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Fuentes-Mateos R, García-Navas R, Fernández-Infante C, Hernández-Cano L, Calzada-Nieto N, Juan AOS, Guerrero C, Santos E, Fernández-Medarde A. Combined HRAS and NRAS ablation induces a RASopathy phenotype in mice. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:332. [PMID: 38886790 PMCID: PMC11184836 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01717-4] [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: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HRASKO/NRASKO double knockout mice exhibit exceedingly high rates of perinatal lethality due to respiratory failure caused by a significant lung maturation delay. The few animals that reach adulthood have a normal lifespan, but present areas of atelectasis mixed with patches of emphysema and normal tissue in the lung. METHODS Eight double knockout and eight control mice were analyzed using micro-X-ray computerized tomography and a Small Animal Physiological Monitoring system. Tissues and samples from these mice were analyzed using standard histological and Molecular Biology methods and the significance of the results analyzed using a Student´s T-test. RESULTS The very few double knockout mice surviving up to adulthood display clear craniofacial abnormalities reminiscent of those seen in RASopathy mouse models, as well as thrombocytopenia, bleeding anomalies, and reduced platelet activation induced by thrombin. These surviving mice also present heart and spleen hyperplasia, and elevated numbers of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in the spleen. Mechanistically, we observed that these phenotypic alterations are accompanied by increased KRAS-GTP levels in heart, platelets and primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts from these animals. CONCLUSIONS Our data uncovers a new, previously unidentified mechanism capable of triggering a RASopathy phenotype in mice as a result of the combined removal of HRAS and NRAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocío Fuentes-Mateos
- Centro de Investigación del Cáncer-Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca) and CIBERONC, Campus Unamuno, University of Salamanca, 37007, Salamanca, Spain
- Present address: Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Rósula García-Navas
- Centro de Investigación del Cáncer-Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca) and CIBERONC, Campus Unamuno, University of Salamanca, 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Cristina Fernández-Infante
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (IMBCC), USAL-CSIC. Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
- Departamento de Medicina, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Luis Hernández-Cano
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (IMBCC), USAL-CSIC. Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
- Departamento de Medicina, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- Present address: Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Nuria Calzada-Nieto
- Centro de Investigación del Cáncer-Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca) and CIBERONC, Campus Unamuno, University of Salamanca, 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Andrea Olarte-San Juan
- Centro de Investigación del Cáncer-Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca) and CIBERONC, Campus Unamuno, University of Salamanca, 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Carmen Guerrero
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (IMBCC), USAL-CSIC. Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
- Departamento de Medicina, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Eugenio Santos
- Centro de Investigación del Cáncer-Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca) and CIBERONC, Campus Unamuno, University of Salamanca, 37007, Salamanca, Spain.
| | - Alberto Fernández-Medarde
- Centro de Investigación del Cáncer-Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca) and CIBERONC, Campus Unamuno, University of Salamanca, 37007, Salamanca, Spain.
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Foote JB, Mattox TE, Keeton AB, Chen X, Smith F, Berry KL, Holmes T, Wang J, Huang CH, Ward AB, Mitra AK, Ramirez-Alcantara V, Hardy C, Fleten KG, Flatmark K, Yoon KJ, Sarvesh S, Nagaraju GP, Maxuitenko Y, Valiyaveettil J, Carstens JL, Buchsbaum DJ, Yang J, Zhou G, Nurmemmedov E, Babic I, Gaponenko V, Abdelkarim H, Boyd MR, Gorman GS, Manne U, Bae S, El-Rayes BF, Piazza GA. A Novel Pan-RAS Inhibitor with a Unique Mechanism of Action Blocks Tumor Growth in Mouse Models of GI Cancer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.05.17.541233. [PMID: 38328254 PMCID: PMC10849544 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.17.541233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Here, we describe a novel pan-RAS inhibitor, ADT-007, that potently inhibited the growth of RAS mutant cancer cells irrespective of the RAS mutation or isozyme. RAS WT cancer cells with activated RAS from upstream mutations were equally sensitive. Conversely, cells from normal tissues or RAS WT cancer cells harboring downstream BRAF mutations were insensitive. Insensitivity to ADT-007 was attributed to low activated RAS levels and metabolic deactivation by UDP-glucuronosyltransferases expressed in normal cells but repressed in RAS mutant cancer cells. Cellular, biochemical, and biophysical experiments show ADT-007 binds nucleotide-free RAS to block GTP activation of RAS and MAPK/AKT signaling. Local administration of ADT-007 strongly inhibited tumor growth in syngeneic immune-competent and xenogeneic immune-deficient mouse models of colorectal and pancreatic cancer while activating innate and adaptive immunity in the tumor immune microenvironment. Oral administration of ADT-007 prodrug inhibited tumor growth, supporting further development of this novel class of pan-RAS inhibitors for treating RAS-driven cancers. SIGNIFICANCE ADT-007 is a 1 st -in-class pan-RAS inhibitor with ultra-high potency and unique selectivity for cancer cells with mutant or activated RAS capable of circumventing resistance and activating antitumor immunity. Further development of ADT-007 analogs or prodrugs with oral bioavailability as a generalizable monotherapy or combined with immunotherapy is warranted.
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3
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Martin-Vega A, Cobb MH. Navigating the ERK1/2 MAPK Cascade. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1555. [PMID: 37892237 PMCID: PMC10605237 DOI: 10.3390/biom13101555] [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: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The RAS-ERK pathway is a fundamental signaling cascade crucial for many biological processes including proliferation, cell cycle control, growth, and survival; common across all cell types. Notably, ERK1/2 are implicated in specific processes in a context-dependent manner as in stem cells and pancreatic β-cells. Alterations in the different components of this cascade result in dysregulation of the effector kinases ERK1/2 which communicate with hundreds of substrates. Aberrant activation of the pathway contributes to a range of disorders, including cancer. This review provides an overview of the structure, activation, regulation, and mutational frequency of the different tiers of the cascade; with a particular focus on ERK1/2. We highlight the importance of scaffold proteins that contribute to kinase localization and coordinate interaction dynamics of the kinases with substrates, activators, and inhibitors. Additionally, we explore innovative therapeutic approaches emphasizing promising avenues in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Martin-Vega
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Rd., Dallas, TX 75390, USA;
| | - Melanie H. Cobb
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Rd., Dallas, TX 75390, USA;
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Rd., Dallas, TX 75390, USA
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4
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Hussain MS, Afzal O, Gupta G, Altamimi ASA, Almalki WH, Alzarea SI, Kazmi I, Fuloria NK, Sekar M, Meenakshi DU, Thangavelu L, Sharma A. Long non-coding RNAs in lung cancer: Unraveling the molecular modulators of MAPK signaling. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 249:154738. [PMID: 37595448 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
Lung cancer (LC) continues to pose a significant global medical burden, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of its molecular foundations to establish effective treatment strategies. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling system has been scientifically associated with LC growth; however, the intricate regulatory mechanisms governing this system remain unknown. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as crucial regulators of diverse cellular activities, including cancer growth. LncRNAs have been implicated in LC, which can function as oncogenes or tumor suppressors, and their dysregulation has been linked to cancer cell death, metastasis, spread, and proliferation. Due to their involvement in critical pathophysiological processes, lncRNAs are gaining attention as potential candidates for anti-cancer treatments. This article aims to elucidate the regulatory role of lncRNAs in MAPK signaling in LC. We provide a comprehensive review of the key components of the MAPK pathway and their relevance in LC, focusing on aberrant signaling processes associated with disease progression. By examining recent research and experimental findings, this article examines the molecular mechanisms through which lncRNAs influence MAPK signaling in lung cancer, ultimately contributing to tumor development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Sadique Hussain
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jaipur National University, Jagatpura, 302017 Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Obaid Afzal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gaurav Gupta
- School of Pharmacy, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Mahal Road, Jagatpura, Jaipur, India; Uttaranchal Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, India; School of Pharmacy, Graphic Era Hill University, Dehradun 248007, India
| | | | - Waleed Hassan Almalki
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sami I Alzarea
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka, Al-Jouf, Saudi Arabia
| | - Imran Kazmi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Mahendran Sekar
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | | | - Lakshmi Thangavelu
- Center for Global Health Research , Saveetha Medical College , Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, India
| | - Ajay Sharma
- Delhi Pharmaceutical Science and Research University, Pushp Vihar Sector-3, MB Road, New Delhi 110017, India.
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5
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Ras protein abundance correlates with Ras isoform mutation patterns in cancer. Oncogene 2023; 42:1224-1232. [PMID: 36864243 PMCID: PMC10079525 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02638-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
Activating mutations of Ras genes are often observed in cancer. The protein products of the three Ras genes are almost identical. However, for reasons that remain unclear, KRAS is far more frequently mutated than the other Ras isoforms in cancer and RASopathies. We have quantified HRAS, NRAS, KRAS4A and KRAS4B protein abundance across a large panel of cell lines and healthy tissues. We observe consistent patterns of KRAS > NRAS»HRAS protein expression in cells that correlate with the rank order of Ras mutation frequencies in cancer. Our data provide support for the model of a sweet-spot of Ras dosage mediating isoform-specific contributions to cancer and development. We suggest that in most cases, being the most abundant Ras isoform correlates with occupying the sweet-spot and that HRAS and NRAS expression is usually insufficient to promote oncogenesis when mutated. However, our results challenge the notion that rare codons mechanistically underpin the predominance of KRAS mutant cancers. Finally, direct measurement of mutant versus wildtype KRAS protein abundance revealed a frequent imbalance that may suggest additional non-gene duplication mechanisms for optimizing oncogenic Ras dosage.
