Nuclear to cytoplasmic shuttling of ERK promotes differentiation of muscle stem/progenitor cells

A MSTNDel73C mutation with FGF5 knockout sheep by CRISPR/Cas9 promotes skeletal muscle myofiber hyperplasia

Mutations in the well-known Myostatin (MSTN) produce a 'double-muscle' phenotype, which makes it commercially invaluable for improving livestock meat production and providing high-quality protein for humans. However, mutations at different loci of the MSTN often produce a variety of different phenotypes. In the current study, we increased the delivery ratio of Cas9 mRNA to sgRNA from the traditional 1:2 to 1:10, which improves the efficiency of the homozygous mutation of biallelic gene. Here, a MSTNDel73C mutation with FGF5 knockout sheep, in which the MSTN and FGF5 dual-gene biallelic homozygous mutations were produced via the deletion of 3-base pairs of AGC in the third exon of MSTN, resulting in cysteine-depleted at amino acid position 73, and the FGF5 double allele mutation led to inactivation of FGF5 gene. The MSTNDel73C mutation with FGF5 knockout sheep highlights a dominant 'double-muscle' phenotype, which can be stably inherited. Both F0 and F1 generation mutants highlight the excellent trait of high-yield meat with a smaller cross-sectional area and higher number of muscle fibers per unit area. Mechanistically, the MSTNDel73C mutation with FGF5 knockout mediated the activation of FOSL1 via the MEK-ERK-FOSL1 axis. The activated FOSL1 promotes skeletal muscle satellite cell proliferation and inhibits myogenic differentiation by inhibiting the expression of MyoD1, and resulting in smaller myotubes. In addition, activated ERK1/2 may inhibit the secondary fusion of myotubes by Ca2+-dependent CaMKII activation pathway, leading to myoblasts fusion to form smaller myotubes.

IGF2BP1-mediated the stability and protein translation of FGFR1 mRNA regulates myogenesis through the ERK signaling pathway

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent post-transcriptional modification of RNAs and plays a key regulatory role in various biological processes. As a member of the insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding proteins (IGF2BPs) family, IGF2BP1 has recently demonstrated its ability to specifically bind m6A-modified sites within mRNAs and effectively regulate their mRNA stability. However, the precise roles of IGF2BP1 in mammalian skeletal muscle development, along with its downstream mRNA targets during myogenesis, have yet to be fully elucidated. Here, we observed that IGF2BP1 expression significantly decreased during myogenic differentiation. Knockdown of IGF2BP1 significantly inhibited myoblast proliferation while promoted myogenic differentiation. In contrast, IGF2BP1 overexpression robustly stimulated myoblast proliferation but suppressed their differentiation. Combined analysis of high-throughput sequencing and RNA stability assays revealed that IGF2BP1 can enhance fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) mRNA stability and promote its translation in an m6A-dependent manner, thereby regulating its expression level and the Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase (ERK) pathway. Additionally, knockdown of FGFR1 rescued the phenotypic changes (namely increased cell proliferation and suppressed differentiation) induced by IGF2BP1 overexpression via attenuating ERK signaling. Taken together, our findings suggest that IGF2BP1 maintains the stability and translation of FGFR1 mRNA in an m6A-dependent manner, thereby inhibiting skeletal myogenesis through activation of the ERK signaling pathway. This study further enriches the understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which RNA methylation regulates myogenesis, providing valuable insights into the role of IGF2BP1-mediated post-transcriptional regulation in muscle development.

The impact of high nicotine concentrations on the viability and cardiac differentiation of mesenchymal stromal cells: a barrier to regenerative therapy for smokers

Background: Current treatment methods are not successful in restoring the lost cardiomyocytes after injury. Stem cell-based strategies have attracted much attention in this regard. Smoking, as a strong cardiovascular risk factor, not only affects the cardiac cells adversely but also deteriorates the function of stem cells. Since mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are one of the popular candidates in cardiovascular disease (CVD) clinical trials, we investigated the impact of nicotine on the regenerative properties (viability and cardiac differentiation) of these cells. Methods: MSCs were isolated from rat bone marrow and characterized based on morphology, differentiation capability, and the expression of specific mesenchymal markers. The MTT assay was used to assess the viability of MSCs after being exposed to different concentrations of nicotine. Based on MTT findings and according to the concentration of nicotine in smokers' blood, the growth curve and population doubling time were investigated for eight consecutive days. Cells were treated with 5-azacytidine (an inducer of cardiac differentiation), and then the expressions of cardiac-specific markers were calculated by qPCR. Results: MSCs were spindle-shaped, capable of differentiating into adipocyte and osteocyte, and expressed CD73 and CD90. The viability of MSCs was reduced upon exposure to nicotine in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. The growth curve showed that nicotine reduced the proliferation of MSCs, and treated cells needed more time to double. In addition, the expressions of GATA4 and troponin were downregulated in nicotine-treated cells on day 3. However, these two cardiac markers were overexpressed on day 7. Conclusion: Nicotine decreased normal growth and reduced the expression of cardiac markers in MSCs. This aspect is of eminent importance to smokers with cardiovascular disease who are candidates for stem cell therapy.

A guide to ERK dynamics, part 2: downstream decoding

Signaling by the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway controls many cellular processes, including cell division, death, and differentiation. In this second installment of a two-part review, we address the question of how the ERK pathway exerts distinct and context-specific effects on multiple processes. We discuss how the dynamics of ERK activity induce selective changes in gene expression programs, with insights from both experiments and computational models. With a focus on single-cell biosensor-based studies, we summarize four major functional modes for ERK signaling in tissues: adjusting the size of cell populations, gradient-based patterning, wave propagation of morphological changes, and diversification of cellular gene expression states. These modes of operation are disrupted in cancer and other related diseases and represent potential targets for therapeutic intervention. By understanding the dynamic mechanisms involved in ERK signaling, there is potential for pharmacological strategies that not only simply inhibit ERK, but also restore functional activity patterns and improve disease outcomes.

Optomechanically Actuated Hydrogel Platform for Cell Stimulation with Spatial and Temporal Resolution

Cells exist in the body in mechanically dynamic environments, yet the vast majority of in vitro cell culture is conducted on static materials such as plastic dishes and gels. To address this limitation, we report an approach to transition widely used hydrogels into mechanically active substrates by doping optomechanical actuator (OMA) nanoparticles within the polymer matrix. OMAs are composed of gold nanorods surrounded by a thermoresponsive polymer shell that rapidly collapses upon near-infrared (NIR) illumination. As a proof of concept, we crosslinked OMAs into laminin-gelatin hydrogels, generating up to 5 μm deformations triggered by NIR pulsing. This response was tunable by NIR intensity and OMA density within the gel and is generalizable to other hydrogel materials. Hydrogel mechanical stimulation enhanced myogenesis in C2C12 myoblasts as evidenced by ERK signaling, myocyte fusion, and sarcomeric myosin expression. We also demonstrate rescued differentiation in a chronic inflammation model as a result of mechanical stimulation. This work establishes OMA-actuated biomaterials as a powerful tool for in vitro mechanical manipulation with broad applications in the field of mechanobiology.

Julia for biologists

Major computational challenges exist in relation to the collection, curation, processing and analysis of large genomic and imaging datasets, as well as the simulation of larger and more realistic models in systems biology. Here we discuss how a relative newcomer among programming languages-Julia-is poised to meet the current and emerging demands in the computational biosciences and beyond. Speed, flexibility, a thriving package ecosystem and readability are major factors that make high-performance computing and data analysis available to an unprecedented degree. We highlight how Julia's design is already enabling new ways of analyzing biological data and systems, and we provide a list of resources that can facilitate the transition into Julian computing.

