STAP-2 negatively regulates both canonical and noncanonical NF-kappaB activation induced by Epstein-Barr virus-derived latent membrane protein 1

Potential of targeting signal-transducing adaptor protein-2 in cancer therapeutic applications

Adaptor proteins play essential roles in various intracellular signaling pathways. Signal-transducing adaptor protein-2 (STAP-2) is an adaptor protein that possesses pleckstrin homology (PH) and Src homology 2 (SH2) domains, as well as a YXXQ signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)-binding motif in its C-terminal region. STAP-2 is also a substrate of breast tumor kinase (BRK). STAP-2/BRK expression is deregulated in breast cancers and enhances STAT3-dependent cell proliferation. In prostate cancer cells, STAP-2 interacts with and stabilizes epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) after stimulation, resulting in the upregulation of EGFR signaling, which contributes to cancer-cell proliferation and tumor progression. Therefore, inhibition of the interaction between STAP-2 and BRK/EGFR may be a possible therapeutic strategy for these cancers. For this purpose, peptides that interfere with STAP-2/BRK/EGFR binding may have great potential. Indeed, the identified peptide inhibitor successfully suppressed the STAP-2/EGFR protein interaction, EGFR stabilization, and cancer-cell growth. Furthermore, the peptide inhibitor suppressed tumor formation in human prostate- and lung-cancer cell lines in a murine xenograft model. This review focuses on the inhibitory peptide as a promising candidate for the treatment of prostate and lung cancers.

STAP-2-Derived Peptide Suppresses TCR-Mediated Signals to Initiate Immune Responses

Signal-transducing adaptor protein-2 (STAP-2) is an adaptor protein that contains pleckstrin and Src homology 2-like domains, as well as a proline-rich region in its C-terminal region. Our previous study demonstrated that STAP-2 positively regulates TCR signaling by associating with TCR-proximal CD3ζ ITAMs and the lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase. In this study, we identify the STAP-2 interacting regions of CD3ζ ITAMs and show that the STAP-2-derived synthetic peptide (iSP2) directly interacts with the ITAM sequence and blocks the interactions between STAP-2 and CD3ζ ITAMs. Cell-penetrating iSP2 was delivered into human and murine T cells. iSP2 suppressed cell proliferation and TCR-induced IL-2 production. Importantly, iSP2 treatment suppressed TCR-mediated activation of naive CD4+ T cells and decreased immune responses in CD4+ T cell-mediated experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. It is likely that iSP2 is a novel immunomodulatory tool that modulates STAP-2-mediated activation of TCR signaling and represses the progression of autoimmune diseases.

Possible Therapeutic Applications of Targeting STAP Proteins in Cancer

The signal-transducing adaptor protein (STAP) family, including STAP-1 and STAP-2, contributes to a variety of intracellular signaling pathways. The proteins in this family contain typical structures for adaptor proteins, such as Pleckstrin homology in the N-terminal regions and SRC homology 2 domains in the central regions. STAP proteins bind to inhibitor of kappaB kinase complex, breast tumor kinase, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), and STAT5, during tumorigenesis and inflammatory/immune responses. STAP proteins positively or negatively regulate critical steps in intracellular signaling pathways through individually unique mechanisms. This article reviews the roles of the novel STAP family and the possible therapeutic applications of targeting STAP proteins in cancer.

A New STAT3-binding Partner, ARL3, Enhances the Phosphorylation and Nuclear Accumulation of STAT3

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, and cell survival during immune responses, hematopoiesis, neurogenesis, and other biological processes. STAT3 activity is regulated by a variety of mechanisms, including phosphorylation and nuclear translocation. To clarify the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of STAT3 activity, we performed yeast two-hybrid screening. We identified ARL3 (ADP-ribosylation factor-like 3) as a novel STAT3-binding partner. ARL3 recognizes the DNA-binding domain as well as the C-terminal region of STAT3 in vivo, and their binding was the strongest when both proteins were activated. Importantly, small interfering RNA-mediated reduction of endogenous ARL3 expression decreased IL-6-induced tyrosine phosphorylation, nuclear accumulation, and transcriptional activity of STAT3. These results indicate that ARL3 interacts with STAT3 and regulates the transcriptional activation of STAT3 by influencing its nuclear accumulation of STAT3.