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Qu W, Jeong A, Zhong R, Thieschafer JS, Gram A, Li L. Deletion of Small GTPase H-Ras Rescues Memory Deficits and Reduces Amyloid Plaque-Associated Dendritic Spine Loss in Transgenic Alzheimer's Mice. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:495-511. [PMID: 36287323 PMCID: PMC10771223 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-03082-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder, affecting millions of lives without a cure. While the molecular mechanism of AD remains obscure, emerging evidence suggests that small GTPases, a group of GTP-binding proteins that regulate a plethora of essential cellular events, modulate the pathogenic process of AD. Among those, the small GTPase H-Ras, extensively studied in cancer, regulates synaptic function, and both upstream and downstream signaling pathways of H-Ras have been implicated in AD. However, the role of H-Ras per se in AD pathogenesis had not been explored previously. In the present study, the impact of Hras deletion on cognitive function and amyloid pathology was investigated in transgenic APP/PS1 mice of AD. Behavioral assessments showed that the absence of Hras rescued spatial memory deficit in APP/PS1 mice at 9 months of age. The pathological evaluation demonstrated that Hras deletion reduced cortical amyloid deposition and astrogliosis. Furthermore, Hras deficiency protected against amyloid plaque-associated loss of dendritic spines in APP/PS1 mice. Intriguingly, canonical signaling pathways downstream of H-Ras were not affected by the absence of Hras in the brain. Unbiased transcriptomic analysis revealed that lack of H-Ras affected the expression of select genes in the brain of AD mice and identified a novel connection between H-Ras and Annexin A4, a calcium-dependent phospholipid-binding protein that has been shown to regulate membrane repair, neuroinflammation, and calcium homeostasis. Taken together, these data indicate that H-Ras modifies the pathogenic process of AD and may serve as a potential therapeutic target for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhui Qu
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
- Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Angela Jeong
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
- Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Rui Zhong
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Josslen S Thieschafer
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Andrea Gram
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Ling Li
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
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Novel Insights into the Role of Kras in Myeloid Differentiation: Engaging with Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling. Cells 2023; 12:cells12020322. [PMID: 36672256 PMCID: PMC9857056 DOI: 10.3390/cells12020322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Cells of the HL-60 myeloid leukemia cell line can be differentiated into neutrophil-like cells by treatment with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The molecular mechanisms involved in this differentiation process, however, remain unclear. This review focuses on the differentiation of HL-60 cells. Although the Ras proteins, a group of small GTP-binding proteins, are ubiquitously expressed and highly homologous, each has specific molecular functions. Kras was shown to be essential for normal mouse development, whereas Hras and Nras are not. Kras knockout mice develop profound hematopoietic defects, indicating that Kras is required for hematopoiesis in adults. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays a crucial role in regulating the homeostasis of hematopoietic cells. The protein β-catenin is a key player in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. A great deal of evidence shows that the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is deregulated in malignant tumors, including hematological malignancies. Wild-type Kras acts as a tumor suppressor during DMSO-induced differentiation of HL-60 cells. Upon DMSO treatment, Kras translocates to the plasma membrane, and its activity is enhanced. Inhibition of Kras attenuates CD11b expression. DMSO also elevates levels of GSK3β phosphorylation, resulting in the release of unphosphorylated β-catenin from the β-catenin destruction complex and its accumulation in the cytoplasm. The accumulated β-catenin subsequently translocates into the nucleus. Inhibition of Kras attenuates Lef/Tcf-sensitive transcription activity. Thus, upon treatment of HL-60 cells with DMSO, wild-type Kras reacts with the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, thereby regulating the granulocytic differentiation of HL-60 cells. Wild-type Kras and the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway are activated sequentially, increasing the levels of expression of C/EBPα, C/EBPε, and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) receptor.
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8
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Pang JM, Chien PC, Kao MC, Chiu PY, Chen PX, Hsu YL, Liu C, Liang X, Lin KT. MicroRNA-708 emerges as a potential candidate to target undruggable NRAS. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0284744. [PMID: 37083947 PMCID: PMC10120925 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
RAS, the most frequently mutated oncogene that drives tumorigenesis by promoting cell proliferation, survival, and motility, has been perceived as undruggable for the past three decades. However, intense research in the past has mainly focused on KRAS mutations, and targeted therapy for NRAS mutations remains an unmet medical need. NRAS mutation is frequently observed in several cancer types, including melanoma (15-20%), leukemia (10%), and occasionally other cancer types. Here, we report using miRNA-708, which targets the distinct 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of NRAS, to develop miRNA-based precision medicine to treat NRAS mutation-driven cancers. We first confirmed that NRAS is a direct target of miRNA-708. Overexpression of miRNA-708 successfully reduced NRAS protein levels in melanoma, leukemia, and lung cancer cell lines with NRAS mutations, resulting in suppressed cell proliferation, anchorage-independent growth, and promotion of reactive oxygen species-induced apoptosis. Consistent with the functional data, the activities of NRAS-downstream effectors, the PI3K-AKT-mTOR or RAF-MEK-ERK signaling pathway, were impaired in miR-708 overexpressing cells. On the other hand, cell proliferation was not disturbed by miRNA-708 in cell lines carrying wild-type NRAS. Collectively, our data unveil the therapeutic potential of using miRNA-708 in NRAS mutation-driven cancers through direct depletion of constitutively active NRAS and thus inhibition of its downstream effectors to decelerate cancer progression. Harnessing the beneficial effects of miR-708 may therefore offer a potential avenue for small RNA-mediated precision medicine in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Meng Pang
- Department of Medical Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Po-Chen Chien
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Chien Kao
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Yun Chiu
- Interdisciplinary Program of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Pin-Xu Chen
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ling Hsu
- Department of Medical Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Chengyang Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaowei Liang
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Kai-Ti Lin
- Department of Medical Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
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9
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Nuevo-Tapioles C, Philips MR. The role of KRAS splice variants in cancer biology. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1033348. [PMID: 36393833 PMCID: PMC9663995 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1033348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The three mammalian RAS genes (HRAS, NRAS and KRAS) encode four proteins that play central roles in cancer biology. Among them, KRAS is mutated more frequently in human cancer than any other oncogene. The pre-mRNA of KRAS is alternatively spliced to give rise to two products, KRAS4A and KRAS4B, which differ in the membrane targeting sequences at their respective C-termini. Notably, both KRAS4A and KRAS4B are oncogenic when KRAS is constitutively activated by mutation in exon 2 or 3. Whereas KRAS4B is the most studied oncoprotein, KRAS4A is understudied and until recently considered relatively unimportant. Emerging work has confirmed expression of KRAS4A in cancer and found non-overlapping functions of the splice variants. The most clearly demonstrated of these is direct regulation of hexokinase 1 by KRAS4A, suggesting that the metabolic vulnerabilities of KRAS-mutant tumors may be determined in part by the relative expression of the splice variants. The aim of this review is to address the most relevant characteristics and differential functions of the KRAS splice variants as they relate to cancer onset and progression.
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Dard L, Hubert C, Esteves P, Blanchard W, Bou About G, Baldasseroni L, Dumon E, Angelini C, Delourme M, Guyonnet-Duperat V, Claverol S, Bonneu M, Fontenille L, Kissa K, Séguéla PE, Thambo JB, Levy N, Herault Y, Bellance N, Dias Amoedo N, Magdinier F, Sorg T, Lacombe D, Rossignol R. HRAS germline mutations impair LKB1/AMPK signaling and mitochondrial homeostasis in Costello syndrome models. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:131053. [PMID: 35230976 PMCID: PMC9012293 DOI: 10.1172/jci131053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Germline mutations that activate genes in the canonical RAS/MAPK signaling pathway are responsible for rare human developmental disorders known as RASopathies. Here, we analyzed the molecular determinants of Costello syndrome (CS) using a mouse model expressing HRAS p.G12S, patient skin fibroblasts, hiPSC-derived human cardiomyocytes, a HRAS p.G12V zebrafish model and human fibroblasts expressing lentiviral constructs carrying HRAS p.G12S or HRAS p.G12A mutations. The findings revealed alteration of mitochondrial proteostasis and defective oxidative phosphorylation in the heart and skeletal muscle of Costello mice that were also found in the cell models of the disease. The underpinning mechanisms involved the inhibition of the AMPK signaling pathway by mutant forms of HRAS, leading to alteration of mitochondrial proteostasis and bioenergetics. Pharmacological activation of mitochondrial bioenergetics and quality control restored organelle function in HRAS p.G12A and p.G12S cell models, reduced left ventricle hypertrophy in the CS mice and diminished the occurrence of developmental defects in the CS zebrafish model. Collectively, these findings highlight the importance of mitochondrial proteostasis in the pathophysiology of RASopathies and suggest that patients with Costello syndrome may benefit from treatment with mitochondrial modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ghina Bou About
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, CELPHEDIA, PHENOMIN, Institut Clinique de la Souris (ICS), Illkirch, France
| | | | - Elodie Dumon
- INSERM U688, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Marc Bonneu
- Plateforme Proteome, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Nicolas Levy
- Marseille Medical Genetics, INSERM, Marseille, France
| | - Yann Herault
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, CELPHEDIA, PHENOMIN, Institut Clinique de la Souris (ICS), Illkirch, France
| | | | | | | | - Tania Sorg
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, CELPHEDIA, PHENOMIN, Institut Clinique de la Souris (ICS), Illkirch, France
| | - Didier Lacombe
- Medical Genetics Department, Bordeaux University Hospital CHU Bordeaux, INSERM U121, Bordeaux, France
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Abstract
The RASopathies are a group of disorders caused by a germline mutation in one of the genes encoding a component of the RAS/MAPK pathway. These disorders, including neurofibromatosis type 1, Noonan syndrome, cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome, Costello syndrome and Legius syndrome, among others, have overlapping clinical features due to RAS/MAPK dysfunction. Although several of the RASopathies are very rare, collectively, these disorders are relatively common. In this Review, we discuss the pathogenesis of the RASopathy-associated genetic variants and the knowledge gained about RAS/MAPK signaling that resulted from studying RASopathies. We also describe the cell and animal models of the RASopathies and explore emerging RASopathy genes. Preclinical and clinical experiences with targeted agents as therapeutics for RASopathies are also discussed. Finally, we review how the recently developed drugs targeting RAS/MAPK-driven malignancies, such as inhibitors of RAS activation, direct RAS inhibitors and RAS/MAPK pathway inhibitors, might be leveraged for patients with RASopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie E Hebron
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Edjay Ralph Hernandez
