Nm23-H1 metastasis suppressor expression level influences the binding properties, stability, and function of the kinase suppressor of Ras1 (KSR1) Erk scaffold in breast carcinoma cells

A systematic review on the impact of micro-nanoplastics on human health: Potential modulation of epigenetic mechanisms and identification of biomarkers

Epigenetic-mediated modifications, induced by adverse environmental conditions, significantly alter an organism's physiological mechanisms. Even after elimination of the stimulus, these epigenetic modifications can be inherited through mitosis, thereby triggering transgenerational epigenetics. Plastics, with their versatile properties, are indispensable in various aspects of daily life. However, due to mismanagement, plastics have become so ubiquitous in the environment that no ecosystem on Earth is free from micro-nanoplastics (MNPs). This situation has raised profound concerns regarding their potential impact on human health. Recently, both in vivo animal and in vitro human cellular models have shown the potential to identify the harmful effects of MNPs at the genome level. The emerging epigenetic impact of MNP exposure is characterized by short-term alterations in chromatin remodelling and miRNA modulation. However, to understand long-term epigenetic changes and potential transgenerational effects, substantial and more environmentally realistic exposure studies are needed. In the current review, the intricate epigenetic responses, including the NHL-2-EKL-1, NDK-1-KSR1/2, and WRT-3-ASP-2 cascades, wnt-signalling, and TGF- β signalling, established in model organisms such as C. elegans, mice, and human cell lines upon exposure to MNPs, were systematically examined. This comprehensive analysis aimed to predict human pathways by identifying human homologs using databases and algorithms. We are confident that various parallel miRNA pathways, specifically the KSR-ERK-MAPK pathway, FOXO-Insulin cascade, and GPX3-HIF-α in humans, may be influenced by MNP exposure. This influence may lead to disruptions in key metabolic and immune pathways, including glucose balance, apoptosis, cell proliferation, and angiogenesis. Therefore, we believe that these genes and pathways could serve as potential biomarkers for future studies. Additionally, this review emphasizes the origin, dispersion, and distribution of plastics, providing valuable insights into the complex relationship between plastics and human health while elaborating on the epigenetic impacts.

Metastasis suppressor genes in clinical practice: are they druggable?

Since the identification of NM23 (now called NME1) as the first metastasis suppressor gene (MSG), a small number of other gene products and non-coding RNAs have been identified that suppress specific parameters of the metastatic cascade, yet which have little or no ability to regulate primary tumor initiation or maintenance. MSG can regulate various pathways or cell biological functions such as those controlling mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway mediators, cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix protein adhesion, cytoskeletal architecture, G-protein-coupled receptors, apoptosis, and transcriptional complexes. One defining facet of this gene class is that their expression is typically downregulated, not mutated, in metastasis, such that any effective therapeutic intervention would involve their re-expression. This review will address the therapeutic targeting of MSG, once thought to be a daunting task only facilitated by ectopically re-expressing MSG in metastatic cells in vivo. Examples will be cited of attempts to identify actionable oncogenic pathways that might suppress the formation or progression of metastases through the re-expression of specific metastasis suppressors.

Heat-shock protein 90α protects NME1 against degradation and suppresses metastasis of breast cancer

BACKGROUND

NME1 has been exploited as a potential translational target for decades. Substantial efforts have been made to upregulate the expression of NME1 and restore its anti-metastasis function in metastatic cancer.

METHODS

Cycloheximide (CHX) chase assay was used to measure the steady-state protein stability of NME1 and HSP90α. The NME1-associating proteins were identified by immunoprecipitation combined with mass spectrometric analysis. Gene knockdown and overexpression were employed to examine the impact of HSP90AA1 on intracellular NME1 degradation. The motility and invasiveness of breast cancer cells were examined in vitro using wound healing and transwell invasion assays. The orthotopic spontaneous metastasis and intra-venous experimental metastasis assays were used to test the formation of metastasis in vivo, respectively.

RESULTS

HSP90α interacts with NME1 and increases NME1 lifetime by impeding its ubiquitin-proteasome-mediated degradation. HSP90α overexpression significantly inhibits the metastatic potential of breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. A novel cell-permeable peptide, OPT22 successfully mimics the HSP90α function and prolongs the life span of endogenous NME1, resulting in reduced metastasis of breast cancer.

CONCLUSION

These results not only reveal a new mechanism of NME1 degradation but also pave the way for the development of new and effective approaches to metastatic cancer therapy.

NME/NM23/NDPK and Histidine Phosphorylation

The NME (Non-metastatic) family members, also known as NDPKs (nucleoside diphosphate kinases), were originally identified and studied for their nucleoside diphosphate kinase activities. This family of kinases is extremely well conserved through evolution, being found in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, but also diverges enough to create a range of complexity, with homologous members having distinct functions in cells. In addition to nucleoside diphosphate kinase activity, some family members are reported to possess protein-histidine kinase activity, which, because of the lability of phosphohistidine, has been difficult to study due to the experimental challenges and lack of molecular tools. However, over the past few years, new methods to investigate this unstable modification and histidine kinase activity have been reported and scientific interest in this area is growing rapidly. This review presents a global overview of our current knowledge of the NME family and histidine phosphorylation, highlighting the underappreciated protein-histidine kinase activity of NME family members, specifically in human cells. In parallel, information about the structural and functional aspects of the NME family, and the knowns and unknowns of histidine kinase involvement in cell signaling are summarized.

Multifaceted Roles of DNA Methylation in Neoplastic Transformation, from Tumor Suppressors to EMT and Metastasis

Among the major mechanisms involved in tumorigenesis, DNA methylation is an important epigenetic modification impacting both genomic stability and gene expression. Methylation of promoter-proximal CpG islands (CGIs) and transcriptional silencing of tumor suppressors represent the best characterized epigenetic changes in neoplastic cells. The global cancer-associated effects of DNA hypomethylation influence chromatin architecture and reactivation of repetitive elements. Moreover, recent analyses of cancer cell methylomes highlight the role of the DNA hypomethylation of super-enhancer regions critically controlling the expression of key oncogenic players. We will first summarize some basic aspects of DNA methylation in tumorigenesis, along with the role of dysregulated DNA methyltransferases and TET (Ten-Eleven Translocation)-family methylcytosine dioxygenases. We will then examine the potential contribution of epimutations to causality and heritability of cancer. By reviewing some representative genes subjected to hypermethylation-mediated silencing, we will survey their oncosuppressor functions and roles as biomarkers in various types of cancer. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the gain of stem-like properties are critically involved in cancer cell dissemination, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. However, the driver vs passenger roles of epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation in EMT, are still poorly understood. Therefore, we will focus our attention on several aspects of DNA methylation in control of EMT and metastasis suppressors, including both protein-coding and noncoding genes.

Anti-tumor peptide SA12 inhibits metastasis of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cells via increasing expression of the tumor metastasis suppressor genes, CDH1, nm23-H1 and BRMS1

In recent years, there has been progress in the treatment of breast cancer; however, the prognosis is still poor due to recurrence and metastasis following conventional treatment. The anti-tumor peptide SA12 has been demonstrated to inhibit proliferation and arrest the cell cycle in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cells. In the present study, whether SA12 was able to inhibit the metastasis of breast cancer cells was investigated. Wound healing and Transwell assays were used to investigate the inhibition of SA12 on cell migration while, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blot assays were used to identify the mechanism of action behind the effects of SA12 on cell migration. Results from the wound healing and Transwell assays revealed that SA12 significantly inhibited the migration of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cells following treatment with 100 µM SA12. Compared with that in the controls, the mRNA expression levels of cadherin 1 (CDH1), non-metastasis 23-H1 (nm23-H1) and breast cancer metastasis suppressor 1 (BRMS1) were increased in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells following treatment with 100 µM SA12. Furthermore, the protein expression levels of E-cadherin, NM23A and BRMS1 were also increased in MDA-MB-231 cells and MCF-7 cells following treatment with 100 µM SA12. In conclusion, SA12 inhibited the migration of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cells and enhanced the expression of the tumor metastasis suppressor genes, CDH1, nm23-H1 and BRMS1, which may be responsible for the SA12-induced inhibition of breast cancer cell metastasis.