Neurodevelopmental disorders, like cancer, are connected to impaired chromatin remodelers, PI3K/mTOR, and PAK1-regulated MAPK

Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) and cancer share proteins, pathways, and mutations. Their clinical symptoms are different. However, individuals with NDDs have higher probabilities of eventually developing cancer. Here, we review the literature and ask how the shared features can lead to different medical conditions and why having an NDD first can increase the chances of malignancy. To explore these vital questions, we focus on dysregulated PI3K/mTOR, a major brain cell growth pathway in differentiation, and MAPK, a critical pathway in proliferation, a hallmark of cancer. Differentiation is governed by chromatin organization, making aberrant chromatin remodelers highly likely agents in NDDs. Dysregulated chromatin organization and accessibility influence the lineage of specific cell brain types at specific embryonic development stages. PAK1, with pivotal roles in brain development and in cancer, also regulates MAPK. We review, clarify, and connect dysregulated pathways with dysregulated proliferation and differentiation in cancer and NDDs and highlight PAK1 role in brain development and MAPK regulation. Exactly how PAK1 activation controls brain development, and why specific chromatin remodeler components, e.g., BAF170 encoded by SMARCC2 in autism, await clarification.

Acetylcholine Receptors in Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are well known for their regenerative potential. Even though the ability of MSCs to proliferate and differentiate has been studied extensively, there remains much to learn about the signaling mechanisms and pathways that control proliferation and influence the differentiation phenotype. In recent years, there has been growing evidence for the utility of non-neuronal cholinergic signaling systems and that acetylcholine (ACh) plays an important ubiquitous role in cell-to-cell communication. Indeed, cholinergic signaling is hypothesized to occur in stem cells and ACh synthesis, as well as in ACh receptor (AChR) expression, has been identified in several stem cell populations, including MSCs. Furthermore, AChRs have been found to influence MSC regenerative potential. In humans, there are two major classes of AChRs, muscarinic AChRs and nicotinic AChRs, with each class possessing several subtypes or subunits. In this review, the expression and function of AChRs in different types of MSC are summarized with the aim of highlighting how AChRs play a pivotal role in regulating MSC regenerative function.

Overview of Head Muscles with Special Emphasis on Extraocular Muscle Development

The head is often considered the most complex part of the vertebrate body as many different cell types contribute to a huge variation of structures in a very limited space. Most of these cell types also interact with each other to ensure the proper development of skull, brain, muscles, nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels. While there are general mechanisms that are true for muscle development all over the body, the head and postcranial muscle development differ from each other. In the head, specific gene regulatory networks underlie the differentiation in subgroups, which include extraocular muscles, muscles of mastication, muscles of facial expression, laryngeal and pharyngeal muscles, as well as cranial nerve innervated neck muscles. Here, I provide an overview of the difference between head and trunk muscle development. This is followed by a short excursion to the cardiopharyngeal field which gives rise to heart and head musculature and a summary of pharyngeal arch muscle development, including interactions between neural crest cells, mesodermal cells, and endodermal signals. Lastly, a more detailed description of the eye development, tissue interactions, and involved genes is provided.

Retention of ERK in the cytoplasm mediates the pluripotency of embryonic stem cells

The dynamic subcellular localization of ERK1/2 plays an important role in regulating cell fate. Differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) involves inductive stimulation of ERK1/2, and therefore, inhibitors of the ERK cascade are used to maintain pluripotency. Interestingly, we found that in pluripotent mESCs, ERK1/2 do not translocate to the nucleus either before or after stimulation. This inhibition of nuclear translocation may be dependent on a lack of stimulated ERK1/2 interaction with importin7 rather than a lack of ERK1/2 phosphorylation activating translocation. At late stages of naive-to-primed transition, the action of the translocating machinery is restored, leading to elevation in ERK1/2-importin7 interaction and their nuclear translocation. Importantly, forcing ERK2 into the naive cells' nuclei accelerates their early differentiation, while prevention of the translocation restores stem cells' pluripotency. These results indicate that prevention of nuclear ERK1/2 translocation serves as a safety mechanism for keeping pluripotency of mESCs.

N-acetyl cysteine prevents arecoline-inhibited C2C12 myoblast differentiation through ERK1/2 phosphorylation

Arecoline is known to induce reactive oxygen species (ROS). Our previous studies showed that arecoline inhibited myogenic differentiation and acetylcholine receptor cluster formation of C2C12 myoblasts. N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) is a known ROS scavenger. We hypothesize that NAC scavenges the excess ROS caused by arecoline. In this article we examined the effect of NAC on the inhibited myoblast differentiation by arecoline and related mechanisms. We found that NAC less than 2 mM is non-cytotoxic to C2C12 by viability analysis. We further demonstrated that NAC attenuated the decreased number of myotubes and nuclei in each myotube compared to arecoline treatment by H & E staining. We also showed that NAC prevented the decreased expression level of the myogenic markers, myogenin and MYH caused by arecoline, using immunocytochemistry and western blotting. Finally, we found that NAC restored the decreased expression level of p-ERK1/2 by arecoline. In conclusion, our results indicate that NAC attenuates the damage of the arecoline-inhibited C2C12 myoblast differentiation by the activation/phosphorylation of ERK. This is the first report to demonstrate that NAC has beneficial effects on skeletal muscle myogenesis through ERK1/2 upon arecoline treatment. Since defects of skeletal muscle associates with several diseases, NAC can be a potent drug candidate in diseases related to defects in skeletal muscle myogenesis.

The overview of Mitogen-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK)-based dual inhibitor in the treatment of cancers

Mitogen-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (MEK1/2) are the critical components of the mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (MAPK/ERK1/2) signaling pathway which is one of the well-characterized kinase cascades regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, growth, metabolism, survival and mobility both in normal and cancer cells. The aberrant activation of MAPK/ERK1/2 pathway is a hallmark of numerous human cancers, therefore targeting the components of this pathway to inhibit its dysregulation is a promising strategy for cancer treatment. Enormous efforts have been done in the development of MEK1/2 inhibitors and encouraging advancements have been made, including four inhibitors approved for clinical use. However, due to the multifactorial property of cancer and rapidly arising drug resistance, the clinical efficacy of these MEK1/2 inhibitors as monotherapy are far from ideal. Several alternative strategies have been developed to improve the limited clinical efficacy, including the dual inhibitor which is a single drug molecule able to simultaneously inhibit two targets. In this review, we first introduced the activation and function of the MAPK/ERK1/2 components and discussed the advantages of MEK1/2-based dual inhibitors compared with the single inhibitors and combination therapy in the treatment of cancers. Then, we overviewed the MEK1/2-based dual inhibitors for the treatment of cancers and highlighted the theoretical basis of concurrent inhibition of MEK1/2 and other targets for development of these dual inhibitors. Besides, the status and results of these dual inhibitors in both preclinical and clinical studies were also the focus of this review.

MEK-inhibitor-mediated rescue of skeletal myopathy caused by activating Hras mutation in a Costello syndrome mouse model

Costello syndrome (CS) is a congenital disorder caused by heterozygous activating germline HRAS mutations in the canonical Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase (Ras/MAPK) pathway. CS is one of the RASopathies, a large group of syndromes caused by mutations within various components of the Ras/MAPK pathway. An important part of the phenotype that greatly impacts quality of life is hypotonia. To gain a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying hypotonia in CS, a mouse model with an activating Hras^G12V allele was utilized. We identified a skeletal myopathy that was due, in part, to inhibition of embryonic myogenesis and myofiber formation, resulting in a reduction in myofiber size and number that led to reduced muscle mass and strength. In addition to hyperactivation of the Ras/MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathways, there was a significant reduction in p38 signaling, as well as global transcriptional alterations consistent with the myopathic phenotype. Inhibition of Ras/MAPK pathway signaling using a MEK inhibitor rescued the Hras^G12V myopathy phenotype both in vitro and in vivo, demonstrating that increased MAPK signaling is the main cause of the muscle phenotype in CS.

