Proteins recruited by SH3 domains of Ruk/CIN85 adaptor identified by LC-MS/MS

Endosomal actin branching, fission and receptor recycling require FCHSD2 recruitment by MICAL-L1

Endosome fission is required for the release of carrier vesicles and the recycling of receptors to the plasma membrane. Early events in endosome budding and fission rely on actin branching to constrict the endosomal membrane, ultimately leading to nucleotide hydrolysis and enzymatic fission. However, our current understanding of this process is limited, particularly regarding the coordination between the early and late steps of endosomal fission. Here we have identified a novel interaction between the endosomal scaffolding protein, MICAL-L1, and the human homolog of the Drosophila Nervous Wreck (Nwk) protein, FCH and double SH3 domains protein 2 (FCHSD2). We demonstrate that MICAL-L1 recruits FCHSD2 to the endosomal membrane, where it is required for ARP2/3-mediated generation of branched actin, endosome fission and receptor recycling to the plasma membrane. Since MICAL-L1 first recruits FCHSD2 to the endosomal membrane, and is subsequently responsible for recruitment of the ATPase and fission protein EHD1 to endosomes, our findings support a model in which MICAL-L1 orchestrates endosomal fission by connecting between the early actin-driven and subsequent nucleotide hydrolysis steps of the process.

Autoinhibition in the Signal Transducer CIN85 Modulates B Cell Activation

Signal transduction by the ligated B cell antigen receptor (BCR) depends on the preorganization of its intracellular components, such as the effector proteins SLP65 and CIN85 within phase-separated condensates. These liquid-like condensates are based on the interaction between three Src homology 3 (SH3) domains and the corresponding proline-rich recognition motifs (PRM) in CIN85 and SLP65, respectively. However, detailed information on the protein conformation and how it impacts the capability of SLP65/CIN85 condensates to orchestrate BCR signal transduction is still lacking. This study identifies a hitherto unknown intramolecular SH3:PRM interaction between the C-terminal SH3 domain (SH3C) of CIN85 and an adjacent PRM. We used high-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments to study the flexible linker region containing the PRM and determined the extent of the interaction in multidomain constructs of the protein. Moreover, we observed that the phosphorylation of a serine residue located in the immediate vicinity of the PRM regulates this intramolecular interaction. This allows for a dynamic modulation of CIN85's valency toward SLP65. B cell culture experiments further revealed that the PRM/SH3C interaction is crucial for maintaining the physiological level of SLP65/CIN85 condensate formation, activation-induced membrane recruitment of CIN85, and subsequent mobilization of Ca2+. Our findings therefore suggest that the intramolecular interaction with the adjacent disordered linker is effective in modulating CIN85's valency both in vitro and in vivo. This therefore constitutes a powerful way for the modulation of SLP65/CIN85 condensate formation and subsequent B cell signaling processes within the cell.

An anillin-CIN85-SEPT9 complex promotes intercellular bridge maturation required for successful cytokinesis

Cleavage of one cell into two is the most dramatic event in the life of a cell. Plasma membrane fission occurs within a narrow intercellular bridge (ICB) between the daughter cells, but the mechanisms underlying ICB formation and maturation are poorly understood. Here we identify CIN85 as an ICB assembly factor and demonstrate its requirement for robust and timely cytokinesis. CIN85 interacts directly with the N-terminal region of anillin and SEPT9 and thereby facilitates SEPT9-containing filament localization to the plasma membrane of the ICB. In contrast, the C-terminal pleckstrin homology (PH) domain of anillin binds to septin units lacking SEPT9 but enriched in SEPT11. Anillin's interactions with distinct septin units are required to promote ICB elongation and maturation that, we propose, generate the physical space into which the abscission machinery is recruited to drive the final membrane scission event releasing two independent daughter cells.

Arap1 loss causes retinal pigment epithelium phagocytic dysfunction and subsequent photoreceptor death

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a retinal degenerative disease, is the leading cause of heritable blindness. Previously, we described that Arap1^−/− mice develop a similar pattern of photoreceptor degeneration. Arap1 is an Arf-directed GTPase-activating protein shown to modulate actin cytoskeletal dynamics. Curiously, Arap1 expression was detected in Müller glia and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), but not the photoreceptors themselves. In this study, we generated conditional knockout mice for Müller glia/RPE, Müller glia and RPE via targeting Rlbp1, Glast and Vmd2 promoters, respectively, to drive Cre recombinase expression to knock out Arap1. Vmd2-Cre Arap1^tm1c/tm1c and Rlbp1-Cre Arap1^tm1c/tm1c mice, but not Glast-Cre Arap1^tm1c/tm1c mice, recapitulated the phenotype originally observed in germline Arap1^−/− mice. Mass spectrometry analysis of human ARAP1 co-immunoprecipitation identified candidate binding partners of ARAP1, revealing potential interactants involved in phagocytosis, cytoskeletal composition, intracellular trafficking and endocytosis. Quantification of outer segment phagocytosis in vivo demonstrated a clear phagocytic defect in Arap1^−/− mice compared to Arap1^+/+ controls. We conclude that Arap1 expression in RPE is necessary for photoreceptor survival due to its indispensable function in RPE phagocytosis.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.

