines. Dysregulation of the KALRN gene has been linked to various neurological disorders, including autism spectrum disorder, Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, addiction and intellectual disabilities. Both genetic and molecular studies highlight the importance of normal KALRN expression for healthy neurodevelopment and function. This review aims to give an in-depth analysis of the structure and molecular mechanisms of kalirin function, particularly within the brain. These data are correlated to genetic evidence of patient mutations within KALRN and animal models of Kalrn that together give insight into the manner in which this gene may be involved in neurodevelopment and the etiology of disease. The emerging links to human disease from post-mortem, genome wide association (GWAS) and exome sequencing studies are examined to highlight the disease relevance of kalirin, particularly in neurodevelopmental diseases. Finally, we will discuss efforts to pharmacologically regulate kalirin protein activity and the implications of such endeavors for the treatment of human disease. As multiple disease states arise from deregulated synapse formation and altered KALRN expression and function, therapeutics may be developed to provide control over KALRN activity and thus synapse dysregulation. As such, a detailed understanding of how kalirin regulates neuronal development, and the manner in which kalirin dysfunction promotes neurological disease, may support KALRN as a valuable therapeutic avenue for future pharmacological intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Euan Parnell
- Department of Physiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, 60611 IL, USA
| | - Lauren P Shapiro
- Department of Physiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, 60611 IL, USA
| | - Roos A Voorn
- Department of Physiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, 60611 IL, USA
| | - Marc P Forrest
- Department of Physiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, 60611 IL, USA
| | - Hiba A Jalloul
- Department of Physiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, 60611 IL, USA
| | - Daniel D Loizzo
- Department of Physiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, 60611 IL, USA
| | - Peter Penzes
- Department of Physiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, 60611 IL, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, 60611 IL, USA; Northwestern University Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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17
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Ravala SK, Hopkins JB, Plescia CB, Allgood SR, Kane MA, Cash JN, Stahelin RV, Tesmer JJG. The first DEP domain of the RhoGEF P-Rex1 autoinhibits activity and contributes to membrane binding. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:12635-12647. [PMID: 32661198 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.014534] [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: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate (PIP3)-dependent Rac exchanger 1 (P-Rex1) catalyzes the exchange of GDP for GTP on Rac GTPases, thereby triggering changes in the actin cytoskeleton and in transcription. Its overexpression is highly correlated with the metastasis of certain cancers. P-Rex1 recruitment to the plasma membrane and its activity are regulated via interactions with heterotrimeric Gβγ subunits, PIP3, and protein kinase A (PKA). Deletion analysis has further shown that domains C-terminal to its catalytic Dbl homology (DH) domain confer autoinhibition. Among these, the first dishevelled, Egl-10, and pleckstrin domain (DEP1) remains to be structurally characterized. DEP1 also harbors the primary PKA phosphorylation site, suggesting that an improved understanding of this region could substantially increase our knowledge of P-Rex1 signaling and open the door to new selective chemotherapeutics. Here we show that the DEP1 domain alone can autoinhibit activity in context of the DH/PH-DEP1 fragment of P-Rex1 and interacts with the DH/PH domains in solution. The 3.1 Å crystal structure of DEP1 features a domain swap, similar to that observed previously in the Dvl2 DEP domain, involving an exposed basic loop that contains the PKA site. Using purified proteins, we show that although DEP1 phosphorylation has no effect on the activity or solution conformation of the DH/PH-DEP1 fragment, it inhibits binding of the DEP1 domain to liposomes containing phosphatidic acid. Thus, we propose that PKA phosphorylation of the DEP1 domain hampers P-Rex1 binding to negatively charged membranes in cells, freeing the DEP1 domain to associate with and inhibit the DH/PH module.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep K Ravala
- Departments of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA.,The Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Jesse B Hopkins
- Biophysics Collaborative Access Team, Illinois Institute of Technology, Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois, USA
| | - Caroline B Plescia
- The Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Samantha R Allgood
- Departments of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Madison A Kane
- College of Engineering, California State University, Long Beach, California, USA
| | - Jennifer N Cash
- Department of Biological Chemistry & Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Robert V Stahelin
- The Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - John J G Tesmer
- Departments of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA .,The Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
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18
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Paskus JD, Herring BE, Roche KW. Kalirin and Trio: RhoGEFs in Synaptic Transmission, Plasticity, and Complex Brain Disorders. Trends Neurosci 2020; 43:505-518. [PMID: 32513570 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2020.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Changes in the actin cytoskeleton are a primary mechanism mediating the morphological and functional plasticity that underlies learning and memory. The synaptic Ras homologous (Rho) guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) Kalirin and Trio have emerged as central regulators of actin dynamics at the synapse. The increased attention surrounding Kalirin and Trio stems from the growing evidence for their roles in the etiology of a wide range of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. In this Review, we discuss recent findings revealing the unique and diverse functions of these paralog proteins in neurodevelopment, excitatory synaptic transmission, and plasticity. We additionally survey the growing literature implicating these proteins in various neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremiah D Paskus
- Receptor Biology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Bruce E Herring
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Katherine W Roche
- Receptor Biology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA.
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19
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Cooke M, Baker MJ, Kazanietz MG. Rac-GEF/Rac Signaling and Metastatic Dissemination in Lung Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:118. [PMID: 32158759 PMCID: PMC7051914 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) representing ∼85% of new diagnoses. The disease is often detected in an advanced metastatic stage, with poor prognosis and clinical outcome. In order to escape from the primary tumor, cancer cells acquire highly motile and invasive phenotypes that involve the dynamic reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton. These processes are tightly regulated by Rac1, a small G-protein that participates in the formation of actin-rich membrane protrusions required for cancer cell motility and for the secretion of extracellular matrix (ECM)-degrading proteases. In this perspective article we focus on the mechanisms leading to aberrant Rac1 signaling in NSCLC progression and metastasis, highlighting the role of Rac Guanine nucleotide Exchange Factors (GEFs). A plausible scenario is that specific Rac-GEFs activate discrete intracellular pools of Rac1, leading to unique functional responses in the context of specific oncogenic drivers, such as mutant EGFR or mutant KRAS. The identification of dysregulated Rac signaling regulators may serve to predict critical biomarkers for metastatic disease in lung cancer patients, ultimately aiding in refining patient prognosis and decision-making in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Cooke
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | | | - Marcelo G. Kazanietz
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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20
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Zhang Y. Exploring the autoinhibition mechanism of the C-terminal guanine nucleotide exchange factor module of Trio through molecular dynamics simulations. Chem Phys Lett 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cplett.2019.05.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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