Lyn Physically Associates With the Erythropoietin Receptor and May Play a Role in Activation of the Stat5 Pathway

EpoR Activation Stimulates Erythroid Precursor Proliferation by Inducing Phosphorylation of Tyrosine-88 of the CDK-Inhibitor p27Kip1

Erythrocyte biogenesis needs to be tightly regulated to secure oxygen transport and control plasma viscosity. The cytokine erythropoietin (Epo) governs erythropoiesis by promoting cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival of erythroid precursor cells. Erythroid differentiation is associated with an accumulation of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27Kip1, but the regulation and role of p27 during erythroid proliferation remain largely unknown. We observed that p27 can bind to the erythropoietin receptor (EpoR). Activation of EpoR leads to immediate Jak2-dependent p27 phosphorylation of tyrosine residue 88 (Y88). This modification is known to impair its CDK-inhibitory activity and convert the inhibitor into an activator and assembly factor of CDK4,6. To investigate the physiological role of p27-Y88 phosphorylation in erythropoiesis, we analyzed p27Y88F/Y88F knock-in mice, where tyrosine-88 was mutated to phenylalanine. We observed lower red blood cell counts, lower hematocrit levels, and a reduced capacity for colony outgrowth of CFU-Es (colony-forming unit-erythroid), indicating impaired cell proliferation of early erythroid progenitors. Compensatory mechanisms of reduced p27 and increased Epo expression protect from stronger dysregulation of erythropoiesis. These observations suggest that p27-Y88 phosphorylation by EpoR pathway activation plays an important role in the stimulation of erythroid progenitor proliferation during the early stages of erythropoiesis.

Tyrosine kinases compete for growth hormone receptor binding and regulate receptor mobility and degradation

Growth hormone (GH) acts via JAK2 and LYN to regulate growth, metabolism, and neural function. However, the relationship between these tyrosine kinases remains enigmatic. Through an interdisciplinary approach combining cell biology, structural biology, computation, and single-particle tracking on live cells, we find overlapping LYN and JAK2 Box1-Box2-binding regions in GH receptor (GHR). Our data implicate direct competition between JAK2 and LYN for GHR binding and imply divergent signaling profiles. We show that GHR exhibits distinct mobility states within the cell membrane and that activation of LYN by GH mediates GHR immobilization, thereby initiating its nanoclustering in the membrane. Importantly, we observe that LYN mediates cytokine receptor degradation, thereby controlling receptor turnover and activity, and this applies to related cytokine receptors. Our study offers insight into the molecular interactions of LYN with GHR and highlights important functions for LYN in regulating GHR nanoclustering, signaling, and degradation, traits broadly relevant to many cytokine receptors.

Molecular Pathways Involved in the Development of Congenital Erythrocytosis

Patients with idiopathic erythrocytosis are directed to targeted genetic testing including nine genes involved in oxygen sensing pathway in kidneys, erythropoietin signal transduction in pre-erythrocytes and hemoglobin-oxygen affinity regulation in mature erythrocytes. However, in more than 60% of cases the genetic cause remains undiagnosed, suggesting that other genes and mechanisms must be involved in the disease development. This review aims to explore additional molecular mechanisms in recognized erythrocytosis pathways and propose new pathways associated with this rare hematological disorder. For this purpose, a comprehensive review of the literature was performed and different in silico tools were used. We identified genes involved in several mechanisms and molecular pathways, including mRNA transcriptional regulation, post-translational modifications, membrane transport, regulation of signal transduction, glucose metabolism and iron homeostasis, which have the potential to influence the main erythrocytosis-associated pathways. We provide valuable theoretical information for deeper insight into possible mechanisms of disease development. This information can be also helpful to improve the current diagnostic solutions for patients with idiopathic erythrocytosis.

STAT5 as a Key Protein of Erythropoietin Signalization

Erythropoietin (EPO) acts on multiple tissues through its receptor EPOR, a member of a cytokine class I receptor superfamily with pleiotropic effects. The interaction of EPO and EPOR triggers the activation of several signaling pathways that induce erythropoiesis, including JAK2/STAT5, PI3K/AKT, and MAPK. The canonical EPOR/JAK2/STAT5 pathway is a known regulator of differentiation, proliferation, and cell survival of erythroid progenitors. In addition, its role in the protection of other cells, including cancer cells, is under intense investigation. The involvement of EPOR/JAK2/STAT5 in other processes such as mRNA splicing, cytoskeleton reorganization, and cell metabolism has been recently described. The transcriptomics, proteomics, and epigenetic studies reviewed in this article provide a detailed understanding of EPO signalization. Advances in this area of research may be useful for improving the efficacy of EPO therapy in hematologic disorders, as well as in cancer treatment.

Suppression of IL-17A-induced CCL20 production by cytokine inducible SH2-containing protein 1 in epidermal keratinocytes

BACKGROUND

Lesions of atopic dermatitis have fewer Th17 cells than those of psoriasis, resulting in frequent skin infections. Expression of CCL20, a chemokine that is important for recruiting Th17 cells, is suppressed in the lesions of atopic dermatitis. We previously reported that IL-4 induces the expression of cytokine-inducible SH2-containing protein 1 (CIS1), a member of the CIS/SOCS family, in epidermal keratinocytes.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether CIS1 influences CCL20 production in epidermal keratinocytes.

METHODS

Expression of CIS1 was examined in atopic dermatitis skin and in cultured keratinocytes. The effects of overexpression of CIS1 on CCL20 production by IL-17A, and on signaling pathways inhibited by CIS1, were assessed in vitro.

RESULTS

Expression of CIS1 was enhanced in the basal layer of the lesional epidermis of skin with atopic dermatitis. When CIS1 was expressed in keratinocytes using adenoviral vectors, IL-17A-induced CCL20 expression, but not HBD2 or S100A7 expression, was significantly suppressed. TNF-α/IL-1-induced CCL20 production was not altered by CIS1. Overexpression of CIS1 attenuated IL-17A-induced ERK phosphorylation. ERK phosphorylation was mediated by the Act1 and Src family kinase pathways. CIS1 overexpression suppressed Src phosphorylation. Among the Src family kinases, the Yes kinase may have an important role because knockdown of Yes in epidermal keratinocytes resulted in suppression of ERK phosphorylation and CCL20 mRNA expression by IL-17A.

CONCLUSION

CIS1 induced by Th2 cytokines has the ability to change the response of epidermal keratinocytes to IL-17A by suppression of Src family kinases.

GHR signalling: Receptor activation and degradation mechanisms

Growth hormone (GH) actions via initiating cell signalling through the GH receptor (GHR) are important for many physiological processes, in addition to its well-known role in regulating growth. The activation of JAK-STAT signalling by GH is well characterized, however knowledge on GH activation of SRC family kinases (SFKs) is still limited. In this review we summarise the collective knowledge on the activation, regulation, and downstream signalling of GHR. We highlight studies on GH activation of SFKs and the important outcome of this signalling pathway with a focus on the different degradation mechanisms that can regulate GHR availability since this is an area that warrants further study considering its role in tumour progression.

