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Tennett JC, Epstein SR, Sawyer N. Enhanced EphB2-Specific Peptide Inhibitors through Stabilization of Polyproline II Helical Structure. ACS Chem Biol 2024; 19:1214-1221. [PMID: 38739742 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.3c00791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Ephrin (Eph) receptors are the largest family of receptor tyrosine kinases. Interactions between Eph receptors and their membrane-bound ephrin protein ligands are associated with many developmental processes as well as various cancers and neurodegenerative diseases. With significant crosstalk between different Eph receptors and ephrin ligands, there is an urgent need for high-affinity ligands that bind specifically to individual Eph receptors to interrogate and modulate their functions. Here, we describe the rational development of potent EphB2 receptor inhibitors derived from the EphB2 receptor-specific SNEW peptide. To improve inhibitory potency, we evaluated 20+ cross-linkers with the goal of spanning and stabilizing a single polyproline II helical turn observed when SNEW binds to the EphB2 receptor. Of the cross-linkers evaluated, an 11-atom cross-linker, composed of a rigid 2,7-dimethylnaphthyl moiety between two cysteine residues, was found to yield the most potent inhibitor. Analysis of the cyclized region of this peptide by NMR and molecular dynamics simulations suggests that cross-linking stabilizes the receptor-bound polyproline II helix structure observed in the receptor-peptide complex. Cross-linked SNEW variants retained binding specificity for EphB2 and showed cross-linker-dependent resistance to trypsin proteolysis. Beyond the discovery of more potent EphB2 receptor inhibitors, these studies illustrate a novel cyclization approach with potential to stabilize polyproline II helical structure in various peptides for specific targeting of the myriad protein-protein interactions (PPIs) mediated by polyproline II helices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica C Tennett
- Department of Chemistry, Fordham University, 441 E. Fordham Rd., Bronx, New York 10458, United States
| | - Sophie R Epstein
- Department of Chemistry, Fordham University, 441 E. Fordham Rd., Bronx, New York 10458, United States
| | - Nicholas Sawyer
- Department of Chemistry, Fordham University, 441 E. Fordham Rd., Bronx, New York 10458, United States
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2
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Wirth D, Özdemir E, Wimley WC, Pasquale EB, Hristova K. Transmembrane helix interactions regulate oligomerization of the receptor tyrosine kinase EphA2. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107441. [PMID: 38838777 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The transmembrane helices of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) have been proposed to switch between two different dimeric conformations, one associated with the inactive RTK and the other with the active RTK. Furthermore, recent work has demonstrated that some full-length RTKs are associated with oligomers that are larger than dimers, raising questions about the roles of the TM helices in the assembly and function of these oligomers. Here we probe the roles of the TM helices in the stability of EphA2 RTK oligomers in the plasma membrane. We employ mutagenesis to evaluate the relevance of a published NMR dimeric structure of the isolated EphA2 TM helix in the context of the full-length EphA2 in the plasma membrane. We use two fluorescence methods, Förster Resonance Energy Transfer and Fluorescence Intensity Fluctuations spectrometry, which yield complementary information about the EphA2 oligomerization process. These studies reveal that the TM helix mutations affect the stability, structure, and size of EphA2 oligomers. However, the effects are multifaceted and point to a more complex role of the TM helix than the one expected from the "TM dimer switch" model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Wirth
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ece Özdemir
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - William C Wimley
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Elena B Pasquale
- Cancer Metabolism and Microenvironment Program, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Kalina Hristova
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
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3
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Guo X, Yang Y, Tang J, Xiang J. Ephs in cancer progression: complexity and context-dependent nature in signaling, angiogenesis and immunity. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:299. [PMID: 38811954 PMCID: PMC11137953 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01580-3] [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: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Eph receptors constitute the largest family of receptor tyrosine kinases, comprising 14 distinct members classified into two subgroups: EphAs and EphBs.. Despite their essential functions in normal physiological processes, accumulating evidence suggests that the involvement of the Eph family in cancer is characterized by a dual and often contradictory nature. Research indicates that Eph/ephrin bidirectional signaling influences cell-cell communication, subsequently regulating cell migration, adhesion, differentiation and proliferation. The contradictory functionalities may arise from the diversity of Eph signaling pathways and the heterogeneity of different cancer microenvironment. In this review, we aim to discuss the dual role of the Eph receptors in tumor development, attempting to elucidate the paradoxical functionality through an exploration of Eph receptor signaling pathways, angiogenesis, immune responses, and more. Our objective is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying tumor development. Additionally, we will explore the evolving landscape of utilizing Eph receptors as potential targets for tumor therapy and diagnostic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoting Guo
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Precise Treatment of Lung Cancer, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and the Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yanyi Yang
- Health Management Center, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jingqun Tang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Precise Treatment of Lung Cancer, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
| | - Juanjuan Xiang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Precise Treatment of Lung Cancer, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and the Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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Collier L, Seah C, Hicks EM, Holtzheimer PE, Krystal JH, Girgenti MJ, Huckins LM, Johnston KJA. The impact of chronic pain on brain gene expression. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.05.20.24307630. [PMID: 38826319 PMCID: PMC11142271 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.20.24307630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Background Chronic pain affects one fifth of American adults, contributing significant public health burden. Chronic pain mechanisms can be further understood through investigating brain gene expression. Methods We tested differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in chronic pain, migraine, lifetime fentanyl and oxymorphone use, and with chronic pain genetic risk in four brain regions (dACC, DLPFC, MeA, BLA) and imputed cell type expression data from 304 postmortem donors. We compared findings across traits and with independent transcriptomics resources, and performed gene-set enrichment. Results We identified two chronic pain DEGs: B4GALT and VEGFB in bulk dACC. We found over 2000 (primarily BLA microglia) chronic pain cell type DEGs. Findings were enriched for mouse microglia pain genes, and for hypoxia and immune response. Cross-trait DEG overlap was minimal. Conclusions Chronic pain-associated gene expression is heterogeneous across cell type, largely distinct from that in pain-related traits, and shows BLA microglia are a key cell type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lily Collier
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York City, NY
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT
| | - Carina Seah
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY
| | - Emily M Hicks
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY
| | - Paul E Holtzheimer
- National Center for PTSD, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- Department of Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
| | - John H Krystal
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT
- Clinical Neuroscience Division, National Center for PTSD, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT
| | - Matthew J Girgenti
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT
- Clinical Neuroscience Division, National Center for PTSD, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT
| | - Laura M Huckins
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT
| | - Keira J A Johnston
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT
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5
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Kars ME, Wu Y, Stenson PD, Cooper DN, Burisch J, Peter I, Itan Y. The landscape of rare genetic variation associated with inflammatory bowel disease and Parkinson's disease comorbidity. Genome Med 2024; 16:66. [PMID: 38741190 PMCID: PMC11092054 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-024-01335-2] [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: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are chronic disorders that have been suggested to share common pathophysiological processes. LRRK2 has been implicated as playing a role in both diseases. Exploring the genetic basis of the IBD-PD comorbidity through studying high-impact rare genetic variants can facilitate the identification of the novel shared genetic factors underlying this comorbidity. METHODS We analyzed whole exomes from the BioMe BioBank and UK Biobank, and whole genomes from a cohort of 67 European patients diagnosed with both IBD and PD to examine the effects of LRRK2 missense variants on IBD, PD and their co-occurrence (IBD-PD). We performed optimized sequence kernel association test (SKAT-O) and network-based heterogeneity clustering (NHC) analyses using high-impact rare variants in the IBD-PD cohort to identify novel candidate genes, which we further prioritized by biological relatedness approaches. We conducted phenome-wide association studies (PheWAS) employing BioMe BioBank and UK Biobank whole exomes to estimate the genetic relevance of the 14 prioritized genes to IBD-PD. RESULTS The analysis of LRRK2 missense variants revealed significant associations of the G2019S and N2081D variants with IBD-PD in addition to several other variants as potential contributors to increased or decreased IBD-PD risk. SKAT-O identified two significant genes, LRRK2 and IL10RA, and NHC identified 6 significant gene clusters that are biologically relevant to IBD-PD. We observed prominent overlaps between the enriched pathways in the known IBD, PD, and candidate IBD-PD gene sets. Additionally, we detected significantly enriched pathways unique to the IBD-PD, including MAPK signaling, LPS/IL-1 mediated inhibition of RXR function, and NAD signaling. Fourteen final candidate IBD-PD genes were prioritized by biological relatedness methods. The biological importance scores estimated by protein-protein interaction networks and pathway and ontology enrichment analyses indicated the involvement of genes related to immunity, inflammation, and autophagy in IBD-PD. Additionally, PheWAS provided support for the associations of candidate genes with IBD and PD. CONCLUSIONS Our study confirms and uncovers new LRRK2 associations in IBD-PD. The identification of novel inflammation and autophagy-related genes supports and expands previous findings related to IBD-PD pathogenesis, and underscores the significance of therapeutic interventions for reducing systemic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meltem Ece Kars
- The Charles Bronfman Institute for Personalized Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Yiming Wu
- The Charles Bronfman Institute for Personalized Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- College of Life Science, China West Normal University, Nan Chong, Si Chuan, 637009, China
| | - Peter D Stenson
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - David N Cooper
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Johan Burisch
- Gastrounit, Medical Division, Copenhagen University Hospital - Amager and Hvidovre, Kettegård Alle 30, Hvidovre, Copenhagen, 2650, Denmark
- Copenhagen Center for Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Children, Adolescents and Adults, Copenhagen University Hospital - Amager and Hvidovre, Kettegård Alle 30, Hvidovre, Copenhagen, 2650, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, Copenhagen, 2200, Denmark
| | - Inga Peter
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
| | - Yuval Itan
- The Charles Bronfman Institute for Personalized Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
- Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
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6
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Venu A, Zhang Y, Seong J, Hong Y, Lee WS, Min JJ. Engineering of an EPHA2-Targeted Monobody for the Detection of Colorectal Cancer. Cancer Genomics Proteomics 2024; 21:285-294. [PMID: 38670584 PMCID: PMC11059598 DOI: 10.21873/cgp.20447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide, and is second only to lung cancer with respect to cancer-related deaths. Noninvasive molecular imaging using established markers is a new emerging method to diagnose CRC. The human ephrin receptor family type-A 2 (hEPHA2) oncoprotein is overexpressed at the early, but not late, stages of CRC. Previously, we reported development of an E1 monobody that is specific for hEPHA2-expressing cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. Herein, we investigated the ability of the E1 monobody to detect hEPHA2 expressing colorectal tumors in a mouse model, as well as in CRC tissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS The expression of hEPHA2 on the surface of CRC cells was analyzed by western blotting and flow cytometry. The targeting efficacy of the E1 monobody for CRC cells was examined by flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence staining. E1 conjugated to the Renilla luciferase variant 8 (Rluc8) reporter protein was used for in vivo imaging in mice. Additionally, an enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP) conjugated E1 monobody was used to check the ability of the E1 monobody to target CRC tissue. RESULTS The E1 monobody bound efficiently to hEPHA2-expressing CRC cell lines, and E1 conjugated to the Rluc8 reporter protein targeted tumor tissues in mice transplanted with HCT116 CRC tumor cells. Finally, E1-EGFP stained tumor tissues from human CRC patients, showing a pattern similar to that of an anti-hEPHA2 antibody. CONCLUSION The E1 monobody has utility as an EPHA2 targeting agent for the detection of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akhil Venu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Institute for Molecular Imaging and Theranostics, Hwasun Hospital, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Chonnam National University Medical School, Jeonnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Institute for Molecular Imaging and Theranostics, Hwasun Hospital, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihyoun Seong
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School and Hospital, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeongjin Hong
- Department of Microbiology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun, Republic of Korea
| | - Wan-Sik Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School and Hospital, Gwangju, Republic of Korea;
| | - Jung-Joon Min
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Institute for Molecular Imaging and Theranostics, Hwasun Hospital, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun, Republic of Korea;
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Rasool D, Burban A, Sharanek A, Madrigal A, Hu J, Yan K, Qu D, Voss AK, Slack RS, Thomas T, Bonni A, Picketts DJ, Soleimani VD, Najafabadi HS, Jahani-Asl A. PHF6-mediated transcriptional control of NSC via Ephrin receptors is impaired in the intellectual disability syndrome BFLS. EMBO Rep 2024; 25:1256-1281. [PMID: 38429579 PMCID: PMC10933485 DOI: 10.1038/s44319-024-00082-0] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The plant homeodomain zinc-finger protein, PHF6, is a transcriptional regulator, and PHF6 germline mutations cause the X-linked intellectual disability (XLID) Börjeson-Forssman-Lehmann syndrome (BFLS). The mechanisms by which PHF6 regulates transcription and how its mutations cause BFLS remain poorly characterized. Here, we show genome-wide binding of PHF6 in the developing cortex in the vicinity of genes involved in central nervous system development and neurogenesis. Characterization of BFLS mice harbouring PHF6 patient mutations reveals an increase in embryonic neural stem cell (eNSC) self-renewal and a reduction of neural progenitors. We identify a panel of Ephrin receptors (EphRs) as direct transcriptional targets of PHF6. Mechanistically, we show that PHF6 regulation of EphR is impaired in BFLS mice and in conditional Phf6 knock-out mice. Knockdown of EphR-A phenocopies the PHF6 loss-of-function defects in altering eNSCs, and its forced expression rescues defects of BFLS mice-derived eNSCs. Our data indicate that PHF6 directly promotes Ephrin receptor expression to control eNSC behaviour in the developing brain, and that this pathway is impaired in BFLS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilan Rasool
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
- University of Ottawa, Brain and Mind Research Institute, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, 1001 Decarie Boulevard, Montréal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, 3755 Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, QC, H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Audrey Burban
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
- University of Ottawa, Brain and Mind Research Institute, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, 3755 Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, QC, H3T 1E2, Canada
- Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, McGill University, 5100 de Maisonneuve Blvd. West, Montréal, QC, H4A 3T2, Canada
| | - Ahmad Sharanek
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
- University of Ottawa, Brain and Mind Research Institute, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, 3755 Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, QC, H3T 1E2, Canada
- Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, McGill University, 5100 de Maisonneuve Blvd. West, Montréal, QC, H4A 3T2, Canada
| | - Ariel Madrigal
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, 3640 Rue University, Montréal, QC, H3A OC7, Canada
- McGill Genome Centre, Dahdaleh Institute of Genomic Medicine, 740 Dr Penfield Avenue, Montréal, QC, H3A 0G1, Canada
| | - Jinghua Hu
- Regenerative Medicine Program and Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Keqin Yan
- Regenerative Medicine Program and Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Dianbo Qu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
- University of Ottawa, Brain and Mind Research Institute, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Anne K Voss
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Ruth S Slack
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
- University of Ottawa, Brain and Mind Research Institute, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Tim Thomas
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Azad Bonni
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Roche Innovation Center, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - David J Picketts
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
- Regenerative Medicine Program and Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada
- Departments of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H8M5, Canada
| | - Vahab D Soleimani
- Department of Medicine, Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, 1001 Decarie Boulevard, Montréal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, 3755 Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, QC, H3T 1E2, Canada
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, 3640 Rue University, Montréal, QC, H3A OC7, Canada
- Departments of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H8M5, Canada
| | - Hamed S Najafabadi
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, 3640 Rue University, Montréal, QC, H3A OC7, Canada.
