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Yan Y, Dai T, Guo M, Zhao X, Chen C, Zhou Y, Qin M, Xu L, Zhao J. A review of non-classical MAPK family member, MAPK4: A pivotal player in cancer development and therapeutic intervention. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 271:132686. [PMID: 38801852 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases (MAPKs) are serine/threonine protein kinases that play a crucial role in transmitting extracellular signals to the intracellular environment, influencing a wide range of cellular processes including proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, metabolic activities, immune function and stress response. MAPK4, a non-classical MAPK, is frequently overexpressed in various malignancies, including prostate, breast, cervix, thyroid, and gliomas. It orchestrates cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis via the AKT/mTOR and/or PDK1 signaling pathways, thus facilitating tumor cell growth. Furthermore, MAPK4 expression is closely associated with the effectiveness of specific inhibitors like PI3K and PARP1, and also correlate with the survival rates of cancer patients. Increasing evidence highlights MAPK4's involvement in the tumor microenvironment, modulating immune response and inflammation-related diseases. This review comprehensively explores the structure, function, and oncogenic role of MAPK4, providing a deeper understanding of its activation and mechanisms of action in tumorigenesis, which might be helpful for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies for cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaping Yan
- Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Guizhou 563000, China; Key Laboratory of Gene Detection and Treatment of Guizhou province, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Tengkun Dai
- Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Guizhou 563000, China; Key Laboratory of Gene Detection and Treatment of Guizhou province, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Mengmeng Guo
- Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Guizhou 563000, China; Key Laboratory of Gene Detection and Treatment of Guizhou province, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Xu Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Gene Detection and Treatment of Guizhou province, Zunyi 563000, China; School of Medicine, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Chao Chen
- Key Laboratory of Gene Detection and Treatment of Guizhou province, Zunyi 563000, China; School of Medicine, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Ya Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Gene Detection and Treatment of Guizhou province, Zunyi 563000, China; Department of Medical physics, Zunyi Medical University, Guizhou 563000, China
| | - Ming Qin
- Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Guizhou 563000, China; Key Laboratory of Gene Detection and Treatment of Guizhou province, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Lin Xu
- Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Guizhou 563000, China; Key Laboratory of Gene Detection and Treatment of Guizhou province, Zunyi 563000, China.
| | - Juanjuan Zhao
- Department of Immunology, Zunyi Medical University, Guizhou 563000, China; Key Laboratory of Gene Detection and Treatment of Guizhou province, Zunyi 563000, China.
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Ortega L, Carrera C, Muñoz-Flores C, Salazar S, Villegas MF, Starck MF, Valenzuela A, Agurto N, Montesino R, Astuya A, Parra N, Pérez ET, Santibáñez N, Romero A, Ruíz P, Lamazares E, Reyes F, Sánchez O, Toledo JR, Acosta J. New insight into the biological activity of Salmo salar NK-lysin antimicrobial peptides. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1191966. [PMID: 38655253 PMCID: PMC11035819 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1191966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
NK-lysin is a potent antimicrobial peptide (AMP) with antimicrobial activity against bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. NK-lysin is a type of granulysin, a member of the saposin-like proteins family first isolated from a pig's small intestine. In previous work, for the first time, we identified four variants of nk-lysin from Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) using EST sequences. In the present study, we reported and characterized two additional transcripts of NK-lysin from S. salar. Besides, we evaluated the tissue distribution of three NK-lysins from S. salar and assessed the antimicrobial, hemolytic, and immunomodulatory activities and signaling pathways of three NK-lysin-derived peptides. The synthetic peptides displayed antimicrobial activity against Piscirickettsia salmonis (LF-89) and Flavobacterium psychrophilum. These peptides induced the expression of immune genes related to innate and adaptive immune responses in vitro and in vivo. The immunomodulatory activity of the peptides involves the mitogen-activated protein kinases-mediated signaling pathway, including p38, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, and/or c-Jun N-terminal kinases. Besides, the peptides modulated the immune response induced by pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). Our findings show that NK-lysin could be a highly effective immunostimulant or vaccine adjuvant for use in fish aquaculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Ortega
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología y Biofármacos, Departamento de Fisiopatología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Crisleri Carrera
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología y Biofármacos, Departamento de Fisiopatología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Carolina Muñoz-Flores
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología y Biofármacos, Departamento de Fisiopatología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Santiago Salazar
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología y Biofármacos, Departamento de Fisiopatología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Milton F. Villegas
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología y Biofármacos, Departamento de Fisiopatología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - María F. Starck
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología y Biofármacos, Departamento de Fisiopatología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Ariel Valenzuela
- Laboratorio de Piscicultura y Patología Acuática, Departamento de Oceanografía, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Niza Agurto
- Laboratorio de Piscicultura y Patología Acuática, Departamento de Oceanografía, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Raquel Montesino
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología y Biofármacos, Departamento de Fisiopatología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Allisson Astuya
- Laboratorio de Genómica Marina y Cultivo Celular, Departamento de Oceanografía y Centro de Investigación Oceanográfica en el Pacífico Sur Oriental (COPAS) Sur-Austral, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Oceanográficas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Natalie Parra
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología y Biofármacos, Departamento de Fisiopatología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Ercilia T. Pérez
- Laboratorio de Inmunología y Estrés de Organismos Acuáticos, Instituto de Patología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
- Centro Fondo de Financiamiento de Centros de Investigación en Áreas Prioritarias (FONDAP), Interdisciplinary Center for Aquaculture Research (INCAR), Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Natacha Santibáñez
- Laboratorio de Inmunología y Estrés de Organismos Acuáticos, Instituto de Patología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
- Centro Fondo de Financiamiento de Centros de Investigación en Áreas Prioritarias (FONDAP), Interdisciplinary Center for Aquaculture Research (INCAR), Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Alex Romero
- Laboratorio de Inmunología y Estrés de Organismos Acuáticos, Instituto de Patología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
- Centro Fondo de Financiamiento de Centros de Investigación en Áreas Prioritarias (FONDAP), Interdisciplinary Center for Aquaculture Research (INCAR), Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Pamela Ruíz
- Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Talcahuano, Chile
| | - Emilio Lamazares
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología y Biofármacos, Departamento de Fisiopatología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Fátima Reyes
- Laboratorio de Biofármacos Recombinantes, Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Oliberto Sánchez
- Laboratorio de Biofármacos Recombinantes, Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Jorge R. Toledo
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología y Biofármacos, Departamento de Fisiopatología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Jannel Acosta
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología y Biofármacos, Departamento de Fisiopatología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