The Function of NM23-H1/NME1 and Its Homologs in Major Processes Linked to Metastasis

Metastasis suppressor genes (MSGs) inhibit different biological processes during metastatic progression without globally influencing development of the primary tumor. The first MSG, NM23 (non-metastatic clone 23, isoform H1) or now called NME1 (stands for non-metastatic) was identified some decades ago. Since then, ten human NM23 paralogs forming two groups have been discovered. Group I NM23 genes encode enzymes with evolutionarily highly conserved nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDPK) activity. In this review we summarize how results from NDPKs in model organisms converged on human NM23 studies. Next, we examine the role of NM23-H1 and its homologs within the metastatic cascade, e.g. cell migration and invasion, proliferation and apoptosis. NM23-H1 homologs are well known inhibitors of cell migration. Drosophila studies revealed that AWD, the fly counterpart of NM23-H1 is a negative regulator of cell motility by modulating endocytosis of chemotactic receptors on the surface of migrating cells in cooperation with Shibire/Dynamin; this mechanism has been recently confirmed by human studies. NM23-H1 inhibits proliferation of tumor cells by phosphorylating the MAPK scaffold, kinase suppressor of Ras (KSR), resulting in suppression of MAPK signalling. This mechanism was also observed with the C. elegans homolog, NDK-1, albeit with an inverse effect on MAPK activation. Both NM23-H1 and NDK-1 promote apoptotic cell death. In addition, NDK-1, NM23-H1 and their mouse counterpart NM23-M1 were shown to promote phagocytosis in an evolutionarily conserved manner. In summary, inhibition of cell migration and proliferation, alongside actions in apoptosis and phagocytosis are all mechanisms through which NM23-H1 acts against metastatic progression.

NME1 Drives Expansion of Melanoma Cells with Enhanced Tumor Growth and Metastatic Properties

Melanoma is a lethal skin cancer prone to progression and metastasis, and resistant to therapy. Metastasis and therapy resistance of melanoma and other cancers are driven by tumor cell plasticity, largely via acquisition/loss of stem-like characteristics and transitions between epithelial and mesenchymal phenotypes (EMT/MET). NME1 is a metastasis suppressor gene that inhibits metastatic potential when its expression is enforced in melanoma and other cancers. Herein, we have unmasked a novel role for NME1 as a driver of melanoma growth distinct from its canonical function as a metastasis suppressor. NME1 promotes expansion of stem-like melanoma cells that exhibit elevated expression of stem cell markers (e.g., Sox2, Sox10, Oct-4, KLF4, and Ccnb-1), enhanced growth as melanoma spheres in culture, and enhanced tumor growth and lung colonizing activities in vivo. In contrast, NME1 expression did not affect the proliferation of melanoma cell lines in monolayer culture conditions. Silencing of NME1 expression resulted in a dramatic reduction in melanoma sphere size, and impaired tumor growth and metastatic activities of melanoma sphere cells when xenografted in immunocompromised mice. Individual cells within melanoma sphere cultures displayed a wide range of NME1 expression across multiple melanoma cell lines. Cell subpopulations with elevated NME1 expression were fast cycling and displayed enhanced expression of stem cell markers. IMPLICATIONS: Our findings suggest the current model of NME1 as a metastasis-suppressing factor requires refinement, bringing into consideration its heterogeneous expression within melanoma sphere cultures and its novel role in promoting the expansion and tumorigenicity of stem-like cells.

MiR-35 buffers apoptosis thresholds in the C. elegans germline by antagonizing both MAPK and core apoptosis pathways

Apoptosis is a genetically programmed cell death process with profound roles in development and disease. MicroRNAs modulate the expression of many proteins and are often deregulated in human diseases, such as cancer. C. elegans germ cells undergo apoptosis in response to genotoxic stress by the combined activities of the core apoptosis and MAPK pathways, but how their signalling thresholds are buffered is an open question. Here we show mir-35–42 miRNA family play a dual role in antagonizing both NDK-1, a positive regulator of MAPK signalling, and the BH3-only pro-apoptotic protein EGL-1 to regulate the magnitude of DNA damage-induced apoptosis in the C. elegans germline. We show that while miR-35 represses EGL-1 by promoting transcript degradation, repression of NDK-1 may be through sequestration of the transcript to inhibit translation. Importantly, dramatic increase in NDK-1 expression was observed in cells about to die. In the absence of miR-35, increased NDK-1 activity enhanced MAPK signalling that lead to significant increases in germ cell death. Our findings demonstrate that NDK-1 acts upstream of (or in parallel to) EGL-1, and that miR-35 targets both egl-1 and ndk-1 to fine-tune cell killing in response to genotoxic stress.

Modulation of small GTPase activity by NME proteins

NME proteins are reported to influence signal transduction activity of small GTPases from the Ras superfamily by diverse mechanisms in addition to their generic NDP kinase activity, which replenishes the cytoplasmic pool of GTP. Comprehensive evidence shows that NME proteins modulate the activity of Ras GTPases, in particular members of the Rho family, via binding to their major activators GEFs. Direct interaction between several NMEs and Ras GTPases were also indicated in vitro and in vivo. These modes of regulation are mainly independent of the NME's kinase activity. NMEs also modulate the Ras-mediated signal transduction by interfering with the formation of a Ras signaling complex at the plasma membrane. In several examples, NMEs were proposed to perform the role of GAP proteins by promoting hydrolysis of the bound GTP, but this activity still requires additional verification. Early suggestions that NMEs can activate small GTPases by direct phosphorylation of the bound GDP, or by high-rate loading of GTP onto a closely apposed GTPase, were largely dismissed. In this review article, we survey and put into perspective published examples of identified and hypothetical mechanisms of Ras signaling modulation by NME proteins. We also point out involvement of NMEs in the transcriptional regulation of components of Ras GTPases-mediated signal transduction pathways, and reciprocal regulation of NME function by small GTPases, particularly related to NME's binding to membranes.

Metastasis suppressors: functional pathways

Metastasis is a complex process and a major contributor of death in cancer patients. Metastasis suppressor genes are identified by their ability to inhibit metastasis at a secondary site without affecting the growth of primary tumor. In this review, we have conducted a survey of the metastasis suppressor literature to identify common downstream pathways. The metastasis suppressor genes mechanistically target MAPK, G-protein-coupled receptor, cell adhesion, cytoskeletal, transcriptional regulatory, and metastasis susceptibility pathways. The majority of the metastasis suppressor genes are functionally multifactorial, inhibiting metastasis at multiple points in the cascade, and many operate in a context-dependent fashion. A greater understanding of common pathways/molecules targeted by metastasis suppressor could improve metastasis treatment strategies.

Metastasis suppressors: functional pathways

Metastasis is a complex process and a major contributor of death in cancer patients. Metastasis suppressor genes are identified by their ability to inhibit metastasis at a secondary site without affecting the growth of primary tumor. In this review, we have conducted a survey of the metastasis suppressor literature to identify common downstream pathways. The metastasis suppressor genes mechanistically target MAPK, G-protein-coupled receptor, cell adhesion, cytoskeletal, transcriptional regulatory, and metastasis susceptibility pathways. The majority of the metastasis suppressor genes are functionally multifactorial, inhibiting metastasis at multiple points in the cascade, and many operate in a context-dependent fashion. A greater understanding of common pathways/molecules targeted by metastasis suppressor could improve metastasis treatment strategies.