Summary: We provide evidence that Arap1 expression in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is essential for maintaining photoreceptor health due to its indispensable role in RPE phagocytosis.

Function of SYDE C2-RhoGAP family as signaling hubs for neuronal development deduced by computational analysis

Recent investigations of neurological developmental disorders have revealed the Rho-family modulators such as Syde and its interactors as the candidate genes. Although the mammalian Syde proteins are reported to possess GTPase-accelerating activity for RhoA-family proteins, diverse species-specific substrate selectivities and binding partners have been described, presumably based on their evolutionary variance in the molecular organization. A comprehensive in silico analysis of Syde family proteins was performed to elucidate their molecular functions and neurodevelopmental networks. Predicted structural modeling of the RhoGAP domain may account for the molecular constraints to substrate specificity among Rho-family proteins. Deducing conserved binding motifs can extend the Syde interaction network and highlight diverse but Syde isoform-specific signaling pathways in neuronal homeostasis, differentiation, and synaptic plasticity from novel aspects of post-translational modification and proteolysis.

PPFIBP1 induces glioma cell migration and invasion through FAK/Src/JNK signaling pathway

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive brain tumor, with a 5-year survival ratio <5%. Invasive growth is a major determinant of the poor prognosis in GBM. In this study, we demonstrate that high expression of PPFIA binding protein 1 (PPFIBP1) correlates with remarkable invasion and poor prognosis of GBM patients. Using scratch and transwell assay, we find that the invasion and migration of GBM cells are promoted by overexpression of PPFIBP1, while inhibited by knockdown of PPFIBP1. Then, we illustrate that overexpression of PPFIBP1 facilitates glioma cell infiltration and reduces survival in xenograft models. Next, RNA-Seq and GO enrichment analysis reveal that PPFIBP1 regulates differentially expressed gene clusters involved in the Wnt and adhesion-related signaling pathways. Furthermore, we demonstrate that PPFIBP1 activates focal adhesion kinase (FAK), Src, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and c-Jun, thereby enhancing Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 expression probably through interacting with SRCIN1 (p140Cap). Finally, inhibition of phosphorylation of Src and FAK significantly reversed the augmentation of invasion and migration caused by PPFIBP1 overexpression in GBM cells. In conclusion, these findings uncover a novel mechanism of glioma invasion and identify PPFIBP1 as a potential therapeutic target of glioma.

IRSp53 is a novel interactor of SHIP2: A role of the actin binding protein Mena in their cellular localization in breast cancer cells

A tight control of the machineries regulating membrane bending and actin dynamics is very important for the generation of membrane protrusions, which are crucial for cell migration and invasion. Protein/protein and protein/phosphoinositides complexes assemble and disassemble to coordinate these mechanisms, the scaffold properties of the involved proteins playing a prominent role in this organization. The PI 5-phosphatase SHIP2 is a critical enzyme modulating PI(3,4,5)P₃, PI(4,5)P₂ and PI(3,4)P₂ content in the cell. The scaffold properties of SHIP2 contribute to the specific targeting or retention of the protein in particular subcellular domains. Here, we identified IRSp53 as a new binding interactor of SHIP2 proline-rich domain. Both proteins are costained in HEK293T cells protrusions, upon transfection. We showed that the SH3-binding polyproline motif recognized by IRSp53 in SHIP2 is different from the regions targeted by other PRR binding partners i.e., CIN85, ITSN or even Mena a common interactor of both SHIP2 and IRSp53. We presented evidence that IRSp53 phosphorylation on S366 did not influence its interaction with SHIP2 and that Mena is not necessary for the association of SHIP2 with IRSp53 in MDA-MB-231 cells. The absence of Mena in MDA-MB-231 cells decreased the intracellular content in F-actin and modified the subcellular localization of SHIP2 and IRSp53 by increasing their relative content at the plasma membrane. Together our data suggest that SHIP2, through interaction with the cell protrusion regulators IRSp53 and Mena, participate to the formation of multi-protein complexes. This ensures the appropriate modulations of PIs which is important for regulation of membrane dynamics.