Extracellular vesicles and infectious diseases: new complexity to an old story

Exosomes and other extracellular microvesicles (ExMVs) have important functions in intercellular communication and regulation. During the course of infection, these vesicles can convey pathogen molecules that serve as antigens or agonists of innate immune receptors to induce host defense and immunity, or that serve as regulators of host defense and mediators of immune evasion. These molecules may include proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates. Pathogen molecules may be disseminated by incorporation into vesicles that are created and shed by host cells, or they may be incorporated into vesicles shed from microbial cells. Involvement of ExMVs in the induction of immunity and host defense is widespread among many pathogens, whereas their involvement in immune evasion mechanisms is prominent among pathogens that establish chronic infection and is found in some that cause acute infection. Because of their immunogenicity and enrichment of pathogen molecules, exosomes may also have potential in vaccine preparations and as diagnostic markers. Additionally, the ability of exosomes to deliver molecules to recipient cells raises the possibility of their use for drug/therapy delivery. Thus, ExMVs play a major role in the pathogenesis of infection and provide exciting potential for the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

A systematic analysis of miRNA-mRNA paired variations reveals widespread miRNA misregulation in breast cancer

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small noncoding RNAs that can regulate gene expression by binding to target mRNAs and induce translation repression or RNA degradation. There have been many studies indicating that both miRNAs and mRNAs display aberrant expression in breast cancer. Previously, most researches into the molecular mechanism of breast cancer examined miRNA expression patterns and mRNA expression patterns separately. In this study, we systematically analysed miRNA-mRNA paired variations (MMPVs), which are miRNA-mRNA pairs whose pattern of regulation can vary in association with biopathological features, such as the oestrogen receptor (ER), TP53 and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) genes, survival time, and breast cancer subtypes. We demonstrated that the existence of MMPVs is general and widespread but that there is a general unbalance in the distribution of MMPVs among the different biopathological features. Furthermore, based on studying MMPVs that are related to multiple biopathological features, we propose a potential crosstalk mechanism between ER and HER2.

Signal-transducing adaptor protein-2 controls the IgE-mediated, mast cell-mediated anaphylactic responses

Signal-transducing adaptor protein-2 (STAP-2) is a recently identified adaptor protein that regulates immune and inflammatory responses through interactions with a variety of signaling and transcriptional molecules. In the current study, we clarified the physiological role of STAP-2 in mast cell function, a key mediator of IgE-associated allergic responses. STAP-2 is constitutively expressed in mast cells. STAP-2 deficiency in mast cells greatly enhances FcεRI-mediated signals, resulting in the increased tyrosine phosphorylation of the phospholipase C-γ isoform, calcium mobilization, and degranulation. Of importance, STAP-2-deficient mice challenged with DNP-BSA after passive sensitization with anti-DNP IgE show more severe rectal temperature decrease than do wild-type mice. STAP-2-deficient mice also show increased vascular permeability and more severe cutaneous anaphylaxis after DNP-BSA injection. These regulatory functions performed by STAP-2 indicate that there is an interaction between STAP-2 and FcεRI. In addition, our previous data indicate that STAP-2 binds to the phospholipase C-γ isoform and IκB kinase-β. Therefore, our data described in this article strongly suggest that manipulation of STAP-2 expression in mast cells may control the pathogenesis of allergic diseases and have the potential for treating patients with allergy.

