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Wang S, Qiao X, Cui Y, Liu L, Cooper T, Hu Y, Lin J, Liu H, Wang M, Hayball J, Wang X. NCAPH, ubiquitinated by TRIM21, promotes cell proliferation by inhibiting autophagy of cervical cancer through AKT/mTOR dependent signaling. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:565. [PMID: 39103348 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06932-y] [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: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
Autophagy is closely related to the occurrence and development of human malignancies; however, the detailed mechanisms underlying autophagy in cervical cancer require further investigation. Previously, we found that the ectopic expression of NCAPH, a regulatory subunit of condensed protein complexes, significantly enhanced the proliferation of tumor cells; however, the underlying mechanisms were unclear. Here, we revealed that NCAPH is a novel autophagy-associated protein in cervical cancer that promotes cell proliferation by inhibiting autophagosome formation and reducing autophagy, with no effect on the cell cycle, apoptosis, or aging. Tripartite motif-containing protein 21 (TRIM21) is well known to be involved in inflammation, autoimmunity and cancer, mainly via its E3 ubiquitin ligase activity. Mass spectrometry and immunoprecipitation assays showed that TRIM21 interacted with NCAPH and decreased the protein stability of NCAPH via ubiquitination at the K11 lysine residue. Structural domain mutation analysis revealed that TRIM21 combined with NCAPH through its PRY/SPRY and CC domains and accelerated the degradation of NCAPH through the RING domain. Furthermore, TRIM21 promoted autophagosome formation and reduced cell proliferation by inhibiting NCAPH expression and the downstream AKT/mTOR pathway in cervical cancer cells. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that the protein expression of TRIM21 was negatively correlated with that of NCAPH and positively correlated with that of beclin-1 in cervical cancer tissues. Therefore, we provide evidence for the role of the TRIM21-NCAPH axis in cervical cancer autophagy and proliferation and the involvement of the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in this process. These results deepen our understanding of the carcinogenesis of cervical cancer, broaden the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of TRIM21 and NCAPH, and provide guidance for individualized treatment of cervical cancer in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiqi Wang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiaowen Qiao
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery IV, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Yaqi Cui
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Liang Liu
- Experimental Therapeutics Laboratory, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia Cancer Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Tamara Cooper
- Experimental Therapeutics Laboratory, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia Cancer Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Yingxin Hu
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jiaxiang Lin
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Haiting Liu
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - John Hayball
- Experimental Therapeutics Laboratory, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia Cancer Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Xiao Wang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China.
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Zhang L, Luo B, Lu Y, Chen Y. Targeting Death-Associated Protein Kinases for Treatment of Human Diseases: Recent Advances and Future Directions. J Med Chem 2023; 66:1112-1136. [PMID: 36645394 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The death-associated protein kinase (DAPK) family is a member of the calcium/calmodulin-regulated serine/threonine protein kinase family, and studies have shown that its role, as its name suggests, is mainly to regulate cell death. The DAPK family comprises five members, including DAPK1, DAPK2, DAPK3, DRAK1 and DRAK2, which show high homology in the common N-terminal kinase domain but differ in the extra-catalytic domain. Notably, previous research has suggested that the DAPK family plays an essential role in both the development and regulation of human diseases. However, only a few small-molecule inhibitors have been reported. In this Perspective, we mainly discuss the structure, biological function, and role of DAPKs in diseases and the currently discovered small-molecule inhibitors, providing valuable information for the development of the DAPK field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Zhang
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, China
| | - Boqin Luo
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, China
| | - Yingying Lu
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, China
| | - Yi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
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Yoon SB, Hong H, Lim HJ, Choi JH, Choi YP, Seo SW, Lee HW, Chae CH, Park WK, Kim HY, Jeong D, De TQ, Myung CS, Cho H. A novel IRAK4/PIM1 inhibitor ameliorates rheumatoid arthritis and lymphoid malignancy by blocking the TLR/MYD88-mediated NF-κB pathway. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 13:1093-1109. [PMID: 36970199 PMCID: PMC10031381 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 4 (IRAK4) is a pivotal enzyme in the Toll-like receptor (TLR)/MYD88 dependent signaling pathway, which is highly activated in rheumatoid arthritis tissues and activated B cell-like diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (ABC-DLBCL). Inflammatory responses followed by IRAK4 activation promote B-cell proliferation and aggressiveness of lymphoma. Moreover, proviral integration site for Moloney murine leukemia virus 1 (PIM1) functions as an anti-apoptotic kinase in propagation of ABC-DLBCL with ibrutinib resistance. We developed a dual IRAK4/PIM1 inhibitor KIC-0101 that potently suppresses the NF-κB pathway and proinflammatory cytokine induction in vitro and in vivo. In rheumatoid arthritis mouse models, treatment with KIC-0101 significantly ameliorated cartilage damage and inflammation. KIC-0101 inhibited the nuclear translocation of NF-κB and activation of JAK/STAT pathway in ABC-DLBCLs. In addition, KIC-0101 exhibited an anti-tumor effect on ibrutinib-resistant cells by synergistic dual suppression of TLR/MYD88-mediated NF-κB pathway and PIM1 kinase. Our results suggest that KIC-0101 is a promising drug candidate for autoimmune diseases and ibrutinib-resistant B-cell lymphomas.
