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Huang X, Xu C, Dai H, Yang J, Huang T, Chen S, Qi L, Ruan J, Wang J. NCDN is a Potential Biomarker and Therapeutic Target for Glioblastoma. J Cancer 2024; 15:1067-1076. [PMID: 38230206 PMCID: PMC10788732 DOI: 10.7150/jca.90535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) is a type of central nervous system malignancy. In our study, we determined the effect of NCDN in GBM patients through The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data analysis, and studied the effects of NCDN on GBM cell function to estimate its potential as a therapeutic target. Methods: Gene expression profiles of glioblastoma cohort were acquired from TCGA database and analyzed to look for central genes that may serve as GBM therapeutic targets. Then the cell function of NCDN in glioblastoma cell was explored through in vitro cell experiments. Results: Through gene ontology (GO) analysis, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), and survival analysis, we identified three key genes (NCDN, PAK1 and SPRYD3) associated with poor prognosis in glioblastoma. In vitro experiments showed impaired cell migration, apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest in NCDN knockdown cells. Conclusion: NCDN affects the progress and prognosis of glioblastoma by promoting cell migration and inhibiting apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaokai Huang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
- The Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and oncology Diseases of Wenzhou, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chengwu Xu
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Haipeng Dai
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianchun Yang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tingting Huang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
- The Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and oncology Diseases of Wenzhou, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shuan Chen
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lingxin Qi
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jichen Ruan
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
- The Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and oncology Diseases of Wenzhou, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Juxiang Wang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
- The Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology and oncology Diseases of Wenzhou, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
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Hornigold K, Baker MJ, Machin PA, Chetwynd SA, Johnsson AK, Pantarelli C, Islam P, Stammers M, Crossland L, Oxley D, Okkenhaug H, Walker S, Walker R, Segonds-Pichon A, Fukui Y, Malliri A, Welch HCE. The Rac-GEF Tiam1 controls integrin-dependent neutrophil responses. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1223653. [PMID: 38077328 PMCID: PMC10703174 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1223653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Rac GTPases are required for neutrophil adhesion and migration, and for the neutrophil effector responses that kill pathogens. These Rac-dependent functions are impaired when neutrophils lack the activators of Rac, Rac-GEFs from the Prex, Vav, and Dock families. In this study, we demonstrate that Tiam1 is also expressed in neutrophils, governing focal complexes, actin cytoskeletal dynamics, polarisation, and migration, in a manner depending on the integrin ligand to which the cells adhere. Tiam1 is dispensable for the generation of reactive oxygen species but mediates degranulation and NETs release in adherent neutrophils, as well as the killing of bacteria. In vivo, Tiam1 is required for neutrophil recruitment during aseptic peritonitis and for the clearance of Streptococcus pneumoniae during pulmonary infection. However, Tiam1 functions differently to other Rac-GEFs. Instead of promoting neutrophil adhesion to ICAM1 and stimulating β2 integrin activity as could be expected, Tiam1 restricts these processes. In accordance with these paradoxical inhibitory roles, Tiam1 limits the fMLP-stimulated activation of Rac1 and Rac2 in adherent neutrophils, rather than activating Rac as expected. Tiam1 promotes the expression of several regulators of small GTPases and cytoskeletal dynamics, including αPix, Psd4, Rasa3, and Tiam2. It also controls the association of Rasa3, and potentially αPix, Git2, Psd4, and 14-3-3ζ/δ, with Rac. We propose these latter roles of Tiam1 underlie its effects on Rac and β2 integrin activity and on cell responses. Hence, Tiam1 is a novel regulator of Rac-dependent neutrophil responses that functions differently to other known neutrophil Rac-GEFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsti Hornigold
- Signalling Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Martin J. Baker
- Signalling Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Cell Signalling Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, University of Manchester, Macclesfield, United Kingdom
| | - Polly A. Machin
- Signalling Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Priota Islam
- Signalling Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - David Oxley
- Mass Spectrometry Facility, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Simon Walker
- Imaging Facility, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Rachael Walker
- Flow Cytometry Facility, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Yoshinori Fukui
- Division of Immunogenetics, Department of Immunobiology and Neuroscience, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Angeliki Malliri
- Cell Signalling Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, University of Manchester, Macclesfield, United Kingdom