- McGill Genome Centre, Dahdaleh Institute of Genomic Medicine, 740 Dr Penfield Avenue, Montréal, QC, H3A 0G1, Canada.
| | - Arezu Jahani-Asl
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada.
- University of Ottawa, Brain and Mind Research Institute, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada.
- Department of Medicine, Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, 1001 Decarie Boulevard, Montréal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada.
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, 3755 Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, QC, H3T 1E2, Canada.
- Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, McGill University, 5100 de Maisonneuve Blvd. West, Montréal, QC, H4A 3T2, Canada.
- Regenerative Medicine Program and Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada.
- Ottawa Institutes of System Biology, University of Ottawa, Health Sciences Campus, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada.
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8
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Nehal M, Khatoon J, Akhtar S, Khan MKA. Exploring the potential of EphA2 receptor signaling pathway: a comprehensive review in cancer treatment. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:337. [PMID: 38393520 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09298-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
The protein encoded by the ephrin type-A receptor 2 (EphA2) gene is a member of the ephrin receptor subfamily of the receptor tyrosine kinase family (RTKs). Eph receptors play a significant role in various biological processes, particularly cancer progression, development, and pathogenesis. They have been observed to regulate cancer cell growth, migration, invasion, tumor development, invasiveness, angiogenesis, and metastasis. To target EphA2 activity, various molecular, genetic, biochemical, and pharmacological strategies have been extensively tested in laboratory cultures and animal models. Notably, drugs, such as dasatinib, initially designed to target the kinase family, have demonstrated an additional capability to target EphA2 activity. Additionally, a novel monoclonal antibody named EA5 has emerged as a promising option to counteract the effects of EphA2 overexpression and restore tamoxifen sensitivity in EphA2-transfected MCF-7 cells during in vitro experiments. This antibody mimicked the binding of Ephrin A to EphA2. These methods offer potential avenues for inhibiting EphA2 activity, which could significantly decelerate breast cancer progression and restore sensitivity to certain drugs. This review article comprehensively covers EphA2's involvement in multiple malignancies, including ovarian, colorectal, breast, lung, glioma, and melanoma. Furthermore, we discuss the structure of EphA2, the Eph-Ephrin signaling pathway, various EphA2 inhibitors, and the mechanisms of EphA2 degradation. This article provides an extensive overview of EphA2's vital role in different types of cancers and outlines potential therapeutic approaches to target EphA2, shedding light on the underlying molecular mechanisms that make it an attractive target for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Nehal
- Department of Biosciences, Integral University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226026, India
| | - Jahanarah Khatoon
- Department of Biosciences, Integral University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226026, India
| | - Salman Akhtar
- Department of Bioengineering, Integral University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226026, India
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Wurz AI, Zheng KS, Hughes RM. Optogenetic Regulation of EphA1 RTK Activation and Signaling. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.06.579139. [PMID: 38370612 PMCID: PMC10871282 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.06.579139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Eph receptors are ubiquitous class of transmembrane receptors that mediate cell-cell communication, proliferation, differentiation, and migration. EphA1 receptors specifically play an important role in angiogenesis, fetal development, and cancer progression; however, studies of this receptor can be challenging as its ligand, ephrinA1, binds and activates several EphA receptors simultaneously. Optogenetic strategies could be applied to circumvent this requirement for ligand activation and enable selective activation of the EphA1 subtype. In this work, we designed and tested several iterations of an optogenetic EphA1 - Cryptochrome 2 (Cry2) fusion, investigating their capacity to mimic EphA1-dependent signaling in response to light activation. We then characterized the key cell signaling target of MAPK phosphorylation activated in response to light stimulation. The optogenetic regulation of Eph receptor RTK signaling without the need for external stimulus promises to be an effective means of controlling individual Eph receptor-mediated activities and creates a path forward for the identification of new Eph-dependent functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna I. Wurz
- Department of Chemistry, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, United States
| | - Kevin S. Zheng
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
| | - Robert M. Hughes
- Department of Chemistry, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, United States
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10
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Li X, Zhang C, Deng M, Jiang Y, He Z, Qian H. EFNB1 levels determine distinct drug response patterns guiding precision therapy for B-cell neoplasms. iScience 2024; 27:108667. [PMID: 38155773 PMCID: PMC10753073 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The multi-omics data has greatly improved the molecular diagnosis of B-cell neoplasms, but there is still a lack of predictive biomarkers to guide precision therapy. Here, we analyzed publicly available data and found that B-cell neoplasm cell lines with different levels of EFNB1 had distinctive drug response patterns of inhibitors targeting SRC/PI3K/AKT. Overexpression of EFNB1 promoted phosphorylation of key proteins in drug response, such as SRC and STMN1, conferring sensitivity to SRC inhibitor and cytotoxic drugs. EFNB1 phosphorylation signaling network was significantly associated with the prognosis of GCB-DLBCL patients. Moreover, EFNB1 levels were correlated with cell of origin (COO) scores, suggesting that EFNB1 is a quantitative indicator of cell differentiation. Ultimately, we proposed a model for the stratification of human B-cell malignancies and the implementation of targeted therapies based on EFNB1 levels. Our findings highlight that EFNB1 level is a promising biomarker for predicting drug response, COO and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxi Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chenxiao Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Minyao Deng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yong Jiang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhengjin He
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Qian
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
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11
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Han Y, Song H, Li Y, Li R, Chen L, Gao B, Chen Y, Wang S. The combination of tetracyclines effectively ameliorates liver fibrosis via inhibition of EphB1/2. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 126:111261. [PMID: 37992441 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Eph receptor tyrosine kinase EphB1/2 contributes to the development of liver fibrosis, suggesting the rationale that EphB1/2 inhibitors may be effective in liver fibrosis therapy. Since tetracycline antibiotics were recently demonstrated as EphB kinase inhibitors, in present study we investigated their therapeutic potential against liver fibrosis. Our results showed that the tetracycline combination of demeclocycline (D), chlortetracycline (C), and minocycline (M) inhibited the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in vitro and alleviated CCl4-induced animal model of liver fibrosis in vivo. Mechanistically, DCM combination inhibited EphB1/2 phosphorylation and subsequent activation of the MAPK signaling. Moreover, we found that short-term and low-dose DCM combination treatment decreased tissue inflammation and improved liver fibrosis in mice. Thus, our study indicates that tetracyclines may be repurposed for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueqing Han
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Haoxin Song
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yanshan Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Rongxin Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Ling Chen
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Bo Gao
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yijun Chen
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China.
| | - Shuzhen Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China.