Summary: A Costello syndrome (CS) mouse model carrying a heterozygous Hras p.G12V mutation was utilized to investigate Ras pathway dysregulation, revealing that increased MAPK signaling is the main cause of the muscle phenotype in CS.

Injury-induced Erk1/2 signaling tissue-specifically interacts with Ca2+ activity and is necessary for regeneration of spinal cord and skeletal muscle

The transition of stem cells from quiescence to proliferation enables tissues to self-repair. The signaling mechanisms driving these stem-cell-status decisions are still unclear. Ca²⁺ and the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk1/2) are two signaling pathways that have the potential to coordinate multiple signals to promote a specific cellular response. They both play important roles during nervous system development but their roles during spinal cord and muscle regeneration are not fully deciphered. Here we show in Xenopus laevis larvae that both Ca²⁺ and Erk1/2 signaling pathways are activated after tail amputation. In response to injury, we find that Erk1/2 signaling is activated in neural and muscle stem cells and is necessary for spinal cord and skeletal muscle regeneration. Finally, we show in vivo that Erk1/2 activity is necessary for an injury-induced increase in intracellular store-dependent Ca²⁺ dynamics in skeletal muscle-associated tissues but that in spinal cord, injury increases Ca²⁺ influx-dependent Ca²⁺ activity independent of Erk1/2 signaling. This study suggests that precise temporal and tissue-specific activation of Ca²⁺ and Erk1/2 pathways is essential for regulating spinal cord and muscle regeneration.

ERK1/2 inhibition promotes robust myotube growth via CaMKII activation resulting in myoblast-to-myotube fusion

Myoblast fusion is essential for muscle development and regeneration. Yet, it remains poorly understood how mononucleated myoblasts fuse with preexisting fibers. We demonstrate that ERK1/2 inhibition (ERKi) induces robust differentiation and fusion of primary mouse myoblasts through a linear pathway involving RXR, ryanodine receptors, and calcium-dependent activation of CaMKII in nascent myotubes. CaMKII activation results in myotube growth via fusion with mononucleated myoblasts at a fusogenic synapse. Mechanistically, CaMKII interacts with and regulates MYMK and Rac1, and CaMKIIδ/γ knockout mice exhibit smaller regenerated myofibers following injury. In addition, the expression of a dominant negative CaMKII inhibits the formation of large multinucleated myotubes. Finally, we demonstrate the evolutionary conservation of the pathway in chicken myoblasts. We conclude that ERK1/2 represses a signaling cascade leading to CaMKII-mediated fusion of myoblasts to myotubes, providing an attractive target for the cultivated meat industry and regenerative medicine.

Dynamic m6A mRNA Methylation Reveals the Role of METTL3/14-m6A-MNK2-ERK Signaling Axis in Skeletal Muscle Differentiation and Regeneration

N⁶-methyladenosine (m⁶A) RNA methylation has emerged as an important factor in various biological processes by regulating gene expression. However, the dynamic profile, function and underlying molecular mechanism of m⁶A modification during skeletal myogenesis remain elusive. Here, we report that members of the m⁶A core methyltransferase complex, METTL3 and METTL14, are downregulated during skeletal muscle development. Overexpression of either METTL3 or METTL14 dramatically blocks myotubes formation. Correspondingly, knockdown of METTL3 or METTL14 accelerates the differentiation of skeletal muscle cells. Genome-wide transcriptome analysis suggests ERK/MAPK is the downstream signaling pathway that is regulated to the greatest extent by METTL3/METTL14. Indeed, METTL3/METTL14 expression facilitates ERK/MAPK signaling. Via MeRIP-seq, we found that MNK2, a critical regulator of ERK/MAPK signaling, is m⁶A modified and is a direct target of METTL3/METTL14. We further revealed that YTHDF1 is a potential reader of m⁶A on MNK2, regulating MNK2 protein levels without affecting mRNA levels. Furthermore, we discovered that METTL3/14-MNK2 axis was up-regulated notably after acute skeletal muscle injury. Collectively, our studies revealed that the m⁶A writers METTL3/METTL14 and the m⁶A reader YTHDF1 orchestrate MNK2 expression posttranscriptionally and thus control ERK signaling, which is required for the maintenance of muscle myogenesis and may contribute to regeneration.

FGF8-mediated signaling regulates tooth developmental pace during odontogenesis

The developing human and mouse teeth constitute an ideal model system to study the regulatory mechanism underlying organ growth control since their teeth share highly conserved and well-characterized developmental processes and their developmental tempo varies notably. In the current study, we manipulated heterogenous recombination between human and mouse dental tissues and demonstrate that the dental mesenchyme dominates the tooth developmental tempo and FGF8 could be a critical player during this developmental process. Forced activation of FGF8 signaling in the dental mesenchyme of mice promoted cell proliferation, prevented cell apoptosis via p38 and perhaps PI3K-Akt intracellular signaling, and impelled the transition of the cell cycle from G1- to S-phase in the tooth germ, resulting in the slowdown of the tooth developmental pace. Our results provide compelling evidence that extrinsic signals can profoundly affect tooth developmental tempo and the dental mesenchymal FGF8 could be a pivotal factor in controlling the developmental pace in a non-cell-autonomous manner during mammalian odontogenesis.

The ESCRT-0 subcomplex component Hrs/Hgs is a master regulator of myogenesis via modulation of signaling and degradation pathways

Background

Myogenesis is a highly regulated process ending with the formation of myotubes, the precursors of skeletal muscle fibers. Differentiation of myoblasts into myotubes is controlled by myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs) that act as terminal effectors of signaling cascades involved in the temporal and spatial regulation of muscle development. Such signaling cascades converge and are controlled at the level of intracellular trafficking, but the mechanisms by which myogenesis is regulated by the endosomal machinery and trafficking is largely unexplored. The Endosomal Sorting Complex Required for Transport (ESCRT) machinery composed of four complexes ESCRT-0 to ESCRT-III regulates the biogenesis and trafficking of endosomes as well as the associated signaling and degradation pathways. Here, we investigate its role in regulating myogenesis.

Results

We uncovered a new function of the ESCRT-0 hepatocyte growth factor-regulated tyrosine kinase substrate Hrs/Hgs component in the regulation of myogenesis. Hrs depletion strongly impairs the differentiation of murine and human myoblasts. In the C2C12 murine myogenic cell line, inhibition of differentiation was attributed to impaired MRF in the early steps of differentiation. This alteration is associated with an upregulation of the MEK/ERK signaling pathway and a downregulation of the Akt2 signaling both leading to the inhibition of differentiation. The myogenic repressors FOXO1 as well as GSK3β were also found to be both activated when Hrs was absent. Inhibition of the MEK/ERK pathway or of GSK3β by the U0126 or azakenpaullone compounds respectively significantly restores the impaired differentiation observed in Hrs-depleted cells. In addition, functional autophagy that is required for myogenesis was also found to be strongly inhibited.

Conclusions

We show for the first time that Hrs/Hgs is a master regulator that modulates myogenesis at different levels through the control of trafficking, signaling, and degradation pathways.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12915-021-01091-4.