Inhibition of T cell activation and function by the adaptor protein CIN85

T cell activation is initiated by signaling molecules downstream of the T cell receptor (TCR) that are organized by adaptor proteins. CIN85 (Cbl-interacting protein of 85 kDa) is one such adaptor protein. Here, we showed that CIN85 limited T cell responses to TCR stimulation. Compared to activated wild-type (WT) T cells, those that lacked CIN85 produced more IL-2 and exhibited greater proliferation. After stimulation of WT T cells with their cognate antigen, CIN85 was recruited to the TCR signaling complex. Early TCR signaling events, such as phosphorylation of ζ-chain-associated protein kinase 70 (Zap70), Src homology 2 (SH2) domain-containing leukocyte protein of 76 kDa (SLP76), and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk), were enhanced in CIN85-deficient T cells. The inhibitory function of CIN85 required the SH3 and PR regions of the adaptor, which associated with the phosphatase suppressor of TCR signaling-2 (Sts-2) after TCR stimulation. Together, our data suggest that CIN85 is recruited to the TCR signaling complex and mediates inhibition of T cell activation through its association with Sts-2.

ARAP1 Bridges Actin Dynamics and AP-3-Dependent Membrane Traffic in Bone-Digesting Osteoclasts

Bone-resorbing osteoclasts play a central role in bone remodeling and its pathology. To digest bone, osteoclasts re-organize both F-actin, to assemble podosomes/sealing zones, and membrane traffic, to form bone-facing ruffled borders enriched in lysosomal membrane proteins. It remains elusive how these processes are coordinated. Here, we show that ARAP1 (ArfGAP with RhoGAP domain, ankyrin repeat and PH domain-containing protein 1) fulfills this function. At podosomes/sealing zones, ARAP1 is part of a protein complex where its RhoGAP domain regulates actin dynamics. At endosomes, ARAP1 interacts with AP-3 adaptor complexes where its Arf-GAP domain regulates the Arf1-dependent AP-3 binding to membranes and, consequently lysosomal membrane protein transport to ruffled borders. Accordingly, ARAP1 or AP-3 depletion in osteoclasts alters their capacity to digest bone in vitro. and AP-3δ-deficient mocha mice, a model of the Hermansky-Pudlak storage pool syndrome, develop osteoporosis. Thus, ARAP1 bridges F-actin and membrane dynamics in osteoclasts for proper bone homeostasis.

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ARAP1 is a bridging factor controlling actin and membrane dynamics in osteoclasts

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ARAP1 controls podosome dynamics and AP-3 coat recruitment to membranes

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AP-3 controls targeting of lysosomal membrane proteins to the ruffled border

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AP-3-deficient mocha mice develop osteoporosis

FAM83 proteins: Fostering new interactions to drive oncogenic signaling and therapeutic resistance

The FAM83 proteins were recently identified as novel transforming oncogenes that function as intermediaries in EGFR/RAS signaling. Using two distinct forward genetics screens, the Bissell and Jackson laboratories uncovered the importance of the FAM83 proteins in promoting resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors and therapies targeting downstream EGFR signaling effectors. The discovery of this novel oncogene family using distinct genetic screens provides compelling evidence that the FAM83 proteins are key oncogenic players in cancer-associated signaling when they are overexpressed or dysregulated. Consistent with a role in oncogenic transformation, the FAM83 genes are frequently overexpressed in diverse human cancer specimens. Importantly, ablation of numerous FAM83 members results in a marked suppression of cancer-associated signaling and loss of tumorigenic potential. Here, we review the current knowledge of the FAM83 proteins’ involvement in cancer signaling and discuss the potential mechanisms by which they contribute to tumorigenesis. Both redundant activities shared by all 8 FAM83 members and non-redundant activities unique to each member are highlighted. We discuss the promise and challenges of the FAM83 proteins as novel points of attack for future cancer therapies.

Emerging Roles for Ciz1 in Cell Cycle Regulation and as a Driver of Tumorigenesis

Precise duplication of the genome is a prerequisite for the health and longevity of multicellular organisms. The temporal regulation of origin specification, replication licensing, and firing at replication origins is mediated by the cyclin-dependent kinases. Here the role of Cip1 interacting Zinc finger protein 1 (Ciz1) in regulation of cell cycle progression is discussed. Ciz1 contributes to regulation of the G1/S transition in mammalian cells. Ciz1 contacts the pre-replication complex (pre-RC) through cell division cycle 6 (Cdc6) interactions and aids localization of cyclin A- cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) activity to chromatin and the nuclear matrix during initiation of DNA replication. We discuss evidence that Ciz1 serves as a kinase sensor that regulates both initiation of DNA replication and prevention of re-replication. Finally, the emerging role for Ciz1 in cancer biology is discussed. Ciz1 is overexpressed in common tumors and tumor growth is dependent on Ciz1 expression, suggesting that Ciz1 is a driver of tumor growth. We present evidence that Ciz1 may contribute to deregulation of the cell cycle due to its ability to alter the CDK activity thresholds that are permissive for initiation of DNA replication. We propose that Ciz1 may contribute to oncogenesis by induction of DNA replication stress and that Ciz1 may be a multifaceted target in cancer therapy.