Loci Associated With Antibody Response in Feral Swine (Sus scrofa) Infected With Brucella suis

Feral swine (Sus scrofa) are a destructive invasive species widespread throughout the United States that disrupt ecosystems, damage crops, and carry pathogens of concern for the health of domestic stock and humans including Brucella suis-the causative organism for swine brucellosis. In domestic swine, brucellosis results in reproductive failure due to abortions and infertility. Contact with infected feral swine poses spillover risks to domestic pigs as well as humans, companion animals, wildlife, and other livestock. Genetic factors influence the outcome of infectious diseases; therefore, genome wide association studies (GWAS) of differential immune responses among feral swine can provide an understanding of disease dynamics and inform management to prevent the spillover of brucellosis from feral swine to domestic pigs. We sought to identify loci associated with differential antibody responses among feral swine naturally infected with B. suis using a case-control GWAS. Tissue, serum, and genotype data (68,516 bi-allelic single nucleotide polymorphisms) collected from 47 feral swine were analyzed in this study. The 47 feral swine were culture positive for Brucella spp. Of these 47, 16 were antibody positive (cases) whereas 31 were antibody negative (controls). Single-locus GWAS were performed using efficient mixed-model association eXpedited (EMMAX) methodology with three genetic models: additive, dominant, and recessive. Eight loci associated with seroconversion were identified on chromosome 4, 8, 9, 10, 12, and 18. Subsequent bioinformatic analyses revealed nine putative candidate genes related to immune function, most notably phagocytosis and induction of an inflammatory response. Identified loci and putative candidate genes may play an important role in host immune responses to B. suis infection, characterized by a detectable bacterial presence yet a differential antibody response. Given that antibody tests are used to evaluate brucellosis infection in domestic pigs and for disease surveillance in invasive feral swine, additional studies are needed to fully understand the genetic component of the response to B. suis infection and to more effectively translate estimates of Brucella spp. antibody prevalence among feral swine to disease control management action.

Phospho-PTM proteomic discovery of novel EPO- modulated kinases and phosphatases, including PTPN18 as a positive regulator of EPOR/JAK2 Signaling

The formation of erythroid progenitor cells depends sharply upon erythropoietin (EPO), its cell surface receptor (erythropoietin receptor, EPOR), and Janus kinase 2 (JAK2). Clinically, recombinant human EPO (rhEPO) additionally is an important anti-anemia agent for chronic kidney disease (CKD), myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and chemotherapy, but induces hypertension, and can exert certain pro-tumorigenic effects. Cellular signals transduced by EPOR/JAK2 complexes, and the nature of EPO-modulated signal transduction factors, therefore are of significant interest. By employing phospho-tyrosine post-translational modification (p-Y PTM) proteomics and human EPO- dependent UT7epo cells, we have identified 22 novel kinases and phosphatases as novel EPO targets, together with their specific sites of p-Y modification. New kinases modified due to EPO include membrane palmitoylated protein 1 (MPP1) and guanylate kinase 1 (GUK1) guanylate kinases, together with the cytoskeleton remodeling kinases, pseudopodium enriched atypical kinase 1 (PEAK1) and AP2 associated kinase 1 (AAK1). Novel EPO- modified phosphatases include protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type A (PTPRA), phosphohistidine phosphatase 1 (PHPT1), tensin 2 (TENC1), ubiquitin associated and SH3 domain containing B (UBASH3B) and protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 18 (PTPN18). Based on PTPN18's high expression in hematopoietic progenitors, its novel connection to JAK kinase signaling, and a unique EPO- regulated PTPN18-pY389 motif which is modulated by JAK2 inhibitors, PTPN18's actions in UT7epo cells were investigated. Upon ectopic expression, wt-PTPN18 promoted EPO dose-dependent cell proliferation, and survival. Mechanistically, PTPN18 sustained the EPO- induced activation of not only mitogen-activated protein kinases 1 and 3 (ERK1/2), AKT serine/threonine kinase 1-3 (AKT), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 5A and 5B (STAT5), but also JAK2. Each effect further proved to depend upon PTPN18's EPO- modulated (p)Y389 site. In analyses of the EPOR and the associated adaptor protein RHEX (regulator of hemoglobinization and erythroid cell expansion), wt-PTPN18 increased high molecular weight EPOR forms, while sharply inhibiting the EPO-induced phosphorylation of RHEX-pY141. Each effect likewise depended upon PTPN18-Y389. PTPN18 thus promotes signals for EPO-dependent hematopoietic cell growth, and may represent a new druggable target for myeloproliferative neoplasms.

STAT5: a Target of Antagonism by Neurotropic Flaviviruses

Flaviviruses are a diverse group of arthropod-borne viruses responsible for numerous significant public health threats; therefore, understanding the interactions between these viruses and the human immune response remains vital. West Nile virus (WNV) and Zika virus (ZIKV) infect human dendritic cells (DCs) and can block antiviral immune responses in DCs. Previously, we used mRNA sequencing and weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) to define molecular signatures of antiviral DC responses following activation of innate immune signaling (RIG-I, MDA5, or type I interferon [IFN] signaling) or infection with WNV. Using this approach, we found that several genes involved in T cell cosignaling and antigen processing were not enriched in DCs during WNV infection. Using cis-regulatory sequence analysis, STAT5 was identified as a regulator of DC activation and immune responses downstream of innate immune signaling that was not activated during either WNV or ZIKV infection. Mechanistically, WNV and ZIKV actively blocked STAT5 phosphorylation downstream of RIG-I, IFN-β, and interleukin-4 (IL-4), but not granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), signaling. Unexpectedly, dengue virus serotypes 1 to 4 (DENV1 to DENV4) and the yellow fever 17D vaccine strain (YFV-17D) did not antagonize STAT5 phosphorylation. In contrast to WNV, ZIKV inhibited JAK1 and TYK2 phosphorylation following type I IFN treatment, suggesting divergent mechanisms used by these viruses to inhibit STAT5 activation. Combined, these findings identify STAT5 as a target of antagonism by specific pathogenic flaviviruses to subvert the immune response in infected DCs.IMPORTANCE Flaviviruses are a diverse group of insect-borne viruses responsible for numerous significant public health threats. Previously, we used a computational biology approach to define molecular signatures of antiviral DC responses following activation of innate immune signaling or infection with West Nile virus (WNV). In this work, we identify STAT5 as a regulator of DC activation and antiviral immune responses downstream of innate immune signaling that was not activated during either WNV or Zika virus (ZIKV) infection. WNV and ZIKV actively blocked STAT5 phosphorylation downstream of RIG-I, IFN-β, and IL-4, but not GM-CSF, signaling. However, other related flaviviruses, dengue virus serotypes 1 to 4 and the yellow fever 17D vaccine strain, did not antagonize STAT5 phosphorylation. Mechanistically, WNV and ZIKV showed differential inhibition of Jak kinases upstream of STAT5, suggesting divergent countermeasures to inhibit STAT5 activation. Combined, these findings identify STAT5 as a target of antagonism by specific pathogenic flaviviruses to subvert antiviral immune responses in human DCs.

The Growth Hormone Receptor: Mechanism of Receptor Activation, Cell Signaling, and Physiological Aspects

The growth hormone receptor (GHR), although most well known for regulating growth, has many other important biological functions including regulating metabolism and controlling physiological processes related to the hepatobiliary, cardiovascular, renal, gastrointestinal, and reproductive systems. In addition, growth hormone signaling is an important regulator of aging and plays a significant role in cancer development. Growth hormone activates the Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway, and recent studies have provided a new understanding of the mechanism of JAK2 activation by growth hormone binding to its receptor. JAK2 activation is required for growth hormone-mediated activation of STAT1, STAT3, and STAT5, and the negative regulation of JAK-STAT signaling comprises an important step in the control of this signaling pathway. The GHR also activates the Src family kinase signaling pathway independent of JAK2. This review covers the molecular mechanisms of GHR activation and signal transduction as well as the physiological consequences of growth hormone signaling.

