An RNA interference screen identifies the Deubiquitinase STAMBPL1 as a critical regulator of human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 tax nuclear export and NF-κB activation

STAMBPL1, transcriptionally regulated by SREBP1, promotes malignant behaviors of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. STAM binding protein-like 1 (STAMBPL1), a key member of the COP9 signalosome subunit 5/serine protease 27/proteasome 26S subunit non-ATPase 7 (JAMM) family, is closely associated with tumor development. In this work, data from GSE101728 and GSE84402 chips were analyzed, and STAMBPL1 was selected as the target factor. This study aimed to reveal the potential function of STAMBPL1 in HCC. Clinical results showed that STAMBPL1 was significantly increased in tumor tissues of HCC patients, and its expression was strongly associated with tumor size and TNM stage. Furthermore, STAMBPL1-overexpressed Hep3B2.1-7 cell line or STAMBPL1-silenced SNU-182 cell line were established using lentivirus carrying cDNA encoding STAMBPL1 mRNA or shRNA targeting STAMBPL1, respectively. STAMBPL1-overexpressed cells exhibited a pronounced enhancement of proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Exogenous expression of STAMBPL1 increased the percentage of cells in the S phase and upregulated the expressions of CyclinD1 and Survivin. As expected, STAMBPL1 knockdown exhibited completely opposite effects, resulting in impaired tumorigenicity in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, STAMBPL1 activated Wnt/β-catenin pathway and increased the expression of downstream cancer-promoting genes. Interestingly, we found that STAMBPL1 was transcriptionally regulated by sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1), a modulator of lipid metabolism, as evidenced by luciferase reporter and chromatin-immunoprecipitation (Ch-IP) assays. Notably, STAMBPL1 overexpression increased lipid accumulation in HCC cells and xenograft tumors. Totally our findings suggest that STAMBPL1 plays a vital role in the tumorigenicity of HCC cells. Modulation of Wnt/β-catenin and lipid metabolism may contribute to its pro-cancer effects. STAMBPL1 may serve as a therapeutic target of HCC.

The tyrosine kinase KDR is essential for the survival of HTLV-1-infected T cells by stabilizing the Tax oncoprotein

Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) infection is linked to the development of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) and the neuroinflammatory disease, HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). The HTLV-1 Tax oncoprotein regulates viral gene expression and persistently activates NF-κB to maintain the viability of HTLV-1-infected T cells. Here, we utilize a kinome-wide shRNA screen to identify the tyrosine kinase KDR as an essential survival factor of HTLV-1-transformed cells. Inhibition of KDR specifically induces apoptosis of Tax expressing HTLV-1-transformed cell lines and CD4 + T cells from HAM/TSP patients. Furthermore, inhibition of KDR triggers the autophagic degradation of Tax resulting in impaired NF-κB activation and diminished viral transmission in co-culture assays. Tax induces the expression of KDR, forms a complex with KDR, and is phosphorylated by KDR. These findings suggest that Tax stability is dependent on KDR activity which could be exploited as a strategy to target Tax in HTLV-1-associated diseases.

STAMBPL1 promotes the progression of lung adenocarcinoma by inhibiting DHRS2 expression

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer is responsible for the majority of cancer deaths in the world. We found a significant increase of STAMBPL1 expression in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) tissues and cells. However, its mechanism has not been clarified.

METHODS

LUAD tissues and adjacent normal tissues were collected from 62 patients treated in the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from August 2018 to August 2021. In vivo, the clinical data and STAMBPL1 expression of 62 patients with LUAD were analyzed by qPCR. In vitro, cell experiments were carried out after STAMBPL1 knockdown in A549 and H1299 cells to determine cell growth, migration rate, evasiveness, colony-forming ability, and apoptosis. Gene sequencing was used to explore the expression of various genes in A549 and H1299 cells to verify that DHRS2 was up-regulated after STAMBPL1 knockdown; cell experiments further detected the role of the DHRS2 gene after DHRS2 overexpression in A549 and H1299 cells. A rescue experiment was conducted to certify that STAMBPL1 promotes NSCLC progression by regulating DHRS2 expression.

RESULTS

After STAMBPL1 knockdown by siRNA. Migration, invasion, colony formation, and proliferation of siRNA groups were suppressed than those of NC groups in A549 and H1299 cells, while the cell apoptosis rate of siRNA groups increased significantly. By using gene-sequence analysis, we found that the expression level of the DHRS2 gene was up-regulated in STAMBPL1 siRNA groups, compared with STAMBPL1 NC (negative control) groups in A549 and H1299, which was verified by qPCR and WB. Further experiments showed that the DHRS2 OE group was suppressed in cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in the A549 and H1299 cell lines compared to the DHRS2 NC group, while DHRS2 OE group was significantly enhanced in the cell apoptosis in the A549 and H1299 cell lines. According to the rescue experiment, cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of the STAMBPL1 SI+DHRS2 SI group were enhanced compared with the STAMBPL1 SI+DHRS2 NC group in A549 and H1299 cells, while the STAMBPL1 SI+DHRS2 OE group were further decreased.

CONCLUSIONS

The expression of STAMBPL1 mRNA is significantly up-regulated in LUAD, promoting the progression of LUAD by down-regulating the expression of DHRS2 and acting as a potential biomarker of LUAD.