Y14 positively regulates TNF-α-induced NF-κB transcriptional activity via interacting RIP1 and TRADD beyond an exon junction complex protein

Although Y14 is known to be a component of the exon junction complex, we previously reported that Y14 regulates IL-6-induced STAT3 activation. In this study, we showed that endogenous Y14 positively regulated TNF-α-induced IL-6 expression in HeLa cells. Small interfering RNA-mediated Y14-knockdown reduced TNF-α-induced and NF-κB-mediated transcriptional activity, phosphorylation/degradation of IκBα, and nuclear localization of NF-κB/p65. As in the case of IL-6 stimuli, Y14 enhanced TNF-α-induced STAT3 phosphorylation, which is important for its nuclear retention. However, our manipulation of Y14 expression indicated that it is involved in TNF-α-induced IL-6 expression via both STAT3-dependent and -independent mechanisms. We screened signaling molecules in the TNF-α-NF-κB pathway and found that Y14 endogenously associated with receptor-interacting protein 1 (RIP1) and TNFR-associated death domain (TRADD). Overexpression of RIP1, but not TRADD, restored TNF-α-induced NF-κB activation in Y14-knockdown cells, and Y14 overexpression restored TNF-α-induced NF-κB activation in TRADD-knockdown cells, but not in RIP1-knockdown cells, indicating that Y14 lies downstream of TRADD and upstream of RIP1. Of importance, Y14 significantly enhanced the binding between RIP1 and TRADD, and this is a possible new mechanism for Y14-mediated modification of TNF-α signals. Although Y14 associates with MAGOH in the exon junction complex, Y14's actions in the TNF-α-NF-κB pathway are unlikely to require MAGOH. Therefore, Y14 positively regulates signals for TNF-α-induced IL-6 production at multiple steps beyond an exon junction complex protein.

The role of the EBV-encoded latent membrane proteins LMP1 and LMP2 in the pathogenesis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC)

Although frequently expressed in EBV-positive malignancies, the contribution of the oncogenic latent membrane proteins, LMP1 and LMP2, to the pathogenesis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is not fully defined. As a key effector in EBV-driven B cell transformation and an established "transforming" gene, LMP1 displays oncogenic properties in rodent fibroblasts and induces profound morphological and phenotypic effects in epithelial cells. LMP1 functions as a viral mimic of the TNFR family member, CD40, engaging a number of signalling pathways that induce morphological and phenotypic alterations in epithelial cells. Although LMP2A plays an essential role in maintaining viral latency in EBV infected B cells, its role in epithelial cells is less clear. Unlike LMP1, LMP2A does not display "classical" transforming functions in rodent fibroblasts but its ability to engage a number of potentially oncogenic cell signalling pathways suggests that LMP2A can also participate in EBV-induced epithelial cell growth transformation. Here we review the effects of LMP1 and LMP2 on various aspects of epithelial cell behaviour highlighting key aspects that may contribute to the pathogenesis of NPC.

The human transcriptome during nontyphoid Salmonella and HIV coinfection reveals attenuated NFkappaB-mediated inflammation and persistent cell cycle disruption

Background. Invasive nontyphoid Salmonella (iNTS) disease is common and severe in adults with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in Africa. We previously observed that ex vivo macrophages from HIV-infected subjects challenged with Salmonella Typhimurium exhibit dysregulated proinflammatory cytokine responses.

Methods. We studied the transcriptional response in whole blood from HIV-positive patients during acute and convalescent iNTS disease compared to other invasive bacterial diseases, and to HIV-positive and -negative controls.

Results. During iNTS disease, there was a remarkable lack of a coordinated inflammatory or innate immune signaling response. Few interferon γ (IFNγ)--induced genes or Toll-like receptor/transcription factor nuclear factor κB (TLR/NFκB) gene pathways were upregulated in expression. Ex vivo lipopolysacharide (LPS) or flagellin stimulation of whole blood, however, showed that convalescent iNTS subjects and controls were competent to mount prominent TLR/NFκB-associated patterns of mRNA expression. In contrast, HIV-positive patients with other invasive bacterial infections (Escherichia coli and Streptococcus pneumoniae) displayed a pronounced proinflammatory innate immune transcriptional response. There was also upregulated mRNA expression in cell cycle, DNA replication, translation and repair, and viral replication pathways during iNTS. These patterns persisted for up to 2 months into convalescence.

