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Trembley JH, Kren BT, Afzal M, Scaria GA, Klein MA, Ahmed K. Protein kinase CK2 – diverse roles in cancer cell biology and therapeutic promise. Mol Cell Biochem 2022; 478:899-926. [PMID: 36114992 PMCID: PMC9483426 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-022-04558-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The association of protein kinase CK2 (formerly casein kinase II or 2) with cell growth and proliferation in cells was apparent at early stages of its investigation. A cancer-specific role for CK2 remained unclear until it was determined that CK2 was also a potent suppressor of cell death (apoptosis); the latter characteristic differentiated its function in normal versus malignant cells because dysregulation of both cell growth and cell death is a universal feature of cancer cells. Over time, it became evident that CK2 exerts its influence on a diverse range of cell functions in normal as well as in transformed cells. As such, CK2 and its substrates are localized in various compartments of the cell. The dysregulation of CK2 is documented in a wide range of malignancies; notably, by increased CK2 protein and activity levels with relatively moderate change in its RNA abundance. High levels of CK2 are associated with poor prognosis in multiple cancer types, and CK2 is a target for active research and testing for cancer therapy. Aspects of CK2 cellular roles and targeting in cancer are discussed in the present review, with focus on nuclear and mitochondrial functions and prostate, breast and head and neck malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janeen H Trembley
- Research Service, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
| | - Betsy T Kren
- Research Service, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA
| | - Muhammad Afzal
- Department of Biochemistry, Riphah International University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - George A Scaria
- Hematology/Oncology Section, Primary Care Service Line, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA
| | - Mark A Klein
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
- Hematology/Oncology Section, Primary Care Service Line, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Khalil Ahmed
- Research Service, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
- Department of Urology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
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2
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Firnau MB, Brieger A. CK2 and the Hallmarks of Cancer. Biomedicines 2022; 10:1987. [PMID: 36009534 PMCID: PMC9405757 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. Casein kinase 2 (CK2) is commonly dysregulated in cancer, impacting diverse molecular pathways. CK2 is a highly conserved serine/threonine kinase, constitutively active and ubiquitously expressed in eukaryotes. With over 500 known substrates and being estimated to be responsible for up to 10% of the human phosphoproteome, it is of significant importance. A broad spectrum of diverse types of cancer cells has been already shown to rely on disturbed CK2 levels for their survival. The hallmarks of cancer provide a rationale for understanding cancer's common traits. They constitute the maintenance of proliferative signaling, evasion of growth suppressors, resisting cell death, enabling of replicative immortality, induction of angiogenesis, the activation of invasion and metastasis, as well as avoidance of immune destruction and dysregulation of cellular energetics. In this work, we have compiled evidence from the literature suggesting that CK2 modulates all hallmarks of cancer, thereby promoting oncogenesis and operating as a cancer driver by creating a cellular environment favorable to neoplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Angela Brieger
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Biomedical Research Laboratory, University Hospital Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany
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3
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Manni S, Pesavento M, Spinello Z, Saggin L, Arjomand A, Fregnani A, Quotti Tubi L, Scapinello G, Gurrieri C, Semenzato G, Trentin L, Piazza F. Protein Kinase CK2 represents a new target to boost Ibrutinib and Venetoclax induced cytotoxicity in mantle cell lymphoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:935023. [PMID: 36035991 PMCID: PMC9403710 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.935023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is an incurable B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, characterized by frequent relapses. In the last decade, the pro-survival pathways related to BCR signaling and Bcl-2 have been considered rational therapeutic targets in B cell derived lymphomas. The BTK inhibitor Ibrutinib and the Bcl-2 inhibitor Venetoclax are emerging as effective drugs for MCL. However, primary and acquired resistance also to these agents may occur. Protein Kinase CK2 is a S/T kinase overexpressed in many solid and blood-derived tumours. CK2 promotes cancer cell growth and clonal expansion, sustaining pivotal survival signaling cascades, such as the ones dependent on AKT, NF-κB, STAT3 