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12
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Pasquale EB. Eph receptors and ephrins in cancer progression. Nat Rev Cancer 2024; 24:5-27. [PMID: 37996538 PMCID: PMC11015936 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-023-00634-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Evidence implicating Eph receptor tyrosine kinases and their ephrin ligands (that together make up the 'Eph system') in cancer development and progression has been accumulating since the discovery of the first Eph receptor approximately 35 years ago. Advances in the past decade and a half have considerably increased the understanding of Eph receptor-ephrin signalling mechanisms in cancer and have uncovered intriguing new roles in cancer progression and drug resistance. This Review focuses mainly on these more recent developments. I provide an update on the different mechanisms of Eph receptor-ephrin-mediated cell-cell communication and cell autonomous signalling, as well as on the interplay of the Eph system with other signalling systems. I further discuss recent advances in elucidating how the Eph system controls tumour expansion, invasiveness and metastasis, supports cancer stem cells, and drives therapy resistance. In addition to functioning within cancer cells, the Eph system also mediates the reciprocal communication between cancer cells and cells of the tumour microenvironment. The involvement of the Eph system in tumour angiogenesis is well established, but recent findings also demonstrate roles in immune cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts and the extracellular matrix. Lastly, I discuss strategies under evaluation for therapeutic targeting of Eph receptors-ephrins in cancer and conclude with an outlook on promising future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena B Pasquale
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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13
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Ullah A, Razzaq A, Zhou C, Ullah N, Shehzadi S, Aziz T, Alfaifi MY, Elbehairi SEI, Iqbal H. Biological Significance of EphB4 Expression in Cancer. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2024; 25:244-255. [PMID: 37909437 DOI: 10.2174/0113892037269589231017055642] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Eph receptors and their Eph receptor-interacting (ephrin) ligands comprise a vital cell communication system with several functions. In cancer cells, there was evidence of bilateral Eph receptor signaling with both tumor-suppressing and tumor-promoting actions. As a member of the Eph receptor family, EphB4 has been linked to tumor angiogenesis, growth, and metastasis, which makes it a viable and desirable target for drug development in therapeutic applications. Many investigations have been conducted over the last decade to elucidate the structure and function of EphB4 in association with its ligand ephrinB2 for its involvement in tumorigenesis. Although several EphB4-targeting drugs have been investigated, and some selective inhibitors have been evaluated in clinical trials. This article addresses the structure and function of the EphB4 receptor, analyses its possibility as an anticancer therapeutic target, and summarises knowledge of EphB4 kinase inhibitors. To summarise, EphB4 is a difficult but potential treatment option for cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmat Ullah
- Clinical Research Institute, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China
| | - Anam Razzaq
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Chuanzan Zhou
- Clinical Research Institute, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China
| | - Najeeb Ullah
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, LA, 818 Nelson Ave, 71272, USA
| | - Somia Shehzadi
- University Institute of Medical Laboratory Technology, The University of Lahore, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Tariq Aziz
- Westlake University, School of Engineering, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310024, China
| | - Mohammad Y Alfaifi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 9004, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Haroon Iqbal
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, China
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14
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Tröster A, Jores N, Mineev KS, Sreeramulu S, DiPrima M, Tosato G, Schwalbe H. Targeting EPHA2 with Kinase Inhibitors in Colorectal Cancer. ChemMedChem 2023; 18:e202300420. [PMID: 37736700 PMCID: PMC10843416 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202300420] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
The ephrin type-A 2 receptor tyrosine kinase (EPHA2) is involved in the development and progression of various cancer types, including colorectal cancer (CRC). There is also evidence that EPHA2 plays a key role in the development of resistance to the endothelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) monoclonal antibody Cetuximab used clinically in CRC. Despite the promising pharmacological potential of EPHA2, only a handful of specific inhibitors are currently available. In this concept paper, general strategies for EPHA2 inhibition with molecules of low molecular weight (small molecules) are described. Furthermore, available examples of inhibiting EPHA2 in CRC using small molecules are summarized, highlighting the potential of this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alix Tröster
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Straße 7, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Nathalie Jores
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Straße 7, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Konstantin S Mineev
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Straße 7, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sridhar Sreeramulu
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Straße 7, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Michael DiPrima
- Laboratory of Cellular Oncology, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), 37 Convent Drive, NIH Bethesda Campus Building 37, Room 4124, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Giovanna Tosato
- Laboratory of Cellular Oncology, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), 37 Convent Drive, NIH Bethesda Campus Building 37, Room 4124, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Harald Schwalbe
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Straße 7, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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15
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Chen D, Wiggins D, Sevick EM, Davis MJ, King PD. An EPHB4-RASA1 signaling complex inhibits shear stress-induced Ras-MAPK activation in lymphatic endothelial cells to promote the development of lymphatic vessel valves. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.22.568378. [PMID: 38045382 PMCID: PMC10690291 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.22.568378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
EPHB4 is a receptor protein tyrosine kinase that is required for the development of lymphatic vessel (LV) valves. We show here that EPHB4 is necessary for the specification of LV valves, their continued development after specification, and the maintenance of LV valves in adult mice. EPHB4 promotes LV valve development by inhibiting the activation of the Ras-MAPK pathway in LV endothelial cells (LEC). For LV specification, this role for EPHB4 depends on its ability to interact physically with the p120 Ras-GTPase-activating protein (RASA1) that acts as a negative regulator of Ras. Through physical interaction, EPHB4 and RASA1 dampen oscillatory shear stress (OSS)-induced Ras-MAPK activation in LEC, which is required for LV specification. We identify the Piezo1 OSS sensor as a focus of EPHB4-RASA1 regulation of OSS-induced Ras-MAPK signaling mediated through physical interaction. These findings contribute to an understanding of the mechanism by which EPHB4, RASA1 and Ras regulate lymphatic valvulogenesis.
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16
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Guidetti L, Zappia A, Scalvini L, Ferrari FR, Giorgio C, Castelli R, Galvani F, Vacondio F, Rivara S, Mor M, Urbinati C, Rusnati M, Tognolini M, Lodola A. Molecular Determinants of EphA2 and EphB2 Antagonism Enable the Design of Ligands with Improved Selectivity. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:6900-6911. [PMID: 37910792 PMCID: PMC10647059 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c01064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
With the aim of identifying novel antagonists selective for the EphA receptor family, a combined experimental and computational approach was taken to investigate the molecular basis of the recognition between a prototypical Eph-ephrin antagonist (UniPR1447) and two representative receptors of the EphA and EphB subfamilies, namely, EphA2 and EphB2 receptors. The conformational free-energy surface (FES) of the binding state of UniPR1447 within the ligand binding domain of EphA2 and EphB2, reconstructed from molecular dynamics (MD) simulations performed on the microsecond time scale, was exploited to drive the design and synthesis of a novel antagonist selective for EphA2 over the EphB2 receptor. The availability of compounds with this pharmacological profile will help discriminate the importance of these two receptors in the insurgence and progression of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Guidetti
- Dipartimento
di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, I- 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Alfonso Zappia
- Dipartimento
di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, I- 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Laura Scalvini
- Dipartimento
di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, I- 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Francesca Romana Ferrari
- Dipartimento
di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, I- 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Carmine Giorgio
- Dipartimento
di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, I- 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Riccardo Castelli
- Dipartimento
di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, I- 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Francesca Galvani
- Dipartimento
di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, I- 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Federica Vacondio
- Dipartimento
di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, I- 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Silvia Rivara
- Dipartimento
di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, I- 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Marco Mor
- Dipartimento
di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, I- 43124 Parma, Italy
- Microbiome
Research Hub, Università degli Studi
di Parma, Parco Area
delle scienze 11/A, I- 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Chiara Urbinati
- Dipartimento
di Medicina Molecolare Traslazionale, Università
degli Studi di Brescia, Brescia 25121, Italy
| | - Marco Rusnati
- Dipartimento
di Medicina Molecolare Traslazionale, Università
degli Studi di Brescia, Brescia 25121, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Tognolini
- Dipartimento
di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, I- 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Alessio Lodola
- Dipartimento
di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, I- 43124 Parma, Italy
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17
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McKenzie DM, Wirth D, Pogorelov TV, Hristova K. Utility of FRET in studies of membrane protein oligomerization: The concept of the effective dissociation constant. Biophys J 2023; 122:4113-4120. [PMID: 37735871 PMCID: PMC10598290 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The activity of many membrane receptors is controlled through their lateral association into dimers or higher-order oligomers. Although Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) measurements have been used extensively to characterize the stability of receptor dimers, the utility of FRET in studies of larger oligomers has been limited. Here we introduce an effective equilibrium dissociation constant that can be extracted from FRET measurements for EphA2, a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) known to form active oligomers of heterogeneous distributions in response to its ligand ephrinA1-Fc. The newly introduced effective equilibrium dissociation constant has a well-defined physical meaning and biological significance. It denotes the receptor concentration for which half of the receptors are monomeric and inactive, and the other half are associated into oligomers and are active, irrespective of the exact oligomer size. This work introduces a new dimension to the utility of FRET in studies of membrane receptor association and signaling in the plasma membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M McKenzie
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Daniel Wirth
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Taras V Pogorelov
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, School of Chemical Sciences, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Kalina Hristova
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland.
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18
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Verma M, Chopra M, Kumar H. Unraveling the Potential of EphA4: A Breakthrough Target and Beacon of Hope for Neurological Diseases. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:3375-3391. [PMID: 37477786 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-023-01390-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular carcinoma A4 (EphA4) is a transmembrane receptor protein which is a part of the most prominent family of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). It serves a crucial role in both physiological, biological, and functional states binding with their ligand like Ephrins. Its abundance in the majority of the body's systems has been reported. Moreover, it draws much attention in the CNS since it influences axonal and vascular guidance. Also, it has a widespread role at the pathological state of various CNS disorders. Reports suggest it obstructs axonal regeneration in various neurodegenerative diseases and neurological disorders. Although, neuro-regeneration is still an open challenge to the modern drug discovery community. Hence, in this review, we will provide information about the role of EphA4 in neurological diseases by which it may emerge as a therapeutic target for CNS disease. We will also provide a glance at numerous signaling pathways that activate or inhibit the EphA4-associated biological processes contributing to the course of neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, this work might serve as a basis for futuristic studies that are related to the target-based drug discovery in the field of neuro-regeneration. Pathological and physiological events associated with EphA4 and Ephrin upregulation and interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meenal Verma
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Ahmedabad, Opposite Air Force Station, Palaj, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382355, India
| | - Manjeet Chopra
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Ahmedabad, Opposite Air Force Station, Palaj, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382355, India
| | - Hemant Kumar
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Ahmedabad, Opposite Air Force Station, Palaj, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382355, India.
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19
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Meng Y, Lv T, Zhang J, Shen W, Li L, Li Y, Liu X, Lei X, Lin X, Xu H, Meng A, Jia S. Temporospatial inhibition of Erk signaling is required for lymphatic valve formation. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:342. [PMID: 37691058 PMCID: PMC10493226 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01571-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Intraluminal lymphatic valves (LVs) and lymphovenous valves (LVVs) are critical to ensure the unidirectional flow of lymphatic fluid. Morphological abnormalities in these valves always cause lymph or blood reflux, and result in lymphedema. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of valve development remains poorly understood. We here report the implication of Efnb2-Ephb4-Rasa1 regulated Erk signaling axis in lymphatic valve development with identification of two new valve structures. Dynamic monitoring of phospho-Erk activity indicated that Erk signaling is spatiotemporally inhibited in some lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) during the valve cell specification. Inhibition of Erk signaling via simultaneous depletion of zygotic erk1 and erk2 or treatment with MEK inhibitor selumetinib causes lymphatic vessel hypoplasia and lymphatic valve hyperplasia, suggesting opposite roles of Erk signaling during these two processes. ephb4b mutants, efnb2a;efnb2b or rasa1a;rasa1b double mutants all have defective LVs and LVVs and exhibit blood reflux into lymphatic vessels with an edema phenotype. Importantly, the valve defects in ephb4b or rasa1a;rasa1b mutants are mitigated with high-level gata2 expression in the presence of MEK inhibitors. Therefore, Efnb2-Ephb4 signaling acts to suppress Erk activation in valve-forming cells to promote valve specification upstream of Rasa1. Not only do our findings reveal a molecular mechanism of lymphatic valve formation, but also provide a basis for the treatment of lymphatic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaping Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Tong Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Junfeng Zhang
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, 510320, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Weimin Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Lifang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yaqi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Xin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Xing Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Xuguang Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Hanfang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Anming Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, 510320, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - Shunji Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
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20
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Ye P, Chen Z, Lou H, Mai Y, Zhu X, Fu X. Ephrin-A4 Ligand (EFNA4) Predicts Poor Prognosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Promotes Tumor Proliferation. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2023; 13:767-773. [PMID: 37693261 PMCID: PMC10482992 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2023.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background/Aims Primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal tumor diseases in the world. Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are thought to play a vital role in HCC and Ephrin-A4 ligand (EFNA4) is a membrane-bound molecule that can activate RTKs through erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular (Eph) receptors. However, the specific role of EFNA4 remains unknown. The aim of our study was to explore the prognostic value of EFNA4 expression in HCC. Methods Bioinformatics analyses were conducted to probe the expression levels and prognostic value of EFNA4 in HCC. The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemical and western blot were used to confirm the expression of EFNA4 in paired clinical specimens of HCC. Colony formation assay was used to confirm the proliferation of tumor cell. Results The expression of EFNA4 is generally elevated in various cancers. Especially, EFNA4 was upregulated in tumor tissue and associated with clinical stage in HCC patients. HCC patients with lower levels of EFNA4 possessed better survival and progression-free survival times. Colony formation assay indicated that the overexpression of EFNA4 promoted tumor cell proliferation. Conclusion These results demonstrated that EFNA4 played as an oncogenic gene and a prognostic biomarker for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Ye
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zide Chen
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Cancer Center, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Haibo Lou
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanjun Mai
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaolin Zhu
- Department of Infectious Disease, Central Hospital of Zibo, Zibo, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xihua Fu
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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21
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Hanover G, Vizeacoumar FS, Banerjee SL, Nair R, Dahiya R, Osornio-Hernandez AI, Morales AM, Freywald T, Himanen JP, Toosi BM, Bisson N, Vizeacoumar FJ, Freywald A. Integration of cancer-related genetic landscape of Eph receptors and ephrins with proteomics identifies a crosstalk between EPHB6 and EGFR. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112670. [PMID: 37392382 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Eph receptors and their ephrin ligands are viewed as promising targets for cancer treatment; however, targeting them is hindered by their context-dependent functionalities. To circumvent this, we explore molecular landscapes underlying their pro- and anti-malignant activities. Using unbiased bioinformatics approaches, we construct a cancer-related network of genetic interactions (GIs) of all Ephs and ephrins to assist in their therapeutic manipulation. We also apply genetic screening and BioID proteomics and integrate them with machine learning approaches to select the most relevant GIs of one Eph receptor, EPHB6. This identifies a crosstalk between EPHB6 and EGFR, and further experiments confirm the ability of EPHB6 to modulate EGFR signaling, enhancing the proliferation of cancer cells and tumor development. Taken together, our observations show EPHB6 involvement in EGFR action, suggesting its targeting might be beneficial in EGFR-dependent tumors, and confirm that the Eph family genetic interactome presented here can be effectively exploited in developing cancer treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glinton Hanover
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Royal University Hospital, Room 2841, 103 Hospital Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0W8, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Saskatchewan, GA20 Health Sciences, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Frederick S Vizeacoumar
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Royal University Hospital, Room 2841, 103 Hospital Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0W8, Canada
| | - Sara L Banerjee
- Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology, PROTEO and Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Quebec-Université Laval, Division Oncologie, 9 Rue McMahon, Québec, QC G1R 3S3, Canada
| | - Raveena Nair
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Royal University Hospital, Room 2841, 103 Hospital Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0W8, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Saskatchewan, GA20 Health Sciences, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Renuka Dahiya
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Royal University Hospital, Room 2841, 103 Hospital Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0W8, Canada
| | - Ana I Osornio-Hernandez
- Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology, PROTEO and Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Quebec-Université Laval, Division Oncologie, 9 Rue McMahon, Québec, QC G1R 3S3, Canada
| | - Alain Morejon Morales
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Royal University Hospital, Room 2841, 103 Hospital Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0W8, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Saskatchewan, GA20 Health Sciences, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Tanya Freywald
- Cancer Research, Saskatchewan Cancer Agency and Division of Oncology, University of Saskatchewan, 4D30.2 Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Juha P Himanen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Turku, 20500 Turku, Finland
| | - Behzad M Toosi
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Nicolas Bisson
- Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology, PROTEO and Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Quebec-Université Laval, Division Oncologie, 9 Rue McMahon, Québec, QC G1R 3S3, Canada.