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Zou X, Guo Y, Mo Z. TLR3 serves as a novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarker and is closely correlated with immune microenvironment in three types of cancer. Front Genet 2022; 13:905988. [PMID: 36419829 PMCID: PMC9676367 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.905988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) plays an important role in both innate and adaptive immunity, but the prognostic value of TLR3 in heterogeneous tumors and the correlations between TLR3 expression and immune infiltration of heterogeneous tumors remain unclear. Methods: We investigated the expression of TLR3 in a variety of tumors and focused on the diagnostic and prognostic values of TLR3 in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC), pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) and brain lower grade glioma (LGG) by GEPIA, DriverDBv3, UALCAN, TIMER, LinkedOmics, STRING, GeneMANIA and FunRich, as well as the possible mechanisms of TLR3 affecting tumor prognosis were discussed. Additionally, real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to validate TLR3 expression in early KIRC. We also compared the expression of TLR3 in the plasma of early KIRC patients and normal controls by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: TLR3 expression was significantly different in multiple tumors compared with paracancerous nontumor tissues. Elevated expression of TLR3 contributed to the prolonged survival outcome in KIRC patients. Suppressed expression of TLR3 contributed to the prolonged survival outcome in LGG and PAAD patients. Moreover, TLR3 was significantly elevated in stage1, grade1 and N0 of KIRC. The expression and function of TLR3 in KIRC, LGG and PAAD were closely related to tumor immune microenvironment. TRAF6 was a key gene in the interactions between TLR3 and its interacting genes. Finally, the results of RT-qPCR and ELISA indicated that TLR3 expression levels were significantly raised in renal tissue and plasma of early KIRC patients. Conclusion: TLR3 has the potential to be a diagnostic biomarker of KIRC, LGG and PAAD as well as a biomarker for evaluating the prognosis of KIRC, LGG and PAAD, particularly for the early diagnosis of KIRC. TLR3 affects tumors mainly by acting on the immune microenvironment of KIRC, LGG and PAAD. These findings could lead to new insights into the immunotherapeutic targets for KIRC, LGG, and PAAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiong Zou
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Colleges and Universities, Nanning, China
| | - Yi Guo
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Colleges and Universities, Nanning, China
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Zengnan Mo
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Collaborative Innovation Center for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Genomic and Personalized Medicine, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Colleges and Universities, Nanning, China
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
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Zhai F, Wang J, Yang W, Ye M, Jin X. The E3 Ligases in Cervical Cancer and Endometrial Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:5354. [PMID: 36358773 PMCID: PMC9658772 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14215354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometrial (EC) and cervical (CC) cancers are the most prevalent malignancies of the female reproductive system. There is a global trend towards increasing incidence and mortality, with a decreasing age trend. E3 ligases label substrates with ubiquitin to regulate their activity and stability and are involved in various cellular functions. Studies have confirmed abnormal expression or mutations of E3 ligases in EC and CC, indicating their vital roles in the occurrence and progression of EC and CC. This paper provides an overview of the E3 ligases implicated in EC and CC and discusses their underlying mechanism. In addition, this review provides research advances in the target of ubiquitination processes in EC and CC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengguang Zhai