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Johansen VBI, Hampson E, Tsonou E, Pantarelli C, Chu JY, Crossland L, Okkenhaug H, Massey AJ, Hornigold DC, Welch HCE, Chetwynd SA. The GPCR adaptor protein Norbin regulates S1PR1 trafficking and the morphology, cell cycle and survival of PC12 cells. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18237. [PMID: 37880240 PMCID: PMC10600135 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45148-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Norbin is an adaptor protein that binds numerous G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), is highly expressed in neurons, and is essential for a functioning nervous system in rodent models. Yet, beyond its control of neurite outgrowth and synaptic plasticity, few cellular roles of Norbin have been investigated to date. Furthermore, while Norbin is known to regulate the steady-state cell surface levels of several GPCRs, only in one case has the protein been shown to control the agonist-induced receptor internalisation which serves to attenuate GPCR signalling. Here, we generated a Norbin-deficient PC12 cell line which enabled us to study both the cellular functions of Norbin and its roles in GPCR trafficking and signalling. We show that Norbin limits cell size and spreading, and is required for the growth, viability and cell cycle progression of PC12 cells. We also found that Norbin regulates both the steady-state surface level and agonist-induced internalisation of the GPCR sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1PR1) in these cells, suggesting that its role in agonist-dependent GPCR trafficking is more widespread than previously appreciated. Finally, we show that Norbin limits the S1P-stimulated activation of Akt and p38 Mapk, and is required for the activation of Erk in PC12 cells. Together, our findings provide a better understanding of the cellular functions of Norbin and its control of GPCR trafficking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valdemar B I Johansen
- Signalling Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Elizabeth Hampson
- Signalling Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK
- Vernalis (R&D) Ltd., Cambridge, UK
| | - Elpida Tsonou
- Signalling Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK
- Bioscience Metabolism, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Chiara Pantarelli
- Signalling Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Julia Y Chu
- Signalling Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Laraine Crossland
- Signalling Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK
| | | | | | - David C Hornigold
- Bioscience Metabolism, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Heidi C E Welch
- Signalling Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK.
| | - Stephen A Chetwynd
- Signalling Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK.
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4
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Chetwynd SA, Andrews S, Inglesfield S, Delon C, Ktistakis NT, Welch HCE. Functions and mechanisms of the GPCR adaptor protein Norbin. Biochem Soc Trans 2023; 51:1545-1558. [PMID: 37503670 PMCID: PMC10586782 DOI: 10.1042/bst20221349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Norbin (Neurochondrin, NCDN) is a highly conserved 79 kDa adaptor protein that was first identified more than a quarter of a century ago as a gene up-regulated in rat hippocampus upon induction of long-term potentiation. Most research has focussed on the role of Norbin in the nervous system, where the protein is highly expressed. Norbin regulates neuronal morphology and synaptic plasticity, and is essential for normal brain development and homeostasis. Dysregulation of Norbin is linked to a variety of neurological conditions. Recently, Norbin was shown to be expressed in myeloid cells as well as neurons. Myeloid-cell specific deletion revealed an important role of Norbin as a suppressor of neutrophil-derived innate immunity. Norbin limits the ability of neutrophils to clear bacterial infections by curbing the responsiveness of these cells to inflammatory and infectious stimuli. Mechanistically, Norbin regulates cell responses through binding to its interactors, in particular to a wide range of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Norbin association with GPCRs controls GPCR trafficking and signalling. Other important Norbin interactors are the Rac guanine-nucleotide exchange factor P-Rex1 and protein kinase A. Downstream signalling pathways regulated by Norbin include ERK, Ca2+ and the small GTPase Rac. Here, we review the current understanding of Norbin structure, expression and its roles in health and disease. We also explore Norbin signalling through its interactors, with a particular focus on GPCR trafficking and signalling. Finally, we discuss avenues that could be pursued in the future to increase our understanding of Norbin biology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Simon Andrews
- Bioinformatics Facility, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, U.K