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Gusev E, Sarapultsev A. Interplay of G-proteins and Serotonin in the Neuroimmunoinflammatory Model of Chronic Stress and Depression: A Narrative Review. Curr Pharm Des 2024; 30:180-214. [PMID: 38151838 DOI: 10.2174/0113816128285578231218102020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This narrative review addresses the clinical challenges in stress-related disorders such as depression, focusing on the interplay between neuron-specific and pro-inflammatory mechanisms at the cellular, cerebral, and systemic levels. OBJECTIVE We aim to elucidate the molecular mechanisms linking chronic psychological stress with low-grade neuroinflammation in key brain regions, particularly focusing on the roles of G proteins and serotonin (5-HT) receptors. METHODS This comprehensive review of the literature employs systematic, narrative, and scoping review methodologies, combined with systemic approaches to general pathology. It synthesizes current research on shared signaling pathways involved in stress responses and neuroinflammation, including calcium-dependent mechanisms, mitogen-activated protein kinases, and key transcription factors like NF-κB and p53. The review also focuses on the role of G protein-coupled neurotransmitter receptors (GPCRs) in immune and pro-inflammatory responses, with a detailed analysis of how 13 of 14 types of human 5-HT receptors contribute to depression and neuroinflammation. RESULTS The review reveals a complex interaction between neurotransmitter signals and immunoinflammatory responses in stress-related pathologies. It highlights the role of GPCRs and canonical inflammatory mediators in influencing both pathological and physiological processes in nervous tissue. CONCLUSION The proposed Neuroimmunoinflammatory Stress Model (NIIS Model) suggests that proinflammatory signaling pathways, mediated by metabotropic and ionotropic neurotransmitter receptors, are crucial for maintaining neuronal homeostasis. Chronic mental stress can disrupt this balance, leading to increased pro-inflammatory states in the brain and contributing to neuropsychiatric and psychosomatic disorders, including depression. This model integrates traditional theories on depression pathogenesis, offering a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted nature of the condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgenii Gusev
- Laboratory of Inflammation Immunology, Institute of Immunology and Physiology, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, Ekaterinburg 620049, Russia
- Russian-Chinese Education and Research Center of System Pathology, South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk 454080, Russia
| | - Alexey Sarapultsev
- Russian-Chinese Education and Research Center of System Pathology, South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk 454080, Russia
- Laboratory of Immunopathophysiology, Institute of Immunology and Physiology, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, Ekaterinburg 620049, Russia
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Zhang X, Shen G, Guo Y, Zhang X, Zhao Y, Li W, Wang Q, Zhao Y. Genome-wide identification and analysis of the MAPKK gene family in Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) and its response to bacterial challenge. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 143:109132. [PMID: 37797870 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2023.109132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Protein kinases of the MAPK cascade family (MAPKKK-MAPKK-MAPK) play an important role in the growth and development of organisms and their response to environmental stress. The MAPKK gene families in the Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis have never been systematically analyzed. We identified four MAPKK family genes, EsMEK, EsMAPKK4, EsMAPKK6, and EsMAPKK7, in E. sinensis and analyzed their molecular features and expression patterns. All four MAPKK genes are composed of multiple exons and introns, all have a conserved domain, and all have 10 conserved motifs (except EsMEK and EsMAPKK7 which are missing motif 10). The four MAPKK genes are on four different chromosomes and have no gene duplications, and the results of phylogenetic tree analysis indicate that the ESMAPKK gene family is highly conserved evolutionarily. The EsMAPKK genes were widely expressed in all the examined tissues with higher expression in hemocytes, hepatopancreas, and gills. Notably, EsMAPKK6 was also highly expressed in the ovary. Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection significantly increased the mRNA levels of the EsMAPKK genes in hemocytes. Further disruption of the EsMAPKK gene family expression affects the expression levels of multiple antimicrobial peptides in hemocytes. Our experimental results provide a starting point for a more in-depth study of the innate immunity functional roles of members of the MAPKK gene families in E. sinensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaona Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guoqing Shen
- School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanan Guo
- School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuehong Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiwei Li
- School of Aquatic and Life Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qun Wang
- School of Aquatic and Life Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yunlong Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.
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Shi Y, Ruan H, Xu Y, Zou C. Cholesterol, Eukaryotic Lipid Domains, and an Evolutionary Perspective of Transmembrane Signaling. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2023; 15:a041418. [PMID: 37604587 PMCID: PMC10626259 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Transmembrane signaling is essential for complex life forms. Communication across a bilayer lipid barrier is elaborately organized to convey precision and to fine-tune strength. Looking back, the steps that it has taken to enable this seemingly mundane errand are breathtaking, and with our survivorship bias, Darwinian. While this review is to discuss eukaryotic membranes in biological functions for coherence and theoretical footing, we are obliged to follow the evolution of the biological membrane through time. Such a visit is necessary for our hypothesis that constraints posited on cellular functions are mainly via the biomembrane, and relaxation thereof in favor of a coordinating membrane environment is the molecular basis for the development of highly specialized cellular activities, among them transmembrane signaling. We discuss the obligatory paths that have led to eukaryotic membrane formation, its intrinsic ability to signal, and how it set up the platform for later integration of protein-based receptor activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Shi
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Tsinghua-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Medicine; Institute for Immunology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Snyder Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Hefei Ruan
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Tsinghua-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Medicine; Institute for Immunology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yanni Xu
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Tsinghua-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Medicine; Institute for Immunology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Chunlin Zou
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Tsinghua-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Medicine; Institute for Immunology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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Wu X, Zhou C, Li X, Lin J, Aguila LCR, Wen F, Wang L. Genome-wide identification and immune response analysis of mitogen-activated protein kinase cascades in tea geometrid, Ectropis grisescens Warren (Geometridae, Lepidoptera). BMC Genomics 2023; 24:344. [PMID: 37349677 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09446-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tea geometrid Ectropis grisescens (Geometridae: Lepidoptera), is one of the most destructive defoliators in tea plantations in China. The MAPK cascade is known to be an evolutionarily conserved signaling module, acting as pivotal cores of host-pathogen interactions. Although the chromosome-level reference genome of E. grisescens was published, the whole MAPK cascade gene family has not been fully identified yet, especially the expression patterns of MAPK cascade gene family members upon an ecological biopesticide, Metarhizium anisopliae, remains to be understood. RESULTS In this study, we have identified 19 MAPK cascade gene family members in E. grisescens, including 5 MAPKs, 4 MAP2Ks, 8 MAP3Ks, and 2 MAP4Ks. The molecular evolution characteristics of the whole Eg-MAPK cascade gene family, including gene structures, protein structural organization, chromosomal localization, orthologs construction and gene duplication, were systematically investigated. Our results showed that the members of Eg-MAPK cascade gene family were unevenly distributed in 13 chromosomes, and the clustered members in each group shared similar structures of the genes and proteins. Gene expression data revealed that MAPK cascade genes were expressed in all four developmental stages of E. grisescens and were fairly and evenly distributed in four different larva tissues. Importantly, most of the MAPK cascade genes were induced or constitutively expressed upon M. anisopliae infection. CONCLUSIONS In summary, the present study was one of few studies on MAPK cascade gene in E. grisescens. The characterization and expression profiles of Eg-MAPK cascades genes might help develop new ecofriendly biological insecticides to protect tea trees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaozhu Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops; Key Laboratory of Biopesticides and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
- School of Biological Science and Food Engineering, Chuzhou University, Chuzhou, 239099, China
| | - Chenghua Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops; Key Laboratory of Biopesticides and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Xiaofang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops; Key Laboratory of Biopesticides and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Jingyi Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops; Key Laboratory of Biopesticides and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Luis Carlos Ramos Aguila
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops; Key Laboratory of Biopesticides and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Feng Wen
- School of Pharmacy and Life Science, Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, 332000, China.
| | - Liande Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops; Key Laboratory of Biopesticides and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China.