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Marielle E Yohe
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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12
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Sunaga N, Miura Y, Kasahara N, Sakurai R. Targeting Oncogenic KRAS in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13235956. [PMID: 34885068 PMCID: PMC8656763 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13235956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary v-Ki-ras2 Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene (KRAS) is the most common driver in NSCLC, and targeting oncogenic KRAS is a major challenge in the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). While several covalent KRAS G12C inhibitors have emerged as a novel anti-KRAS therapy, the development of combined therapies involving the targeting of oncogenic KRAS plus other targeted drugs is still required given the vast heterogeneity of KRAS-mutated tumors. In this review, we summarize the biological and immunological characteristics of oncogenic KRAS-driven NSCLC and the preclinical and clinical evidence for mutant KRAS-targeted therapies. We also discuss the mechanisms of resistance to KRAS G12C inhibitors and possible therapeutic strategies to overcome this drug resistance. Abstract Recent advances in molecular biology and the resultant identification of driver oncogenes have achieved major progress in precision medicine for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). v-Ki-ras2 Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene (KRAS) is the most common driver in NSCLC, and targeting KRAS is considerably important. The recent discovery of covalent KRAS G12C inhibitors offers hope for improving the prognosis of NSCLC patients, but the development of combination therapies corresponding to tumor characteristics is still required given the vast heterogeneity of KRAS-mutated NSCLC. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of KRAS mutations regarding the involvement of malignant transformation and describe the preclinical and clinical evidence for targeting KRAS-mutated NSCLC. We also discuss the mechanisms of resistance to KRAS G12C inhibitors and possible combination treatment strategies to overcome this drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriaki Sunaga
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-15 Showa-machi, Maebashi 371-8511, Gunma, Japan;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-27-220-8000
| | - Yosuke Miura
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-15 Showa-machi, Maebashi 371-8511, Gunma, Japan;
| | - Norimitsu Kasahara
- Innovative Medical Research Center, Gunma University Hospital, 3-39-15 Showa-machi, Maebashi 371-8511, Gunma, Japan;
| | - Reiko Sakurai
- Oncology Center, Gunma University Hospital, 3-39-15 Showa-machi, Maebashi 371-8511, Gunma, Japan;
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13
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Aran V. K-RAS4A: Lead or Supporting Role in Cancer Biology? Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:729830. [PMID: 34604308 PMCID: PMC8479197 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.729830] [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: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The RAS oncogene is one of the most frequently mutated genes in human cancer, with K-RAS having a leading role in tumorigenesis. K-RAS undergoes alternative splicing, and as a result its transcript generates two gene products K-RAS4A and K-RAS4B, which are affected by the same oncogenic mutations, are highly homologous, and are expressed in a variety of human tissues at different levels. In addition, both isoforms localise to the plasma membrane by distinct targeting motifs. While some evidence suggests nonredundant functions for both splice variants, most work to date has focused on K-RAS4B, or even just K-RAS (i.e., without differentiating between the splice variants). This review aims to address the most relevant evidence published regarding K-RAS4A and to discuss if this “minor” isoform could also play a leading role in cancer, concluding that a significant body of evidence supports a leading role rather than a supporting (or secondary) role for K-RAS4A in cancer biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Aran
- Laboratorio de Biomedicina Do Cérebro, Instituto Estadual Do Cérebro Paulo Niemeyer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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14
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Wittayarat M, Hirata M, Namula Z, Sato Y, Nguyen NT, Le QA, Lin Q, Takebayashi K, Tanihara F, Otoi T. Introduction of a point mutation in the KRAS gene of in vitro fertilized porcine zygotes via electroporation of the CRISPR/Cas9 system with single-stranded oligodeoxynucleotides. Anim Sci J 2021; 92:e13534. [PMID: 33638256 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the efficiency of KRAS gene editing via CRISPR/Cas9 delivery by electroporation and analyzed the effects of the non-homologous end-joining pathway inhibitor Scr7 and single-stranded oligodeoxynucleotide (ssODN) homology arm length on introducing a point mutation in KRAS. Various concentrations (0-2 µM) of Scr7 were evaluated; all concentrations of Scr7 including 0 µM resulted in the generation of blastocysts with a point mutation and the wild-type sequence or indels. No significant differences in the blastocyst formation rates of electroporated zygotes were observed among ssODN homology arm lengths, irrespective of the gRNA (gRNA1 and gRNA2). The proportion of blastocysts carrying a point mutation with or without the wild-type sequence and indels was significantly higher in the ssODN20 group (i.e., the group with a ssODN homology arm of 20 bp) than in the ssODN60 group (gRNA1: 25.7% vs. 5.4% and gRNA2: 45.5% vs. 5.9%, p < .05). In conclusion, the CRISPR/Cas9 delivery with ssODN via electroporation is feasible for the generation of point mutations in porcine embryos. Further studies are required to improve the efficiency and accuracy of the homology-directed repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manita Wittayarat
- Faculty of Bioscience and Bioindustry, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan.,Faculty of Veterinary Science, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Maki Hirata
- Faculty of Bioscience and Bioindustry, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Zhao Namula
- Faculty of Bioscience and Bioindustry, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan.,College of Agricultural Science, Guangdong Ocean University, Guangdong, China
| | - Yoko Sato
- School of Biological Science, Tokai University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Nhien T Nguyen
- Faculty of Bioscience and Bioindustry, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Quynh A Le
- Faculty of Bioscience and Bioindustry, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Qingyi Lin
- Faculty of Bioscience and Bioindustry, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Koki Takebayashi
- Faculty of Bioscience and Bioindustry, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Fuminori Tanihara
- Faculty of Bioscience and Bioindustry, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Takeshige Otoi
- Faculty of Bioscience and Bioindustry, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
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15
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Ramos-Kuri M, Meka SH, Salamanca-Buentello F, Hajjar RJ, Lipskaia L, Chemaly ER. Molecules linked to Ras signaling as therapeutic targets in cardiac pathologies. Biol Res 2021; 54:23. [PMID: 34344467 PMCID: PMC8330049 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-021-00342-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract The Ras family of small Guanosine Triphosphate (GTP)-binding proteins (G proteins) represents one of the main components of intracellular signal transduction required for normal cardiac growth, but is also critically involved in the development of cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. The present review provides an update on the role of the H-, K- and N-Ras genes and their related pathways in cardiac diseases. We focus on cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure, where Ras has been studied the most. We also review other cardiac diseases, like genetic disorders related to Ras. The scope of the review extends from fundamental concepts to therapeutic applications. Although the three Ras genes have a nearly identical primary structure, there are important functional differences between them: H-Ras mainly regulates cardiomyocyte size, whereas K-Ras regulates cardiomyocyte proliferation. N-Ras is the least studied in cardiac cells and is less associated to cardiac defects. Clinically, oncogenic H-Ras causes Costello syndrome and facio-cutaneous-skeletal syndromes with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and arrhythmias. On the other hand, oncogenic K-Ras and alterations of other genes of the Ras-Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) pathway, like Raf, cause Noonan syndrome and cardio-facio-cutaneous syndromes characterized by cardiac hypertrophy and septal defects. We further review the modulation by Ras of key signaling pathways in the cardiomyocyte, including: (i) the classical Ras-Raf-MAPK pathway, which leads to a more physiological form of cardiac hypertrophy; as well as other pathways associated with pathological cardiac hypertrophy, like (ii) The SAPK (stress activated protein kinase) pathways p38 and JNK; and (iii) The alternative pathway Raf-Calcineurin-Nuclear Factor of Activated T cells (NFAT). Genetic alterations of Ras isoforms or of genes in the Ras-MAPK pathway result in Ras-opathies, conditions frequently associated with cardiac hypertrophy or septal defects among other cardiac diseases. Several studies underline the potential role of H- and K-Ras as a hinge between physiological and pathological cardiac hypertrophy, and as potential therapeutic targets in cardiac hypertrophy and failure. Graphic abstract ![]()
The Ras (Rat Sarcoma) gene family is a group of small G proteins Ras is regulated by growth factors and neurohormones affecting cardiomyocyte growth and hypertrophy Ras directly affects cardiomyocyte physiological and pathological hypertrophy Genetic alterations of Ras and its pathways result in various cardiac phenotypes Ras and its pathway are differentially regulated in acquired heart disease Ras modulation is a promising therapeutic target in various cardiac conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Ramos-Kuri
- Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Secretarìa de Salud/Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, México.,Researcher of the Facultad de Bioética, Cátedra de Infertilidad, Universidad Anáhuac, Mexico City, México.,Centro de Investigación en Bioética y Genética, Querétaro, México
| | - Sri Harika Meka
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Clinical and Translational Research Center, 875 Ellicott Street, Suite 8030B, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Fabio Salamanca-Buentello
- University of Toronto Institute of Medical Science, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King's College Circle, Room 2374, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | | | - Larissa Lipskaia
- INSERM U955 and Département de Physiologie, Hôpital Henri Mondor, FHU SENEC, AP-HP, and Université Paris-Est Créteil (UPEC), 94010, Créteil, France
| | - Elie R Chemaly
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Clinical and Translational Research Center, 875 Ellicott Street, Suite 8030B, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA.
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16
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Abstract
KRAS is one of the most commonly mutated oncogene and a negative predictive factor for a number of targeted therapies. Therefore, the development of targeting strategies against mutant KRAS is urgently needed. One potential strategy involves disruption of K-Ras membrane localization, which is necessary for its proper function. In this review, we summarize the current data about the importance of membrane-anchorage of K-Ras and provide a critical evaluation of this targeting paradigm focusing mainly on prenylation inhibition. Additionally, we performed a RAS mutation-specific analysis of prenylation-related drug sensitivity data from a publicly available database (https://depmap.org/repurposing/) of three classes of prenylation inhibitors: statins, N-bisphosphonates, and farnesyl-transferase inhibitors. We observed significant differences in sensitivity to N-bisphosphonates and farnesyl-transferase inhibitors depending on KRAS mutational status and tissue of origin. These observations emphasize the importance of factors affecting efficacy of prenylation inhibition, like distinct features of different KRAS mutations, tissue-specific mutational patterns, K-Ras turnover, and changes in regulation of prenylation process. Finally, we enlist the factors that might be responsible for the large discrepancy between the outcomes in preclinical and clinical studies including methodological pitfalls, the incomplete understanding of K-Ras protein turnover, and the variation of KRAS dependency in KRAS mutant tumors.