- The Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315020, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Jie Wang
- The Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315020, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Weili Yang
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated People’s Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315040, China
| | - Meng Ye
- The Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315020, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Xiaofeng Jin
- The Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315020, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
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Zheng Y, Li X, Kuang L, Wang Y. New insights into the characteristics of DRAK2 and its role in apoptosis: From molecular mechanisms to clinically applied potential. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1014508. [PMID: 36386181 PMCID: PMC9649744 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1014508] [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: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
As a member of the death-associated protein kinase (DAPK) family, DAP kinase-associated apoptosis-inducing kinase 2 (DRAK2) performs apoptosis-related functions. Compelling evidence suggests that DRAK2 is involved in regulating the activation of T lymphocytes as well as pancreatic β-cell apoptosis in type I diabetes. In addition, DRAK2 has been shown to be involved in the development of related tumor and non-tumor diseases through a variety of mechanisms, including exacerbation of alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) through SRSF6-associated RNA selective splicing mechanism, regulation of chronic lymphocytic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia, and progression of colorectal cancer. This review focuses on the structure, function, and upstream pathways of DRAK2 and discusses the potential and challenges associated with the clinical application of DRAK2-based small-molecule inhibitors, with the aim of advancing DRAK2 research.
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Liang L, Zhu Y, Li J, Zeng J, Wu L. ALKBH5-mediated m6A modification of circCCDC134 facilitates cervical cancer metastasis by enhancing HIF1A transcription. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:261. [PMID: 36028854 PMCID: PMC9413927 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02462-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Metastasis is the main cause of mortality in cervical cancer (CC). Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been demonstrated to play a crucial role in carcinoma biology. However, the expression and function of circRNAs in cervical cancer metastasis are still unclear. Methods In the present study, we identified a circRNA with an N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification, circCCDC134, whose expression was increased in CC tissues by circRNA-Seq and qPCR. CircCCDC134 upregulation in CC was fine-tuned by ALKBH5-mediated m6A modification, which enhanced its stability in a YTHDF2-dependent manner. The functional experiments illustrated that circCCDC134 enhanced tumour proliferation and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. For the comprehensive identification of RNA-binding proteins, circRNA pull-down and mass spectrometry (ChIRP-MS), chromatin immunoprecipitation-seq (Chip-seq), RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) and luciferase reporter assays were used to perform mechanistic investigations. Results The results revealed that circCCDC134 recruited p65 in the nucleus and acted as a miR-503-5p sponge to regulate the expression of MYB in the cytoplasm, ultimately stimulating HIF1A transcription and facilitating CC growth and metastasis. Conclusion: These findings indicate that circCCDC134 is an important therapeutic target and provide new regulatory model insights for exploring the carcinogenic mechanism of circCCDC134 in CC. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-022-02462-7.