Novel genes on rat chromosome 10 are linked to body fat mass, preadipocyte number and adipocyte size

BACKGROUND

The genetic architecture of obesity is multifactorial. We have previously identified a quantitative trait locus (QTL) on rat chromosome 10 in a F2 cross of Wistar Ottawa Karlsburg (WOKW) and Dark Agouti (DA) rats responsible for obesity-related traits. The QTL was confirmed in congenic DA.WOKW10 rats. To pinpoint the region carrying causal genes, we established two new subcongenic lines, L1 and L2, with smaller refined segments of chromosome 10 to identify novel candidate genes.

METHODS

All lines were extensively characterized under different diet conditions. We employed transcriptome analysis in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) by RNA-Seq technology to identify potential underlying genes in the segregating regions. Three candidate genes were measured in human paired samples of VAT and subcutaneous (SC) AT (SAT) (N=304) individuals with a wide range of body weight and glucose homeostasis parameters.

RESULTS

DA.WOKW and L1 subcongenic lines were protected against body fat gain under high-fat diet (HFD), whereas L2 and DA had significantly more body fat after high-fat feeding. Interestingly, adipocyte size distribution in SAT and epigonadal AT of L1 subcongenic rats did not undergo typical ballooning under HFD and the number of preadipocytes in AT was significantly elevated in L2 compared with L1 and parental rats. Transcriptome analysis identified three candidate genes in VAT on rat chromosome 10. In humans, these candidate genes were differentially expressed between SAT and VAT. Moreover, HID1 mRNA significantly correlates with parameters of obesity and glucose metabolism.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest novel candidate genes for obesity that map on rat chromosome 10 in an interval 102.2-104.7 Mb and are strongly associated with body fat mass regulation, preadipocyte number and adipocyte size in rats. Among those genes, AT head involution defective (HID1) mRNA expression may be relevant for human fat distribution and glucose homeostasis.

The adaptor protein CIN85 assembles intracellular signaling clusters for B cell activation

The adaptor molecule Cbl-interacting protein of 85 kD (CIN85) regulates signaling from a number of cell surface receptors, such as growth factor receptors and antigen receptors on lymphocytes. Because of its multidomain structure, CIN85 is thought to act as a classical adaptor protein that connects functionally distinct components of a given signaling pathway through diverse protein domains. However, we found that in B lymphocytes, CIN85 functions to oligomerize SLP-65, which is the central effector protein of the B cell receptor (BCR). Therefore, CIN85 trimerizes through a carboxyl-terminal, coiled-coil domain. The multiple Src homology 3 (SH3) domains of trimeric CIN85 molecules associated with multiple SLP-65 molecules, which recruited further CIN85 trimers, thereby perpetuating the oligomerization process. Formation of this oligomeric signaling complex in resting B cells rendered the cells poised for the efficient initiation of intracellular signaling upon BCR stimulation. Our data suggest that the functionality of signaling cascades does not rely solely on the qualitative linkage of their various components but requires a critical number of effectors to become concentrated in signaling complexes.

MS/MS-based strategies for proteomic profiling of invasive cell structures

Acquired capacity of cancer cells to penetrate through the extracellular matrix of surrounding tissues is a prerequisite for tumour metastatic spread - the main source of cancer-associated mortality. Through combined efforts of many research groups, we are beginning to understand that the ability of cells to invade through the extracellular matrix is a multi-faceted phenomenon supported by variety of specialised protrusive cellular structures, primarily pseudopodia, invadopodia and podosomes. Additionally, secreted extracellular vesicles are being increasingly recognised as important mediators of invasive cell phenotypes and therefore may be considered bona fide invasive cell structures. Dissection of the molecular makings underlying biogenesis and function of all of these structures is crucial to identify novel targets for specific anti-metastatic therapies. Rapid advances and growing accessibility of MS/MS-based protein identification made this family of techniques a suitable and appropriate choice for proteomic profiling of invasive cell structures. In this review, we provide a summary of current progress in the characterisation of protein composition and topology of protein interaction networks of pseudopodia, invadopodia, podosomes and extracellular vesicles, as well as outline challenges and perspectives of the field.

Decoding the contribution of dopaminergic genes and pathways to autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a debilitating brain illness causing social deficits, delayed development and repetitive behaviors. ASD is a heritable neurodevelopmental disorder with poorly understood and complex etiology. The central dopaminergic system is strongly implicated in ASD pathogenesis. Genes encoding various elements of this system (including dopamine receptors, the dopamine transporter or enzymes of synthesis and catabolism) have been linked to ASD. Here, we comprehensively evaluate known molecular interactors of dopaminergic genes, and identify their potential molecular partners within up/down-steam signaling pathways associated with dopamine. These in silico analyses allowed us to construct a map of molecular pathways, regulated by dopamine and involved in ASD. Clustering these pathways reveals groups of genes associated with dopamine metabolism, encoding proteins that control dopamine neurotransmission, cytoskeletal processes, synaptic release, Ca(2+) signaling, as well as the adenosine, glutamatergic and gamma-aminobutyric systems. Overall, our analyses emphasize the important role of the dopaminergic system in ASD, and implicate several cellular signaling processes in its pathogenesis.

