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Nikhil K, Shah K. The significant others of aurora kinase a in cancer: combination is the key. Biomark Res 2024; 12:109. [PMID: 39334449 PMCID: PMC11438406 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-024-00651-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 09/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
AURKA is predominantly famous as an essential mitotic kinase. Recent findings have also established its critical role in a plethora of other biological processes including ciliogenesis, mitochondrial dynamics, neuronal outgrowth, DNA replication and cell cycle progression. AURKA overexpression in numerous cancers is strongly associated with poor prognosis and survival. Still no AURKA-targeted drug has been approved yet, partially because of the associated collateral toxicity and partly due to its limited efficacy as a single agent in a wide range of tumors. Mechanistically, AURKA overexpression allows it to phosphorylate numerous pathological substrates promoting highly aggressive oncogenic phenotypes. Our review examines the most recent advances in AURKA regulation and focuses on 33 such direct cancer-specific targets of AURKA and their associated oncogenic signaling cascades. One of the common themes that emerge is that AURKA is often involved in a feedback loop with its substrates, which could be the decisive factor causing its sustained upregulation and hyperactivation in cancer cells, an Achilles heel not exploited before. This dynamic interplay between AURKA and its substrates offers potential opportunities for targeted therapeutic interventions. By targeting these substrates, it may be possible to disrupt this feedback loop to effectively reverse AURKA levels, thereby providing a promising avenue for developing safer AURKA-targeted therapeutics. Additionally, exploring the synergistic effects of AURKA inhibition with its other oncogenic and/or tumor-suppressor targets could provide further opportunities for developing effective combination therapies against AURKA-driven cancers, thereby maximizing its potential as a critical drug target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumar Nikhil
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University Institute for Cancer Research, 560 Oval Drive, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
- School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Bhubaneswar, 751024, India.
| | - Kavita Shah
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University Institute for Cancer Research, 560 Oval Drive, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
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2
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Hutchins CM, Gorfe AA. From disorder comes function: Regulation of small GTPase function by intrinsically disordered lipidated membrane anchor. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2024; 87:102869. [PMID: 38943706 PMCID: PMC11283958 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2024.102869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
The intrinsically disordered, lipid-modified membrane anchor of small GTPases is emerging as a critical modulator of function through its ability to sort lipids in a conformation-dependent manner. We reviewed recent computational and experimental studies that have begun to shed light on the sequence-ensemble-function relationship in this unique class of lipidated intrinsically disordered regions (LIDRs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Chase M Hutchins
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin St., Houston, TX 77030, USA; Biochemistry and Cell Biology Program & Therapeutics and Pharmacology Program, MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 6431 Fannin St., Houston, TX 77030, USA. https://twitter.com/chasedsims
| | - Alemayehu A Gorfe
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin St., Houston, TX 77030, USA; Biochemistry and Cell Biology Program & Therapeutics and Pharmacology Program, MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 6431 Fannin St., Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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3
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Liu C, Ye D, Yang H, Chen X, Su Z, Li X, Ding M, Liu Y. RAS-targeted cancer therapy: Advances in drugging specific mutations. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e285. [PMID: 37250144 PMCID: PMC10225044 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Rat sarcoma (RAS), as a frequently mutated oncogene, has been studied as an attractive target for treating RAS-driven cancers for over four decades. However, it is until the recent success of kirsten-RAS (KRAS)G12C inhibitor that RAS gets rid of the title "undruggable". It is worth noting that the therapeutic effect of KRASG12C inhibitors on different RAS allelic mutations or even different cancers with KRASG12C varies significantly. Thus, deep understanding of the characteristics of each allelic RAS mutation will be a prerequisite for developing new RAS inhibitors. In this review, the structural and biochemical features of different RAS mutations are summarized and compared. Besides, the pathological characteristics and treatment responses of different cancers carrying RAS mutations are listed based on clinical reports. In addition, the development of RAS inhibitors, either direct or indirect, that target the downstream components in RAS pathway is summarized as well. Hopefully, this review will broaden our knowledge on RAS-targeting strategies and trigger more intensive studies on exploiting new RAS allele-specific inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cen Liu
- Beijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Danyang Ye
- Beijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Hongliu Yang
- Beijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Xu Chen
- Beijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Zhijun Su
- Beijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Xia Li
- Institute of Genetics and Developmental BiologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Mei Ding
- Institute of Genetics and Developmental BiologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Yonggang Liu
- Beijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
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4
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Thuya WL, Kong LR, Syn NL, Ding LW, Cheow ESH, Wong RTX, Wang T, Goh RMWJ, Song H, Jayasinghe MK, Le MT, Hu JC, Yong WP, Lee SC, Wong ALA, Sethi G, Hung HT, Ho PCL, Thiery JP, Sze SK, Guo T, Soo RA, Yang H, Lim YC, Wang L, Goh BC. FAM3C in circulating tumor-derived extracellular vesicles promotes non-small cell lung cancer growth in secondary sites. Theranostics 2023; 13:621-638. [PMID: 36632230 PMCID: PMC9830426 DOI: 10.7150/thno.72297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Metastasis is a complex process with a molecular underpinning that remains unclear. We hypothesize that cargo proteins conducted by extracellular vesicles (EVs) released from tumors may confer growth and metastasis potential on recipient cells. Here, we report that a cytokine-like secreted protein, FAM3C, contributes to late-stage lung tumor progression. Methods: EV protein profiling was conducted with an unbiased proteomic mass spectrometry analysis on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and normal lung fibroblast cell lines. Expression of FAM3C was confirmed in a panel of NSCLC cell lines, and correlated to the invasive and metastatic potentials. Functional phenotype of endogenous FAM3C and tumor-derived EVs (TDEs) were further investigated using various biological approaches in RNA and protein levels. Metastasis potential of TDEs secreted by FAM3C-overexpressing carcinoma cells was validated in mouse models. Results: Transcriptomic meta-analysis of pan-cancer datasets confirmed the overexpression of FAM3C - a gene encoding for interleukin-like EMT inducer (ILEI) - in NSCLC tumors, with strong association with poor patient prognosis and cancer metastasis. Aberrant expression of FAM3C in lung carcinoma cells enhances cellular transformation and promotes distant lung tumor colonization. In addition, higher FAM3C concentrations were detected in EVs extracted from plasma samples of NSCLC patients compared to those of healthy subjects. More importantly, we defined a hitherto-unknown mode of microenvironmental crosstalk involving FAM3C in EVs, whereby the delivery and uptake of FAM3C via TDEs enhances oncogenic signaling - in recipient cells that phenocopies the cell-endogenous overexpression of FAM3C. The oncogenicity transduced by FAM3C is executed via a novel interaction with the Ras-related protein RalA, triggering the downstream activation of the Src/Stat3 signaling cascade. Conclusions: Our study describes a novel mechanism for FAM3C-driven carcinogenesis and shed light on EV FAM3C as a driver for metastatic lung tumors that could be exploited for cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Win Lwin Thuya
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599
| | - Li Ren Kong
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599.,Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nicholas L Syn
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599.,Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, China
| | - Ling-Wen Ding
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599.,Department of Pathology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Esther Sok Hwee Cheow
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599
| | - Regina Tong Xin Wong
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599
| | - Tingting Wang
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599
| | | | - Hongyan Song
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599
| | - Migara K Jayasinghe
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Minh Tn Le
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jian Cheng Hu
- NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wei-Peng Yong
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599.,NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Soo-Chin Lee
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599.,NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Andrea Li-Ann Wong
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599.,NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Huynh The Hung
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Research, National Cancer Centre, Singapore
| | - Paul Chi-Lui Ho
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jean-Paul Thiery
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599.,INSERM Unit 1186, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Siu Kwan Sze
- Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551, Singapore
| | - Tiannan Guo
- Zhejiang Provincial Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, China.,Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, China
| | - Ross A Soo
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599.,Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Henry Yang
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599
| | - Yaw Chyn Lim
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599
| | - Lingzhi Wang
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599.,Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Boon-Cher Goh
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599.,Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, National University Health System, Singapore.,Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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5
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Richardson DS, Spehar JM, Han DT, Chakravarthy PA, Sizemore ST. The RAL Enigma: Distinct Roles of RALA and RALB in Cancer. Cells 2022; 11:cells11101645. [PMID: 35626682 PMCID: PMC9139244 DOI: 10.3390/cells11101645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
RALA and RALB are highly homologous small G proteins belonging to the RAS superfamily. Like other small GTPases, the RALs are molecular switches that can be toggled between inactive GDP-bound and active GTP-bound states to regulate diverse and critical cellular functions such as vesicle trafficking, filopodia formation, mitochondrial fission, and cytokinesis. The RAL paralogs are activated and inactivated by a shared set of guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) and GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) and utilize similar sets of downstream effectors. In addition to their important roles in normal cell biology, the RALs are known to be critical mediators of cancer cell survival, invasion, migration, and metastasis. However, despite their substantial similarities, the RALs often display striking functional disparities in cancer. RALA and RALB can have redundant, unique, or even antagonistic functions depending on cancer type. The molecular basis for these discrepancies remains an important unanswered question in the field of cancer biology. In this review we examine the functions of the RAL paralogs in normal cellular physiology and cancer biology with special consideration provided to situations where the roles of RALA and RALB are non-redundant.
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6
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Kim CH, Kim DE, Kim DH, Min GH, Park JW, Kim YB, Sung CK, Yim H. Mitotic protein kinase-driven crosstalk of machineries for mitosis and metastasis. Exp Mol Med 2022; 54:414-425. [PMID: 35379935 PMCID: PMC9076678 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-022-00750-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence indicates that mitotic protein kinases are involved in metastatic migration as well as tumorigenesis. Protein kinases and cytoskeletal proteins play a role in the efficient release of metastatic cells from a tumor mass in the tumor microenvironment, in addition to playing roles in mitosis. Mitotic protein kinases, including Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) and Aurora kinases, have been shown to be involved in metastasis in addition to cell proliferation and tumorigenesis, depending on the phosphorylation status and cellular context. Although the genetic programs underlying mitosis and metastasis are different, the same protein kinases and cytoskeletal proteins can participate in both mitosis and cell migration/invasion, resulting in migratory tumors. Cytoskeletal remodeling supports several cellular events, including cell division, movement, and migration. Thus, understanding the contributions of cytoskeletal proteins to the processes of cell division and metastatic motility is crucial for developing efficient therapeutic tools to treat cancer metastases. Here, we identify mitotic kinases that function in cancer metastasis as well as tumorigenesis. Several mitotic kinases, namely, PLK1, Aurora kinases, Rho-associated protein kinase 1, and integrin-linked kinase, are considered in this review, as an understanding of the shared machineries between mitosis and metastasis could be helpful for developing new strategies to treat cancer. Improving understanding of the mechanisms linking cell division and cancer spread (metastasis) could provide novel strategies for treatment. A group of enzymes involved in cell division (mitosis) are also thought to play critical roles in the spread of cancers. Hyungshin Yim at Hanyang University in Ansan, South Korea, and co-workers in Korea and the USA reviewed the roles of several mitotic enzymes that are connected with metastasis as well as tumorigenesis. They discussed how these enzymes modify cytoskeletal proteins and other substrates during cancer progression. Some regulatory control of cell cytoskeletal structures is required for cancer cells to metastasize. Recent research has uncovered crosstalk between mitotic enzymes and metastatic cytoskeletal molecules in various cancers. Targeting mitotic enzymes and the ways they influence cytoskeletal mechanisms could provide valuable therapeutic strategies for suppressing metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Hyeon Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, Gyeonggi-do, 15588, Korea
| | - Da-Eun Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, Gyeonggi-do, 15588, Korea
| | - Dae-Hoon Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, Gyeonggi-do, 15588, Korea
| | - Ga-Hong Min
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, Gyeonggi-do, 15588, Korea
| | - Jung-Won Park
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, Gyeonggi-do, 15588, Korea
| | - Yeo-Bin Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, Gyeonggi-do, 15588, Korea
| | - Chang K Sung
- Department of Biological and Health Sciences, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, TX, 78363, USA
| | - Hyungshin Yim
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, Gyeonggi-do, 15588, Korea.