and others, counteracting apoptosis through a “non-oncogene” addiction mechanism. We previously showed that CK2 is overexpressed in MCL and regulates the levels of activating phosphorylation on S529 of the NF-κB family member p65/RelA. In the present study, we investigated the effects of CK2 inactivation on MCL cell proliferation, survival and apoptosis and this kinase’s involvement in the BCR and Bcl-2 related signaling. By employing CK2 loss of function MCL cell models, we demonstrated that CK2 sustains BCR signaling (such as BTK, NF-κB and AKT) and the Bcl-2-related Mcl-1 expression. CK2 inactivation enhanced Ibrutinib and Venetoclax-induced cytotoxicity. The demonstration of a CK2-dependent upregulation of pathways that may antagonize the effect of these drugs may offer a novel strategy to overcome primary and secondary resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Manni
- Department of Medicine-DIMED, Hematology and Clinical Immunology Section, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Myeloma and Lymphoma Pathobiology Lab, Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
- *Correspondence: Sabrina Manni, ; Francesco Piazza,
| | - Maria Pesavento
- Department of Medicine-DIMED, Hematology and Clinical Immunology Section, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Myeloma and Lymphoma Pathobiology Lab, Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
| | - Zaira Spinello
- Department of Medicine-DIMED, Hematology and Clinical Immunology Section, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Myeloma and Lymphoma Pathobiology Lab, Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
| | - Lara Saggin
- Department of Medicine-DIMED, Hematology and Clinical Immunology Section, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Myeloma and Lymphoma Pathobiology Lab, Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
| | - Arash Arjomand
- Department of Medicine-DIMED, Hematology and Clinical Immunology Section, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Myeloma and Lymphoma Pathobiology Lab, Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
| | - Anna Fregnani
- Department of Medicine-DIMED, Hematology and Clinical Immunology Section, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Myeloma and Lymphoma Pathobiology Lab, Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
| | - Laura Quotti Tubi
- Department of Medicine-DIMED, Hematology and Clinical Immunology Section, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Myeloma and Lymphoma Pathobiology Lab, Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
| | - Greta Scapinello
- Department of Medicine-DIMED, Hematology and Clinical Immunology Section, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Myeloma and Lymphoma Pathobiology Lab, Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
| | - Carmela Gurrieri
- Department of Medicine-DIMED, Hematology and Clinical Immunology Section, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Myeloma and Lymphoma Pathobiology Lab, Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
| | - Gianpietro Semenzato
- Department of Medicine-DIMED, Hematology and Clinical Immunology Section, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Myeloma and Lymphoma Pathobiology Lab, Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
| | - Livio Trentin
- Department of Medicine-DIMED, Hematology and Clinical Immunology Section, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Myeloma and Lymphoma Pathobiology Lab, Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
| | - Francesco Piazza
- Department of Medicine-DIMED, Hematology and Clinical Immunology Section, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Myeloma and Lymphoma Pathobiology Lab, Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
- *Correspondence: Sabrina Manni, ; Francesco Piazza,
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Proteasome inhibition triggers the formation of TRAIL receptor 2 platforms for caspase-8 activation that accumulate in the cytosol. Cell Death Differ 2021; 29:147-155. [PMID: 34354257 PMCID: PMC8738721 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-021-00843-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells that are resistant to Bax/Bak-dependent intrinsic apoptosis can be eliminated by proteasome inhibition. Here, we show that proteasome inhibition induces the formation of high molecular weight platforms in the cytosol that serve to activate caspase-8. The activation complexes contain Fas-associated death domain (FADD) and receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 (RIPK1). Furthermore, the complexes contain TRAIL-receptor 2 (TRAIL-R2) but not TRAIL-receptor 1 (TRAIL-R1). While RIPK1 inhibition or depletion did not affect proteasome inhibitor-induced cell death, TRAIL-R2 was found essential for efficient caspase-8 activation, since the loss of TRAIL-R2 expression abrogated caspase processing, significantly reduced cell death, and promoted cell re-growth after drug washout. Overall, our study provides novel insight into the mechanisms by which proteasome inhibition eliminates otherwise apoptosis-resistant cells, and highlights the crucial role of a ligand-independent but TRAIL-R2-dependent activation mechanism for caspase-8 in this scenario.