STAMBPL1 promotes breast cancer cell resistance to cisplatin partially by stabilizing MKP-1 expression

Dual-specificity mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP-1/DUSP1/CL-100) has been documented to promote breast cancer cell survival and chemoresistance. MKP-1 is an unstable protein that is ubiquitinated and degraded via the ubiquitin-proteasome system. However, it is not clear how MKP-1 protein stability is regulated in breast cancer. In this study, we performed a genome-wide siRNA library screen of deubiquitinases (DUBs) and identified STAMBPL1 as an MKP-1 DUB in breast cancer cells. STAMBPL1 interacts with MKP-1 and stabilizes MKP-1 via deubiquitination. Both STAMBPL1 and MKP-1 depletion sensitize breast cancer cells to cisplatin in vitro and in vivo, and ectopic overexpression of MKP-1 partially rescues STAMBPL1 depletion-induced cisplatin sensitivity. Furthermore, STAMBPL1 and MKP-1 depletion increased breast cancer sensitivity to cisplatin by increasing the phosphorylation and activation of c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK). Collectively, our findings not only identify STAMBPL1 as an MKP-1 DUB but also reveal a critical mechanism that regulates MKP-1 expression in breast cancer. Our findings indicate that the STAMBPL1/MKP-1 axis represents a potential therapeutic target in breast cancer.

Helicobacter pylori-induced reactive oxygen species direct turnover of CSN-associated STAMBPL1 and augment apoptotic cell death

Deubiquitinylases (DUBs) are central regulators of the ubiquitin system involved in protein regulation and cell signalling and are important for a variety of physiological processes. Most DUBs are cysteine proteases, and few other proteases are metalloproteases of the JAB1/MPN +/MOV34 protease family (JAMM). STAM-binding protein like 1 (STAMBPL1), a member of the JAMM family, cleaves ubiquitin bonds and has a function in regulating cell survival, Tax-mediated nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) activation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. However, the molecular mechanism by which STAMBPL1 influences cell survival is not well defined, especially with regard to its deubiquitinylation function. Here, we show that reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by chemotherapeutic agents or the human microbial pathogen Helicobacter pylori can induce cullin 1-RING ubiquitin ligase (CRL1) and 26S proteasome-dependent degradation STAMBPL1. Interestingly, STAMBPL1 has a direct interaction with the constitutive photomorphogenic 9 (COP9 or CSN) signalosome subunits CSN5 and CSN6. The interaction with the CSN is required for the stabilisation and function of the STAMBPL1 protein. In addition, STAMBPL1 deubiquitinylates the anti-apoptotic protein Survivin and thus ameliorates cell survival. In summary, our data reveal a previously unknown mechanism by which the deubiquitinylase STAMBPL1 and the E3 ligase CRL1 balance the level of Survivin degradation and thereby determine apoptotic cell death. In response to genotoxic stress, the degradation of STAMBPL1 augments apoptotic cell death. This new mechanism may be useful to develop therapeutic strategies targeting STAMBPL1 in tumours that have high STAMBPL1 and Survivin protein levels.

Progress in research of deubiquitination enzymes in colorectal cancer

Dubiquitinating enzymes include six subfamilies, which are widely distributed in various cells of the body. They play an important role in many processes, such as regulating the degradation of protein, and are involved in cell growth and proliferation, immune regulation, nerve function, tumor development, and molecular signaling pathways. Colorectal cancer, as one of the five malignant tumors with the highest morbidity and mortality, is a serious threat to human health. More and more studies have reported that the deubiquitination enzyme family plays an important role in the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer. Here, we review the recent progress in the research of deubiquitination enzymes in colorectal cancer.

Role of Virally-Encoded Deubiquitinating Enzymes in Regulation of the Virus Life Cycle

The ubiquitin (Ub) proteasome system (UPS) plays a pivotal role in regulation of numerous cellular processes, including innate and adaptive immune responses that are essential for restriction of the virus life cycle in the infected cells. Deubiquitination by the deubiquitinating enzyme, deubiquitinase (DUB), is a reversible molecular process to remove Ub or Ub chains from the target proteins. Deubiquitination is an integral strategy within the UPS in regulating survival and proliferation of the infecting virus and the virus-invaded cells. Many viruses in the infected cells are reported to encode viral DUB, and these vial DUBs actively disrupt cellular Ub-dependent processes to suppress host antiviral immune response, enhancing virus replication and thus proliferation. This review surveys the types of DUBs encoded by different viruses and their molecular processes for how the infecting viruses take advantage of the DUB system to evade the host immune response and expedite their replication.

The E3/E4 ubiquitin conjugation factor UBE4B interacts with and ubiquitinates the HTLV-1 Tax oncoprotein to promote NF-κB activation

Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is the etiological agent of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL), and the neurological disease HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). The HTLV-1 Tax protein persistently activates the NF-κB pathway to enhance the proliferation and survival of HTLV-1 infected T cells. Lysine 63 (K63)-linked polyubiquitination of Tax provides an important regulatory mechanism that promotes Tax-mediated interaction with the IKK complex and activation of NF-κB; however, the host proteins regulating Tax ubiquitination are largely unknown. To identify new Tax interacting proteins that may regulate its ubiquitination we conducted a yeast two-hybrid screen using Tax as bait. This screen yielded the E3/E4 ubiquitin conjugation factor UBE4B as a novel binding partner for Tax. Here, we confirmed the interaction between Tax and UBE4B in mammalian cells by co-immunoprecipitation assays and demonstrated colocalization by proximity ligation assay and confocal microscopy. Overexpression of UBE4B specifically enhanced Tax-induced NF-κB activation, whereas knockdown of UBE4B impaired Tax-induced NF-κB activation and the induction of NF-κB target genes in T cells and ATLL cell lines. Furthermore, depletion of UBE4B with shRNA resulted in apoptotic cell death and diminished the proliferation of ATLL cell lines. Finally, overexpression of UBE4B enhanced Tax polyubiquitination, and knockdown or CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of UBE4B attenuated both K48- and K63-linked polyubiquitination of Tax. Collectively, these results implicate UBE4B in HTLV-1 Tax polyubiquitination and downstream NF-κB activation.