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7
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Chamberlain SG, Owen D, Mott HR. Membrane extraction by calmodulin underpins the disparate signalling of RalA and RalB. Bioessays 2022; 44:e2200011. [PMID: 35318680 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202200011] [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: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Both RalA and RalB interact with the ubiquitous calcium sensor, calmodulin (CaM). New structural and biophysical characterisation of these interactions strongly suggests that, in the native membrane-associated state, only RalA can be extracted from the membrane by CaM and this non-canonical interaction could underpin the divergent signalling roles of these closely related GTPases. The isoform specificity for RalA exhibited by CaM is hypothesised to contribute to the disparate signalling roles of RalA and RalB in mitochondrial dynamics. This would lead to CaM shuttling RalA to the mitochondrial membrane but leaving RalB localisation unperturbed, and in doing so triggering mitochondrial fission pathways rather than mitophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Darerca Owen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Helen R Mott
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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8
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Fixing the GAP: the role of RhoGAPs in cancer. Eur J Cell Biol 2022; 101:151209. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2022.151209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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9
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Aurora Kinases as Therapeutic Targets in Head and Neck Cancer. Cancer J 2022; 28:387-400. [PMID: 36165728 PMCID: PMC9836054 DOI: 10.1097/ppo.0000000000000614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The Aurora kinases (AURKA and AURKB) have attracted attention as therapeutic targets in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Aurora kinases were first defined as regulators of mitosis that localization to the centrosome (AURKA) and centromere (AURKB), governing formation of the mitotic spindle, chromatin condensation, activation of the core mitotic kinase CDK1, alignment of chromosomes at metaphase, and other processes. Subsequently, additional roles for Aurora kinases have been defined in other phases of cell cycle, including regulation of ciliary disassembly and DNA replication. In cancer, elevated expression and activity of Aurora kinases result in enhanced or neomorphic locations and functions that promote aggressive disease, including promotion of MYC expression, oncogenic signaling, stem cell identity, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and drug resistance. Numerous Aurora-targeted inhibitors have been developed and are being assessed in preclinical and clinical trials, with the goal of improving head and neck squamous cell carcinoma treatment.
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10
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Chamberlain SG, Gohlke A, Shafiq A, Squires IJ, Owen D, Mott HR. Calmodulin extracts the Ras family protein RalA from lipid bilayers by engagement with two membrane-targeting motifs. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2104219118. [PMID: 34480001 PMCID: PMC8433508 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2104219118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
RalA is a small GTPase and a member of the Ras family. This molecular switch is activated downstream of Ras and is widely implicated in tumor formation and growth. Previous work has shown that the ubiquitous Ca2+-sensor calmodulin (CaM) binds to small GTPases such as RalA and K-Ras4B, but a lack of structural information has obscured the functional consequences of these interactions. Here, we have investigated the binding of CaM to RalA and found that CaM interacts exclusively with the C terminus of RalA, which is lipidated with a prenyl group in vivo to aid membrane attachment. Biophysical and structural analyses show that the two RalA membrane-targeting motifs (the prenyl anchor and the polybasic motif) are engaged by distinct lobes of CaM and that CaM binding leads to removal of RalA from its membrane environment. The structure of this complex, along with a biophysical investigation into membrane removal, provides a framework with which to understand how CaM regulates the function of RalA and sheds light on the interaction of CaM with other small GTPases, including K-Ras4B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel G Chamberlain
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1GA, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea Gohlke
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, CB4 0WG, United Kingdom
| | - Arooj Shafiq
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1GA, United Kingdom
| | - Iolo J Squires
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1GA, United Kingdom
| | - Darerca Owen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1GA, United Kingdom;
| | - Helen R Mott
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1GA, United Kingdom;
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11
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Intrinsically disordered proteins and membranes: a marriage of convenience for cell signalling? Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 48:2669-2689. [PMID: 33155649 PMCID: PMC7752083 DOI: 10.1042/bst20200467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The structure-function paradigm has guided investigations into the molecules involved in cellular signalling for decades. The peripheries of this paradigm, however, start to unravel when considering the co-operation between proteins and the membrane in signalling processes. Intrinsically disordered regions hold distinct advantages over folded domains in terms of their binding promiscuity, sensitivity to their particular environment and their ease of modulation through post-translational modifications. Low sequence complexity and bias towards charged residues are also favourable for the multivalent electrostatic interactions that occur at the surfaces of lipid bilayers. This review looks at the principles behind the successful marriage between protein disorder and membranes in addition to the role of this partnership in modifying and regulating signalling in cellular processes. The HVR (hypervariable region) of small GTPases is highlighted as a well-studied example of the nuanced role a short intrinsically disordered region can play in the fine-tuning of signalling pathways.
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12
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Rio-Vilariño A, del Puerto-Nevado L, García-Foncillas J, Cebrián A. Ras Family of Small GTPases in CRC: New Perspectives for Overcoming Drug Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3757. [PMID: 34359657 PMCID: PMC8345156 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13153757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer remains among the cancers with the highest incidence, prevalence, and mortality worldwide. Although the development of targeted therapies against the EGFR and VEGFR membrane receptors has considerably improved survival in these patients, the appearance of resistance means that their success is still limited. Overactivation of several members of the Ras-GTPase family is one of the main actors in both tumour progression and the lack of response to cytotoxic and targeted therapies. This fact has led many resources to be devoted over the last decades to the development of targeted therapies against these proteins. However, they have not been as successful as expected in their move to the clinic so far. In this review, we will analyse the role of these Ras-GTPases in the emergence and development of colorectal cancer and their relationship with resistance to targeted therapies, as well as the status and new advances in the design of targeted therapies against these proteins and their possible clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jesús García-Foncillas
- Translational Oncology Division, Hospital Universitario Fundación Jimenez Diaz, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (A.R.-V.); (L.d.P.-N.)
| | - Arancha Cebrián
- Translational Oncology Division, Hospital Universitario Fundación Jimenez Diaz, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (A.R.-V.); (L.d.P.-N.)
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13
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Thies KA, Cole MW, Schafer RE, Spehar JM, Richardson DS, Steck SA, Das M, Lian AW, Ray A, Shakya R, Knoblaugh SE, Timmers CD, Ostrowski MC, Chakravarti A, Sizemore GM, Sizemore ST. The small G-protein RalA promotes progression and metastasis of triple-negative breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res 2021; 23:65. [PMID: 34118960 PMCID: PMC8196523 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-021-01438-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in women and the leading cause of cancer-associated mortality in women. In particular, triple-negative BC (TNBC) has the highest rate of mortality due in large part to the lack of targeted treatment options for this subtype. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify new molecular targets for TNBC treatment. RALA and RALB are small GTPases implicated in growth and metastasis of a variety of cancers, although little is known of their roles in BC. Methods The necessity of RALA and RALB for TNBC tumor growth and metastasis were evaluated in vivo using orthotopic and tail-vein models. In vitro, 2D and 3D cell culture methods were used to evaluate the contributions of RALA and RALB during TNBC cell migration, invasion, and viability. The association between TNBC patient outcome and RALA and RALB expression was examined using publicly available gene expression data and patient tissue microarrays. Finally, small molecule inhibition of RALA and RALB was evaluated as a potential treatment strategy for TNBC in cell line and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. Results Knockout or depletion of RALA inhibited orthotopic primary tumor growth, spontaneous metastasis, and experimental metastasis of TNBC cells in vivo. Conversely, knockout of RALB increased TNBC growth and metastasis. In vitro, RALA and RALB had antagonistic effects on TNBC migration, invasion, and viability with RALA generally supporting and RALB opposing these processes. In BC patient populations, elevated RALA but not RALB expression is significantly associated with poor outcome across all BC subtypes and specifically within TNBC patient cohorts. Immunohistochemical staining for RALA in patient cohorts confirmed the prognostic significance of RALA within the general BC population and the TNBC population specifically. BQU57, a small molecule inhibitor of RALA and RALB, decreased TNBC cell line viability, sensitized cells to paclitaxel in vitro and decreased tumor growth and metastasis in TNBC cell line and PDX models in vivo. Conclusions Together, these data demonstrate important but paradoxical roles for RALA and RALB in the pathogenesis of TNBC and advocate further investigation of RALA as a target for the precise treatment of metastatic TNBC. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13058-021-01438-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie A Thies
- Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, 646A TMRF, 420 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Matthew W Cole
- Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, 646A TMRF, 420 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Rachel E Schafer
- Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, 646A TMRF, 420 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Jonathan M Spehar
- Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, 646A TMRF, 420 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Dillon S Richardson
- Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, 646A TMRF, 420 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Sarah A Steck
- Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, 646A TMRF, 420 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Manjusri Das
- Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, 646A TMRF, 420 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Arthur W Lian
- Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, 646A TMRF, 420 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Alo Ray
- Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, 646A TMRF, 420 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Reena Shakya
- Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.,Target Validation Shared Resource, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Sue E Knoblaugh
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Cynthia D Timmers
- The Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA.,Division of Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Michael C Ostrowski
- The Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Arnab Chakravarti
- Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, 646A TMRF, 420 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Gina M Sizemore
- Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, 646A TMRF, 420 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Steven T Sizemore
- Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA. .,Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, 646A TMRF, 420 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
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14
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Ral GTPase is essential for actin dynamics and Golgi apparatus distribution in mouse oocyte maturation. Cell Div 2021; 16:3. [PMID: 34112192 PMCID: PMC8194175 DOI: 10.1186/s13008-021-00071-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ral family is a member of Ras-like GTPase superfamily, which includes RalA and RalB. RalA/B play important roles in many cell biological functions, including cytoskeleton dynamics, cell division, membrane transport, gene expression and signal transduction. However, whether RalA/B involve into the mammalian oocyte meiosis is still unclear. This study aimed to explore the roles of RalA/B during mouse oocyte maturation. Results Our results showed that RalA/B expressed at all stages of oocyte maturation, and they were enriched at the spindle periphery area after meiosis resumption. The injection of RalA/B siRNAs into the oocytes significantly disturbed the polar body extrusion, indicating the essential roles of RalA/B for oocyte maturation. We observed that in the RalA/B knockdown oocytes the actin filament fluorescence intensity was significantly increased at the both cortex and cytoplasm, and the chromosomes were failed to locate near the cortex, indicating that RalA/B regulate actin dynamics for spindle migration in mouse oocytes. Moreover, we also found that the Golgi apparatus distribution at the spindle periphery was disturbed after RalA/B depletion. Conclusions In summary, our results indicated that RalA/B affect actin dynamics for chromosome positioning and Golgi apparatus distribution in mouse oocytes.
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15
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Cornish J, Owen D, Mott HR. RLIP76: A Structural and Functional Triumvirate. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13092206. [PMID: 34064388 PMCID: PMC8124665 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
RLIP76/RalBP1 is an ATP-dependent transporter of glutathione conjugates, which is overexpressed in various human cancers, but its diverse functions in normal cells, which include endocytosis, stress response and mitochondrial dynamics, are still not fully understood. The protein can be divided into three distinct regions, each with its own structural properties. At the centre of the protein are two well-defined domains, a GTPase activating protein domain targeting Rho family small G proteins and a small coiled-coil that binds to the Ras family small GTPases RalA and RalB. In engaging with Rho and Ral proteins, RLIP76 bridges these two distinct G protein families. The N-terminal region is predicted to be disordered and is rich in basic amino acids, which may mediate membrane association, consistent with its role in transport. RLIP76 is an ATP-dependent transporter with ATP-binding sites within the N-terminus and the Ral binding domain. Furthermore, RLIP76 is subject to extensive phosphorylation, particularly in the N-terminal region. In contrast, the C-terminal region is thought to form an extensive coiled-coil that could mediate dimerization. Here, we review the structural features of RLIP76, including experimental data and computational predictions, and discuss the implications of its various post-translational modifications.