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Piazza F, Manni S, Arjomand A, Visentin A, Trentin L, Semenzato G. New responsibilities for aged kinases in B-lymphomas. Hematol Oncol 2019; 38:3-11. [PMID: 31782972 DOI: 10.1002/hon.2694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The knowledge accumulated over the last decade on B-cell-derived non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL) pathogenesis has led to the identification of several molecular abnormalities, opening new perspectives in the design of novel therapies. Indeed, drugs targeting specific biochemical pathways critical for B-NHL cell survival, proliferation, and fitness within the malignant microenvironment are now available to the clinician: the B-cell receptor signaling inhibitors of BTK, PI3Kδ, ζ, γ, and SYK or the pro-apoptotic BH3-mimetics are clear examples of it. Moreover, it is emerging that malignant B-cell growth is sustained not only by mutations in oncogenes/tumor suppressors but also by the "addiction" to nononcogene (ie, nonstructurally altered) molecules. In this regard, a consistent body of data has established that the Ser/Thr kinases CK1, CK2, and GSK3 are involved in malignant lymphocyte biology and act as pro-survival and signaling-boosting molecules, both in precursor and mature B-cell tumors. Currently, an experimental and clinical groundwork is available, upon which to design CK1-, CK2-, and GSK3-directed antilymphoma/leukemia therapies. In this review, we have examined the main features of CK1, CK2, and GSK3 kinases, summarized the data in B-NHL supporting them as suitable therapeutic targets, and proposed a perspective on potential future research development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Piazza
- Department of Medicine, Hematology and Clinical Immunology Branch, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Unit of Hematological Malignancies - Laboratory of Myeloma and Lymphoma Pathobiology, Foundation for Advanced Biomedical Research - Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine (FABR-VIMM), Padova, Italy
| | - Sabrina Manni
- Department of Medicine, Hematology and Clinical Immunology Branch, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Unit of Hematological Malignancies - Laboratory of Myeloma and Lymphoma Pathobiology, Foundation for Advanced Biomedical Research - Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine (FABR-VIMM), Padova, Italy
| | - Arash Arjomand
- Department of Medicine, Hematology and Clinical Immunology Branch, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Unit of Hematological Malignancies - Laboratory of Myeloma and Lymphoma Pathobiology, Foundation for Advanced Biomedical Research - Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine (FABR-VIMM), Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Visentin
- Department of Medicine, Hematology and Clinical Immunology Branch, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Unit of Hematological Malignancies - Laboratory of Myeloma and Lymphoma Pathobiology, Foundation for Advanced Biomedical Research - Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine (FABR-VIMM), Padova, Italy
| | - Livio Trentin
- Department of Medicine, Hematology and Clinical Immunology Branch, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Unit of Hematological Malignancies - Laboratory of Myeloma and Lymphoma Pathobiology, Foundation for Advanced Biomedical Research - Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine (FABR-VIMM), Padova, Italy
| | - Gianpietro Semenzato
- Department of Medicine, Hematology and Clinical Immunology Branch, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Unit of Hematological Malignancies - Laboratory of Myeloma and Lymphoma Pathobiology, Foundation for Advanced Biomedical Research - Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine (FABR-VIMM), Padova, Italy
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6
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Narla G, Sangodkar J, Ryder CB. The impact of phosphatases on proliferative and survival signaling in cancer. Cell Mol Life Sci 2018; 75:2695-2718. [PMID: 29725697 PMCID: PMC6023766 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-018-2826-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Revised: 03/24/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The dynamic and stringent coordination of kinase and phosphatase activity controls a myriad of physiologic processes. Aberrations that disrupt the balance of this interplay represent the basis of numerous diseases. For a variety of reasons, early work in this area portrayed kinases as the dominant actors in these signaling events with phosphatases playing a secondary role. In oncology, these efforts led to breakthroughs that have dramatically altered the course of certain diseases and directed vast resources toward the development of additional kinase-targeted therapies. Yet, more recent scientific efforts have demonstrated a prominent and sometimes driving role for phosphatases across numerous malignancies. This maturation of the phosphatase field has brought with it the promise of further therapeutic advances in the field of oncology. In this review, we discuss the role of phosphatases in the regulation of cellular proliferation and survival signaling using the examples of the MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathways, c-Myc and the apoptosis machinery. Emphasis is placed on instances where these signaling networks are perturbed by dysregulation of specific phosphatases to favor growth and persistence of human cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jaya Sangodkar
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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Cannon CM, Trembley JH, Kren BT, Unger GM, O'Sullivan MG, Cornax I, Modiano JF, Ahmed K. Evaluation of protein kinase CK2 as a therapeutic target for squamous cell carcinoma of cats. Am J Vet Res 2017; 78:946-953. [PMID: 28738012 DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.78.8.946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate protein kinase CK2 (CK2) expression in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of cats and to examine effects of CK2 downregulation on in vitro apoptosis and viability in SCC. SAMPLE Biopsy specimens of oral mucosa and testis and blood samples from clinically normal cats, biopsy specimens of oral SCC from cats, and feline SCC (SCCF1) and mammary gland carcinoma (K12) cell lines. PROCEDURES Immunohistochemical labeling for CK2α was performed on biopsy specimens. Sequences of the CK2α subunit gene and CK2α' subunit gene in feline blood and feline cancer cell lines were determined by use of PCR and reverse-transcription PCR assays followed by direct Sanger sequencing. Specific small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) were developed for feline CK2α and CK2α'. The SCCF1 cells were treated with siRNA and assessed 72 hours later for CK2α and CK2α' expression and markers of apoptosis (via western blot analysis) and for viability (via 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-5-[3-carboxymethoxyphenyl]-2-[4-sulfophenyl]-2H-tetrazolium assays). RESULTS CK2α was expressed in all feline oral mucosa samples and 7 of 8 oral SCC samples. Expression of CK2α and CK2α' was successfully downregulated in SCCF1 cells by use of siRNAs, which resulted in decreased viability and induction of apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE In this study, CK2 appeared to be a promising therapeutic target for SCCs of cats. A possible treatment strategy for SCCs of cats would be RNA interference that targets CK2.
