Comparative proteomic analysis implicates eEF2 as a novel target of PI3Kγ in the MDA-MB-231 metastatic breast cancer cell line

Nuclear insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor phosphorylates proliferating cell nuclear antigen and rescues stalled replication forks after DNA damage

We have previously shown that the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) translocates to the cell nucleus, where it binds to enhancer-like regions and increases gene transcription. Further studies have demonstrated that nuclear IGF-1R (nIGF-1R) physically and functionally interacts with some nuclear proteins, i.e. the lymphoid enhancer-binding factor 1 (Lef1), histone H3, and Brahma-related gene-1 proteins. In this study, we identified the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) as a nIGF-1R-binding partner. PCNA is a pivotal component of the replication fork machinery and a main regulator of the DNA damage tolerance (DDT) pathway. We found that IGF-1R interacts with and phosphorylates PCNA in human embryonic stem cells and other cell lines. In vitro MS analysis of PCNA co-incubated with the IGF-1R kinase indicated tyrosine residues 60, 133, and 250 in PCNA as IGF-1R targets, and PCNA phosphorylation was followed by mono- and polyubiquitination. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments suggested that these ubiquitination events may be mediated by DDT-dependent E2/E3 ligases (e.g. RAD18 and SHPRH/HLTF). Absence of IGF-1R or mutation of Tyr-60, Tyr-133, or Tyr-250 in PCNA abrogated its ubiquitination. Unlike in cells expressing IGF-1R, externally induced DNA damage in IGF-1R-negative cells caused G₁ cell cycle arrest and S phase fork stalling. Taken together, our results suggest a role of IGF-1R in DDT.

Protein Profiles Associated with Anoikis Resistance of Metastatic MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells

Resistance to anoikis, a cell-detachment induced apoptosis, is one of the malignant phenotypes which support tumor metastasis. Molecular mechanisms underlying the establishment of this phenotype require further investigation. This study aimed at exploring protein expression profiles associated with anoikis resistance of a metastatic breast cancer cell. Cell survival of suspension cultures of non-metastatic MCF-7 and metastatic MDA-MB-231 cells were compared with their adherent cultures. Trypan blue exclusion assays demonstrated a significantly higher percentage of viable cells in MDA-MB-231 than MCF-7 cell cultures, consistent with analysis of annexin V-7-AAD stained cells indicating that MDA-MB-231 possess anti-apoptotic ability 1.7 fold higher than MCF-7 cells. GeLC-MS/MS analysis of protein lysates of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells grown under both culture conditions identified 925 proteins which are differentially expressed, 54 of which were expressed only in suspended and adherent MDA-MB-231 but not in MCF-7 cells. These proteins have been implicated in various cellular processes, including DNA replication and repair, transcription, translation, protein modification, cytoskeleton, transport and cell signaling. Analysis based on the STITCH database predicted the interaction of phospholipases, PLC and PLD, and 14-3-3 beta/alpha, YWHAB, with the intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic signaling network, suggesting putative roles in controlling anti-anoikis ability. MDA-MB-231 cells grown in the presence of inhibitors of phospholipase C, U73122, and phospholipase D, FIPI, demonstrated reduced ability to survive in suspension culture, indicating functional roles of PLC and PLD in the process of anti-anoikis. Our study identified intracellular mediators potentially associated with establishment of anoikis resistance of metastatic cells. These proteins require further clarification as prognostic and therapeutic targets for advanced breast cancer.

Eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase confers tolerance to stress conditions in cancer cells

Eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (eEF2) is a member of the GTP-binding translation elongation factor family that is essential for protein synthesis. eEF2 kinase (eEF2K) is a structurally and functionally unique protein kinase in the calmodulin-mediated signaling pathway. eEF2K phosphorylates eEF2, thereby inhibiting eEF2 function under stressful conditions. eEF2K regulates numerous processes, such as protein synthesis, cell cycle progression, and induction of autophagy and apoptosis in cancer cells. This review will demonstrate the mechanisms underlying eEF2K activity in cancer cells under different stresses, such as nutrient deprivation, hypoxia, and DNA damage via eEF2 regulation. In vivo, in vitro, and clinical studies indicated that eEF2K may be a novel biomarker and therapeutic target for cancer.