Coupling of PAK-interacting exchange factor PIX to GIT1 promotes focal complex disassembly

FilGAP controls cell-extracellular matrix adhesion and process formation of kidney podocytes

The function of kidney podocytes is closely associated with actin cytoskeleton regulated by Rho small GTPases. Loss of actin-driven cell adhesions and processes is connected to podocyte dysfunction, proteinuria, and kidney diseases. FilGAP, a GTPase-activating protein for Rho small GTPase Rac1, is abundantly expressed in kidney podocytes, and its gene is linked to diseases in a family with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. In this study, we have studied the role of FilGAP in podocytes in vitro. Depletion of FilGAP in cultured podocytes induced loss of actin stress fibers and increased Rac1 activity. Conversely, forced expression of FilGAP increased stress fiber formation whereas Rac1 activation significantly reduced its formation. FilGAP localizes at the focal adhesion (FA), an integrin-based protein complex closely associated with stress fibers, that mediates cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) adhesion, and FilGAP depletion decreased FA formation and impaired attachment to the ECM. Moreover, in unique podocyte cell cultures capable of inducing the formation of highly organized processes including major processes and foot process-like projections, FilGAP depletion or Rac1 activation decreased the formation of these processes. The reduction of FAs and process formations in FilGAP-depleted podocyte cells was rescued by inhibition of Rac1 or P21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1), a downstream effector of Rac1, and PAK1 activation inhibited their formations. Thus, FilGAP contributes to both cell-ECM adhesion and process formation of podocytes by suppressing Rac1/PAK1 signaling.

Regulation of androgen receptor stability by the β1 Pix/STUB1 complex

The androgen receptor (AR) is essential in the development and differentiation of testes and male genitalia. AR expression is tightly regulated at the translational and posttranslational levels. AR posttranscriptional regulation is a major determinant of AR availability since AR is a direct target of E3 ubiquitin ligase STUB1. Our work indicated that the Rac/Cdc42 guanosine triphosphatase guanine nucleotide exchange factor, β1 Pix, enhanced AR levels after AR stimulation in HEK293 and HeLa cells. AR stimulation decreased AR ubiquitination which is accompanied by increased β1 Pix binding to AR. Ectopic expression of β1 Pix decreased AR ubiquitination in Tm4 and HEK293 cells. We demonstrated that the formation of a multimolecular complex comprised of AR/β1 Pix/STUB1 responded in a time-dependent manner to AR stimulation. β1 Pix binding dissociated STUB1 from AR and thus prevented STUB1 from catalyzing receptor ubiquitination. β1 Pix enhanced AR transcriptional activity and increased AR target gene expression. Irrespective of treatment, immunofluorescence analysis showed a strong nuclear colocalization of endogenous AR and endogenous βPix in Tm4 cells. However, using Tm4 cell fractionation, AR stimulation decreased βPix/AR association in the cytosolic fraction and increased binding of AR to βPix in the nuclear fraction. To support the role of β1 Pix in androgen regulation, we found that individuals lacking this gene have a significant increase in genitourinary malformations associated with androgen dysfunction. Our data indicate that β1 Pix is an important modulator of AR stability and ligand-dependent AR transcriptional activity. We propose that β1 Pix could serve as a promising therapeutic target to modulate AR signaling.

Molecular Pathways and Animal Models of Atrioventricular Septal Defect

The development of a fully functional four-chambered heart is critically dependent on the correct formation of the structures that separate the atrial and ventricular chambers. Perturbation of this process typically results in defects that allow mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood. Atrioventricular septal defects (AVSD) form a class of congenital heart malformations that are characterized by the presence of a primary atrial septal defect (pASD), a common atrioventricular valve (cAVV), and frequently also a ventricular septal defect (VSD). While AVSD were historically considered to result from failure of the endocardial atrioventricular cushions to properly develop and fuse, more recent studies have determined that inhibition of the development of other components of the atrioventricular mesenchymal complex can lead to AVSDs as well. The role of the dorsal mesenchymal protrusion (DMP) in AVSD pathogenesis has been well-documented in studies using animal models for AVSDs, and in addition, preliminary data suggest that the mesenchymal cap situated on the leading edge of the primary atrial septum may be involved in certain situations as well. In this chapter, we review what is currently known about the molecular mechanisms and animal models that are associated with the pathogenesis of AVSD.

3D matrix adhesion feedback controls nuclear force coupling to drive invasive cell migration

Cell invasion is a multi-step process, initiated by the acquisition of a migratory phenotype and the ability to move through complex 3D extracellular environments. We determine the composition of cell-matrix adhesion complexes of invasive breast cancer cells in 3D matrices and identify an interaction complex required for invasive migration. βPix and myosin18A (Myo18A) drive polarized recruitment of non-muscle myosin 2A (NM2A) to adhesion complexes at the tips of protrusions. Actomyosin force engagement then displaces the Git1-βPix complex from paxillin, establishing a feedback loop for adhesion maturation. We observe active force transmission to the nucleus during invasive migration that is needed to pull the nucleus forward. The recruitment of NM2A to adhesions creates a non-muscle myosin isoform gradient, which extends from the protrusion to the nucleus. We postulate that this gradient facilitates coupling of cell-matrix interactions at the protrusive cell front with nuclear movement, enabling effective invasive migration and front-rear cell polarity.

Genetics of mirror movements identifies a multifunctional complex required for Netrin-1 guidance and lateralization of motor control

Mirror movements (MM) disorder is characterized by involuntary movements on one side of the body that mirror intentional movements on the opposite side. We performed genetic characterization of a family with autosomal dominant MM and identified ARHGEF7, a RhoGEF, as a candidate MM gene. We found that Arhgef7 and its partner Git1 bind directly to Dcc. Dcc is the receptor for Netrin-1, an axon guidance cue that attracts commissural axons to the midline, promoting the midline crossing of axon tracts. We show that Arhgef7 and Git1 are required for Netrin-1-mediated axon guidance and act as a multifunctional effector complex. Arhgef7/Git1 activates Rac1 and Cdc42 and inhibits Arf1 downstream of Netrin-1. Furthermore, Arhgef7/Git1, via Arf1, mediates the Netrin-1-induced increase in cell surface Dcc. Mice heterozygous for Arhgef7 have defects in commissural axon trajectories and increased symmetrical paw placements during skilled walking, a MM-like phenotype. Thus, we have delineated how ARHGEF7 mutation causes MM.

β-PIX cooperates with GIT1 to regulate endothelial nitric oxide synthase in sinusoidal endothelial cells

Previous studies have demonstrated that G protein-coupled receptor kinase interacting-1 protein (GIT1) associates with endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) to regulate nitric oxide production in sinusoidal endothelial cells (SECs). Here, we hypothesized that GIT1's tightly associated binding partner, β-PIX (p21-activated kinase-interacting exchange factor β, ARHGEF7) is specifically important in the regulation of eNOS activity. We examined β-PIX expression in normal rat liver by immunohistochemistry and explored β-PIX protein-protein interactions using immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting. The role of β-PIX in regulating eNOS enzymatic activity was studied in GIT1-deficient SECs. Finally, structural analysis of interaction sites in GIT1 and β-PIX required to regulate eNOS activity were mapped. β-PIX was expressed primarily in SECs in normal liver and was either absent or expressed at extremely low levels in other liver cells (stellate cells, Kupffer cells, and hepatocytes). β-PIX interacted with GIT1 and eNOS to form a trimolecular signaling module in normal SECs and was important in stimulating eNOS activity. Of note, GIT1-β-PIX interaction led to synergistic enhancement of eNOS activity, and β-PIX-driven increase in eNOS activity was GIT1 dependent. Disruption of β-PIX or GIT1 in normal SECs using β-PIX siRNA or GIT1-deficient SECs led to reduced eNOS activity. Finally, specific GIT1 domains [Spa2 homology domain (SHD) and synaptic localization domain (SLD), aa 331-596] and the β-PIX COOH terminal (aa 496-555) appeared to be critical in the regulation eNOS activity. The data indicate that β-PIX regulates eNOS phosphorylation and function in normal SECs and highlight the importance of the GIT1/β-PIX/eNOS trimolecular complex in normal liver SEC function.NEW & NOTEWORTHY β-PIX is a multidomain protein known to be a GIT1 binding partner. We report here that in the normal liver, the distribution and cellular localization of β-PIX are restricted largely to sinusoidal endothelial cells. Furthermore, β-PIX interacts with eNOS and GIT1 promotes eNOS activity and NO production and therefore exerts a novel posttranslational regulatory function on eNOS activity in sinusoidal endothelial cells. We also have identified specific molecular domains important in GIT1 and β-PIX's interaction with eNOS, which may represent novel therapeutic targets in the control of sinusoidal blood flow and intrahepatic resistance.