Csk-binding protein controls red blood cell development via regulation of Lyn tyrosine kinase activity

Erythropoiesis is controlled principally through erythropoietin (Epo) receptor signaling, which involves Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and Lyn tyrosine kinase, both of which are important for regulating red blood cell (RBC) development. Negative regulation of Lyn involves C-Src kinase (Csk)-mediated phosphorylation of its C-terminal tyrosine, which is facilitated by the transmembrane adaptor Csk-binding protein (Cbp). Although Cbp has significant functions in controlling Lyn levels and activity in erythroid cells in vitro, its importance to primary erythroid cell development and signaling has remained unclear. To address this, we assessed the consequence of loss of Cbp on the erythroid compartment in vivo and whether Epo-responsive cells isolated from Cbp-knockout mice exhibited altered signaling. Our data show that male Cbp^-/- mice display a modest but significant alteration to late erythroid development in bone marrow with evidence of increased erythrocytes in the spleen, whereas female Cbp^-/- mice exhibit a moderate elevation in early erythroid progenitors (not seen in male mice) that does not influence the later steps in RBC development. In isolated primary erythroid cells and cell lines generated from Cbp^-/- mice, survival signaling through Lyn/Akt/FoxO3 was elevated, resulting in sustained viability during differentiation. The high Akt activity disrupted GAB2/SHP-2 feedback inhibition of Lyn; however, the elevated Lyn activity also increased inhibitory signaling via SHP-1 to restrict the Erk1/2 pathway. Interestingly, whereas loss of Cbp led to mild changes to late RBC development in male mice, this was not apparent in female Cbp^-/- mice, possibly due to their elevated estrogen, which is known to facilitate early progenitor self-renewal.

Lyn mediates FIP1L1-PDGFRA signal pathway facilitating IL-5RA intracellular signal through FIP1L1-PDGFRA/JAK2/Lyn/Akt network complex in CEL

The Fip1-like1 (FIP1L1)–platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRA) (F/P) oncogene can cause chronic eosinophilic leukemia (CEL), but requires IL-5 cytokine participation. In this study, we investigate the mechanism of F/P in collaboration with IL-5 in CEL. The results showed that Lyn, a key effector in the IL-5-motivated eosinophil production, is extensively activated in F/P-positive CEL cells. Lyn can associate and phosphorylate IL-5 receptor α (IL-5RA) in F/P-positive cells. Moreover, the activation of Lyn and IL-5R kinase were strengthened when the cells were stimulated by IL-5. Lyn inhibition in F/P-positive CEL cells attenuated cellular proliferation, induced apoptosis, and blocked cell migration and major basic protein (MBP) release. We identified the FIP1L1-PDGFRA/JAK2/Lyn/Akt complex in the F/P-expressing cells which can be disrupted by dual inhibition of JAK2 and Lyn, repressing cell proliferation in both EOL-1(F/P-positive human eosinophilic cell line) and imatinib-resistance (IR) cells. Altogether, our data demonstrate that Lyn is a vital downstream kinase activated by F/P converged with IL-5 signals in CEL cells. Lyn activate and expand IL-5RA intracellular signaling through FIP1L1-PDGFRA/JAK2/Lyn/Akt network complex, provoking eosinophils proliferation and exaggerated activation manifested as CEL.

Lyn Delivers Bacteria to Lysosomes for Eradication through TLR2-Initiated Autophagy Related Phagocytosis

Extracellular bacteria, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae, have been reported to induce autophagy; however, the role and machinery of infection-induced autophagy remain elusive. We show that the pleiotropic Src kinase Lyn mediates phagocytosis and autophagosome maturation in alveolar macrophages (AM), which facilitates eventual bacterial eradication. We report that Lyn is required for bacterial infection-induced recruitment of autophagic components to pathogen-containing phagosomes. When we blocked autophagy with 3-methyladenine (3-MA) or by depleting Lyn, we observed less phagocytosis and subsequent bacterial clearance by AM. Both morphological and biological evidence demonstrated that Lyn delivered bacteria to lysosomes through xenophagy. TLR2 initiated the phagocytic process and activated Lyn following infection. Cytoskeletal trafficking proteins, such as Rab5 and Rab7, critically facilitated early phagosome formation, autophagosome maturation, and eventual autophagy-mediated bacterial degradation. These findings reveal that Lyn, TLR2 and Rab modulate autophagy related phagocytosis and augment bactericidal activity, which may offer insight into novel therapeutic strategies to control lung infection.

It is vital to establish the mechanistic basis for initiation of host defenses and immune responses that are required to eliminate bacterial infection. This line of inquiry will increase knowledge of bacterial pathogenesis and uncover new insights that can enhance design and effectiveness of novel therapeutics. We demonstrate that TLR-2 is required for inducing Lyn activity in host defense against Pa infection through assistance in autophagosome maturation, and may link autophagy to phagocytosis in a TLR-2-Lyn-dependent manner. Thus, these results may further help to alleviate human acute lung injury/adult respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS) caused by Gram-negative bacteria.

Origins of the Vertebrate Erythro/Megakaryocytic System

Vertebrate erythrocytes and thrombocytes arise from the common bipotent thrombocytic-erythroid progenitors (TEPs). Even though nonmammalian erythrocytes and thrombocytes are phenotypically very similar to each other, mammalian species have developed some key evolutionary improvements in the process of erythroid and thrombocytic differentiation, such as erythroid enucleation, megakaryocyte endoreduplication, and platelet formation. This brings up a few questions that we try to address in this review. Specifically, we describe the ontology of erythro-thrombopoiesis during adult hematopoiesis with focus on the phylogenetic origin of mammalian erythrocytes and thrombocytes (also termed platelets). Although the evolutionary relationship between mammalian and nonmammalian erythroid cells is clear, the appearance of mammalian megakaryocytes is less so. Here, we discuss recent data indicating that nonmammalian thrombocytes and megakaryocytes are homologs. Finally, we hypothesize that erythroid and thrombocytic differentiation evolved from a single ancestral lineage, which would explain the striking similarities between these cells.

Melanocortins contribute to sequential differentiation and enucleation of human erythroblasts via melanocortin receptors 1, 2 and 5

In this study, we showed that adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) promoted erythroblast differentiation and increased the enucleation ratio of erythroblasts. Because ACTH was contained in hematopoietic medium as contamination, the ratio decreased by the addition of anti-ACTH antibody (Ab). Addition of neutralizing Abs (nAbs) for melanocortin receptors (MCRs) caused erythroblast accumulation at specific stages, i.e., the addition of anti-MC2R nAb led to erythroblast accumulation at the basophilic stage (baso-E), the addition of anti-MC1R nAb caused accumulation at the polychromatic stage (poly-E), and the addition of anti-MC5R nAb caused accumulation at the orthochromatic stage (ortho-E). During erythroblast differentiation, ERK, STAT5, and AKT were consecutively phosphorylated by erythropoietin (EPO). ERK, STAT5, and AKT phosphorylation was inhibited by blocking MC2R, MC1R, and MC5R, respectively. Finally, the phosphorylation of myosin light chain 2, which is essential for the formation of contractile actomyosin rings, was inhibited by anti-MC5R nAb. Taken together, our study suggests that MC2R and MC1R signals are consecutively required for the regulation of EPO signal transduction in erythroblast differentiation, and that MC5R signal transduction is required to induce enucleation. Thus, melanocortin induces proliferation and differentiation at baso-E, and polarization and formation of an actomyosin contractile ring at ortho-E are required for enucleation.