2-D08 treatment regulates C2C12 myoblast proliferation and differentiation via the Erk1/2 and proteasome signaling pathways

SUMOylation is one of the post-translational modifications that involves the covalent attachment of the small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) to the substrate. SUMOylation regulates multiple biological processes, including myoblast proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. 2-D08 is a synthetically available flavone, which acts as a potent cell-permeable SUMOylation inhibitor. Its mechanism of action involves preventing the transfer of SUMO from the E2 thioester to the substrate without influencing SUMO-activating enzyme E1 (SAE-1/2) or E2 Ubc9-SUMO thioester formation. However, both the effects and mechanisms of 2-D08 on C2C12 myoblast cells remain unclear. In the present study, we found that treatment with 2-D08 inhibits C2C12 cell proliferation and differentiation. We confirmed that 2-D08 significantly hampers the viability of C2C12 cells. Additionally, it inhibited myogenic differentiation, decreasing myosin heavy chain (MHC), MyoD, and myogenin expression. Furthermore, we confirmed that 2-D08-mediated anti-myogenic effects impair myoblast differentiation and myotube formation, reducing the number of MHC-positive C2C12 cells. In addition, we found that 2-D08 induces the activation of ErK1/2 and the degradation of MyoD and myogenin in C2C12 cells. Taken together, these results indicated that 2-D08 treatment results in the deregulated proliferation and differentiation of myoblasts. However, further research is needed to investigate the long-term effects of 2-D08 on skeletal muscles.

Growth factor-dependent ErbB vesicular dynamics couple receptor signaling to spatially and functionally distinct Erk pools

Growth factor-dependent vesicular dynamics allow cells to regulate the spatial distribution of growth factor receptors and thereby their coupling to downstream signaling effectors that guide cellular responses. We found that the ErbB ligands epidermal growth factor (EGF) and heregulin (HRG) generated distinct spatiotemporal patterns of cognate receptor activities to activate distinct subcellular pools of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk). Sustained plasma membrane activity of the receptor tyrosine kinases ErbB2/ErbB3 signaled to Erk complexed with the scaffold protein KSR to promote promigratory EphA2 phosphorylation and cellular motility upon HRG stimulation. In contrast, receptor-saturating EGF stimuli caused proliferation-inducing transient activation of cytoplasmic Erk due to the rapid internalization of EGF receptors (EGFR or ErbB1) toward endosomes. Paradoxically, promigratory signaling mediated by Erk complexed to KSR was sustained at low EGF concentrations by vesicular recycling that maintained steady-state amounts of active, phosphorylated EGFR at the plasma membrane. Thus, the effect of ligand identity and concentration on determining ErbB vesicular dynamics constitutes a mechanism by which cells can transduce growth factor composition through spatially distinct Erk pools to enable functionally diverse cellular responses.

Somatic CG6015 mediates cyst stem cell maintenance and germline stem cell differentiation via EGFR signaling in Drosophila testes

Stem cell niche is regulated by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. In the Drosophila testis, cyst stem cells (CySCs) support the differentiation of germline stem cells (GSCs). However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we found that somatic CG6015 is required for CySC maintenance and GSC differentiation in a Drosophila model. Knockdown of CG6015 in CySCs caused aberrant activation of dpERK in undifferentiated germ cells in the Drosophila testis, and disruption of key downstream targets of EGFR signaling (Dsor1 and rl) in CySCs results in a phenotype resembling that of CG6015 knockdown. CG6015, Dsor1, and rl are essential for the survival of Drosophila cell line Schneider 2 (S2) cells. Our data showed that somatic CG6015 regulates CySC maintenance and GSC differentiation via EGFR signaling, and inhibits aberrant activation of germline dpERK signals. These findings indicate regulatory mechanisms of stem cell niche homeostasis in the Drosophila testis.

Ras/MAPK dysregulation in development causes a skeletal myopathy in an activating BrafL597V mouse model for cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome

BACKGROUND

Cardio-facio-cutaneous (CFC) syndrome is a human multiple congenital anomaly syndrome that is caused by activating heterozygous mutations in either BRAF, MEK1, or MEK2, three protein kinases of the Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. CFC belongs to a group of syndromes known as RASopathies. Skeletal muscle hypotonia is a ubiquitous phenotype of RASopathies, especially in CFC syndrome. To better understand the underlying mechanisms for the skeletal myopathy in CFC, a mouse model with an activating Braf^L597V allele was utilized.

RESULTS

The activating Braf^L597V allele resulted in phenotypic alterations in skeletal muscle characterized by a reduction in fiber size which leads to a reduction in muscle size which are functionally weaker. MAPK pathway activation caused inhibition of myofiber differentiation during embryonic myogenesis and global transcriptional dysregulation of developmental pathways. Inhibition in differentiation can be rescued by MEK inhibition.

CONCLUSIONS

A skeletal myopathy was identified in the CFC Braf^L597V mouse validating the use of models to study the effect of Ras/MAPK dysregulation on skeletal myogenesis. RASopathies present a novel opportunity to identify new paradigms of myogenesis and further our understanding of Ras in development. Rescue of the phenotype by inhibitors may help advance the development of therapeutic options for RASopathy patients.

Dynamic bistable switches enhance robustness and accuracy of cell cycle transitions

Bistability is a common mechanism to ensure robust and irreversible cell cycle transitions. Whenever biological parameters or external conditions change such that a threshold is crossed, the system abruptly switches between different cell cycle states. Experimental studies have uncovered mechanisms that can make the shape of the bistable response curve change dynamically in time. Here, we show how such a dynamically changing bistable switch can provide a cell with better control over the timing of cell cycle transitions. Moreover, cell cycle oscillations built on bistable switches are more robust when the bistability is modulated in time. Our results are not specific to cell cycle models and may apply to other bistable systems in which the bistable response curve is time-dependent.

Many systems in nature show bistability, which means they can evolve to one of two stable steady states under exactly the same conditions. Which state they evolve to depends on where the system comes from. Such bistability underlies the switching behavior that is essential for cells to progress in the cell division cycle. A quick switch happens when the cell jumps from one steady state to another steady state. Typical of this switching behavior is its robustness and irreversibility. In this paper, we expand this viewpoint of the dynamics of the cell cycle by considering bistable switches which themselves are changing in time. This gives the cell an extra layer of control over transitions both in time and in space, and can make those transitions more robust. Such dynamically changing bistability can appear very naturally. We show this in a model of mitotic entry, in which we include a nuclear and cytoplasmic compartment. The activity of a crucial cell cycle protein follows a bistable switch in each compartment, but the shape of its response is changing in time as proteins are imported into and exported from the nucleus.

miR-322/miR-503 clusters regulate defective myoblast differentiation in myotonic dystrophy RNA-toxic by targeting Celf1

Myotonic dystrophy (DM) is a genetic disorder featured by muscular dystrophy. It is caused by CUG expansion in the myotonic dystrophy protein kinase gene that leads to aberrant signaling and impaired myocyte differentiation. Many studies have shown that microRNAs are involved in the differentiation process of myoblasts. The purpose of this study was to investigate how the miR-322/miR-503 cluster regulates intracellular signaling to affect cell differentiation. The cell model of DM1 was employed by expressing GFP-CUG200 or CUGBP Elav-like family member 1 (Celf1) in myoblasts. Immunostaining of MF-20 was performed to examine myocyte differentiation. qRT-PCR and western blot were used to determine the levels of Celf1, MyoD, MyoG, Mef2c, miR-322/miR-503, and mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK/ERK) signaling. Dual luciferase assay was performed to validate the interaction between miR-322/miR-503 and Celf1. CUG expansion in myoblasts impaired the cell differentiation, increased the Celf1 level, but it decreased the miR-322/miR-503 levels. miR-322/miR-503 mimics restored the impaired differentiation caused by CUG expansion, while miR-322/miR-503 inhibitors further suppressed. miR-322/miR-503 directly targeted Celf1 and negatively regulated its expression. Knockdown of Celf1 promoted myocyte differentiation. Further, miR-322/miR-503 mimics rescued the impaired differentiation of myocytes caused by CUG expansion or Celf1 overexpression through suppressing of MEK/ERK signaling. miR-322/miR-503 cluster recover the defective myocyte differentiation caused by RNA-toxic via targeting Celf1. Restoring miR-322/miR-503 levels could be an avenue for DM1 therapy.