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16
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PHLPPing the balance: restoration of protein kinase C in cancer. Biochem J 2021; 478:341-355. [PMID: 33502516 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20190765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Protein kinase signalling, which transduces external messages to mediate cellular growth and metabolism, is frequently deregulated in human disease, and specifically in cancer. As such, there are 77 kinase inhibitors currently approved for the treatment of human disease by the FDA. Due to their historical association as the receptors for the tumour-promoting phorbol esters, PKC isozymes were initially targeted as oncogenes in cancer. However, a meta-analysis of clinical trials with PKC inhibitors in combination with chemotherapy revealed that these treatments were not advantageous, and instead resulted in poorer outcomes and greater adverse effects. More recent studies suggest that instead of inhibiting PKC, therapies should aim to restore PKC function in cancer: cancer-associated PKC mutations are generally loss-of-function and high PKC protein is protective in many cancers, including most notably KRAS-driven cancers. These recent findings have reframed PKC as having a tumour suppressive function. This review focusses on a potential new mechanism of restoring PKC function in cancer - through targeting of its negative regulator, the Ser/Thr protein phosphatase PHLPP. This phosphatase regulates PKC steady-state levels by regulating the phosphorylation of a key site, the hydrophobic motif, whose phosphorylation is necessary for the stability of the enzyme. We also consider whether the phosphorylation of the potent oncogene KRAS provides a mechanism by which high PKC expression may be protective in KRAS-driven human cancers.
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17
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Apken LH, Oeckinghaus A. The RAL signaling network: Cancer and beyond. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 361:21-105. [PMID: 34074494 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2020.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The RAL proteins RALA and RALB belong to the superfamily of small RAS-like GTPases (guanosine triphosphatases). RAL GTPases function as molecular switches in cells by cycling through GDP- and GTP-bound states, a process which is regulated by several guanine exchange factors (GEFs) and two heterodimeric GTPase activating proteins (GAPs). Since their discovery in the 1980s, RALA and RALB have been established to exert isoform-specific functions in central cellular processes such as exocytosis, endocytosis, actin organization and gene expression. Consequently, it is not surprising that an increasing number of physiological functions are discovered to be controlled by RAL, including neuronal plasticity, immune response, and glucose and lipid homeostasis. The critical importance of RAL GTPases for oncogenic RAS-driven cellular transformation and tumorigenesis still attracts most research interest. Here, RAL proteins are key drivers of cell migration, metastasis, anchorage-independent proliferation, and survival. This chapter provides an overview of normal and pathological functions of RAL GTPases and summarizes the current knowledge on the involvement of RAL in human disease as well as current therapeutic targeting strategies. In particular, molecular mechanisms that specifically control RAL activity and RAL effector usage in different scenarios are outlined, putting a spotlight on the complexity of the RAL GTPase signaling network and the emerging theme of RAS-independent regulation and relevance of RAL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa H Apken
- Institute of Molecular Tumor Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Andrea Oeckinghaus
- Institute of Molecular Tumor Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.
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18
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Kattan WE, Hancock JF. RAS Function in cancer cells: translating membrane biology and biochemistry into new therapeutics. Biochem J 2020; 477:2893-2919. [PMID: 32797215 PMCID: PMC7891675 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20190839] [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: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The three human RAS proteins are mutated and constitutively activated in ∼20% of cancers leading to cell growth and proliferation. For the past three decades, many attempts have been made to inhibit these proteins with little success. Recently; however, multiple methods have emerged to inhibit KRAS, the most prevalently mutated isoform. These methods and the underlying biology will be discussed in this review with a special focus on KRAS-plasma membrane interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walaa E. Kattan
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, TX 77030, USA
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, TX 77030, USA
| | - John F. Hancock
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, TX 77030, USA
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, TX 77030, USA
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19
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Guo L, Wang Z, Du Y, Mao J, Zhang J, Yu Z, Guo J, Zhao J, Zhou H, Wang H, Gu Y, Li Y. Random-forest algorithm based biomarkers in predicting prognosis in the patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Cell Int 2020; 20:251. [PMID: 32565735 PMCID: PMC7302385 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-020-01274-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) one of the most common digestive system tumors, threatens the tens of thousands of people with high morbidity and mortality world widely. The purpose of our study was to investigate the related genes of HCC and discover their potential abilities to predict the prognosis of the patients. Methods We obtained RNA sequencing data of HCC from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and performed analysis on protein coding genes. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were selected. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment were conducted to discover biological functions of DEGs. Protein and protein interaction (PPI) was performed to investigate hub genes. In addition, a method of supervised machine learning, recursive feature elimination (RFE) based on random forest (RF) classifier, was used to screen for significant biomarkers. And the basic experiment was conducted by lab, we constructe a clinical patients’ database, and obtained the data and results of immunohistochemistry. Results We identified five biomarkers with significantly high expression to predict survival risk of the HCC patients. These prognostic biomarkers included SPC25, NUF2, MCM2, BLM and AURKA. We also defined a risk score model with these biomarkers to identify the patients who is in high risk. In our single-center experiment, 95 pairs of clinical samples were used to explore the expression levels of NUF2 and BLM in HCC. Immunohistochemical staining results showed that NUF2 and BLM were significantly up-regulated in immunohistochemical staining. High expression levels of NUF2 and BLM indicated poor prognosis. Conclusion Our investigation provided novel prognostic biomarkers and model in HCC and aimed to improve the understanding of HCC. In the results obtained, we also conducted a part of experiments to verify the theory described earlier, The experimental results did verify our theory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyun Guo
- Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030 Gansu China.,Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730030 Gansu China
| | - Zhenjiang Wang
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030 Gansu China
| | - Yuanyuan Du
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030 Gansu China
| | - Jie Mao
- Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030 Gansu China
| | - Junqiang Zhang
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030 Gansu China
| | - Zeyuan Yu
- Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030 Gansu China
| | - Jiwu Guo
- Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030 Gansu China
| | - Jun Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030 Gansu China
| | - Huinian Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030 Gansu China
| | - Haitao Wang
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730030 Gansu China
| | - Yanmei Gu
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730030 Gansu China
| | - Yumin Li
- Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030 Gansu China.,Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730030 Gansu China.,The Second Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730030 Gansu China
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20
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A Non-Canonical Calmodulin Target Motif Comprising a Polybasic Region and Lipidated Terminal Residue Regulates Localization. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21082751. [PMID: 32326637 PMCID: PMC7216078 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21082751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Calmodulin (CaM) is a Ca2+-sensor that regulates a wide variety of target proteins, many of which interact through short basic helical motifs bearing two hydrophobic ‘anchor’ residues. CaM comprises two globular lobes, each containing a pair of EF-hand Ca2+-binding motifs that form a Ca2+-induced hydrophobic pocket that binds an anchor residue. A central flexible linker allows CaM to accommodate diverse targets. Several reported CaM interactors lack these anchors but contain Lys/Arg-rich polybasic sequences adjacent to a lipidated N- or C-terminus. Ca2+-CaM binds the myristoylated N-terminus of CAP23/NAP22 with intimate interactions between the lipid and a surface comprised of the hydrophobic pockets of both lobes, while the basic residues make electrostatic interactions with the negatively charged surface of CaM. Ca2+-CaM binds farnesylcysteine, derived from the farnesylated polybasic C-terminus of KRAS4b, with the lipid inserted into the C-terminal lobe hydrophobic pocket. CaM sequestration of the KRAS4b farnesyl moiety disrupts KRAS4b membrane association and downstream signaling. Phosphorylation of basic regions of N-/C-terminal lipidated CaM targets can reduce affinity for both CaM and the membrane. Since both N-terminal myristoylated and C-terminal prenylated proteins use a Singly Lipidated Polybasic Terminus (SLIPT) for CaM binding, we propose these polybasic lipopeptide elements comprise a non-canonical CaM-binding motif.
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21
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Bertolin G, Tramier M. Insights into the non-mitotic functions of Aurora kinase A: more than just cell division. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:1031-1047. [PMID: 31562563 PMCID: PMC11104877 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03310-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
AURKA is a serine/threonine kinase overexpressed in several cancers. Originally identified as a protein with multifaceted roles during mitosis, improvements in quantitative microscopy uncovered several non-mitotic roles as well. In physiological conditions, AURKA regulates cilia disassembly, neurite extension, cell motility, DNA replication and senescence programs. In cancer-like contexts, AURKA actively promotes DNA repair, it acts as a transcription factor, promotes cell migration and invasion, and it localises at mitochondria to regulate mitochondrial dynamics and ATP production. Here we review the non-mitotic roles of AURKA, and its partners outside of cell division. In addition, we give an insight into how structural data and quantitative fluorescence microscopy allowed to understand AURKA activation and its interaction with new substrates, highlighting future developments in fluorescence microscopy needed to better understand AURKA functions in vivo. Last, we will recapitulate the most significant AURKA inhibitors currently in clinical trials, and we will explore how the non-mitotic roles of the kinase may provide new insights to ameliorate current pharmacological strategies against AURKA overexpression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Bertolin
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, IGDR (Genetics and Development Institute of Rennes), UMR 6290, F-35000, Rennes, France.
| | - Marc Tramier
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, IGDR (Genetics and Development Institute of Rennes), UMR 6290, F-35000, Rennes, France.
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22
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Xue JY, Zhao Y, Aronowitz J, Mai TT, Vides A, Qeriqi B, Kim D, Li C, de Stanchina E, Mazutis L, Risso D, Lito P. Rapid non-uniform adaptation to conformation-specific KRAS(G12C) inhibition. Nature 2020; 577:421-425. [PMID: 31915379 PMCID: PMC7308074 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-019-1884-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 308] [Impact Index Per Article: 77.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
KRAS GTPases are activated in one-third of cancers, and KRAS(G12C) is one of the most common activating alterations in lung adenocarcinoma1,2. KRAS(G12C) inhibitors3,4 are in phase-I clinical trials and early data show partial responses in nearly half of patients with lung cancer. How cancer cells bypass inhibition to prevent maximal response to therapy is not understood. Because KRAS(G12C) cycles between an active and inactive conformation4-6, and the inhibitors bind only to the latter, we tested whether isogenic cell populations respond in a non-uniform manner by studying the effect of treatment at a single-cell resolution. Here we report that, shortly after treatment, some cancer cells are sequestered in a quiescent state with low KRAS activity, whereas others bypass this effect to resume proliferation. This rapid divergent response occurs because some quiescent cells produce new KRAS(G12C) in response to suppressed mitogen-activated protein kinase output. New KRAS(G12C) is maintained in its active, drug-insensitive state by epidermal growth factor receptor and aurora kinase signalling. Cells without these adaptive changes-or cells in which these changes are pharmacologically inhibited-remain sensitive to drug treatment, because new KRAS(G12C) is either not available or exists in its inactive, drug-sensitive state. The direct targeting of KRAS oncoproteins has been a longstanding objective in precision oncology. Our study uncovers a flexible non-uniform fitness mechanism that enables groups of cells within a population to rapidly bypass the effect of treatment. This adaptive process must be overcome if we are to achieve complete and durable responses in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Y Xue
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Tri-Institutional MD-PhD Program, Weill Cornell Medical College and Rockefeller University and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yulei Zhao
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jordan Aronowitz
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Trang T Mai
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alberto Vides
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Besnik Qeriqi
- Antitumor Assessment Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dongsung Kim
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chuanchuan Li
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elisa de Stanchina
- Antitumor Assessment Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Linas Mazutis
- Computational and Systems Biology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Davide Risso
- Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Piro Lito
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Tri-Institutional MD-PhD Program, Weill Cornell Medical College and Rockefeller University and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.