The NDPK/NME superfamily: state of the art

Nucleoside diphosphate kinases (NDPK) are nucleotide metabolism enzymes encoded by NME genes (also called NM23). Given the fact that not all NME-encoded proteins are catalytically active NDPKs and that NM23 generally refers to clinical studies on metastasis, we use here NME/NDPK to denote the proteins. Since their discovery in the 1950's, NMEs/NDPKs have been shown to be involved in multiple physiological and pathological cellular processes, but the molecular mechanisms have not been fully determined. Recent progress in elucidating these underlying mechanisms has been presented by experts in the field at the 10th International Congress on the NDPK/NME/AWD protein family in October 2016 in Dubrovnik, Croatia, and is summarized in review articles or original research in this and an upcoming issue of Laboratory Investigation. Within this editorial, we discuss three major cellular processes that involve members of the multi-functional NME/NDPK family: (i) cancer and metastasis dissemination, (ii) membrane remodeling and nucleotide channeling, and iii) protein histidine phosphorylation.

[Effect of Nm23-H1 Nuclear Localization on Proliferation of Human Lung Adenocarcinoma Cell Line A549]

背景与目的

现有研究发现Nm23-H1还存在胞核表达，而既往的研究都是以过表达或抑制胞浆Nm23-H1为研究手段，由于Nm23-H1本身缺乏核引导序列，其研究结果并不能真实反映或重复临床中Nm23-H1以胞核定位为主的实际生物学效应。因此，本研究通过构建带有核引导序列的Nm23-H1载体并转染A549细胞以探讨Nm23-H1从胞浆向胞核转位对肺癌细胞增殖的影响。

方法

采用基因重组技术构建带核定位信号序列的pLentis-CMV-NME1-IRES2-PURO慢病毒载体，酶切和测序鉴定正确后，稳定转染A549细胞后用Western blot和激光共聚焦检测Nm23-H1蛋白的定位和表达，用CCK-8法检测细胞的增殖，流式细胞术检测细胞周期变化。

结果

成功构建了核内定向表达Nm23-H1的慢病毒载体。转染组在72 h、96 h和120 h时增殖率与空载体组相比均显著升高（P < 0.000, 1）。空载体组A549细胞在G₀期/G₁期所占比例为35.69%，高于转染组的28.28%（t=1.461, P=0.217）；而转染组细胞在G₂期/M期所占比例为58.7%，空载体组为31.30%（t=4.560, P=0.010）。

结论

Nm23-H1在人肺腺癌A549细胞的核内过表达使细胞主要分布在G₂期/M期并促进了细胞的体外增殖。

Metastasis suppressor NM23 limits oxidative stress in mammals by preventing activation of stress-activated protein kinases/JNKs through its nucleoside diphosphate kinase activity

NME1 (nonmetastatic expressed 1) gene, which encodes nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDPK) A [also known as nonmetastatic clone 23 (NM23)-H1 in humans and NM23-M1 in mice], is a suppressor of metastasis, but several lines of evidence-mostly from plants-also implicate it in the regulation of the oxidative stress response. Here, our aim was to investigate the physiologic relevance of NDPK A with respect to the oxidative stress response in mammals and to study its molecular basis. NME1-knockout mice died sooner, suffered greater hepatocyte injury, and had lower superoxide dismutase activity than did wild-type (WT) mice in response to paraquat-induced acute oxidative stress. Deletion of NME1 reduced total NDPK activity and exacerbated activation of the stress-related MAPK, JNK, in the liver in response to paraquat. In a mouse transformed hepatocyte cell line and in primary cultures of normal human keratinocytes, MAPK activation in response to H₂O₂ and UVB, respectively, was dampened by expression of NM23-M1/NM23-H1, dependent on its NDPK catalytic activity. Furthermore, excess or depletion of NM23-M1/NM23-H1 NDPK activity did not affect the intracellular bulk concentration of nucleoside di- and triphosphates. NME1-deficient mouse embryo fibroblasts grew poorly in culture, were more sensitive to stress than WT fibroblasts, and did not immortalize, which suggested that they senesce earlier than do WT fibroblasts. Collectively, these results indicate that the NDPK activity of NM23-M1/NM23-H1 protects cells from acute oxidative stress by inhibiting activation of JNK in mammal models.-Peuchant, E., Bats, M.-L., Moranvillier, I., Lepoivre, M., Guitton, J., Wendum, D., Lacombe, M.-L., Moreau-Gaudry, F., Boissan, M., Dabernat, S. Metastasis suppressor NM23 limits oxidative stress in mammals by preventing activation of stress-activated protein kinases/JNKs through its nucleoside diphosphate kinase activity.

Dissecting the contribution of EBNA3C domains important for EBV-induced B-cell growth and proliferation

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is an oncogenic gammaherpes virus which is linked to pathogenesis of several human lymphatic malignancies. The EBV essential latent antigen EBNA3C is critical for efficient conversion of primary human B-lymphocytes to lymphoblastic cell lines and for continued LCL growth. EBNA3C, an EBV latent antigen with oncogenic potential can bind and regulate the functions of a wide range of cellular transcription factors. In our current reverse genetics study, we deleted the full length EBNA3C, and independently the RBP-Jκ and Nm23-H1 binding sites within EBNA3C using BACmid recombinant engineering methodology. Our experiments demonstrated that deletion of the EBV EBNA3C open reading frame (ORF) and more specifically the residues 621–675 which binds Nm23H1 and SUMO-1 showed a significant reduction in the ability of the cells to proliferate. Furthermore, they exhibited lower infectivity of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). We also showed that recombinant EBV with deletions of the EBNA3C ORF, as well as a recombinant with residues 621–675 within EBNA3C ORF deleted had diminished abilities to activate CD40. Our study also revealed that the full length (1–992) and 621–675 aa deletions of EBNA3C when compared to wild type EBV infected PBMCs had differential expression patterns for the phosphorylation of MAP kinases specifically p38, JNK and ERK. Regulation of β-catenin also differed among wild type and EBNA3C deleted mutants. These temporal differences in signaling activities of these recombinant viruses in PBMCs is likely important in defining their functional importance in EBV-mediated B-cell transformation.

Characterization of Functional Domains in NME1L Regulation of NF-κB Signaling

NME1 is a well-known metastasis suppressor which has been reported to be downregulated in some highly aggressive cancer cells. Although most studies have focused on NME1, the NME1 gene also encodes the protein (NME1L) containing N-terminal 25 extra amino acids by alternative splicing. According to previous studies, NME1L has potent anti-metastatic activity, in comparison with NME1, by interacting with IKKβ and regulating its activity. In the present study, we tried to define the role of the N-terminal 25 amino acids of NME1L in NF-κB activation signaling. Unfortunately, the sequence itself did not interact with IKKβ, suggesting that it may be not enough to constitute the functional structure. Further construction of NME1L fragments and biochemical analysis revealed that N-terminal 84 residues constitute minimal structure for homodimerization, IKKβ interaction and regulation of NF-κB signaling. The inhibitory effect of the fragment on cancer cell migration and NF-κB-stimulated gene expression was equivalent to that of whole NME1L. The data suggest that the N-terminal 84 residues may be a core region for the anti-metastatic activity of NME1L. Based on this result, further structural analysis of the binding between NME1L and IKKβ may help in understanding the anti-metastatic activity of NME1L and provide direction to NME1L and IKKβ-related anti-cancer drug design.