Conclusions. Attenuation of NFκB-mediated inflammation and dysregulation of cell cycle and DNA-function gene pathway expression are key features of the interplay between iNTS and HIV.

Krüppel-associated box-associated protein 1 negatively regulates TNF-α-induced NF-κB transcriptional activity by influencing the interactions among STAT3, p300, and NF-κB/p65

Krüppel-associated box-associated protein 1 (KAP1) is thought to act mainly as a scaffold for protein complexes, which together silence transcription by triggering the formation of heterochromatin. Using small interfering RNA-mediated KAP1 knockdown, we found that endogenous KAP1 negatively regulated TNF-α-induced IL-6 production in HeLa cells. KAP1 is likely to modulate the binding of NF-κB to the IL-6 promoter because KAP1 knockdown enhanced TNF-α-induced NF-κB-luciferase activity, but not IκBα degradation. Of importance, we found negative regulatory effects of KAP1 on the serine phosphorylation of STAT3, the acetylation of NF-κB/p65 by p300, and the nuclear localization of NF-κB/p65. In addition, KAP1 associated with NF-κB/p65 and inhibited the binding between NF-κB/p65 and p300. Thus, KAP1 is likely to negatively control the acetylation of NF-κB/p65, which is critical for its nuclear retention. Taken together, KAP1 modulated the acetylation of NF-κB/p65 by interfering with the interactions among STAT3, p300, and NF-κB/p65, resulting in reduced IL-6 production after TNF-α stimulation. Our findings that KAP1 directly interacts with transcriptional factors are new, and will inform further research to elucidate KAP1 function.

Involvement of tyrosine kinase-2 in both the IL-12/Th1 and IL-23/Th17 axes in vivo

Tyrosine kinase-2 (Tyk2), a member of the Jak family of kinases, mediates the signals triggered by various cytokines, including type I IFNs, IL-12, and IL-23. In the current study, we investigated the in vivo involvement of Tyk2 in several IL-12/Th1- and IL-23/Th17-mediated models of experimental diseases, including methylated BSA injection-induced footpad thickness, imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like skin inflammation, and dextran sulfate sodium- or 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced colitis. In these disease models, Tyk2 deficiency influenced the phenotypes in immunity and/or inflammation. Our findings demonstrate a somewhat broader contribution of Tyk2 to immune systems than previously expected and suggest that Tyk2 may represent an important candidate for drug development by targeting both the IL-12/Th1 and IL-23/Th17 axes.

Zipper-interacting protein kinase (ZIPK) modulates canonical Wnt/beta-catenin signaling through interaction with Nemo-like kinase and T-cell factor 4 (NLK/TCF4)

Zipper-interacting protein kinase (ZIPK) is a widely expressed serine/threonine kinase that has been implicated in apoptosis and transcriptional regulation. Here, we identified Nemo-like kinase (NLK) as a novel ZIPK-binding partner and found that ZIPK regulates NLK-mediated repression of canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Indeed, siRNA-mediated reduction of endogenous ZIPK expression reduced Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Furthermore, ZIPK affected the formation of NLK-T-cell factor 4 (TCF4) complex. Importantly, ZIPK siRNA treatment in human colon carcinoma cells resulted in a reduction of β-catenin/TCF-mediated gene expression and cell growth. These results indicate that ZIPK may serve as a transcriptional regulator of canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling through interaction with NLK/TCF4.