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17
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RASless MEFs as a Tool to Study RAS-Dependent and RAS-Independent Functions. METHODS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (CLIFTON, N.J.) 2021; 2262:335-346. [PMID: 33977488 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1190-6_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
RAS proteins are key players in multiple cellular processes. To study the role of RAS proteins individually or in combination, we have developed MEFs that can be rendered RASless, i.e., devoid of all endogenous RAS isoforms. These cells have significantly contributed to our understanding of the requirements for RAS functions in cell proliferation as well as their implications in diverse cellular processes. Here, we describe methods using RASless MEFs to study RAS-dependent cellular activities with special emphasis on proliferation. We provide the details to identify inducers of RAS-independent proliferation in colony assays. We recommend following these stringent guidelines to avoid false-positive results. Moreover, this protocol can be adapted to generate RASless MEFs ectopically expressing RAS variants to interrogate their function in the absence of endogenous RAS isoforms or to perform experiments in the absence of RAS. Finally, we also describe protocols to generate and use RASless MEFs for cell cycle analyses using the FUCCI cell cycle indicator.
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18
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Ras Variant Biology and Contributions to Human Disease. METHODS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (CLIFTON, N.J.) 2021; 2262:3-18. [PMID: 33977468 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1190-6_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Analysis of cancer and RASopathy genetic databases reveals that ~19% of all cancer cases and ~4% of developmental disorders contain Ras mutations. Ras isoform and mutation variants differentially contribute to these diseases and provide an opportunity for deeper understanding of Ras function. The putative mechanisms underpinning these differences, new approaches that are being applied, and some of the key questions and challenges that remain are discussed.
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19
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Henkels KM, Rehl KM, Cho KJ. Blocking K-Ras Interaction With the Plasma Membrane Is a Tractable Therapeutic Approach to Inhibit Oncogenic K-Ras Activity. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:673096. [PMID: 34222333 PMCID: PMC8244928 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.673096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ras proteins are membrane-bound small GTPases that promote cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Consistent with this key regulatory role, activating mutations of Ras are present in ∼19% of new cancer cases in the United States per year. K-Ras is one of the three ubiquitously expressed isoforms in mammalian cells, and oncogenic mutations in this isoform account for ∼75% of Ras-driven cancers. Therefore, pharmacological agents that block oncogenic K-Ras activity would have great clinical utility. Most efforts to block oncogenic Ras activity have focused on Ras downstream effectors, but these inhibitors only show limited clinical benefits in Ras-driven cancers due to the highly divergent signals arising from Ras activation. Currently, four major approaches are being extensively studied to target K-Ras–driven cancers. One strategy is to block K-Ras binding to the plasma membrane (PM) since K-Ras requires the PM binding for its signal transduction. Here, we summarize recently identified molecular mechanisms that regulate K-Ras–PM interaction. Perturbing these mechanisms using pharmacological agents blocks K-Ras–PM binding and inhibits K-Ras signaling and growth of K-Ras–driven cancer cells. Together, these studies propose that blocking K-Ras–PM binding is a tractable strategy for developing anti–K-Ras therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen M Henkels
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, United States
| | - Kristen M Rehl
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, United States
| | - Kwang-Jin Cho
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, United States
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20
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40 Years of RAS-A Historic Overview. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12050681. [PMID: 34062774 PMCID: PMC8147265 DOI: 10.3390/genes12050681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been over forty years since the isolation of the first human oncogene (HRAS), a crucial milestone in cancer research made possible through the combined efforts of a few selected research groups at the beginning of the 1980s. Those initial discoveries led to a quantitative leap in our understanding of cancer biology and set up the onset of the field of molecular oncology. The following four decades of RAS research have produced a huge pool of new knowledge about the RAS family of small GTPases, including how they regulate signaling pathways controlling many cellular physiological processes, or how oncogenic mutations trigger pathological conditions, including developmental syndromes or many cancer types. However, despite the extensive body of available basic knowledge, specific effective treatments for RAS-driven cancers are still lacking. Hopefully, recent advances involving the discovery of novel pockets on the RAS surface as well as highly specific small-molecule inhibitors able to block its interaction with effectors and/or activators may lead to the development of new, effective treatments for cancer. This review intends to provide a quick, summarized historical overview of the main milestones in RAS research spanning from the initial discovery of the viral RAS oncogenes in rodent tumors to the latest attempts at targeting RAS oncogenes in various human cancers.
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21
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Gautam DK, Chimata AV, Gutti RK, Paddibhatla I. Comparative hematopoiesis and signal transduction in model organisms. J Cell Physiol 2021; 236:5592-5619. [PMID: 33492678 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Hematopoiesis is a continuous phenomenon involving the formation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) giving rise to diverse functional blood cells. This developmental process of hematopoiesis is evolutionarily conserved, yet comparably different in various model organisms. Vertebrate HSCs give rise to all types of mature cells of both the myeloid and the lymphoid lineages sequentially colonizing in different anatomical tissues. Signal transduction in HSCs facilitates their potency and specifies branching of lineages. Understanding the hematopoietic signaling pathways is crucial to gain insights into their deregulation in several blood-related disorders. The focus of the review is on hematopoiesis corresponding to different model organisms and pivotal role of indispensable hematopoietic pathways. We summarize and discuss the fundamentals of blood formation in both invertebrate and vertebrates, examining the requirement of key signaling nexus in hematopoiesis. Knowledge obtained from such comparative studies associated with developmental dynamics of hematopoiesis is beneficial to explore the therapeutic options for hematopoietic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dushyant Kumar Gautam
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences (SLS), University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | | | - Ravi Kumar Gutti
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences (SLS), University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Indira Paddibhatla
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences (SLS), University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
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22
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Luo L, Chen Y, Chen X, Zheng Y, Zhou V, Yu M, Burns R, Zhu W, Fu G, Felix JC, Hartley C, Damnernsawad A, Zhang J, Wen R, Drobyski WR, Gao C, Wang D. Kras-Deficient T Cells Attenuate Graft-versus-Host Disease but Retain Graft-versus-Leukemia Activity. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 205:3480-3490. [PMID: 33158956 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2000006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) is one major serious complication that is induced by alloreactive donor T cells recognizing host Ags and limits the success of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. In the current studies, we identified a critical role of Kras in regulating alloreactive T cell function during aGVHD. Kras deletion in donor T cells dramatically reduced aGVHD mortality and severity in an MHC-mismatched allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation mouse model but largely maintained the antitumor capacity. Kras-deficient CD4 and CD8 T cells exhibited impaired TCR-induced activation of the ERK pathway. Kras deficiency altered TCR-induced gene expression profiles, including the reduced expression of various inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Moreover, Kras deficiency inhibited IL-6-mediated Th17 cell differentiation and impaired IL-6-induced ERK activation and gene expression in CD4 T cells. These findings support Kras as a novel and effective therapeutic target for aGVHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Luo
- Blood Research Institute, Versiti, Milwaukee, WI 53226.,Department of Hematology, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Yuhong Chen
- Blood Research Institute, Versiti, Milwaukee, WI 53226
| | - Xiao Chen
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226
| | - Yongwei Zheng
- Blood Research Institute, Versiti, Milwaukee, WI 53226
| | - Vivian Zhou
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226
| | - Mei Yu
- Blood Research Institute, Versiti, Milwaukee, WI 53226
| | - Robert Burns
- Blood Research Institute, Versiti, Milwaukee, WI 53226
| | - Wen Zhu
- Blood Research Institute, Versiti, Milwaukee, WI 53226.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226
| | - Guoping Fu
- Blood Research Institute, Versiti, Milwaukee, WI 53226
| | - Juan C Felix
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226; and
| | - Christopher Hartley
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226; and
| | - Alisa Damnernsawad
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Jing Zhang
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Renren Wen
- Blood Research Institute, Versiti, Milwaukee, WI 53226
| | | | - Chunji Gao
- Department of Hematology, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Demin Wang
- Blood Research Institute, Versiti, Milwaukee, WI 53226; .,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226
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23
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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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24
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Abstract
One of the mechanisms potentially explaining the discrepancy between the number of human genes and the functional complexity of organisms is generating alternative splice variants, an attribute of the vast majority of multi-exon genes. Members of the RAS family, such as NRAS, KRAS and HRAS, all of which are of significant importance in cancer biology, are no exception. The structural and functional differences of these splice variants, particularly if they contain the canonical (and therefore routinely targeted for diagnostic purposes) hot spot mutations, pose a significant challenge for targeted therapies. We must therefore consider whether these alternative splice variants constitute a minor component as originally thought and how therapies targeting the canonical isoforms affect these alternative splice variants and their overall functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erzsébet Rásó
- 2nd Department of Pathology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
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25
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Ras2, the TC21/R-Ras2 Drosophila homologue, contributes to insulin signalling but is not required for organism viability. Dev Biol 2020; 461:172-183. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2020.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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26
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Guo J, Shirozu K, Akahoshi T, Mizuta Y, Murata M, Yamaura K. The farnesyltransferase inhibitor tipifarnib protects against autoimmune hepatitis induced by Concanavalin A. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 83:106462. [PMID: 32251961 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.106462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
No effective treatment has been established for autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), except for liver transplantation in the fatal stage. Little is known about the roles and mechanisms of farnesyltransferase inhibitors (FTIs) in treating AIH. Thus, we investigated the specific role of the FTI, tipifarnib, in a Concanavalin A (Con A)-induced model of hepatitis. The effects of tipifarnib (10 mg/kg, intraperitoneal injection) were studied in Con A (20 mg/kg, intravenous injection)-challenged mice by histological, biochemical, and immunological analyses. Tipifarnib-treated mice were compared to phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)-treated mice. Con A caused liver injury characterized by increased plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and marked histological changes. The increased serum ALT, interleukin-6, or interferon-γ (IFN-γ) levels were observed at 2 or 8 h; tumor necrosis factor-α levels at 2 h post-Con A administration decreased significantly in the tipifarnib group. Tipifarnib also suppressed Con A-induced activation of CD4+ cells (but not CD8+ T cells) in the liver and spleen, and also reversed the Con A-induced decrease of natural killer T (NKT) cells in the liver. Tipifarnib significantly inhibited IFN-γ production and STAT1 phosphorylation from CD4+ T cells (but not CD8+ T and NKT cells) in the liver at 2 h post-Con A administration. Tipifarnib significantly inhibited IFN-γ production by splenic CD4+ T cells at 48 h post-Con A injection in vitro. Tipifarnib also inhibited the expression of farnesylated proteins induced by Con A administration. In conclusion, tipifarnib inhibited IFN-γ derived from Con A-induced CD4+ T cell activation due to downregulated STAT1 phosphorylation, suggesting that Tipifarnib can protect against AIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Guo
- Department of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Shirozu
- Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan.