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8
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Greene TT, Tokuyama M, Knudsen GM, Kunz M, Lin J, Greninger AL, DeFilippis VR, DeRisi JL, Raulet DH, Coscoy L. A Herpesviral induction of RAE-1 NKG2D ligand expression occurs through release of HDAC mediated repression. eLife 2016; 5:e14749. [PMID: 27874833 PMCID: PMC5132344 DOI: 10.7554/elife.14749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells are essential for control of viral infection and cancer. NK cells express NKG2D, an activating receptor that directly recognizes NKG2D ligands. These are expressed at low level on healthy cells, but are induced by stresses like infection and transformation. The physiological events that drive NKG2D ligand expression during infection are still poorly understood. We observed that the mouse cytomegalovirus encoded protein m18 is necessary and sufficient to drive expression of the RAE-1 family of NKG2D ligands. We demonstrate that RAE-1 is transcriptionally repressed by histone deacetylase inhibitor 3 (HDAC3) in healthy cells, and m18 relieves this repression by directly interacting with Casein Kinase II and preventing it from activating HDAC3. Accordingly, we found that HDAC inhibiting proteins from human herpesviruses induce human NKG2D ligand ULBP-1. Thus our findings indicate that virally mediated HDAC inhibition can act as a signal for the host to activate NK-cell recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trever T Greene
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, United States
| | - Maria Tokuyama
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, United States
| | - Giselle M Knudsen
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, United States
| | - Michele Kunz
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, United States
| | - James Lin
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, United States
| | - Alexander L Greninger
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, United States
| | - Victor R DeFilippis
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, United States
| | - Joseph L DeRisi
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, United States
| | - David H Raulet
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, United States
| | - Laurent Coscoy
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, United States
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Abstract
Apoptotic cell death is widely considered a positive process that both prevents and treats cancer. Although undoubtedly having a beneficial role, paradoxically, apoptosis can also cause unwanted effects that may even promote cancer. In this Opinion article we highlight some of the ways by which apoptosis can exert oncogenic functions. We argue that fully understanding this dark side will be required to optimally engage apoptosis, thereby maximizing tumour cell kill while minimizing unwanted pro-tumorigenic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Ichim
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute and Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Stephen W G Tait
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute and Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
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Jacob SF, Würstle ML, Delgado ME, Rehm M. An Analysis of the Truncated Bid- and ROS-dependent Spatial Propagation of Mitochondrial Permeabilization Waves during Apoptosis. J Biol Chem 2015; 291:4603-13. [PMID: 26699404 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.689109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Apoptosis is a form of programmed cell death that is essential for the efficient elimination of surplus, damaged, and transformed cells during metazoan embryonic development and adult tissue homeostasis. Situated at the interface of apoptosis initiation and execution, mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP) represents one of the most fundamental processes during apoptosis signal transduction. It was shown that MOMP can spatiotemporally propagate through cells, in particular in response to extrinsic apoptosis induction. Based on apparently contradictory experimental evidence, two distinct molecular mechanisms have been proposed to underlie the propagation of MOMP signals, namely a reaction-diffusion mechanism governed by anisotropies in the production of the MOMP-inducer truncated Bid (tBid), or a process that drives the spatial propagation of MOMP by sequential bursts of reactive oxygen species. We therefore generated mathematical models for both scenarios and performed in silico simulations of spatiotemporal MOMP signaling to identify which one of the two mechanisms is capable of qualitatively and quantitatively reproducing the existing data. We found that the explanatory power of each model was limited in that only a subset of experimental findings could be replicated. However, the integration of both models into a combined mathematical description of spatiotemporal tBid and reactive oxygen species signaling accurately reproduced all available experimental data and furthermore, provided robustness to spatial MOMP propagation when mitochondria are spatially separated. Our study therefore provides a theoretical framework that is sufficient to describe and mechanistically explain the spatiotemporal propagation of one of the most fundamental processes during apoptotic cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selma F Jacob
- From the Department of Physiology & Medical Physics and Centre for Systems Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Maximilian L Würstle
- From the Department of Physiology & Medical Physics and Centre for Systems Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - M Eugenia Delgado