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Sala-Gaston J, Costa-Sastre L, Pedrazza L, Martinez-Martinez A, Ventura F, Rosa JL. Regulation of MAPK Signaling Pathways by the Large HERC Ubiquitin Ligases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054906. [PMID: 36902336 PMCID: PMC10003351 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein ubiquitylation acts as a complex cell signaling mechanism since the formation of different mono- and polyubiquitin chains determines the substrate's fate in the cell. E3 ligases define the specificity of this reaction by catalyzing the attachment of ubiquitin to the substrate protein. Thus, they represent an important regulatory component of this process. Large HERC ubiquitin ligases belong to the HECT E3 protein family and comprise HERC1 and HERC2 proteins. The physiological relevance of the Large HERCs is illustrated by their involvement in different pathologies, with a notable implication in cancer and neurological diseases. Understanding how cell signaling is altered in these different pathologies is important for uncovering novel therapeutic targets. To this end, this review summarizes the recent advances in how the Large HERCs regulate the MAPK signaling pathways. In addition, we emphasize the potential therapeutic strategies that could be followed to ameliorate the alterations in MAPK signaling caused by Large HERC deficiencies, focusing on the use of specific inhibitors and proteolysis-targeting chimeras.
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Wu Y, Zhao X, Xiang Y, Guo M, Li C. Evolution of mitogen-activated protein kinase family and their immune function in Apostichopus japonicus. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 139:104586. [PMID: 36347398 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2022.104586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The mitogen-activated protein kinase family plays an important role in cell differentiation, growth, proliferation, and survival. However, the current research on the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family in invertebrates is limited to the individual gene, and the analysis has not been conducted at the family level. In the present study, echinoderm MAPK family was identified by genomic screening, and five members, including three ERK subfamily members, one c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) subfamily, and one p38-MAPK member were detected. Phylogenetic analysis showed that three MAPK subfamilies were separated into three separated clusters, and ERK subfamily appeared earlier than the other two subfamilies. Synteny analysis revealed that the p38 subfamily might be derived from the continuous gene duplication events of MAPK14 subfamily in invertebrates, which displayed genome expansion via gene duplication in vertebrates. The role of MAPK family in echinoderm immune defense was determined by investigating the expression profiles of MAPKs in Vibrio splendidus-challenged Apostichopus japonicus and LPS-exposed coelomocytes. The result showed that five MAPK members displayed induced expression profiles both in vitro and in vivo, and the peak expression was detected at different time points. Our study provides new insights into the evolutionary history of the MAPK family and show the similar immune function among MAPK members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanlan Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, PR China
| | - Xuelin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, PR China
| | - Yangxi Xiang
- State Key Laboratory for Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, PR China.
| | - Ming Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquatic Animal Disease Control and Healthy Culture, PR China
| | - Chenghua Li
- State Key Laboratory for Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Ningbo University, PR China.
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Shabardina V, Charria PR, Saborido GB, Diaz-Mora E, Cuenda A, Ruiz-Trillo I, Sanz-Ezquerro JJ. Evolutionary analysis of p38 stress-activated kinases in unicellular relatives of animals suggests an ancestral function in osmotic stress. Open Biol 2023; 13:220314. [PMID: 36651171 PMCID: PMC9846432 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.220314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
p38 kinases are key elements of the cellular stress response in animals. They mediate the cell response to a multitude of stress stimuli, from osmotic shock to inflammation and oncogenes. However, it is unknown how such diversity of function in stress evolved in this kinase subfamily. Here, we show that the p38 kinase was already present in a common ancestor of animals and fungi. Later, in animals, it diversified into three JNK kinases and four p38 kinases. Moreover, we identified a fifth p38 paralog in fishes and amphibians. Our analysis shows that each p38 paralog has specific amino acid substitutions around the hinge point, a region between the N-terminal and C-terminal protein domains. We showed that this region can be used to distinguish between individual paralogs and predict their specificity. Finally, we showed that the response to hyperosmotic stress in Capsaspora owczarzaki, a close unicellular relative of animals, follows a phosphorylation-dephosphorylation pattern typical of p38 kinases. At the same time, Capsaspora's cells upregulate the expression of GPD1 protein resembling an osmotic stress response in yeasts. Overall, our results show that the ancestral p38 stress pathway originated in the root of opisthokonts, most likely as a cell's reaction to salinity change in the environment. In animals, the pathway became more complex and incorporated more stimuli and downstream targets due to the p38 sequence evolution in the docking and substrate binding sites around the hinge region. This study improves our understanding of p38 evolution and opens new perspectives for p38 research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Shabardina
- Institut de Biologia Evolutiva (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta, 37-49, 08003, Barcelona
| | - Pedro Romero Charria
- Institut de Biologia Evolutiva (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta, 37-49, 08003, Barcelona
| | - Gonzalo Bercedo Saborido
- Institut de Biologia Evolutiva (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta, 37-49, 08003, Barcelona
| | - Ester Diaz-Mora
- Department of Immunology and Oncology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología/Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Cuenda
- Department of Immunology and Oncology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología/Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Iñaki Ruiz-Trillo
- Institut de Biologia Evolutiva (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta, 37-49, 08003, Barcelona,Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, Institute for Research on Biodiversity, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain,ICREA, Pg. Lluís Companys 23, 08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan Jose Sanz-Ezquerro
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología/Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
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Takan I, Karakülah G, Louka A, Pavlopoulou A. "In the light of evolution:" keratins as exceptional tumor biomarkers. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15099. [PMID: 36949761 PMCID: PMC10026720 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Keratins (KRTs) are the intermediate filament-forming proteins of epithelial cells, classified, according to their physicochemical properties, into "soft" and "hard" keratins. They have a key role in several aspects of cancer pathophysiology, including cancer cell invasion and metastasis, and several members of the KRT family serve as diagnostic or prognostic markers. The human genome contains both, functional KRT genes and non-functional KRT pseudogenes, arranged in two uninterrupted clusters on chromosomes 12 and 17. This characteristic renders KRTs ideal for evolutionary studies. Herein, comprehensive phylogenetic analyses of KRT homologous proteins in the genomes of major taxonomic divisions were performed, so as to fill a gap in knowledge regarding the functional implications of keratins in cancer biology among tumor-bearing species. The differential expression profiles of KRTs in diverse types of cancers were investigated by analyzing high-throughput data, as well. Several KRT genes, including the phylogenetically conserved ones, were found to be deregulated across several cancer types and to participate in a common protein-protein interaction network. This indicates that, at least in cancer-bearing species, these genes might have been under similar evolutionary pressure, perhaps to support the same important function(s). In addition, semantic relations between KRTs and cancer were detected through extensive text mining. Therefore, by applying an integrative in silico pipeline, the evolutionary history of KRTs was reconstructed in the context of cancer, and the potential of using non-mammalian species as model organisms in functional studies on human cancer-associated KRT genes was uncovered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Işıl Takan
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Izmir, Turkey
- Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Gökhan Karakülah
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Izmir, Turkey
- Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Aikaterini Louka
- DNA Damage Laboratory, Department of Physics, School of Applied Mathematical and Physical Sciences, National Technical University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Section of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, School of Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasia Pavlopoulou
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Izmir, Turkey
- Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey
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11
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Precise timing of ERK phosphorylation/dephosphorylation determines the outcome of trial repetition during long-term memory formation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2210478119. [PMID: 36161885 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2210478119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Two-trial learning in Aplysia reveals nonlinear interactions between training trials: A single trial has no effect, but two precisely spaced trials induce long-term memory. Extracellularly regulated kinase (ERK) activity is essential for intertrial interactions, but the mechanism remains unresolved. A combination of immunochemical and optogenetic tools reveals unexpected complexity of ERK signaling during the induction of long-term synaptic facilitation by two spaced pulses of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5HT). Specifically, dual ERK phosphorylation at its activating TxY motif is accompanied by dephosphorylation at the pT position, leading to a buildup of inactive, singly phosphorylated pY-ERK. Phosphorylation and dephosphorylation occur concurrently but scale differently with varying 5HT concentrations, predicting that mixed two-trial protocols involving both "strong" and "weak" 5HT pulses should be sensitive to the precise order and timing of trials. Indeed, long-term synaptic facilitation is induced only when weak pulses precede strong, not vice versa. This may represent a physiological mechanism to prioritize memory of escalating threats.