Brain-specific deletion of GIT1 impairs cognition and alters phosphorylation of synaptic protein networks implicated in schizophrenia susceptibility

Despite tremendous effort, the molecular and cellular basis of cognitive deficits in schizophrenia remain poorly understood. Recent progress in elucidating the genetic architecture of schizophrenia has highlighted the association of multiple loci and rare variants that may impact susceptibility. One key example, given their potential etiopathogenic and therapeutic relevance, is a set of genes that encode proteins that regulate excitatory glutamatergic synapses in brain. A critical next step is to delineate specifically how such genetic variation impacts synaptic plasticity and to determine if and how the encoded proteins interact biochemically with one another to control cognitive function in a convergent manner. Towards this goal, here we study the roles of GPCR-kinase interacting protein 1 (GIT1), a synaptic scaffolding and signaling protein with damaging coding variants found in schizophrenia patients, as well as copy number variants found in patients with neurodevelopmental disorders. We generated conditional neural-selective GIT1 knockout mice and found that these mice have deficits in fear conditioning memory recall and spatial memory, as well as reduced cortical neuron dendritic spine density. Using global quantitative phospho-proteomics, we revealed that GIT1 deletion in brain perturbs specific networks of GIT1-interacting synaptic proteins. Importantly, several schizophrenia and neurodevelopmental disorder risk genes are present within these networks. We propose that GIT1 regulates the phosphorylation of a network of synaptic proteins and other critical regulators of neuroplasticity, and that perturbation of these networks may contribute specifically to cognitive deficits observed in schizophrenia and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Olfactomedin 4 regulates migration and proliferation of immortalized non-transformed keratinocytes through modulation of the cell cycle machinery and actin cytoskeleton remodelling

Olfactomedin 4 (OLFM4), a multifunctional matricellular protein, is involved in regulation of angiogenesis, innate immunity, inflammation, tumorigenesis and metastasis formation via modulation of important cellular processes like adhesion, proliferation, differentiation as well as apoptosis. In our previous work we demonstrated the upregulation of OLFM4 during liver regeneration and cutaneous wound healing. Here we studied the outcomes of OLFM4 downregulation in human immortalized keratinocytes - the HaCaT cells. The suppression of OLFM4 inhibited migration but enhanced the proliferation of these cells. By using proteomic, and phosphoproteomic analysis, we found that OLFM4 downregulation induced changes in the levels of 184 proteins and 348 phosphosites. An integrated pathway analysis suggested that the increased phosphorylation of CDK7 at Ser164 and Thr170 may serve as the key event in the activation of CDK2 and consequent activation of cell cycle progression. Furthermore, the decrease in GIT1 and WAVE2 protein levels were connected to the disorganization of the actin cytoskeleton, reduction of lamellipodia formation at the leading edge of HaCaT cells, and decrease in their migration capacity.

p21-Activated Kinase 1 Promotes Breast Tumorigenesis via Phosphorylation and Activation of the Calcium/Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase II

p21-Activated kinase-1 (Pak1) is frequently overexpressed and/or amplified in human breast cancer and is necessary for transformation of mammary epithelial cells. Here, we show that Pak1 interacts with and phosphorylates the Calcium/Calmodulin-dependent Protein Kinase II (CaMKII), and that pharmacological inhibition or depletion of Pak1 leads to diminished activity of CaMKII. We found a strong correlation between Pak1 and CaMKII expression in human breast cancer samples, and combined inhibition of Pak1 and CaMKII with small-molecule inhibitors was synergistic and induced apoptosis more potently in Her2 positive and triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. Co-adminstration of Pak and CaMKII small-molecule inhibitors resulted in a dramatic reduction of proliferation and an increase in apoptosis in a 3D cell culture setting, as well as an impairment in migration and invasion of TNBC cells. Finally, mice bearing xenografts of TNBC cells showed a significant delay in tumor growth when treated with small-molecule inhibitors of Pak and CaMKII. These data delineate a signaling pathway from Pak1 to CaMKII that is required for efficient proliferation, migration and invasion of mammary epithelial cells, and suggest new therapeutic strategies in breast cancer.

Control of cell signaling by Arf GTPases and their regulators: Focus on links to cancer and other GTPase families

The ADP-ribosylation factors (Arfs) comprise a family of regulatory GTP binding proteins. The Arfs regulate membrane trafficking and cytoskeleton remodeling, processes critical for eukaryotes and which have been the focus of most studies on Arfs. A more limited literature describes a role in signaling and in integrating several signaling pathways to bring about specific cell behaviors. Here, we will highlight work describing function of Arf1, Arf6 and several effectors and regulators of Arfs in signaling.

p21-Activated kinase 1 (PAK1) in aging and longevity: An overview

The p21-activated kinases (PAKs) belong to serine/threonine kinases family, regulated by ∼21 kDa small signaling G proteins RAC1 and CDC42. The mammalian PAK family comprises six members (PAK1-6) that are classified into two groups (I and II) based on their domain architecture and regulatory mechanisms. PAKs are implicated in a wide range of cellular functions. PAK1 has recently attracted increasing attention owing to its involvement in oncogenesis, tumor progression, and metastasis as well as several life-limiting diseases and pathological conditions. In Caenorhabditis elegans, PAK1 functions limit the lifespan under basal conditions by inhibiting forkhead transcription factor DAF-16. Interestingly, PAK depletion extended longevity and attenuated the onset of age-related phenotypes in a premature-aging mouse model and delayed senescence in mammalian fibroblasts. These observations implicate PAKs as not only oncogenic but also aging kinases. Therefore, PAK-targeting genetic and/or pharmacological interventions, particularly PAK1-targeting, could be a viable strategy for developing cancer therapies with relatively no side effects and promoting healthy longevity. This review describes PAK family proteins, their biological functions, and their role in regulating aging and longevity using C. elegans. Moreover, we discuss the effect of small-molecule PAK1 inhibitors on the lifespan and healthspan of C. elegans.

Leveraging the Treg-intrinsic CTLA4-PKCη signaling pathway for cancer immunotherapy

Background

Our previous studies revealed a critical role of a novel CTLA4-protein kinase C-eta (PKCη) signaling axis in mediating the suppressive activity of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in antitumor immunity. These studies have employed adoptive transfer of germline PKCη-deficient (Prkch^−/−) Tregs into Prkch^+/+ mice prior to tumor implantation. Here, we extended these findings into a biologically and clinically more relevant context.

Methods

We have analyzed the role of PKCη in antitumor immunity and the tumor microenvironment (TME) in intact tumor-bearing mice with Treg-specific or CD8⁺ T cell-specific Prkch deletion, including in a therapeutic model of combinatorial treatment. In addition to measuring tumor growth, we analyzed the phenotype and functional attributes of tumor-infiltrating immune cells, particularly Tregs and dendritic cells (DCs).