- From the Department of Physiology & Medical Physics and Centre for Systems Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Markus Rehm
- From the Department of Physiology & Medical Physics and Centre for Systems Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
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11
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Filhol O, Giacosa S, Wallez Y, Cochet C. Protein kinase CK2 in breast cancer: the CK2β regulatory subunit takes center stage in epithelial plasticity. Cell Mol Life Sci 2015; 72:3305-22. [PMID: 25990538 PMCID: PMC11113558 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-015-1929-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2015] [Revised: 05/06/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Structurally, protein kinase CK2 consists of two catalytic subunits (α and α') and two regulatory subunits (β), which play a critical role in targeting specific CK2 substrates. Compelling evidence shows the complexity of the CK2 cellular signaling network and supports the view that this enzyme is a key component of regulatory protein kinase networks that are involved in several aspects of cancer. CK2 both activates and suppresses the expression of a number of essential oncogenes and tumor suppressors, and its expression and activity are upregulated in blood tumors and virtually all solid tumors. The prognostic significance of CK2α expression in association with various clinicopathological parameters highlighted this kinase as an adverse prognostic marker in breast cancer. In addition, several recent studies reported its implication in the regulation of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), an early step in cancer invasion and metastasis. In this review, we briefly overview the contribution of CK2 to several aspects of cancer and discuss how in mammary epithelial cells, the expression of its CK2β regulatory subunit plays a critical role in maintaining an epithelial phenotype through CK2-mediated control of key EMT-related transcription factors. Importantly, decreased CK2β expression in breast tumors is correlated with inefficient phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of Snail1 and Foxc2, ultimately leading to EMT induction. This review highlights the pivotal role played by CK2β in the mammary epithelial phenotype and discusses how a modest alteration in its expression may be sufficient to induce dramatic effects facilitating the early steps in tumor cell dissemination through the coordinated regulation of two key transcription factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Odile Filhol
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1036, Grenoble, France
- Institute of Life Sciences Research and Technologies, Biology of Cancer and Infection, Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique, Grenoble, France
- Unité Mixte de Recherche-S1036, University of Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Sofia Giacosa
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1036, Grenoble, France
- Institute of Life Sciences Research and Technologies, Biology of Cancer and Infection, Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique, Grenoble, France
- Unité Mixte de Recherche-S1036, University of Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Yann Wallez
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1036, Grenoble, France
- Institute of Life Sciences Research and Technologies, Biology of Cancer and Infection, Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique, Grenoble, France
- Unité Mixte de Recherche-S1036, University of Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Claude Cochet
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1036, Grenoble, France
- Institute of Life Sciences Research and Technologies, Biology of Cancer and Infection, Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique, Grenoble, France
- Unité Mixte de Recherche-S1036, University of Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
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Roux J, Hafner M, Bandara S, Sims JJ, Hudson H, Chai D, Sorger PK. Fractional killing arises from cell-to-cell variability in overcoming a caspase activity threshold. Mol Syst Biol 2015; 11:803. [PMID: 25953765 PMCID: PMC4461398 DOI: 10.15252/msb.20145584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
When cells are exposed to death ligands such as TRAIL, a fraction undergoes apoptosis and a fraction survives; if surviving cells are re-exposed to TRAIL, fractional killing is once again observed. Therapeutic antibodies directed against TRAIL receptors also cause fractional killing, even at saturating concentrations, limiting their effectiveness. Fractional killing arises from cell-to-cell fluctuations in protein levels (extrinsic noise), but how this results in a clean bifurcation between life and death remains unclear. In this paper, we identify a threshold in the rate and timing of initiator caspase activation that distinguishes cells that live from those that die; by mapping this threshold, we can predict fractional killing of cells exposed to natural and synthetic agonists alone or in combination with sensitizing drugs such as bortezomib. A phenomenological model of the threshold also quantifies the contributions of two resistance genes (c-FLIP and Bcl-2), providing new insight into the control of cell fate by opposing pro-death and pro-survival proteins and suggesting new criteria for evaluating the efficacy of therapeutic TRAIL receptor agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérémie Roux
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marc Hafner
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Samuel Bandara
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joshua J Sims