Phosphorylation of Msx1 promotes cell proliferation through the Fgf9/18-MAPK signaling pathway during embryonic limb development

Msh homeobox (Msx) is a subclass of homeobox transcriptional regulators that control cell lineage development, including the early stage of vertebrate limb development, although the underlying mechanisms are not clear. Here, we demonstrate that Msx1 promotes the proliferation of myoblasts and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) by enhancing mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling. Msx1 directly binds to and upregulates the expression of fibroblast growth factor 9 (Fgf9) and Fgf18. Accordingly, knockdown or antibody neutralization of Fgf9/18 inhibits Msx1-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (Erk1/2) phosphorylation. Mechanistically, we determined that the phosphorylation of Msx1 at Ser136 is critical for enhancing Fgf9 and Fgf18 expression and cell proliferation, and cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) is apparently responsible for Ser136 phosphorylation. Furthermore, mesenchymal deletion of Msx1/2 results in decreased Fgf9 and Fgf18 expression and Erk1/2 phosphorylation, which leads to serious defects in limb development in mice. Collectively, our findings established an important function of the Msx1-Fgf-MAPK signaling axis in promoting cell proliferation, thus providing a new mechanistic insight into limb development.

Intravital imaging reveals cell cycle-dependent myogenic cell migration during muscle regeneration

During muscle regeneration, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) promotes both proliferation and migration. However, the relationship between proliferation and migration is poorly understood in this context. To elucidate this complex relationship on a physiological level, we established an intravital imaging system for measuring ERK activity, migration speed, and cell-cycle phases in mouse muscle satellite cell-derived myogenic cells. We found that in vivo, ERK is maximally activated in myogenic cells two days after injury, and this is then followed by increases in cell number and motility. With limited effects of ERK activity on migration on an acute timescale, we hypothesized that ERK increases migration speed in the later phase by promoting cell-cycle progression. Our cell-cycle analysis further revealed that in myogenic cells, ERK activity is critical for G1/S transition, and cells migrate more rapidly in S/G2 phase 3 days after injury. Finally, migration speed of myogenic cells was suppressed after CDK1/2-but not CDK1-inhibitor treatment, demonstrating a critical role of CDK2 in myogenic cell migration. Overall, our study demonstrates that in myogenic cells, the ERK-CDK2 axis promotes not only G1/S transition but also migration, thus providing a novel mechanism for efficient muscle regeneration.

Urokinase receptor deficiency results in EGFR-mediated failure to transmit signals for cell survival and neurite formation in mouse neuroblastoma cells

Urokinase-type plasminogen activator uPA and its receptor (uPAR) are the central players in extracellular matrix proteolysis, which facilitates cancer invasion and metastasis. EGFR is one of the important components of uPAR interactome. uPAR/EGFR interaction controls signaling pathways that regulate cell survival, proliferation and migration. We have previously established that uPA binding to uPAR stimulates neurite elongation in neuroblastoma cells, while blocking uPA/uPAR interaction induces neurite branching and new neurite formation. Here we demonstrate that blocking the uPA binding to uPAR with anti-uPAR antibody decreases the level of pEGFR and its downstream pERK1/2, but does increase phosphorylation of Akt, p38 and c-Src Since long-term uPAR blocking results in a severe DNA damage, accompanied by PARP-1 proteolysis and Neuro2a cell death, we surmise that Akt, p38 and c-Src activation transmits a pro-apoptotic signal, rather than a survival. Serum deprivation resulting in enhanced neuritogenesis is accompanied by an upregulated uPAR mRNA expression, while EGFR mRNA remains unchanged. EGFR activation by EGF stimulates neurite growth only in uPAR-overexpressing cells but not in control or uPAR-deficient cells. In addition, AG1478-mediated inhibition of EGFR activity impedes neurite growth in control and uPAR-deficient cells, but not in uPAR-overexpressing cells. Altogether these data implicate uPAR as an important regulator of EGFR and ERK1/2 signaling, representing a novel mechanism which implicates urokinase system in neuroblastoma cell survival and differentiation.

FGF signaling promotes myoblast proliferation through activation of wingless signaling

Indirect flight muscles (IFMs) are the largest muscles in Drosophila and are made up of hundreds of myonuclei. The generation of these giant muscles requires a large pool of wing disc associated adult muscle precursors (AMPs), however the factors that control proliferation to form this myoblast pool are incompletely known. Here, we examine the role of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling in the proliferation of wing disc associated myoblasts. We find that the components of FGF signaling are expressed in myoblasts and surrounding epithelial cells of the wing disc. Next, we show that attenuation of FGF signaling results in a diminished myoblast pool. This reduction in the pool size is due to decreased myoblast proliferation. By contrast, activating the FGF signaling pathway increases the myoblast pool size and restores the proliferative capacity of FGF knockdown flies. Finally, our results demonstrate that the FGF receptor Heartless acts through up-regulating β-catenin/Armadillo signaling to promote myoblast proliferation. Our studies identify a novel role for FGF signaling during IFM formation and uncover the mechanism through which FGF coordinates with Wingless signaling to promote myoblast proliferation.

Preclinical Efficacy and Involvement of AKT, mTOR, and ERK Kinases in the Mechanism of Sulforaphane against Endometrial Cancer

Sulforaphane exerts anti-cancer activity against multiple cancer types. Our objective was to evaluate utility of sulforaphane for endometrial cancer therapy. Sulforaphane reduced viability of endometrial cancer cell lines in association with the G2/M cell cycle arrest and cell division cycle protein 2 (Cdc2) phosphorylation, and intrinsic apoptosis. Inhibition of anchorage-independent growth, invasion, and migration of the cell lines was associated with sulforaphane-induced alterations in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers of increased E-cadherin and decreased N-cadherin and vimentin expression. Proteomic analysis identified alterations in AKT, mTOR, and ERK kinases in the networks of sulforaphane effects in the Ishikawa endometrial cancer cell line. Western blots confirmed sulforaphane inhibition of AKT, mTOR, and induction of ERK with alterations in downstream signaling. AKT and mTOR inhibitors reduced endometrial cancer cell line viability and prevented further reduction by sulforaphane. Accumulation of nuclear phosphorylated ERK was associated with reduced sensitivity to the ERK inhibitor and its interference with sulforaphane activity. Sulforaphane induced apoptosis-associated growth inhibition of Ishikawa xenograft tumors to a greater extent than paclitaxel, with no evidence of toxicity. These results verify sulforaphane's potential as a non-toxic treatment candidate for endometrial cancer and identify AKT, mTOR, and ERK kinases in the mechanism of action with interference in the mechanism by nuclear phosphorylated ERK.

Role of Nucleoporins and Transport Receptors in Cell Differentiation

Bidirectional molecular movements between the nucleus and cytoplasm take place through nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) embedded in the nuclear membrane. These macromolecular structures are composed of several nucleoporins, which form seven different subcomplexes based on their biochemical affinity. These nucleoporins are integral components of the complex, not only allowing passive transport but also interacting with importin, exportin, and other molecules that are required for transport of protein in various cellular processes. Transport of different proteins is carried out either dependently or independently on transport receptors. As well as facilitating nucleocytoplasmic transport, nucleoporins also play an important role in cell differentiation, possibly by their direct gene interaction. This review will cover the general role of nucleoporins (whether its dependent or independent) and nucleocytoplasmic transport receptors in cell differentiation.

The road to ERK activation: Do neurons take alternate routes?