Infection with the retrovirus HTLV-1 leads to the development of either CD4+CD25+ leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) or a demyelinating neuroinflammatory disease (HAM/TSP) in a subset of infected individuals. The HTLV-1 Tax protein is a regulatory protein which regulates viral gene expression and persistently activates cellular signaling pathways such as NF-κB to drive the clonal expansion and longevity of HTLV-1 infected CD4+ T cells. Polyubiquitination of Tax is a key mechanism of NF-κB activation by assembling and activating IκB kinase (IKK) signaling complexes; however, the host factors regulating Tax ubiquitination have remained elusive. Here, we have identified the E3/E4 ubiquitin conjugation factor UBE4B as a novel Tax binding protein that promotes both K48- and K63-linked polyubiquitination of Tax. Knockdown or knockout of UBE4B impairs Tax-induced NF-κB activation and triggers apoptosis of HTLV-1-transformed cells. Therefore, UBE4B is an integral host factor that supports HTLV-1 Tax polyubiquitination, NF-κB activation and cell survival.

Systematic analysis reveals a functional role for STAMBPL1 in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process across multiple carcinomas

Background

Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) are linked to cancer progression and dissemination, yet less is known about their regulation and impact on epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT).

Methods

An integrative translational approach combining systematic computational analyses of The Cancer Genome Atlas cancer cohorts with CRISPR genetics, biochemistry and immunohistochemistry methodologies to identify and assess the role of human DUBs in EMT.

Results

We identify a previously undiscovered biological function of STAM-binding protein like 1 (STAMBPL1) deubiquitinase in the EMT process in lung and breast carcinomas. We show that STAMBPL1 expression can be regulated by mutant p53 and that its catalytic activity is required to affect the transcription factor SNAI1. Accordingly, genetic depletion and CRISPR-mediated gene knockout of STAMBPL1 leads to marked recovery of epithelial markers, SNAI1 destabilisation and impaired migratory capacity of cancer cells. Reversely, STAMBPL1 expression reprogrammes cells towards a mesenchymal phenotype. A significant STAMBPL1-SNAI1 co-signature was observed across multiple tumour types. Importantly, STAMBPL1 is highly expressed in metastatic tissues compared to matched primary tumour of the same lung cancer patient and its expression predicts poor prognosis.

Conclusions

Our study provides a novel concept of oncogenic regulation of a DUB and presents a new role and predictive value of STAMBPL1 in the EMT process across multiple carcinomas.

Identification of Methylated Gene Biomarkers in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease Based on Machine Learning

Background

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder and characterized by the cognitive impairments. It is essential to identify potential gene biomarkers for AD pathology.

Methods

DNA methylation expression data of patients with AD were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially methylated sites were identified. The functional annotation analysis of corresponding genes in the differentially methylated sites was performed. The optimal diagnostic gene biomarkers for AD were identified by using random forest feature selection procedure. In addition, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) diagnostic analysis of differentially methylated genes was performed.

Results

A total of 10 differentially methylated sites including 5 hypermethylated sites and 5 hypomethylated sites were identified in AD. There were a total of 8 genes including thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP), noggin (NOG), regulator of microtubule dynamics 2 (FAM82A1), myoneurin (MYNN), ankyrin repeat domain 34B (ANKRD34B), STAM-binding protein like 1, ALMalpha (STAMBPL1), cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1C (CDKN1C), and coronin 2B (CORO2B) that correspond to 10 differentially methylated sites. The cell cycle (FDR = 0.0284087) and TGF-beta signaling pathway (FDR = 0.0380372) were the only two significantly enriched pathways of these genes. MYNN was selected as optimal diagnostic biomarker with great diagnostic value. The random forests model could effectively predict AD.

Conclusion

Our study suggested that MYNN could be served as optimal diagnostic biomarker of AD. Cell cycle and TGF-beta signaling pathway may be associated with AD.

The Long Non-Coding RNA NEAT1 Promotes Gastric Cancer Cell Proliferation and Invasion by Regulating miR-103a/ STAMBPL1 Axis

BACKGROUND

Gastric cancer (GC) is a common malignancy with high morbidity. Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) have been demonstrated to be critical post-transcriptional regulators in tumorigenesis. This study aimed to investigate the effect of LncRNA NEAT1 on the proliferation and metastasis of GC.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The expression of LncRNA NEAT1 was examined in clinical samples and GC cell lines. GC cell lines (SGC-7901 and BGC-823) and human normal gastric epithelial cell line (GES-1) were employed. The correlation between NEAT1, miR-103a and STAMBPL1 was determined by luciferase reporter assay. Cell viability was determined by CCK8 assay. Cell invasion capacity was examined by Transwell assay. The protein level of STAMBPL1 was analyzed by western blotting.

RESULTS

LncRNA NEAT1 was found to be up-regulated in GC cell lines. Further studies identified LncRNA NEAT1 as a direct target of miR-103a. Moreover, NEAT1 knockdown and miR-103a overexpression inhibited cell proliferation and cell invasion. NEAT1 knockdown and miR-103a overexpression also decreased STAMBPL1 levels.

CONCLUSION

Our study indicated that LncRNA NEAT1 was up-regulated in GC cells and tissues. NEAT1 was targeted and inhibited by miR-103a and acted as an oncogene, which promoted the malignant behavior of GC cells. This regulatory effect of NEAT1 may be associated with STAMBPL1. Therefore, NEAT1 could be used as a biomarker for predicting the progression of GC.

Honokiol Enhances TRAIL-Mediated Apoptosis through STAMBPL1-Induced Survivin and c-FLIP Degradation

Honokiol is a natural biphenolic compound extracted from traditional Chinese medicine Magnolia species, which have been known to display various biological effects including anti-cancer, anti-proliferative, anti-angiogenic, and anti-metastatic activities in cancer cells. Here, we found that honokiol sensitizes cancer cells to tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-induced apoptosis through downregulation of anti-apoptotic proteins survivin and c-FLIP. Ectopic expression of survivin and c-FLIP markedly abolished honokiol and TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Mechanistically, honokiol induced protein degradation of c-FLIP and survivin through STAMBPL1, a deubiquitinase. STAMBPL1 interacted with survivin and c-FLIP, resulted in reduction of ubiquitination. Knockdown of STAMBPL1 reduced survivin and c-FLIP protein levels, while overexpression of STAMBPL1 inhibited honokinol-induced survivin and c-FLIP degradation. Our findings provided that honokiol could overcome TRAIL resistance through survivin and c-FLIP degradation induced by inhibition of STAMBPL1 expression.