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12
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Park HB, Baek KH. E3 ligases and deubiquitinating enzymes regulating the MAPK signaling pathway in cancers. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188736. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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13
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Hu Z, Song H, Feng J, Zhou C, Yang MJ, Shi P, Yu ZL, Li YR, Guo YJ, Li HZ, Wang SY, Xue JH, Zhang T. Genome-wide analysis of the hard clam mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase gene family and their transcriptional profiles under abiotic stress. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 176:105606. [PMID: 35316650 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2022.105606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MAPKK) was the hub component of the Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway and played an important role in the cellular response to environmental stress. In this study, we identified five MmMAPKK genes in hard clam Mercenaria mercenaria and found that all MmMAPKK genes contain a conserved protein kinase domain. The MmMAPKK genes derived from dispersed duplication were unevenly distributed in three chromosomes. Although the genome size was highly variable among different bivalve mollusks, the number of MAPKK genes was relatively stable. Phylogenetic analysis showed that bivalve MAPKK was divided into five clades, and amino acid sequences of MAPKK from the same clade consisted of similar conserved motifs. The syntenic analysis demonstrated that MmMAPKKs had the highest number of homologous gene pairs with Cyclina sinensis. MmMAPKKs were ubiquitously expressed in all examined tissues, and all MmMAPKK genes were highly expressed in the ovary. MmMAPKK genes showed stress-specific expression under envirionmental stress. MmMAPKK7 showed an upregulated in heat and heat plus hypoxia stress while MmMAPKK1 showed an upregulated in hypoxic stress groups. Dynamic changes of MmMAPKK7, MmMAPKK6 and MmMAPKK1 in hemocytes were observed in response to air exposure. MmMAPKK4 significantly downregulated after air exposure for five days. MmMAPKK7 and MmMAPKK6 might participate in adaptation to low salinity stress. Our results provided useful information about MAPKK and laid a foundation for further studies on MAPKK evolution in the bivalve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237, China; Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; CAS Engineering Laboratory for Marine Ranching, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Hao Song
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237, China; Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; CAS Engineering Laboratory for Marine Ranching, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Jie Feng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237, China; Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; CAS Engineering Laboratory for Marine Ranching, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Cong Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237, China; Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; CAS Engineering Laboratory for Marine Ranching, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Mei-Jie Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237, China; Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; CAS Engineering Laboratory for Marine Ranching, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Pu Shi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237, China; Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; CAS Engineering Laboratory for Marine Ranching, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Zheng-Lin Yu
- Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, 264003, China
| | - Yong-Ren Li
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Aqua-ecology and Aquaculture, Fisheries College, Tianjin Agricultural University, Tianjin, 300384, China
| | - Yong-Jun Guo
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Aqua-ecology and Aquaculture, Fisheries College, Tianjin Agricultural University, Tianjin, 300384, China
| | - Hai-Zhou Li
- Shandong Fu Han Ocean Sci-Tech Co., Ltd, Haiyang, 265100, China
| | - Su-Yao Wang
- Qingdao No.58 High School Shandong Province, Qingdao, 262000, China
| | - Jiang-Han Xue
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518172, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; Laboratory for Marine Ecology and Environmental Science, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266237, China; Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; CAS Engineering Laboratory for Marine Ranching, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, 266071, China; Shandong Province Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Qingdao, 266071, China.
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14
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Greenblatt MB, Shim JH, Bok S, Kim JM. The Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Pathway in Osteoblasts. J Bone Metab 2022; 29:1-15. [PMID: 35325978 PMCID: PMC8948490 DOI: 10.11005/jbm.2022.29.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) are evolutionarily ancient signal transducers of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family that have long been linked to the regulation of osteoblast differentiation and bone formation. Here, we review the physiological functions, biochemistry, upstream activators, and downstream substrates of the ERK pathway. ERK is activated in skeletal progenitors and regulates osteoblast differentiation and skeletal mineralization, with ERK serving as a key regulator of Runt-related transcription factor 2, a critical transcription factor for osteoblast differentiation. However, new evidence highlights context-dependent changes in ERK MAPK pathway wiring and function, indicating a broader set of physiological roles associated with changes in ERK pathway components or substrates. Consistent with this importance, several human skeletal dysplasias are associated with dysregulation of the ERK MAPK pathway, including neurofibromatosis type 1 and Noonan syndrome. The continually broadening array of drugs targeting the ERK pathway for the treatment of cancer and other disorders makes it increasingly important to understand how interference with this pathway impacts bone metabolism, highlighting the importance of mouse studies to model the role of the ERK MAPK pathway in bone formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew B. Greenblatt
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical, New York, NY,
USA
- Research Division, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY,
USA
| | - Jae-Hyuck Shim
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA,
USA
- Horae Gene Therapy Center, and Li Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA,
USA
| | - Seoyeon Bok
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical, New York, NY,
USA
| | - Jung-Min Kim
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA,
USA
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15
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Viscardi LH, Imparato DO, Bortolini MC, Dalmolin RJS. Ionotropic Receptors as a Driving Force behind Human Synapse Establishment. Mol Biol Evol 2021; 38:735-744. [PMID: 32986821 PMCID: PMC7947827 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msaa252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The origin of nervous systems is a main theme in biology and its mechanisms are largely underlied by synaptic neurotransmission. One problem to explain synapse establishment is that synaptic orthologs are present in multiple aneural organisms. We questioned how the interactions among these elements evolved and to what extent it relates to our understanding of the nervous systems complexity. We identified the human neurotransmission gene network based on genes present in GABAergic, glutamatergic, serotonergic, dopaminergic, and cholinergic systems. The network comprises 321 human genes, 83 of which act exclusively in the nervous system. We reconstructed the evolutionary scenario of synapse emergence by looking for synaptic orthologs in 476 eukaryotes. The Human–Cnidaria common ancestor displayed a massive emergence of neuroexclusive genes, mainly ionotropic receptors, which might have been crucial to the evolution of synapses. Very few synaptic genes had their origin after the Human–Cnidaria common ancestor. We also identified a higher abundance of synaptic proteins in vertebrates, which suggests an increase in the synaptic network complexity of those organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Henriques Viscardi
- Departamento de Genética, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Danilo Oliveira Imparato
- Bioinformatics Multidisciplinary Environment-BioME, IMD, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Maria Cátira Bortolini
- Departamento de Genética, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Juliani Siqueira Dalmolin
- Bioinformatics Multidisciplinary Environment-BioME, IMD, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil.,Department of Biochemistry, CB, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
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16
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Abstract
Meaning has traditionally been regarded as a problem for philosophers and psychologists. Advances in cognitive science since the early 1960s, however, broadened discussions of meaning, or more technically, the semantics of perceptions, representations, and/or actions, into biology and computer science. Here, we review the notion of “meaning” as it applies to living systems, and argue that the question of how living systems create meaning unifies the biological and cognitive sciences across both organizational and temporal scales.