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Seo Y, Qiu L, Magnen M, Conrad C, Moussavi-Harami SF, Looney MR, Cleary SJ. Optimizing anesthesia and delivery approaches for dosing into lungs of mice. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2023; 325:L262-L269. [PMID: 37401383 PMCID: PMC10625824 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00046.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbes, toxins, therapeutics, and cells are often instilled into lungs of mice to model diseases and test experimental interventions. Consistent pulmonary delivery is critical for experimental power and reproducibility, but we observed variation in outcomes between handlers using different anesthetic approaches for intranasal dosing in mice. We therefore used a radiotracer to quantify lung delivery after intranasal dosing under inhalational (isoflurane) versus injectable (ketamine/xylazine) anesthesia in C57BL/6 mice. We found that ketamine/xylazine anesthesia resulted in delivery of a greater proportion (52 ± 9%) of an intranasal dose to lungs relative to isoflurane anesthesia (30 ± 15%). This difference in pulmonary dose delivery altered key outcomes in models of viral and bacterial pneumonia, with mice anesthetized with ketamine/xylazine for intranasal infection with influenza A virus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa developing more robust lung inflammation responses relative to control animals randomized to isoflurane anesthesia. Pulmonary dosing efficiency through oropharyngeal aspiration was not affected by anesthetic method and resulted in delivery of 63 ± 8% of dose to lungs, and a nonsurgical intratracheal dosing approach further increased lung delivery to 92 ± 6% of dose. The use of either of these more precise dosing methods yielded greater experimental power in the bacterial pneumonia model relative to intranasal infection. Both anesthetic approach and dosing route can impact pulmonary dosing efficiency. These factors affect experimental power and so should be considered when planning and reporting studies involving delivery of fluids to lungs of mice.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Many lung research studies involve dosing fluids into lungs of mice. In this study, the authors measure lung deposition using intranasal (i.n.), oropharyngeal aspiration (o.a.), and intratracheal (i.t.) dosing methods in mice. Anesthetic approach and administration route were found to affect pulmonary dosing efficiency. The authors demonstrate that refinements to dosing techniques can enable reductions in the number of animals needed for bacterial and viral pneumonia studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yurim Seo
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States
| | - Longhui Qiu
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States
| | - Mélia Magnen
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States
| | - Catharina Conrad
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States
| | | | - Mark R Looney
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States
| | - Simon J Cleary
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States
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6
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Machin PA, Johnsson AKE, Massey EJ, Pantarelli C, Chetwynd SA, Chu JY, Okkenhaug H, Segonds-Pichon A, Walker S, Malliri A, Fukui Y, Welch HCE. Dock2 generates characteristic spatiotemporal patterns of Rac activity to regulate neutrophil polarisation, migration and phagocytosis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1180886. [PMID: 37383235 PMCID: PMC10293741 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1180886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Rac-GTPases and their Rac-GEF activators play important roles in neutrophil-mediated host defence. These proteins control the adhesion molecules and cytoskeletal dynamics required for neutrophil recruitment to inflamed and infected organs, and the neutrophil effector responses that kill pathogens. Methods Here, we used live cell TIRF-FRET imaging in neutrophils from Rac-FRET reporter mice with deficiencies in the Rac-GEFs Dock2, Tiam1 or Prex1/Vav1 to evaluate if these proteins activate spatiotemporally distinct pools of Rac, and to correlate patterns of Rac activity with the neutrophil responses they control. Results All the GEFs were required for neutrophil adhesion, and Prex1/Vav1 were important during spreading and for the velocity of migration during chemotaxis. However, Dock2 emerged as the prominent regulator of neutrophil responses, as this GEF was required for neutrophil polarisation and random migration, for migration velocity during chemokinesis, for the likelihood to migrate and for the speed of migration and of turning during chemotaxis, as well as for rapid particle engulfment during phagocytosis. We identified characteristic spatiotemporal patterns of Rac activity generated by Dock2 which correlate with the importance of the Rac-GEF in these neutrophil responses. We also demonstrate a requirement for Dock2 in neutrophil recruitment during aseptic peritonitis. Discussion Collectively, our data provide a first direct comparison of the pools of Rac activity generated by different types of Rac-GEFs, and identify Dock2 as a key regulator of polarisation, migration and phagocytosis in primary neutrophils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polly A. Machin
- Signalling Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Anna-Karin E. Johnsson
- Signalling Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Ellie J. Massey
- Signalling Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Chiara Pantarelli
- Signalling Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen A. Chetwynd
- Signalling Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Julia Y. Chu
- Signalling Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Hanneke Okkenhaug
- Imaging Facility, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Anne Segonds-Pichon
- Bioinformatics Facility, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Walker
- Imaging Facility, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Angeliki Malliri
- Cell Signalling, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Yoshinori Fukui
- Division of Immunogenetics, Department of Immunobiology and Neuroscience, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Heidi C. E. Welch