The ERK cascade is a central signaling pathway that regulates a wide variety of cellular processes including proliferation, differentiation, learning and memory, development, and synaptic plasticity. A wide range of inputs travel from the membrane through different signaling pathway routes to reach activation of one set of output kinases, ERK1&2. The classical ERK activation pathway beings with growth factor activation of receptor tyrosine kinases. Numerous G-protein coupled receptors and ionotropic receptors also lead to ERK through increases in the second messengers calcium and cAMP. Though both types of pathways are present in diverse cell types, a key difference is that most stimuli to neurons, e.g. synaptic inputs, are transient, on the order of milliseconds to seconds, whereas many stimuli acting on non-neural tissue, e.g. growth factors, are longer duration. The ability to consolidate these inputs to regulate the activation of ERK in response to diverse signals raises the question of which factors influence the difference in ERK activation pathways. This review presents both experimental studies and computational models aimed at understanding the control of ERK activation and whether there are fundamental differences between neurons and other cells. Our main conclusion is that differences between cell types are quite subtle, often related to differences in expression pattern and quantity of some molecules such as Raf isoforms. In addition, the spatial location of ERK is critical, with regulation by scaffolding proteins producing differences due to colocalization of upstream molecules that may differ between neurons and other cells.

Long acting GLP-1 analog liraglutide ameliorates skeletal muscle atrophy in rodents

BACKGROUND

Skeletal muscle atrophy is characterized by muscle wasting with partial or complete functional loss. Skeletal muscle atrophy severely affects the quality of life and currently, there is no available therapy except for spinal muscular atrophy.

OBJECTIVE

Drug repositioning is a promising strategy that reduces cost and time due to prior availability of safety and toxicity details. Here we investigated myogenic and anti-atrophy effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analog liraglutide.

METHODS

We used several in vitro atrophy models in C2C12 cells and in vivo models in Sprague Dawley rats to study Liraglutide's efficacy. Western blotting was used to assess cAMP-dependent signaling pathways specifically activated by liraglutide. Therapeutic efficacy of liraglutide was investigated by histological analysis of transverse muscle sections followed by morphometry. Myogenic capacity was investigated by immunoblotting for myogenic factors.

RESULTS

Liraglutide induced myogenesis in C2C12 myoblasts through GLP-1 receptor via a cAMP-dependent complex network of signaling events involving protein kinase A, phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and extracellular signal-regulated kinase. Liraglutide imparted protection against freeze injury, denervation, and dexamethasone -induced skeletal muscle atrophy and improved muscular function in all these models. In a therapeutic model, liraglutide restored myofibrillar architecture in ovariectomy-induced atrophy. Anti-atrophy actions of liraglutide involved suppression of atrogene expression and enhancement in expression of myogenic factors.

CONCLUSION

Liraglutide imparted protection and restored myofibrillar architecture in diverse models of muscle atrophy. Given its potent anti-atrophy, and recently reported osteoanabolic effects, we propose liraglutide's clinical evaluation in skeletal muscle atrophy and musculoskeletal disorders associated with diverse pathologies.

Crosstalk between SHH and FGFR Signaling Pathways Controls Tissue Invasion in Medulloblastoma

In the Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) subgroup of medulloblastoma (MB), tumor initiation and progression are in part driven by smoothened (SMO) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-receptor (FGFR) signaling, respectively. We investigated the impact of the SMO-FGFR crosstalk on tumor growth and invasiveness in MB. We found that FGFR signaling represses GLI1 expression downstream of activated SMO in the SHH MB line DAOY and induces MKI67, HES1, and BMI1 in DAOY and in the group 3 MB line HD-MBO3. FGFR repression of GLI1 does not affect proliferation or viability, whereas inhibition of FGFR is necessary to release SMO-driven invasiveness. Conversely, SMO activation represses FGFR-driven sustained activation of nuclear ERK. Parallel activation of FGFR and SMO in ex vivo tumor cell-cerebellum slice co-cultures reduced invasion of tumor cells without affecting proliferation. In contrast, treatment of the cells with the SMO antagonist Sonidegib (LDE225) blocked invasion and proliferation in cerebellar slices. Thus, sustained, low-level SMO activation is necessary for proliferation and tissue invasion, whereas acute, pronounced activation of SMO can repress FGFR-driven invasiveness. This suggests that the tumor cell response is dependent on the relative local abundance of the two factors and indicates a paradigm of microenvironmental control of invasion in SHH MB through mutual control of SHH and FGFR signaling.

Smoking is an important factor that affects peripheral blood progenitor cells yield in healthy male donors

BACKGROUND

Smoking could reduce the CD34+ cells in peripheral blood of healthy individual. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between smoking load and the effect of peripheral blood hematopoietic progenitor cells (PBPCs) mobilization by granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) alone in healthy donors.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis was performed on 145 healthy adult PBPCs donors who underwent PBPCs mobilization and collection. Smoking factors were evaluated and correlated with mobilization responses, as indicated by the collected CD34+ cells concentration.

RESULTS

The collected CD34+ cells concentration was closely related to pre-CD34 (P < .001) and CD34+ cells collected per volume blood processed (P < .001) which suggested that collected CD34+ cells concentration was a reliable indicator of PBPCs mobilization efficiency. The heavy smoking donors revealed significantly lower collected CD34+ cells concentration, compared to that of the nonsmoking (P < .001) and light smoking donors (P < .05). The levels of collected CD34+ cells in light smoking were also obviously lower than that in nonsmoking donors (P < .05).There were no obvious differences in the collected CD34+ cells concentration, overall processed blood volume and total collected CD34+ cells between nonsmoking and smoking cessation groups (P = .490; P = .464; P = .819).

CONCLUSION

Cigarette smoking is an important factor that affects the yield of PBPCs in male donors, especially when the smoking load is more than five pack-years. Mobilization of PBMCs could be restored by smoking cessation in chronic smokers.

MBP-FGF2-Immobilized Matrix Maintains Self-Renewal and Myogenic Differentiation Potential of Skeletal Muscle Stem Cells

The robust capacity of skeletal muscle stem cells (SkMSCs, or satellite cells) to regenerate into new muscles in vivo has offered promising therapeutic options for the treatment of degenerative muscle diseases. However, the practical use of SkMSCs to treat muscle diseases is limited, owing to their inability to expand in vitro under defined cultivation conditions without loss of engraftment efficiency. To develop an optimal cultivation condition for SkMSCs, we investigated the behavior of SkMSCs on synthetic maltose-binding protein (MBP)-fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2)-immobilized matrix in vitro. We found that the chemically well-defined, xeno-free MBP-FGF2-immobilized matrix effectively supports SkMSC growth without reducing their differentiation potential in vitro. Our data highlights the possible application of the MBP-FGF2 matrix for SkMSC expansion in vitro.

Gene Regulatory Network Inference from Single-Cell Data Using Multivariate Information Measures

While single-cell gene expression experiments present new challenges for data processing, the cell-to-cell variability observed also reveals statistical relationships that can be used by information theory. Here, we use multivariate information theory to explore the statistical dependencies between triplets of genes in single-cell gene expression datasets. We develop PIDC, a fast, efficient algorithm that uses partial information decomposition (PID) to identify regulatory relationships between genes. We thoroughly evaluate the performance of our algorithm and demonstrate that the higher-order information captured by PIDC allows it to outperform pairwise mutual information-based algorithms when recovering true relationships present in simulated data. We also infer gene regulatory networks from three experimental single-cell datasets and illustrate how network context, choices made during analysis, and sources of variability affect network inference. PIDC tutorials and open-source software for estimating PID are available. PIDC should facilitate the identification of putative functional relationships and mechanistic hypotheses from single-cell transcriptomic data.