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17
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p38 MAPK Pathway in the Heart: New Insights in Health and Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21197412. [PMID: 33049962 PMCID: PMC7582802 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The p38 mitogen-activated kinase (MAPK) family controls cell adaptation to stress stimuli. p38 function has been studied in depth in relation to cardiac development and function. The first isoform demonstrated to play an important role in cardiac development was p38α; however, all p38 family members are now known to collaborate in different aspects of cardiomyocyte differentiation and growth. p38 family members have been proposed to have protective and deleterious actions in the stressed myocardium, with the outcome of their action in part dependent on the model system under study and the identity of the activated p38 family member. Most studies to date have been performed with inhibitors that are not isoform-specific, and, consequently, knowledge remains very limited about how the different p38s control cardiac physiology and respond to cardiac stress. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the role of the p38 pathway in cardiac physiology and discuss recent advances in the field.
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18
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Abstract
With advancements of modern biophysical tools and superresolution imaging, cell biology is entering a new phase of research with technological power fitting for membrane dynamics analyses. However, our current knowledge base of cellular signaling events is mostly built on a network of protein interactions, which is incompatible with the essential roles of membrane activities in those events. The lack of a theoretical platform is rendering biophysical analyses of membrane biology supplementary to the protein-centric paradigm. We hypothesize a framework of signaling events mediated by lipid dynamics and argue that this is the evolutionarily obligatory developmental path of cellular complexity buildup. In this framework, receptors are the late comers, integrating into the pre-existing membrane based signaling events using their lipid interface as the point of entry. We further suggest that the reason for cell surface receptors to remain silent at the resting state is via the suppression effects of their surrounding lipids. The avoidance of such a suppression, via ligand binding or lipid domain disruption, enables the receptors to autonomously integrate themselves into the preexisting networks of signaling cascades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Shi
- Tsinghua-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.,Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.,Institute for Immunology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Lab for Immunological Research on Chronic Diseases, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.,Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Snyder Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Hefei Ruan
- Tsinghua-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.,Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.,Institute for Immunology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Lab for Immunological Research on Chronic Diseases, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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19
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Asih PR, Prikas E, Stefanoska K, Tan ARP, Ahel HI, Ittner A. Functions of p38 MAP Kinases in the Central Nervous System. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:570586. [PMID: 33013322 PMCID: PMC7509416 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.570586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases are a central component in signaling networks in a multitude of mammalian cell types. This review covers recent advances on specific functions of p38 MAP kinases in cells of the central nervous system. Unique and specific functions of the four mammalian p38 kinases are found in all major cell types in the brain. Mechanisms of p38 activation and downstream phosphorylation substrates in these different contexts are outlined and how they contribute to functions of p38 in physiological and under disease conditions. Results in different model organisms demonstrated that p38 kinases are involved in cognitive functions, including functions related to anxiety, addiction behavior, neurotoxicity, neurodegeneration, and decision making. Finally, the role of p38 kinases in psychiatric and neurological conditions and the current progress on therapeutic inhibitors targeting p38 kinases are covered and implicate p38 kinases in a multitude of CNS-related physiological and disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prita R Asih
- Dementia Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Emmanuel Prikas
- Dementia Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kristie Stefanoska
- Dementia Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Amanda R P Tan
- Dementia Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Holly I Ahel
- Dementia Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Arne Ittner
- Dementia Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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20
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ERK2 Phosphorylates PFAS to Mediate Posttranslational Control of De Novo Purine Synthesis. Mol Cell 2020; 78:1178-1191.e6. [PMID: 32485148 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2020.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The RAS-ERK/MAPK (RAS-extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase) pathway integrates growth-promoting signals to stimulate cell growth and proliferation, at least in part, through alterations in metabolic gene expression. However, examples of direct and rapid regulation of the metabolic pathways by the RAS-ERK pathway remain elusive. We find that physiological and oncogenic ERK signaling activation leads to acute metabolic flux stimulation through the de novo purine synthesis pathway, thereby increasing building block availability for RNA and DNA synthesis, which is required for cell growth and proliferation. We demonstrate that ERK2, but not ERK1, phosphorylates the purine synthesis enzyme PFAS (phosphoribosylformylglycinamidine synthase) at T619 in cells to stimulate de novo purine synthesis. The expression of nonphosphorylatable PFAS (T619A) decreases purine synthesis, RAS-dependent cancer cell-colony formation, and tumor growth. Thus, ERK2-mediated PFAS phosphorylation facilitates the increase in nucleic acid synthesis required for anabolic cell growth and proliferation.