JAK2 activation by growth hormone and other cytokines

Growth hormone (GH) and structurally related cytokines regulate a great number of physiological and pathological processes. They do this by coupling their single transmembrane domain (TMD) receptors to cytoplasmic tyrosine kinases, either as homodimers or heterodimers. Recent studies have revealed that many of these receptors exist as constitutive dimers rather than being dimerized as a consequence of ligand binding, which has necessitated a new paradigm for describing their activation process. In the present study, we describe a model for activation of the tyrosine kinase Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) by the GH receptor homodimer based on biochemical data and molecular dynamics simulations. Binding of the bivalent ligand reorientates and rotates the receptor subunits, resulting in a transition from a form with parallel TMDs to one where the TMDs separate at the point of entry into the cytoplasm. This movement slides the pseudokinase inhibitory domain of one JAK kinase away from the kinase domain of the other JAK within the receptor dimer-JAK complex, allowing the two kinase domains to interact and trans-activate. This results in phosphorylation and activation of STATs and other signalling pathways linked to this receptor which then regulate postnatal growth, metabolism and stem cell activation. We believe that this model will apply to most if not all members of the class I cytokine receptor family, and will be useful in the design of small antagonists and agonists of therapeutic value.

Evidence That Erythropoietin Modulates Neuroinflammation through Differential Action on Neurons, Astrocytes, and Microglia

Neuroinflammation is a normal and healthy response to neuronal damage. However, excessive or chronic neuroinflammation exacerbates neurodegeneration after trauma and in progressive diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, age-related macular degeneration, and glaucoma. Therefore, molecules that modulate neuroinflammation are candidates as neuroprotective agents. Erythropoietin (EPO) is a known neuroprotective agent that indirectly attenuates neuroinflammation, in part, by inhibiting neuronal apoptosis. In this review, we provide evidence that EPO also modulates neuroinflammation upstream of apoptosis by acting directly on glia. Further, the signaling induced by EPO may differ depending on cell type and context possibly as a result of activation of different receptors. While significant progress has been made in our understanding of EPO signaling, this review also identifies areas for future study in terms of the role of EPO in modulating neuroinflammation.

Lyn kinase plays important roles in erythroid expansion, maturation and erythropoietin receptor signalling by regulating inhibitory signalling pathways that control survival

In erythroid cells both positive viability signals and feedback inhibitory signalling require the Src family kinase Lyn, influencing cell survival and their ability to differentiate. This illustrates that Lyn is critical for normal erythropoiesis and erythroid cell development.

Proliferation and survival signaling from both Jak2-V617F and Lyn involving GSK3 and mTOR/p70S6K/4EBP1 in PVTL-1 cell line newly established from acute myeloid leukemia transformed from polycythemia vera

The gain of function mutation JAK2-V617F is very frequently found in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) and is strongly implicated in pathogenesis of these and other hematological malignancies. Here we report establishment of a new leukemia cell line, PVTL-1, homozygous for JAK2-V617F from a 73-year-old female patient with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) transformed from MPN. PVTL-1 is positive for CD7, CD13, CD33, CD34, CD117, HLA-DR, and MPO, and has complex karyotypic abnormalities, 44,XX,-5q,-7,-8,add(11)(p11.2),add(11)(q23),−16,+21,−22,+mar1. Sequence analysis of JAK2 revealed only the mutated allele coding for Jak2-V617F. Proliferation of PVTL-1 was inhibited and apoptosis was induced by the pan-Jak inhibitor Jak inhibitor-1 (JakI-1) or dasatinib, which inhibits the Src family kinases as well as BCR/ABL. Consistently, the Src family kinase Lyn was constitutively activated with phosphorylation of Y396 in the activation loop, which was inhibited by dasatinib but not by JakI-1. Further analyses with JakI-1 and dasatinib indicated that Jak2-V617F phosphorylated STAT5 and SHP2 while Lyn phosphorylated SHP1, SHP2, Gab-2, c-Cbl, and CrkL to induce the SHP2/Gab2 and c-Cbl/CrkL complex formation. In addition, JakI-1 and dasatinib inactivated the mTOR/p70S6K/4EBP1 pathway and reduced the inhibitory phosphorylation of GSK3 in PVTL-1 cells, which correlated with their effects on proliferation and survival of these cells. Furthermore, inhibition of GSK3 by its inhibitor SB216763 mitigated apoptosis induced by dasatinib but not by JakI-1. Together, these data suggest that apoptosis may be suppressed in PVTL-1 cells through inactivation of GSK3 by Lyn as well as Jak2-V617F and additionally through activation of STAT5 by Jak2-V617F. It is also speculated that activation of the mTOR/p70S6K/4EBP1 pathway may mediate proliferation signaling from Jak2-V617F and Lyn. PVTL-1 cells may provide a valuable model system to elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in evolution of Jak2-V617F-expressing MPN to AML and to develop novel therapies against this intractable condition.

Gain-of-function Lyn induces anemia: appropriate Lyn activity is essential for normal erythropoiesis and Epo receptor signaling

Gain-of-function Lyn mice develop hemolytic anemia with acanthocyte red blood cells and display compensatory extramedullary erythropoiesis. Hyperactive Lyn notably alters Epo receptor signaling, particularly an Akt-FoxO3 pathway, enhancing viability and delaying differentiation.

PECAM-1 is involved in BCR/ABL signaling and may downregulate imatinib-induced apoptosis of Philadelphia chromosome-positive leukemia cells

PECAM-1 (CD31) is an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM)-containing surface glycoprotein expressed on various hematopoietic cells as well as on endothelial cells. PECAM-1 has been shown to play roles in regulation of adhesion, migration and apoptosis. The BCR/ABL fusion tyrosine kinase is expressed in chronic myeloid leukemia and Philadelphia-positive (Ph⁺) acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells, and its inhibition by the clinically used tyrosine kinase inhibitors imatinib or dasatinib induces apoptosis of these cells. In the present study, we demonstrate that PECAM-1 is tyrosine phospho rylated in its ITIM motifs in various BCR/ABL-expressing cells including primary leukemia cells. Studies using imatinib and dasatinib as well as transient expression experiments in 293T cells revealed that PECAM-1 was phosphorylated directly by BCR/ABL, which was enhanced by the imatinib-resistant E255K and T315I mutations, or partly by the Src family tyrosine kinases, including Lyn, which were activated dependently or independently on BCR/ABL. We also demonstrate by using a substrate trapping mutant of SHP2 that tyrosine phosphorylated PECAM-1 binds SHP2 and is a major substrate for this tyrosine phosphatase in BCR/ABL-expressing cells. Overexpression of PECAM-1 in BCR/ABL-expressing cells, including K562 human leukemia cells, enhanced cell adhesion and partially inhibited imatinib-induced apoptosis involving mitochondria depolarization and caspase-3 cleavage, at least partly, in an ITIM-independent manner. These data suggest that PECAM-1 may play a role in regulation of apoptosis as well as adhesion of BCR/ABL-expressing cells to modulate their imatinib sensitivity and would be a possible candidate for therapeutic target in Ph⁺ leukemias.