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Diana Chai
- Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Peter K Sorger
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Parsons MJ, Rehm M, Bouchier-Hayes L. Imaging-based methods for assessing caspase activity in single cells. Cold Spring Harb Protoc 2015; 2015:pdb.top070342. [PMID: 25561626 DOI: 10.1101/pdb.top070342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Caspases, a family of proteases that are essential mediators of apoptosis, are divided into two groups: initiator caspases and executioner caspases. Each initiator caspase is activated at the apex of its respective pathway, which generally leads to the cleavage and activation of executioner caspases. Executioner caspases in turn cleave numerous substrates in the cell, leading to its demise. Initiator caspases are activated when inactive monomers undergo induced proximity to form an active caspase. In contrast, executioner caspases are activated by cleavage. Based on this key difference, different imaging techniques have been developed to measure caspase activation and activity on a single-cell basis. Bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) is used to measure induced proximity of initiator caspases, whereas Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) permits the investigation of caspase-mediated substrate cleavage in real time. Because many of the events in apoptosis, including caspase activation, are asynchronous in nature, these single-cell imaging techniques have proven to be immensely powerful in ordering and dissecting caspase pathways. When coupled with parallel detection of additional hallmark events of apoptosis, they provide detailed and quantitative kinetic and positional insights into the signal transduction pathways that regulate cell death. Here we provide a brief introduction into BiFC- and FRET-based imaging of caspase activation and activity in single cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa J Parsons
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030 Department of Pediatrics-Hematology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Markus Rehm
- Centre for Systems Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Lisa Bouchier-Hayes
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030 Department of Pediatrics-Hematology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
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Rehm M, Parsons MJ, Bouchier-Hayes L. Measuring caspase activity by Förster resonance energy transfer. Cold Spring Harb Protoc 2015; 2015:pdb.prot082560. [PMID: 25561624 DOI: 10.1101/pdb.prot082560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) occurs across very short distances (in the nanometer range) between donor and acceptor fluorophores that overlap in their emission and absorption spectra. FRET-compatible green fluorescent protein (GFP) variants that are fused to short peptide linkers containing caspase cleavage sites can be used to measure caspase activity. In the intact probes, the donor and acceptor fluorophores are in close proximity, and FRET is highly efficient. On caspase activation, proteolysis of the linker occurs, and the donor is separated from the acceptor. This results in a disruption of resonance energy transfer and an increase in donor fluorescence quantum yield; this event is typically referred to as sensitized emission or donor unquenching. A number of highly sensitive FRET probes based on the cyan fluorescent protein-yellow fluorescent protein (CFP-YFP) pair, or improved variants thereof, have been developed to detect intracellular caspase activities. In this protocol we describe how to use FRET-based caspase substrates and time-lapse imaging to measure caspase activity in cells undergoing apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Rehm
- Centre for Systems Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Melissa J Parsons
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030 Department of Pediatrics-Hematology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Lisa Bouchier-Hayes
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030 Department of Pediatrics-Hematology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
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Orzechowska EJ, Kozlowska E, Czubaty A, Kozlowski P, Staron K, Trzcinska-Danielewicz J. Controlled delivery of BID protein fused with TAT peptide sensitizes cancer cells to apoptosis. BMC Cancer 2014; 14:771. [PMID: 25326334 PMCID: PMC4210496 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-14-771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2014] [Accepted: 10/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low cellular level of BID is critical for viability of numerous cancer cells. Sensitization of cells to anticancer agents by BID overexpression from adenovirus or pcDNA vectors is a proposed strategy for cancer therapy; however it does not provide any stringent control of cellular level of BID. The aim of this work was to examine whether a fusion of BID with TAT cell penetrating peptide (TAT-BID) may be used for controlled sensitization of cancer cells to anticancer agents acting through death receptors (TRAIL) or DNA damage (camptothecin). Prostate cancer PC3 and LNCaP, non-small human lung cancer A549, and cervix carcinoma HeLa cells were used in the study. METHODS Uptake of TAT-BID protein by cells was studied by quantitative Western blot analysis of cells extracts. Cells viability was monitored by MTT test. Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry and cytochrome c release assay. RESULTS TAT-BID was delivered to all cancer cells in amounts depending on time, dose and the cell line. Recombinant BID sensitized PC3 cells to TRAIL or, to lesser extent, to camptothecin. Out of remaining cells, TAT-BID sensitized A549, and only slightly HeLa cells to TRAIL. None of the latter cell lines were sensitized to camptothecin. In all cases the mutant not phosphorylable by CK2 (TAT-BIDT59AS76A) was similarly efficient in sensitization as the wild type TAT-BID. CONCLUSIONS TAT-BID may be delivered to cancer cells in controlled manner and efficiently sensitizes PC3 and A549 cells to TRAIL. Therefore, it may be considered as a potential therapeutic agent that enhances the efficacy of TRAIL for the treatment of prostate and non-small human lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Joanna Orzechowska