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21
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Qu F, Xu W, Deng Z, Xie Y, Tang J, Chen Z, Luo W, Xiong D, Zhao D, Fang J, Zhou Z, Liu Z. Fish c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase (JNK) Pathway Is Involved in Bacterial MDP-Induced Intestinal Inflammation. Front Immunol 2020; 11:459. [PMID: 32292404 PMCID: PMC7134542 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The c-Jun NH2-terminal kinases (JNKs) are an evolutionarily conserved family of serine/threonine protein kinases that play critical roles in the pathological process in species ranging from insects to mammals. However, the function of JNKs in bacteria-induced intestinal inflammation is still poorly understood. In this study, a fish JNK (CiJNK) pathway was identified, and its potential roles in bacterial muramyl dipeptide (MDP)-induced intestinal inflammation were investigated in Ctenopharyngodon idella. The present CiJNK was found to possess a conserved dual phosphorylation motif (TPY) in a serine/threonine protein kinase (S_TKc) domain and to contain several potential immune-related transcription factor binding sites, including nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), activating protein 1 (AP-1), and signal transducer and activator of downstream transcription 3 (STAT3), in its 5′ flanking regions. Quantitative real-time PCR results revealed that the mRNA levels of the JNK pathway genes in the intestine were significantly upregulated after challenge with a bacterial pathogen (Aeromonas hydrophila) and MDP in a time-dependent manner. Additionally, the JNK pathway was found to be involved in regulating the MDP-induced expression levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α) in the intestine of grass carp. Moreover, the nutritional dipeptide carnosine and Ala–Gln could effectively alleviate MDP-induced intestinal inflammation by regulating the intestinal expression of JNK pathway genes and inflammatory cytokines in grass carp. Finally, fluorescence microscopy and dual-reporter assays indicated that CiJNK could associate with CiMKK4 and CiMKK7 involved in the regulation of the AP-1 signaling pathway. Overall, these results provide the first experimental demonstration that the JNK signaling pathway is involved in the intestinal immune response to MDP challenge in C. idella, which may provide new insight into the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fufa Qu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Quality Control of Aquatic Animals, Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Changsha University, Changsha, China
| | - Wenqian Xu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Quality Control of Aquatic Animals, Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Changsha University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhangren Deng
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Quality Control of Aquatic Animals, Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Changsha University, Changsha, China
| | - Yifang Xie
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Quality Control of Aquatic Animals, Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Changsha University, Changsha, China
| | - Jianzhou Tang
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Quality Control of Aquatic Animals, Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Changsha University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhiguo Chen
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Quality Control of Aquatic Animals, Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Changsha University, Changsha, China
| | - Wenjie Luo
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Quality Control of Aquatic Animals, Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Changsha University, Changsha, China
| | - Ding Xiong
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Quality Control of Aquatic Animals, Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Changsha University, Changsha, China
| | - Dafang Zhao
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Quality Control of Aquatic Animals, Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Changsha University, Changsha, China
| | - Jiamei Fang
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Quality Control of Aquatic Animals, Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Changsha University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhigang Zhou
- Key Laboratory for Feed Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen Liu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Quality Control of Aquatic Animals, Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Changsha University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory for Feed Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
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22
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Wang S, Li H, Weng S, Li C, He J. White Spot Syndrome Virus Establishes a Novel IE1/JNK/c-Jun Positive Feedback Loop to Drive Replication. iScience 2019; 23:100752. [PMID: 31884168 PMCID: PMC6941876 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2019.100752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Viruses need to hijack and manipulate host proteins to guarantee their replication. Herein, we uncovered that the DNA virus white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) established a novel positive feedback loop by hijacking the host JNK pathway via its immediate-early 1 (IE1) protein to drive replication. Specifically, the WSSV IE1 bound to host JNK, and enhanced JNK autoactivation by autophosphorylation, and in turn, elevated JNK kinase activity to its substrate c-Jun and induced IE1, which resulted in a viral gene-mediated positive feedback loop. Moreover, the activation of this loop is able to induce wsv056, wsv249, and wsv403, in addition to IE1 itself. Disruption of this loop during WSSV infection by knockdown of JNK, c-Jun or IE1 led to an increased survival rate and lower viral burdens in shrimp. Taken together, this loop may provide a potential target for the development of specific antiviral strategies or agents against WSSV infection. Lvc-Jun promotes WSSV IE1 induction via interacting with the promoter of IE1 gene The interaction of IE1-LvJNK enhances the autophosphorylation of LvJNK IE1 hijacks the JNK/c-Jun cascade to create a feedback loop to drive replication wsv056, wsv249, and wsv403 are also benefit from this positive feedback loop
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol/ Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, P. R. China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, P. R. China
| | - Haoyang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol/ Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, P. R. China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, P. R. China
| | - Shaoping Weng
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol/ Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, P. R. China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, P. R. China
| | - Chaozheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol/ Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, P. R. China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, P. R. China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, P. R. China.
| | - Jianguo He
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol/ Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), School of Marine Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, P. R. China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, P. R. China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, P. R. China.
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Krawczyk MC, Millan J, Blake MG, Feld M, Boccia MM. Relevance of ERK1/2 Post-retrieval Participation on Memory Processes: Insights in Their Particular Role on Reconsolidation and Persistence of Memories. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:95. [PMID: 31057366 PMCID: PMC6478671 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Back in 1968, Misanin and his group posited that reactivation of consolidated memories could support changes in that trace, similar to what might happen during the consolidation process. Not until 2000, when Nader et al. (2000) studied the behavioral effect of a protein synthesis inhibitor on retrieved memories, could this previous statement be taken under consideration once again; suggesting that consolidated memories can become labile after reactivation. The process of strengthening after memory labilization was named memory reconsolidation. In recent years, many studies pointed towards a critical participation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs) pathway in different memory processes (e.g., consolidation, extinction, reconsolidation, among others). In this review article, we will focus on how this system might be modulating the processes triggered after retrieval of well-consolidated memories in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria C Krawczyk
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología de los Procesos de Memoria, Cátedra de Farmacología, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Julieta Millan
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología de los Procesos de Memoria, Cátedra de Farmacología, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariano G Blake
- Instituto de Fisiología y Biofísica (IFIBIO UBA-CONICET), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariana Feld
- CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), CABA, Argentina
| | - Mariano M Boccia