| | - Franco J Vizeacoumar
- Cancer Research, Saskatchewan Cancer Agency and Division of Oncology, University of Saskatchewan, 4D30.2 Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada.
| | - Andrew Freywald
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Royal University Hospital, Room 2841, 103 Hospital Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0W8, Canada.
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22
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Papadakos SP, Stergiou IE, Gkolemi N, Arvanitakis K, Theocharis S. Unraveling the Significance of EPH/Ephrin Signaling in Liver Cancer: Insights into Tumor Progression and Therapeutic Implications. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3434. [PMID: 37444544 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15133434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is a complex and challenging disease with limited treatment options and dismal prognosis. Understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms driving liver cancer progression and metastasis is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies. The EPH/ephrin system, which comprises a family of cell surface receptors and their corresponding ligands, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of HCC. This review paper aims to provide an overview of the current understanding of the role of the EPH/ephrin system in HCC. Specifically, we discuss the dysregulation of EPH/ephrin signaling in HCC and its impact on various cellular processes, including cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Overall, the EPH/ephrin signaling system emerges as a compelling and multifaceted player in liver cancer biology. Elucidating its precise mechanisms and understanding its implications in disease progression and therapeutic responses may pave the way for novel targeted therapies and personalized treatment approaches for liver cancer patients. Further research is warranted to unravel the full potential of the EPH/ephrin system in liver cancer and its clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stavros P Papadakos
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Ioanna E Stergiou
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolina Gkolemi
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Arvanitakis
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, First Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, St. Kiriakidi 1, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
- Basic and Translational Research Unit, Special Unit for Biomedical Research and Education, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Stamatios Theocharis
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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23
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Vangansewinkel T, Lemmens S, Tiane A, Geurts N, Dooley D, Vanmierlo T, Pejler G, Hendrix S. Therapeutic administration of mouse mast cell protease 6 improves functional recovery after traumatic spinal cord injury in mice by promoting remyelination and reducing glial scar formation. FASEB J 2023; 37:e22939. [PMID: 37130013 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202201942rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) most often leads to permanent paralysis due to the inability of axons to regenerate in the adult mammalian central nervous system (CNS). In the past, we have shown that mast cells (MCs) improve the functional outcome after SCI by suppressing scar tissue formation at the lesion site via mouse mast cell protease 6 (mMCP6). In this study, we investigated whether recombinant mMCP6 can be used therapeutically to improve the functional outcome after SCI. Therefore, we applied mMCP6 locally via an intrathecal catheter in the subacute phase after a spinal cord hemisection injury in mice. Our findings showed that hind limb motor function was significantly improved in mice that received recombinant mMCP6 compared with the vehicle-treated group. In contrast to our previous findings in mMCP6 knockout mice, the lesion size and expression levels of the scar components fibronectin, laminin, and axon-growth-inhibitory chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans were not affected by the treatment with recombinant mMCP6. Surprisingly, no difference in infiltration of CD4+ T cells and reactivity of Iba-1+ microglia/macrophages at the lesion site was observed between the mMCP6-treated mice and control mice. Additionally, local protein levels of the pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, IFNγ, and MCP-1 were comparable between the two treatment groups, indicating that locally applied mMCP6 did not affect inflammatory processes after injury. However, the increase in locomotor performance in mMCP6-treated mice was accompanied by reduced demyelination and astrogliosis in the perilesional area after SCI. Consistently, we found that TNF-α/IL-1β-astrocyte activation was decreased and that oligodendrocyte precursor cell (OPC) differentiation was increased after recombinant mMCP6 treatment in vitro. Mechanistically, this suggests effects of mMCP6 on reducing astrogliosis and improving (re)myelination in the spinal cord after injury. In conclusion, these data show for the first time that recombinant mMCP6 is therapeutically active in enhancing recovery after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Vangansewinkel
- Cardio and Organ Systems, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
- VIB, Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Neurobiology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stefanie Lemmens
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Assia Tiane
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- University MS Center (UMSC) Hasselt-Pelt, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Nathalie Geurts
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Dearbhaile Dooley
- School of Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland
- UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland
| | - Tim Vanmierlo
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- University MS Center (UMSC) Hasselt-Pelt, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Gunnar Pejler
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sven Hendrix
- Institute for Translational Medicine, Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
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24
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Langford JT, Gonzalez L, Taniguchi R, Brahmandam A, Zhang W, Dardik A. EphB4 monomer inhibits chronic graft vasculopathy in an aortic transplant model. JVS Vasc Sci 2023; 4:100109. [PMID: 37519335 PMCID: PMC10372308 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvssci.2023.100109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
T cells and macrophages play an important role in the formation of allograft vasculopathy, which is the predominant form of chronic rejection in cardiac transplants. Arteries express Ephrin-B2 as a marker of arterial identity, whereas circulating monocytes express the cognate receptor EphB4, which facilitates monocyte adhesion to the endothelial surface. Adherent monocytes transmigrate and differentiate into macrophages that activate T cells and are a main source of tissue damage during rejection. We hypothesized that inhibition of Ephrin-B2-EphB4 binding would decrease immune cell accumulation within a transplanted graft and prevent allograft vasculopathy. We used EphB4 monomer to inhibit Ephrin-B2-EphB4 binding in a rat infrarenal aortic transplant model. Rats treated with EphB4 monomer had fewer macrophages and T cells in the aortic allografts at 28 days, as well as significantly less neointima formation. These data show that the Ephin-B2-EphB4 axis may be an important target for prevention or treatment of allograft vasculopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- John T. Langford
- Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Luis Gonzalez
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Ryosuke Taniguchi
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
- Division of Vascular Surgery, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Anand Brahmandam
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Weichang Zhang
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Alan Dardik
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
- Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, Department of Surgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
- Department of Surgery, VA Connecticut Healthcare Systems, West Haven, CT
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25
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Kakavandi S, Zare I, VaezJalali M, Dadashi M, Azarian M, Akbari A, Ramezani Farani M, Zalpoor H, Hajikhani B. Structural and non-structural proteins in SARS-CoV-2: potential aspects to COVID-19 treatment or prevention of progression of related diseases. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:110. [PMID: 37189112 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01104-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by a new member of the Coronaviridae family known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). There are structural and non-structural proteins (NSPs) in the genome of this virus. S, M, H, and E proteins are structural proteins, and NSPs include accessory and replicase proteins. The structural and NSP components of SARS-CoV-2 play an important role in its infectivity, and some of them may be important in the pathogenesis of chronic diseases, including cancer, coagulation disorders, neurodegenerative disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. The SARS-CoV-2 proteins interact with targets such as angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. In addition, SARS-CoV-2 can stimulate pathological intracellular signaling pathways by triggering transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), neuropilin-1 (NRP-1), CD147, and Eph receptors, which play important roles in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis, and multiple cancers such as glioblastoma, lung malignancies, and leukemias. Several compounds such as polyphenols, doxazosin, baricitinib, and ruxolitinib could inhibit these interactions. It has been demonstrated that the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein has a stronger affinity for human ACE2 than the spike protein of SARS-CoV, leading the current study to hypothesize that the newly produced variant Omicron receptor-binding domain (RBD) binds to human ACE2 more strongly than the primary strain. SARS and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) viruses against structural and NSPs have become resistant to previous vaccines. Therefore, the review of recent studies and the performance of current vaccines and their effects on COVID-19 and related diseases has become a vital need to deal with the current conditions. This review examines the potential role of these SARS-CoV-2 proteins in the initiation of chronic diseases, and it is anticipated that these proteins could serve as components of an effective vaccine or treatment for COVID-19 and related diseases. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sareh Kakavandi
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Iman Zare
- Research and Development Department, Sina Medical Biochemistry Technologies Co. Ltd., Shiraz, 7178795844, Iran
| | - Maryam VaezJalali
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoud Dadashi
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Maryam Azarian
- Department of Radiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Abdullatif Akbari
- Shiraz Neuroscience Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Marzieh Ramezani Farani
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Nano Bio High-Tech Materials Research Center, Inha University, Incheon, 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Hamidreza Zalpoor
- Shiraz Neuroscience Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.