- Signalling Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Hornigold K, Chu JY, Chetwynd SA, Machin PA, Crossland L, Pantarelli C, Anderson KE, Hawkins PT, Segonds-Pichon A, Oxley D, Welch HCE. Age-related decline in the resistance of mice to bacterial infection and in LPS/TLR4 pathway-dependent neutrophil responses. Front Immunol 2022; 13:888415. [PMID: 36090969 PMCID: PMC9450589 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.888415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Host defense against bacterial and fungal infections diminishes with age. In humans, impaired neutrophil responses are thought to contribute to this decline. However, it remains unclear whether neutrophil responses are also impaired in old mice. Here, we investigated neutrophil function in old mice, focusing on responses primed by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an endotoxin released by gram-negative bacteria like E. coli, which signals through toll-like receptor (TLR) 4. We show that old mice have a reduced capacity to clear pathogenic E. coli during septic peritonitis. Neutrophil recruitment was elevated during LPS-induced but not aseptic peritonitis. Neutrophils from old mice showed reduced killing of E. coli. Their reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was impaired upon priming with LPS but not with GM-CSF/TNFα. Phagocytosis and degranulation were reduced in a partially LPS-dependent manner, whereas impairment of NET release in response to S. aureus was independent of LPS. Unexpectedly, chemotaxis was normal, as were Rac1 and Rac2 GTPase activities. LPS-primed activation of Erk and p38 Mapk was defective. PIP3 production was reduced upon priming with LPS but not with GM-CSF/TNFα, whereas PIP2 levels were constitutively low. The expression of 5% of neutrophil proteins was dysregulated in old age. Granule proteins, particularly cathepsins and serpins, as well as TLR-pathway proteins and membrane receptors were upregulated, whereas chromatin and RNA regulators were downregulated. The upregulation of CD180 and downregulation of MyD88 likely contribute to the impaired LPS signaling. In summary, all major neutrophil responses except chemotaxis decline with age in mice, particularly upon LPS priming. This LPS/TLR4 pathway dependence resolves previous controversy regarding effects of age on murine neutrophils and confirms that mice are an appropriate model for the decline in human neutrophil function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsti Hornigold
- Signalling Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Julia Y. Chu
- Signalling Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Polly A. Machin
- Signalling Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Laraine Crossland
- Signalling Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Chiara Pantarelli
- Signalling Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Karen E. Anderson
- Signalling Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - David Oxley
- Proteomics Facility, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Heidi C. E. Welch
- Signalling Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Heidi C. E. Welch,
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Lawson CD, Hornigold K, Pan D, Niewczas I, Andrews S, Clark J, Welch HCE. Small-molecule inhibitors of P-Rex guanine-nucleotide exchange factors. Small GTPases 2022; 13:307-326. [PMID: 36342857 PMCID: PMC9645260 DOI: 10.1080/21541248.2022.2131313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
P-Rex1 and P-Rex2 are guanine-nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) that activate Rac small GTPases in response to the stimulation of G protein-coupled receptors and phosphoinositide 3-kinase. P-Rex Rac-GEFs regulate the morphology, adhesion and migration of various cell types, as well as reactive oxygen species production and cell cycle progression. P-Rex Rac-GEFs also have pathogenic roles in the initiation, progression or metastasis of several types of cancer. With one exception, all P-Rex functions are known or assumed to be mediated through their catalytic Rac-GEF activity. Thus, inhibitors of P-Rex Rac-GEF activity would be valuable research tools. We have generated a panel of small-molecule P-Rex inhibitors that target the interface between the catalytic DH domain of P-Rex Rac-GEFs and Rac. Our best-characterized compound, P-Rex inhibitor 1 (PREX-in1), blocks the Rac-GEF activity of full-length P-Rex1 and P-Rex2, and of their isolated catalytic domains, in vitro at low-micromolar concentration, without affecting the activities of several other Rho-GEFs. PREX-in1 blocks the P-Rex1 dependent spreading of PDGF-stimulated endothelial cells and the production of reactive oxygen species in fMLP-stimulated mouse neutrophils. Structure-function analysis revealed critical structural elements of PREX-in1, allowing us to develop derivatives with increased efficacy, the best with an IC50 of 2 µM. In summary, we have developed PREX-in1 and derivative small-molecule compounds that will be useful laboratory research tools for the study of P-Rex function. These compounds may also be a good starting point for the future development of more sophisticated drug-like inhibitors aimed at targeting P-Rex Rac-GEFs in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- CD Lawson
- Signalling Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, CambridgeCB22 3AT, UK
| | - K Hornigold
- Signalling Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, CambridgeCB22 3AT, UK
| | - D Pan
- Signalling Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, CambridgeCB22 3AT, UK
| | - I Niewczas
- Biological Chemistry Facility, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, CambridgeCB22 3AT, UK
| | - S Andrews
- Bioinformatics Facility, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, CambridgeCB22 3AT, UK
| | - J Clark
- Biological Chemistry Facility, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, CambridgeCB22 3AT, UK
| | - HCE Welch
- Signalling Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, CambridgeCB22 3AT, UK,CONTACT HCE Welch Signalling Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, CambridgeCB22 3ATUK
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