How does SHIP1/2 balance PtdIns(3,4)P2 and does it signal independently of its phosphatase activity?

The number of cellular events identified as being directly or indirectly modulated by phosphoinositides dramatically increased in the recent years. Part of the complexity results from the fact that the seven phosphoinositides play second messenger functions in many different areas of growth factors and insulin signaling, cytoskeletal organization, membrane dynamics, trafficking, or nuclear signaling. PtdIns(3,4)P2 is commonly reported as a product of the SH2 domain-containing inositol 5-phosphatases 1/2 (SHIP1 and SHIP2) that dephosphorylate PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 at the 5-position. Here we discuss recent interest in PtdIns(3,4)P2 signaling highlighting its involvement in key cellular mechanisms such as cell adhesion, migration, and cytoskeletal regulation. We question and discuss the involvement of SHIP2 either as a PI 5-phosphatase or as a scaffold protein in insulin signaling, cytoskeletal dynamics, and endocytosis of growth factor receptors.

Spatiotemporal control of Cindr at ring canals during incomplete cytokinesis in the Drosophila male germline

During male and female gametogenesis in species ranging from insects to mammals, germ cell cyst formation by incomplete cytokinesis involves the stabilization of cleavage furrows and the formation of stable intercellular bridges called ring canals. Accurate regulation of incomplete cytokinesis is required for both female and male fertility in Drosophila melanogaster. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms controlling complete versus incomplete cytokinesis are largely unknown. Here, we show that the scaffold protein Cindr is a novel component of both mitotic and meiotic ring canals during Drosophila spermatogenesis. Strikingly, unlike other male germline ring canal components, including Anillin and Pavarotti, Cindr and contractile ring F-actin dissociate from mitotic ring canals and translocate to the fusome upon completion of the mitotic germ cell divisions. We provide evidence that the loss of Cindr from mitotic ring canals is coordinated by signals that mediate the transition from germ cell mitosis to differentiation. Interestingly, Cindr loss from ring canals coincides with completion of the mitotic germ cell divisions in both Drosophila females and males, thus marking a common step of gametogenesis. We also show that Cindr co-localizes with Anillin at mitotic and meiotic ring canals and is recruited to the contractile ring by Anillin during male germ cell meiotic cytokinesis. Taken together, our analyses reveal a key step of incomplete cytokinesis at the endpoint of the mitotic germ cell divisions in D. melanogaster.

Adaptor protein complex of FRS2β and CIN85/CD2AP provides a novel mechanism for ErbB2/HER2 protein downregulation

Overexpression of the ErbB2/HER2 receptor tyrosine kinase contributes to tumorigenesis. However, mechanisms regulating ErbB2 protein levels remain largely unclear. Here, we identified novel mechanisms of ErbB2 downregulation. ErbB2 constitutively binds to an adaptor protein FRS2β. We found that FRS2β bound to CD2AP and CIN85, which induces endosomal trafficking that targets lysosomes. FRS2β colocalized with CIN85 in the cytoplasm. Expression of wild type FRS2β but not its CIN85 non-binding mutant, downregulated the ErbB2 protein and inhibited anchorage-independent cell growth. Moreover, the E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase Cbl was contained within a complex of FRS2β and CIN85. Knockdown of both CIN85 and CD2AP or of Cbl, or treatment with lysosomal degradation inhibitors diminished FRS2β downregulation of ErbB2. In addition, knockdown of endogenous FRS2β caused upregulation of ErbB2 in primary neural cells. Finally, immunohistochemical analysis showed that human breast cancer tissues that overexpress ErbB2 expressed low levels of FRS2β. Thus, an FRS2β-CIN85/CD2AP-Cbl axis for downregulation of ErbB2 may regulate ErbB2 protein levels in physiological and pathological settings. Molecular targeting drugs that can increase or stabilize the ErbB2-FRS2β-CIN85/CD2AP-Cbl axis may have promise for the control of ErbB2-overexpressing tumors.

Pharmacological targeting of phosphoinositide lipid kinases and phosphatases in the immune system: success, disappointment, and new opportunities

The predominant expression of the γ and δ isoforms of PI3K in cells of hematopoietic lineage prompted speculation that inhibitors of these isoforms could offer opportunities for selective targeting of PI3K in the immune system in a range of immune-related pathologies. While there has been some success in developing PI3Kδ inhibitors, progress in developing selective inhibitors of PI3Kγ has been rather disappointing. This has prompted the search for alternative targets with which to modulate PI3K signaling specifically in the immune system. One such target is the SH2 domain-containing inositol-5-phosphatase-1 (SHIP-1) which de-phosphorylates PI(3,4,5)P₃ at the D5 position of the inositol ring to create PI(3,4)P₂. In this article, we first describe the current state of PI3K isoform-selective inhibitor development. We then focus on the structure of SHIP-1 and its function in the immune system. Finally, we consider the current state of development of small molecule compounds that potently and selectively modulate SHIP activity and which offer novel opportunities to manipulate PI3K mediated signaling in the immune system.