| | - Tomohiko Akahoshi
- Department of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yukie Mizuta
- Department of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Masaharu Murata
- Center for Advanced Medical Innovation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Ken Yamaura
- Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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27
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Post JB, Roodhart JML, Snippert HJG. Colorectal Cancer Modeling with Organoids: Discriminating between Oncogenic RAS and BRAF Variants. Trends Cancer 2020; 6:111-129. [PMID: 32061302 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2019.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
RAS and BRAF proteins are frequently mutated in colorectal cancer (CRC) and have been associated with therapy resistance in metastatic CRC patients. RAS isoforms are considered to act as redundant entities in physiological and pathological settings. However, there is compelling evidence that mutant variants of RAS and BRAF have different oncogenic potentials and therapeutic outcomes. In this review we describe similarities and differences between various RAS and BRAF oncogenes in CRC development, histology, and therapy resistance. In addition, we discuss the potential of patient-derived tumor organoids for personalized therapy, as well as CRC modeling using genome editing in preclinical model systems to study similarities and discrepancies between the effects of oncogenic MAPK pathway mutations on tumor growth and drug response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin B Post
- Molecular Cancer Research, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht and Utrecht University, CX Utrecht, The Netherlands; Oncode Institute Netherlands, Office Jaarbeurs Innovation Mile, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jeanine M L Roodhart
- Department of Medical Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Oncode Institute Netherlands, Office Jaarbeurs Innovation Mile, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Hugo J G Snippert
- Molecular Cancer Research, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht and Utrecht University, CX Utrecht, The Netherlands; Oncode Institute Netherlands, Office Jaarbeurs Innovation Mile, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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28
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Nair A, Chakraborty S, Banerji LA, Srivastava A, Navare C, Saha B. Ras isoforms: signaling specificities in CD40 pathway. Cell Commun Signal 2020; 18:3. [PMID: 31906952 PMCID: PMC6945409 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-019-0497-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Ras are small cellular GTPases which regulate diverse cellular processes. It has three isoforms: H-Ras, K-Ras, and N-Ras. Owing to the N-terminus (1–165 residues) sequence homology these isoforms were thought to be functionally redundant. However, only K-Ras-deficient mice but not H-Ras- and N-Ras-deficient mice show embryonic lethality. Similarly, mutations in a given Ras isoform are associated with a particular type of cancer. Moreover, we have previously reported that Ras isoforms perform unique functions in Leishmania major infection. Thus, Ras isoforms are implicated to have signaling and functional specificity but the mechanism remains to be elucidated. Result Using CD40 as a model receptor, we showed that depending on the strength of signaling, specific Ras isoforms are activated. Weak CD40 signal activates N-Ras, whereas strong signal activates H-Ras and K-Ras. Additionally, we showed that suppression of N-Ras expression reduced CD40-induced extracellular signal–regulated kinase-1/2 (ERK-1/2) activation and Interleukin (IL)-10 production; whereas suppression of H-Ras or K-Ras reduced CD40-induced p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) activation and IL-12 production. Furthermore, we showed that Ras isoforms have activator (GEF) specificity as weak CD40 signal-activated N-Ras requires Sos-1/2 whereas strong CD40 signal-activated H-Ras/K-Ras requires Ras-GRP as the guanine-nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) inducing ERK-1/2- or p38MAPK-mediated IL-10 or IL-12 productions, respectively, in macrophages. Silencing of syk reduced CD40-induced N-Ras activation but silencing of lyn inhibited H-Ras and K-Ras activation. In CD40 signaling, Ras isoforms also showed effector specificity; while H-Ras and K-Ras showed specificity for phosphatidyl inositol-3 kinase activation at high dose of CD40 stimulation, N-Ras primarily associated with Raf-1 at low dose of CD40 stimulation. Moreover, fractal analysis showed that functional site surface roughness for H-Ras (SurfaceFD = 2.39) and K-Ras (SurfaceFD = 2.39) are similar but significantly different from N-Ras (SurfaceFD = 2.25). Conclusion The activator and effector specificities of Ras isoforms in CD40 signaling indicated their differential involvement in CD40 pathway and in maintaining the reciprocity. Our observations reveal Ras-regulated signaling outcome and its potential for developing Ras isoform-targeted immunotherapy and prophylaxis. Graphical abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Arathi Nair
- National Centre for Cell Science, Ganeshkhind, Pune, 411007, India
| | - Sushmita Chakraborty
- National Centre for Cell Science, Ganeshkhind, Pune, 411007, India. .,Department of Transplant Immunology and Immunogenetics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 1100029, India.
| | | | | | | | - Bhaskar Saha
- National Centre for Cell Science, Ganeshkhind, Pune, 411007, India.
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29
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Jha MK, Sarode AY, Saha B. Ras isoforms selectively regulate antigen-specific immune response. Cytokine 2019; 126:154914. [PMID: 31707328 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2019.154914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 10/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
H-/K-Ras and N-Ras isoforms were proposed to lack functional specificities due to similarity in 1-165 amino acids. As recent studies implied Ras isoform-specific developmental effects, we examined their functional specificity using Leishmania major infection, anti-hapten antibody response and carrier-specific T cell response. While N-Ras overexpression increased L. major infection in resistant C57BL/6 mice, H-Ras or K-Ras overexpression reduced the infection in susceptible BALB/c mice. These Ras isoforms differentially regulated anti-TNP antibody response in TNP-Ova-primed, but not in TNP-Ficoll- or TNP-LPS-primed, BALB/c mice. Ras isoform-specific silencing selectively modulated Ova-specific T cell response. The data indicate Ras isoform-specific regulation of antigen-specific immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mukesh Kumar Jha
- National Centre for Cell Science, Ganeshkhind, Pune 411007, India
| | - Aditya Y Sarode
- National Centre for Cell Science, Ganeshkhind, Pune 411007, India
| | - Bhaskar Saha
- National Centre for Cell Science, Ganeshkhind, Pune 411007, India.
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30
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Concomitant deletion of HRAS and NRAS leads to pulmonary immaturity, respiratory failure and neonatal death in mice. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:838. [PMID: 31685810 PMCID: PMC6828777 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-2075-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
We reported previously that adult (HRAS−/−; NRAS−/−) double knockout (DKO) mice showed no obvious external phenotype although lower-than-expected numbers of weaned DKO animals were consistently tallied after crossing NRAS-KO and HRAS-KO mice kept on mixed genetic backgrounds. Using mouse strains kept on pure C57Bl/6 background, here we performed an extensive analysis of the offspring from crosses between HRAS-KO and NRAS-KO mice and uncovered the occurrence of very high rates of perinatal mortality of the resulting DKO littermates due to respiratory failure during the first postnatal 24–48 h. The lungs of newborn DKO mice showed normal organ structure and branching but displayed marked defects of maturation including much-reduced alveolar space with thick separating septa and significant alterations of differentiation of alveolar (AT1, AT2 pneumocytes) and bronchiolar (ciliated, Clara cells) cell lineages. We also observed the retention of significantly increased numbers of undifferentiated progenitor precursor cells in distal lung epithelia and the presence of substantial accumulations of periodic acid-Schiff-positive (PAS+) material and ceramide in the lung airways of newborn DKO mice. Interestingly, antenatal dexamethasone treatment partially mitigated the defective lung maturation phenotypes and extended the lifespan of the DKO animals up to 6 days, but was not sufficient to abrogate lethality in these mice. RNA microarray hybridization analyses of the lungs of dexamethasone-treated and untreated mice uncovered transcriptional changes pointing to functional and metabolic alterations that may be mechanistically relevant for the defective lung phenotypes observed in DKO mice. Our data suggest that delayed alveolar differentiation, altered sphingolipid metabolism and ceramide accumulation are primary contributors to the respiratory stress and neonatal lethality shown by DKO mice and uncover specific, critical roles of HRAS and NRAS for correct lung differentiation that are essential for neonatal survival and cannot be substituted by the remaining KRAS function in this organ.