Effect of DR-nm23 overexpression on biological characteristics of human colorectal carcinoma SW620 cells

AIM: To investigate the effect of DR-nm23 overexpression on biological characteristics of human colorectal carcinoma SW620 cells.

METHODS: SW620 cells were divided into three groups: non-endogenous expression (SW620) group, mock control (SW620/mock) group, and recombinant lentiviral expression vector pGC-FU-DR-nm23-GFP transfected (SW620/DR-nm23) group. Both in vitro cell experiments and in vivo xenograft tumor model assay were carried out to investigate the role of DR-nm23 in regulation of colorectal cancer cell proliferation, movement, invasion and metastasis.

RESULTS: Induced overexpression of DR-nm23 in SW620 cells via lentiviral infection resulted in significant inhibition of cell proliferation as revealed by cell growth curve (F = 15.657, P = 0.002) and clonogenic assay (F = 45.476, P = 0.003) in vitro. Meanwhile, Transwell assay showed that the numbers of cells that passed the membrane in the SW620/DR-nm23 group, SW620/mock group and SW620 group were 14.00 ± 1.85, 18.00 ± 2.01, and 17.00 ± 1.98, respectively, indicating that the migration ability was also significantly impaired in the SW620/DR-nm23 group (F = 10.746, P = 0.006). There was no significant difference in the three groups in Boyden chamber assay. Besides, the growth rate (F = 5.579, P = 0.008) and liver metastasis rate of the SW620/DR-nm23 group were significantly reduced as compared with those of the SW620 or SW620/mock group in vivo.

CONCLUSION: Overexpression of DR-nm23 may inhibit the invasive and metastatic capabilities of colorectal carcinoma SW620 cells. Thus, expression status of DR-nm23 may act as a potential prognostic factor in patients with colorectal cancer.

Ginkgo biloba extract enhances chemotherapy sensitivity and reverses chemoresistance through suppression of the KSR1-mediated ERK1/2 pathway in gastric cancer cells

Kinase suppressor of Ras 1 (KSR1) is a scaffold protein that modulates the activation of the oncogenic mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway. Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb) 761 has been demonstrated to possess antitumor activity that may be related to the KSR1-mediated ERK signaling pathway. However, the roles and its underlying mechanism in gastric cancer are unclear. In the present study, 62 gastric cancer and matched normal tissues were exploited for immunohistochemistry and real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR detection. Results of the immunohistochemistry showed that the expression of ERK1/2 and p-ERK1/2 was correlated to the expression of KSR1 and p-KSR1 in the gastric cancer tissues, and the overexpression of KSR1, p-KSR1, ERK1/2 and p-ERK1/2 was significantly associated with histological grade, TNM stage, lymph node and distant metastasis. Compared with the normal tissues, the relative mRNA copy values of KSR1, ERK1 and ERK2 in the cancer tissues were 2.43 ± 0.49, 2.10 ± 0.44 and 3.65 ± 0.94. In addition, the expression of KSR1, p-KSR1, ERK1/2 and p-ERK1/2 in human gastric cancer multidrug resistant SGC-7901/CDDP cells was higher than that in the SGC-7901 cells as detected by the methods of immunocytochemistry and western blot analysis. EGb 761 not only suppressed expression of these proteins induced by cisplatin (CDDP) and etoposide in SGC-7901 cells, but also inhibited expression of these proteins in the SGC-7901/CDDP cells. Meanwhile, the proliferation-suppressing and apoptosis-inducing capacities of CDDP and etoposide were enhanced following combined treatment with EGb 761. Moreover, EGb 761 reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA) content and elevated the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the tumor cells. These results confirmed that activation of the KSR1-mediated ERK1/2 signaling pathway may contribute to tumorigenesis, metastasis and chemoresistance of human gastric cancer. EGb 761 enhanced the chemotherapy sensitivity and reversed the chemoresistance through suppression of the KSR1-mediated ERK1/2 pathway in gastric cancer cells, and the underlying mechanism may be related to its antioxidative activity.

KSR1 regulates BRCA1 degradation and inhibits breast cancer growth

Kinase suppressor of Ras-1 (KSR1) facilitates signal transduction in Ras-dependent cancers, including pancreatic and lung carcinomas but its role in breast cancer has not been well studied. Here, we demonstrate for the first time it functions as a tumor suppressor in breast cancer in contrast to data in other tumors. Breast cancer patients (n>1000) with high KSR1 showed better disease-free and overall survival, results also supported by Oncomine analyses, microarray data (n=2878) and genomic data from paired tumor and cell-free DNA samples revealing loss of heterozygosity. KSR1 expression is associated with high breast cancer 1, early onset (BRCA1), high BRCA1-associated ring domain 1 (BARD1) and checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1) levels. Phospho-profiling of major components of the canonical Ras-RAF-mitogen-activated protein kinases pathway showed no significant changes after KSR1 overexpression or silencing. Moreover, KSR1 stably transfected cells formed fewer and smaller size colonies compared to the parental ones, while in vivo mouse model also demonstrated that the growth of xenograft tumors overexpressing KSR1 was inhibited. The tumor suppressive action of KSR1 is BRCA1 dependent shown by 3D-matrigel and soft agar assays. KSR1 stabilizes BRCA1 protein levels by reducing BRCA1 ubiquitination through increasing BARD1 abundance. These data link these proteins in a continuum with clinical relevance and position KSR1 in the major oncoprotein pathways in breast tumorigenesis.

Metastasis suppressors Nm23H1 and Nm23H2 differentially regulate neoplastic transformation and tumorigenesis

Nm23H1 and H2 are prototypical metastasis suppressors with diverse functions, but recent studies suggest that they may also regulate tumorigenesis. Here, we employed both cellular and in vivo assays to examine the effect of Nm23H1 and H2 on tumorigenesis induced by oncogenic Ras and/or p53 deficiency. Co-expression of Nm23H1 but not H2 in NIH3T3 cells effectively suppressed neoplastic transformation and tumorigenesis induced by the oncogenic H-Ras G12V mutant. Overexpression of Nm23H1 but not H2 also inhibited tumorigenesis by human cervical cancer HeLa cells with p53 deficiency. However, in human non-small-cell lung carcinoma H1299 cells harboring N-Ras Q61K oncogenic mutation and p53 deletion, overexpression of Nm23H1 did not affect tumorigenesis in nude mice assays, while overexpression of Nm23H2 enhanced tumor growth with elevated expression of the c-Myc proto-oncogene. Collectively, these results suggest that Nm23H1 and H2 have differential abilities to modulate tumorigenesis.

Identification of kinases and regulatory proteins required for cell migration using a transfected cell-microarray system

Background

Cell migration plays a major role in a variety of normal biological processes, and a detailed understanding of the associated mechanisms should lead to advances in the medical sciences in areas such as cancer therapy. Previously, we developed a simple chip, based on transfected-cell microarray (TCM) technology, for the identification of genes related to cell migration. In the present study, we used the TCM chip for high-throughput screening (HTS) of a kinome siRNA library to identify genes involved in the motility of highly invasive NBT-L2b cells.

Results

We performed HTS using TCM coupled with a programmed image tracer to capture time-lapse fluorescence images of siRNA-transfected cells and calculated speeds of cell movement. This first screening allowed us to identify 52 genes. After quantitative PCR (qPCR) and a second screening by a conventional transfection method, we confirmed that 32 of these genes were associated with the migration of NBT-L2b cells. We investigated the subcellular localization of proteins and levels of expression of these 32 genes, and then we used our results and databases of protein-protein interactions (PPIs) to construct a hypothetic but comprehensive signal network for cell migration.