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8
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Zhuang H, Ren Y, Mao C, Zhong Y, Zhang Z, Cao B, Zhang Y, Huang J, Xu G, Huang Z, Xu Y, Mao X. Induction of zinc finger protein RNF6 auto-ubiquitination for the treatment of myeloma and chronic myeloid leukemia. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102314. [PMID: 35926709 PMCID: PMC9436814 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The zinc finger ubiquitin ligase RNF6 has been proposed as a potential therapeutic target in several cancers, but understanding its molecular mechanism of degradation has been elusive. In the present study, we find that RNF6 is degraded via auto-ubiquitination in a manner dependent on its Really Interesting New Gene (RING) domain. We determine that when the RING domain is deleted (ΔRING) or the core cysteine residues in the zinc finger are mutated (C632S/C635S), the WT protein, but not the ΔRING or mutant RNF6 protein, undergoes polyubiquitination. We also identify USP7 as a deubiquitinase of RNF6 by tandem mass spectrometry. We show that USP7 interacts with RNF6 and abolishes its K48-linked polyubiquitination, thereby preventing its degradation. In contrast, we found a USP7-specific inhibitor promotes RNF6 polyubiquitination, degradation, and cell death. Furthermore, we demonstrate the anti-leukemic drug Nilotinib and anti-myeloma drug Panobinostat (LBH589) induce RNF6 K48-linked polyubiquitination and degradation in both multiple myeloma (MM) and leukemia cells. In agreement with our hypothesis on the mode of RNF6 degradation, we show these drugs promote RNF6 auto-ubiquitination in an in vitro ubiquitination system without other E3 ligases. Consistently, reexpression of RNF6 ablates drug-induced MM and leukemia cell apoptosis. Therefore, our results reveal that RNF6 is a RING E3 ligase that undergoes auto-ubiquitination, which could be abolished by USP7 and induced by anti-cancer drugs. We propose that chemical induction of RNF6 auto-ubiquitination and degradation could be a novel strategy for the treatment of hematological malignancies including MM and leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixia Zhuang
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital & Guangdong Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and Degradation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 511436, P. R. China
| | - Ying Ren
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Chenyu Mao
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, P. R. China
| | - Yueya Zhong
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital & Guangdong Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and Degradation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 511436, P. R. China
| | - Zubin Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Biyin Cao
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Yuming Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Hematology Research Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Jinqi Huang
- Department of Hematology, Hematology Research Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Guoqiang Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Zhenqian Huang
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital & Guangdong Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and Degradation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 511436, P. R. China.
| | - Yujia Xu
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital & Guangdong Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and Degradation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 511436, P. R. China.
| | - Xinliang Mao
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital & Guangdong Key Laboratory of Protein Modification and Degradation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 511436, P. R. China.
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Chen HM, MacDonald JA. Death-associated protein kinases and intestinal epithelial homeostasis. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2022; 306:1062-1087. [PMID: 35735750 DOI: 10.1002/ar.25022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The family of death-associated protein kinases (DAPKs) and DAPK-related apoptosis-inducing protein kinases (DRAKs) act as molecular switches for a multitude of cellular processes, including apoptotic and autophagic cell death events. This review summarizes the mechanisms for kinase activity regulation and discusses recent molecular investigations of DAPK and DRAK family members in the intestinal epithelium. In general, recent literature convincingly supports the importance of this family of protein kinases in the homeostatic processes that govern the proper function of the intestinal epithelium. Each of the DAPK family of proteins possesses distinct biochemical properties, and we compare similarities in the information available as well as those cases where functional distinctions are apparent. As the prototypical member of the family, DAPK1 is noteworthy for its tumor suppressor function and association with colorectal cancer. In the intestinal epithelium, DAPK2 is associated with programmed cell death, potential tumor-suppressive functions, and a unique influence on granulocyte biology. The impact of the DRAKs in the epithelium is understudied, but recent studies support a role for DRAK1 in inflammation-mediated tumor growth and metastasis. A commentary is provided on the potential importance of DAPK3 in facilitating epithelial restitution and wound healing during the resolution of colitis. An update on efforts to develop selective pharmacologic effectors of individual DAPK members is also supplied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huey-Miin Chen
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Justin A MacDonald
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Degradation of DRAK1 by CUL3/SPOP E3 Ubiquitin ligase promotes tumor growth of paclitaxel-resistant cervical cancer cells. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:169. [PMID: 35194034 PMCID: PMC8863983 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04619-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Despite favorable responses to initial chemotherapy, drug resistance is a major cause limiting chemotherapeutic efficacy in many advanced cancers. However, mechanisms that drive drug-specific resistance in chemotherapy for patients with advanced cancers are still unclear. Here, we report a unique role of death-associated protein kinase-related apoptosis-inducing kinase 1 (DRAK1) associated with paclitaxel resistance in cervical cancer cells. Interestingly, DRAK1 protein level was markedly decreased in paclitaxel-resistant cervical cancer cells without affecting its mRNA expression, which resulted in an increase in tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) expression, as well as an activation of TRAF6-mediated nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling cascade, thereby promoting tumor progression. DRAK1 depletion markedly increased the chemotherapeutic IC50 values of paclitaxel in cervical cancer cells. Ectopic expression of DRAK1 inhibited growth of paclitaxel-resistant cervical cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, DRAK1 was markedly underexpressed in chemoresistant cervical cancer patient tissues compared with chemosensitive samples. We found that DRAK1 protein was destabilized through K48-linked polyubiquitination promoted by the Cullin scaffold protein 3 (CUL3) / speckle-type POZ (poxvirus and zinc finger protein) protein (SPOP) E3 ubiquitin ligase in paclitaxel-resistant cells. Collectively, these findings suggest that DRAK1 may serve as a potential predictive biomarker for overcoming paclitaxel resistance in cervical cancer.