Results

Using two models of mouse transplantable cancer and a genetically engineered autochthonous hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) model, we found, first, that mice with Treg-specific Prkch deletion displayed a significantly reduced growth of B16–F10 melanoma and TRAMP-C1 adenocarcinoma tumors. Tumor growth reduction was associated with a less immunosuppressive TME, indicated by increased numbers and function of tumor-infiltrating CD8⁺ effector T cells and elevated expression of the costimulatory ligand CD86 on intratumoral DCs. In contrast, CD8⁺ T cell-specific Prkch deletion had no effect on tumor growth or the abundance and functionality of CD8⁺ effector T cells, consistent with findings that Prkch^−/− CD8⁺ T cells proliferated normally in response to in vitro polyclonal or specific antigen stimulation. Similar beneficial antitumor effects were found in mice with germline or Treg-specific Prkch deletion that were induced to develop an autochthonous HCC. Lastly, using a therapeutic model, we found that monotherapies consisting of Treg-specific Prkch deletion or vaccination with irradiated Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (Flt3L)-expressing B16–F10 tumor cells post-tumor implantation significantly delayed tumor growth. This effect was more pronounced in mice receiving a combination of the two immunotherapies.

Conclusion

These findings demonstrate the potential utility of PKCη inhibition as a viable clinical approach to treat patients with cancer, especially when combined with adjuvant therapies.

Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation at the Plasma Membrane-Cytosol Interface: Common Players in Adhesion, Motility, and Synaptic Function

Networks of scaffold proteins and enzymes assemble at the interface between the cytosol and specific sites of the plasma membrane, where these networks guide distinct cellular functions. Some of these plasma membrane-associated platforms (PMAPs) include shared core components that are able to establish specific protein-protein interactions, to produce distinct supramolecular assemblies regulating dynamic processes as diverse as cell adhesion and motility, or the formation and function of neuronal synapses. How cells organize such dynamic networks is still an open question. In this review we introduce molecular networks assembling at the edge of migrating cells, and at pre- and postsynaptic sites, which share molecular players that can drive the assembly of biomolecular condensates. Very recent experimental evidence has highlighted the emerging role of some of these multidomain/scaffold proteins belonging to the GIT, liprin-α and ELKS/ERC families as drivers of liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). The data point to an important role of LLPS: (i) in the formation of PMAPs at the edge of migrating cells, where LLPS appears to be involved in promoting protrusion and the turnover of integrin-mediated adhesions, to allow forward cell translocation; (ii) in the assembly of the presynaptic active zone and of the postsynaptic density deputed to the release and reception of neurotransmitter signals, respectively. The recent results indicate that LLPS at cytosol-membrane interfaces is suitable not only for the regulation of active cellular processes, but also for the continuous spatial rearrangements of the molecular interactions involved in these dynamic processes.

A kinase-independent function of PAK is crucial for pathogen-mediated actin remodelling

The p21-activated kinase (PAK) family regulate a multitude of cellular processes, including actin cytoskeleton remodelling. Numerous bacterial pathogens usurp host signalling pathways that regulate actin reorganisation in order to promote Infection. Salmonella and pathogenic Escherichia coli drive actin-dependent forced uptake and intimate attachment respectively. We demonstrate that the pathogen-driven generation of both these distinct actin structures relies on the recruitment and activation of PAK. We show that the PAK kinase domain is dispensable for this actin remodelling, which instead requires the GTPase-binding CRIB and the central poly-proline rich region. PAK interacts with and inhibits the guanine nucleotide exchange factor β-PIX, preventing it from exerting a negative effect on cytoskeleton reorganisation. This kinase-independent function of PAK may be usurped by other pathogens that modify host cytoskeleton signalling and helps us better understand how PAK functions in normal and diseased eukaryotic cells.

Altered endocytosis in cellular senescence

Cellular senescence occurs in response to diverse stresses (e.g., telomere shortening, DNA damage, oxidative stress, oncogene activation). A growing body of evidence indicates that alterations in multiple components of endocytic pathways contribute to cellular senescence. Clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) and caveolae-mediated endocytosis (CavME) represent major types of endocytosis that are implicated in senescence. More recent research has also identified a chromatin modifier and tumor suppressor that contributes to the induction of senescence via altered endocytosis. Here, molecular regulators of aberrant endocytosis-induced senescence are reviewed and discussed in the context of their capacity to serve as senescence-inducing stressors or modifiers.

Sinner or Saint?: Nck Adaptor Proteins in Vascular Biology

The Nck family of modular adaptor proteins, including Nck1 and Nck2, link phosphotyrosine signaling to changes in cytoskeletal dynamics and gene expression that critically modulate cellular phenotype. The Nck SH2 domain interacts with phosphotyrosine at dynamic signaling hubs, such as activated growth factor receptors and sites of cell adhesion. The Nck SH3 domains interact with signaling effectors containing proline-rich regions that mediate their activation by upstream kinases. In vascular biology, Nck1 and Nck2 play redundant roles in vascular development and postnatal angiogenesis. However, recent studies suggest that Nck1 and Nck2 differentially regulate cell phenotype in the adult vasculature. Domain-specific interactions likely mediate these isoform-selective effects, and these isolated domains may serve as therapeutic targets to limit specific protein-protein interactions. In this review, we highlight the function of the Nck adaptor proteins, the known differences in domain-selective interactions, and discuss the role of individual Nck isoforms in vascular remodeling and function.

Aging-related modifications to G protein-coupled receptor signaling diversity

Aging is a highly complex molecular process, affecting nearly all tissue systems in humans and is the highest risk factor in developing neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes mellitus. The intense complexity of the aging process creates an incentive to develop more specific drugs that attenuate or even reverse some of the features of premature aging. As our current pharmacopeia is dominated by therapeutics that target members of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily it may be prudent to search for effective anti-aging therapeutics in this fertile domain. Since the first demonstration of GPCR-based β-arrestin signaling, it has become clear that an enhanced appreciation of GPCR signaling diversity may facilitate the creation of therapeutics with selective signaling activities. Such 'biased' ligand signaling profiles can be effectively investigated using both standard molecular biological techniques as well as high-dimensionality data analyses. Through a more nuanced appreciation of the quantitative nature across the multiple dimensions of signaling bias that drugs possess, researchers may be able to further refine the efficacy of GPCR modulators to impact the complex aberrations that constitute the aging process. Identifying novel effector profiles could expand the effective pharmacopeia and assist in the design of precision medicines. This review discusses potential non-G protein effectors, and specifically their potential therapeutic suitability in aging and age-related disorders.

PAK4 Kinase Activity Plays a Crucial Role in the Podosome Ring of Myeloid Cells

p21-Activated kinase 4 (PAK4), a serine/threonine kinase, is purported to localize to podosomes: transient adhesive structures that degrade the extracellular matrix to facilitate rapid myeloid cell migration. We find that treatment of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)-differentiated monocytic (THP-1) cells with a PAK4-targeted inhibitor significantly reduces podosome formation and induces the formation of focal adhesions. This switch in adhesions confers a diminution of matrix degradation and reduced cell migration. Furthermore, reduced PAK4 expression causes a significant reduction in podosome number that cannot be rescued by kinase-dead PAK4, supporting a kinase-dependent role. Concomitant with PAK4 depletion, phosphorylation of Akt is perturbed, whereas a specific phospho-Akt signal is detected within the podosomes. Using superresolution analysis, we find that PAK4 specifically localizes in the podosome ring, nearer to the actin core than other ring proteins. We propose PAK4 kinase activity intersects with the Akt pathway at the podosome ring:core interface to drive regulation of macrophage podosome turnover.