STAMBPL1 knockdown has antitumour effects on gastric cancer biological activities

The present study aimed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of STAM binding protein-like 1 (STAMBPL1) knockdown in the suppression of gastric cancer activities. Pathological data and STAMBPL1 protein expression were analysed in 36 patients with gastric cancer, including 24 stage I-II and 12 stage III-IV patients, by haematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry. In vitro cell experiments were performed to measure AGS cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and migration by MTT, Celigo cell count, flow cytometry, Transwell and wound healing assays following STAMBPL1 knockdown. The relative protein expression levels were evaluated by western blotting. When compared with the adjacent normal tissues, STAMBPL1 protein expression in the gastric cancer tissues with increasing stages was significantly upregulated (P<0.01 or P<0.001). STAMBPL1 gene expression was not identified to be significantly different between AGS and MGC80-3 gastric cancer cells (P>0.05). Following STAMBPL1 knockdown by short hairpin RNA (sh)STAMBPL1, cell proliferation was significantly suppressed, the cell apoptosis rate was significantly upregulated, and the numbers of invasive AGS cells and the AGS wound healing rate were significantly decreased (P<0.01 and P<0.001, respectively), compared with those in the shControl group. Additionally, STAMBPL1 and NF-κB protein expression levels were significantly downregulated in the shSTAMBPL1 group (P<0.001, respectively). STAMBPL1 may be oncogenic in gastric cancer, and STAMBPL1 knockdown may suppress gastric cancer development.

Targeting the deubiquitinase STAMBPL1 triggers apoptosis in prostate cancer cells by promoting XIAP degradation

The zinc metalloprotease STAM-binding protein-like 1 (STAMBPL1) has been identified as a deubiquitinase by specifically cleaving Lys-63-linked polyubiquitin chains, but its cellular function remains unclear. Here we described the potential role of STAMBPL1 in suppression of the intrinsic apoptosis. We observed substantially high amounts of STAMBPL1 proteins in androgen-independent prostate cancer PC3 and DU145 cell lines. STAMBPL1 RNAi depletion triggered caspase-3/-7-dependent apoptosis in PC3 and DU145 cells. STAMBPL1 knockdown-induced apoptosis was accompanied by accumulation of cellular ROS and a decrease in endogenous caspase inhibitor XIAP protein content. Treatment cells with antioxidant NAC delayed STAMBPL1 silencing-induced apoptosis, whereas ectopic expression of XIAP almost completely abrogated apoptosis. We further elucidated that STAMBPL1 knockdown diverted XIAP protein to lysosomal degradation pathway. Taken together, these studies show that STAMBPL1 depletion induces apoptosis by promoting XIAP lysosomal degradation, and suggest that targeting deubiquitinase STAMBPL1 might offer promising therapeutic strategy for prostate cancer.

Cepharanthine Enhances TRAIL-Mediated Apoptosis Through STAMBPL1-Mediated Downregulation of Survivin Expression in Renal Carcinoma Cells

Cepharanthine (CEP) is a natural plant alkaloid, and has anti-inflammatory, antineoplastic, antioxidative and anticancer properties. In this study, we investigated whether CEP could sensitize renal carcinoma Caki cells to tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)-induced apoptosis. CEP alone and TRAIL alone had no effect on apoptosis. However, combined CEP and TRAIL treatment markedly enhanced apoptotic cell death in cancer cells, but not in normal cells. CEP induced downregulation of survivin and cellular-FLICE inhibitory protein (c-FLIP) expression at post-translational levels. Ectopic expression of survivin blocked apoptosis by combined treatment with CEP plus TRAIL, but not in c-FLIP overexpression. Interestingly, CEP induced survivin downregulation through downregulation of deubiquitin protein of STAM-binding protein-like 1 (STAMBPL1). Overexpression of STAMBPL1 markedly recovered CEP-mediated survivin downregulation. Taken together, our study suggests that CEP sensitizes TRAIL-mediated apoptosis through downregulation of survivin expression at the post-translational levels in renal carcinoma cells.

NF-κB signaling mechanisms in HTLV-1-induced adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma

The human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is a complex deltaretrovirus linked to adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL), a fatal CD4 +  malignancy in 3-5% of infected individuals. The HTLV-1 Tax regulatory protein plays indispensable roles in regulating viral gene expression and activating cellular signaling pathways that drive the proliferation and clonal expansion of T cells bearing HTLV-1 proviral integrations. Tax is a potent activator of NF-κB, a key signaling pathway that is essential for the survival and proliferation of HTLV-1-infected T cells. However, constitutive NF-κB activation by Tax also triggers a senescence response, suggesting the possibility that only T cells capable of overcoming NF-κB-induced senescence can selectively undergo clonal expansion after HTLV-1 infection. Tax expression is often silenced in the majority of ATLL due to genetic alterations in the tax gene or DNA hypermethylation of the 5'-LTR. Despite the loss of Tax, NF-κB activation remains persistently activated in ATLL due to somatic mutations in genes in the T/B-cell receptor (T/BCR) and NF-κB signaling pathways. In this review, we focus on the key events driving Tax-dependent and -independent mechanisms of NF-κB activation during the multistep process leading to ATLL.