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología de los Procesos de Memoria, Cátedra de Farmacología, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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24
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Wang W, Shen T, Dong B, Creighton CJ, Meng Y, Zhou W, Shi Q, Zhou H, Zhang Y, Moore DD, Yang F. MAPK4 overexpression promotes tumor progression via noncanonical activation of AKT/mTOR signaling. J Clin Invest 2019; 129:1015-1029. [PMID: 30688659 DOI: 10.1172/jci97712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
MAPK4 is an atypical MAPK. Currently, little is known about its physiological function and involvement in diseases, including cancer. A comprehensive analysis of 8887 gene expression profiles in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) revealed that MAPK4 overexpression correlates with decreased overall survival, with particularly marked survival effects in patients with lung adenocarcinoma, bladder cancer, low-grade glioma, and thyroid carcinoma. Interestingly, human tumor MAPK4 overexpression also correlated with phosphorylation of AKT, 4E-BP1, and p70S6K, independent of the loss of PTEN or mutation of PIK3CA. This led us to examine whether MAPK4 activates the key metabolic, prosurvival, and proliferative kinase AKT and mTORC1 signaling, independent of the canonical PI3K pathway. We found that MAPK4 activated AKT via a novel, concerted mechanism independent of PI3K. Mechanistically, MAPK4 directly bound and activated AKT by phosphorylation of the activation loop at threonine 308. It also activated mTORC2 to phosphorylate AKT at serine 473 for full activation. MAPK4 overexpression induced oncogenic outcomes, including transforming prostate epithelial cells into anchorage-independent growth, and MAPK4 knockdown inhibited cancer cell proliferation, anchorage-independent growth, and xenograft growth. We concluded that MAPK4 can promote cancer by activating the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and that targeting MAPK4 may provide a novel therapeutic approach for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology
| | - Tao Shen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology
| | | | - Chad J Creighton
- Department of Medicine, and.,Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Wolong Zhou
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology
| | - Qing Shi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology
| | - Hao Zhou
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology
| | | | | | - Feng Yang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology
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25
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Zhan Y, Wang Y, Li K, Song J, Chang Y. A novel p38 MAPK gene in the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus (Ajp38) is associated with the immune response to pathogenic challenge. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2018; 81:250-259. [PMID: 30026174 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2018.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Revised: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), an important component of the MAPK signal cascade, is activated by extracellular stimuli, such as environmental stress and pathogenic infection. To clarify the function of p38 MAPKs in echinoderms, we used transcriptome database mining and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) to identify a novel p38 MAPK gene in the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus (here designated Ajp38). The full-length cDNA of Ajp38 was 2231 bp, including an open reading frame encoding 356 amino acid residues. Our sequence analysis indicated that the predicted Ajp38 protein contained the dual phosphorylation site Thr-Gly-Tyr (TGY) and was similar to the p38 homolog in sea urchins. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed that Ajp38 was ubiquitously expressed in all examined tissues of healthy adult A. japonicus, with the highest level of expression identified in the coelomocytes. Ajp38 mRNA expression was significantly upregulated in the coelomocytes 4, 12, and 72 h post in vivo infection with Vibrio splendidus. Our results provide more information about the characteristics and immune functions of the p38 homolog in sea cucumbers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaoyao Zhan
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture & Stock Enhancement in North China's Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116023, PR China
| | - Yi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture & Stock Enhancement in North China's Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116023, PR China
| | - Kaiquan Li
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture & Stock Enhancement in North China's Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116023, PR China
| | - Jian Song
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture & Stock Enhancement in North China's Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116023, PR China
| | - Yaqing Chang
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture & Stock Enhancement in North China's Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116023, PR China.
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Singh T, Agarwal T, Ghosh SK. Identification and functional analysis of a stress-responsive MAPK15 in Entamoeba invadens. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2018; 222:34-44. [PMID: 29730364 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2018.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Revised: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
E. histolytica, a protozoan parasite is the causative agent of amoebiasis in human beings. It exists in two different forms - the motile trophozoite form which undergoes encystation under starvation conditions to form the non-motile, osmotically resistant cyst form. Cellular stresses stimulate several signaling cascades which assist the parasite in counter-attacking such conditions thereby, promoting cell survival. To study the stress-associated pathways activated during encystation, we have used Entamoeba invadens, a reptilian parasite as a model organism because of its ability to undergo encystation under in vitro conditions. In this study, we have identified a stress-responsive MAPK which gets upregulated under different stress conditions, including encystation. Sequence analysis and phylogenetic classification show that the MAPK belongs to the atypical MAPK15 family (henceforth, named EiMAPK15), which does not require an upstream MAPKK for its phosphorylation and activation. The in vitro kinase activity of recombinant EiMAPK15 exhibits its auto-phosphorylation ability. Immunolocalization studies reveal that the protein is mainly cytosolic under normal growing conditions but gets translocated into the nucleus under stress conditions. Knockdown of EiMAPK15 using double-stranded RNA was found to reduce the expression of other encystation-specific genes which in turn, resulted in the decline of the overall encystation efficiency of the cells. Overall, the present work has laid the platform for further characterization of this important MAPK gene in Entamoeba invadens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, West Bengal, 721302, India.
| | - Tarun Agarwal
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, West Bengal, 721302, India.
| | - Sudip Kumar Ghosh
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, West Bengal, 721302, India.
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27
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Matsushita T, Date M, Kano M, Mizumaki K, Tennichi M, Kobayashi T, Hamaguchi Y, Hasegawa M, Fujimoto M, Takehara K. Blockade of p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Inhibits Murine Sclerodermatous Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2017; 187:841-850. [PMID: 28189565 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2016.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Revised: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) of B10.D2 mice into sublethally irradiated BALB/c mice across minor histocompatibility loci is a well-established animal model for human sclerodermatous chronic graft-versus-host disease (Scl-cGVHD) and systemic sclerosis (SSc). The p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is a key regulator of inflammation and cytokine production. Furthermore, the activation of p38 MAPK plays an important role in collagen production in SSc. We investigated the effects of p38 MAPK inhibitor, VX-702, on Scl-cGVHD mice. VX-702 was orally administered to Scl-cGVHD mice from day 7 to 35 after BMT. We compared skin fibrosis of Scl-cGVHD mice between the VX-702-treated group and control group. Allogeneic BMT increased the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK in the skin. The administration of VX-702 attenuated the skin fibrosis of Scl-cGVHD compared to the control mice. Immunohistochemical staining showed that VX-702 suppressed the infiltration of CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and CD11b+ cells into the dermis of Scl-cGVHD mice compared to the control mice. VX-702 attenuated the mRNA expression of extracellular matrix and fibrogenic cytokines, such as IL-6 and IL-13, in the skin of Scl-cGVHD mice. In addition, VX-702 directly inhibited collagen production from fibroblasts in vitro. VX-702 was shown to be a promising candidate for use in treating patients with Scl-cGVHD and SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Matsushita
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan.