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31
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Muñoz-Maldonado C, Zimmer Y, Medová M. A Comparative Analysis of Individual RAS Mutations in Cancer Biology. Front Oncol 2019; 9:1088. [PMID: 31681616 PMCID: PMC6813200 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In human cells, three closely related RAS genes, termed HRAS, KRAS, and NRAS, encode four highly homologous proteins. RAS proteins are small GTPases involved in a broad spectrum of key molecular and cellular activities, including proliferation and survival among others. Gain-of-function missense mutations, mostly located at codons 12, 13, and 61, constitutively activate RAS proteins and can be detected in various types of human cancers. KRAS is the most frequently mutated, followed by NRAS and HRAS. However, each isoform exhibits distinctive mutation frequency at each codon, supporting the hypothesis that different RAS mutants may lead to distinct biologic manifestations. This review is focused on the differences in signaling and phenotype, as well as on transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics profiles related to individual RAS-mutated variants. Additionally, association of these mutants with particular targeted outcomes and rare mutations at additional RAS codons are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Muñoz-Maldonado
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland.,Radiation Oncology, Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Yitzhak Zimmer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland.,Radiation Oncology, Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Michaela Medová
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland.,Radiation Oncology, Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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32
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Lanfredini S, Thapa A, O'Neill E. RAS in pancreatic cancer. Biochem Soc Trans 2019; 47:961-972. [PMID: 31341034 DOI: 10.1042/bst20170521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The pancreas is a gland composed mainly by endocrine and exocrine cells, giving rise to three main tumour types. Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour or PNET arise from the endocrine portion of the pancreas. On the contrary, pancreatic exocrine neoplasms include pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and acinar cell carcinoma. PDAC is the most common type of pancreatic cancer and one of the leading causes of cancer-related death. It has been shown that less than 3% of PDAC patients have an overall survival of up to 5 years in the U.K. This mainly arises since the majority of patients diagnosed with PDAC present with advanced unresectable disease, which is highly resistant to all forms of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Activating mutations of an isoform of the RAS protein, KRAS, are found in almost all PDAC cases and occur during early stages of malignant transformation. KRAS mutations play a critical role as they are involved in both initiating and maintaining PDAC development. The interaction of RAS with GDP/GTP along with its recruitment to the membrane affects transduction of its activating signals to downstream effectors. In this review, we aim to summarise different mutations of RAS and their prevalence in pancreatic cancer along with other RAS-induced tumours. In addition, we briefly discuss the genetically engineered mouse models that have been developed to study KRAS-mutated adenocarcinomas in the pancreas. These provide an opportunity to also address the importance of targeting RAS for better treatment response in PDAC patients along with the challenges incurred herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Lanfredini
- Department of Oncology, Old Road Campus Research Building Roosevelt Drive, University of Oxford, Oxford, U.K
| | - Asmita Thapa
- Department of Oncology, Old Road Campus Research Building Roosevelt Drive, University of Oxford, Oxford, U.K
| | - Eric O'Neill
- Department of Oncology, Old Road Campus Research Building Roosevelt Drive, University of Oxford, Oxford, U.K.
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33
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Yokoyama N, Kim YJ, Hirabayashi Y, Tabe Y, Takamori K, Ogawa H, Iwabuchi K. Kras promotes myeloid differentiation through Wnt/β-catenin signaling. FASEB Bioadv 2019; 1:435-449. [PMID: 32123842 PMCID: PMC6996383 DOI: 10.1096/fba.2019-00004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Wild-type Kras, a small GTPase, inactivates Ras growth-promoting signaling. However, the role of Kras in differentiation of myeloid cells remains unclear. This study showed the involvement of Kras in a novel regulatory mechanism underlying the dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)-induced differentiation of human acute myeloid leukemia HL-60 cells. Kras was found to positively regulate DMSO-induced differentiation, with the activity of Kras increasing upon DMSO. Inhibition of Kras attenuated CD11b expression in differentiated HL-60 cells. GSK3β, an important component of Wnt signaling, was found to be a downstream signal of Kras. Phosphorylation of GSK3β was markedly enhanced by DMSO treatment. Moreover, inhibition of GSK3β enhanced CD11b expression and triggered the accumulation in the nucleus of β-catenin and Tcf in response to DMSO. Inhibitors of β-catenin-mediated pathways blocked CD11b expression, further indicating that β-catenin is involved in the differentiation of HL-60 cells. Elevated expression of C/EBPα and C/EBPɛ accompanied by the expression of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) receptor was observed during differentiation. Taken together, these findings suggest that Kras engages in cross talk with the Wnt/β-catenin pathway upon DMSO treatment of HL-60 cells, thereby regulating the granulocytic differentiation of HL-60 cells. These results indicate that Kras acts as a tumor suppressor during the differentiation of myeloid cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriko Yokoyama
- Institute for Environmental and Gender Specific Medicine Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine Urayasu Chiba Japan
| | - Yeon-Jeong Kim
- Laboratory for Neuronal Growth Mechanisms Riken Brain Science Institutes Saitama Japan
| | - Yoshio Hirabayashi
- Institute for Environmental and Gender Specific Medicine Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine Urayasu Chiba Japan
- Cellular Informatics Laboratory RIKEN Wako Saitama Japan
| | - Yoko Tabe
- Department of Laboratory Medicine Juntendo University School of Medicine Hospital Hongo Tokyo Japan
| | - Kenji Takamori
- Institute for Environmental and Gender Specific Medicine Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine Urayasu Chiba Japan
| | - Hideoki Ogawa
- Institute for Environmental and Gender Specific Medicine Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine Urayasu Chiba Japan
| | - Kazuhisa Iwabuchi
- Institute for Environmental and Gender Specific Medicine Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine Urayasu Chiba Japan
- Infection Control Nursing Juntendo University Graduate School of Health Care and Nursing Urayasu Chiba Japan
- Laboratory of Biochemistry Juntendo University Faculty of Health Care and Nursing Urayasu Chiba Japan
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34
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Chung SY, Huang WC, Chen ZS, Chao TC, Su Y. Elucidation of the mechanism underlying CD44v6-induced transformation of IEC-6 normal intestinal epithelial cells. J Cell Physiol 2019; 235:194-209. [PMID: 31219187 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The transformation abilities of CD44s and CD44v6 in normal intestinal epithelial cells have not yet been reported. Herein, we established both CD44s and CD44v6 overexpressing stable clones from rat IEC-6 cells and demonstrated that the CD44v6 clones had higher saturation density and anchorage independence. Additionally, CD44v6 clones were more resistant to oxaliplatin and irinotecan which might be attributed to a significantly increased B-cell lymphoma 2 level and a reduced DNA damage response in these cells. Moreover, c-Met and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 signalings were involved in modulating the saturation density in CD44v6 clones. Interestingly, higher activation of both AKT and extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) were detected in CD44v6 clones which might account in part for the cell density-independent nuclear localization of Yes-associated protein (YAP). To no surprise, increases of both saturation density and anchorage independence in CD44v6 clones were markedly diminished by PI3K, AKT, MEK, and ERK inhibitors as well as YAP knockdown. By contrast, overexpression of a constitutively active YAP robustly increased the aforementioned phenotypes in IEC-6 cells. Collectively, our results suggest that upregulation of CD44v6, but not CD44s, induces the transformation of normal intestinal epithelial cells possibly via activating the c-Met/AKT/YAP pathway which might also explain the important role of CD44v6 in the initiation of various carcinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin-Yi Chung
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Wen-Chen Huang
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Zong-Siang Chen
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ta-Chung Chao
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.,Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Min University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yeu Su
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
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35
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Hood FE, Klinger B, Newlaczyl AU, Sieber A, Dorel M, Oliver SP, Coulson JM, Blüthgen N, Prior IA. Isoform-specific Ras signaling is growth factor dependent. Mol Biol Cell 2019; 30:1108-1117. [PMID: 30785867 PMCID: PMC6724511 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e18-10-0676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
HRAS, NRAS, and KRAS isoforms are almost identical proteins that are ubiquitously expressed and activate a common set of effectors. In vivo studies have revealed that they are not biologically redundant; however, the isoform specificity of Ras signaling remains poorly understood. Using a novel panel of isogenic SW48 cell lines endogenously expressing wild-type or G12V-mutated activated Ras isoforms, we have performed a detailed characterization of endogenous isoform-specific mutant Ras signaling. We find that despite displaying significant Ras activation, the downstream outputs of oncogenic Ras mutants are minimal in the absence of growth factor inputs. The lack of mutant KRAS-induced effector activation observed in SW48 cells appears to be representative of a broad panel of colon cancer cell lines harboring mutant KRAS. For MAP kinase pathway activation in KRAS-mutant cells, the requirement for coincident growth factor stimulation occurs at an early point in the Raf activation cycle. Finally, we find that Ras isoform-specific signaling was highly context dependent and did not conform to the dogma derived from ectopic expression studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona E Hood
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, United Kingdom
| | - Bertram Klinger
- Institute of Pathology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany.,Integrative Research Institute for the Life Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10099 Berlin, Germany.,Institute for Theoretical Biology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Anna U Newlaczyl
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, United Kingdom
| | - Anja Sieber
- Institute of Pathology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany.,Integrative Research Institute for the Life Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10099 Berlin, Germany.,Institute for Theoretical Biology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Mathurin Dorel
- Institute of Pathology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany.,Integrative Research Institute for the Life Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10099 Berlin, Germany.,Institute for Theoretical Biology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Simon P Oliver
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Chester, CH1 4BJ Chester, United Kingdom
| | - Judy M Coulson
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, United Kingdom
| | - Nils Blüthgen
- Institute of Pathology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany.,Integrative Research Institute for the Life Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10099 Berlin, Germany.,Institute for Theoretical Biology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ian A Prior
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, United Kingdom
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36
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Rossa C, D'Silva NJ. Immune-relevant aspects of murine models of head and neck cancer. Oncogene 2019; 38:3973-3988. [PMID: 30696955 PMCID: PMC6533118 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-019-0686-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Head and neck cancers (HNCs) cause significant mortality and morbidity. There have been few advances in therapeutic management of HNC in the past 4 to 5 decades, which support the need for studies focusing on HNC biology. In recent years, increased recognition of the relevance of the host response in cancer progression has led to novel therapeutic strategies and putative biomarkers of tumor aggressiveness. However, tumor-immune interactions are highly complex and vary with cancer type. Pre-clinical, in vivo models represent an important and necessary step in understanding biological processes involved in development, progression and treatment of HNC. Rodents (mice, rats, hamsters) are the most frequently used animal models in HNC research. The relevance and utility of information generated by studies in murine models is unquestionable, but it is also limited in application to tumor-immune interactions. In this review, we present information regarding the immune-specific characteristics of the murine models most commonly used in HNC research, including immunocompromised and immunocompetent animals. The particular characteristics of xenograft, chemically induced, syngeneic, transgenic, and humanized models are discussed in order to provide context and insight for researchers interested in the in vivo study of tumor-immune interactions in HNC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Rossa
- Department of Diagnosis and Surgery, UNESP-State University of Sao Paulo, School of Dentistry at Araraquara, Araraquara - SP, Brazil. .,Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Nisha J D'Silva
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA. .,Department of Pathology, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
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37
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Abstract
The three RAS genes - HRAS, NRAS and KRAS - are collectively mutated in one-third of human cancers, where they act as prototypic oncogenes. Interestingly, there are rather distinct patterns to RAS mutations; the isoform mutated as well as the position and type of substitution vary between different cancers. As RAS genes are among the earliest, if not the first, genes mutated in a variety of cancers, understanding how these mutation patterns arise could inform on not only how cancer begins but also the factors influencing this event, which has implications for cancer prevention. To this end, we suggest that there is a narrow window or 'sweet spot' by which oncogenic RAS signalling can promote tumour initiation in normal cells. As a consequence, RAS mutation patterns in each normal cell are a product of the specific RAS isoform mutated, as well as the position of the mutation and type of substitution to achieve an ideal level of signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqi Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Allan Balmain
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center and Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Christopher M Counter
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
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38
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Neale C, García AE. Methionine 170 is an Environmentally Sensitive Membrane Anchor in the Disordered HVR of K-Ras4B. J Phys Chem B 2018; 122:10086-10096. [PMID: 30351122 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.8b07919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Ras protein colocalization at the plasma membrane is implicated in the activation of signaling cascades that promote cell growth, survival, and motility. However, the mechanisms that underpin Ras self-association remain unclear. We use molecular dynamics simulations to show how basic and hydrophobic components of the disordered C-terminal membrane tether of K-Ras4B combine to regulate its membrane interactions. Specifically, anionic lipids attract lysine residues to the membrane surface, thereby splitting the peptide population into two states that exchange on the microsecond time scale. These states differ in the membrane insertion of a methionine residue, which is influenced by local membrane composition. As a result, these states may impose context-dependent biases on the disposition of Ras' signaling domain, with possible implications for the accessibility of its effector binding surfaces. We investigate Ras' ability to nanocluster by fly-casting for patches of anionic lipids and find that while anionic lipids promote the intermolecular association of K-Ras4B membrane tethers, at short range this appears to be a passive process in which anionic lipids electrostatically screen these cationic peptides to mitigate their natural repulsion. Together with the sub-microsecond stability of interpeptide contacts, this result suggests that experimentally observed K-Ras4B nanoclustering is not driven by direct intermolecular contact of its membrane tethers.