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PIDC infers gene regulatory networks from single-cell transcriptomic data

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Multivariate information measures and context in PIDC improve network inference

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Heterogeneity in single-cell data carries information about gene-gene interactions

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Fast, efficient, open-source software is made freely available

Spatial signal repression as an additional role of Sprouty2 protein variants

Sprouty2 (Spry2) is a prominent member of a protein family with crucial functions in the modulation of signal transduction. One of its main actions is the repression of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway in response to growth factor-induced signalling. A common single nucleotide polymorphism within the Spry2 gene creates two protein variants where a proline adjacent to the serine rich domain is converted to an additional serine. Both protein variants perform similar functions although their efficiency in fulfilling these tasks varies. In this report, we used biochemical fractionation methods as well as confocal microscopy to analyse quantitative and qualitative differences in the distribution of Spry2 variants. We found that Spry2 proteins localize not solely to the plasma membrane, but also to other membrane engulfed compartments like for example the Golgi apparatus. In these less dense organelles, predominantly slower migrating forms reside indicating that posttranslational modification contributes to the distribution profile of Spry2. However there is no significant difference in the distribution of the two variants. Additionally, we found that Spry2 could be found exclusively in membrane fractions irrespective of the mitogen availability and the phosphorylation status. Considering the interference of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation in the cytoplasm, both Spry2 variants inhibited the levels of phosphorylated ERK (pERK) significantly to a similar extent. In contrast, the induction profiles of pERK levels were completely different in the nuclei. Again, both Spry2 variants diminished the levels of pERK. While the proline variant lowered the activation throughout the observation period, the serine variant failed to interfere with immediate accumulation of nuclear pERK levels, but the signal duration was shortened. Since the extent of the pERK inhibition in the nuclei was drastically more pronounced than in the cytoplasm, we conclude that Spry2 - in addition to its known functions as a repressor of general ERK phosphorylation - functions as a spatial repressor of nucleic ERK activation. Accordingly, a dominant negative version of Spry2 was only able to enhance the pERK levels of serum-deprived cells in the cytosol, while in the nucleus the intensity of the pERK signal in response to serum addition was significantly increased.

Dusp6 is a genetic modifier of growth through enhanced ERK activity

Like other single-gene disorders, muscular dystrophy displays a range of phenotypic heterogeneity even with the same primary mutation. Identifying genetic modifiers capable of altering the course of muscular dystrophy is one approach to deciphering gene-gene interactions that can be exploited for therapy development. To this end, we used an intercross strategy in mice to map modifiers of muscular dystrophy. We interrogated genes of interest in an interval on mouse chromosome 10 associated with body mass in muscular dystrophy as skeletal muscle contributes significantly to total body mass. Using whole-genome sequencing of the two parental mouse strains combined with deep RNA sequencing, we identified the Met62Ile substitution in the dual-specificity phosphatase 6 (Dusp6) gene from the DBA/2 J (D2) mouse strain. DUSP6 is a broadly expressed dual-specificity phosphatase protein, which binds and dephosphorylates extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK), leading to decreased ERK activity. We found that the Met62Ile substitution reduced the interaction between DUSP6 and ERK resulting in increased ERK phosphorylation and ERK activity. In dystrophic muscle, DUSP6 Met62Ile is strongly upregulated to counteract its reduced activity. We found that myoblasts from the D2 background were insensitive to a specific small molecule inhibitor of DUSP6, while myoblasts expressing the canonical DUSP6 displayed enhanced proliferation after exposure to DUSP6 inhibition. These data identify DUSP6 as an important regulator of ERK activity in the setting of muscle growth and muscular dystrophy.

Craniofacial, orofacial and dental disorders: the role of the RAS/ERK pathway

Deviations from the precisely coordinated programme of human head development can lead to craniofacial and orofacial malformations often including a variety of dental abnormalities too. Although the aetiology is still unknown in many cases, during the last decades different intracellular signalling pathways have been genetically linked to specific disorders. Among these pathways, the RAS/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signalling cascade is the focus of this review since it encompasses a large group of genes that when mutated cause some of the most common and severe developmental anomalies in humans. We present the components of the RAS/ERK pathway implicated in craniofacial and orodental disorders through a series of human and animal studies. We attempt to unravel the specific molecular targets downstream of ERK that act on particular cell types and regulate key steps in the associated developmental processes. Finally we point to ambiguities in our current knowledge that need to be clarified before RAS/ERK-targeting therapeutic approaches can be implemented.

Nuclear ERK: Mechanism of Translocation, Substrates, and Role in Cancer

The extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK) are central signaling components that regulate stimulated cellular processes such as proliferation and differentiation. When dysregulated, these kinases participate in the induction and maintenance of various pathologies, primarily cancer. While ERK is localized in the cytoplasm of resting cells, many of its substrates are nuclear, and indeed, extracellular stimulation induces a rapid and robust nuclear translocation of ERK. Similarly to other signaling components that shuttle to the nucleus upon stimulation, ERK does not use the canonical importinα/β mechanism of nuclear translocation. Rather, it has its own unique nuclear translocation signal (NTS) that interacts with importin7 to allow stimulated shuttling via the nuclear pores. Prevention of the nuclear translocation inhibits proliferation of B-Raf- and N/K-Ras-transformed cancers. This effect is distinct from the one achieved by catalytic Raf and MEK inhibitors used clinically, as cells treated with the translocation inhibitors develop resistance much more slowly. In this review, we describe the mechanism of ERK translocation, present all its nuclear substrates, discuss its role in cancer and compare its translocation to the translocation of other signaling components. We also present proof of principle data for the use of nuclear ERK translocation as an anti-cancer target. It is likely that the prevention of nuclear ERK translocation will eventually serve as a way to combat Ras and Raf transformed cancers with less side-effects than the currently used drugs.

Dynamic membrane proteome of adipogenic and myogenic precursors in skeletal muscle highlights EPHA2 may promote myogenic differentiation through ERK signaling

The balance of myogenic and adipogenic differentiation is crucial for skeletal muscle homeostasis. Given the vital role of membrane proteins (MBPs) in cell signal perception, membrane proteomics was conducted to delineate mechanisms regulating differentiation of adipogenic and myogenic precursors in skeletal muscle. Adipogenic and myogenic precursors with divergent differentiation potential were isolated from the longissimus dorsi muscle of neonatal pigs by the preplate method. A total of 85 differentially expressed MBPs (P < 0.05 and fold change ≥1.2 or ≤0.83) between 2 precursors were detected via isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) assay, including 67 up-regulated and 18 down-regulated in myogenic precursors. Functional enrichment analysis uncovered that myogenic and adipogenic precursors showed significant differences in cytoskeleton organization, syncytium formation, environmental information processing, and organismal systems. Furthermore, key MBPs in regulating cell differentiation were also characterized, including ITGB3, ITGAV, ITPR3, and EPHA2. Noteworthily, EPHA2 was required for myogenic differentiation, and it may promote myogenic differentiation through ERK signaling. Collectively, our study provided an insight into the distinct MBP profile between myogenic and adipogenic precursors in skeletal muscle and served as a solid basis for supporting the role of MBPs in regulating differentiation.—Zhang, X., Wang, L., Qiu, K., Xu, D., Yin, J. Dynamic membrane proteome of adipogenic and myogenic precursors in skeletal muscle highlights EPHA2 may promote myogenic differentiation through ERK signaling.

Regulation of ERK signalling pathway in the developing mouse blastocyst

Activation of the ERK signalling pathway is essential for the differentiation of the inner cell mass (ICM) during mouse preimplantation development. We show here that ERK phosphorylation is present in ICM precursor cells, in differentiated Primitive Endoderm (PrE) cells as well as in the mature, formative state Epiblast (Epi). We further show that DUSP4 and ETV5, factors often involved in negative feedback loops of the FGF pathway are differently regulated. While DUSP4 presence clearly depends on ERK phosphorylation in PrE cells, ETV5 localises mainly to Epi cells. Unexpectedly, ETV5 accumulation does not depend on direct activation by ERK but requires NANOG activity. Indeed ETV5, like Fgf4 expression, is not present in Nanog mutant embryos. Our results lead us to propose that in pluripotent early Epi cells, NANOG induces the expression of both Fgf4 and Etv5 to enable the differentiation of neighbouring cells into PrE while protecting the Epi identity from autocrine signalling.