Scribble, Lgl1, and myosin II form a complex in vivo to promote directed cell migration

Scribble (Scrib) and Lethal giant larvae 1 (Lgl1) are conserved polarity proteins that play important roles in different forms of cell polarity. The roles of Scrib and Lgl1 in apical-basal cell polarity have been studied extensively, but little is known about their roles in the cell polarity of migrating cells. Furthermore, the effect of Scrib and Lgl1 interaction on cell polarity is largely unknown. In this study, we show that Scrib, through its leucine-rich repeat domain, forms a complex in vivo with Lgl1. Scrib also forms a complex with myosin II, and Scrib, Lgl1, and myosin II colocalize at the leading edge of migrating cells. The cellular localization and the cytoskeletal association of Scrib and Lgl1 are interdependent, as depletion of either protein affects its counterpart. In addition, depletion of either Scrib or Lgl1 disrupts the cellular localization of myosin II. We show that depletion of either Scrib or Lgl1 affects cell adhesion through the inhibition of focal adhesion disassembly. Finally, we show that Scrib and Lgl1 are required for proper cell polarity of migrating cells. These results provide new insights into the mechanism regulating the cell polarity of migrating cells by Scrib, Lgl1, and myosin II.

The WAVE Regulatory Complex Is Required to Balance Protrusion and Adhesion in Migration

Cells migrating over 2D substrates are required to polymerise actin at the leading edge to form lamellipodia protrusions and nascent adhesions to anchor the protrusion to the substrate. The major actin nucleator in lamellipodia formation is the Arp2/3 complex, which is activated by the WAVE regulatory complex (WRC). Using inducible Nckap1 floxed mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs), we confirm that the WRC is required for lamellipodia formation, and importantly, for generating the retrograde flow of actin from the leading cell edge. The loss of NCKAP1 also affects cell spreading and focal adhesion dynamics. In the absence of lamellipodium, cells can become elongated and move with a single thin pseudopod, which appears devoid of N-WASP. This phenotype was more prevalent on collagen than fibronectin, where we observed an increase in migratory speed. Thus, 2D cell migration on collagen is less dependent on branched actin.

Specific Isoforms of the Guanine-Nucleotide Exchange Factor dPix Couple Neuromuscular Synapse Growth to Muscle Growth

Developmental growth requires coordination between the growth rates of individual tissues and organs. Here, we examine how Drosophila neuromuscular synapses grow to match the size of their target muscles. We show that changes in muscle growth driven by autonomous modulation of insulin receptor signaling produce corresponding changes in synapse size, with each muscle affecting only its presynaptic motor neuron branches. This scaling growth is mechanistically distinct from synaptic plasticity driven by neuronal activity and requires increased postsynaptic differentiation induced by insulin receptor signaling in muscle. We identify the guanine-nucleotide exchange factor dPix as an effector of insulin receptor signaling. Alternatively spliced dPix isoforms that contain a specific exon are necessary and sufficient for postsynaptic differentiation and scaling growth, and their mRNA levels are regulated by insulin receptor signaling. These findings define a mechanism by which the same signaling pathway promotes both autonomous muscle growth and non-autonomous synapse growth.

Spitzenkörper assembly mechanisms reveal conserved features of fungal and metazoan polarity scaffolds

The Spitzenkörper (SPK) constitutes a collection of secretory vesicles and polarity-related proteins intimately associated with polarized growth of fungal hyphae. Many SPK-localized proteins are known, but their assembly and dynamics remain poorly understood. Here, we identify protein-protein interaction cascades leading to assembly of two SPK scaffolds and recruitment of diverse effectors in Neurospora crassa. Both scaffolds are transported to the SPK by the myosin V motor (MYO-5), with the coiled-coil protein SPZ-1 acting as cargo adaptor. Neither scaffold appears to be required for accumulation of SPK secretory vesicles. One scaffold consists of Leashin-2 (LAH-2), which is required for SPK localization of the signalling kinase COT-1 and the glycolysis enzyme GPI-1. The other scaffold comprises a complex of Janus-1 (JNS-1) and the polarisome protein SPA-2. Via its Spa homology domain (SHD), SPA-2 recruits a calponin domain-containing F-actin effector (CCP-1). The SHD NMR structure reveals a conserved surface groove required for effector binding. Similarities between SPA-2/JNS-1 and the metazoan GIT/PIX complex identify foundational features of the cell polarity apparatus that predate the fungal-metazoan divergence.

The Spitzenkörper (SPK) is a polarized accumulation of proteins and secretory vesicles associated with tip growth of fungal hyphae. Here, Zheng et al. study SPK assembly and dynamics, identify SPK protein scaffolds and associated proteins, and reveal similarities with other scaffolds from metazoans.

Modulation of regulatory T cell function and stability by co-inhibitory receptors

Regulatory T (T_reg) cells constitute a dynamic population that is essential for controlling immune responses in health and disease. Defects in T_reg cell function and decreases in T_reg cell numbers have been observed in patients with autoimmunity and the opposite effects on T_reg cells occur in cancer settings. Current research on new therapies for these diseases is focused on modulating T_reg cell function to increase or decrease suppressive activity in autoimmunity and cancer, respectively. In this regard, several co-inhibitory receptors that are preferentially expressed by T_reg cells under homeostatic conditions have recently been shown to control T_reg cell function and stability in different disease settings. These receptors could be amenable to therapeutic targeting aimed at modulating T_reg cell function and plasticity. This Review summarizes recent data regarding the role of co-inhibitory molecules in the control of T_reg cell function and stability, with a focus on their roles and potential therapeutic use in autoimmunity and cancer.

Calcium-stimulated disassembly of focal adhesions mediated by an ORP3/IQSec1 complex

Coordinated assembly and disassembly of integrin-mediated focal adhesions (FAs) is essential for cell migration. Many studies have shown that FA disassembly requires Ca²⁺ influx, however our understanding of this process remains incomplete. Here, we show that Ca²⁺ influx via STIM1/Orai1 calcium channels, which cluster near FAs, leads to activation of the GTPase Arf5 via the Ca²⁺-activated GEF IQSec1, and that both IQSec1 and Arf5 activation are essential for adhesion disassembly. We further show that IQSec1 forms a complex with the lipid transfer protein ORP3, and that Ca²⁺ influx triggers PKC-dependent translocation of this complex to ER/plasma membrane (PM) contact sites adjacent to FAs. In addition to allosterically activating IQSec1, ORP3 also extracts PI4P from the PM, in exchange for phosphatidylcholine. ORP3-mediated lipid exchange is also important for FA turnover. Together, these findings identify a new pathway that links calcium influx to FA turnover during cell migration.

Feeling Things Out: Bidirectional Signaling of the Cell-ECM Interface, Implications in the Mechanobiology of Cell Spreading, Migration, Proliferation, and Differentiation

Biophysical cues stemming from the extracellular environment are rapidly transduced into discernible chemical messages (mechanotransduction) that direct cellular activities-placing the extracellular matrix (ECM) as a potent regulator of cell behavior. Dynamic reciprocity between the cell and its associated matrix is essential to the maintenance of tissue homeostasis and dysregulation of both ECM mechanical signaling, via pathological ECM turnover, and internal mechanotransduction pathways contribute to disease progression. This review covers the current understandings of the key modes of signaling used by both the cell and ECM to coregulate one another. By taking an outside-in approach, the inherent complexities and regulatory processes at each level of signaling (ECM, plasma membrane, focal adhesion, and cytoplasm) are captured to give a comprehensive picture of the internal and external mechanoregulatory environment. Specific emphasis is placed on the focal adhesion complex which acts as a central hub of mechanical signaling, regulating cell spreading, migration, proliferation, and differentiation. In addition, a wealth of available knowledge on mechanotransduction is curated to generate an integrated signaling network encompassing the central components of the focal adhesion, cytoplasm and nucleus that act in concert to promote durotaxis, proliferation, and differentiation in a stiffness-dependent manner.