- />Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Kozlowska
- />Department of Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Alicja Czubaty
- />Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Kozlowski
- />Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Staron
- />Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Trzcinska-Danielewicz
- />Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland
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16
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Wu L, Zhou N, Sun R, Chen XD, Feng SC, Zhang B, Bao JK. Network-based identification of key proteins involved in apoptosis and cell cycle regulation. Cell Prolif 2014; 47:356-68. [PMID: 24889965 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2014] [Accepted: 04/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cancer cells differ from normal body cells in their ability to divide indefinitely and to evade programmed cell death. Crosstalk between apoptosis and cell cycle processes promotes balance between proliferation and death, and limits population growth and survival of cells. However, intricate relationships between them and how they are able to manipulate the fate of cancer cells still remain to be clarified. Identification of key factors involved in both apoptosis and cell cycle regulation may help to address this problem. MATERIALS AND METHODS Identification of such key proteins was carried out, using a series of bioinformatics methods, such as network construction and key protein identification. RESULTS In this study, we computationally constructed human apoptotic/cell cycle-related protein-protein interactions (PPIs) networks from five experimentally supported protein interaction databases, and further integrated these high-throughput data sets into a Naïve Bayesian model to predict protein functional connections. On the basis of modified apoptotic/cell cycle related PPI networks, we calculated and ranked all protein members involved in apoptosis and cell cycle regulation. Our results not only identified some already known key proteins such as p53, Rb, Myc and Src but also found that the proteasome, Cullin family members, kinases and transcriptional repressors play important roles in regulating apoptosis and the cell cycle. Furthermore, we found that the top 100 proteins ranked by PeC were enriched in some pathways such as those of cancer, the proteasome, the cell cycle and Wnt signalling. CONCLUSIONS We constructed the global human apoptotic/cell cycle related PPI network based on five online databases, and a Naïve Bayesian model. In addition, we systematically identified apoptotic/cell cycle related key proteins in cancer cells. These findings may uncover intricate relationships between apoptosis and cell cycle processes and thus provide further new clues towards future anticancer drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Wu
- School of Life Sciences and Key Laboratory of Bio-resources and Eco-environment, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, China
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17
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Delgado ME, Olsson M, Lincoln FA, Zhivotovsky B, Rehm M. Determining the contributions of caspase-2, caspase-8 and effector caspases to intracellular VDVADase activities during apoptosis initiation and execution. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2013; 1833:2279-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2013.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2013] [Revised: 05/15/2013] [Accepted: 05/28/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Kominami K, Nakabayashi J, Nagai T, Tsujimura Y, Chiba K, Kimura H, Miyawaki A, Sawasaki T, Yokota H, Manabe N, Sakamaki K. The molecular mechanism of apoptosis upon caspase-8 activation: quantitative experimental validation of a mathematical model. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2012; 1823:1825-40. [PMID: 22801217 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2012.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2012] [Revised: 06/29/2012] [Accepted: 07/06/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Caspase-8 (CASP8) is a cysteine protease that plays a pivotal role in the extrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway via death receptors. The kinetics, dynamics, and selectivity with which the pathway transmits apoptotic signals to downstream molecules upon CASP8 activation are not fully understood. We have developed a system for using high-sensitivity FRET-based biosensors to monitor the protease activity of CASP8 and its downstream effector, caspase-3, in living single cells. Using this system, we systematically investigated the caspase cascade by regulating the magnitude of extrinsic signals received by the cell. Furthermore, we determined the molar concentration of five caspases and Bid required for hierarchical transmission of apoptotic signals in a HeLa cell. Based on these quantitative experimental data, we validated a mathematical model suitable for estimation of the kinetics and dynamics of caspases, which predicts the minimal concentration of CASP8 required to act as an initiator. Consequently, we found that less than 1% of the total CASP8 proteins are sufficient to set the apoptotic program in motion if activated. Taken together, our findings demonstrate the precise cascade of CASP8-mediated apoptotic signals through the extrinsic pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsuya Kominami