Gene expression profiling of hematologic malignant cell lines resistant to oncolytic virus treatment

Pexa-Vec (pexastimogene devacirpvec; JX-594) has emerged as an attractive tool in oncolytic virotherapy. Pexa-Vec demonstrates oncolytic and immunotherapeutic mechanisms of action. But the determinants of resistance to Pexa-Vec are mostly unknown. We treated hemoatologic malignant cells with Pexa-Vec and examined the gene-expression pattern of sensitive and resistant cells. Human myeloid malignant cell lines (RPMI-8226, IM-9, K562, THP-1) and lymphoid cancer cell lines (MOLT4, CCRF-CEM, Ramos, U937) were treated with Pexa-Vec. Pexa-Vec was cytotoxic on myeloid cell lines in a dose-dependent manner, and fluorescent imaging and qPCR revealed that Pexa-Vec expression was low in RAMOS than IM-9 after 24 hrs and 48 hrs of infection. Gene expression profiles between two groups were analyzed by microarray. Genes with at least 2-fold increase or decrease in their expression were identified. A total of 660 genes were up-regulated and 776 genes were down-regulated in lymphoid cancer cell lines. The up- and down-regulated genes were categorized into 319 functional gene clusters. We identified the top 10 up-regulated genes in lymphoid cells. Among them three human genes (LEF1, STAMBPL1, and SLFN11) strongly correlated with viral replication. Up-regulation of PVRIG, LPP, CECR1, Arhgef6, IRX3, IGFBP2, CD1d were related to resistant to Pexa-Vec. In conclusion, lymphoid malignant cells are resistant to Pexa-Vec and displayed up-regulated genes associated with resistance to oncolytic viral therapy. These data provide potential targets to overcome resistance, and suggest that molecular assays may be useful in selecting patients for further clinical trials with Pexa-Vec.

Proteomics and metabolomics identify molecular mechanisms of aging potentially predisposing for chronic lymphocytic leukemia

B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL), the most common type of leukemia in adults, is still essentially incurable despite the development of novel therapeutic strategies. This reflects the incomplete understanding of the pathophysiology of this disease. A comprehensive proteome analysis of primary human B-CLL cells and B cells from younger as well as elderly healthy donors was performed. For comparison, the chronic B cell leukemia cell line JVM-13 was also included. A principal component analysis comprising 6,945 proteins separated these four groups, placing B cells of aged-matched controls between those of young donors and B-CLL patients, while identifying JVM-13 as poorly related cells. Mass spectrometric proteomics data have been made fully accessible via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD006570-PXD006572, PXD006576, PXD006578, and PXD006589-PXD006591. Remarkably, B cells from aged controls displayed significant regulation of proteins related to stress management in mitochondria and ROS stress such as DLAT, FIS1, and NDUFAB1, and DNA repair, including RAD9A, MGMT, and XPA. ROS levels were indeed found significantly increased in B cells but not in T cells or monocytes from aged individuals. These alterations may be relevant for tumorigenesis and were observed similarly in B-CLL cells. In B-CLL cells, some remarkable unique features like the loss of tumor suppressor molecules PNN and JARID2, the stress-related serotonin transporter SLC6A4, and high expression of ZNF207, CCDC88A, PIGR and ID3, otherwise associated with stem cell phenotype, were determined. Alterations of metabolic enzymes were another outstanding feature in comparison to normal B cells, indicating increased beta-oxidation of fatty acids and increased consumption of glutamine. Targeted metabolomics assays corroborated these results. The present findings identify a potential proteome signature for immune senescence in addition to previously unrecognized features of B-CLL cells and suggest that aging may be accompanied by cellular reprogramming functionally relevant for predisposing B cells to transform to B-CLL cells.

Interference of HTLV-1 Tax Protein with Cell Polarity Regulators: Defining the Subcellular Localization of the Tax-DLG1 Interaction

Human T cell leukemia virus (HTLV)-1 Tax (Tax) protein is very important in viral replication and cell transformation. Tax localizes in the nucleus and cytoplasm in association with organelles. Some activities of Tax depend on interactions with PDZ (PSD-95/Discs Large/Z0-1) domain-containing proteins such as Discs large protein 1 (DLG1) which is involved in cell polarity and proliferation. The DLG1 interaction results in a cytoplasmic co-localization pattern resembling vesicular aggregates, the nature of which is still unknown. To further explore the role of PDZ proteins in HTLV-1 cell transformation, we deeply investigated the Tax-DLG1 association. By fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), we detected, for the first time, the direct binding of Tax to DLG1 within the cell. We showed that the interaction specifically affects the cellular distribution of not only DLG1, but also Tax. After studying different cell structures, we demonstrated that the aggregates distribute into the Golgi apparatus in spatial association with the microtubule-organizing center (MTOC). This study contributes to understand the biological significance of Tax-PDZ interactions.

Identification of Susceptible Loci and Enriched Pathways for Bipolar II Disorder Using Genome-Wide Association Studies

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to identify susceptible loci and enriched pathways for bipolar disorder subtype II.

METHODS

We conducted a genome-wide association scan in discovery samples with 189 bipolar disorder subtype II patients and 1773 controls, and replication samples with 283 bipolar disorder subtype II patients and 500 controls in a Taiwanese Han population using Affymetrix Axiom Genome-Wide CHB1 Array. We performed single-marker and gene-based association analyses, as well as calculated polygeneic risk scores for bipolar disorder subtype II. Pathway enrichment analyses were employed to reveal significant biological pathways.

RESULTS

Seven markers were found to be associated with bipolar disorder subtype II in meta-analysis combining both discovery and replication samples (P<5.0×10^-6), including markers in or close to MYO16, HSP90AB3P, noncoding gene LOC100507632, and markers in chromosomes 4 and 10. A novel locus, ETF1, was associated with bipolar disorder subtype II (P<6.0×10^-3) in gene-based association tests. Results of risk evaluation demonstrated that higher genetic risk scores were able to distinguish bipolar disorder subtype II patients from healthy controls in both discovery (P=3.9×10^-4~1.0×10^-3) and replication samples (2.8×10^-4~1.7×10^-3). Genetic variance explained by chip markers for bipolar disorder subtype II was substantial in the discovery (55.1%) and replication (60.5%) samples. Moreover, pathways related to neurodevelopmental function, signal transduction, neuronal system, and cell adhesion molecules were significantly associated with bipolar disorder subtype II.