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39
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The Sema3A receptor Plexin-A1 suppresses supernumerary axons through Rap1 GTPases. Sci Rep 2018; 8:15647. [PMID: 30353093 PMCID: PMC6199275 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-34092-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 10/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The highly conserved Rap1 GTPases perform essential functions during neuronal development. They are required for the polarity of neuronal progenitors and neurons as well as for neuronal migration in the embryonic brain. Neuronal polarization and axon formation depend on the precise temporal and spatial regulation of Rap1 activity by guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) and GTPases-activating proteins (GAPs). Several Rap1 GEFs have been identified that direct the formation of axons during cortical and hippocampal development in vivo and in cultured neurons. However little is known about the GAPs that limit the activity of Rap1 GTPases during neuronal development. Here we investigate the function of Sema3A and Plexin-A1 as a regulator of Rap1 GTPases during the polarization of hippocampal neurons. Sema3A was shown to suppress axon formation when neurons are cultured on a patterned substrate. Plexin-A1 functions as the signal-transducing subunit of receptors for Sema3A and displays GAP activity for Rap1 GTPases. We show that Sema3A and Plexin-A1 suppress the formation of supernumerary axons in cultured neurons, which depends on Rap1 GTPases.
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40
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Mo SP, Coulson JM, Prior IA. RAS variant signalling. Biochem Soc Trans 2018; 46:1325-1332. [PMID: 30287508 PMCID: PMC6195641 DOI: 10.1042/bst20180173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Revised: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
RAS proteins are small GTPases that regulate signalling networks that control cellular proliferation and survival. They are frequently mutated in cancer and a commonly occurring group of developmental disorders called RASopathies. We discuss recent findings describing how RAS isoforms and different activating mutations differentially contribute to normal and disease-associated biology and the mechanisms that have been proposed to underpin this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie P Mo
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, U.K
| | - Judy M Coulson
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, U.K
| | - Ian A Prior
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, U.K.
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41
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Placental Ras Regulates Inflammation Associated with Maternal Obesity. Mediators Inflamm 2018; 2018:3645386. [PMID: 30402038 PMCID: PMC6196914 DOI: 10.1155/2018/3645386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Heightened placental inflammation and dysfunction are commonly associated in pregnant obese women compared to their pregnant lean counterparts. The small GTPase superfamily members known as the rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (Ras) proteins, in particular, the K-Ras and H-Ras isoforms, have been implicated to regulate inflammation. The aims were to determine the placental Ras expression and activity with maternal obesity and its role in regulating placental inflammation. Human placenta was obtained at term Caesarean section from lean and obese pregnant women to determine the effect of maternal obesity on Ras protein expression and activity. To determine the effect of Ras on inflammation induced by bacterial endotoxin LPS and proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α or IL-1β, the chemical inhibitor lonafarnib (total Ras inhibitor) and siRNA (siKRAS and siHRAS) were used. Total Ras protein expression together with combined K-Ras and H-Ras activity was significantly increased in the placenta of obese pregnant women and when stimulated with LPS, IL-1β, or TNF-α. Lonafarnib significantly suppressed LPS-, IL-1β-, or TNF-α-induced IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, and GRO-α expression and secretion in placental tissue. Primary trophoblast cells transfected with siKRAS or siHRAS demonstrated only K-Ras silencing significantly decreased IL-1β-, TNF-α-, or LPS-induced IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1 expression and secretion. Furthermore, siKRAS significantly reduced downstream ERK-1/2 activation induced by LPS. In trophoblast cells, ERK-1/2 signalling is required for IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, and GRO-α secretion. These studies implicate a role for K-Ras in regulating inflammation in human placenta. Suppressing overactive placental K-Ras function may prevent adverse fetal outcomes complicated by maternal obesity.
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Mendoza P, Martínez-Martín N, Bovolenta ER, Reyes-Garau D, Hernansanz-Agustín P, Delgado P, Diaz-Muñoz MD, Oeste CL, Fernández-Pisonero I, Castellano E, Martínez-Ruiz A, Alonso-Lopez D, Santos E, Bustelo XR, Kurosaki T, Alarcón B. R-Ras2 is required for germinal center formation to aid B cells during energetically demanding processes. Sci Signal 2018; 11:11/532/eaal1506. [DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aal1506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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43
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Mayor-Ruiz C, Olbrich T, Drosten M, Lecona E, Vega-Sendino M, Ortega S, Dominguez O, Barbacid M, Ruiz S, Fernandez-Capetillo O. ERF deletion rescues RAS deficiency in mouse embryonic stem cells. Genes Dev 2018; 32:568-576. [PMID: 29650524 PMCID: PMC5959239 DOI: 10.1101/gad.310086.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Mayor-Ruiz et al. show that deletion of ERF rescues the proliferative defects of RAS-devoid mESCs and restores their capacity to differentiate. MEK inhibition in combination with a glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β) inhibitor, referred as the 2i condition, favors pluripotency in embryonic stem cells (ESCs). However, the mechanisms by which the 2i condition limits ESC differentiation and whether RAS proteins are involved in this phenomenon remain poorly understood. Here we show that RAS nullyzygosity reduces the growth of mouse ESCs (mESCs) and prohibits their differentiation. Upon RAS deficiency or MEK inhibition, ERF (E twenty-six 2 [Ets2]-repressive factor), a transcriptional repressor from the ETS domain family, translocates to the nucleus, where it binds to the enhancers of pluripotency factors and key RAS targets. Remarkably, deletion of Erf rescues the proliferative defects of RAS-devoid mESCs and restores their capacity to differentiate. Furthermore, we show that Erf loss enables the development of RAS nullyzygous teratomas. In summary, this work reveals an essential role for RAS proteins in pluripotency and identifies ERF as a key mediator of the response to RAS/MEK/ERK inhibition in mESCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Mayor-Ruiz
- Genomic Instability Group, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Teresa Olbrich
- Genomic Instability Group, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Matthias Drosten
- Experimental Oncology Group, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Emilio Lecona
- Genomic Instability Group, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Maria Vega-Sendino
- Genomic Instability Group, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Sagrario Ortega
- Transgenic Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Orlando Dominguez
- Genomics Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Mariano Barbacid
- Experimental Oncology Group, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Sergio Ruiz
- Genomic Instability Group, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Oscar Fernandez-Capetillo
- Genomic Instability Group, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid 28029, Spain.,Science for Life Laboratory, Division of Genome Biology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, S-171 21 Stockholm, Sweden
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44
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Eblen ST. Extracellular-Regulated Kinases: Signaling From Ras to ERK Substrates to Control Biological Outcomes. Adv Cancer Res 2018; 138:99-142. [PMID: 29551131 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2018.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The extracellular-regulated kinases ERK1 and ERK2 are evolutionarily conserved, ubiquitous serine-threonine kinases that are involved in regulating cellular signaling in both normal and pathological conditions. Their expression is critical for development and their hyperactivation is a major factor in cancer development and progression. Since their discovery as one of the major signaling mediators activated by mitogens and Ras mutation, we have learned much about their regulation, including their activation, binding partners and substrates. In this review I will discuss some of what has been discovered about the members of the Ras to ERK pathway, including regulation of their activation by growth factors and cell adhesion pathways. Looking downstream of ERK activation I will also highlight some of the many ERK substrates that have been discovered, including those involved in feedback regulation, cell migration and cell cycle progression through the control of transcription, pre-mRNA splicing and protein synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott T Eblen
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States.