| | - Bahareh Hajikhani
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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26
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Tröster A, DiPrima M, Jores N, Kudlinzki D, Sreeramulu S, Gande SL, Linhard V, Ludig D, Schug A, Saxena K, Reinecke M, Heinzlmeir S, Leisegang MS, Wollenhaupt J, Lennartz F, Weiss MS, Kuster B, Tosato G, Schwalbe H. Optimization of the Lead Compound NVP-BHG712 as a Colorectal Cancer Inhibitor. Chemistry 2023; 29:e202203967. [PMID: 36799129 PMCID: PMC10133194 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202203967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
The ephrin type-A receptor 2 (EPHA2) kinase belongs to the largest family of receptor tyrosine kinases. There are several indications of an involvement of EPHA2 in the development of infectious diseases and cancer. Despite pharmacological potential, EPHA2 is an under-examined target protein. In this study, we synthesized a series of derivatives of the inhibitor NVP-BHG712 and triazine-based compounds. These compounds were evaluated to determine their potential as kinase inhibitors of EPHA2, including elucidation of their binding mode (X-ray crystallography), affinity (microscale thermophoresis), and selectivity (Kinobeads assay). Eight inhibitors showed affinities in the low-nanomolar regime (KD <10 nM). Testing in up to seven colon cancer cell lines that express EPHA2 reveals that several derivatives feature promising effects for the control of human colon carcinoma. Thus, we have developed a set of powerful tool compounds for fundamental new research on the interplay of EPH receptors in a cellular context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alix Tröster
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Strasse7, 60438 Frankfurt am Main (Germany)
| | - Michael DiPrima
- Laboratory of Cellular Oncology, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), 37 Convent Drive, NIH Bethesda Campus, Building 37, Room 4124, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Nathalie Jores
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Strasse7, 60438 Frankfurt am Main (Germany)
| | - Denis Kudlinzki
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Strasse7, 60438 Frankfurt am Main (Germany)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg (Germany)
| | - Sridhar Sreeramulu
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Strasse7, 60438 Frankfurt am Main (Germany)
| | - Santosh L. Gande
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Strasse7, 60438 Frankfurt am Main (Germany)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg (Germany)
| | - Verena Linhard
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Strasse7, 60438 Frankfurt am Main (Germany)
| | - Damian Ludig
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Strasse7, 60438 Frankfurt am Main (Germany)
| | - Alexander Schug
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Strasse7, 60438 Frankfurt am Main (Germany)
| | - Krishna Saxena
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Strasse7, 60438 Frankfurt am Main (Germany)
| | - Maria Reinecke
- Chair of Proteomics and Bioanalytics, Technical University of Munich, Emil-Erlenmeyer-Forum 5, 85354 Freising (Germany)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner-Site Munich and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg (Germany)
| | - Stephanie Heinzlmeir
- Chair of Proteomics and Bioanalytics, Technical University of Munich, Emil-Erlenmeyer-Forum 5, 85354 Freising (Germany)
| | - Matthias S. Leisegang
- Institute for Cardiovascular Physiology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main (Germany)
| | - Jan Wollenhaupt
- Macromolecular Crystallography, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, Albert-Einstein-Str. 15, 12489 Berlin (Germany)
| | - Frank Lennartz
- Macromolecular Crystallography, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, Albert-Einstein-Str. 15, 12489 Berlin (Germany)
| | - Manfred S. Weiss
- Macromolecular Crystallography, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, Albert-Einstein-Str. 15, 12489 Berlin (Germany)
| | - Bernhard Kuster
- Chair of Proteomics and Bioanalytics, Technical University of Munich, Emil-Erlenmeyer-Forum 5, 85354 Freising (Germany)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner-Site Munich and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg (Germany)
- Bavarian Center for Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry (BayBioMS), Technical University of Munich, Emil-Erlenmeyer-Forum 5, 85354 Freising (Germany)
| | - Giovanna Tosato
- Laboratory of Cellular Oncology, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute (NCI), 37 Convent Drive, NIH Bethesda Campus, Building 37, Room 4124, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Harald Schwalbe
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Strasse7, 60438 Frankfurt am Main (Germany)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg (Germany)
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27
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Chu S, Yu T, Wang W, Wu H, Zhu F, Wei C, Gao F, Liu C, Fan H. Exosomes derived from EphB2-overexpressing bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells regulate immune balance and repair barrier function. Biotechnol Lett 2023; 45:601-617. [PMID: 37036605 DOI: 10.1007/s10529-023-03358-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disruption of intestinal barrier function and an imbalance in intestinal immunity are crucial for the occurrence and development of ulcerative colitis. Because of their important roles in regulating inflammation and immunity, exosomes (Exos) released from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) may be useful for treating ulcerative colitis. The EphB/EphrinB signaling pathway plays a crucial role in the inflammatory process and the development and function of immune cells, and can mediate long-distance intercellular communication through extracellular vesicles. This study was conducted to explore the effects of pre-modified BMSC-Exos expressing EphB2 (EphB2-Exos) on immunoregulation in vitro. METHODS We transfected a lentivirus vector encoding EphB2 into BMSCs and isolated EphB2-Exos from the culture supernatant. Inflammation and oxidative damage in the human colon adenocarcinoma cell line (Caco-2) were induced by dextran sulfate sodium/hydrogen peroxide. In addition, spleen CD4+ T lymphocytes of rats were sorted in vitro. We conducted a series of experiments to explore the biological functions of EphB2-Exos. RESULTS EphB2-Exos were successfully isolated and were found to significantly protect the activity, proliferation, and migration of Caco-2 cells that were inhibited by dextran sulfate sodium. EphB2-Exos alleviated inflammation and apoptosis and increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes while inhibiting oxidative stress in Caco-2 cells. EphB2-Exos restored intestinal barrier function by inhibiting the RhoA/ROCK pathway and regulated the polarization of CD4+T cells. CONCLUSION EphB2-Exos enhanced intestinal barrier function and regulated the immune balance by inhibiting the RhoA/ROCK pathway in vitro. These findings suggest that EphB2-Exos can be applied as a cell-free therapy for ulcerative colitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Chu
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1277 Jiefang Road, Jianghan District, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Ting Yu
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1277 Jiefang Road, Jianghan District, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Wenzhu Wang
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1277 Jiefang Road, Jianghan District, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Hui Wu
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1277 Jiefang Road, Jianghan District, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Feng Zhu
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1277 Jiefang Road, Jianghan District, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Chunzhu Wei
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1277 Jiefang Road, Jianghan District, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Fei Gao
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1277 Jiefang Road, Jianghan District, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1277 Jiefang Road, Jianghan District, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Heng Fan
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1277 Jiefang Road, Jianghan District, Wuhan, 430022, China.
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28
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Eph Receptors in Cancer. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020315. [PMID: 36830852 PMCID: PMC9953285 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Eph receptor tyrosine kinases play critical functions during development, in the formation of tissue and organ borders, and the vascular and neural systems. Uniquely among tyrosine kinases, their activities are controlled by binding to membrane-bound ligands, called ephrins. Ephs and ephrins generally have a low expression in adults, functioning mainly in tissue homeostasis and plasticity, but are often overexpressed in cancers, where they are especially associated with undifferentiated or progenitor cells, and with tumour development, vasculature, and invasion. Mutations in Eph receptors also occur in various tumour types and are suspected to promote tumourigenesis. Ephs and ephrins have the capacity to operate as both tumour promoters and tumour suppressors, depending on the circumstances. They have been demonstrated to impact tumour cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro, as well as tumour development, angiogenesis, and metastases in vivo, making them potential therapeutic targets. However, successful development of therapies will require detailed understanding of the opposing roles of Ephs in various cancers. In this review, we discuss the variations in Eph expression and functions in a variety of malignancies. We also describe the multiple strategies that are currently available to target them in tumours, including preclinical and clinical development.
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Chen D, Van der Ent MA, Lartey NL, King PD. EPHB4-RASA1-Mediated Negative Regulation of Ras-MAPK Signaling in the Vasculature: Implications for the Treatment of EPHB4- and RASA1-Related Vascular Anomalies in Humans. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:165. [PMID: 37259315 PMCID: PMC9959185 DOI: 10.3390/ph16020165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Ephrin receptors constitute a large family of receptor tyrosine kinases in mammals that through interaction with cell surface-anchored ephrin ligands regulate multiple different cellular responses in numerous cell types and tissues. In the cardiovascular system, studies performed in vitro and in vivo have pointed to a critical role for Ephrin receptor B4 (EPHB4) as a regulator of blood and lymphatic vascular development and function. However, in this role, EPHB4 appears to act not as a classical growth factor receptor but instead functions to dampen the activation of the Ras-mitogen activated protein signaling (MAPK) pathway induced by other growth factor receptors in endothelial cells (EC). To inhibit the Ras-MAPK pathway, EPHB4 interacts functionally with Ras p21 protein activator 1 (RASA1) also known as p120 Ras GTPase-activating protein. Here, we review the evidence for an inhibitory role for an EPHB4-RASA1 interface in EC. We further discuss the mechanisms by which loss of EPHB4-RASA1 signaling in EC leads to blood and lymphatic vascular abnormalities in mice and the implications of these findings for an understanding of the pathogenesis of vascular anomalies in humans caused by mutations in EPHB4 and RASA1 genes. Last, we provide insights into possible means of drug therapy for EPHB4- and RASA1-related vascular anomalies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Philip D. King
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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HIF1α-AS1 is a DNA:DNA:RNA triplex-forming lncRNA interacting with the HUSH complex. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6563. [PMID: 36323673 PMCID: PMC9630315 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34252-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA:DNA:RNA triplexes that are formed through Hoogsteen base-pairing of the RNA in the major groove of the DNA duplex have been observed in vitro, but the extent to which these interactions occur in cells and how they impact cellular functions remains elusive. Using a combination of bioinformatic techniques, RNA/DNA pulldown and biophysical studies, we set out to identify functionally important DNA:DNA:RNA triplex-forming long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) in human endothelial cells. The lncRNA HIF1α-AS1 was retrieved as a top hit. Endogenous HIF1α-AS1 reduces the expression of numerous genes, including EPH Receptor A2 and Adrenomedullin through DNA:DNA:RNA triplex formation by acting as an adapter for the repressive human silencing hub complex (HUSH). Moreover, the oxygen-sensitive HIF1α-AS1 is down-regulated in pulmonary hypertension and loss-of-function approaches not only result in gene de-repression but also enhance angiogenic capacity. As exemplified here with HIF1α-AS1, DNA:DNA:RNA triplex formation is a functionally important mechanism of trans-acting gene expression control.
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Venkitachalam S, Babu D, Ravillah D, Katabathula RM, Joseph P, Singh S, Udhayakumar B, Miao Y, Martinez-Uribe O, Hogue JA, Kresak AM, Dawson D, LaFramboise T, Willis JE, Chak A, Garman KS, Blum AE, Varadan V, Guda K. The Ephrin B2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Is a Regulator of Proto-oncogene MYC and Molecular Programs Central to Barrett's Neoplasia. Gastroenterology 2022; 163:1228-1241. [PMID: 35870513 PMCID: PMC9613614 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2022.07.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Mechanisms contributing to the onset and progression of Barrett's (BE)-associated esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) remain elusive. Here, we interrogated the major signaling pathways deregulated early in the development of Barrett's neoplasia. METHODS Whole-transcriptome RNA sequencing analysis was performed in primary BE, EAC, normal esophageal squamous, and gastric biopsy tissues (n = 89). Select pathway components were confirmed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction in an independent cohort of premalignant and malignant biopsy tissues (n = 885). Functional impact of selected pathway was interrogated using transcriptomic, proteomic, and pharmacogenetic analyses in mammalian esophageal organotypic and patient-derived BE/EAC cell line models, in vitro and/or in vivo. RESULTS The vast majority of primary BE/EAC tissues and cell line models showed hyperactivation of EphB2 signaling. Transcriptomic/proteomic analyses identified EphB2 as an endogenous binding partner of MYC binding protein 2, and an upstream regulator of c-MYC. Knockdown of EphB2 significantly impeded the viability/proliferation of EAC and BE cells in vitro/in vivo. Activation of EphB2 in normal esophageal squamous 3-dimensional organotypes disrupted epithelial maturation and promoted columnar differentiation programs, notably including MYC. EphB2 and MYC showed selective induction in esophageal submucosal glands with acinar ductal metaplasia, and in a porcine model of BE-like esophageal submucosal gland spheroids. Clinically approved inhibitors of MEK, a protein kinase that regulates MYC, effectively suppressed EAC tumor growth in vivo. CONCLUSIONS The EphB2 signaling is frequently hyperactivated across the BE-EAC continuum. EphB2 is an upstream regulator of MYC, and activation of EphB2-MYC axis likely precedes BE development. Targeting EphB2/MYC could be a promising therapeutic strategy for this often refractory and aggressive cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srividya Venkitachalam
- Division of General Medical Sciences-Oncology, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Deepak Babu
- Division of General Medical Sciences-Oncology, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Durgadevi Ravillah
- Division of General Medical Sciences-Oncology, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Ramachandra M Katabathula
- Division of General Medical Sciences-Oncology, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Peronne Joseph
- Division of General Medical Sciences-Oncology, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Salendra Singh
- Division of General Medical Sciences-Oncology, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Bhavatharini Udhayakumar
- Division of General Medical Sciences-Oncology, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Yanling Miao
- Digestive Health Research Institute, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Omar Martinez-Uribe
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Joyce A Hogue
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Adam M Kresak
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Dawn Dawson
- Division of General Medical Sciences-Oncology, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio; Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Thomas LaFramboise
- Division of General Medical Sciences-Oncology, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio; Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Joseph E Willis
- Division of General Medical Sciences-Oncology, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio; Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Amitabh Chak
- Division of General Medical Sciences-Oncology, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio; Digestive Health Research Institute, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Katherine S Garman
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Andrew E Blum
- Division of General Medical Sciences-Oncology, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio; Digestive Health Research Institute, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio; Division of Gastroenterology, Northeast Ohio Veteran Affairs Healthcare System, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Vinay Varadan
- Division of General Medical Sciences-Oncology, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio.
| | - Kishore Guda
- Division of General Medical Sciences-Oncology, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio; Digestive Health Research Institute, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio; Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio.