Erythropoietin receptor signaling is membrane raft dependent

Upon erythropoietin (Epo) engagement, Epo-receptor (R) homodimerizes to activate JAK2 and Lyn, which phosphorylate STAT5. Although recent investigations have identified key negative regulators of Epo-R signaling, little is known about the role of membrane localization in controlling receptor signal fidelity. Here we show a critical role for membrane raft (MR) microdomains in creation of discrete signaling platforms essential for Epo-R signaling. Treatment of UT7 cells with Epo induced MR assembly and coalescence. Confocal microscopy showed that raft aggregates significantly increased after Epo stimulation (mean, 4.3±1.4(SE) vs. 25.6±3.2 aggregates/cell; p≤0.001), accompanied by a >3-fold increase in cluster size (p≤0.001). Raft fraction immunoblotting showed Epo-R translocation to MR after Epo stimulation and was confirmed by fluorescence microscopy in Epo stimulated UT7 cells and primary erythroid bursts. Receptor recruitment into MR was accompanied by incorporation of JAK2, Lyn, and STAT5 and their activated forms. Raft disruption by cholesterol depletion extinguished Epo induced Jak2, STAT5, Akt and MAPK phosphorylation in UT7 cells and erythroid progenitors. Furthermore, inhibition of the Rho GTPases Rac1 or RhoA blocked receptor recruitment into raft fractions, indicating a role for these GTPases in receptor trafficking. These data establish a critical role for MR in recruitment and assembly of Epo-R and signal intermediates into discrete membrane signaling units.

Integrating novel signaling pathways involved in erythropoiesis

Many extrinsic and intrinsic factors control the development of red blood cells from committed progenitors, with the Erythropoietin-receptor (Epo-R) signaling network being the primary controlling molecular hub. Although much is understood about erythroid signaling pathways, new and intriguing factors that influence different aspects of erythroid cell development are still being uncovered. New extrinsic effectors include hypoxia and polymeric IgA1 (pIgA1), and new Epo-R signaling pathway components include Lyn/Cbp and Lyn/Liar. Hypoxia directly activates committed erythroid progenitors to expand, whereas pIgA1 activates the Akt and MAP-Kinase (MAPK) pathways through transferrin receptors on more mature erythroid cells. The Lyn/Cbp pathway controls the activity and protein levels of Lyn through recruitment of Csk and SOCS1, as well as feeding into the control of other pathways mediated by recruitment of ras-GAP, PI3-kinase, PLCγ, Fes, and EBP50. Nuclear/cytoplasmic shuttling of Lyn and other signaling molecules is influenced by Liar and results in regulation of their intersecting signaling pathways. The challenge of future research is to flesh out the details of these new signaling regulators/networks and integrate their influences during the different stages of erythropoiesis.

Evaluation of functional erythropoietin receptor status in skeletal muscle in vivo: acute and prolonged studies in healthy human subjects

BACKGROUND

Erythropoietin receptors have been identified in human skeletal muscle tissue, but downstream signal transduction has not been investigated. We therefore studied in vivo effects of systemic erythropoietin exposure in human skeletal muscle.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

The protocols involved 1) acute effects of a single bolus injection of erythropoietin followed by consecutive muscle biopsies for 1-10 hours, and 2) a separate study with prolonged administration for 16 days with biopsies obtained before and after. The presence of erythropoietin receptors in muscle tissue as well as activation of Epo signalling pathways (STAT5, MAPK, Akt, IKK) were analysed by western blotting. Changes in muscle protein profiles after prolonged erythropoietin treatment were evaluated by 2D gel-electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. The presence of the erythropoietin receptor in skeletal muscle was confirmed, by the M20 but not the C20 antibody. However, no significant changes in phosphorylation of the Epo-R, STAT5, MAPK, Akt, Lyn, IKK, and p70S6K after erythropoietin administration were detected. The level of 8 protein spots were significantly altered after 16 days of rHuEpo treatment; one isoform of myosin light chain 3 and one of desmin/actin were decreased, while three isoforms of creatine kinase and two of glyceraldehyd-3-phosphate dehydrogenase were increased.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

Acute exposure to recombinant human erythropoietin is not associated by detectable activation of the Epo-R or downstream signalling targets in human skeletal muscle in the resting situation, whereas more prolonged exposure induces significant changes in the skeletal muscle proteome. The absence of functional Epo receptor activity in human skeletal muscle indicates that the long-term effects are indirect and probably related to an increased oxidative capacity in this tissue.

c-Kit is required for growth and survival of the cells of origin of Brca1-mutation-associated breast cancer

BRCA1 mutation-associated breast cancer originates in oestrogen receptor-alpha-negative (ER(-)) progenitors in the mammary luminal epithelium. These cells also express high levels of the Kit gene and a recent study demonstrated a correlation between Brca1 loss and Kit over-expression in the mammary epithelium. However, the functional significance of c-Kit expression in the mammary gland is unknown. To address this, c-Kit(-) and c-Kit(+) mammary epithelial subsets were isolated by flow cytometry, characterised for expression of lineage-specific cell markers and functionally analysed by in vitro colony forming and in vivo transplantation assays. The results confirm that the majority of luminal ER(-) progenitors are c-Kit(+), but also that most stem cells and the differentiated cell populations are c-Kit(-). A subset of c-Kit(+) cells with high proliferative potential was found in the luminal ER(+) population, however, suggesting the existence of a distinct luminal ER(+) progenitor cell type. Analysis of mouse Brca1 mammary tumours demonstrated that they expressed Kit and its downstream effector Lyn at levels comparable to the most strongly c-Kit(+) luminal ER(-) progenitors. Consistent with c-Kit being a progenitor cell marker, in vitro three-dimensional differentiation of c-Kit(+) cells resulted in a loss of c-Kit expression, whereas c-Kit over-expression prevented normal differentiation in vivo. Furthermore, c-Kit was a functional marker of proliferative potential, as c-Kit inhibition by short hairpin knockdown prevented normal epithelial growth and caused cells to undergo apoptosis. Therefore, c-Kit defines distinct progenitor populations in the mammary epithelium and is critical for mammary progenitor survival and proliferation. Importantly, c-Kit is only the second mammary epithelial stem/progenitor marker to be shown to have a functional role in the mammary epithelium and the first marker to be shown to be required for progenitor cell function. The c-Kit signalling network has potential as a target for therapy and/or prevention in BRCA1-associated breast cancer.

Direct activation of STAT5 by ETV6-LYN fusion protein promotes induction of myeloproliferative neoplasm with myelofibrosis

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), a group of haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) disorders, are often accompanied by myelofibrosis. We previously identified the fusion of the ETV6 gene to the LYN gene (ETV6-LYN) in idiopathic myelofibrosis with ins(12;8)(p13;q11q21). The introduction of ETV6-LYN into HSCs resulted in fatal MPN with massive myelofibrosis in mice, implicating the rearranged LYN kinase in the pathogenesis of MPN with myelofibrosis. However, the signalling molecules directly downstream from and activated by ETV6-LYN remain unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that the direct activation of STAT5 by ETV6-LYN is crucial for the development of MPN. ETV6-LYN was constitutively active as a kinase through autophosphorylation. ETV6-LYN, but not its kinase-dead mutant, supported cytokine-free proliferation of haematopoietic cells. STAT5 was activated in a JAK2-independent manner in ETV6-LYN-expressing cells. ETV6-LYN interacted with STAT5 and directly activated STAT5 both in vitro and in vivo. Of note, ETV6-LYN did not support the formation of colonies by Stat5-deficient HSCs under cytokine-free conditions and the capacity of ETV6-LYN to induce MPN with myelofibrosis was profoundly attenuated in a Stat5-null background. These findings define STAT5 as a direct target of ETV6-LYN and unveil the LYN-STAT5 axis as a novel pathway to augment proliferative signals in MPN and leukaemia.