CONCLUSION

We reported novel susceptible loci for pure bipolar subtype II disorder that is less addressed in the literature. Future studies are needed to confirm the roles of these loci for bipolar disorder subtype II.

Niclosamide, an anti-helminthic molecule, downregulates the retroviral oncoprotein Tax and pro-survival Bcl-2 proteins in HTLV-1-transformed T lymphocytes

Adult T cell leukemia and lymphoma (ATL) is a highly aggressive form of hematological malignancy and is caused by chronic infection of human T cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1). The viral genome encodes an oncogenic protein, Tax, which plays a key role in transactivating viral gene transcription and in deregulating cellular oncogenic signaling to promote survival, proliferation and transformation of virally infected T cells. Hence, Tax is a desirable therapeutic target, particularly at early stage of HTLV-1-mediated oncogenesis. We here show that niclosamide, an anti-helminthic molecule, induced apoptosis of HTLV-1-transformed T cells. Niclosamide facilitated degradation of the Tax protein in proteasome. Consistent with niclosamide-mediated Tax degradation, this compound inhibited activities of MAPK/ERK1/2 and IκB kinases. In addition, niclosamide downregulated Stat3 and pro-survival Bcl-2 family members such as Mcl-1 and repressed the viral gene transcription of HTLV-1 through induction of Tax degradation. Since Tax, Stat3 and Mcl-1 are crucial molecules for promoting survival and growth of HTLV-1-transformed T cells, our findings demonstrate a novel mechanism of niclosamide in inducing Tax degradation and downregulating various cellular pro-survival molecules, thereby promoting apoptosis of HTLV-1-associated leukemia cells.

Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Interacting Protein Targets IRF7 to Suppress Antiviral Signaling and the Induction of Type I Interferon

The transcription factor IRF7 (interferon regulatory factor 7) is a key regulator of type I interferon and plays essential roles in restricting virus infection and spread. IRF7 activation is tightly regulated to prevent excessive inflammation and autoimmunity; however, how IRF7 is suppressed by negative regulators remains poorly understood. Here, we have identified AIP (aryl hydrocarbon receptor interacting protein) as a new binding partner of IRF7. The interaction between AIP and IRF7 is enhanced upon virus infection, and AIP potently inhibits IRF7-induced type I IFN (IFNα/β) production. Overexpression of AIP blocks virus-induced activation of IFN, whereas knockdown of AIP by siRNA potentiates virally activated IFN production. Consistently, AIP-deficient murine embryonic fibroblasts are highly resistant to virus infection because of increased production of IFNα/β. AIP inhibits IRF7 function by antagonizing the nuclear localization of IRF7. Together, our study identifies AIP as a novel inhibitor of IRF7 and a negative regulator of innate antiviral signaling.

Myocyte enhancer factor (MEF)-2 plays essential roles in T-cell transformation associated with HTLV-1 infection by stabilizing complex between Tax and CREB

Background

The exact molecular mechanisms regarding HTLV-1 Tax-mediated viral gene expression and CD4 T-cell transformation have yet to be fully delineated. Herein, utilizing virus-infected primary CD4⁺ T cells and the virus-producing cell line, MT-2, we describe the involvement and regulation of Myocyte enhancer factor-2 (specifically MEF-2A) during the course of HTLV-1 infection and associated disease syndrome.

Results

Inhibition of MEF-2 expression by shRNA and its activity by HDAC9 led to reduced viral replication and T-cell transformation in correlation with a heightened expression of MEF-2 in ATL patients. Mechanistically, MEF-2 was recruited to the viral promoter (LTR, long terminal repeat) in the context of chromatin, and constituted Tax/CREB transcriptional complex via direct binding to the HTLV-1 LTR. Furthermore, an increase in MEF-2 expression was observed upon infection in an extent similar to CREB (known Tax-interacting transcription factor), and HATs (p300, CBP, and p/CAF). Confocal imaging confirmed MEF-2 co-localization with Tax and these proteins were also shown to interact by co-immunoprecipitation. MEF-2 stabilization of Tax/CREB complex was confirmed by a novel promoter-binding assay that highlighted the involvement of NFAT (nuclear factor of activated T cells) in this process via Tax-mediated activation of calcineurin (a calcium-dependent serine-threonine phosphatase). MEF-2-integrated signaling pathways (PI3K/Akt, NF-κB, MAPK, JAK/STAT, and TGF-β) were also activated during HTLV-1 infection of primary CD4⁺ T cells, possibly regulating MEF-2 activity.

Conclusions

We demonstrate the involvement of MEF-2 in Tax-mediated LTR activation, viral replication, and T-cell transformation in correlation with its heightened expression in ATL patients through direct binding to DNA within the HTLV-1 LTR.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12977-015-0140-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Regulation of HTLV-1 tax stability, cellular trafficking and NF-κB activation by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway

Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is a complex retrovirus that infects CD4+ T cells and causes adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) in 3%–5% of infected individuals after a long latent period. HTLV-1 Tax is a trans-activating protein that regulates viral gene expression and also modulates cellular signaling pathways to enhance T-cell proliferation and cell survival. The Tax oncoprotein promotes T-cell transformation, in part via constitutive activation of the NF-κB transcription factor; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Ubiquitination is a type of post-translational modification that occurs in a three-step enzymatic cascade mediated by E1, E2 and E3 enzymes and regulates protein stability as well as signal transduction, protein trafficking and the DNA damage response. Emerging studies indicate that Tax hijacks the ubiquitin machinery to activate ubiquitin-dependent kinases and downstream NF-κB signaling. Tax interacts with the E2 conjugating enzyme Ubc13 and is conjugated on C-terminal lysine residues with lysine 63-linked polyubiquitin chains. Tax K63-linked polyubiquitination may serve as a platform for signaling complexes since this modification is critical for interactions with NEMO and IKK. In addition to NF-κB signaling, mono- and polyubiquitination of Tax also regulate its subcellular trafficking and stability. Here, we review recent advances in the diverse roles of ubiquitin in Tax function and how Tax usurps the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway to promote oncogenesis.