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Zhang H, Cui Z, Pan T, Hu H, He R, Yi M, Sun W, Gao R, Wang H, Ma X, Peng Q, Feng X, Liang S, Du Y, Wang C. RNF186/EPHB2 Axis Is Essential in Regulating TNF Signaling for Colorectal Tumorigenesis in Colorectal Epithelial Cells. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2022; 209:1796-1805. [PMID: 36130827 PMCID: PMC9553791 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2200229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The receptor tyrosine kinase EPHB2 (EPH receptor B2) is highly expressed in many human cancer types, especially in gastrointestinal cancers, such as colorectal cancer. Several coding mutations of the EPHB2 gene have been identified in many cancer types, suggesting that EPHB2 plays a critical role in carcinogenesis. However, the exact functional mechanism of EPHB2 in carcinogenesis remains unknown. In this study, we find that EPHB2 is required for TNF-induced signaling activation and proinflammatory cytokine production in colorectal epithelial cells. Mechanistically, after TNF stimulation, EPHB2 is ubiquitinated by its E3 ligase RNF186. Then, ubiquitinated EPHB2 recruits and further phosphorylates TAB2 at nine tyrosine sites, which is a critical step for the binding between TAB2 and TAK1. Due to defects in TNF signaling in RNF186-knockout colorectal epithelial cells, the phenotype of colitis-propelled colorectal cancer model in RNF186-knockout mice is significantly reduced compared with that in wild-type control mice. Moreover, we find that a genetic mutation in EPHB2 identified in a family with colorectal cancer is a gain-of-function mutation that promoted TNF signaling activation compared with wild-type EPHB2. We provide evidence that the EPHB2-RNF186-TAB2-TAK1 signaling cascade plays an essential role in TNF-mediated signal transduction in colorectal epithelial cells and the carcinogenesis of colorectal cancer, which may provide potential targets for the treatment of colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huazhi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhihui Cui
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ting Pan
- The Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study of Sichuan Province and the Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China;,Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; and
| | - Huijun Hu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ruirui He
- The Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study of Sichuan Province and the Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China;,Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; and
| | - Ming Yi
- The Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study of Sichuan Province and the Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China;,Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; and
| | - Wanwei Sun
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ru Gao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Heping Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaojian Ma
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qianwen Peng
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiong Feng
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | | | - Yanyun Du
- The Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study of Sichuan Province and the Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China;,Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; and
| | - Chenhui Wang
- The Key Laboratory for Human Disease Gene Study of Sichuan Province and the Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China;,Research Unit for Blindness Prevention of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2019RU026), Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; and
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Zapata-Mercado E, Biener G, McKenzie DM, Wimley WC, Pasquale EB, Raicu V, Hristova K. The efficacy of receptor tyrosine kinase EphA2 autophosphorylation increases with EphA2 oligomer size. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102370. [PMID: 35970390 PMCID: PMC9512837 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) EphA2 is expressed in epithelial and endothelial cells and controls the assembly of cell-cell junctions. EphA2 has also been implicated in many diseases, including cancer. Unlike most RTKs, which signal predominantly as dimers, EphA2 readily forms high-order oligomers upon ligand binding. Here, we investigated if a correlation exists between EphA2 signaling properties and the size of the EphA2 oligomers induced by multiple ligands, including the widely used ephrinA1-Fc ligand, the soluble monomeric m-ephrinA1, and novel engineered peptide ligands. We used fluorescence intensity fluctuation (FIF) spectrometry to characterize the EphA2 oligomer populations induced by the different ligands. Interestingly, we found that different monomeric and dimeric ligands induce EphA2 oligomers with widely different size distributions. Our comparison of FIF brightness distribution parameters and EphA2 signaling parameters reveals that the efficacy of EphA2 phosphorylation on tyrosine 588, an autophosphorylation response contributing to EphA2 activation, correlates with EphA2 mean oligomer size. However, we found that other characteristics, such as the efficacy of AKT inhibition and ligand bias coefficients, appear to be independent of EphA2 oligomer size. Taken together, this work highlights the utility of FIF in RTK signaling research and demonstrates a quantitative correlation between the architecture of EphA2 signaling complexes and signaling features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elmer Zapata-Mercado
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Gabriel Biener
- Department of Physics, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Daniel M McKenzie
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - William C Wimley
- Tulane University School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Elena B Pasquale
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California, USA.
| | - Valerica Raicu
- Department of Physics, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.
| | - Kalina Hristova
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
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Wirth D, Paul MD, Pasquale EB, Hristova K. Direct quantification of ligand-induced lipid and protein microdomains with distinctive signaling properties. CHEMSYSTEMSCHEM 2022; 4:e202200011. [PMID: 36337751 PMCID: PMC9634703 DOI: 10.1002/syst.202200011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Lipid rafts are ordered lipid domains that are enriched in saturated lipids, such as the ganglioside GM1. While lipid rafts are believed to exist in cells and to serve as signaling platforms through their enrichment in signaling components, they have not been directly observed in the plasma membrane without treatments that artificially cluster GM1 into large lattices. Here, we report that microscopic GM1-enriched domains can form, in the plasma membrane of live mammalian cells expressing the EphA2 receptor tyrosine kinase in response to its ligand ephrinA1-Fc. The GM1-enriched microdomains form concomitantly with EphA2-enriched microdomains. To gain insight into how plasma membrane heterogeneity controls signaling, we quantify the degree of EphA2 segregation and study initial EphA2 signaling steps in both EphA2-enriched and EphA2-depleted domains. By measuring dissociation constants, we demonstrate that the propensity of EphA2 to oligomerize is similar in EphA2-enriched and -depleted domains. However, surprisingly, EphA2 interacts preferentially with its downstream effector SRC in EphA2-depleted domains. The ability to induce microscopic GM1-enriched domains in live cells using a ligand for a transmembrane receptor will give us unprecedented opportunities to study the biophysical chemistry of lipid rafts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Wirth
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218
| | - Michael D. Paul
- Program in Molecular Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218
| | - Elena B. Pasquale
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 North Torrey Road, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Kalina Hristova
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218
- Program in Molecular Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218
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35
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Qu B, Han Y, Liang T, Zhang C, Hou G, Gao F. Evaluation of a novel EphA2 targeting peptide for triple negative breast cancer based on radionuclide molecular imaging. ARAB J CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.arabjc.2022.104211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
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Banerjee SL, Lessard F, Chartier FJM, Jacquet K, Osornio-Hernandez AI, Teyssier V, Ghani K, Lavoie N, Lavoie JN, Caruso M, Laprise P, Elowe S, Lambert JP, Bisson N. EPH receptor tyrosine kinases phosphorylate the PAR-3 scaffold protein to modulate downstream signaling networks. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111031. [PMID: 35793621 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
EPH receptors (EPHRs) constitute the largest family among receptor tyrosine kinases in humans. They are mainly involved in short-range cell-cell communication events that regulate cell adhesion, migration, and boundary formation. However, the molecular mechanisms by which EPHRs control these processes are less understood. To address this, we unravel EPHR-associated complexes under native conditions using mass-spectrometry-based BioID proximity labeling. We obtain a composite proximity network from EPHA4, -B2, -B3, and -B4 that comprises 395 proteins, most of which were not previously linked to EPHRs. We examine the contribution of several BioID-identified candidates via loss-of-function in an EPHR-dependent cell-segregation assay. We find that the signaling scaffold PAR-3 is required for cell sorting and that EPHRs directly phosphorylate PAR-3. We also delineate a signaling complex involving the C-terminal SRC kinase (CSK), whose recruitment to PAR-3 is dependent on EPHR signals. Our work describes signaling networks by which EPHRs regulate cellular phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara L Banerjee
- Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Quebec-Université Laval, Division Oncologie, Québec, QC, Canada; Centre de recherche sur le cancer de l'Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada; PROTEO-Quebec Network for Research on Protein Function, Engineering, and Applications, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Frédéric Lessard
- Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Quebec-Université Laval, Division Oncologie, Québec, QC, Canada; Centre de recherche sur le cancer de l'Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada; PROTEO-Quebec Network for Research on Protein Function, Engineering, and Applications, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - François J M Chartier
- Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Quebec-Université Laval, Division Oncologie, Québec, QC, Canada; Centre de recherche sur le cancer de l'Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada; PROTEO-Quebec Network for Research on Protein Function, Engineering, and Applications, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Kévin Jacquet
- Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Quebec-Université Laval, Division Oncologie, Québec, QC, Canada; Centre de recherche sur le cancer de l'Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Ana I Osornio-Hernandez
- Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Quebec-Université Laval, Division Oncologie, Québec, QC, Canada; Centre de recherche sur le cancer de l'Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada; PROTEO-Quebec Network for Research on Protein Function, Engineering, and Applications, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Valentine Teyssier
- Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Quebec-Université Laval, Division Oncologie, Québec, QC, Canada; Centre de recherche sur le cancer de l'Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada; PROTEO-Quebec Network for Research on Protein Function, Engineering, and Applications, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Karim Ghani
- Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Quebec-Université Laval, Division Oncologie, Québec, QC, Canada; Centre de recherche sur le cancer de l'Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Noémie Lavoie
- Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Quebec-Université Laval, Division Oncologie, Québec, QC, Canada; Centre de recherche sur le cancer de l'Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada; PROTEO-Quebec Network for Research on Protein Function, Engineering, and Applications, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Josée N Lavoie
- Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Quebec-Université Laval, Division Oncologie, Québec, QC, Canada; Centre de recherche sur le cancer de l'Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada; Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Manuel Caruso
- Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Quebec-Université Laval, Division Oncologie, Québec, QC, Canada; Centre de recherche sur le cancer de l'Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada; Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Patrick Laprise
- Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Quebec-Université Laval, Division Oncologie, Québec, QC, Canada; Centre de recherche sur le cancer de l'Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada; Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Sabine Elowe
- Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Quebec-Université Laval, Division Oncologie, Québec, QC, Canada; Centre de recherche sur le cancer de l'Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada; PROTEO-Quebec Network for Research on Protein Function, Engineering, and Applications, Québec, QC, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Jean-Philippe Lambert
- Centre de recherche sur le cancer de l'Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada; Department of Molecular Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada; Centre de recherche en données massives de l'Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada; Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Quebec-Université Laval, Division Endocrinologie-néphrologie, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Nicolas Bisson
- Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Quebec-Université Laval, Division Oncologie, Québec, QC, Canada; Centre de recherche sur le cancer de l'Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada; PROTEO-Quebec Network for Research on Protein Function, Engineering, and Applications, Québec, QC, Canada; Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.