Involvement of STAP-2 in Brk-mediated phosphorylation and activation of STAT5 in breast cancer cells

Signal-transducing adaptor protein (STAP)-2 is a recently identified adaptor protein that contains Pleckstrin homology and Src homology 2-like domains, and is also known to be a substrate of breast tumor kinase (Brk). In a previous study, we found that STAP-2 upregulated Brk-mediated activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3 in breast cancer cells. Here, we examined the involvement of STAP-2 in Brk-mediated STAT5 activation in breast cancer cells. Ectopic expression of STAP-2 induced Brk-mediated transcriptional activity of STAT5. Furthermore, STAP-2-knockdown in T47D breast cancer cells induced a marked decrease in proliferation that was as strong as that after Brk- or STAT5b-knockdown. Regarding the mechanism, the Pleckstrin homology domain of STAP-2 is likely to participate in the process by which Brk phosphorylates and activates STAT5. Taken together, our findings provide insights toward the development of novel therapeutic strategies as well as novel prognostic values in breast carcinomas.

Interactions of STAP-2 with Brk and STAT3 participate in cell growth of human breast cancer cells

STAP-2 (signal transducing adaptor protein-2) is a recently identified adaptor protein that contains pleckstrin homology (PH) and Src homology 2-like domains, as well as a STAT3-binding motif in its C-terminal region. STAP-2 is also a substrate of breast tumor kinase (Brk). In breast cancers, Brk expression is deregulated and promotes STAT3-dependent cell proliferation. In the present study, manipulated STAP-2 expression demonstrated essential roles of STAP-2 in Brk-mediated STAT3 activation. STAP-2 interacts with both Brk and STAT3. In addition, small interfering RNA-mediated reduction of endogenous STAP-2 expression strongly decreased Brk-mediated STAT3 activation in T47D breast cancer cells. The PH domain of STAP-2 is involved in multiple steps: the binding between Brk and STAP-2, the activation and tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT3, and the activation of Brk. Notably, a STAP-2 PH-Brk fusion protein exhibited robust kinase activity and increased activation and tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT3. Finally, STAP-2 knockdown in T47D cells induced a significant decrease of proliferation, as strong as that of Brk or STAT3 knockdown. Taken together, our findings are likely to inform the development of a novel therapeutic strategy, as well as the determination of novel prognostic values, in breast carcinomas.

The repressing function of the oncoprotein BCL-3 requires CtBP, while its polyubiquitination and degradation involve the E3 ligase TBLR1

The nuclear and oncogenic BCL-3 protein activates or represses gene transcription when bound to NF-kappaB proteins p50 and p52, yet the molecules that specifically interact with BCL-3 and drive BCL-3-mediated effects on gene expression remain largely uncharacterized. Moreover, GSK3-mediated phosphorylation of BCL-3 triggers its degradation through the proteasome, but the proteins involved in this degradative pathway are poorly characterized. Biochemical purification of interacting partners of BCL-3 led to the identification of CtBP as a molecule required for the ability of BCL-3 to repress gene transcription. CtBP is also required for the oncogenic potential of BCL-3 and for its ability to inhibit UV-mediated cell apoptosis in keratinocytes. We also defined the E3 ligase TBLR1 as a protein involved in BCL-3 degradation through a GSK3-independent pathway. Thus, our data demonstrate that the LSD1/CtBP complex is required for the repressing abilities of an oncogenic I kappaB protein, and they establish a functional link between the E3 ligase TBLR1 and NF-kappaB.

[Novel adaptor protein, STAP-2 functions as a signal modulator in immune system]