PAK3 mutations responsible for severe intellectual disability and callosal agenesis inhibit cell migration

Corpus callosum agenesis (CCA) is a brain malformation associated with a wide clinical spectrum including intellectual disability (ID) and an etiopathological complexity. We identified a novel missense G424R mutation in the X-linked p21-activated kinase 3 (PAK3) gene in a boy presenting with severe ID, microcephaly and CCA and his fetal sibling with CCA and severe hydrocephaly. PAK3 kinase is known to control synaptic plasticity and dendritic spine dynamics but its implication is less characterized in brain ontogenesis. In order to identify developmental functions of PAK3 impacted by mutations responsible for CCA, we compared the biochemical and biological effects of three PAK3 mutations localized in the catalytic domain. These mutations include two "severe" G424R and K389N variants (responsible for severe ID and CCA) and the "mild" A365E variant (responsible for nonsyndromic mild ID). Whereas they suppressed kinase activity, only the two severe variants displayed normal protein stability. Furthermore, they increased interactions between PAK3 and the guanine exchange factor αPIX/ARHGEF6, disturbed adhesion point dynamics and cell spreading, and severely impacted cell migration. Our findings highlight new molecular defects associated with mutations responsible for severe clinical phenotypes with developmental brain defects.

Paxillin S273 Phosphorylation Regulates Adhesion Dynamics and Cell Migration through a Common Protein Complex with PAK1 and βPIX

Cell migration is an important biological phenomenon involved in many homeostatic and aberrant physiological processes. Phosphorylation of the focal adhesion adaptor protein, paxillin, on serine 273 (S273) has been implicated as a key regulator of cell migration. Here, it is shown that phosphorylation on paxillin S273 leads to highly migratory cells with small dynamic adhesions. Adhesions at protrusive edges of the cell were more dynamic than adhesions at retracting edges. Temporal image correlation microscopy revealed that these dynamic adhesions undergo rapid binding of paxillin, PAK1 and βPIX. We identified membrane proximal adhesion subdomains in protrusive regions of the cell that show rapid protein binding that is dependent on paxillin S273 phosphorylation, PAK1 kinase activity and phosphatases. These dynamic adhesion subdomains corresponded to regions of the adhesion that also show co-binding of paxillin/PAK1 and paxillin/βPIX complexes. It is likely that parts of individual adhesions are more dynamic while others are less dynamic due to their association with the actin cytoskeleton. Variable adhesion and binding dynamics are regulated via differential paxillin S273 phosphorylation across the cell and within adhesions and are required for regulated cell migration. Dysregulation through phosphomutants, PAK1-KD or βPIX mutants resulted in large stable adhesions, long protein binding times and slow cell migration. Dysregulation through phosphomimics or PAK1-CA led to small dynamic adhesions and rapid cell migration reminiscent of highly migratory cancer cells. Thus, phosphorylation of paxillin S273 is a key regulator of cell migration through recruitment of βPIX and PAK1 to sites of adhesion.

The subcellular localization of type I p21-activated kinases is controlled by the disordered variable region and polybasic sequences

p21-activated kinases (PAKs) are serine/threonine kinase effectors of the small GTPases Rac and Cdc42 and major participants in cell adhesion, motility, and survival. Type II PAKs (PAK4, -5, and -6) are recruited to cell-cell boundaries, where they regulate adhesion dynamics and colony escape. In contrast, the type I PAK, PAK1, does not localize to cell-cell contacts. We have now found that the other type I PAKs (PAK2 and PAK3) also fail to target to cell-cell junctions. PAKs contain extensive similarities in sequence and domain organization; therefore, focusing on PAK1 and PAK6, we used chimeras and truncation mutants to investigate their differences in localization. We observed that a weakly conserved sequence region (the variable region), located between the Cdc42-binding CRIB domain and the kinase domain, inhibits PAK1 targeting to cell-cell junctions. Accordingly, substitution of the PAK1 variable region with that from PAK6 or removal of this region of PAK1 resulted in its localization to cell-cell contacts. We further show that Cdc42 binding is required, but not sufficient, to direct PAKs to cell-cell contacts and that an N-terminal polybasic sequence is necessary for PAK1 recruitment to cell-cell contacts, but only if the variable region-mediated inhibition is released. We propose that all PAKs contain cell-cell boundary-targeting motifs but that the variable region prevents type I PAK accumulation at junctions. This highlights the importance of this poorly conserved, largely disordered region in PAK regulation and raises the possibility that variable region inhibition may be released by cellular signals.

The dPix-Git complex is essential to coordinate epithelial morphogenesis and regulate myosin during Drosophila egg chamber development

How biochemical and mechanical information are integrated during tissue development is a central question in morphogenesis. In many biological systems, the PIX-GIT complex localises to focal adhesions and integrates both physical and chemical information. We used Drosophila melanogaster egg chamber formation to study the function of PIX and GIT orthologues (dPix and Git, respectively), and discovered a central role for this complex in controlling myosin activity and epithelial monolayering. We found that Git's focal adhesion targeting domain mediates basal localisation of this complex to filament structures and the leading edge of migrating cells. In the absence of dpix and git, tissue disruption is driven by contractile forces, as reduction of myosin activators restores egg production and morphology. Further, dpix and git mutant eggs closely phenocopy defects previously reported in pak mutant epithelia. Together, these results indicate that the dPix-Git complex controls egg chamber morphogenesis by controlling myosin contractility and Pak kinase downstream of focal adhesions.

ARF GTPases and their GEFs and GAPs: concepts and challenges

Detailed structural, biochemical, cell biological, and genetic studies of any gene/protein are required to develop models of its actions in cells. Studying a protein family in the aggregate yields additional information, as one can include analyses of their coevolution, acquisition or loss of functionalities, structural pliability, and the emergence of shared or variations in molecular mechanisms. An even richer understanding of cell biology can be achieved through evaluating functionally linked protein families. In this review, we summarize current knowledge of three protein families: the ARF GTPases, the guanine nucleotide exchange factors (ARF GEFs) that activate them, and the GTPase-activating proteins (ARF GAPs) that have the ability to both propagate and terminate signaling. However, despite decades of scrutiny, our understanding of how these essential proteins function in cells remains fragmentary. We believe that the inherent complexity of ARF signaling and its regulation by GEFs and GAPs will require the concerted effort of many laboratories working together, ideally within a consortium to optimally pool information and resources. The collaborative study of these three functionally connected families (≥70 mammalian genes) will yield transformative insights into regulation of cell signaling.

Pulmonary Endothelial Mechanical Sensing and Signaling, a Story of Focal Adhesions and Integrins in Ventilator Induced Lung Injury

Patients with critical illness such as acute lung injury often undergo mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit. Though lifesaving in many instances, mechanical ventilation often results in ventilator induced lung injury (VILI), characterized by overdistension of lung tissue leading to release of edemagenic agents, which further damage the lung and contribute to the mortality and progression of pulmonary inflammation. The endothelium is particularly sensitive, as VILI associated mechanical stress results in endothelial cytoskeletal rearrangement, stress fiber formation, and integrity loss. At the heart of these changes are integrin tethered focal adhesions (FAs) which participate in mechanosensing, structure, and signaling. Here, we present the known roles of FA proteins including c-Src, talin, FAK, paxillin, vinculin, and integrins in the sensing and response to cyclic stretch and VILI associated stress. Attention is given to how stretch is propagated from the extracellular matrix through integrins to talin and other FA proteins, as well as signaling cascades that include FA proteins, leading to stress fiber formation and other cellular responses. This unifying picture of FAs aids our understanding in an effort to prevent and treat VILI.