The potential for dasatinib in treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, and myeloproliferative neoplasms

Dasatinib is a kinase inhibitor that inhibits BCR-ABL, Src family kinases, c-Kit, and platelet-derived growth factor receptor kinase. It is licensed for the first- and second-line treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia and second-line treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia on the basis of BCR-ABL inhibition, but the activity of dasatinib against additional molecular targets may enable treatment of other hematologic disorders. Potential targets for dasatinib in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) include Lyn (a Src family kinase), ABL, and the associated CD40 pathway. Although dasatinib monotherapy has modest clinical activity in CLL, ongoing studies are evaluating combination treatment. In acute myeloid leukemia (AML), FLT3, Lyn, c-Kit, and BCR-ABL are expressed in a subpopulation of patients. To date, clinical responses to dasatinib in patients with unselected AML have been mixed and larger studies are needed, particularly correlating clinical response to molecular markers. Imatinib has been used successfully to treat patients with chronic eosinophilic disorders with the FIP1L1-PDGFRA fusion kinase; limited clinical data indicate that dasatinib could be active in imatinib-resistant disease. Ongoing clinical studies should further define the value of dasatinib in these disorders.

The growth hormone receptor: mechanism of activation and clinical implications

Growth hormone is widely used clinically to promote growth and anabolism and for other purposes. Its actions are mediated via the growth hormone receptor, both directly by tyrosine kinase activation and indirectly by induction of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). Insensitivity to growth hormone (Laron syndrome) can result from mutations in the growth hormone receptor and can be treated with IGF-1. This treatment is, however, not fully effective owing to the loss of the direct actions of growth hormone and altered availability of exogenous IGF-1. Excessive activation of the growth hormone receptor by circulating growth hormone results in gigantism and acromegaly, whereas cell transformation and cancer can occur in response to autocrine activation of the receptor. Advances in understanding the mechanism of receptor activation have led to a model in which the growth hormone receptor exists as a constitutive dimer. Binding of the hormone realigns the subunits by rotation and closer apposition, resulting in juxtaposition of the catalytic domains of the associated tyrosine-protein kinase JAK2 below the cell membrane. This change results in activation of JAK2 by transphosphorylation, then phosphorylation of receptor tyrosines in the cytoplasmic domain, which enables binding of adaptor proteins, as well as direct phosphorylation of target proteins. This model is discussed in the light of salient information from closely related class 1 cytokine receptors, such as the erythropoietin, prolactin and thrombopoietin receptors.

The interaction of LCK and the CD4 co-receptor alters the dose response of T-cells to interleukin-7

CD8 and CD4 T-cells grow optimally under different concentrations of the cytokine, interleukin-7 (IL-7). While CD8 T-cells expand at high doses of IL-7, CD4 T-cells favor low doses. To examine the reason for the preference of CD4 T-cells for lower doses of the cytokine, we used IL-7 dependent T-cells to study signal transduction upon a range of IL-7 concentrations. We found that the high dose responsiveness of CD8 T-cells to IL-7 could be altered if these cells also expressed CD4. Using the phosphorylation of STAT5 as an indicator of growth, we found that the co-receptor associated kinase, LCK, contributed to phospho-STAT5 levels. Phospho-STAT5 was elevated at high dose IL-7 for CD8 T-cells and at low dose IL-7 for CD4 T-cells, which was reversed upon LCK inhibition. Examining the direct association of LCK with CD4 using a T- cell line that over-expresses CD4, we determined that CD4 could directly sequester LCK. Non-CD4 T-cells were not restricted in this manner and levels of phospho-STAT5 increased proportionally to the IL-7 dose. Our studies, therefore, show that the response of a T-cell to IL-7 can be modulated by the availability of LCK.

Interleukin-6, CD45 and the Src-Kinases in Myeloma Cell Proliferation

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a proliferative disorder of monoclonal plasma cells which accumulate in human bone marrow, and myeloma cells proliferate in response to a cytokine, interleukin-6 (IL-6). We recently found that MPC-1- CD49e- immature myeloma cells expressing CD45 form a proliferating population in MM. IL-6 activates at least two intracellular pathways including signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) following the activation of Janus kinases (JAKs) via its receptor complexes composed of the IL-6 receptor alpha chain and gp130. Although the roles of CD45 have been extensively studied for antigen receptors in B and T cells, its physiological consequences in other hematopoietic cells remain largely unknown. Myeloma cells expressing CD45 antigens which contain the activation of src family protein-tyrosine kinases (PTKs) independent of IL-6 stimulation proliferate in response to IL-6, whereas the proliferation of CD45- cells which lack a considerable activity of the src family PTKs is not promoted by IL-6. The STAT3 and ERK1/2 pathways are similarly activated by IL-6 in both cells either expressing or not expressing CD45. In this review, we argue a novel mechanism of proliferation of myeloma cells, in that the activation of both STAT3 and ERK1/2 is not sufficient for IL-6-induced proliferation which further requires IL-6-independent activation of the src family kinases associated with CD45 phosphatase. We propose that the cellular context, such as CD45 expression and src family kinase activation, is crucial for myeloma cells to proliferate in response to IL-6.

Advances in understanding the pathogenesis of primary familial and congenital polycythaemia

Primary familial and congenital polycythemia (PFCP) is an autosomal-dominant proliferative disorder characterized by erythrocytosis and hypersensitivity of erythroid progenitors to erythropoietin (Epo). Several lines of evidence suggest a causal role of truncated erythropoietin receptor (EpoR) in this disease. In this review, we discuss PFCP in the context of erythrocytosis and EpoR signalling. We focus on recent studies describing mechanisms underlying Epo-dependent EpoR down-regulation. One mechanism depends on internalization mediated through the p85 regulatory subunit of the Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase, and the other utilizes ubiquitin-based proteasomal degradation. Truncated PFCP EpoRs are not properly down-regulated upon stimulation, underscoring the importance of these mechanisms in the pathogenesis of PFCP.

Erythropoietin down-regulates stem cell factor receptor (Kit) expression in the leukemic proerythroblast: role of Lyn kinase

Overexpression of the transcription factor Spi-1/PU.1 by transgenesis in mice induces a maturation arrest at the proerythroblastic stage of differentiation. We have previously isolated a panel of spi-1 transgenic erythroleukemic cell lines that proliferated in the presence of either erythropoietin (Epo) or stem cell factor (SCF). Using these cell lines, we observed that EpoR stimulation by Epo down-regulated expression of the SCF receptor Kit and induced expression of the Src kinase Lyn. Furthermore, enforced expression of Lyn in the cell lines increased cell proliferation in response to Epo, but reduced cell growth in response to SCF in accordance with Lyn ability to down-regulate Kit expression. Together, the data suggest that Epo-R/Lyn signaling pathway is essential for extinction of SCF signaling leading the proerythroblast to strict Epo dependency. These results highlight a new role for Lyn as an effector of EpoR in controlling Kit expression. They suggest that Lyn may play a central role in during erythroid differentiation at the switch between proliferation and maturation.