Signal-transducing adaptor protein-2 (STAP-2) was recently identified as a novel adaptor protein and is a family of STAP adaptor protein and has a variety of functions in cellular signal transductions. Especially STAP-2 has a crucial role in immune systems by controlling cytokine signal transduction. STAP-2 functionally interacts with STAT3 through its YXXQ motif and enhances STAT3 transcriptional activation. In contrast, STAP-2 interacts with STAT5 through its PH and SH2-like domains and decreases STAT5 activity. Importantly, STAP-2 also binds to MyD88 and IKK-alpha/beta and regulates LPS/TLR4 signaling. Moreover, STAP-2 interacts with Epstein-Barr virus-derived LMP1 and modulates LMP1-mediated NF-kappaB signaling. More importantly, experiments using STAP-2 deficient mice showed that STAP-2 modulated several T-cell functions. T-cells from STAP-2 deficient mice showed enhanced integrin-mediated cell adhesion to fibronectin. Furthermore STAP-2-deficient T-cells show reduced chemotaxis toward SDF-1alpha. These accumulated evidences indicate that novel adaptor protein STAP-2 plays an important modulator role in both of innate and adaptive immune systems.

The A20 deubiquitinase activity negatively regulates LMP1 activation of IRF7

A20 possesses both deubiquitinase (DUB) and ubiquitin E3 ligase activities that are required for termination of Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling leading to NF-kappaB activation and for blockage of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis. A20 is induced by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) oncoprotein LMP1. However, its dual ubiquitin-editing activities have not been investigated in the context of either EBV infection or IRF7 responses. Both A20 and IRF7 have oncogenic properties. We have recently shown that LMP1 activates IRF7 through K63-linked ubiquitination which requires RIP1 and TRAF6, but how this ubiquitination event is regulated has not been studied. Here, we show that A20 negatively regulates IRF7 transcriptional activity induced by LMP1. Deletion or mutation of A20 C-terminal zinc finger motifs had no effect on the inhibition of IRF7 activity, whereas DUB-deficient truncation or point mutation ablated the ability of A20 to inhibit IRF7. Correspondingly, the A20 N-terminal DUB domain, but not the C-terminal E3 ligase domain, interacts physically with IRF7. Transient expression of A20 reduced K63-linked ubiquitination of IRF7 in vivo, but an in vitro deubiquitination assay with purified constituents shows that IRF7 did not act as a substrate for A20 DUB activity. Moreover, A20 interacts with IRF7 endogenously in latently EBV-infected type 3 Raji cells, in which expression of both A20 and IRF7 is constitutively induced by the considerable level of endogenous LMP1. Knockdown of endogenous A20 in Raji cells by expression of A20 short hairpin RNA (shRNA) vectors increases endogenous IRF7 activity and ubiquitination, as well as the protein level of LMP1, a target of IRF7. Thus, A20 negatively regulates LMP1-stimulated IRF7 ubiquitination and activity in EBV latency, and its DUB activity is indispensable for this function. Finally, we discussed the regulation and function of IRFs in EBV latency.

Signal-transducing adaptor protein-2 regulates stromal cell-derived factor-1 alpha-induced chemotaxis in T cells

Signal-transducing adaptor protein-2 (STAP-2) is a recently identified adaptor protein that contains pleckstrin and Src homology 2-like domains, as well as a YXXQ motif in its C-terminal region. Our previous studies revealed that STAP-2 regulates integrin-mediated T cell adhesion. In the present study, we find that STAP-2 expression affects Jurkat T cell migration after stromal cell-derived factor-1alpha (SDF-1alpha)-treatment. Furthermore, STAP-2-deficient T cells exhibit reduced cell migration after SDF-1alpha-treatment. Importantly, overexpression of STAP-2 in Jurkat T cells induces activation of small guanine triphosphatases, such as Rac1 and Cdc42. Regarding the mechanism for this effect, we found that STAP-2 associates with Vav1, the guanine-nucleotide exchanging factor for Rac1, and enhances downstream Vav1/Rac1 signaling. These results reveal a novel STAP-2-mediated mechanism for the regulation of SDF-1alpha-induced chemotaxis of T cells via activation of Vav1/Rac1 signaling.