Increased levels of the HER1 adaptor protein Rukl/CIN85 contribute to breast cancer malignancy

The adaptor protein regulator for ubiquitous kinase/c-Cbl-interacting protein of 85kDa (Ruk/CIN85) was found to modulate HER1/EGFR signaling and processes like cell adhesion and apoptosis. Although these features imply a role in carcinogenesis, it is so far unknown how and by which molecular mechanisms Ruk/CIN85 could affect a certain tumor phenotype. By analyzing samples from breast cancer patients, we found high levels of Ruk(l)/CIN85 especially in lymph node metastases from patients with invasive breast adenocarcinomas, suggesting that Ruk(l)/CIN85 contributes to malignancy. Expression of Ruk(l)/CIN85 in weakly invasive breast adenocarcinoma cells deficient of Ruk(l)/CIN85 indeed converted them into more malignant cells. In particular, Ruk(l)/CIN85 reduced the growth rate, decreased cell adhesion, enhanced anchorage-independent growth, increased motility in both transwell migration and wound healing assays as well as affected the response to epidermal growth factor. Thereby, Ruk(l)/CIN85 led to a more rapid and prolonged epidermal growth factor-dependent activation of Src, Akt and ERK1/2 and treatment with the Src inhibitor PP2 and the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 abolished the Ruk(l)/CIN85-dependent changes in cell motility. Together, this study indicates that high levels of Ruk(l)/CIN85 contribute to the conversion of breast adenocarcinoma cells into a more malignant phenotype via modulation of the Src/Akt pathway.

Reversible Ser/Thr SHIP phosphorylation: a new paradigm in phosphoinositide signalling?: Targeting of SHIP1/2 phosphatases may be controlled by phosphorylation on Ser and Thr residues

Phosphoinositide (PI) phosphatases such as the SH2 domain-containing inositol 5-phosphatases 1/2 (SHIP1 and 2) are important signalling enzymes in human physiopathology. SHIP1/2 interact with a large number of immune and growth factor receptors. Tyrosine phosphorylation of SHIP1/2 has been considered to be the determining regulatory modification. However, here we present a hypothesis, based on recent key publications, highlighting the determining role of Ser/Thr phosphorylation in regulating several key properties of SHIP1/2. Since a subunit of the Ser/Thr phosphatase PP2A has been shown to interact with SHIP2, a putative mechanism for reversing SHIP2 Ser/Thr phosphorylation can be anticipated. PI phosphatases are potential target molecules in human diseases, particularly, but not exclusively, in cancer and diabetes. Therefore, this novel regulatory mechanism deserves further attention in the hunt for discovering novel or complementary therapeutic strategies. This mechanism may be more broadly involved in regulating PI signalling in the case of synaptojanin1 or the phosphatase, tensin homolog, deleted on chromosome TEN.

CIN85 is required for Cbl-mediated regulation of antigen receptor signaling in human B cells

The aberrant regulation of B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling allows unwanted B cells to persist, thereby potentially leading to autoimmunity and B-cell malignancies. Casitas B-lineage lymphoma (Cbl) proteins suppress BCR signaling; however, the molecular mechanisms that control Cbl function in human B cells remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate that CIN85 (c-Cbl interacting protein of 85 kDa) is constitutively associated with c-Cbl, Cbl-b, and B-cell linker in B cells. Experiments using CIN85-overexpressing and CIN85-knockdown B-cell lines revealed that CIN85 increased c-Cbl phosphorylation and inhibited BCR-induced calcium flux and phosphorylation of Syk and PLCγ2, whereas it did not affect BCR internalization. The Syk phosphorylation in CIN85-overexpressing and CIN85-knockdown cells was inversely correlated with the ubiquitination and degradation of Syk. Moreover, CIN85 knockdown in primary B cells enhanced BCR-induced survival and growth, and increased the expression of BcLxL, A1, cyclin D2, and myc. Following the stimulation of BCR and Toll-like receptor 9, B-cell differentiation- associated molecules were up-regulated in CIN85-knockdown cells. Together, these results suggest that CIN85 is required for Cbl-mediated regulation of BCR signaling and for downstream events such as survival, growth, and differentiation of human B cells.