A critical role for IL-17RB signaling in HTLV-1 tax-induced NF-κB activation and T-cell transformation

Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) infection is linked to the development of adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) and the neuroinflammatory disease HTLV-1 associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). The HTLV-1 Tax protein functions as a potent viral oncogene that constitutively activates the NF-κB transcription factor to transform T cells; however, the underlying mechanisms remain obscure. Here, using next-generation RNA sequencing we identified the IL-25 receptor subunit IL-17RB as an aberrantly overexpressed gene in HTLV-1 immortalized T cells. Tax induced the expression of IL-17RB in an IκB kinase (IKK) and NF-κB-dependent manner. Remarkably, Tax activation of the canonical NF-κB pathway in T cells was critically dependent on IL-17RB expression. IL-17RB and IL-25 were required for HTLV-1-induced immortalization of primary T cells, and the constitutive NF-κB activation and survival of HTLV-1 transformed T cells. IL-9 was identified as an important downstream target gene of the IL-17RB pathway that drives the proliferation of HTLV-1 transformed cells. Furthermore, IL-17RB was overexpressed in leukemic cells from a subset of ATL patients and also regulated NF-κB activation in some, but not all, Tax-negative ATL cell lines. Together, our results support a model whereby Tax instigates an IL-17RB-NF-κB feed-forward autocrine loop that is obligatory for HTLV-1 leukemogenesis.

The intricate interplay between RNA viruses and NF-κB

RNA viruses have rapidly evolving genomes which often allow cross-species transmission and frequently generate new virus variants with altered pathogenic properties. Therefore infections by RNA viruses are a major threat to human health. The infected host cell detects trace amounts of viral RNA and the last years have revealed common principles in the biochemical mechanisms leading to signal amplification that is required for mounting of a powerful antiviral response. Components of the RNA sensing and signaling machinery such as RIG-I-like proteins, MAVS and the inflammasome inducibly form large oligomers or even fibers that exhibit hallmarks of prions. Following a nucleation event triggered by detection of viral RNA, these energetically favorable and irreversible polymerization events trigger signaling cascades leading to the induction of antiviral and inflammatory responses, mediated by interferon and NF-κB pathways. Viruses have evolved sophisticated strategies to manipulate these host cell signaling pathways in order to ensure their replication. We will discuss at the examples of influenza and HTLV-1 viruses how a fascinating diversity of biochemical mechanisms is employed by viral proteins to control the NF-κB pathway at all levels.

Deubiquitinating enzymes as promising drug targets for infectious diseases

Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) remove ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like modifications from proteins and they have been known to contribute to processes relevant in microbial infection, such as immune responses pathways. Numerous viral and bacterial DUBs have been identified, and activities of several host DUBs are known to be modulated during the infection process, either by a pathogen or by a host. Recently there have been attempts to take advantage of this feature and design therapeutic inhibitors of DUBs that can be used to limit the spread of infection. This review is focused on exploring the potential of DUBs in the treatment of infectious diseases.

HSP90 protects the human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) tax oncoprotein from proteasomal degradation to support NF-κB activation and HTLV-1 replication

Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is the causative agent of adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) and HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). The HTLV-1 genome encodes the Tax protein that plays essential regulatory roles in HTLV-1 replication and oncogenic transformation of T lymphocytes. Despite intensive study of Tax, how Tax interfaces with host signaling pathways to regulate virus replication and drive T-cell proliferation and immortalization remains poorly understood. To gain new insight into the mechanisms of Tax function and regulation, we used tandem affinity purification and mass spectrometry to identify novel cellular Tax-interacting proteins. This screen identified heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) as a new binding partner of Tax. The interaction between HSP90 and Tax was validated by coimmunoprecipitation assays, and colocalization between the two proteins was observed by confocal microscopy. Treatment of HTLV-1-transformed cells with the HSP90 inhibitor 17-DMAG elicited proteasomal degradation of Tax in the nuclear matrix with concomitant inhibition of NF-κB and HTLV-1 long terminal repeat (LTR) activation. Knockdown of HSP90 by lentiviral shRNAs similarly provoked a loss of Tax protein in HTLV-1-transformed cells. Finally, treatment of HTLV-1-transformed cell lines with 17-DMAG suppressed HTLV-1 replication and promoted apoptotic cell death. Taken together, our results reveal that Tax is a novel HSP90 client protein and HSP90 inhibitors may exert therapeutic benefits for ATL and HAM/TSP patients.

HTLV-1 Tax oncoprotein stimulates ROS production and apoptosis in T cells by interacting with USP10

Interaction of HTLV-1 Tax with USP10 reduces arsenic-induced stress granule formation and enhances ROS production. USP10 controls sensitivities of leukemia cell lines to arsenic-induced apoptosis.

Is there a role for ubiquitin or SUMO in human T-cell leukemia virus type 2 Tax-induced NF-κB activation?