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23
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Pollock SR, Schinlever AR, Rohani A, Kashatus JA, Kashatus DF. RalA and RalB relocalization to depolarized mitochondria depends on clathrin-mediated endocytosis and facilitates TBK1 activation. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0214764. [PMID: 30995277 PMCID: PMC6469766 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0214764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Healthy mitochondria use an electrochemical gradient across the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM) to generate energy in the form of ATP. A variety of endogenous and exogenous factors can lead to transient or sustained depolarization of the IMM, including mitochondrial fission events, expression of uncoupling proteins, electron transport chain (ETC) inhibitors, or chemical uncouplers. This depolarization in turn leads to a variety of physiological responses, ranging from selective mitochondrial clearance (mitophagy) to cell death. How cells recognize and ultimately respond to depolarized mitochondria remains incompletely understood. Here we show that the small GTPases RalA and RalB both relocalize to mitochondria following depolarization in a process dependent on clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME). Furthermore, both genetic and pharmacologic inhibition of RalA and RalB leads to an increase in the activity of the atypical IκB kinase TBK1 both basally and in response to mitochondrial depolarization. This phenotype was also observed following inhibition of Ral relocalization. Collectively, these data suggest a model in which RalA and RalB inhibit TBK1 and that relocalization of Ral to depolarized mitochondria facilitates TBK1 activation through release of this inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah R. Pollock
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Austin R. Schinlever
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Ali Rohani
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Jennifer A. Kashatus
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - David F. Kashatus
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Hiatt SM, Neu MB, Ramaker RC, Hardigan AA, Prokop JW, Hancarova M, Prchalova D, Havlovicova M, Prchal J, Stranecky V, Yim DKC, Powis Z, Keren B, Nava C, Mignot C, Rio M, Revah-Politi A, Hemati P, Stong N, Iglesias AD, Suchy SF, Willaert R, Wentzensen IM, Wheeler PG, Brick L, Kozenko M, Hurst ACE, Wheless JW, Lacassie Y, Myers RM, Barsh GS, Sedlacek Z, Cooper GM. De novo mutations in the GTP/GDP-binding region of RALA, a RAS-like small GTPase, cause intellectual disability and developmental delay. PLoS Genet 2018; 14:e1007671. [PMID: 30500825 PMCID: PMC6291162 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations that alter signaling of RAS/MAPK-family proteins give rise to a group of Mendelian diseases known as RASopathies. However, among RASopathies, the matrix of genotype-phenotype relationships is still incomplete, in part because there are many RAS-related proteins and in part because the phenotypic consequences may be variable and/or pleiotropic. Here, we describe a cohort of ten cases, drawn from six clinical sites and over 16,000 sequenced probands, with de novo protein-altering variation in RALA, a RAS-like small GTPase. All probands present with speech and motor delays, and most have intellectual disability, low weight, short stature, and facial dysmorphism. The observed rate of de novo RALA variants in affected probands is significantly higher (p = 4.93 x 10−11) than expected from the estimated random mutation rate. Further, all de novo variants described here affect residues within the GTP/GDP-binding region of RALA; in fact, six alleles arose at only two codons, Val25 and Lys128. The affected residues are highly conserved across both RAL- and RAS-family genes, are devoid of variation in large human population datasets, and several are homologous to positions at which disease-associated variants have been observed in other GTPase genes. We directly assayed GTP hydrolysis and RALA effector-protein binding of the observed variants, and found that all but one tested variant significantly reduced both activities compared to wild-type. The one exception, S157A, reduced GTP hydrolysis but significantly increased RALA-effector binding, an observation similar to that seen for oncogenic RAS variants. These results show the power of data sharing for the interpretation and analysis of rare variation, expand the spectrum of molecular causes of developmental disability to include RALA, and provide additional insight into the pathogenesis of human disease caused by mutations in small GTPases. While many causes of developmental disabilities have been identified, a large number of affected children cannot be diagnosed despite extensive medical testing. Previously unknown genetic factors are likely to be the culprits in many of these cases. Using DNA sequencing, and by sharing information among many doctors and researchers, we have identified a set of individuals with developmental problems who all have changes to the same gene, RALA. The affected individuals all have similar symptoms, including intellectual disability, speech delay (or no speech), and problems with motor skills like walking. In nearly all of these cases (10 of 11), the genetic change found in the child was not inherited from either parent. The locations and biological properties of these changes suggest that they are likely to disrupt the normal functions of RALA. Functional experiments also show that the genetic changes found in these individuals alter two key functions of RALA. Together, we have provided evidence that genetic changes in RALA can cause developmental disabilities. These results will allow doctors and researchers to identify additional children with the same condition, providing a clinical diagnosis to these families and leading to new research opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan M. Hiatt
- HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL, United States of America
| | - Matthew B. Neu
- HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL, United States of America
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States of America
| | - Ryne C. Ramaker
- HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL, United States of America
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States of America
| | - Andrew A. Hardigan
- HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL, United States of America
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States of America
| | - Jeremy W. Prokop
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States of America
| | - Miroslava Hancarova
- Department of Biology and Medical Genetics, Charles University 2nd Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Darina Prchalova
- Department of Biology and Medical Genetics, Charles University 2nd Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Marketa Havlovicova
- Department of Biology and Medical Genetics, Charles University 2nd Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Prchal
- Laboratory of NMR Spectroscopy, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Viktor Stranecky
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Diagnostic and Research Unit for Rare Diseases, Charles University 1st Faculty of Medicine and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Dwight K. C. Yim
- Kaiser Permanente-Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, United States of America
| | - Zöe Powis
- Department of Emerging Genetic Medicine, Ambry Genetics, Aliso Viejo, CA, United States of America
| | - Boris Keren
- Department of Genetics, La Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Caroline Nava
- Department of Genetics, La Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Cyril Mignot
- Department of Genetics, La Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
- Centre de Référence Déficiences Intellectuelles de Causes Rares, Paris, France
- Groupe de Recherche Clinique UPMC "Déficience Intellectuelle et Autisme", Paris, France
| | - Marlene Rio
- Centre de Référence Déficiences Intellectuelles de Causes Rares, Paris, France
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, service de Génétique, Hôpital Necker-Enfants-Malades, Paris, France
| | - Anya Revah-Politi
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Parisa Hemati
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Nicholas Stong
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Alejandro D. Iglesias
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States of America
| | | | | | | | - Patricia G. Wheeler
- Arnold Palmer Hospital, Division of Genetics, Orlando, FL, United States of America
| | - Lauren Brick
- Department of Genetics, McMaster Children's Hospital, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mariya Kozenko
- Department of Genetics, McMaster Children's Hospital, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anna C. E. Hurst
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States of America
| | - James W. Wheless
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Neuroscience Institute & Le Bonheur Comprehensive Epilepsy Program, Memphis, TN, United States of America
- Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States of America
| | - Yves Lacassie
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, United States of America
- Department of Genetics, Children's Hospital, New Orleans, LA, United States of America
| | - Richard M. Myers
- HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL, United States of America
| | - Gregory S. Barsh
- HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL, United States of America
| | - Zdenek Sedlacek
- Department of Biology and Medical Genetics, Charles University 2nd Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Gregory M. Cooper
- HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Adhikari H, Counter CM. Interrogating the protein interactomes of RAS isoforms identifies PIP5K1A as a KRAS-specific vulnerability. Nat Commun 2018; 9:3646. [PMID: 30194290 PMCID: PMC6128905 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-05692-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In human cancers, oncogenic mutations commonly occur in the RAS genes KRAS, NRAS, or HRAS, but there are no clinical RAS inhibitors. Mutations are more prevalent in KRAS, possibly suggesting a unique oncogenic activity mediated by KRAS-specific interaction partners, which might be targeted. Here, we determine the specific protein interactomes of each RAS isoform by BirA proximity-dependent biotin identification. The combined interactomes are screened by CRISPR-Cas9 loss-of-function assays for proteins required for oncogenic KRAS-dependent, NRAS-dependent, or HRAS-dependent proliferation and censored for druggable proteins. Using this strategy, we identify phosphatidylinositol phosphate kinase PIP5K1A as a KRAS-specific interactor and show that PIP5K1A binds to a unique region in KRAS. Furthermore, PIP5K1A depletion specifically reduces oncogenic KRAS signaling and proliferation, and sensitizes pancreatic cancer cell lines to a MAPK inhibitor. These results suggest PIP5K1A as a potential target in KRAS signaling for the treatment of KRAS-mutant cancers. RAS isoforms are frequently mutated in cancer but their inhibition remains challenging. By comparing the protein interactomes of the highly similar isoforms HRAS, NRAS and KRAS, the authors here identify PIP5K1A as a KRAS-specific interactor and a target to inhibit KRAS-driven cell growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hema Adhikari
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, DUMC-3813, Durham, NC, 27713, USA
| | - Christopher M Counter
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, DUMC-3813, Durham, NC, 27713, USA. .,Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, DUMC-3813, Durham, NC, 27713, USA.