SHIP2 multiple functions: a balance between a negative control of PtdIns(3,4,5)P₃ level, a positive control of PtdIns(3,4)P₂ production, and intrinsic docking properties

The SH2 domain containing inositol 5-phosphatase 2 (SHIP2) belongs to the family of the mammalian inositol polyphosphate 5-phosphatases. The two closely related isoenzymes SHIP1 (or SHIP) and SHIP2 contain a N-terminal SH2 domain, a catalytic domain, potential PTB domain-binding sites (NPXY), and C-terminal proline-rich regions with consensus sites for SH3 domain interactions. In addition, SHIP2 contains a unique sterile alpha motif (SAM) domain that could be involved in SAM-SAM domain interactions with other proteins or receptors. SHIP2 also shows the presence of an ubiquitin interacting motif at the C-terminal end. SHIP2 is essentially a PI(3,4,5)P(3) 5-phosphatase that negatively controls PI(3,4,5)P(3) levels in intact cells and produce PI(3,4)P(2) . Depending on the cells and stimuli, PI(3,4)P(2) could accumulate at important levels and be a "second messenger" by its own. It could interact with a very large number of target proteins such as PKB or TAPP1 and 2 that control insulin sensitivity. In addition to its catalytic activity, SHIP2 is also a docking protein for a large number of proteins: Cytoskeletal, focal adhesion proteins, scaffold proteins, adaptors, protein phosphatases, and tyrosine kinase associated receptors. These interactions could play a role in the control of cell adhesion, migration, or endocytosis of some receptors. SHIP2 could be acting independently of its phosphatase activity being part of a protein network of some receptors, e.g., the EGF receptor or BCR/ABL. These non-catalytic properties associated to a PI phosphatase have also been reported for other enzymes of the metabolism of myo-inositol such as Ins(1,4,5)P(3) 3-kinases, inositol phosphate multikinase (IPMK), or PTEN.

CIN85 interacting proteins in B cells-specific role for SHIP-1

The Cbl-interacting 85-kDa protein (CIN85) plays an important role as a negative regulator of signaling pathways induced by receptor tyrosine kinases. By assembling multiprotein complexes this versatile adaptor enhances receptor tyrosine kinase-activated clathrin-mediated endocytosis and reduces phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase-induced phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate production. Here we report the expression of CIN85 in primary splenic B lymphocytes and the B-lymphoma cell lines WEHI 231 and Ba/F3. Cross-linking of the B cell antigen receptor resulted in an increased association of CIN85 with the ubiquitin ligase Cbl. Through a systematic pull-down proteomics approach we identified 51 proteins that interact with CIN85 in B cells, including proteins not shown previously to be CIN85-associated. Among these proteins, the SH2-containing inositol phosphatase 1 (SHIP-1) co-precipitated with both the full-length CIN85 and each of its three SH3 domains. We also showed that this association is constitutive and depends on a region of 79 amino acids near the carboxyl terminus of SHIP-1, a region rich in potential SH3 domain binding sites. Because SHIP-1 is a major negative regulator of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase pathway in lymphocytes, we hypothesize that the interaction between SHIP-1 and CIN85 might synergistically facilitate the down-regulation of phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate levels.

A critical role of c-Cbl-interacting protein of 85 kDa in the development and progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas through the ras-ERK pathway

Activation of the transforming growth factor (TGF) α/epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mediated signaling pathway is a common mechanism for dysregulated growth of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). c-Cbl-interacting protein of 85 kDa (CIN85) is an adaptor protein that facilitates EGFR internalization. Little is known, however, about a role of CIN85 in EGFR signaling as well as its relevance to tumor development and progression of HNSCC. Here, we demonstrate that CIN85 is highly expressed in HNSCC tumor samples compared with adjacent normal tissues, and this overexpression is significantly correlated with advanced clinical stage. The experiments using CIN85-overexpressing and knockdown HNSCC cell lines showed that CIN85 promotes HNSCC growth and facilitates EGFR internalization without apparently affecting phosphorylation of EGFR. Moreover, CIN85 promoted TGF-α-induced activation of Ras and phosphorylation of downstream molecules such as c-Raf, MEK, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase, leading to expression of c-Myc that is critical for sustained proliferation of HNSCC. Taken together, these findings suggest that CIN85 not only controls EGFR internalization but also promotes the EGFR-mediated tumor development and progression, and thus, CIN85 may serve as a potential therapeutic target in a subset of HNSCC.

A draft of the human septin interactome

Background

Septins belong to the GTPase superclass of proteins and have been functionally implicated in cytokinesis and the maintenance of cellular morphology. They are found in all eukaryotes, except in plants. In mammals, 14 septins have been described that can be divided into four groups. It has been shown that mammalian septins can engage in homo- and heterooligomeric assemblies, in the form of filaments, which have as a basic unit a hetero-trimeric core. In addition, it has been speculated that the septin filaments may serve as scaffolds for the recruitment of additional proteins.

Methodology/Principal Findings

Here, we performed yeast two-hybrid screens with human septins 1–10, which include representatives of all four septin groups. Among the interactors detected, we found predominantly other septins, confirming the tendency of septins to engage in the formation of homo- and heteropolymeric filaments.