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Zhao C, Rao JS, Duan H, Hao P, Shang J, Fan Y, Zhao W, Gao Y, Yang Z, Sun YE, Li X. Chronic spinal cord injury repair by NT3-chitosan only occurs after clearance of the lesion scar. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:184. [PMID: 35710784 PMCID: PMC9203793 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01010-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severe damage usually leading to limb dysesthesia, motor dysfunction, and other physiological disability. We have previously shown that NT3-chitosan could trigger an acute SCI repairment in rats and non-human primates. Due to the negative effect of inhibitory molecules in glial scar on axonal regeneration, however, the role of NT3-chitosan in the treatment of chronic SCI remains unclear. Compared with the fresh wound of acute SCI, how to handle the lesion core and glial scars is a major issue related to chronic-SCI repair. Here we report, in a chronic complete SCI rat model, establishment of magnetic resonance-diffusion tensor imaging (MR-DTI) methods to monitor spatial and temporal changes of the lesion area, which matched well with anatomical analyses. Clearance of the lesion core via suction of cystic tissues and trimming of solid scar tissues before introducing NT3-chitosan using either a rigid tubular scaffold or a soft gel form led to robust neural regeneration, which interconnected the severed ascending and descending axons and accompanied with electrophysiological and motor functional recovery. In contrast, cystic tissue extraction without scar trimming followed by NT3-chitosan injection, resulted in little, if any regeneration. Taken together, after lesion core clearance, NT3-chitosan can be used to enable chronic-SCI repair and MR-DTI-based mapping of lesion area and monitoring of ongoing regeneration can potentially be implemented in clinical studies for subacute/chronic-SCI repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Zhao
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Neural Regeneration, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China.,Institute of Rehabilitation Engineering, China Rehabilitation Science Institute, Beijing, 100068, China
| | - Jia-Sheng Rao
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Neural Regeneration, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Hongmei Duan
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Peng Hao
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Junkui Shang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Yubo Fan
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Chinese Education Ministry, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 10083, China.,School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 10083, China
| | - Wen Zhao
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Yudan Gao
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Zhaoyang Yang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
| | - Yi Eve Sun
- Shanghai Institute of Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China. .,Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, UCLA Medical School, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Xiaoguang Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Biomaterials and Neural Regeneration, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100083, China. .,Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
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Ha T, DiPrima M, Koparde V, Jailwala P, Ohnuki H, Feng JX, Palangat M, Larson D, Tosato G. Antisense transcription from lentiviral gene targeting linked to an integrated stress response in colorectal cancer cells. MOLECULAR THERAPY - NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 28:877-891. [PMID: 35694213 PMCID: PMC9163427 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Advances in gene therapy research have resulted in the successful development of new therapies for clinical use. Here, we explored a gene targeting approach to deplete ephrinB2 from colorectal cancer cells using an inducible lentiviral vector. EphrinB2, a transmembrane ephrin ligand, promotes colorectal cancer cell growth and viability and predicts poor patient survival when expressed at high levels in colorectal cancer tissues. We discovered that lentiviral vector integration and expression in the host DNA frequently drive divergent host gene transcription, generating antisense reads coupled with splicing events and generation of chimeric vector/host transcripts. Antisense transcription of host DNA was linked to development of an integrated stress response and cell death. Despite recent successes, off-target effects remain a concern in genetic medicine. Our results provide evidence that divergent gene transcription is a previously unrecognized off-target effect of lentiviral vector integration with built-in properties for regulation of gene expression.
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Eph and Ephrin Variants in Malaysian Neural Tube Defect Families. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13060952. [PMID: 35741713 PMCID: PMC9222557 DOI: 10.3390/genes13060952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural tube defects (NTDs) are common birth defects with a complex genetic etiology. Mouse genetic models have indicated a number of candidate genes, of which functional mutations in some have been found in human NTDs, usually in a heterozygous state. This study focuses on Ephs-ephrins as candidate genes of interest owing to growing evidence of the role of this gene family during neural tube closure in mouse models. Eph-ephrin genes were analyzed in 31 Malaysian individuals comprising seven individuals with sporadic spina bifida, 13 parents, one twin-sibling and 10 unrelated controls. Whole exome sequencing analysis and bioinformatic analysis were performed to identify variants in 22 known Eph-ephrin genes. We reported that three out of seven spina bifida probands and three out of thirteen family members carried a variant in either EPHA2 (rs147977279), EPHB6 (rs780569137) or EFNB1 (rs772228172). Analysis of public databases shows that these variants are rare. In exome datasets of the probands and parents of the probands with Eph-ephrin variants, the genotypes of spina bifida-related genes were compared to investigate the probability of the gene–gene interaction in relation to environmental risk factors. We report the presence of Eph-ephrin gene variants that are prevalent in a small cohort of spina bifida patients in Malaysian families.
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Hadjimichael AC, Pergaris A, Kaspiris A, Foukas AF, Kokkali S, Tsourouflis G, Theocharis S. The EPH/Ephrin System in Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcomas' Pathogenesis and Therapy: New Advancements and a Literature Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23095171. [PMID: 35563562 PMCID: PMC9100911 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23095171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Musculoskeletal sarcomas represent rare heterogenous malignancies of mesenchymal origin that can be divided in two distinct subtypes, bone and soft tissue sarcomas. Current treatment options combine the surgical excision of local tumors and multidrug chemotherapy to prevent metastatic widespread disease. Due to the grim prognosis that usually accompanies such tumors, researchers have attempted to shed light on the molecular pathways implicated in their pathogenesis in order to develop novel, innovative, personalized therapeutic strategies. Erythropoietin-producing human hepatocellular receptors (EPHs) are tyrosine-kinase transmembrane receptors that, along with their ligands, ephrins, participate in both tumor-suppressive or tumor-promoting signaling pathways in bone and soft tissue sarcomas. The EPH/ephrin axis orchestrates cancerous processes such as cell–cell and cell–substrate adhesion and enhances the remodeling of the intracellular cytoskeleton to stimulate the motility and invasiveness of sarcoma cells. The purpose of our study was to review published PubMed literature to extract results from in vitro, in vivo and clinical trials indicative of the role of EPH/ephrin signaling in bone and soft tissue sarcomas. Based on these reports, significant interactions between the EPH/ephrin signaling pathway and a plethora of normal and abnormal cascades contribute to molecular mechanisms enhancing malignancy during sarcoma progression. In addition, EPHs and ephrins are prospective candidates for diagnostic, monitoring and therapeutic purposes in the clinical setting against bone and soft tissue sarcomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Argyris C. Hadjimichael
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.C.H.); (A.P.); (S.K.); (G.T.)
- Department of Orthopaedics, St Mary’s Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Praed Street, London W2 1NY, UK
| | - Alexandros Pergaris
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.C.H.); (A.P.); (S.K.); (G.T.)
| | - Angelos Kaspiris
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece;
| | - Athanasios F. Foukas
- Third Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, “KAT” General Hospital of Athens, Nikis 2, 14561 Kifissia, Greece;
| | - Stefania Kokkali
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.C.H.); (A.P.); (S.K.); (G.T.)
| | - Gerasimos Tsourouflis
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.C.H.); (A.P.); (S.K.); (G.T.)
| | - Stamatios Theocharis
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.C.H.); (A.P.); (S.K.); (G.T.)
- Correspondence:
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Zalpoor H, Akbari A, Nabi-Afjadi M. Ephrin (Eph) receptor and downstream signaling pathways: a promising potential targeted therapy for COVID‑19 and associated cancers and diseases. Hum Cell 2022; 35:952-954. [PMID: 35377105 PMCID: PMC8977187 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-022-00697-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hamidreza Zalpoor
- American Association of Kidney Patients, Tampa, FL USA
- Shiraz Neuroscience Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Abdullatif Akbari
- Shiraz Neuroscience Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Nabi-Afjadi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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Lee SH, Shin MH, Leem AY, Lee SH, Chung KS, Kim YS, Park MS. NADPH oxidase 4 signaling in a ventilator-induced lung injury mouse model. Respir Res 2022; 23:73. [PMID: 35346198 PMCID: PMC8962540 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-022-01992-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background For patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome, a ventilator is essential to supply oxygen to tissues, but it may also cause lung damage. In this study, we investigated the role of NOX4 using NOX4 knockout (KO) mice and NOX4 inhibitors in a ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) model. Methods Wild-type (WT) male C57BL/6J mice and NOX4 knockout (KO) male mice were divided into five groups: (1) control group; (2) high tidal ventilation (HTV) group: WT mice + HTV ± DMSO; (3) NOX4 KO group; (4) NOX4 KO with HTV group; (5) NOX4 inhibitor group: WT mice + HTV + NOX4 inhibitor. In the VILI model, the supine position was maintained at 24 mL/kg volume, 0 cm H2O PEEP, 100/min respiratory rate, and 0.21 inspired oxygen fraction. In the NOX4 inhibitor group, 50 μL anti-GKT 137831 inhibitor was injected intraperitoneally, 2 h after ventilator use. After 5 h of HTV, mice in the ventilator group were euthanized, and their lung tissues were obtained for further analysis. In addition, the relationship between EphA2 (which is related to lung injury) and NOX4 was investigated using EphA2 KO mice, and NOX4 and EphA2 levels in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of 38 patients with pneumonia were examined. Results Cell counts from BALFs were significantly lower in the NOX4 KO with HTV group (p < 0.01) and EphA2 KO with HTV group (p < 0.001) compared to that in the HTV group. In the NOX4 inhibitor group, cell counts and protein concentrations from BALF were significantly lower than those in the HTV group (both, p < 0.001). In the NOX4 KO group and the NOX4 inhibitor group, EphA2 levels were significantly lower than those in the HTV group (p < 0.001). In patients with respiratory disease, NOX4 and EphA2 levels were significantly higher in patients with pneumonia and patients who received ventilator treatment in the intensive care unit. Conclusion In the VILI model with high tidal volume, NOX4 KO, EphA2 KO or monoclonal antibodies attenuated the VILI. NOX4 and EphA2 levels were significantly higher in patients with pneumonia and especially in mechanical ventilated in the ICU. Inhibition of Nox4 is a potential therapeutic target for the prevention and reduction of VILI. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12931-022-01992-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Hoon Lee
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Chest Diseases, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1, Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-752, South Korea
| | - Mi Hwa Shin
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Chest Diseases, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1, Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-752, South Korea
| | - Ah Young Leem
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Chest Diseases, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1, Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-752, South Korea
| | - Su Hwan Lee
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Chest Diseases, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1, Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-752, South Korea
| | - Kyung Soo Chung
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Chest Diseases, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1, Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-752, South Korea
| | - Young Sam Kim
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Chest Diseases, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1, Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-752, South Korea
| | - Moo Suk Park
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Chest Diseases, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1, Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 120-752, South Korea.