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26
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Bertolin G, Bulteau AL, Alves-Guerra MC, Burel A, Lavault MT, Gavard O, Le Bras S, Gagné JP, Poirier GG, Le Borgne R, Prigent C, Tramier M. Aurora kinase A localises to mitochondria to control organelle dynamics and energy production. eLife 2018; 7:38111. [PMID: 30070631 PMCID: PMC6140714 DOI: 10.7554/elife.38111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Many epithelial cancers show cell cycle dysfunction tightly correlated with the overexpression of the serine/threonine kinase Aurora A (AURKA). Its role in mitotic progression has been extensively characterised, and evidence for new AURKA functions emerges. Here, we reveal that AURKA is located and imported in mitochondria in several human cancer cell lines. Mitochondrial AURKA impacts on two organelle functions: mitochondrial dynamics and energy production. When AURKA is expressed at endogenous levels during interphase, it induces mitochondrial fragmentation independently from RALA. Conversely, AURKA enhances mitochondrial fusion and ATP production when it is over-expressed. We demonstrate that AURKA directly regulates mitochondrial functions and that AURKA over-expression promotes metabolic reprogramming by increasing mitochondrial interconnectivity. Our work paves the way to anti-cancer therapeutics based on the simultaneous targeting of mitochondrial functions and AURKA inhibition. Structures called mitochondria power cells by turning oxygen and sugar into chemical energy. Each cell can have thousands of mitochondria, which work together to supply changing energy demands. They can fuse together or break apart, forming networks that change size and produce different amounts of energy. Getting the balance right is crucial; if energy levels are too low, the cell will not be able to grow and divide. If energy levels are too high, the cell can grow at a faster rate, which can contribute to the cell becoming cancerous. Although we know that mitochondria provide energy, it is not clear how they communicate to fine-tune the supply. Some clues come from cancer cells that seem dependent on their mitochondria for survival. In these cells, levels of a protein called AURKA are higher than normal. AURKA helps cells to divide, and it interacts with many different proteins. This complexity makes it difficult to work out exactly what AURKA does, but it is possible that it plays a role in energy supply. Bertolin et al. have now investigated whether mitochondria use AURKA to communicate inside human breast cancer cells. Tagging AURKA proteins with a fluorescent marker revealed that it accumulates inside mitochondria. Once it gets there, AURKA changes the shape of the mitochondria, which has dramatic effects on their capacity to produce energy. At normal levels, AURKA causes the mitochondria to fragment, breaking apart into smaller pieces. This maintains their energy output at a normal level. If AURKA levels are too high, the mitochondria fuse together and produce more energy. This means AURKA could help to fuel fast-growing cancer cells. Current drugs that aim to treat cancer by blocking the activity of AURKA show poor results. This is partly due to the fact that the protein has so many different roles in the cell. Finding that AURKA affects mitochondria is the first step in understanding one of its unknown roles. It also suggests the possibility of developing new drugs to change how mitochondria make energy in cancer cells that contain high levels of AURKA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Bertolin
- CNRS, UMR 6290, Rennes, France.,Université de Rennes 1, UBL, Genetics and Development Institute of Rennes (IGDR), Rennes, France
| | - Anne-Laure Bulteau
- ENS de Lyon, Lyon, France.,CNRS UMR 5242, Lyon, France.,INRA USC 1370, Lyon, France
| | - Marie-Clotilde Alves-Guerra
- Inserm, U1016, Institut Cochin, Paris, France.,CNRS, UMR 8104, Paris, France.,Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Agnes Burel
- Microscopy Rennes Imaging Centre, SFR Biosit, UMS CNRS 3480- US INSERM 018, Université de Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - Marie-Thérèse Lavault
- Microscopy Rennes Imaging Centre, SFR Biosit, UMS CNRS 3480- US INSERM 018, Université de Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - Olivia Gavard
- CNRS, UMR 6290, Rennes, France.,Université de Rennes 1, UBL, Genetics and Development Institute of Rennes (IGDR), Rennes, France.,Equipes labélisées Ligue Contre Le Cancer, Rennes, France.,Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Stephanie Le Bras
- CNRS, UMR 6290, Rennes, France.,Université de Rennes 1, UBL, Genetics and Development Institute of Rennes (IGDR), Rennes, France
| | - Jean-Philippe Gagné
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Guy G Poirier
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Roland Le Borgne
- CNRS, UMR 6290, Rennes, France.,Université de Rennes 1, UBL, Genetics and Development Institute of Rennes (IGDR), Rennes, France.,Equipes labélisées Ligue Contre Le Cancer, Rennes, France
| | - Claude Prigent
- CNRS, UMR 6290, Rennes, France.,Université de Rennes 1, UBL, Genetics and Development Institute of Rennes (IGDR), Rennes, France.,Equipes labélisées Ligue Contre Le Cancer, Rennes, France
| | - Marc Tramier
- CNRS, UMR 6290, Rennes, France.,Université de Rennes 1, UBL, Genetics and Development Institute of Rennes (IGDR), Rennes, France.,Microscopy Rennes Imaging Centre, SFR Biosit, UMS CNRS 3480- US INSERM 018, Université de Rennes, Rennes, France
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27
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Inchanalkar S, Deshpande NU, Kasherwal V, Jayakannan M, Balasubramanian N. Polymer Nanovesicle-Mediated Delivery of MLN8237 Preferentially Inhibits Aurora Kinase A To Target RalA and Anchorage-Independent Growth in Breast Cancer Cells. Mol Pharm 2018; 15:3046-3059. [PMID: 29863884 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.8b00163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The small GTPase RalA is a known mediator of anchorage-independent growth in cancers and is differentially regulated by adhesion and aurora kinase A (AURKA). Hence, inhibiting AURKA offers a means of specifically targeting RalA (over RalB) in cancer cells. MLN8237 (alisertib) is a known inhibitor of aurora kinases; its specificity for AURKA, however, is compromised by its poor solubility and transport across the cell membrane. A polymer nanovesicle platform is used for the first time to deliver and differentially inhibit AURKA in cancer cells. For this purpose, polysaccharide nanovesicles made from amphiphilic dextran were used as nanocarriers to successfully administer MLN8237 (VMLN) in cancer cells in 2D and 3D microenvironments. These nanovesicles (<200 nm) carry the drug in their intermembrane space with up to 85% of it released by the action of esterase enzyme(s). Lysotracker experiments reveal the polymer nanovesicles localize in the lysosomal compartment of the cell, where they are enzymatically targeted and MLN released in a controlled manner. Rhodamine B fluorophore trapped in the nanovesicles hydrophilic core (VMLN+RhB) allows us to visualize its uptake and localization in cells in a 2D and 3D microenvironment. In breast cancer, MCF-7 cells VMLN inhibits AURKA significantly better than the free drug at low concentrations (0.02-0.04 μM). This ensures that the drug in VMLN at these concentrations can specifically inhibit up to 94% of endogenous AURKA without affecting AURKB. This targeting of AURKA causes the downstream differential inhibition of active RalA (but not RalB). Free MLN8237 at similar concentrations and conditions failed to affect RalA activation. VMLN-mediated inhibition of RalA, in turn, disrupts the anchorage-independent growth of MCF-7 cells supporting a role for the AURKA-RalA crosstalk in mediating the same. These studies not only identify the polysaccharide nanovesicle to be an improved way to efficiently deliver low concentrations of MLN8237 to inhibit AURKA but, in doing so, also help reveal a role for AURKA and its crosstalk with RalA in anchorage-independent growth of MCF-7 cells.
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28
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Umstead M, Xiong J, Qi Q, Du Y, Fu H. Aurora kinase A interacts with H-Ras and potentiates Ras-MAPK signaling. Oncotarget 2018; 8:28359-28372. [PMID: 28177880 PMCID: PMC5438655 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In cancer, upregulated Ras promotes cellular transformation and proliferation in part through activation of oncogenic Ras-MAPK signaling. While directly inhibiting Ras has proven challenging, new insights into Ras regulation through protein-protein interactions may offer unique opportunities for therapeutic intervention. Here we report the identification and validation of Aurora kinase A (Aurora A) as a novel Ras binding protein. We demonstrate that the kinase domain of Aurora A mediates the interaction with the N-terminal domain of H-Ras. Further more, the interaction of Aurora A and H-Ras exists in a protein complex with Raf-1. We show that binding of H-Ras to Raf-1 and subsequent MAPK signaling is enhanced by Aurora A, and requires active H-Ras. Thus, the functional linkage between Aurora A and the H-Ras/Raf-1 protein complex may provide a mechanism for Aurora A's oncogenic activity through direct activation of the Ras/MAPK pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- MaKendra Umstead
- Graduate Program in Cancer Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Department of Pharmacology and Emory Chemical Biology Discovery Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jinglin Xiong
- Department of Pharmacology and Emory Chemical Biology Discovery Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qi Qi
- Department of Pharmacology and Emory Chemical Biology Discovery Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Yuhong Du
- Department of Pharmacology and Emory Chemical Biology Discovery Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Haian Fu
- Department of Pharmacology and Emory Chemical Biology Discovery Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA, USA
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29
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Abstract
More than a hundred proteins comprise the RAS superfamily of small GTPases. This family can be divided into RAS, RHO, RAB, RAN, ARF, and RAD subfamilies, with each shown to play distinct roles in human cells in both health and disease. The RAS subfamily has a well-established role in human cancer with the three genes, HRAS, KRAS, and NRAS being the commonly mutated in tumors. These RAS mutations, most often functionally activating, are especially common in pancreatic, lung, and colorectal cancers. Efforts to inhibit RAS and related GTPases have produced inhibitors targeting the downstream effectors of RAS signaling, including inhibitors of the RAF-mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK)-ERK kinase pathway and the phosphoinositide-3-kinase-AKT-mTOR kinase pathway. A third effector arm of RAS signaling, mediated by RAL (RAS like) has emerged in recent years as a critical driver of RAS oncogenic signaling and has not been targeted until recently. RAL belongs to the RAS branch of the RAS superfamily and shares a high structural similarity with RAS. In human cells, there are two genes, RALA and RALB, both of which have been shown to play roles in the proliferation, survival, and metastasis of a variety of human cancers, including lung, colon, pancreatic, prostate, skin, and bladder cancers. In this review, we summarize the latest knowledge of RAL in the context of human cancer and the recent advancements in the development of cancer therapeutics targeting RAL small GTPases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China (C.Y.); Departments of Surgery (Urology) and Pharmacology, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado (D.T.); and University of Colorado Comprehensive Cancer Center, Aurora, Colorado (D.T.)
| | - Dan Theodorescu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China (C.Y.); Departments of Surgery (Urology) and Pharmacology, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado (D.T.); and University of Colorado Comprehensive Cancer Center, Aurora, Colorado (D.T.)
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30
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D’Aloia A, Berruti G, Costa B, Schiller C, Ambrosini R, Pastori V, Martegani E, Ceriani M. RalGPS2 is involved in tunneling nanotubes formation in 5637 bladder cancer cells. Exp Cell Res 2018; 362:349-361. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2017.11.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Revised: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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31
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Moghadam AR, Patrad E, Tafsiri E, Peng W, Fangman B, Pluard TJ, Accurso A, Salacz M, Shah K, Ricke B, Bi D, Kimura K, Graves L, Najad MK, Dolatkhah R, Sanaat Z, Yazdi M, Tavakolinia N, Mazani M, Amani M, Ghavami S, Gartell R, Reilly C, Naima Z, Esfandyari T, Farassati F. Ral signaling pathway in health and cancer. Cancer Med 2017; 6:2998-3013. [PMID: 29047224 PMCID: PMC5727330 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.1105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Revised: 04/10/2017] [Accepted: 04/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The Ral (Ras-Like) signaling pathway plays an important role in the biology of cells. A plethora of effects is regulated by this signaling pathway and its prooncogenic effectors. Our team has demonstrated the overactivation of the RalA signaling pathway in a number of human malignancies including cancers of the liver, ovary, lung, brain, and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors. Additionally, we have shown that the activation of RalA in cancer stem cells is higher in comparison with differentiated cancer cells. In this article, we review the role of Ral signaling in health and disease with a focus on the role of this multifunctional protein in the generation of therapies for cancer. An improved understanding of this pathway can lead to development of a novel class of anticancer therapies that functions on the basis of intervention with RalA or its downstream effectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adel Rezaei Moghadam
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell ScienceUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegCanada
| | - Elham Patrad
- Department of Medicine, Molecular Medicine LaboratoryThe University of Kansas Medical SchoolKansas CityKansas
| | - Elham Tafsiri
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia Presbyterian Medical CenterNew YorkNew York
| | - Warner Peng
- Department of Medicine, Molecular Medicine LaboratoryThe University of Kansas Medical SchoolKansas CityKansas
| | - Benjamin Fangman
- Department of Medicine, Molecular Medicine LaboratoryThe University of Kansas Medical SchoolKansas CityKansas
| | - Timothy J Pluard
- Saint Luke's HospitalUniversity of Missouri at Kansas CityKansas CityMissouri
| | - Anthony Accurso
- Department of Medicine, Molecular Medicine LaboratoryThe University of Kansas Medical SchoolKansas CityKansas
| | - Michael Salacz
- Department of Medicine, Molecular Medicine LaboratoryThe University of Kansas Medical SchoolKansas CityKansas
| | - Kushal Shah
- Department of Medicine, Molecular Medicine LaboratoryThe University of Kansas Medical SchoolKansas CityKansas
| | - Brandon Ricke
- Department of Medicine, Molecular Medicine LaboratoryThe University of Kansas Medical SchoolKansas CityKansas
| | - Danse Bi
- Department of Medicine, Molecular Medicine LaboratoryThe University of Kansas Medical SchoolKansas CityKansas
| | - Kyle Kimura
- Department of Medicine, Molecular Medicine LaboratoryThe University of Kansas Medical SchoolKansas CityKansas
| | - Leland Graves
- Department of Medicine, Molecular Medicine LaboratoryThe University of Kansas Medical SchoolKansas CityKansas
| | - Marzieh Khajoie Najad
- Department of Medicine, Molecular Medicine LaboratoryThe University of Kansas Medical SchoolKansas CityKansas
| | - Roya Dolatkhah
- Department of Medicine, Molecular Medicine LaboratoryThe University of Kansas Medical SchoolKansas CityKansas
| | - Zohreh Sanaat
- Department of Medicine, Molecular Medicine LaboratoryThe University of Kansas Medical SchoolKansas CityKansas
| | - Mina Yazdi
- Department of Medicine, Molecular Medicine LaboratoryThe University of Kansas Medical SchoolKansas CityKansas
| | - Naeimeh Tavakolinia
- Department of Medicine, Molecular Medicine LaboratoryThe University of Kansas Medical SchoolKansas CityKansas
| | - Mohammad Mazani
- Pasteur Institute of IranTehranIran
- Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, BiochemistryArdabilIran
| | - Mojtaba Amani
- Pasteur Institute of IranTehranIran
- Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, BiochemistryArdabilIran
| | - Saeid Ghavami
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell ScienceUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegCanada
| | - Robyn Gartell
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia Presbyterian Medical CenterNew YorkNew York
| | - Colleen Reilly
- Department of Medicine, Molecular Medicine LaboratoryThe University of Kansas Medical SchoolKansas CityKansas
| | - Zaid Naima
- Department of Medicine, Molecular Medicine LaboratoryThe University of Kansas Medical SchoolKansas CityKansas
| | - Tuba Esfandyari
- Department of Medicine, Molecular Medicine LaboratoryThe University of Kansas Medical SchoolKansas CityKansas
| | - Faris Farassati
- Research Service (151)Kansas City Veteran Affairs Medical Center & Midwest Biomedical Research Foundation4801 E Linwood BlvdKansas CityMissouri64128‐2226
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32
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Suman S, Mishra A. Network analysis revealed aurora kinase dysregulation in five gynecological types of cancer. Oncol Lett 2017; 15:1125-1132. [PMID: 29391900 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.7368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene markers are crucial for cancer prognosis and treatment. Previous studies have placed greater emphasis on individual diagnostic genes, thereby ignoring systemic-level attributes across diseases. Female-specific cells namely, breast, endometrium, cervical, ovarian and vulvar cells are highly susceptible to cancer. To date, a limited number of molecular studies have been performed that evaluate common biological processes across gynecological types of cancer. Differentially expressed genes in breast, cervical, endometrial, vulvar and ovarian cancer were utilized to construct protein-protein interaction networks, and to identify a common module across the five cancer types. A single common module with 8 nodes and 26 edges was mined among the five cancer systems. In total, four hub genes were present across the five cancer gene sets. Genes in the common module were enriched for the common pathways and associated diseases. The aurora kinase pathway was revealed to be conserved across the five cancer types surveyed. The present study, therefore, revealed that the aurora kinase pathway has a crucial function in the pathogenesis of the five aforementioned gynecological types of cancer through cross-tumor conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shikha Suman
- Division of Applied Sciences, Indian Institute of Information Technology, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh 211012, India
| | - Ashutosh Mishra
- Division of Applied Sciences, Indian Institute of Information Technology, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh 211012, India
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miR-331-3p and Aurora Kinase inhibitor II co-treatment suppresses prostate cancer tumorigenesis and progression. Oncotarget 2017; 8:55116-55134. [PMID: 28903407 PMCID: PMC5589646 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.18664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA-based therapeutics could represent a new avenue of cancer treatment. miRNA 331-3p (miR-331-3p) is implicated in prostate cancer (PCa) as a putative tumor suppressor, but its functional activity and synergy with other anti-tumor agents is largely unknown. We found miR-331-3p expression in PCa tumors was significantly decreased compared to non-malignant matched tissue. Analysis of publicly available PCa gene expression data sets showed miR-331-3p expression negatively correlated with Gleason Score, tumor stage, lymph node involvement and PSA value, and was significantly down regulated in tumor tissue relative to normal prostate tissue. Overexpression of miR-331-3p reduced PCa cell growth, migration and colony formation, as well as xenograft tumor initiation, proliferation and survival of mice. Microarray analysis identified seven novel targets of miR-331-3p in PCa. The 3’-untranslated regions of PLCγ1 and RALA were confirmed as targets of miR-331-3p, with mutation analyses confirming RALA as a direct target. Expression of miR-331-3p or RALA siRNA in PCa cells reduced RALA expression, proliferation, migration and colony formation in vitro. RALA expression positively correlated with Gleason grade in two separate studies, as well as in a PCa tissue microarray. Co-treatment using siRALA with an Aurora Kinase inhibitor (AKi-II) decreased colony formation of PCa cells while the combination of AKi-II with miR-331-3p resulted in significant reduction of PCa cell proliferation in vitro and PCa xenograft growth in vivo. Thus, miR-331-3p directly targets the RALA pathway and the addition of the AKi-II has a synergistic effect on tumor growth inhibition, suggesting a potential role as combination therapy in PCa.