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45
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Zhou Y, Hancock JF. Deciphering lipid codes: K-Ras as a paradigm. Traffic 2018; 19:157-165. [PMID: 29120102 PMCID: PMC5927616 DOI: 10.1111/tra.12541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2017] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The cell plasma membrane (PM) is a highly dynamic and heterogeneous lipid environment, driven by complex hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions among the hundreds of types of lipid species. Although the biophysical processes governing lipid lateral segregation in the cell PM have been established in vitro, biological implications of lipid heterogeneity are poorly understood. Of particular interest is how membrane proteins potentially utilize transient spatial clustering of PM lipids to regulate function. This review focuses on a lipid-anchored small GTPase K-Ras as an example to explore how its C-terminal membrane-anchoring domain, consisting of a contiguous hexa-lysine polybasic domain and an adjacent farnesyl anchor, possesses a complex coding mechanism for highly selective lipid sorting on the PM. How this lipid specificity modulates K-Ras signal transmission will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Zhou
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431, Fannin Street, Houston, TX
| | - John F Hancock
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431, Fannin Street, Houston, TX
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46
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Serna-Blasco R, Sanz-Álvarez M, Aguilera Ó, García-Foncillas J. Targeting the RAS-dependent chemoresistance: The Warburg connection. Semin Cancer Biol 2018; 54:80-90. [PMID: 29432815 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2018.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Revised: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
RAS protein family members (KRAS4A, KRAS4B, HRAS and NRAS) function as GDP-GTP-regulated on-off switches, which regulate cytoplasmic-nuclear signaling networks ruling diverse normal cellular processes. Constitutive activating mutations in RAS genes are found in up to 30% of human cancers, and remarkably, the oncogenic Ras mutations and mutations in other components of Ras/MAPK signaling pathways seem to be mutually exclusive in most tumors, pointing out that deregulation of Ras-dependent signaling is an essential requirement for tumorigenesis. Up to 30% of solid tumors are known to have a mutated (abnormal) KRAS gene. Unfortunately, patients harboring mutated KRAS CRC are unlikely to benefit from anti-EGFR therapy. Moreover, it remains unclear that patients with KRAS wild-type CRC will definitely respond to such therapies. Although some clinically designed-strategies to modulate KRAS aberrant activation have been designed, all attempts to target KRAS have failed in the clinical assays and K-RAS has been assumed to be invulnerable to chemotherapeutic attack. Recently, different encouraging publications reported that ascorbate may have a selective antitumoral effect on KRAS mutant cancer cells. In this review we aim to describe the prevalence and importance of KRAS mutation in cancer and associated problems for the clinical handling of patients harboring these tumors. We highlight the role of mutated KRAS in boosting and keeping the tumor associated aberrant cell metabolism stating that further in-depth studies on the molecular mechanism of ascorbate to bypass mutated KRAS-related metabolic alterations may constitute a new pathway to design novel molecules in order handle tumor resistance to anti EGFR-therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Serna-Blasco
- Translational Oncology Division, Oncohealth Institute, Fundacion Jimenez Diaz University Hospital, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Sanz-Álvarez
- Translational Oncology Division, Oncohealth Institute, Fundacion Jimenez Diaz University Hospital, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Óscar Aguilera
- Translational Oncology Division, Oncohealth Institute, Fundacion Jimenez Diaz University Hospital, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Jesús García-Foncillas
- Translational Oncology Division, Oncohealth Institute, Fundacion Jimenez Diaz University Hospital, 28040, Madrid, Spain
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Martín‐Sánchez P, Luengo A, Griera M, Orea MJ, López‐Olañeta M, Chiloeches A, Lara‐Pezzi E, Frutos S, Rodríguez–Puyol M, Calleros L, Rodríguez–Puyol D. H‐
ras
deletion protects against angiotensin II–induced arterial hypertension and cardiac remodeling through protein kinase G‐Iβ pathway activation. FASEB J 2018; 32:920-934. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.201700134rrrr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Paloma Martín‐Sánchez
- Department of Systems BiologyUniversidad de AlcaláMadridSpain
- Instituto Reina Sofía de Investigación en Neurológica (IRSIN)MadridSpain
- Red de Investigación Renal (REDinREN)Instituto de Salud Carlos IIIMadridSpain
| | - Alicia Luengo
- Department of Systems BiologyUniversidad de AlcaláMadridSpain
- Instituto Reina Sofía de Investigación en Neurológica (IRSIN)MadridSpain
- Red de Investigación Renal (REDinREN)Instituto de Salud Carlos IIIMadridSpain
| | - Mercedes Griera
- Department of Systems BiologyUniversidad de AlcaláMadridSpain
- Instituto Reina Sofía de Investigación en Neurológica (IRSIN)MadridSpain
- Red de Investigación Renal (REDinREN)Instituto de Salud Carlos IIIMadridSpain
| | | | - Marina López‐Olañeta
- Myocardial Pathophysiology AreaCentro Nacional de Investigaciones CardiovascularesMadridSpain
| | | | - Enrique Lara‐Pezzi
- Myocardial Pathophysiology AreaCentro Nacional de Investigaciones CardiovascularesMadridSpain
| | - Sergio Frutos
- Department of Systems BiologyUniversidad de AlcaláMadridSpain
- Instituto Reina Sofía de Investigación en Neurológica (IRSIN)MadridSpain
- Red de Investigación Renal (REDinREN)Instituto de Salud Carlos IIIMadridSpain
| | - Manuel Rodríguez–Puyol
- Department of Systems BiologyUniversidad de AlcaláMadridSpain
- Instituto Reina Sofía de Investigación en Neurológica (IRSIN)MadridSpain
- Red de Investigación Renal (REDinREN)Instituto de Salud Carlos IIIMadridSpain
| | - Laura Calleros
- Department of Systems BiologyUniversidad de AlcaláMadridSpain
- Instituto Reina Sofía de Investigación en Neurológica (IRSIN)MadridSpain
- Red de Investigación Renal (REDinREN)Instituto de Salud Carlos IIIMadridSpain
| | - Diego Rodríguez–Puyol
- Department of MedicineUniversidad de AlcaláMadridSpain
- Instituto Reina Sofía de Investigación en Neurológica (IRSIN)MadridSpain
- Red de Investigación Renal (REDinREN)Instituto de Salud Carlos IIIMadridSpain
- Nephrology SectionResearch Unit FoundationHospital Universitario Príncipe de AsturiasAlcalá de HenaresMadridSpain
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48
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Zaballos MA, Santisteban P. Key signaling pathways in thyroid cancer. J Endocrinol 2017; 235:R43-R61. [PMID: 28838947 DOI: 10.1530/joe-17-0266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Whole genome sequencing approaches have provided unprecedented insights into the genetic lesions responsible for the onset, progression and dedifferentiation of various types of thyroid carcinomas. Through these efforts, the MAPK and PI3K signaling cascades have emerged as the main activation pathways implicated in thyroid tumorigenesis. The nature of these essential pathways is highly complex, with hundreds of components, multiple points of crosstalk, different subcellular localizations and with the ability to potentially regulate many cellular processes. Small-molecule inhibitors targeting key kinases of these pathways hold great promise as novel therapeutics and several have reached clinical trials. However, while some remarkable responses have been reported, the development of resistance remains a matter of concern and limits the benefit for patients. In this review, we discuss the latest findings on the major components of the MAPK and PI3K pathways, including their mechanisms of activation in physiological and pathological contexts, their genetic alterations with respect to the different types of thyroid carcinomas and the more relevant drugs designed to block their activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel A Zaballos
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas 'Alberto Sols'Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Santisteban
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas 'Alberto Sols'Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
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49
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Conditional expression of Ki-Ras G12V in the mammary epithelium of transgenic mice induces estrogen receptor alpha (ERα)-positive adenocarcinoma. Oncogene 2017; 36:6420-6431. [PMID: 28745321 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2017.252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Revised: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Appropriate 'in vivo' models are crucial for studying breast cancer biology and evaluating the efficacy of therapeutic agents. Thus we engineered a novel transgenic mouse line expressing the human Ki-Ras bearing an activating mutation (Ki-Ras(G12V)) selectively in the mammary epithelium after lactation. These mice develop invasive ductal adenocarcinomas with 100% incidence within 3-9 months after Ki-Ras(G12V) induction. Immunophenotyping revealed that the mammary tumors express luminal markers, are positive for estrogen and progesterone receptors, negative for HER2 and have a low proliferation index. Moreover, cell lines derived from such tumors are estrogen-responsive and, when transplanted into nude mice, form tumors that respond to the antiestrogen ICI 182780. In conclusion, the mammary tumors of these transgenic mice and the derived cell lines exhibit key features of the major form of human breast cancer, that is, luminal A subtype and thus have a high potential for breast cancer research and treatment.
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50
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Matsuda T, Jeong JI, Ikeda S, Yamamoto T, Gao S, Babu GJ, Zhai P, Del Re DP. H-Ras Isoform Mediates Protection Against Pressure Overload-Induced Cardiac Dysfunction in Part Through Activation of AKT. Circ Heart Fail 2017; 10:CIRCHEARTFAILURE.116.003658. [PMID: 28193718 DOI: 10.1161/circheartfailure.116.003658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In general, Ras proteins are thought to promote cardiac hypertrophy, an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease and heart failure. However, the contribution of different Ras isoforms has not been investigated. The objective of this study was to define the role of H- and K-Ras in modulating stress-induced myocardial hypertrophy and failure. METHODS AND RESULTS We used H- and K-Ras gene knockout mice and subjected them to pressure overload to induce cardiac hypertrophy and dysfunction. We observed a worsened cardiac phenotype in Hras-/- mice, while outcomes were improved in Kras+/- mice. We also used a neonatal rat cardiomyocyte culture system to elucidate the mechanisms underlying these observations. Our findings demonstrate that H-Ras, but not K-Ras, promotes cardiomyocyte hypertrophy both in vivo and in vitro. This response was mediated in part through the phosphoinositide 3-kinase-AKT signaling pathway. Adeno-associated virus-mediated increase in AKT activation improved the cardiac function in pressure overloaded Hras null hearts in vivo. These findings further support engagement of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase-AKT signaling axis by H-Ras. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these findings indicate that H- and K-Ras have divergent effects on cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure in response to pressure overload stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahisa Matsuda
- From the Cardiovascular Research Institute and the Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, Rutgers, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ
| | - Jae Im Jeong
- From the Cardiovascular Research Institute and the Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, Rutgers, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ
| | - Shohei Ikeda
- From the Cardiovascular Research Institute and the Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, Rutgers, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ
| | - Takanobu Yamamoto
- From the Cardiovascular Research Institute and the Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, Rutgers, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ
| | - Shumin Gao
- From the Cardiovascular Research Institute and the Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, Rutgers, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ
| | - Gopal J Babu
- From the Cardiovascular Research Institute and the Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, Rutgers, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ
| | - Peiyong Zhai
- From the Cardiovascular Research Institute and the Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, Rutgers, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ
| | - Dominic P Del Re
- From the Cardiovascular Research Institute and the Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, Rutgers, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ.
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