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Gomez-Soler M, Gehring MP, Lechtenberg BC, Zapata-Mercado E, Ruelos A, Matsumoto MW, Hristova K, Pasquale EB. Ligands with different dimeric configurations potently activate the EphA2 receptor and reveal its potential for biased signaling. iScience 2022; 25:103870. [PMID: 35243233 PMCID: PMC8858996 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.103870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The EphA2 receptor tyrosine kinase activates signaling pathways with different, and sometimes opposite, effects in cancer and other pathologies. Thus, highly specific and potent biased ligands that differentially control EphA2 signaling responses could be therapeutically valuable. Here, we use EphA2-specific monomeric peptides to engineer dimeric ligands with three different geometric configurations to combine a potential ability to differentially modulate EphA2 signaling responses with the high potency and prolonged receptor residence time characteristic of dimeric ligands. The different dimeric peptides readily induce EphA2 clustering, autophosphorylation and signaling, the best with sub-nanomolar potency. Yet, there are differences in two EphA2 signaling responses induced by peptides with different configurations, which exhibit distinct potency and efficacy. The peptides bias signaling when compared with the ephrinA1-Fc ligand and do so via different mechanisms. These findings provide insights into Eph receptor signaling, and proof-of-principle that different Eph signaling responses can be distinctly modulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maricel Gomez-Soler
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Marina P. Gehring
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Bernhard C. Lechtenberg
- Ubiquitin Signalling Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville Victoria 3052, Australia and Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Elmer Zapata-Mercado
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Alyssa Ruelos
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Mike W. Matsumoto
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Kalina Hristova
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Elena B. Pasquale
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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Abstract
The EPH receptor tyrosine kinases and their signaling partners, the EPHRINS, comprise a large class of cell signaling molecules that plays diverse roles in development. As cell membrane-anchored signaling molecules, they regulate cellular organization by modulating the strength of cellular contacts, usually by impacting the actin cytoskeleton or cell adhesion programs. Through these cellular functions, EPH/EPHRIN signaling often regulates tissue shape. Indeed, recent evidence indicates that this signaling family is ancient and associated with the origin of multicellularity. Though extensively studied, our understanding of the signaling mechanisms employed by this large family of signaling proteins remains patchwork, and a truly "canonical" EPH/EPHRIN signal transduction pathway is not known and may not exist. Instead, several foundational evolutionarily conserved mechanisms are overlaid by a myriad of tissue -specific functions, though common themes emerge from these as well. Here, I review recent advances and the related contexts that have provided new understanding of the conserved and varied molecular and cellular mechanisms employed by EPH/EPHRIN signaling during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey O Bush
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Program in Craniofacial Biology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Institute for Human Genetics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.
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Papadakos SP, Petrogiannopoulos L, Pergaris A, Theocharis S. The EPH/Ephrin System in Colorectal Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052761. [PMID: 35269901 PMCID: PMC8910949 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The EPH/ephrin system constitutes a bidirectional signaling pathway comprised of a family of tyrosine kinase receptors in tandem with their plasma membrane-bound ligand (ephrins). Its significance in a wide variety of physiologic and pathologic processes has been recognized during the past decades. In carcinogenesis, EPH/ephrins coordinate a wide spectrum of pathologic processes, such as angiogenesis, vessel infiltration, and metastasis. Despite the recent advances in colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis and treatment, it remains a leading cause of death globally, accounting for 9.2% of all cancer deaths. A growing body of literature has been published lately revitalizing our scientific interest towards the role of EPH/ephrins in pathogenesis and the treatment of CRC. The aim of the present review is to present the recent CRC data which might lead to clinical practice changes in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stavros P Papadakos
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 157 72 Athens, Greece
| | - Leonidas Petrogiannopoulos
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 157 72 Athens, Greece
| | - Alexandros Pergaris
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 157 72 Athens, Greece
| | - Stamatios Theocharis
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 157 72 Athens, Greece
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Murugan S, Cheng C. Roles of Eph-Ephrin Signaling in the Eye Lens Cataractogenesis, Biomechanics, and Homeostasis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:852236. [PMID: 35295853 PMCID: PMC8918484 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.852236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The eye lens is responsible for fine focusing of light onto the retina, and its function relies on tissue transparency and biomechanical properties. Recent studies have demonstrated the importance of Eph-ephrin signaling for the maintenance of life-long lens homeostasis. The binding of Eph receptor tyrosine kinases to ephrin ligands leads to a bidirectional signaling pathway that controls many cellular processes. In particular, dysfunction of the receptor EphA2 or the ligand ephrin-A5 lead to a variety of congenital and age-related cataracts, defined as any opacity in the lens, in human patients. In addition, a wealth of animal studies reveal the unique and overlapping functions of EphA2 and ephrin-A5 in lens cell shape, cell organization and patterning, and overall tissue optical and biomechanical properties. Significant differences in lens phenotypes of mouse models with disrupted EphA2 or ephrin-A5 signaling indicate that genetic modifiers likely affect cataract phenotypes and progression, suggesting a possible reason for the variability of human cataracts due to Eph-ephrin dysfunction. This review summarizes the roles of EphA2 and ephrin-A5 in the lens and suggests future avenues of study.
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Nikas I, Giaginis C, Petrouska K, Alexandrou P, Michail A, Sarantis P, Tsourouflis G, Danas E, Pergaris A, Politis PK, Nakopoulou L, Theocharis S. EPHA2, EPHA4, and EPHA7 Expression in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12020366. [PMID: 35204461 PMCID: PMC8871500 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12020366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Ongoing research continues to elucidate the complex role of ephrin receptors (EPHs) and their ligands (ephrins) in breast cancer pathogenesis, with their varying expression patterns implied to have an important impact on patients’ outcome. The current study aims to investigate the clinical significance of EPHA2, EPHA4, and EPHA7 expression in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cases. EPHA2, EPHA4, and EPHA7 protein expression was assessed immunohistochemically on formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) TNBC tissue sections from 52 TNBC patients and correlated with key clinicopathologic parameters and patients’ survival data (overall survival (OS); disease-free survival (DFS)). EPHA2, EPHA4, and EPHA7 expression was further examined in TNBC cell lines. EPHA2 overexpression was observed in 26 (50%) of the TNBC cases, who exhibited a shorter OS and DFS than their low-expression counterparts, with EPHA2 representing an independent prognostic factor for OS and DFS (p = 0.0041 and p = 0.0232, respectively). EPHA4 overexpression was associated with lymph node metastasis in TNBC patients (p = 0.0546). Alterations in EPHA2, EPHA4, and EPHA7 expression levels were also noted in the examined TNBC cell lines. Our study stresses that EPHA2 expression constitutes a potential prognostic factor for TNBC patients. Given the limited treatment options and poorer outcome that accompany the TNBC subtype, EPHA2 could also pose as a target for novel, more personalized, and effective therapeutic approaches for those patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilias Nikas
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece; (I.N.); (K.P.); (P.A.); (P.S.); (E.D.); (A.P.); (L.N.)
- School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, Nicosia 2404, Cyprus
| | - Constantinos Giaginis
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of Environment, University of Aegean, Myrina, 811 00 Lemnos, Greece;
| | - Kalliopi Petrouska
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece; (I.N.); (K.P.); (P.A.); (P.S.); (E.D.); (A.P.); (L.N.)
| | - Paraskevi Alexandrou
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece; (I.N.); (K.P.); (P.A.); (P.S.); (E.D.); (A.P.); (L.N.)
| | - Artemis Michail
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Efesiou Str., 115 27 Athens, Greece; (A.M.); (P.K.P.)
| | - Panagiotis Sarantis
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece; (I.N.); (K.P.); (P.A.); (P.S.); (E.D.); (A.P.); (L.N.)
| | - Gerasimos Tsourouflis
- Second Department of Propedeutic Surgery, Laikon Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece;
| | - Eugene Danas
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece; (I.N.); (K.P.); (P.A.); (P.S.); (E.D.); (A.P.); (L.N.)
| | - Alexandros Pergaris
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece; (I.N.); (K.P.); (P.A.); (P.S.); (E.D.); (A.P.); (L.N.)
| | - Panagiotis K. Politis
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Efesiou Str., 115 27 Athens, Greece; (A.M.); (P.K.P.)
| | - Lydia Nakopoulou
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece; (I.N.); (K.P.); (P.A.); (P.S.); (E.D.); (A.P.); (L.N.)
| | - Stamatios Theocharis
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece; (I.N.); (K.P.); (P.A.); (P.S.); (E.D.); (A.P.); (L.N.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: + 30-210-7462178; Fax: + 30-210-7456259
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Protein-Protein Interaction Inhibitors Targeting the Eph-Ephrin System with a Focus on Amino Acid Conjugates of Bile Acids. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15020137. [PMID: 35215250 PMCID: PMC8880657 DOI: 10.3390/ph15020137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of the Eph-ephrin system in the etiology of pathological conditions has been consolidated throughout the years. In this context, approaches directed against this signaling system, intended to modulate its activity, can be strategic therapeutic opportunities. Currently, the most promising class of compounds able to interfere with the Eph receptor-ephrin protein interaction is composed of synthetic derivatives of bile acids. In the present review, we summarize the progresses achieved, in terms of chemical expansions and structure-activity relationships, both in the steroidal core and the terminal carboxylic acid group, along with the pharmacological characterization for the most promising Eph-ephrin antagonists in in vivo settings.
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Lee SH, Kang SH, Han MS, Kwak JW, Kim HG, Lee TH, Lee DB, Kim TH. The Expression of ephrinA1/ephA2 Receptor Increases in Chronic Rhinosinusitis and ephrinA1/ephA2 Signaling Affects Rhinovirus-Induced Innate Immunity in Human Sinonasal Epithelial Cells. Front Immunol 2021; 12:793517. [PMID: 34975898 PMCID: PMC8716742 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.793517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
EphA2 receptor and its ephrin ligands are involved in virus infection, epithelial permeability, and chemokine secretion. We hypothesized that ephrinA1/ephA2 signaling participates in rhinovirus (RV)-induced antiviral immune response in sinonasal mucosa of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Therefore, we investigated the expression of ephrinA1/ephA2 in normal and inflamed sinonasal mucosa and evaluated whether they regulate chemokine secretion and the production of antiviral immune mediators including interferons (IFNs) in RV-infected human primary sinonasal epithelial cells. For this purpose, the expression and distribution of ephrinA1/ephA2 in sinonasal mucosa were evaluated with RT-qPCR, immunofluorescence, and western blot. Their roles in chemokine secretion and the production of antiviral immune mediators such as type I and III IFNs, and interferon stimulated genes were evaluated by stimulating ephA2 with ephrinA1 and inactivating ephA2 with ephA2 siRNA or inhibitor in cells exposed to RV and poly(I:C). We found that ephrinA1/ephA2 were expressed in normal mucosa and their levels increased in inflamed sinonasal mucosa of CRS patients. RV infection or poly(I:C) treatment induced chemokine secretion which were attenuated by blocking the action of ephA2 with ephA2 siRNA or inhibitor. The production of antiviral immune mediators enhanced by rhinovirus or poly (I:C) is increased by blocking ephA2 compared with that of cells stimulated by either rhinovirus or poly(I:C) alone. In addition, blocking ephA2 attenuated RV replication in cultured cells. Taken together, these results describe a novel role of ephrinA1/ephA2 signaling in antiviral innate immune response in sinonasal epithelium, suggesting their participation in RV-induced development and exacerbations of CRS.
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Regulation of the EphA2 receptor intracellular region by phosphomimetic negative charges in the kinase-SAM linker. Nat Commun 2021; 12:7047. [PMID: 34857764 PMCID: PMC8639986 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27343-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Eph receptor tyrosine kinases play a key role in cell-cell communication. Lack of structural information on the entire multi-domain intracellular region of any Eph receptor has hindered understanding of their signaling mechanisms. Here, we use integrative structural biology to investigate the structure and dynamics of the EphA2 intracellular region. EphA2 promotes cancer malignancy through a poorly understood non-canonical form of signaling involving serine/threonine phosphorylation of the linker connecting its kinase and SAM domains. We show that accumulation of multiple linker negative charges, mimicking phosphorylation, induces cooperative changes in the EphA2 intracellular region from more closed to more extended conformations and perturbs the EphA2 juxtamembrane segment and kinase domain. In cells, linker negative charges promote EphA2 oligomerization. We also identify multiple kinases catalyzing linker phosphorylation. Our findings suggest multiple effects of linker phosphorylation on EphA2 signaling and imply that coordination of different kinases is necessary to promote EphA2 non-canonical signaling. Eph receptor tyrosine kinases and their ephrin ligands mediate cell-cell communication. Here, the authors assess the structure and dynamics of the EphA2 intracellular region and uncover complex effects of phosphorylation within the linker region between EphA2 kinase and SAM domains.
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