A kinase-dead allele of Lyn attenuates autoimmune disease normally associated with Lyn deficiency

Lyn kinase, a member of the Src family of tyrosine kinases, functions as both a positive and negative regulator of B cell activation. In the absence of Lyn, BCR signaling is unregulated, leading to perturbed B cell development, hyperactive B cells, and lethal Ab-mediated autoimmune disease. We have generated a mutant mouse pedigree, termed Mld4, harboring a novel mutation in the gene encoding Lyn, which renders the protein devoid of kinase activity. Despite similarities between the phenotypes of Lyn(Mld4/Mld4) and Lyn(-/-) mice, the spectrum of defects in Lyn(Mld4/Mld4) mice is less severe. In particular, although defects in the B cell compartment are similar, splenomegaly, myeloid expansion, and autoantibody production, characteristic of Lyn(-/-) mice, are absent or mild in Lyn(Mld4/Mld4) mice. Critically, immune complex deposition and complement activation in Lyn(Mld4/Mld4) glomeruli do not result in fulminant glomerulonephritis. Our data suggest that BCR hypersensitivity is insufficient for the development of autoimmune disease in Lyn(-/-) mice and implicate other cell lineages, particularly proinflammatory cells, in autoimmune disease progression. Furthermore, our results provide evidence for an additional role for Lyn kinase, distinct from its catalytic activity, in regulating intracellular signaling pathways.

A KIT juxtamembrane PY567 -directed pathway provides nonredundant signals for erythroid progenitor cell development and stress erythropoiesis

OBJECTIVE

KITL/KIT can elicit diverse sets of signals within lymphoid, myeloid, mast, and erythroid lineages, and exert distinct effects on growth, survival, migration, adhesion, and secretory responses. Presently, we have applied a PY-mutant allele knockin approach to specifically assess possible roles for KIT-PY567 and KIT-PY719 sites, and coupled pathways, during erythropoiesis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mouse models used to investigate this problem include those harboring knocked-in KIT(Y567F/Y567F), KIT(Y569F/Y569F), KIT(Y719F,Y719F), and KIT(Y567F/Y567F:Y569F/Y569F) alleles. The erythron was stressed by myelosuppression using 5-fluorouracil, and by phenylhydrazine-induced hemolysis. In addition, optimized systems for ex vivo analyses of bone marrow and splenic erythropoiesis were employed to more directly analyze possible stage-specific effects on erythroid cell growth, survival, development and KIT signaling events.

RESULTS

In Kit(Y567F/Y567F) mice, steady-state erythropoiesis was unperturbed while recovery from anemia due to 5-fluorouracil or phenylhydrazine was markedly impaired. Deficiencies in erythroid progenitor expansion occurred both in the bone marrow and the spleen. Responses to chronic erythropoietin dosing were also compromised. Ex vivo, Kit(Y567F/Y567F) (pro)erythroblast development was skewed from a Kit(pos)CD71(high) stage toward a subsequent Kit(neg)CD71(high) compartment. Proliferation and, to an extent, survival capacities were also compromised. Similar stage-specific defects existed for erythroid progenitors from Kit(Y567F/Y567F:Y569F/Y569F) but not KIT(Y719F/Y719F) mice. Kit(Y567F/Y567F) erythroblasts were used further to analyze KIT-PY567-dependent signals. MEK-1,2/ERK-1,2 signaling was unaffected while AKT, p70S6K, and especially JNK2/p54 pathways were selectively attenuated.

CONCLUSIONS

Nonredundant KIT-PY567-directed erythroblast-intrinsic signals are selectively critical for stress erythropoiesis. Investigations also add to an understanding of how KIT directs distinct outcomes among diverse progenitors and lineages.

Csk-binding protein can regulate Lyn signals controlling cell morphology

The Src family kinase Lyn is involved in differentiation signals emanating from activated erythropoietin (Epo) receptors, it interacts with COOH-terminal Src kinase-binding protein (Cbp), an adaptor protein that recruits negative regulators COOH-terminal Src kinase (Csk) and suppressor of cytokine signaling-1 (SOCS1). Lyn phosphorylates Cbp on several tyrosine residues, including Tyr314, which recruits Csk/SOCS1, as well as Tyr381 and Tyr409 that bind Lyns own SH2 domain. We show that Cbp alters not only the ability of erythroid cells to differentiate but also their colony morphology. Consequently, we detailed the ability of Cbp to interact with and influence Lyns ability to initiate changes in cellular architecture, which affect cell-cell and cell-substratum interactions. Over-expression of active Lyn promotes filopodia formation while inactive Lyn promotes lamellipodia formation. Conversely, Cbp over-expression, which inhibits Lyn activity, promotes lamellipodia formation, while Cbp mutants preventing its interaction/signaling consequently allow Lyn to promote filopodia formation. Thus, the Lyn-Cbp pathway and subsequent regulation of Lyn signaling and cell morphology involves a dynamic and complex series of interactions.

Liar, a novel Lyn-binding nuclear/cytoplasmic shuttling protein that influences erythropoietin-induced differentiation

Erythropoiesis is primarily controlled by erythropoietin (Epo), which stimulates proliferation, differentiation, and survival of erythroid precursors. We have previously shown that the tyrosine kinase Lyn is critical for transducing differentiation signals emanating from the activated Epo receptor. A yeast 2-hybrid screen for downstream effectors of Lyn identified a novel protein, Liar (Lyn-interacting ankyrin repeat), which forms a multiprotein complex with Lyn and HS1 in erythroid cells. Interestingly, 3 of the ankyrin repeats of Liar define a novel SH3 binding region for Lyn and HS1. Liar also contains functional nuclear localization and nuclear export sequences and shuttles rapidly between the nucleus and cytoplasm. Ectopic expression of Liar inhibited the differentiation of normal erythroid progenitors, as well as immortalized erythroid cells. Significantly, Liar affected Epo-activated signaling molecules including Erk2, STAT5, Akt, and Lyn. These results show that Liar is a novel Lyn-interacting molecule that plays an important role in regulating intracellular signaling events associated with erythroid terminal differentiation.

Crystal structures of the Lyn protein tyrosine kinase domain in its Apo- and inhibitor-bound state

The Src-family protein-tyrosine kinase (PTK) Lyn is the most important Src-family kinase in B cells, having both inhibitory and stimulatory activity that is dependent on the receptor, ligand, and developmental context of the B cell. An important role for Lyn has been reported in acute myeloid leukemia and chronic myeloid leukemia, as well as certain solid tumors. Although several Src-family inhibitors are available, the development of Lyn-specific inhibitors, or inhibitors with reduced off-target activity to Lyn, has been hampered by the lack of structural data on the Lyn kinase. Here we report the crystal structure of the non-liganded form of Lyn kinase domain, as well as in complex with three different inhibitors: the ATP analogue AMP-PNP; the pan Src kinase inhibitor PP2; and the BCR-Abl/Src-family inhibitor Dasatinib. The Lyn kinase domain was determined in its "active" conformation, but in the unphosphorylated state. All three inhibitors are bound at the ATP-binding site, with PP2 and Dasatinib extending into a hydrophobic pocket deep in the substrate cleft, thereby providing a basis for the Src-specific inhibition. Analysis of sequence and structural differences around the active site region of the Src-family PTKs were evident. Accordingly, our data provide valuable information for the further development of therapeutics targeting Lyn and the important Src-family of kinases.