Conclusions

The genes that we identified belonged to several functional categories, and our pathway analysis suggested that some of the encoded proteins functioned as the hubs of networks required for cell migration. Our signal pathways suggest that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is an upstream regulator in the network, while Src and GRB2 seem to represent nodes for control of respective the downstream proteins that are required to coordinate the many cellular events that are involved in migration. Our microarray appears to be a useful tool for the analysis of protein networks and signal pathways related to cancer metastasis.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12863-015-0170-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Regulation of the metastasis suppressor Nm23-H1 by tumor viruses

Metastasis is the most common cause of cancer mortality. To increase the survival of patients, it is necessary to develop more effective methods for treating as well as preventing metastatic diseases. Recent advancement of knowledge in cancer metastasis provides the basis for development of targeted molecular therapeutics aimed at the tumor cell or its interaction with the host microenvironment. Metastasis suppressor genes (MSGs) are promising targets for inhibition of the metastasis process. During the past decade, functional significance of these genes, their regulatory pathways, and related downstream effector molecules have become a major focus of cancer research. Nm23-H1, first in the family of Nm23 human homologues, is a well-characterized, anti-metastatic factor linked with a large number of human malignancies. Mounting evidence to date suggests an important role for Nm23-H1 in reducing virus-induced tumor cell motility and migration. A detailed understanding of the molecular association between oncogenic viral antigens with Nm23-H1 may reveal the underlying mechanisms for tumor virus-associated malignancies. In this review, we will focus on the recent advances to our understanding of the molecular basis of oncogenic virus-induced progression of tumor metastasis by deregulation of Nm23-H1.

The metastasis suppressor Nm23 as a modulator of Ras/ERK signaling

NM23-H1 (also known as NME1) was the first identified metastasis suppressor, which displays a nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDPK) and histidine protein kinase activity. NDPKs are linked to many processes, such as cell migration, proliferation, differentiation, but the exact mechanism whereby NM23-H1 inhibits the metastatic potential of cancer cells remains elusive. However, some recent data suggest that NM23-H1 may exert its anti-metastatic effect by blocking Ras/ERK signaling. In mammalian cell lines NDPK-mediated attenuation of Ras/ERK signaling occurs through phosphorylation (thus inactivation) of KSR (kinase suppressor of Ras) scaffolds. In this review I summarize our knowledge about KSR's function and its regulation in mammals and in C. elegans. Genetic studies in the nematode contributed substantially to our understanding of the function and regulation of the Ras pathway (i.e. KSR's discovery is also linked to the nematode). Components of the RTK/Ras/ERK pathway seem to be highly conserved between mammals and worms. NDK-1, the worm homolog of NM23-H1 affects Ras/MAPK signaling at the level of KSRs, and a functional interaction between NDK-1/NDPK and KSRs was first demonstrated in the worm in vivo. However, NDK-1 is a factor, which is necessary for proper MAPK activation, thus it activates rather than suppresses Ras/MAPK signaling in the worm. The contradiction between results in mammalian cell lines and in the worm regarding NDPKs' effect exerted on the outcome of Ras signaling might be resolved, if we better understand the function, structure and regulation of KSR scaffolds.

A splicing variant of NME1 negatively regulates NF-κB signaling and inhibits cancer metastasis by interacting with IKKβ

IKKβ functions as a principal upstream activator of the canonical NF-κB pathway by phosphorylating IκB, leading to its proteasomal degradation. Because IKKβ is considered a therapeutic target, understanding its regulation may facilitate the design of efficient regulators of this molecule. Here, we report a novel IKKβ-interacting molecule, NME1L, a splicing variant of the NME1 protein. NME1 has attracted attention in cancer research because of its antimetastatic activity and reduced expression in multiple aggressive types of cancer. However, the effect was just moderate but not dramatic in anti-cancer activities. We found that only NME1L interacts with IKKβ. Exogenous expression of NME1L resulted in a potent decrease in TNFα-stimulated NF-κB activation, whereas knockdown of NME1/NME1L with shRNA enhanced activity of NF-κB. NME1L down-regulates IKKβ signaling by blocking IKKβ-mediated IκB degradation. When NME1L was introduced into highly metastatic HT1080 cells, the mobility was efficiently inhibited. Furthermore, in a metastasis assay, NME1L-expressing cells did not colonize the lung. Based on these results, NME1L is a potent antimetastatic protein and may be a useful weapon in the fight against cancers.

Identification of a truncated kinase suppressor of Ras 2 mRNA in sperm

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A truncated kinase suppressor of Ras 2 (T-KSR2) mRNA was identified.

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T-KSR2 is expressed exclusively in mouse testes and sperm.

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Analysis of T-KSR2 may enhance understanding of spermatogenesis and fertility.

The kinase suppressor of Ras 2 (KSR2) is a scaffold protein for the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) signaling pathway. KSR2 mediates germline mpk-1 (Caenorhabditis elegans ERK) phosphorylation in C. elegans and has been implicated the regulation of meiosis. KSR2^−/− mice exhibit metabolic abnormalities and are reproductively impaired. The role of KSR2 in meiosis and fertility in mice has yet to be elucidated. Here, we describe a novel truncated KSR2 mRNA identified in mouse testes (T-KSR2). Further analysis demonstrates T-KSR2 is specific to mouse testes and mature sperm cells. The detection of T-KSR2 may enhance our understanding of mechanisms controlling spermatogenesis and fertility.

Nm23-h1 binds to gelsolin and inactivates its actin-severing capacity to promote tumor cell motility and metastasis

Nm23-H1 has been identified as a metastasis suppressor gene, but its protein interactions have yet to be understood with any mechanistic clarity. In this study, we evaluated the proteomic spectrum of interactions made by Nm23-H1 in 4T1 murine breast cancer cells derived from tissue culture, primary mammary tumors, and pulmonary metastases. By this approach, we identified the actin-severing protein Gelsolin as binding partner for Nm23-H1, verifying their interaction by coimmunoprecipitation in 4T1 cells as well as in human MCF7, MDA-MB-231T, and MDA-MB-435 breast cancer cells. In Gelsolin-transfected cells, coexpression of Nm23-H1 abrogated the actin-severing activity of Gelsolin. Conversely, actin severing by Gelsolin was abrogated by RNA interference-mediated silencing of endogenous Nm23-H1. Tumor cell motility was negatively affected in parallel with Gelsolin activity, suggesting that Nm23-H1 binding inactivated the actin-depolymerizing function of Gelsolin to inhibit cell motility. Using indirect immunoflourescence to monitor complexes formed by Gelsolin and Nm23-H1 in living cells, we observed their colocalization in a perinuclear cytoplasmic compartment that was associated with the presence of disrupted actin stress fibers. In vivo analyses revealed that Gelsolin overexpression increased the metastasis of orthotopically implanted 4T1 or tail vein-injected MDA-MB-231T cells (P = 0.001 and 0.04, respectively), along with the proportion of mice with diffuse liver metastases, an effect ablated by coexpression of Nm23-H1. We observed no variation in proliferation among lung metastases. Our findings suggest a new actin-based mechanism that can suppress tumor metastasis.