The Nuclear Translocation of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases: Molecular Mechanisms and Use as Novel Therapeutic Target

The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades are central signaling pathways that play a central role in the regulation of most stimulated cellular processes including proliferation, differentiation, stress response and apoptosis. Currently 4 such cascades are known, each termed by its downstream MAPK components: the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), cJun-N-terminal kinase (JNK), p38 and ERK5. One of the hallmarks of these cascades is the stimulated nuclear translocation of their MAPK components using distinct mechanisms. ERK1/2 are shuttled into the nucleus by importin7, JNK and p38 by a dimer of importin3 with either importin9 or importin7, and ERK5 by importin-α/β. Dysregulation of these cascades often results in diseases, including cancer and inflammation, as well as developmental and neurological disorders. Much effort has been invested over the years in developing inhibitors to the MAPK cascades to combat these diseases. Although some inhibitors are already in clinical use or clinical trials, their effects are hampered by development of resistance or adverse side-effects. Recently, our group developed 2 myristoylated peptides: EPE peptide, which inhibits the interaction of ERK1/2 with importin7, and PERY peptide, which prevents JNK/p38 interaction with either importin7 or importin9. These peptides block the nuclear translocation of their corresponding kinases, resulting in prevention of several cancers, while the PERY peptide also inhibits inflammation-induced diseases. These peptides provide a proof of concept for the use of the nuclear translocation of MAPKs as therapeutic targets for cancer and/or inflammation.

MEK inhibition induces MYOG and remodels super-enhancers in RAS-driven rhabdomyosarcoma

The RAS isoforms are frequently mutated in many types of human cancers, including PAX3/PAX7 fusion-negative rhabdomyosarcoma. Pediatric RMS arises from skeletal muscle progenitor cells that have failed to differentiate normally. The role of mutant RAS in this differentiation blockade is incompletely understood. We demonstrate that oncogenic RAS, acting through the RAF-MEK [mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase]-ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) MAPK effector pathway, inhibits myogenic differentiation in rhabdomyosarcoma by repressing the expression of the prodifferentiation myogenic transcription factor, MYOG. This repression is mediated by ERK2-dependent promoter-proximal stalling of RNA polymerase II at the MYOG locus. Small-molecule screening with a library of mechanistically defined inhibitors showed that RAS-driven RMS is vulnerable to MEK inhibition. MEK inhibition with trametinib leads to the loss of ERK2 at the MYOG promoter and releases the transcriptional stalling of MYOG expression. MYOG subsequently opens chromatin and establishes super-enhancers at genes required for late myogenic differentiation. Furthermore, trametinib, in combination with an inhibitor of IGF1R, potently decreases rhabdomyosarcoma cell viability and slows tumor growth in xenograft models. Therefore, this combination represents a potential therapeutic for RAS-mutated rhabdomyosarcoma.

Biomaterials in Tendon and Skeletal Muscle Tissue Engineering: Current Trends and Challenges

Tissue engineering is a promising approach to repair tendon and muscle when natural healing fails. Biohybrid constructs obtained after cells&rsquo; seeding and culture in dedicated scaffolds have indeed been considered as relevant tools for mimicking native tissue, leading to a better integration in vivo. They can also be employed to perform advanced in vitro studies to model the cell differentiation or regeneration processes. In this review, we report and analyze the different solutions proposed in literature, for the reconstruction of tendon, muscle, and the myotendinous junction. They classically rely on the three pillars of tissue engineering, i.e., cells, biomaterials and environment (both chemical and physical stimuli). We have chosen to present biomimetic or bioinspired strategies based on understanding of the native tissue structure/functions/properties of the tissue of interest. For each tissue, we sorted the relevant publications according to an increasing degree of complexity in the materials&rsquo; shape or manufacture. We present their biological and mechanical performances, observed in vitro and in vivo when available. Although there is no consensus for a gold standard technique to reconstruct these musculo-skeletal tissues, the reader can find different ways to progress in the field and to understand the recent history in the choice of materials, from collagen to polymer-based matrices.

The nuclear translocation of the kinases p38 and JNK promotes inflammation-induced cancer

The stimulated nuclear translocation of signaling proteins, such as MAPKs, is a necessity for the initiation and regulation of their physiological functions. Previously, we determined that nuclear translocation of the MAPKs p38 and JNK involves binding to heterodimers comprising importin 3 and either importin 7 or importin 9. Here, we identified the importin-binding region in p38 and JNK and developed a myristoylated peptide targeting this site that we called PERY. The PERY peptide specifically blocked the interaction of p38 and JNK with the importins, restricted their nuclear translocation, and inhibited phosphorylation of their nuclear (but not cytoplasmic) substrates. Through these effects, the PERY peptide reduced the proliferation of several (but not all) cancer cell lines in culture and inhibited the growth of a human breast cancer xenograft in mice. In addition, the PERY peptide substantially inhibited inflammation in mice, as manifested in models of colitis and colitis-associated colon cancer. The PERY peptide more effectively prevented colon cancer development than did a commercial p38 inhibitor. In vivo analysis further suggested that this effect was mediated by PERY peptide-induced prevention of the nuclear translocation of p38 in macrophages. Together, these results support the use of the nuclear translocation of p38 and JNK as a novel drug target to treat various cancers and inflammation-induced diseases.

TGF-β signal rewiring sustains epithelial-mesenchymal transition of circulating tumor cells in prostate cancer xenograft hosts

Activation of TGF-β signaling is known to promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) for the development of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). To determine whether targeting TGF-β signaling alone is sufficient to mitigate mCRPC, we used the CRISPR/Cas9 genome-editing approach to generate a dominant-negative mutation of the cognate receptor TGFBRII that attenuated TGF-β signaling in mCRPC cells. As a result, the delicate balance of oncogenic homeostasis is perturbed, profoundly uncoupling proliferative and metastatic potential of TGFBRII-edited tumor xenografts. This signaling disturbance triggered feedback rewiring by enhancing ERK signaling known to promote EMT-driven metastasis. Circulating tumor cells displaying upregulated EMT genes had elevated biophysical deformity and an increase in interactions with chaperone macrophages for facilitating metastatic extravasation. Treatment with an ERK inhibitor resulted in decreased aggressive features of CRPC cells in vitro. Therefore, combined targeting of TGF-β and its backup partner ERK represents an attractive strategy for treating mCRPC patients.

An FGF-driven feed-forward circuit patterns the cardiopharyngeal mesoderm in space and time

In embryos, multipotent progenitors divide to produce distinct progeny and express their full potential. In vertebrates, multipotent cardiopharyngeal progenitors produce second-heart-field-derived cardiomyocytes, and branchiomeric skeletal head muscles. However, the mechanisms underlying these early fate choices remain largely elusive. The tunicate Ciona emerged as an attractive model to study early cardiopharyngeal development at high resolution: through two asymmetric and oriented divisions, defined cardiopharyngeal progenitors produce distinct first and second heart precursors, and pharyngeal muscle (aka atrial siphon muscle, ASM) precursors. Here, we demonstrate that differential FGF-MAPK signaling distinguishes between heart and ASM precursors. We characterize a feed-forward circuit that promotes the successive activations of essential ASM determinants, Hand-related, Tbx1/10 and Ebf. Finally, we show that coupling FGF-MAPK restriction and cardiopharyngeal network deployment with cell divisions defines the timing of gene expression and permits the emergence of diverse cell types from multipotent progenitors.