Aberrant signal transduction pathways in myeloproliferative neoplasms

The BCR-ABL-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET) and primary myelofibrosis (PMF), entered the spotlight in 2005 when the unique somatic acquired JAK2 V617F mutation was described in >95% of PV and in 50% of ET and PMF patients. For the very rare PV patients who do not harbor the JAK2 V617F mutation, exon 12 JAK2 mutants were discovered also to result in activated forms of JAK2. A minority of ET and PMF patients harbor mutations that constitutively activate the thrombopoietin receptor (TpoR). In bone marrow reconstitution models based on retroviral transduction, the phenotype induced by JAK2 V617F is less severe and different from the rapid fatal myelofibrosis induced by TpoR W515L. The reasons for these differences are unknown. Exactly by which mechanism(s) one acquired somatic mutation, JAK2 V617F, can promote three different diseases remains a mystery, although gene dosage and host genetic variation might have important functions. We review the recent progress made in deciphering signaling anomalies in PV, ET and PMF, with an emphasis on the relationship between JAK2 V617F and cytokine receptor signaling and on cross-talk with several other signaling pathways.

The erythropoietin receptor in normal and cancer tissues

The hormone erythropoietin (EPO) is essential for the survival, proliferation and differentiation of the erythrocytic progenitors. The EPO receptor (EPO-R) of erythrocytic cells belongs to the cytokine class I receptor family and signals through various protein kinases and STAT transcription factors. The EPO-R is also expressed in many organs outside the bone marrow, suggesting that EPO is a pleiotropic anti-apoptotic factor. The controversial issue as to whether the EPO-R is functional in tumor tissue is critically reviewed. Importantly, most studies of EPO-R detection in tumor tissue have provided falsely positive results because of the lack of EPO-R specific antibodies. However, endogenous EPO appears to be necessary to maintain the viability of endothelial cells and to promote tumor angiogenesis. Although there is no clinical proof that the administration of erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESAs) promotes tumor growth and mortality, present recommendations are that (i) ESAs should be administered at the lowest dose sufficient to avoid the need for red blood cell transfusions, (ii) ESAs should not be used in patients with active malignant disease not receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy, (iii) ESAs should be discontinued following the completion of a chemotherapy course, (iv) the target Hb should be 12 g/dL and not higher and (v) the risks of shortened survival and tumor progression have not been excluded when ESAs are dosed to target Hb <12 g/dL.

Cholesterol-rich membrane rafts and Lyn are involved in phagocytosis during Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection

The mechanism of phagocytosis of pathogens remains to be fully characterized. We report a novel phagocytosis pathway for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is initiated by cholesterol-rich membrane rafts and is dependent on Lyn, primarily an immune regulator with both positive and negative roles. Blocking of Lyn or blocking of cholesterol synthesis significantly inhibited phagocytosis by alveolar macrophages. We found that Lyn, via Src homology 2 and 3 domains, bound to and then activated PI3K and Akt to regulate intracellular routing of the engulfed P. aeruginosa. Further analysis indicates that Lyn and raft components entered in phagosomes and late lysosomes. Finally, respiratory burst was dependent on Lyn and membrane rafts, as confirmed by small interfering RNA and dominant-negative strategies. Our investigations demonstrate that Lyn along with membrane rafts plays a fundamental role in phagocytosis by alveolar macrophages during infection.

Deficiency of Src family kinases compromises the repopulating ability of hematopoietic stem cells

OBJECTIVE

Src family kinases (SFK) have been implicated in regulating growth factor and integrin-induced proliferation, migration, and gene expression in multiple cell types. However, little is known about the role of these kinases in the growth, homing, and engraftment potential of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells.

RESULTS

Here we show that loss of hematopoietic-specific SFKs Hck, Fgr, and Lyn results in increased number of Sca-1(+)Lin(-) cells in the bone marrow, which respond differentially to cytokine-induced growth in vitro and manifest a significant defect in the long-term repopulating potential in vivo. Interestingly, a significant increase in expression of adhesion molecules, known to coincide with the homing potential of wild-type bone marrow cells is also observed on the surface of SFK(-/-) cells, although, this increase did not affect the homing potential of more primitive Lin(-)Sca-1(+) SFK(-/-) cells. The stem cell-repopulating defect observed in mice transplanted with SFK(-/-) bone marrow cells is due to the loss of Lyn Src kinase, because deficiency of Lyn, but not Hck or Fgr, recapitulated the long-term stem cell defect observed in mice transplanted with SFK(-/-) bone marrow cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, our results demonstrate an essential role for Lyn kinase in positively regulating the long-term and multilineage engraftment of stem cells, which is distinct from its role in mature B cells and myeloid cells.

Src family kinases: regulation of their activities, levels and identification of new pathways

While the Src family of protein tyrosine kinases (SFK), and the main ancillary molecules involved in their regulation, have been studied for many years, the details of their interplay are not fully understood and thus remain under active investigation. Additionally, new players that coordinate their regulation and direct their signalling cascades are also being uncovered, shedding new light on the complexity of these signalling networks. Through the utilization of novel interaction assays, several new interconnecting mediators that are helping to show the elegance of Src family kinase regulation have been discovered. This review outlines SFK regulation, the discovery of the Csk binding protein (Phosphoprotein Associated with Glycosphingolipid-enriched microdomains, Cbp/PAG), and its role in regulating SFK kinase activity status, as well as protein levels. Further, details of the methods used to identify this dual mode of regulation can be applied to delineate the full gamut of SH2/SH3-directed SFK pathways and, indeed, those of any tyrosine kinase. Using Lyn as a model SFK, we and others have shown that Cbp recruits negative regulators of COOH-terminal Src kinase (Csk)/Csk-like protein-tyrosine kinase (Ctk) after Lyn is activated and bound to Cbp. Lyn phosphorylates Cbp on multiple tyrosine residues, including two that can bind Lyn's SH2 domain with high affinity. Lyn also phosphorylates Y314, which recruits Csk/Ctk to phosphorylate Lyn at its Y508 negative site, allowing an inactive conformation to form. However, the pY508 site has a low affinity for Lyn's SH2 domain, while the Cbp sites have high affinity. Thus, until these Cbp sites are dephosphorylated, Lyn can remain active. Intriguingly, phosphorylated Y314 also binds the suppressor of cytokine signalling 1 (SOCS1), resulting in elevated ubiquitination and degradation of Lyn. Thus, a single phosphotyrosine residue within Cbp co-ordinates a two-phase process involving distinct negative regulatory pathways that allow inactivation, followed by degradation, of SFKs.

Age-related impairment of GM-CSF-induced signalling in neutrophils: role of SHP-1 and SOCS proteins

Functional activities of mature human neutrophils are strongly influenced by the pro-inflammatory cytokine granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF). Accordingly, a defective response to GM-CSF might have dramatic consequences for neutrophil functions and the host defence against infections. Such an event is most likely to occur in senescence. A number of studies have, in fact, reported an impairment of the GM-CSF capacity to prime and/or to activate respiratory burst, as well as to delay apoptotic events, in neutrophils from elderly individuals. In the last 2 decades many efforts have been made to explore at molecular levels the mechanism underlying these defects. Recent studies let us depict a scenario in which an increased activity of inhibitory molecules, such as Src homology domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase-1 (SHP-1) and suppressors of cytokine signalling (SOCS), is responsible for the age-related failure of GM-CSF to stimulate neutrophil functions via inhibition of Lyn-, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3-K)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)- and signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT)-dependent pathways. The control of SHP-1 and/or SOCS activity might therefore be an important therapeutic target for the restoration of normal immune responses during senescence.