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11
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Sun T, Wei C, Wang D, Wang X, Wang J, Hu Y, Mao X. The small RNA mascRNA differentially regulates TLR-induced proinflammatory and antiviral responses. JCI Insight 2021; 6:150833. [PMID: 34582376 PMCID: PMC8663567 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.150833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
MALAT1-associated small cytoplasmic RNA (mascRNA) is a highly conserved transfer RNA-like (tRNA-like) noncoding RNA whose function remains largely unknown. We show here that this small RNA molecule played a role in the stringent control of TLR-mediated innate immune responses. mascRNA inhibited activation of NF-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling and the production of inflammatory cytokines in macrophages stimulated with LPS, a TLR4 ligand. Furthermore, exogenous mascRNA alleviated LPS-induced lung inflammation. However, mascRNA potentiated the phosphorylation of IRF3 and STAT1 and the transcription of IFN-related genes in response to the TLR3 ligand poly(I:C) both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, mascRNA was found to enhance K48-linked ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of TRAF6, thereby negatively regulating TLR-mediated MyD88-dependent proinflammatory signaling while positively regulating TRIF-dependent IFN signaling. Additionally, heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein H (hnRNP H) and hnRNP F were found to interact with mascRNA, promote its degradation, and contribute to the fine-tuning of TLR-triggered immune responses. Taken together, our data identify a dual role of mascRNA in both negative and positive regulation of innate immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Sun
- School of Life Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Developmental Genes and Human Disease
| | - Chunxue Wei
- School of Life Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Developmental Genes and Human Disease
| | - Daoyong Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine
| | - Xuxu Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine
| | - Jiao Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Developmental Genes and Human Disease
| | - Yuqing Hu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine
| | - Xiaohua Mao
- School of Life Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Developmental Genes and Human Disease.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine.,and Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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12
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TRAF6 Phosphorylation Prevents Its Autophagic Degradation and Re-Shapes LPS-Triggered Signaling Networks. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13143618. [PMID: 34298830 PMCID: PMC8303406 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Here, we reveal that basal turnover and autophagy-induced decay of the ubiquitin E3 ligase TRAF6 is antagonized by IKKε-mediated phosphorylation at five serines. Phosphoproteomic experiments show that TRAF6 and its phosphorylation contribute to the remodeling of LPS- and autophagyinduced signaling networks, revealing an intricate link between inflammatory and metabolic processes that are frequently dysregulated in cancer. Abstract The ubiquitin E3 ligase TNF Receptor Associated Factor 6 (TRAF6) participates in a large number of different biological processes including innate immunity, differentiation and cell survival, raising the need to specify and shape the signaling output. Here, we identify a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-dependent increase in TRAF6 association with the kinase IKKε (inhibitor of NF-κB kinase subunit ε) and IKKε-mediated TRAF6 phosphorylation at five residues. The reconstitution of TRAF6-deficient cells, with TRAF6 mutants representing phosphorylation-defective or phospho-mimetic TRAF6 variants, showed that the phospho-mimetic TRAF6 variant was largely protected from basal ubiquitin/proteasome-mediated degradation, and also from autophagy-mediated decay in autolysosomes induced by metabolic perturbation. In addition, phosphorylation of TRAF6 and its E3 ligase function differentially shape basal and LPS-triggered signaling networks, as revealed by phosphoproteome analysis. Changes in LPS-triggered phosphorylation networks of cells that had experienced autophagy are partially dependent on TRAF6 and its phosphorylation status, suggesting an involvement of this E3 ligase in the interplay between metabolic and inflammatory circuits.