Conclusions/Significance

If we take as reference the reported arrangement of the septins 2, 6 and 7 within the heterofilament, (7-6-2-2-6-7), we note that the majority of the observed interactions respect the “group rule”, i.e. members of the same group (e.g. 6, 8, 10 and 11) can replace each other in the specific position along the heterofilament. Septins of the SEPT6 group preferentially interacted with septins of the SEPT2 group (p<0.001), SEPT3 group (p<0.001) and SEPT7 group (p<0.001). SEPT2 type septins preferentially interacted with septins of the SEPT6 group (p<0.001) aside from being the only septin group which interacted with members of its own group. Finally, septins of the SEPT3 group interacted preferentially with septins of the SEPT7 group (p<0.001). Furthermore, we found non-septin interactors which can be functionally attributed to a variety of different cellular activities, including: ubiquitin/sumoylation cycles, microtubular transport and motor activities, cell division and the cell cycle, cell motility, protein phosphorylation/signaling, endocytosis, and apoptosis.

Significance of PTPRZ1 and CIN85 expression in cervical carcinoma

PURPOSE

To investigate PTPRZ1 and CIN85 expression and their significance in cervical carcinoma.

METHODS

The expression of PTPRZ1 and CIN85 was detected by immunohistochemistry and the association between PTPRZ1 and CIN85 expression and clinical pathological variables were analyzed.

RESULTS

The expression of PTPRZ1 and CIN85 were significantly higher in cervical carcinoma than those in normal cervical epithelium. CIN85 expression was significantly higher in patients with deeper cervical invasion when compared with that with superficial invasion, while PTPRZ1 expression was significantly higher in patients with smaller tumor size (≤2 cm) than that with larger size (>2 cm). The expression of PTPRZ1 and CIN85 were higher in squamous cell carcinoma than those in adenocarcinoma.

CONCLUSIONS

There exist increased PTPRZ1 and CIN85 expression in cervical carcinoma and they are probably associated with tumor growth or invasion. PTPRZ1 and CIN85 expression were higher in squamous cell carcinoma than those in adenocarcinoma.

A Dyn2-CIN85 complex mediates degradative traffic of the EGFR by regulation of late endosomal budding

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is over-expressed in a variety of human cancers. Downstream signalling of this receptor is tightly regulated both spatially and temporally by controlling its internalization and subsequent degradation. Internalization of the EGFR requires dynamin 2 (Dyn2), a large GTPase that deforms lipid bilayers, leading to vesicle scission. The adaptor protein CIN85 (cbl-interacting protein of 85 kDa), which has been proposed to indirectly link the EGFR to the endocytic machinery at the plasma membrane, is also thought to be involved in receptor internalization. Here, we report a novel and direct interaction between Dyn2 and CIN85 that is induced by EGFR stimulation and, most surprisingly, occurs late in the endocytic process. Importantly, disruption of the CIN85-Dyn2 interaction results in accumulation of internalized EGFR in late endosomes that become aberrantly elongated into distended tubules. Consistent with the accumulation of this receptor is a sustention of downstream signalling cascades. These findings provide novel insights into a previously unknown protein complex that can regulate EGFR traffic at very late stages of the endocytic pathway.

Structural characterization of a capping protein interaction motif defines a family of actin filament regulators

Capping protein (CP) regulates actin dynamics by binding the barbed ends of actin filaments. Removal of CP may be one means to harness actin polymerization for processes such as cell movement and endocytosis. Here we structurally and biochemically investigated a CP interaction (CPI) motif present in the otherwise unrelated proteins CARMIL and CD2AP. The CPI motif wraps around the stalk of the mushroom-shaped CP at a site distant from the actin-binding interface, which lies on the top of the mushroom cap. We propose that the CPI motif may act as an allosteric modulator, restricting CP to a low-affinity, filament-binding conformation. Structure-based sequence alignments extend the CPI motif-containing family to include CIN85, CKIP-1, CapZIP and a relatively uncharacterized protein, WASHCAP (FAM21). Peptides comprising these CPI motifs are able to inhibit CP and to uncap CP-bound actin filaments.

Emerging roles of Ruk/CIN85 in vesicle-mediated transport, adhesion, migration and malignancy

Ruk/CIN85 is an adaptor protein. Similar to many other proteins of this type, Ruk/CIN85 is known to take part in multiple cellular processes including signal transduction, vesicle-mediated transport, cytoskeleton remodelling, programmed cell death and viral infection. Recent studies have also revealed the potential importance of Ruk/CIN85 in cancer cell invasiveness. In this review we summarize the various roles of this protein as well as the potential contribution of Ruk/CIN85 to malignancy and the invasiveness of cancer cells. In the last section of the paper we also speculate on the utility of Ruk/CIN85 as a target for novel anti-cancer therapies.