It is well established that the human T-cell leukemia virus type 1-encoded oncoprotein Tax (Tax1) undergoes polyubiquitination as part of its mechanism to persistently activate NF-κB. However, it remains unclear whether Tax2 encoded by the closely related human T-cell leukemia virus type 2 utilizes any post-translational mechanisms to activate NF-κB. This study examines the role of ubiquitination and SUMOylation in Tax2 activation of NF-κB. The authors have demonstrated that, in contrast to Tax1, Tax2 is not conjugated by ubiquitin or SUMO proteins. Overexpression of the E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme Ubc13 specifically enhances Tax1, but not Tax2, ubiquitination and NF-κB activation. Furthermore, a Tax2 lysineless mutant that is unable to be ubiquitinated, SUMOylated or acetylated retains NEMO/IKKγ interactions and activation of the NF-κB pathway. Together, these results provide evidence that Tax1 and Tax2 utilize distinct mechanisms to activate NF-κB.

HTLV tax: a fascinating multifunctional co-regulator of viral and cellular pathways

Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) has been identified as the causative agent of adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) and HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). The virus infects between 15 and 20 million people worldwide of which approximately 2-5% develop ATL. The past 35 years of research have yielded significant insight into the pathogenesis of HTLV-1, including the molecular characterization of Tax, the viral transactivator, and oncoprotein. In spite of these efforts, the mechanisms of oncogenesis of this pleiotropic protein remain to be fully elucidated. In this review, we illustrate the multiple oncogenic roles of Tax by summarizing a recent body of literature that refines our understanding of cellular transformation. A focused range of topics are discussed in this review including Tax-mediated regulation of the viral promoter and other cellular pathways, particularly the connection of the NF-κB pathway to both post-translational modifications (PTMs) of Tax and subcellular localization. Specifically, recent research on polyubiquitination of Tax as it relates to the activation of the IkappaB kinase (IKK) complex is highlighted. Regulation of the cell cycle and DNA damage responses due to Tax are also discussed, including Tax interaction with minichromosome maintenance proteins and the role of Tax in chromatin remodeling. The recent identification of HTLV-3 has amplified the importance of the characterization of emerging viral pathogens. The challenge of the molecular determination of pathogenicity and malignant disease of this virus lies in the comparison of the viral transactivators of HTLV-1, -2, and -3 in terms of transformation and immortalization. Consequently, differences between the three proteins are currently being studied to determine what factors are required for the differences in tumorogenesis.

Cell-based genomic screening: elucidating virus-host interactions

Viruses rely on host cell machinery for successful infection, while at the same time evading the host immune response. Characterization of these processes has revealed insights both into fundamental cellular processes as well as the nuances of viral replication. The recent advent of cell-based screening coupled with RNAi technology, has greatly facilitated studies focused on characterizing the virus-host interface and has expanded our understanding of cellular factors that impact viral infection. These findings have led to the discovery of potential therapeutic targets, but there is certainly more to be discovered. In this article we will review the recent progress in this arena and discuss the challenges and future of this emerging field.

Low nuclear body formation and tax SUMOylation do not prevent NF-kappaB promoter activation

Background

The Tax protein encoded by Human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is a powerful activator of the NF-κB pathway, a property critical for HTLV-1-induced immortalization of CD4⁺ T lymphocytes. Tax permanently stimulates this pathway at a cytoplasmic level by activating the IκB kinase (IKK) complex and at a nuclear level by enhancing the binding of the NF-κB factor RelA to its cognate promoters and by forming nuclear bodies, believed to represent transcriptionally active structures. In previous studies, we reported that Tax ubiquitination and SUMOylation play a critical role in Tax localization and NF-κB activation. Indeed, analysis of lysine Tax mutants fused or not to ubiquitin or SUMO led us to propose a two-step model in which Tax ubiquitination first intervenes to activate IKK while Tax SUMOylation is subsequently required for promoter activation within Tax nuclear bodies. However, recent studies showing that ubiquitin or SUMO can modulate Tax activities in either the nucleus or the cytoplasm and that SUMOylated Tax can serve as substrate for ubiquitination suggested that Tax ubiquitination and SUMOylation may mediate redundant rather than successive functions.

Results

In this study, we analyzed the properties of a new Tax mutant that is properly ubiquitinated, but defective for both nuclear body formation and SUMOylation. We report that reducing Tax SUMOylation and nuclear body formation do not alter the ability of Tax to activate IKK, induce RelA nuclear translocation, and trigger gene expression from a NF-κB promoter. Importantly, potent NF-κB promoter activation by Tax despite low SUMOylation and nuclear body formation is also observed in T cells, including CD4⁺ primary T lymphocytes. Moreover, we show that Tax nuclear bodies are hardly observed in HTLV-1-infected T cells. Finally, we provide direct evidence that the degree of NF-κB activation by Tax correlates with the level of Tax ubiquitination, but not SUMOylation.

Conclusions

These data reveal that the formation of Tax nuclear bodies, previously associated to transcriptional activities in Tax-transfected cells, is dispensable for NF-κB promoter activation, notably in CD4⁺ T cells. They also provide the first evidence that Tax SUMOylation is not a key determinant for Tax-induced NF-κB activation.

Systematic analysis of the physiological importance of deubiquitinating enzymes

Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) are proteases that control the post-translational modification of proteins by ubiquitin and in turn regulate diverse cellular pathways. Despite a growing understanding of DUB biology at the structural and molecular level, little is known about the physiological importance of most DUBs. Here, we systematically identify DUBs encoded by the genome of Drosophila melanogaster and examine their physiological importance in vivo. Through domain analyses we uncovered 41 Drosophila DUBs, most of which have human orthologues. Systematic knockdown of the vast majority of DUBs throughout the fly or in specific cell types had dramatic consequences for Drosophila development, adult motility or longevity. Specific DUB subclasses proved to be particularly necessary during development, while others were important in adults. Several DUBs were indispensable in neurons or glial cells during developmental stages; knockdown of others perturbed the homeostasis of ubiquitinated proteins in adult flies, or had adverse effects on wing positioning as a result of neuronal requirements. We demonstrate the physiological significance of the DUB family of enzymes in intact animals, find that there is little functional redundancy among members of this family of proteases, and provide insight for future investigations to understand DUB biology at the molecular, cellular and organismal levels.