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Lin K, Zhou D, Li M, Meng J, He F, Yang X, Dong D, Wang X, Wu X, Chen X, Hou J. Echinococcus granulosus cyst fluid suppresses inflammatory responses by inhibiting TRAF6 signalling in macrophages. Parasitology 2021; 148:887-894. [PMID: 33775265 PMCID: PMC11010193 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182021000548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato has complex defence mechanisms that protect it from the anti-parasitic immune response for long periods. Echinococcus granulosus cyst fluid (EgCF) is involved in the immune escape. Nevertheless, whether and how EgCF modulates the inflammatory response in macrophages remains poorly understood. Here, real-time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay revealed that EgCF could markedly attenuate the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of pro-inflammatory factors including tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-6 but increase the expression of IL-10 at mRNA and protein levels in mouse peritoneal macrophages and RAW 264.7 cells. Mechanically, western blotting and immunofluorescence assay showed that EgCF abolished the activation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB p65, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and ERK1/2 signalling pathways by LPS stimulation in mouse macrophages. EgCF's anti-inflammatory role was at least partly contributed by promoting proteasomal degradation of the critical adaptor TRAF6. Moreover, the EgCF-promoted anti-inflammatory response and TRAF6 proteasomal degradation were conserved in human THP-1 macrophages. These findings collectively reveal a novel mechanism by which EgCF suppresses inflammatory responses by inhibiting TRAF6 and the downstream activation of NF-κB and MAPK signalling in both human and mouse macrophages, providing new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the E. granulosus-induced immune evasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Lin
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Di Zhou
- Medical Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Min Li
- Nursing School of Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Jin Meng
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Feiming He
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Xiaofeng Yang
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Dan Dong
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Xian Wang
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Xiangwei Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Xueling Chen
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Jun Hou
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
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Park HH. Structural feature of TRAFs, their related human diseases and therapeutic intervention. Arch Pharm Res 2021; 44:475-486. [PMID: 33970438 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-021-01330-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Several studies have been conducted over the years to unravel the structural information on the receptors that bind to tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor (TRAF) and the driving forces for the TRAF/receptor complex. In addition, studies have also been performed to highlight the influence of TRAF malfunctioning and mutations on the development of human disease. However, a holistic study that systematically summarizes the available information and the existing clinical trends towards development of the TRAF-targeting drugs has not been conducted to date. Herein, I reviewed existing research that focused on the structural information of various receptors recognized by the different members of the TRAF family. I also reviewed studies on the different human diseases that occur due to TRAF malfunctioning or mutations as well as the clinical trials undertaken to treat TRAF-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Ho Park
- College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Global Innovative Drugs, Graduate School of Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea.
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Song G, Zhang Y, Tian J, Ma J, Yin K, Xu H, Wang S. TRAF6 Regulates the Immunosuppressive Effects of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in Tumor-Bearing Host. Front Immunol 2021; 12:649020. [PMID: 33717204 PMCID: PMC7946975 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.649020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are immature heterogeneous cells derived from the bone marrow and they are the major component of the tumor-induced immunosuppressive environment. Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), an E3 ubiquitin ligase, catalyzes the polyubiquitination of target proteins. TRAF6 plays a critical role in modulating the immune system. However, whether TRAF6 is involved in the regulation of MDSCs has not been thoroughly elucidated to date. In this study, we found that the expression of TRAF6 in MDSCs derived from tumor tissue was significantly upregulated compared with that of MDSCs from spleen of tumor-bearing mice. Knockdown of TRAF6 remarkably attenuated the immunosuppressive effects of MDSCs. Mechanistically, TRAF6 might improve the immunosuppression of MDSCs by mediating K63-linked polyubiquitination and phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). Additionally, it was discovered that the accumulation of MDSCs was abnormal in peripheral blood of lung cancer patients. TRAF6 and arginase 1 were highly expressed in MDSCs of patients with lung cancer. Taken together, our study demonstrated that TRAF6 participates in promoting the immunosuppressive function of MDSCs and provided a potential target for antitumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Song
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu University School of Medicine, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Jie Tian
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu University School of Medicine, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Jie Ma
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu University School of Medicine, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Kai Yin
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Huaxi Xu
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu University School of Medicine, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Shengjun Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu University School of Medicine, Zhenjiang, China
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