Structural basis of the target-binding mode of the G protein-coupled receptor kinase-interacting protein in the regulation of focal adhesion dynamics

Focal adhesions (FAs) are specialized sites where intracellular cytoskeleton elements connect to the extracellular matrix and thereby control cell motility. FA assembly depends on various scaffold proteins, including the G protein-coupled receptor kinase-interacting protein 1 (GIT1), paxillin, and liprin-α. Although liprin-α and paxillin are known to competitively interact with GIT1, the molecular basis governing these interactions remains elusive. To uncover the underlying mechanisms of how GIT1 is involved in FA assembly by alternatively binding to liprin-α and paxillin, here we solved the crystal structures of GIT1 in complex with liprin-α and paxillin at 1.8 and 2.6 Å resolutions, respectively. These structures revealed that the paxillin-binding domain (PBD) of GIT1 employs distinct binding modes to recognize a single α-helix of liprin-α and the LD4 motif of paxillin. Structure-based design of protein variants produced two binding-deficient GIT1 variants; specifically, these variants lost the ability to interact with liprin-α only or with both liprin-α and paxillin. Expressing the GIT1 variants in COS7 cells, we discovered that the two PBD-meditated interactions play different roles in either recruiting GIT1 to FA or facilitating FA assembly. Additionally, we demonstrate that, unlike for the known binding mode of the FAT domain to LD motifs, the PBD of GIT1 uses different surface patches to achieve high selectivity in LD motif recognition. In summary, our results have uncovered the mechanisms by which GIT1's PBD recognizes cognate paxillin and liprin-α structures, information we anticipate will be useful for future investigations of GIT1-protein interactions in cells.

Arf GAPs as Regulators of the Actin Cytoskeleton-An Update

Arf GTPase-activating proteins (Arf GAPs) control the activity of ADP-ribosylation factors (Arfs) by inducing GTP hydrolysis and participate in a diverse array of cellular functions both through mechanisms that are dependent on and independent of their Arf GAP activity. A number of these functions hinge on the remodeling of actin filaments. Accordingly, some of the effects exerted by Arf GAPs involve proteins known to engage in regulation of the actin dynamics and architecture, such as Rho family proteins and nonmuscle myosin 2. Circular dorsal ruffles (CDRs), podosomes, invadopodia, lamellipodia, stress fibers and focal adhesions are among the actin-based structures regulated by Arf GAPs. Arf GAPs are thus important actors in broad functions like adhesion and motility, as well as the specialized functions of bone resorption, neurite outgrowth, and pathogen internalization by immune cells. Arf GAPs, with their multiple protein-protein interactions, membrane-binding domains and sites for post-translational modification, are good candidates for linking the changes in actin to the membrane. The findings discussed depict a family of proteins with a critical role in regulating actin dynamics to enable proper cell function.

Targeting Focal Adhesion Kinase Using Inhibitors of Protein-Protein Interactions

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a cytoplasmic non-receptor protein tyrosine kinase that is overexpressed and activated in many human cancers. FAK transmits signals to a wide range of targets through both kinase-dependant and independent mechanism thereby playing essential roles in cell survival, proliferation, migration and invasion. In the past years, small molecules that inhibit FAK kinase function have been developed and show reduced cancer progression and metastasis in several preclinical models. Clinical trials have been conducted and these molecules display limited adverse effect in patients. FAK contain multiple functional domains and thus exhibit both important scaffolding functions. In this review, we describe the major FAK interactions relevant in cancer signalling and discuss how such knowledge provide rational for the development of Protein-Protein Interactions (PPI) inhibitors.

GPCR kinase 2-interacting protein-1 protects against ischemia-reperfusion injury of the spinal cord by modulating ASK1/JNK/p38 signaling

GPCR kinase 2-interacting protein-1 (GIT1) is a scaffold protein that plays an important role in cell adaptation, proliferation, migration, and differentiation; however, the role of GIT1 in the regulation of neuronal death after spinal cord injury remains obscure. Here, we demonstrate that GIT1 deficiency remarkably increased neuronal apoptosis and enhanced JNK/p38 signaling, which resulted in stronger motor deficits by ischemia-reperfusion in vivo, consistent with the finding of oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation-induced neuronal injury in vitro. After treatment with JNK and p38 inhibitors, abnormally necroptotic cell death caused by GIT1 knockdown could be partially rescued, with the recovery of neuronal viability, which was still poorer than that in control neurons. Meanwhile, overactivation of JNK/p38 after GIT1 depletion was concomitant with excessive activity of apoptosis signal-regulating kinase-1 (ASK1) that could be abolished by ASK1 silencing in HEK293T cells. Finally, GIT1 could disrupt the oligomerization of ASK1 via interaction between the synaptic localization domain that contains the coiled-coil (CC)-2 domain of GIT1 and the C-terminal CC domain of ASK1. It suppressed the autophosphorylation of ASK1 and led to decreasing activity of the ASK1/JNK/p38 pathway. These data reveal a protective role for GIT1 in neuronal damage by modulating ASK1/JNK/p38 signaling.-Chen, J., Wang, Q., Zhou, W., Zhou, Z., Tang, P.-Y., Xu, T., Liu, W., Li, L.-W., Cheng, L., Zhou, Z.-M., Fan, J., Yin, G.-Y. GPCR kinase 2-interacting protein-1 protects against ischemia-reperfusion injury of the spinal cord by modulating ASK1/JNK/p38 signaling.

Sex differences in NSAID-induced perturbation of human intestinal barrier function and microbiota

Intestinal barrier function and microbiota are integrally related and play critical roles in maintenance of host physiology. Sex is a key biologic variable for several disorders. Our aim was to determine sex-based differences in response to perturbation and subsequent recovery of intestinal barrier function and microbiota in healthy humans. Twenty-three volunteers underwent duodenal biopsies, mucosal impedance, and in vivo permeability measurement. Permeability testing was repeated after administration of indomethacin, then 4 to 6 wk after its discontinuation. Duodenal and fecal microbiota composition was determined using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Healthy women had lower intestinal permeability and higher duodenal and fecal microbial diversity than healthy men. Intestinal permeability increases after indomethacin administration in both sexes. However, only women demonstrated decreased fecal microbial diversity, including an increase in Prevotella abundance, after indomethacin administration. Duodenal microbiota composition did not show sex-specific changes. The increase in permeability and microbiota changes normalized after discontinuation of indomethacin. In summary, women have lower intestinal permeability and higher microbial diversity. Intestinal permeability is sensitive to perturbation but recovers to baseline. Gut microbiota in women is sensitive to perturbation but appears to be more stable in men. Sex-based differences in intestinal barrier function and microbiome should be considered in future studies.-Edogawa, S., Peters, S. A., Jenkins, G. D., Gurunathan, S. V., Sundt, W. J., Johnson, S., Lennon, R. J., Dyer, R. B., Camilleri, M., Kashyap, P. C., Farrugia, G., Chen, J., Singh, R. J., Grover, M. Sex differences in NSAID-induced perturbation of human intestinal barrier function and microbiota.

The guanine nucleotide exchange factor Arhgef7/βPix promotes axon formation upstream of TC10

The characteristic six layers of the mammalian neocortex develop sequentially as neurons are generated by neural progenitors and subsequently migrate past older neurons to their final position in the cortical plate. One of the earliest steps of neuronal differentiation is the formation of an axon. Small GTPases play essential roles during this process by regulating cytoskeletal dynamics and intracellular trafficking. While the function of GTPases has been studied extensively in cultured neurons and in vivo much less is known about their upstream regulators. Here we show that Arhgef7 (also called βPix or Cool1) is essential for axon formation during cortical development. The loss of Arhgef7 results in an extensive loss of axons in cultured neurons and in the developing cortex. Arhgef7 is a guanine-nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for Cdc42, a GTPase that has a central role in directing the formation of axons during brain development. However, active Cdc42 was not able to rescue the knockdown of Arhgef7. We show that Arhgef7 interacts with the GTPase TC10 that is closely related to Cdc42. Expression of active TC10 can restore the ability to extend axons in Arhgef7-deficient neurons. Our results identify an essential role of Arhgef7 during neuronal development that promotes axon formation upstream of TC10.