Nm23-h1 binds to gelsolin and inactivates its actin-severing capacity to promote tumor cell motility and metastasis

Nm23-H1 has been identified as a metastasis suppressor gene, but its protein interactions have yet to be understood with any mechanistic clarity. In this study, we evaluated the proteomic spectrum of interactions made by Nm23-H1 in 4T1 murine breast cancer cells derived from tissue culture, primary mammary tumors, and pulmonary metastases. By this approach, we identified the actin-severing protein Gelsolin as binding partner for Nm23-H1, verifying their interaction by coimmunoprecipitation in 4T1 cells as well as in human MCF7, MDA-MB-231T, and MDA-MB-435 breast cancer cells. In Gelsolin-transfected cells, coexpression of Nm23-H1 abrogated the actin-severing activity of Gelsolin. Conversely, actin severing by Gelsolin was abrogated by RNA interference-mediated silencing of endogenous Nm23-H1. Tumor cell motility was negatively affected in parallel with Gelsolin activity, suggesting that Nm23-H1 binding inactivated the actin-depolymerizing function of Gelsolin to inhibit cell motility. Using indirect immunoflourescence to monitor complexes formed by Gelsolin and Nm23-H1 in living cells, we observed their colocalization in a perinuclear cytoplasmic compartment that was associated with the presence of disrupted actin stress fibers. In vivo analyses revealed that Gelsolin overexpression increased the metastasis of orthotopically implanted 4T1 or tail vein-injected MDA-MB-231T cells (P = 0.001 and 0.04, respectively), along with the proportion of mice with diffuse liver metastases, an effect ablated by coexpression of Nm23-H1. We observed no variation in proliferation among lung metastases. Our findings suggest a new actin-based mechanism that can suppress tumor metastasis.

The NM23-H1/H2 homolog NDK-1 is required for full activation of Ras signaling in C. elegans

The group I members of the Nm23 (non-metastatic) gene family encode nucleoside diphosphate kinases (NDPKs) that have been implicated in the regulation of cell migration, proliferation and differentiation. Despite their developmental and medical significance, the molecular functions of these NDPKs remain ill defined. To minimize confounding effects of functional compensation between closely related Nm23 family members, we studied ndk-1, the sole Caenorhabditis elegans ortholog of group I NDPKs, and focused on its role in Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-mediated signaling events during development. ndk-1 inactivation leads to a protruding vulva phenotype and affects vulval cell fate specification through the Ras/MAPK cascade. ndk-1 mutant worms show severe reduction of activated, diphosphorylated MAPK in somatic tissues, indicative of compromised Ras/MAPK signaling. A genetic epistasis analysis using the vulval induction system revealed that NDK-1 acts downstream of LIN-45/Raf, but upstream of MPK-1/MAPK, at the level of the kinase suppressors of ras (KSR-1/2). KSR proteins act as scaffolds facilitating Ras signaling events by tethering signaling components, and we suggest that NDK-1 modulates KSR activity through direct physical interaction. Our study reveals that C. elegans NDK-1/Nm23 influences differentiation by enhancing the level of Ras/MAPK signaling. These results might help to better understand how dysregulated Nm23 in humans contributes to tumorigenesis.

The dual function of KSR1: a pseudokinase and beyond

Protein kinases play a pivotal role in regulating many aspects of biological processes, including development, differentiation and cell death. Within the kinome, 48 kinases (~10%) are classified as pseudokinases owing to the fact that they lack at least one conserved catalytic residue in their kinase domain. However, emerging evidence suggest that some pseudokinases, even without the ability to phosphorylate substrates, are regulators of multiple cellular signalling pathways. Among these is KSR1 (kinase suppressor of Ras 1), which was initially identified as a novel kinase in the Ras/Raf pathway. Subsequent studies showed that KSR1 mainly functions as a platform to assemble different cellular components thereby facilitating signal transduction. In the present article, we discuss recent findings regarding KSR1, indicating that it has dual activity as an active kinase as well as a pseudokinase/scaffolding protein. Moreover, the biological functions of KSR1 in human disorders, notably in malignancies, are also reviewed.

Stability of the endosomal scaffold protein LAMTOR3 depends on heterodimer assembly and proteasomal degradation

LAMTOR3 (MP1) and LAMTOR2 (p14) form a heterodimer as part of the larger Ragulator complex that is required for MAPK and mTOR1 signaling from late endosomes/lysosomes. Here, we show that loss of LAMTOR2 (p14) results in an unstable cytosolic monomeric pool of LAMTOR3 (MP1). Monomeric cytoplasmic LAMTOR3 is rapidly degraded in a proteasome-dependent but lysosome-independent manner. Mutational analyses indicated that the turnover of the protein is dependent on ubiquitination of several lysine residues. Similarly, other Ragulator subunits, LAMTOR1 (p18), LAMTOR4 (c7orf59), and LAMTOR5 (HBXIP), are degraded as well upon the loss of LAMTOR2. Thus the assembly of the Ragulator complex is monitored by cellular quality control systems, most likely to prevent aberrant signaling at the convergence of mTOR and MAPK caused by a defective Ragulator complex.

RGS19 inhibits Ras signaling through Nm23H1/2-mediated phosphorylation of the kinase suppressor of Ras

Besides serving as signal terminators for G protein pathways, several regulators of G protein signaling (RGS) can also modulate cell proliferation. RGS19 has previously been shown to enhance Akt signaling despite impaired Ras signaling. The present study examines the mechanism by which RGS19 inhibits Ras signaling. In HEK293 cells stably expressing RGS19, serum-induced Ras activation and phosphorylations of Raf/MEK/ERK were significantly inhibited, while cells expressing RGS2, 4, 7, 8, 10, or 20 did not exhibit this inhibitory phenotype. Conversely, siRNA-mediated knockdown of RGS19 enabled partial recovery of serum-induced ERK phosphorylation. Interestingly, two isoforms of the tumor metastasis suppressor Nm23 (H1 and H2) were upregulated in 293/RGS19 cells. As a nucleoside diphosphate kinase, Nm23H1 can phosphorylate the kinase suppressor of Ras (KSR). Elevated levels of phosphorylated KSR were indeed detected in the nuclear fractions of 293/RGS19 cells. Co-immunoprecipitation assays revealed that Nm23H1/2 can form complexes with RGS19, Ras, or KSR. siRNA-mediated knockdown of Nm23H1/2 allowed 293/RGS19 cells to partially recover their ERK responses to serum treatment, while overexpression of Nm23H1/2 in HEK293 cells suppressed the serum-induced ERK response. This study demonstrates that expression of RGS19 can suppress Ras-mediated signaling via upregulation of Nm23.

nm23-H1 gene driven by hTERT promoter induces inhibition of invasive phenotype and metastasis of lung cancer xenograft in mice

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in both men and women worldwide. Tumor metastasis is an essential aspect of lung cancer progression and patient death. The nm23-H1 gene has been extensively investigated as a metastasis suppressor gene. Our previous studies have revealed: that a significant relationship exists between the low-level expression nm23-H1 in primary non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with increased metastasis and a poor prognosis; that L9981-nm23-H1 cells (a nm23-H1 transfactant cell) exhibited lower cell proliferation rates, more G0/G1 phase growth, and an increase in apoptosis with a dramatic decrease in the tumor cells' ability to invade than L9981 cells did; and that L9981- nm23-H1 cells also demonstrated a significantly reduced lymph node and distant metastatic capacity in vivo than L9981 cells did in nude mice.

METHODS

In this study, we construct a plasmid containing the nm23-H1 gene, which was driven by the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) promoter. We evaluated the anti-invasion and anti-metastatic effects of pGL3-hTP-nm23 on L9981, a human large cell lung cancer cell line with nm23-H1 negative expression, by transwell assay in vitro and bioluminescence in nude mice models. The toxicity of pGL3-hTP-nm23 and its effects on tumor growth were evaluated in nude mice models after gene therapy. The cell cycles, apoptosis, and proliferation of the nm23-H1 transfactant were also detected by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT assay) and flow cytometry (FCM).

RESULTS

The results showed that the hTERT-promoter dramatically drives nm23-H1 gene expression, and induces inhibition of cell growth and migration in L9981-luc cells and MRC-5 cells in vitro. nm23-H1 also significantly inhibited the tumorigenesis and distant metastasis of L9981-luc cell in vivo. Moreover, no obvious side effect was detected in normal mouse tissues after intratumoral injection of the vector.