Silencing mediator of retinoic acid and thyroid hormone receptor regulates enhanced activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 by epstein-barr virus-derived epstein-barr nuclear antigen 2

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-encoded latency protein Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen 2 (EBNA2) is a nuclear transcriptional activator that is essential for EBV-induced cellular transformation. In a previous study, we demonstrated that EBNA2 interacts with signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), a signal transducer for an interleukin (IL)-6 family cytokine, and enhances its transcriptional activity. Here, we show that overexpression of a corepressor, silencing mediator of retinoic acid and thyroid hormone receptor (SMRT), decreases the EBNA2-mediated enhanced STAT3 activation. Furthermore, small-interfering RNA-mediated reduction of endogenous SMRT expression augments the EBNA2-mediated enhanced STAT3 activation. Importantly, EBNA2 reduces interactions between STAT3 and SMRT. These data demonstrate that EBNA2 acts as a transcriptional coactivator of STAT3 by influencing the SMRT corepressor complex.

STAP-2 is phosphorylated at tyrosine-250 by Brk and modulates Brk-mediated STAT3 activation

Signal transducing adaptor protein-2 (STAP-2) is a recently identified adaptor protein that contains Pleckstrin and Src homology 2 (SH2)-like domains as well as a YXXQ motif in its C-terminal region. STAP-2 is also known as breast tumor kinase (Brk) substrate (BKS). Our previous studies revealed that STAP-2 binds to signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and STAT5, and regulates the signaling pathways downstream of them. In the present study, we identified tyrosine-250 (Tyr250) in STAP-2 as a major site of phosphorylation by Brk, using a series of STAP-2 YF mutants and anti-phospho-STAP-2 Tyr250 antibody. Furthermore, overexpression of the STAP-2 Y250F mutant protein affected Brk-mediated STAT3 activation. Importantly, small-interfering RNA-mediated reduction of endogenous STAP-2 expression decreased Brk-mediated STAT3 activation. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that STAP-2 is phosphorylated at Tyr250 by Brk, and plays an important role in Brk-mediated STAT3 activation.

BS69 negatively regulates the canonical NF-kappaB activation induced by Epstein-Barr virus-derived LMP1

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) activates NF-kappaB signaling pathways through the two C-terminal regions, CTAR1 and CTAR2. BS69 has previously been shown to be involved in LMP1-induced c-Jun N-terminal kinase activation through CTAR2 by interacting with tumor necrosis factor (TNFR) receptor-associated factor 6. In the present study, our manipulation of BS69 expression clearly indicates that BS69 negatively regulates LMP1-mediated NF-kappaB activation and up-regulates IL-6 mRNA expression and IkappaB degradation. Our immunoprecipitation experiments suggest that BS69 decreases complex formation between LMP1 and TNFR-associated death domain protein (TRADD).

HDAC3 influences phosphorylation of STAT3 at serine 727 by interacting with PP2A

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), which mediates biological actions in many physiological processes, is activated by cytokines and growth factors, and has been reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of various human diseases. Here, we show that treatment of HeLa cells with a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, trichostatin A, or small-interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated repression of HDAC3, enhances phosphorylation of STAT3 at Ser727. Furthermore, dephosphorylation of STAT3 at Ser727 by protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) was restored by treatment of cells with HDAC3 siRNA. We further found that formation of a complex between STAT3 and PP2A was enhanced in the presence of HDAC3. Importantly, small-interfering RNA-mediated repression of both HDAC3 and PP2A effectively enhanced leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF)-induced STAT3 activation. These results indicate that HDAC3 may act as a scaffold protein for PP2A to regulate the LIF/STAT3-mediated signaling pathway.

Epstein-Barr virus-derived EBNA2 regulates STAT3 activation

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-encoded latency protein EBNA2 is a nuclear transcriptional activator that is essential for EBV-induced cellular transformation. Here, we show that EBNA2 interacts with STAT3, a signal transducer for an interleukin-6 family cytokine, and enhances the transcriptional activity of STAT3 by influencing its DNA-binding activity. Furthermore, EBNA2 cooperatively acts on STAT3 activation with LMP1. These data demonstrate that EBNA2 acts as a transcriptional coactivator of STAT3.