- Department of Animal Development and Physiology, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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Hellwig CT, Rehm M. TRAIL signaling and synergy mechanisms used in TRAIL-based combination therapies. Mol Cancer Ther 2012; 11:3-13. [PMID: 22234808 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-11-0434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
TRAIL and agonistic antibodies raised against TRAIL death receptors are highly promising new anticancer agents. In this brief review, we describe the recent advances in the molecular understanding of TRAIL signaling and the progress made in using TRAIL or agonistic antibodies clinically in mono- and combination therapies. Synergies have been reported in various scenarios of TRAIL-based multidrug treatments, and these can be used to potentiate the efficacy of therapies targeting TRAIL death receptors. We pay particular attention to structure the current knowledge on the diverse molecular mechanisms that are thought to give rise to these synergies and describe how different signaling features evoking synergies can be associated with distinct classes of drugs used in TRAIL-based combination treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian T Hellwig
- Rudolf Boehm Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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21
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van Raam BJ, Salvesen GS. Proliferative versus apoptotic functions of caspase-8 Hetero or homo: the caspase-8 dimer controls cell fate. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2011; 1824:113-22. [PMID: 21704196 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2011.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2011] [Revised: 06/06/2011] [Accepted: 06/08/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Caspase-8, the initiator of extrinsically-triggered apoptosis, also has important functions in cellular activation and differentiation downstream of a variety of cell surface receptors. It has become increasingly clear that the heterodimer of caspase-8 with the long isoform of cellular FLIP (FLIP(L)) fulfills these pro-survival functions of caspase-8. FLIP(L), a catalytically defective caspase-8 paralog, can interact with caspase-8 to activate its catalytic function. The caspase-8/FLIP(L) heterodimer has a restricted substrate repertoire and does not induce apoptosis. In essence, caspase-8 heterodimerized with FLIP(L) prevents the receptor interacting kinases RIPK1 and -3 from executing the form of cell death known as necroptosis. This review discusses the latest insights in caspase-8 homo- versus heterodimerization and the implication this has for cellular death or survival. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Proteolysis 50 years after the discovery of lysosome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bram J van Raam
- Program of Apoptosis and Cell Death Research, Sanford-Burnham Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Odile Filhol
- INSERM, Unité 1036, Biology of Cancer and Infection, Grenoble, F-38054, France
- Université Joseph Fourier–Grenoble 1, Biology of Cancer and Infection, Grenoble, F-38041, France
- Commissariat à l’énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives, Direction des Sciences du Vivant/institut de Recherches en Technologies et Sciences pour le Vivant, Biology of Cancer and Infection, Grenoble, F-38054, France
| | - Claude Cochet
- INSERM, Unité 1036, Biology of Cancer and Infection, Grenoble, F-38054, France
- Université Joseph Fourier–Grenoble 1, Biology of Cancer and Infection, Grenoble, F-38041, France
- Commissariat à l’énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives, Direction des Sciences du Vivant/institut de Recherches en Technologies et Sciences pour le Vivant, Biology of Cancer and Infection, Grenoble, F-38054, France
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Spencer SL, Sorger PK. Measuring and modeling apoptosis in single cells. Cell 2011; 144:926-39. [PMID: 21414484 PMCID: PMC3087303 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2011.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 259] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2011] [Revised: 02/25/2011] [Accepted: 03/01/2011] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Cell death plays an essential role in the development of tissues and organisms, the etiology of disease, and the responses of cells to therapeutic drugs. Here we review progress made over the last decade in using mathematical models and quantitative, often single-cell, data to study apoptosis. We discuss the delay that follows exposure of cells to prodeath stimuli, control of mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization, switch-like activation of effector caspases, and variability in the timing and probability of death from one cell to the next. Finally, we discuss challenges facing the fields of biochemical modeling and systems pharmacology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina L. Spencer
- Center for Cell Decision Processes, Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Peter K. Sorger
- Center for Cell Decision Processes, Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Correspondence:
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