CONCLUSION

The treatment of the nm23-H1 gene driven by hTERT promoter appears to be a promising approach for the gene therapy of nm23-H1 low-expressed tumors.

VRK2 anchors KSR1-MEK1 to endoplasmic reticulum forming a macromolecular complex that compartmentalizes MAPK signaling

The spatial and temporal regulation of intracellular signaling is determined by the spatial and temporal organization of complexes assembled on scaffold proteins, which can be modulated by their interactions with additional proteins as well as subcellular localization. The scaffold KSR1 protein interacts with MAPK forming a complex that conveys a differential signaling in response to growth factors. The aim of this work is to determine the unknown mechanism by which VRK2A downregulates MAPK signaling. We have characterized the multiprotein complex formed by KSR1 and the Ser-Thr kinase VRK2A. VRK2A is a protein bound to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and retains a fraction of KSR1 complexes on the surface of this organelle. Both proteins, VRK2A and KSR1, directly interact by their respective C-terminal regions. In addition, MEK1 is also incorporated in the basal complex. MEK1 independently interacts with the CA5 region of KSR1 and with the N-terminus of VRK2A. Thus, VRK2A can form a high molecular size (600-1,000 kDa) stable complex with both MEK1 and KSR1. Knockdown of VRK2A resulted in disassembly of these high molecular size complexes. Overexpression of VRK2A increased the amount of KSR1 in the particulate fraction and prevented the incorporation of ERK1/2 into the complex after stimulation with EGF. Neither VRK2A nor KSR1 interact with the VHR, MKP1, MKP2, or MKP3 phosphatases. The KSR1 complex assembled and retained by VRK2A in the ER can have a modulatory effect on the signal mediated by MAPK, thus locally affecting the magnitude of its responses, and can explain differential responses depending on cell type.

The role of pseudokinases in cancer

Kinases play a critical role in regulating many cellular functions including development, differentiation and proliferation. To date, over 518 proteins with kinase activity, comprising ~2-3% of total cellular proteins, have been identified from within the human kinome. Interestingly, approximately 10% of kinases are categorised as pseudokinases since they lack one or more conserved catalytic residues within their kinase domain and were originally thought to have no enzymatic activity. Recently, there has been strong evidence to suggest that some pseudokinsases can not only function as scaffold proteins, but may also possess kinase activity leading to modulation of cell signalling pathways. Altered activity of these pseudokinases can result in impaired cellular function, particularly in malignancies. In this review we are discussing recent evidence that apart from a scaffolding role, pseudokinases also orchestrate cellular processes as active kinases per se in signalling pathways of malignant cells.

Protein-protein interactions: a mechanism regulating the anti-metastatic properties of Nm23-H1

Nm23-H1, also known as NDPK-A, was the first of a class of metastasis suppressor genes to be identified. Overexpression of Nm23-H1 in metastatic cell lines (melanoma, breast carcinoma, prostate, colon, hepatocellular, and oral squamous cell carcinoma) reduced cell motility in in vitro assays and metastatic potential in xenograft models, without a significant effect on primary tumor size. The mechanism of Nm23-H1 suppression of metastasis, however, is incompletely understood. Nm23-H1 has been reported to bind proteins, including those in small G-protein complexes, transcriptional complexes, the Map kinase, the TGF-β signaling pathways and the cytoskeleton. Evidence supporting these associations is presented together with evidence of resultant biochemical and phenotypic consequences of association. Cumulatively, the data suggest that part of the anti-metastatic function of Nm23-H1 lies in pathways that it interrupts via binding and inactivation of proteins.

Comparative analysis of human and bovine protein kinases reveals unique relationship and functional diversity

Reversible protein phosphorylation by protein kinases and phosphatases is a common event in various cellular processes. The eukaryotic protein kinase superfamily, which is one of the largest superfamilies of eukaryotic proteins, plays several roles in cell signaling and diseases. We identified 482 eukaryotic protein kinases and 39 atypical protein kinases in the bovine genome, by searching publicly accessible genetic-sequence databases. Bovines have 512 putative protein kinases, each orthologous to a human kinase. Whereas orthologous kinase pairs are, on an average, 90.6% identical, orthologous kinase catalytic domain pairs are, on an average, 95.9% identical at the amino acid level. This bioinformatic study of bovine protein kinases provides a suitable framework for further characterization of their functional and structural properties.

Protein-protein interactions: a mechanism regulating the anti-metastatic properties of Nm23-H1

Nm23-H1, also known as NDPK-A, was the first of a class of metastasis suppressor genes to be identified. Overexpression of Nm23-H1 in metastatic cell lines (melanoma, breast carcinoma, prostate, colon, hepatocellular, and oral squamous cell carcinoma) reduced cell motility in in vitro assays and metastatic potential in xenograft models, without a significant effect on primary tumor size. The mechanism of Nm23-H1 suppression of metastasis, however, is incompletely understood. Nm23-H1 has been reported to bind proteins, including those in small G-protein complexes, transcriptional complexes, the Map kinase, the TGF-β signaling pathways and the cytoskeleton. Evidence supporting these associations is presented together with evidence of resultant biochemical and phenotypic consequences of association. Cumulatively, the data suggest that part of the anti-metastatic function of Nm23-H1 lies in pathways that it interrupts via binding and inactivation of proteins.

Mass spectrometric characterization of protein structure details refines the proteome signature for invasive ductal breast carcinoma

Early diagnosis as well as individualized therapies are necessary to reduce the mortality of breast cancer, and personalized patient care strategies rely on novel prognostic or predictive factors. In this study, with six breast cancer patients, 2D gel analysis was applied for studying protein expression differences in order to distinguish invasive ductal breast carcinoma, the most frequent breast tumor subtype, from control samples. In total, 1203 protein spots were assembled in a 2D reference gel. Differentially abundant spots were subjected to peptide mass fingerprinting for protein identification. Twenty proteins with their corresponding 38 differentially expressed 2D gel spots were contained in our previously reported proteome signature, suggesting that distinct protein forms were contributing. In-depth MS/MS measurements enabled analyses of protein structure details of selected proteins. In protein spots that significantly contributed to our signature, we found that glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase was N-terminally truncated, pyruvate kinase M2 and nucleoside diphosphate kinase A but not other isoforms of these proteins were of importance, and nucleophosmin phosphorylation at serine residues 106 and 125 were clearly identified. Principle component analysis and hierarchical clustering with normalized quantitative data from the 38 spots resulted in accurate separation of tumor from control samples. Thus, separation of tissue samples as in our initial proteome signature could be confirmed even with a different proteome analysis platform. In addition, detailed protein structure investigations enabled refining our proteome signature for invasive ductal breast carcinoma, opening the way to structure-/function studies with respect to disease processes and/or therapeutic intervention.

Regulation of Nm23-H1 and cell invasiveness by Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus

The Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is the causative agent of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), and the induction of an invasive cellular phenotype by KSHV following de novo infection is an important pathogenic component mediating tumor progression. The metastasis suppressor gene known as Nm23-H1 regulates tumor cell invasiveness, but whether KSHV itself regulates Nm23-H1 expression or subcellular localization, and whether this impacts cell invasiveness, has not been established. We found that KSHV increases expression and nuclear translocation of Nm23-H1 and that nuclear translocation of Nm23-H1 is regulated by the KSHV-encoded latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA). Moreover, activation of the Ras-BRaf-MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) signal transduction pathway, secretion of promigratory factors associated with this pathway, and cell invasiveness are dependent on KSHV regulation of Nm23-H1. Finally, induction of cytoplasmic overexpression of Nm23-H1 using a pharmacologic inhibitor of DNA methylation reduced KSHV-associated Ras-BRaf-MAPK pathway activation and suppressed KSHV-induced invasiveness. These data provide the first evidence for KSHV regulation of Nm23-H1 as a mechanism for KSHV induction of an invasive cellular phenotype and support the potential utility of targeting Nm23-H1 as a therapeutic approach for the treatment of KS.