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Integrin-Dependent Regulation of Small GTPases: Role in Cell Migration. J Indian Inst Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s41745-016-0010-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Vallejo A, Perurena N, Guruceaga E, Mazur PK, Martinez-Canarias S, Zandueta C, Valencia K, Arricibita A, Gwinn D, Sayles LC, Chuang CH, Guembe L, Bailey P, Chang DK, Biankin A, Ponz-Sarvise M, Andersen JB, Khatri P, Bozec A, Sweet-Cordero EA, Sage J, Lecanda F, Vicent S. An integrative approach unveils FOSL1 as an oncogene vulnerability in KRAS-driven lung and pancreatic cancer. Nat Commun 2017; 8:14294. [PMID: 28220783 PMCID: PMC5321758 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms14294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
KRAS mutated tumours represent a large fraction of human cancers, but the vast majority remains refractory to current clinical therapies. Thus, a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms triggered by KRAS oncogene may yield alternative therapeutic strategies. Here we report the identification of a common transcriptional signature across mutant KRAS cancers of distinct tissue origin that includes the transcription factor FOSL1. High FOSL1 expression identifies mutant KRAS lung and pancreatic cancer patients with the worst survival outcome. Furthermore, FOSL1 genetic inhibition is detrimental to both KRAS-driven tumour types. Mechanistically, FOSL1 links the KRAS oncogene to components of the mitotic machinery, a pathway previously postulated to function orthogonally to oncogenic KRAS. FOSL1 targets include AURKA, whose inhibition impairs viability of mutant KRAS cells. Lastly, combination of AURKA and MEK inhibitors induces a deleterious effect on mutant KRAS cells. Our findings unveil KRAS downstream effectors that provide opportunities to treat KRAS-driven cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Vallejo
- University of Navarra, Center for Applied Medical Research, Program in Solid Tumors and Biomarkers, Pamplona 31010, Spain
| | - Naiara Perurena
- University of Navarra, Center for Applied Medical Research, Program in Solid Tumors and Biomarkers, Pamplona 31010, Spain
| | - Elisabet Guruceaga
- University of Navarra, Center for Applied Medical Research, Proteomics, Genomics and Bioinformatics Core Facility, Pamplona 31010, Spain
| | - Pawel K. Mazur
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Susana Martinez-Canarias
- University of Navarra, Center for Applied Medical Research, Program in Solid Tumors and Biomarkers, Pamplona 31010, Spain
| | - Carolina Zandueta
- University of Navarra, Center for Applied Medical Research, Program in Solid Tumors and Biomarkers, Pamplona 31010, Spain
| | - Karmele Valencia
- University of Navarra, Center for Applied Medical Research, Program in Solid Tumors and Biomarkers, Pamplona 31010, Spain
| | - Andrea Arricibita
- University of Navarra, Center for Applied Medical Research, Program in Solid Tumors and Biomarkers, Pamplona 31010, Spain
| | - Dana Gwinn
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Leanne C. Sayles
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Chen-Hua Chuang
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Laura Guembe
- University of Navarra, Center for Applied Medical Research, Morphology Unit, Pamplona 31010, Spain
| | - Peter Bailey
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Bearsden, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - David K. Chang
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Bearsden, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
- West of Scotland Pancreatic Unit, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow G31 2ER, UK
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Cancer Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, University of New South Wales, 384 Victoria St, Darlinghurst, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia
- Department of Surgery, Bankstown Hospital, Eldridge Road, Bankstown, Sydney, New South Wales 2200, Australia
- South Western Sydney Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Liverpool, New South Wales 2170, Australia
| | - Andrew Biankin
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Bearsden, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
- West of Scotland Pancreatic Unit, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow G31 2ER, UK
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Cancer Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, University of New South Wales, 384 Victoria St, Darlinghurst, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia
- Department of Surgery, Bankstown Hospital, Eldridge Road, Bankstown, Sydney, New South Wales 2200, Australia
- South Western Sydney Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Liverpool, New South Wales 2170, Australia
| | - Mariano Ponz-Sarvise
- University of Navarra, Center for Applied Medical Research, Program in Solid Tumors and Biomarkers, Pamplona 31010, Spain
- Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Department of Medical Oncology, Pamplona 31008, Spain
| | - Jesper B. Andersen
- Biotech Research and Innovation Center, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, DK-2200, Denmark
| | - Purvesh Khatri
- Stanford Institute for Immunity, Transplantation and Infection, Stanford, California 94305, USA
- Stanford Center for Biomedical Informatics Research, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Aline Bozec
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 and Institute of Clinical Immunology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Julien Sage
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Fernando Lecanda
- University of Navarra, Center for Applied Medical Research, Program in Solid Tumors and Biomarkers, Pamplona 31010, Spain
- IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona 31008, Spain
- University of Navarra, Department of Histology and Pathology, Pamplona 31008, Spain
| | - Silve Vicent
- University of Navarra, Center for Applied Medical Research, Program in Solid Tumors and Biomarkers, Pamplona 31010, Spain
- IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona 31008, Spain
- University of Navarra, Department of Histology and Pathology, Pamplona 31008, Spain
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Aurora Kinase A is a Biomarker for Bladder Cancer Detection and Contributes to its Aggressive Behavior. Sci Rep 2017; 7:40714. [PMID: 28102366 PMCID: PMC5244380 DOI: 10.1038/srep40714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The effects of AURKA overexpression associated with poor clinical outcomes have been attributed to increased cell cycle progression and the development of genomic instability with aneuploidy. We used RNA interference to examine the effects of AURKA overexpression in human bladder cancer cells. Knockdown had minimal effects on cell proliferation but blocked tumor cell invasion. Whole genome mRNA expression profiling identified nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) as a downstream target that was repressed by AURKA. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and NNMT promoter luciferase assays revealed that AURKA’s effects on NNMT were caused by PAX3-mediated transcriptional repression and overexpression of NNMT blocked tumor cell invasion in vitro. Overexpression of AURKA and activation of its downstream pathway was enriched in the basal subtype in primary human tumors and was associated with poor clinical outcomes. We also show that the FISH test for the AURKA gene copy number in urine yielded a specificity of 79.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 74.2% to 84.1%), and a sensitivity of 79.6% (95% CI = 74.2% to 84.1%) with an AUC of 0.901 (95% CI = 0.872 to 0.928; P < 0.001). These results implicate AURKA as an effective biomarker for bladder cancer detection as well as therapeutic target especially for its basal type.