β1Pix exchange factor stabilizes the ubiquitin ligase Nedd4-2 and plays a critical role in ENaC regulation by AMPK in kidney epithelial cells

Our previous work has established that the metabolic sensor AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) inhibits the epithelial Na⁺ channel (ENaC) by promoting its binding to neural precursor cell-expressed, developmentally down-regulated 4-2, E3 ubiquitin protein ligase (Nedd4-2). Here, using MS analysis and in vitro phosphorylation, we show that AMPK phosphorylates Nedd4-2 at the Ser-444 (Xenopus Nedd4-2) site critical for Nedd4-2 stability. We further demonstrate that the Pak-interacting exchange factor β₁Pix is required for AMPK-mediated inhibition of ENaC-dependent currents in both CHO and murine kidney cortical collecting duct (CCD) cells. Short hairpin RNA-mediated knockdown of β₁Pix expression in CCD cells attenuated the inhibitory effect of AMPK activators on ENaC currents. Moreover, overexpression of a β₁Pix dimerization-deficient mutant unable to bind 14-3-3 proteins (Δ602-611) increased ENaC currents in CCD cells, whereas overexpression of WT β₁Pix had the opposite effect. Using additional immunoblotting and co-immunoprecipitation experiments, we found that treatment with AMPK activators promoted the binding of β₁Pix to 14-3-3 proteins in CCD cells. However, the association between Nedd4-2 and 14-3-3 proteins was not consistently affected by AMPK activation, β₁Pix knockdown, or overexpression of WT β₁Pix or the β₁Pix-Δ602-611 mutant. Moreover, we found that β₁Pix is important for phosphorylation of the aforementioned Nedd4-2 site critical for its stability. Overall, these findings elucidate novel molecular mechanisms by which AMPK regulates ENaC. Specifically, they indicate that AMPK promotes the assembly of β₁Pix, 14-3-3 proteins, and Nedd4-2 into a complex that inhibits ENaC by enhancing Nedd4-2 binding to ENaC and its degradation.

GIT2-A keystone in ageing and age-related disease

Since its discovery, G protein-coupled receptor kinase-interacting protein 2, GIT2, and its family member, GIT1, have received considerable interest concerning their potential key roles in regulating multiple inter-connected physiological and pathophysiological processes. GIT2 was first identified as a multifunctional protein that is recruited to G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) during the process of receptor internalization. Recent findings have demonstrated that perhaps one of the most important effects of GIT2 in physiology concerns its role in controlling multiple aspects of the complex ageing process. Ageing can be considered the most prevalent pathophysiological condition in humans, affecting all tissue systems and acting as a driving force for many common and intractable disorders. The ageing process involves a complex interplay among various deleterious activities that profoundly disrupt the body's ability to cope with damage, thus increasing susceptibility to pathophysiologies such as neurodegeneration, central obesity, osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes mellitus and atherosclerosis. The biological systems that control ageing appear to function as a series of interconnected complex networks. The inter-communication among multiple lower-complexity signaling systems within the global ageing networks is likely coordinated internally by keystones or hubs, which regulate responses to dynamic molecular events through protein-protein interactions with multiple distinct partners. Multiple lines of research have suggested that GIT2 may act as one of these network coordinators in the ageing process. Identifying and targeting keystones, such as GIT2, is thus an important approach in our understanding of, and eventual ability to, medically ameliorate or interdict age-related progressive cellular and tissue damage.

Over-expression of ARHGAP18 suppressed cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumor growth in gastric cancer by restraining over-activation of MAPK signaling pathways

Globally, gastric cancer is the second-greatest cause of cancer death. ARHGAP18 belongs to the Rho family of GTPases which is involved in cellular migration, invasion, and growth phases. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether ARHGAP18 could regulate cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and related molecular mechanisms in gastric cancer. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay results showed that following transfection of a recombinant plasmid, over-expression of ARHGAP18 inhibited cell viability in MGC-803 and BGC823 cells. Using in vitro transwell analysis, migration and invasion abilities were significantly inhibited in cells with high ARHGAP18 expression. Phosphorylation levels of ERK, JNK, and p38 by Western blot analysis significantly declined after transfection of cells with the ARHGAP18 plasmid. Expression levels of ROCK, MTA1, and MMP-2/9 were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, and over-expression of ARHGAP18 decreased the expression levels of ROCK, MTA1, and MMP-9. A further in vivo tumor formation study in nude mice indicated that over-expression of ARHGAP18 delayed the progress of tumor formation. These results indicate that ARHGAP18 could act as a tumor suppressor and may serve as a promising therapeutic strategy for gastric cancer.

Requirement of Treg-intrinsic CTLA4/PKCη signaling pathway for suppressing tumor immunity

The ability of Tregs to control the development of immune responses is essential for maintaining immune system homeostasis. However, Tregs also inhibit the development of efficient antitumor responses. Here, we explored the characteristics and mechanistic basis of the Treg-intrinsic CTLA4/PKCη signaling pathway that we recently found to be required for contact-dependent Treg-mediated suppression. We show that PKCη is required for the Treg-mediated suppression of tumor immunity in vivo. The presence of PKCη-deficient (Prkch-/-) Tregs in the tumor microenvironment was associated with a significantly increased expression of the costimulatory molecule CD86 on intratumoral CD103+ DCs, enhanced priming of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells, and greater levels of effector cytokines produced by these cells. Similar to mouse Tregs, the GIT/PAK/PIX complex also operated downstream of CTLA4 and PKCη in human Tregs, and GIT2 knockdown in Tregs promoted antitumor immunity. Collectively, our data suggest that targeting the CTLA4/PKCη/GIT/PAK/PIX signaling pathway in Tregs could represent a novel immunotherapeutic strategy to alleviate the negative impact of Tregs on antitumor immune responses.

The Arf-GAP and protein scaffold Cat1/Git1 as a multifaceted regulator of cancer progression

Cool-associated tyrosine phosphorylated protein 1 (Cat1), also referred to as GPCR-kinase interacting protein 1 (Git1), is a ubiquitously expressed, multi-domain protein that is best known for regulating cell shape and migration. Cat1/Git1 functions as a GTPase activating protein (GAP) that inactivates certain members of the ADP-ribosylation factor (Arf) family of small GTPases. It is also a scaffold that brings together several signaling proteins at specific locations within the cell, ensuring their efficient activation. Here we will discuss what is known regarding the classical role of Cat1/Git1 in the regulation of cell morphology and migration, as well as highlight some more recent findings that suggest this interesting signaling/scaffolding protein may also contribute in unexpected ways to oncogenic transformation.

Expanding functions of GIT Arf GTPase-activating proteins, PIX Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factors and GIT-PIX complexes

The GIT proteins, GIT1 and GIT2, are GTPase-activating proteins (inactivators) for the ADP-ribosylation factor (Arf) small GTP-binding proteins, and function to limit the activity of Arf proteins. The PIX proteins, α-PIX and β-PIX (also known as ARHGEF6 and ARHGEF7, respectively), are guanine nucleotide exchange factors (activators) for the Rho family small GTP-binding protein family members Rac1 and Cdc42. Through their multi-domain structures, GIT and PIX proteins can also function as signaling scaffolds by binding to numerous protein partners. Importantly, the constitutive association of GIT and PIX proteins into oligomeric GIT-PIX complexes allows these two proteins to function together as subunits of a larger structure that coordinates two distinct small GTP-binding protein pathways and serves as multivalent scaffold for the partners of both constituent subunits. Studies have revealed the involvement of GIT and PIX proteins, and of the GIT-PIX complex, in numerous fundamental cellular processes through a wide variety of mechanisms, pathways and signaling partners. In this Commentary, we discuss recent findings in key physiological systems that exemplify current understanding of the function of this important regulatory complex. Further, we draw attention to gaps in crucial information that remain to be filled to allow a better understanding of the many roles of the GIT-PIX complex in health and disease.