Nuclear localization of Nm23-H1 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is associated with radiation resistance

BACKGROUND

Although radiation resistance is a primary issue in radiation therapy, attempts to find predictors of radiation resistance have met with little success. The authors therefore aimed to determine predictors for radiation resistance to improve the prognosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

METHODS

HNSCC cell lines, SCC15, SCC25, and QLL1, irradiated with an acute dose of 4 grays (Gy) (RR-4), a cumulative dose of 60 Gy (RR-60), and a booster dose of 4 Gy over 60 Gy (RR-60 + 4), were used with nonirradiated cell lines. Those were used in cDNA microarray, proteomics, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence, respectively. One hundred five HNSCC tissue samples with radiation resistance were analyzed by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Western blot analysis of RR-60 cell lines was identical to the data of Nm23-H1 overexpression by cDNA array and proteomic screening. Immunofluorescence demonstrated significant nuclear translocation of Nm23-H1 in RR-4 and RR-60 cell lines, and less but still intense nuclear shuttling in RR-60 + 4. Similarly, Nm23-H1 nuclear localization was observed in 20% (21 of 105) of tissue samples. Univariate analysis demonstrated that Nm23-H1 nuclear localization was strongly associated with overall and recurrence-free survival. Multivariate stepwise Cox regression analysis showed that Nm23-H1 nuclear localization (odds ratio [OR], 7.48) and N stage (OR, 2.13) were associated with overall survival, and Nm23-H1 nuclear localization (OR, 3.02), T stage (OR, 1.43), and insufficient tumor margin (OR, 3.27) were associated with recurrence-free survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Overexpression of Nm23-H1, specifically its nuclear translocation, may be a powerful predictor of radiation resistance in HNSCC.

Implication of metastasis suppressor NM23-H1 in maintaining adherens junctions and limiting the invasive potential of human cancer cells

Loss of NM23-H1 expression correlates with the degree of metastasis and with unfavorable clinical prognosis in several types of human carcinoma. However, the mechanistic basis for the metastasis suppressor function of NM23-H1 is obscure. We silenced NM23-H1 expression in human hepatoma and colon carcinoma cells and methodologically investigated effects on cell-cell adhesion, migration, invasion, and signaling linked to cancer progression. NM23-H1 silencing disrupted cell-cell adhesion mediated by E-cadherin, resulting in β-catenin nuclear translocation and T-cell factor/lymphoid-enhancing factor-1 transactivation. Further, NM23-H1 silencing promoted cellular scattering, motility, and extracellular matrix invasion by promoting invadopodia formation and upregulating several matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), including membrane type 1 MMP. In contrast, silencing the related NM23-H2 gene was ineffective at promoting invasion. NM23-H1 silencing activated proinvasive signaling pathways involving Rac1, mitogen-activated protein kinases, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt, and src kinase. Conversely, NM23-H1 was dispensable for cancer cell proliferation in vitro and liver regeneration in NM23-M1 null mice, instead inducing cellular resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs in vitro. Analysis of NM23-H1 expression in clinical specimens revealed high expression in premalignant lesions (liver cirrhosis and colon adenoma) and the central body of primary liver or colon tumors, but downregulation at the invasive front of tumors. Our findings reveal that NM23-H1 is critical for control of cell-cell adhesion and cell migration at early stages of the invasive program in epithelial cancers, orchestrating a barrier against conversion of in situ carcinoma into invasive malignancy.

VRK2 inhibits mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling and inversely correlates with ErbB2 in human breast cancer

The epidermal growth factor (EGF)-ErbB-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) transcription signaling pathway is altered in many types of carcinomas, and this pathway can be regulated by new protein-protein interactions. Vaccinia-related kinase (VRK) proteins are Ser-Thr kinases that regulate several signal transduction pathways. In this work, we study the effect of VRK2 on MAPK signaling using breast cancer as a model. High levels of VRK2 inhibit EGF and ErbB2 activation of transcription by the serum response element (SRE). This effect is also detected in response to H-Ras(G12V) or B-Raf(V600E) oncogenes and is accompanied by a reduction in phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) levels, p90RSK levels, and SRE-dependent transcription. Furthermore, VRK2 knockdown has the opposite effect, increasing the transcriptional response to stimulation with EGF and leading to increased levels of ERK phosphorylation. The molecular mechanism lies between MAPK/ERK kinase (MEK) and ERK, since MEK remains phosphorylated while ERK phosphorylation is blocked by VRK2A. This inhibition of the ERK signaling pathway is a consequence of a direct protein-protein interaction between VRK2A, MEK, and kinase suppressor of Ras 1 (KSR1). Identification of new correlations in human cancer can lead to a better understanding of the biology of individual tumors. ErbB2 and VRK2 protein levels were inversely correlated in 136 cases of human breast carcinoma. In ErbB2(+) tumors, there is a significant reduction in the VRK2 level, suggesting a role for VRK2A in ErbB2-MAPK signaling. Thus, VRK2 downregulation in carcinomas permits signal transmission through the MEK-ERK pathway without affecting AKT signaling, causing a signal imbalance among pathways that contributes to the phenotype of breast cancer.

Nm23-H1 can induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in B cells

Nm23-H1 is a well-known tumor metastasis suppressor, which functions as a nucleoside-diphosphate kinase converting nucleoside diphosphates to nucleoside triphosphates with an expense of ATP. It regulates a variety of cellular activities, including proliferation, development, migration and differentiation known to be modulated by a series of complex signaling pathway. Few studies have addressed the mechanistic action of Nm23-H1 in the context of these cellular processes. To determine the downstream pathways modulated by Nm23-H1, we expressed Nm23-H1 in a Burkitt lymphoma derived B-cell line BJAB and performed pathway specific microarray analysis. The genes with significant changes in expression patterns were clustered in groups which are responsible for regulating cell cycle, p53 activities and apoptosis. We found a general reduction of cell cycle regulatory proteins including cyclins and cyclin dependent kinase inhibitors (anti proliferation), and upregulation of apoptotic genes which included caspase 3, 9 and Bcl-x. Nm23-H1 was also found to upregulate p53 and downregulate p21 expression. A number of these genes were validated by real time PCR and results from promoter assays indicated that Nm23-H1 expression downregulated cyclin D1 in a dose responsive manner. Further, we show that Nm23-H1 forms a complex with the cellular transcription factor AP1 to modulate cyclin D1 expression levels. BJAB cells expressing Nm23-H1 showed reduced proliferation rate and were susceptible to increased apoptosis which may in part be due to a direct interaction between Nm23-H1 and p53. These results suggest that Nm23-H1 may have a role in the regulation of cell cycle and apoptosis in human B-cells.

The Nm23-H1 metastasis suppressor as a translational target

Nm23 was the first of what has become a field of over 20 known metastasis suppressor genes (MSGs). Since the discovery of Nm23 in 1988, a variety of mechanisms have been attributed to its activity, including a histidine kinase activity, binding of other proteins to regulate metastatic formation, and altered gene expression downstream of Nm23. Here, we will review current efforts to translate the previous work done on this MSG into the clinic, including high-dose medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), which has been shown to upregulate Nm23 expression. In addition, we will detail a new potential target downstream of Nm23. LPA1 is one of a group of known cell surface receptors for lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), which has been shown to be inversely correlated with Nm23 expression. A specific LPA1 antagonist could conceivably mimic the effects of Nm23 by downregulating the activity of the LPA1 pathway, which would be of considerable interest for potential clinical use.