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Treekitkarnmongkol W, Katayama H, Kai K, Sasai K, Jones JC, Wang J, Shen L, Sahin AA, Gagea M, Ueno NT, Creighton CJ, Sen S. Aurora kinase-A overexpression in mouse mammary epithelium induces mammary adenocarcinomas harboring genetic alterations shared with human breast cancer. Carcinogenesis 2016; 37:1180-1189. [PMID: 27624071 PMCID: PMC5137261 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgw097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Revised: 08/24/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent data from The Cancer Genome Atlas analysis have revealed that Aurora kinase A (AURKA) amplification and overexpression characterize a distinct subset of human tumors across multiple cancer types. Although elevated expression of AURKA has been shown to induce oncogenic phenotypes in cells in vitro, findings from transgenic mouse models of Aurora-A overexpression in mammary glands have been distinct depending on the models generated. In the present study, we report that prolonged overexpression of AURKA transgene in mammary epithelium driven by ovine β-lactoglobulin promoter, activated through multiple pregnancy and lactation cycles, results in the development of mammary adenocarcinomas with alterations in cancer-relevant genes and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. The tumor incidence was 38.9% (7/18) in Aurora-A transgenic mice at 16 months of age following 4-5 pregnancy cycles. Aurora-A overexpression in the tumor tissues accompanied activation of Akt, elevation of Cyclin D1, Tpx2 and Plk1 along with downregulation of ERα and p53 proteins, albeit at varying levels. Microarray comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) analyses of transgenic mouse mammary adenocarcinomas revealed copy gain of Glp1r and losses of Ercc5, Pten and Tcf7l2 loci. Review of human breast tumor transcriptomic data sets showed association of these genes at varying levels with Aurora-A gain of function alterations. Whole exome sequencing of the mouse tumors also identified gene mutations detected in Aurora-A overexpressing human breast cancers. Our findings demonstrate that prolonged overexpression of Aurora-A can be a driver somatic genetic event in mammary adenocarcinomas associated with deregulated tumor-relevant pathways in the Aurora-A subset of human breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hiroshi Katayama
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology.,Present address: Department of Molecular Oncology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikatacho, Kitaku, Okayama 700-8558, Japan and
| | | | - Kaori Sasai
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology.,Present address: Department of Molecular Oncology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikatacho, Kitaku, Okayama 700-8558, Japan and
| | - Jennifer Carter Jones
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology.,Genomics Field Application, Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara, CA 95051, USA
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
| | - Li Shen
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
| | | | - Mihai Gagea
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery
| | - Naoto T Ueno
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA and
| | - Chad J Creighton
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology.,Department of Medicine, Dan L Duncan Cancer Center Division of Biostatistics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Subrata Sen
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology,
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Ginn KF, Fangman B, Terai K, Wise A, Ziazadeh D, Shah K, Gartrell R, Ricke B, Kimura K, Mathur S, Borrego-Diaz E, Farassati F. RalA is overactivated in medulloblastoma. J Neurooncol 2016; 130:99-110. [PMID: 27566179 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-016-2236-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2014] [Accepted: 07/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MDB) represents a major form of malignant brain tumors in the pediatric population. A vast spectrum of research on MDB has advanced our understanding of the underlying mechanism, however, a significant need still exists to develop novel therapeutics on the basis of gaining new knowledge about the characteristics of cell signaling networks involved. The Ras signaling pathway, one of the most important proto-oncogenic pathways involved in human cancers, has been shown to be involved in the development of neurological malignancies. We have studied an important effector down-stream of Ras, namely RalA (Ras-Like), for the first time and revealed overactivation of RalA in MDB. Affinity precipitation analysis of active RalA (RalA-GTP) in eight MDB cell lines (DAOY, RES256, RES262, UW228-1, UW426, UW473, D283 and D425) revealed that the majority contained elevated levels of active RalA (RalA-GTP) as compared with fetal cerebellar tissue as a normal control. Additionally, total RalA levels were shown to be elevated in 20 MDB patient samples as compared to normal brain tissue. The overall expression of RalA, however, was comparable in cancerous and normal samples. Other important effectors of RalA pathway including RalA binding protein-1 (RalBP1) and protein phosphatase A (PP2A) down-stream of Ral and Aurora kinase A (AKA) as an upstream RalA activator were also investigated in MDB. Considering the lack of specific inhibitors for RalA, we used gene specific silencing in order to inhibit RalA expression. Using a lentivirus expressing anti-RalA shRNA we successfully inhibited RalA expression in MDB and observed a significant reduction in proliferation and invasiveness. Similar results were observed using inhibitors of AKA and geranyl-geranyl transferase (non-specific inhibitors of RalA signaling) in terms of loss of in vivo tumorigenicity in heterotopic nude mouse model. Finally, once tested in cells expressing CD133 (a marker for MDB cancer stem cells), higher levels of RalA activation was observed. These data not only bring RalA to light as an important contributor to the malignant phenotype of MDB but introduces this pathway as a novel target in the treatment of this malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin F Ginn
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, Department of Medicine, University of Kansas Medical School, Kansas City, KS, USA.,Division of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Mercy Hospital and Clinics, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Ben Fangman
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, Department of Medicine, University of Kansas Medical School, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Kaoru Terai
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, Department of Medicine, University of Kansas Medical School, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Amanda Wise
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, Department of Medicine, University of Kansas Medical School, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Daniel Ziazadeh
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, Department of Medicine, University of Kansas Medical School, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Kushal Shah
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, Department of Medicine, University of Kansas Medical School, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Robyn Gartrell
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, Department of Medicine, University of Kansas Medical School, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Brandon Ricke
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, Department of Medicine, University of Kansas Medical School, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Kyle Kimura
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, Department of Medicine, University of Kansas Medical School, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Sharad Mathur
- Research Service (151), Kansas City Veteran Affairs Medical Center & Midwest Biomedical Research Foundation-Saint Luke's Marion Bloch Brain Tumor Research Program, 4801 E Linwood Blvd, F5-123, Kansas City, MO, 64128, USA
| | - Emma Borrego-Diaz
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, Department of Medicine, University of Kansas Medical School, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Faris Farassati
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, Department of Medicine, University of Kansas Medical School, Kansas City, KS, USA. .,Research Service (151), Kansas City Veteran Affairs Medical Center & Midwest Biomedical Research Foundation-Saint Luke's Marion Bloch Brain Tumor Research Program, 4801 E Linwood Blvd, F5-123, Kansas City, MO, 64128, USA.
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Thomas JC, Cooper JM, Clayton NS, Wang C, White MA, Abell C, Owen D, Mott HR. Inhibition of Ral GTPases Using a Stapled Peptide Approach. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:18310-25. [PMID: 27334922 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.720243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant Ras signaling drives numerous cancers, and drugs to inhibit this are urgently required. This compelling clinical need combined with recent innovations in drug discovery including the advent of biologic therapeutic agents, has propelled Ras back to the forefront of targeting efforts. Activated Ras has proved extremely difficult to target directly, and the focus has moved to the main downstream Ras-signaling pathways. In particular, the Ras-Raf and Ras-PI3K pathways have provided conspicuous enzyme therapeutic targets that were more accessible to conventional drug-discovery strategies. The Ras-RalGEF-Ral pathway is a more difficult challenge for traditional medicinal development, and there have, therefore, been few inhibitors reported that disrupt this axis. We have used our structure of a Ral-effector complex as a basis for the design and characterization of α-helical-stapled peptides that bind selectively to active, GTP-bound Ral proteins and that compete with downstream effector proteins. The peptides have been thoroughly characterized biophysically. Crucially, the lead peptide enters cells and is biologically active, inhibiting isoform-specific RalB-driven cellular processes. This, therefore, provides a starting point for therapeutic inhibition of the Ras-RalGEF-Ral pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jemima C Thomas
- From the Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1GA, United Kingdom, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan M Cooper
- Department of Cell Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390-9039
| | - Natasha S Clayton
- From the Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1GA, United Kingdom
| | - Chensu Wang
- Department of Cell Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390-9039
| | - Michael A White
- Department of Cell Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390-9039
| | - Chris Abell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Darerca Owen
- From the Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1GA, United Kingdom,
| | - Helen R Mott
- From the Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1GA, United Kingdom,
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Abstract
The RAL GTPases have emerged as important drivers of tumor growth and metastasis in lung, colon, pancreatic and other cancers. We recently developed the first small molecule inhibitors of RAL that exhibited antitumor activity in human lung cancer cell lines. These compounds are non-competitive inhibitors that bind to the allosteric site of GDP-bound RAL. The RAL inhibitors have the potential to be used in combination therapy with other inhibitors of the RAS signaling pathway. They also provide insights toward directly targeting other GTPases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Yan
- a Departments of Surgery (Urology) and Pharmacology ; University of Colorado ; Aurora , CO USA
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Pawar A, Meier JA, Dasgupta A, Diwanji N, Deshpande N, Saxena K, Buwa N, Inchanalkar S, Schwartz MA, Balasubramanian N. Ral-Arf6 crosstalk regulates Ral dependent exocyst trafficking and anchorage independent growth signalling. Cell Signal 2016; 28:1225-1236. [PMID: 27269287 PMCID: PMC4973806 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2016.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2016] [Revised: 05/30/2016] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Integrin dependent regulation of growth factor signalling confers anchorage dependence that is deregulated in cancers. Downstream of integrins and oncogenic Ras the small GTPase Ral is a vital mediator of adhesion dependent trafficking and signalling. This study identifies a novel regulatory crosstalk between Ral and Arf6 that controls Ral function in cells. In re-adherent mouse fibroblasts (MEFs) integrin dependent activation of RalA drives Arf6 activation. Independent of adhesion constitutively active RalA and RalB could both however activate Arf6. This is further conserved in oncogenic H-Ras containing bladder cancer T24 cells, which express anchorage independent active Ral that supports Arf6 activation. Arf6 mediates active Ral-exocyst dependent delivery of raft microdomains to the plasma membrane that supports anchorage independent growth signalling. Accordingly in T24 cells the RalB-Arf6 crosstalk is seen to preferentially regulate anchorage independent Erk signalling. Active Ral we further find uses a Ral-RalBP1-ARNO-Arf6 pathway to mediate Arf6 activation. This study hence identifies Arf6, through this regulatory crosstalk, to be a key downstream mediator of Ral isoform function along adhesion dependent pathways in normal and cancer cells. Ral mediates Arf6 activation downstream of integrins and oncogenic Ras. Arf6 mediates Ral-exocyst dependent delivery of raft microdomains. Active Ral supports anchorage independent Arf6 activation in bladder cancer T24 cells. Ral-Arf6 crosstalk in T24 cells regulates anchorage independent Erk signalling. A Ral-RalBP1-ARNO-Arf6 pathway mediates the Ral-Arf6 crosstalk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archana Pawar
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pashan, Pune 411 008, Maharashtra, India
| | - Jeremy A Meier
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, United States
| | - Anwesha Dasgupta
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pashan, Pune 411 008, Maharashtra, India
| | - Neha Diwanji
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pashan, Pune 411 008, Maharashtra, India
| | - Neha Deshpande
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pashan, Pune 411 008, Maharashtra, India
| | - Kritika Saxena
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pashan, Pune 411 008, Maharashtra, India
| | - Natasha Buwa
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pashan, Pune 411 008, Maharashtra, India
| | - Siddhi Inchanalkar
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pashan, Pune 411 008, Maharashtra, India
| | - Martin Alexander Schwartz
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, United States; Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, 300 George Street, 7th Floor, New Haven, CT 06511, United States
| | - Nagaraj Balasubramanian
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pashan, Pune 411 008, Maharashtra, India.
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Dos Santos EO, Carneiro-Lobo TC, Aoki MN, Levantini E, Bassères DS. Aurora kinase targeting in lung cancer reduces KRAS-induced transformation. Mol Cancer 2016; 15:12. [PMID: 26842935 PMCID: PMC4739397 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-016-0494-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Activating mutations in KRAS are prevalent in lung cancer and have been causally linked to the oncogenic process. However, therapies targeted to oncogenic RAS have been ineffective to date and identification of KRAS targets that impinge on the oncogenic phenotype is warranted. Based on published studies showing that mitotic kinases Aurora A (AURKA) and B (AURKB) cooperate with oncogenic RAS to promote malignant transformation and that AURKA phosphorylates RAS effector pathway components, the aim of this study was to investigate whether AURKA and AURKB are KRAS targets in lung cancer and whether targeting these kinases might be therapeutically beneficial. METHODS In order to determine whether oncogenic KRAS induces Aurora kinase expression, we used qPCR and western blotting in three different lung cell-based models of gain- or loss-of-function of KRAS. In order to determine the functional role of these kinases in KRAS-induced transformation, we generated KRAS-positive A549 and H358 cells with stable and inducible shRNA-mediated knockdown of AURKA or AURKB and evaluated transformation in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. In order to validate AURKA and/or AURKB as therapeutically relevant KRAS targets in lung cancer, we treated A549 and H358 cells, as well as two different lung cell based models of gain-of-function of KRAS with a dual Aurora kinase inhibitor and performed functional in vitro assays. RESULTS We determined that KRAS positively regulates AURKA and AURKB expression. Furthermore, in KRAS-positive H358 and A549 cell lines, inducible knockdown of AURKA or AURKB, as well as treatment with a dual AURKA/AURKB inhibitor, decreased growth, viability, proliferation, transformation, and induced apoptosis in vitro. In addition, inducible shRNA-mediated knockdown of AURKA in A549 cells decreased tumor growth in vivo. More importantly, dual pharmacological inhibiton of AURKA and AURKB reduced growth, viability, transformation, and induced apoptosis in vitro in an oncogenic KRAS-dependent manner, indicating that Aurora kinase inhibition therapy can specifically target KRAS-transformed cells. CONCLUSIONS Our results support our hypothesis that Aurora kinases are important KRAS targets in lung cancer and suggest Aurora kinase inhibition as a novel approach for KRAS-induced lung cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mateus Nobrega Aoki
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Elena Levantini
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council (CNR), Pisa, Italy.