Loss of β-PIX inhibits focal adhesion disassembly and promotes keratinocyte motility via myosin light chain activation

During healing of the skin, the cytoskeleton of keratinocytes and their matrix adhesions, including focal adhesions (FAs), undergo reorganization. These changes are coordinated by small GTPases and their regulators, including the guanine nucleotide exchange factor β-PIX (also known as ARHGEF7). In fibroblasts, β-PIX activates small GTPases, thereby enhancing migration. In keratinocytes in vitro, β-PIX localizes to FAs. To study β-PIX functions, we generated β-PIX knockdown keratinocytes. During wound closure of β-PIX knockdown cell monolayers, disassembly of FAs is impaired, and their number and size are increased. In addition, in the β-PIX knockdown cells, phosphorylated myosin light chain (MLC; also known as MYL2) is present not only in the leading edge of cells at the wound front, but also in the cells following the front, while p21-activated kinase 2 (PAK2), a regulator of MLC kinase (MYLK), is mislocalized. Inhibition or depletion of MYLK restores FA distribution in β-PIX knockdown cells. Traction forces generated by β-PIX knockdown cells are increased relative to those in control cells, a result consistent with an unexpected enhancement in the migration of single β-PIX knockdown cells and monolayers of such cells. We propose that targeting β-PIX might be a means of promoting epithelialization of wounds in vivo.

Proteomic analysis reveals GIT1 as a novel mTOR complex component critical for mediating astrocyte survival

Smithson and Gutmann reveal that mTOR complex molecular composition varies in different somatic tissues. In astrocytes and neural stem cells, they identified G-protein-coupled receptor kinase interactor protein 1 (GIT1) as a novel mTOR-binding protein, creating a unique mTOR complex lacking Raptor and Rictor. GIT1 binding to mTOR was essential for mTOR-mediated astrocyte survival.

As a critical regulator of cell growth, the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) protein operates as part of two molecularly and functionally distinct complexes. Herein, we demonstrate that mTOR complex molecular composition varies in different somatic tissues. In astrocytes and neural stem cells, we identified G-protein-coupled receptor kinase-interacting protein 1 (GIT1) as a novel mTOR-binding protein, creating a unique mTOR complex lacking Raptor and Rictor. Moreover, GIT1 binding to mTOR is regulated by AKT activation and is essential for mTOR-mediated astrocyte survival. Together, these data reveal that mTOR complex function is partly dictated by its molecuflar composition in different cell types.

Involvement of ARHGEF10, GEF for RhoA, in Rab6/Rab8-mediating membrane traffic

Small GTPases play crucial roles in the maintenance of a homeostatic environment and appropriate movements of the cell. In these processes, the direct or indirect interaction between distinct small GTPases could be required for regulating mutual signaling pathways. In our recent study, ARHGEF10, known as a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for RhoA, was indicated to interact with Rab6A and Rab8A, which are known to function in the exocytotic pathway, and colocalized with these Rabs at exocytotic vesicles. Moreover, it was suggested that ARHGEF10 is involved in the regulation of Rab6A and Rab8A localization and invasion of breast carcinoma cells, in which Rab8 also acts via regulation of membrane trafficking. These results may reveal the existence of a novel small GTPase cascade which connects the signaling of these Rabs with RhoA during membrane trafficking. In this mini-review, we consider the possible functions of ARHGEF10 and RhoA in the Rab6- and Rab8-mediated membrane trafficking pathway.

Arf GAPs: A family of proteins with disparate functions that converge on a common structure, the integrin adhesion complex

ADP-ribosylation factors (Arfs) are members of the Ras GTPase superfamily. The function of Arfs is dependent on GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) and guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs), which allow Arfs to cycle between the GDP-bound and GTP-bound forms. Arf GAPs have been shown to be present in integrin adhesion complexes, which include focal adhesions. Integrin adhesion complexes are composed of integrins, scaffolding proteins and signaling proteins and regulate cell proliferation, survival, differentiation and migration. Understanding the role of Arf GAPs in the regulation of integrin adhesion complexes is relevant to understanding normal physiology and cancer. In this review, we will discuss the contribution of the Arf GAP family members to the regulation of integrin adhesion complexes, examining the diverse mechanisms by which they control integrin adhesion complex formation, maturation and dissolution. GIT1 and ARAP2 serve as GAPs for Arf6, regulating Rac1 and other effectors by mechanisms still being defined. In contrast, GIT2 regulates Rac1 independent of Arf6. AGAP2 binds to and regulates focal adhesion kinase (FAK). ARAP2 and ACAP1, both Arf6 GAPs, regulate membrane trafficking of integrins through different endocytic pathways, exerting opposite effects on focal adhesions. ASAP1 not only regulates actin cytoskeleton remodeling through its interaction with nonmuscle myosin 2A, but is also important in integrin recycling. These examples illustrate the diversity and versatility of Arf GAPs as regulators of integrin adhesion complex structure and function.

Functional analysis of rare variants found in schizophrenia implicates a critical role for GIT1-PAK3 signaling in neuroplasticity

Although the pathogenesis of schizophrenia (SCZ) is proposed to involve alterations of neural circuits via synaptic dysfunction, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Recent exome sequencing studies of SCZ have uncovered numerous single-nucleotide variants (SNVs); however, the majority of these SNVs have unknown functional consequences, leaving their disease relevance uncertain. Filling this knowledge gap requires systematic application of quantitative and scalable assays to assess known and novel biological functions of genes. Here we demonstrate loss-of-function effects of multiple rare coding SNVs found in SCZ subjects in the GIT1 (G protein-coupled receptor kinase interacting ArfGAP 1) gene using functional cell-based assays involving coexpression of GIT1 and PAK3 (p21 protein (Cdc42/Rac)-activated kinase 3). Most notably, a GIT1-R283W variant reported in four independent SCZ cases was defective in activating PAK3 as well as MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase). Similar functional deficits were found for a de novo SCZ variant GIT1-S601N. Additional assays revealed deficits in the capacity of GIT1-R283W to stimulate PAK phosphorylation in cultured hippocampal neurons. In addition, GIT1-R283W showed deficits in the induction of GAD1 (glutamate decarboxylase 1) protein expression. Extending these functional assays to 10 additional rare GIT1 variants revealed the existence of an allelic series with the majority of the SCZ case variants exhibiting loss of function toward MAPK activation in a manner correlated with loss of PAK3 activation. Taken together, we propose that rare variants in GIT1, along with other genetic and environmental factors, cause dysregulation of PAK3 leading to synaptic deficits in SCZ.

Multiparametric Analysis of Cell Shape Demonstrates that β-PIX Directly Couples YAP Activation to Extracellular Matrix Adhesion

Mechanical signals from the extracellular matrix (ECM) and cellular geometry regulate the nuclear translocation of transcriptional regulators such as Yes-associated protein (YAP). Elucidating how physical signals control the activity of mechanosensitive proteins poses a technical challenge, because perturbations that affect cell shape may also affect protein localization indirectly. Here, we present an approach that mitigates confounding effects of cell-shape changes, allowing us to identify direct regulators of YAP localization. This method uses single-cell image analysis and statistical models that exploit the naturally occurring heterogeneity of cellular populations. Through systematic depletion of all human kinases, Rho family GTPases, GEFs, and GTPase activating proteins (GAPs), together with targeted chemical perturbations, we found that β-PIX, a Rac1/Ccd42 GEF, and PAK2, a Rac1/Cdc42 effector, drive both YAP activation and cell-ECM adhesion turnover during cell spreading. Our observations suggest that coupling YAP to adhesion dynamics acts as a mechano-timer, allowing cells to rapidly tune gene expression in response to physical signals.