| | - Daniela Sanchez Bassères
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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43
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Palmieri G, Ombra M, Colombino M, Casula M, Sini M, Manca A, Paliogiannis P, Ascierto PA, Cossu A. Multiple Molecular Pathways in Melanomagenesis: Characterization of Therapeutic Targets. Front Oncol 2015; 5:183. [PMID: 26322273 PMCID: PMC4530319 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2015.00183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2015] [Accepted: 07/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular mechanisms involved in pathogenesis of malignant melanoma have been widely studied and novel therapeutic treatments developed in recent past years. Molecular targets for therapy have mostly been recognized in the RAS–RAF–MEK–ERK and PI3K–AKT signaling pathways; small-molecule inhibitors were drawn to specifically target key kinases. Unfortunately, these targeted drugs may display intrinsic or acquired resistance and various evidences suggest that inhibition of a single effector of the signal transduction cascades involved in melanoma pathogenesis may be ineffective in blocking the tumor growth. In this sense, a wider comprehension of the multiple molecular alterations accounting for either response or resistance to treatments with targeted inhibitors may be helpful in assessing, which is the most effective combination of such therapies. In the present review, we summarize the known molecular mechanisms underlying either intrinsic and acquired drug resistance either alternative roads to melanoma pathogenesis, which may become targets for innovative anticancer approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Palmieri
- Unità di Genetica dei Tumori, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche , Sassari , Italy
| | - MariaNeve Ombra
- Istituto di Scienze dell'Alimentazione, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche , Avellino , Italy
| | - Maria Colombino
- Unità di Genetica dei Tumori, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche , Sassari , Italy
| | - Milena Casula
- Unità di Genetica dei Tumori, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche , Sassari , Italy
| | - MariaCristina Sini
- Unità di Genetica dei Tumori, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche , Sassari , Italy
| | - Antonella Manca
- Unità di Genetica dei Tumori, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche , Sassari , Italy
| | - Panagiotis Paliogiannis
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche, Microchirurgiche e Mediche, Università di Sassari , Sassari , Italy
| | | | - Antonio Cossu
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche, Microchirurgiche e Mediche, Università di Sassari , Sassari , Italy
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Gentry LR, Nishimura A, Cox AD, Martin TD, Tsygankov D, Nishida M, Elston TC, Der CJ. Divergent roles of CAAX motif-signaled posttranslational modifications in the regulation and subcellular localization of Ral GTPases. J Biol Chem 2015. [PMID: 26216878 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.656710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The Ras-like small GTPases RalA and RalB are well validated effectors of RAS oncogene-driven human cancer growth, and pharmacologic inhibitors of Ral function may provide an effective anti-Ras therapeutic strategy. Intriguingly, although RalA and RalB share strong overall amino acid sequence identity, exhibit essentially identical structural and biochemical properties, and can utilize the same downstream effectors, they also exhibit divergent and sometimes opposing roles in the tumorigenic and metastatic growth of different cancer types. These distinct biological functions have been attributed largely to sequence divergence in their carboxyl-terminal hypervariable regions. However, the role of posttranslational modifications signaled by the hypervariable region carboxyl-terminal tetrapeptide CAAX motif (C = cysteine, A = aliphatic amino acid, X = terminal residue) in Ral isoform-selective functions has not been addressed. We determined that these modifications have distinct roles and consequences. Both RalA and RalB require Ras converting CAAX endopeptidase 1 (RCE1) for association with the plasma membrane, albeit not with endomembranes, and loss of RCE1 caused mislocalization as well as sustained activation of both RalA and RalB. In contrast, isoprenylcysteine carboxylmethyltransferase (ICMT) deficiency disrupted plasma membrane localization only of RalB, whereas RalA depended on ICMT for efficient endosomal localization. Furthermore, the absence of ICMT increased stability of RalB but not RalA protein. Finally, palmitoylation was critical for subcellular localization of RalB but not RalA. In summary, we have identified striking isoform-specific consequences of distinct CAAX-signaled posttranslational modifications that contribute to the divergent subcellular localization and activity of RalA and RalB.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Akiyuki Nishimura
- the Division of Cardiocirculatory Signaling, Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience (National Institute for Physiological Sciences), National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myoudaiji-cho, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan
| | - Adrienne D Cox
- From the Departments of Pharmacology and Radiation Oncology, and Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599 and
| | | | | | - Motohiro Nishida
- the Division of Cardiocirculatory Signaling, Okazaki Institute for Integrative Bioscience (National Institute for Physiological Sciences), National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myoudaiji-cho, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan
| | | | - Channing J Der
- From the Departments of Pharmacology and Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599 and
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Papini D, Langemeyer L, Abad MA, Kerr A, Samejima I, Eyers PA, Jeyaprakash AA, Higgins JMG, Barr FA, Earnshaw WC. TD-60 links RalA GTPase function to the CPC in mitosis. Nat Commun 2015; 6:7678. [PMID: 26158537 PMCID: PMC4510650 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms8678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2014] [Accepted: 05/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
TD-60 (also known as RCC2) is a highly conserved protein that structurally resembles the Ran guanine exchange factor (GEF) RCC1, but has not previously been shown to have GEF activity. TD-60 has a typical chromosomal passenger complex (CPC) distribution in mitotic cells, but associates with integrin complexes and is involved in cell motility during interphase. Here we show that TD-60 exhibits GEF activity, in vitro and in cells, for the small GTPase RalA. TD-60 or RalA depletion causes spindle abnormalities in prometaphase associated with abnormal centromeric accumulation of CPC components. TD-60 and RalA apparently work together to contribute to the regulation of kinetochore-microtubule interactions in early mitosis. Importantly, several mitotic phenotypes caused by TD-60 depletion are reverted by the expression of a GTP-locked mutant, RalA (Q72L). The demonstration that a small GTPase participates in the regulation of the CPC reveals a level of mitotic regulation not suspected in previous studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Papini
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Biology, Institute of Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, Kings Buildings, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
- Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences (ICaMB), Newcastle University, Medical School, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Lars Langemeyer
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Maria A. Abad
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Biology, Institute of Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, Kings Buildings, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Alastair Kerr
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Biology, Institute of Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, Kings Buildings, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Itaru Samejima
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Biology, Institute of Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, Kings Buildings, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Patrick A. Eyers
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Crown St, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - A. Arockia Jeyaprakash
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Biology, Institute of Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, Kings Buildings, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Jonathan M. G. Higgins
- Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences (ICaMB), Newcastle University, Medical School, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Francis A. Barr
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - William C. Earnshaw
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Biology, Institute of Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, Kings Buildings, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
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46
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Katsha A, Belkhiri A, Goff L, El-Rifai W. Aurora kinase A in gastrointestinal cancers: time to target. Mol Cancer 2015; 14:106. [PMID: 25987188 PMCID: PMC4436812 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-015-0375-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2014] [Accepted: 04/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are a major cause of cancer-related deaths. During the last two decades, several studies have shown amplification and overexpression of Aurora kinase A (AURKA) in several GI malignancies. These studies demonstrated that AURKA not only plays a role in regulating cell cycle and mitosis, but also regulates a number of key oncogenic signaling pathways. Although AURKA inhibitors have moved to phase III clinical trials in lymphomas, there has been slower progress in GI cancers and solid tumors. Ongoing clinical trials testing AURKA inhibitors as a single agent or in combination with conventional chemotherapies are expected to provide important clinical information for targeting AURKA in GI cancers. It is, therefore, imperative to consider investigations of molecular determinants of response and resistance to this class of inhibitors. This will improve evaluation of the efficacy of these drugs and establish biomarker based strategies for enrollment into clinical trials, which hold the future direction for personalized cancer therapy. In this review, we will discuss the available data on AURKA in GI cancers. We will also summarize the major AURKA inhibitors that have been developed and tested in pre-clinical and clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Katsha
- Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 760 PRB, 2220 Pierce Avenue, 37232-6308, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Abbes Belkhiri
- Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 760 PRB, 2220 Pierce Avenue, 37232-6308, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Laura Goff
- Department of Hematology, Department of Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Wael El-Rifai
- Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 760 PRB, 2220 Pierce Avenue, 37232-6308, Nashville, TN, USA. .,Department of Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA. .,Department of Veterans Affairs, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN, USA.
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47
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Shirakawa R, Horiuchi H. Ral GTPases: crucial mediators of exocytosis and tumourigenesis. J Biochem 2015; 157:285-99. [DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvv029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Accepted: 02/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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48
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The RAS-RAL axis in cancer: evidence for mutation-specific selectivity in non-small cell lung cancer. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2015; 36:291-7. [PMID: 25557115 DOI: 10.1038/aps.2014.129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2014] [Accepted: 10/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Activating RAS mutations are common in human tumors. These mutations are often markers for resistance to therapy and subsequent poor prognosis. So far, targeting the RAF-MEK-ERK and PI3K-AKT signaling pathways downstream of RAS is the only promising approach in the treatment of cancer patients harboring RAS mutations. RAL GTPase, another downstream effector of RAS, is also considered as a therapeutic option for the treatment of RAS-mutant cancers. The RAL GTPase family comprises RALA and RALB, which can have either divergent or similar functions in different tumor models. Recent studies on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have showed that different RAS mutations selectively activate specific effector pathways. This observation requires broader validation in other tumor tissue types, but if true, will provide a new approach to the treatment of RAS-mutant cancer patients by targeting specific downstream RAS effectors according to the type of RAS mutation. It also suggests that RAL GTPase inhibition will be an important treatment strategy for tumors harboring RAS glycine to cysteine (G12C) or glycien to valine (G12V) mutations, which are commonly found in NSCLC and pancreatic cancer.
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49
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Mott HR, Owen D. RLIP76 (RalBP1): The first piece of the structural puzzle. Small GTPases 2014; 1:157-160. [PMID: 21686269 DOI: 10.4161/sgtp.1.3.14233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2010] [Revised: 11/11/2010] [Accepted: 11/18/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
RLIP76 (RalBP1) is a multidomain protein that is a downstream effector of the small GTP ases RalA and RalB. As well as the Ral binding domain it contains a RhoGAP domain active against Cdc42 and Rac1. RLIP76 also binds to proteins involved in endocytosis and to R-Ras. We recently solved the structure of the Ral binding domain of RLIP76 and the structure of the complex that it forms with RalB. The structure shows that, unlike the other Ral effectors characterized so far, RLIP76 forms a coiled-coil that interacts with RalB. The RLIP76 Ral binding domain binds to both the switch regions of RalB, which are the parts of the G protein that chance conformation upon nucleotide exchange. Here, we review our structure and discuss how it sheds light on the other functions of RLIP76.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen R Mott
- Department of Biochemistry; University of Cambridge; Cambridge, UK
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50
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Kashatus DF, Counter CM. Breaking up is hard to do: RalA, mitochondrial fission and cancer. Small GTPases 2014; 2:329-333. [PMID: 22545232 PMCID: PMC3337163 DOI: 10.4161/sgtp.18284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The small GTPases RalA and RalB are activated downstream of oncogenic Ras. While activation of RalA is critically important for tumor initiation and growth of Ras-driven cancers, the highly similar small GTPase RalB is implicated in cell survival and metastasis. This difference in function between these two related proteins maps to the C-terminus, a 30 amino acid region that regulates subcellular localization and contains several potential phosphorylation sites. Here we discuss our recent evidence that phosphorylation by the mitotic kinase Aurora A promotes RalA relocalization to mitochondrial membranes, where it recruits the effector RalBP1 and the large dynamin-related GTPase Drp1 to promote mitochondrial fission. As upregulation of both RalA and Aurora A have been observed in human tumors, and phosphorylation of RalA at the site targeted by Aurora A promotes tumorigenesis, it is possible that regulation of mitochondrial fission is one mechanism by which RalA promotes cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- David F Kashatus
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology; Department of Radiation Oncology; Duke University Medical Center; Durham, NC USA
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