| | - Mutsumi Date
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Miyu Kano
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Kie Mizumaki
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Momoko Tennichi
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Tadahiro Kobayashi
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Yasuhito Hamaguchi
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Minoru Hasegawa
- Department of Dermatology, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Manabu Fujimoto
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Takehara
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
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28
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Saba-El-Leil MK, Frémin C, Meloche S. Redundancy in the World of MAP Kinases: All for One. Front Cell Dev Biol 2016; 4:67. [PMID: 27446918 PMCID: PMC4921452 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2016.00067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2016] [Accepted: 06/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The protein kinases ERK1 and ERK2 are the effector components of the prototypical ERK1/2 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathway. This signaling pathway regulates cell proliferation, differentiation and survival, and is essential for embryonic development and cellular homeostasis. ERK1 and ERK2 homologs share similar biochemical properties but whether they exert specific physiological functions or act redundantly has been a matter of controversy. However, recent studies now provide compelling evidence in support of functionally redundant roles of ERK1 and ERK2 in embryonic development and physiology. In this review, we present a critical assessment of the evidence for the functional specificity or redundancy of MAP kinase isoforms. We focus on the ERK1/ERK2 pathway but also discuss the case of JNK and p38 isoforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc K Saba-El-Leil
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Christophe Frémin
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de MontréalMontréal, QC, Canada; Institute for Research in Cancer of MontpellierMontpellier, France
| | - Sylvain Meloche
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de MontréalMontréal, QC, Canada; Molecular Biology Program, Université de MontréalMontréal, QC, Canada; Department of Pharmacology, Université de MontréalMontréal, QC, Canada
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29
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Buscà R, Pouysségur J, Lenormand P. ERK1 and ERK2 Map Kinases: Specific Roles or Functional Redundancy? Front Cell Dev Biol 2016; 4:53. [PMID: 27376062 PMCID: PMC4897767 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2016.00053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The MAP kinase signaling cascade Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK has been involved in a large variety of cellular and physiological processes that are crucial for life. Many pathological situations have been associated to this pathway. More than one isoform has been described at each level of the cascade. In this review we devoted our attention to ERK1 and ERK2, which are the effector kinases of the pathway. Whether ERK1 and ERK2 specify functional differences or are in contrast functionally redundant, constitutes an ongoing debate despite the huge amount of studies performed to date. In this review we compiled data on ERK1 vs. ERK2 gene structures, protein sequences, expression levels, structural and molecular mechanisms of activation and substrate recognition. We have also attempted to perform a rigorous analysis of studies regarding the individual roles of ERK1 and ERK2 by the means of morpholinos, siRNA, and shRNA silencing as well as gene disruption or gene replacement in mice. Finally, we comment on a recent study of gene and protein evolution of ERK isoforms as a distinct approach to address the same question. Our review permits the evaluation of the relevance of published studies in the field especially when measurements of global ERK activation are taken into account. Our analysis favors the hypothesis of ERK1 and ERK2 exhibiting functional redundancy and points to the concept of the global ERK quantity, and not isoform specificity, as being the essential determinant to achieve ERK function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roser Buscà
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR7284, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre A. Lacassagne, Institute for Research on Cancer and Ageing of Nice, University of Nice-Sophia Antipolis Nice, France
| | - Jacques Pouysségur
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR7284, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre A. Lacassagne, Institute for Research on Cancer and Ageing of Nice, University of Nice-Sophia AntipolisNice, France; Centre Scientifique de MonacoMonaco, Monaco
| | - Philippe Lenormand
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR7284, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre A. Lacassagne, Institute for Research on Cancer and Ageing of Nice, University of Nice-Sophia Antipolis Nice, France
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30
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Li X, Ma J, Li Y. Molecular Cloning and Expression Determination ofp38 MAPKfrom the Liver and Kidney of Silver Carp. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2016; 30:224-31. [DOI: 10.1002/jbt.21781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2015] [Revised: 10/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Li
- College of Life Science; Henan Normal University; Xinxiang Henan 453007 People's Republic of China
| | - Junguo Ma
- College of Life Science; Henan Normal University; Xinxiang Henan 453007 People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- College of Life Science; Henan Normal University; Xinxiang Henan 453007 People's Republic of China
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31
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Liu Q, Zou R, Zhou R, Gong C, Wang Z, Cai T, Tan C, Fang J. miR-155 Regulates Glioma Cells Invasion and Chemosensitivity by p38 Isforms In Vitro. J Cell Biochem 2016; 116:1213-21. [PMID: 25535908 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.25073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2013] [Accepted: 12/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The critical role of microRNAs in cancer development has been extensively described. miRNAs are both specific markers and putative therapy targets. miR-155 has been identified to be an oncomiRNA and is highly expressed in several solid cancers, including glioblastoma. In this study, we found that miR-155 is a good potential therapy target. Knockdown of miR-155 sensitizes glioma cells to the chemotherapy of temozolomide (TMZ) by targeting the p38 isoforms mitogen-activated protein kinase 13 [MAPK13, also known as p38 MAPKδ or stress-activated protein kinase 4 (SAPK4)] and MAPK14 (also known as p38 MAPKα). As tumor suppressor genes, MAPK13 and MAPK14 play important roles in lowering the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), inducing cell apoptosis, and slowing the progression of cancer. Knockdown of miR-155 enhanced the anticancer effect of TMZ on glioma by targeting the MAPK13 and MAPK14-mediated oxidative stress and apoptosis, but did not affect the secretion of MMP2 and MMP9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China.,Department of Neurosurgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Ran Zou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Rouxi Zhou
- Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Chaofan Gong
- Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Zhifei Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Tao Cai
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Chaochao Tan
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Jiasheng Fang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
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32
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Yokota T, Wang Y. p38 MAP kinases in the heart. Gene 2015; 575:369-376. [PMID: 26390817 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2015.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2015] [Revised: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
p38 kinases are members of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) with established contribution to a wide range of signaling pathways and different biological processes. The prototypic p38 MAPK, p38α was originally identified as an essential signaling kinase for inflammatory cytokine production Extensive studies have now revealed that p38s have critical roles in many different tissues far beyond immune regulation and inflammatory responses. In this review, we will focus on the structure and molecular biology of p38s, and their specific roles in heart, especially regarding myocyte proliferation, apoptosis, and hypertrophic responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohiro Yokota
- Department of Anesthesiology, Cardiovascular Research Laboratories, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Physiology and Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Laboratories, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Yibin Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Cardiovascular Research Laboratories, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Physiology and Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Laboratories, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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33
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Buscà R, Christen R, Lovern M, Clifford AM, Yue JX, Goss GG, Pouysségur J, Lenormand P. ERK1 and ERK2 present functional redundancy in tetrapods despite higher evolution rate of ERK1. BMC Evol Biol 2015; 15:179. [PMID: 26336084 PMCID: PMC4559367 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-015-0450-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2015] [Accepted: 08/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathway is involved in essential cell processes and it is abnormally activated in ~30 % of cancers and cognitive disorders. Two ERK isoforms have been described, ERK1 and ERK2; ERK2 being regarded by many as essential due to the embryonic lethality of ERK2 knock-out mice, whereas mice lacking ERK1 are viable and fertile. The controversial question of why we have two ERKs and whether they have differential functions or display functional redundancy has not yet been resolved. Results To investigate this question we used a novel approach based on comparing the evolution of ERK isoforms’ sequences and protein expression across vertebrates. We gathered and cloned erk1 and erk2 coding sequences and we examined protein expression of isoforms in brain extracts in all major clades of vertebrate evolution. For the first time, we measured each isoforms’ relative protein level in phylogenetically distant animals using anti-phospho antibodies targeting active ERKs. We demonstrate that squamates (lizards, snakes and geckos), despite having both genes, do not express ERK2 protein whereas other tetrapods either do not express ERK1 protein or have lost the erk1 gene. To demonstrate the unexpected squamates’ lack of ERK2 expression, we targeted each ERK isoform in lizard primary fibroblasts by specific siRNA-mediated knockdown. We also found that undetectable expression of ERK2 in lizard is compensated by a greater strength of lizard’s erk1 promoter. Finally, phylogenetic analysis revealed that ERK1 amino acids sequences evolve faster than ERK2’s likely due to genomic factors, including a large difference in gene size, rather than from functional differences since amino acids essential for function are kept invariant. Conclusions ERK isoforms appeared by a single gene duplication at the onset of vertebrate evolution at least 400 Mya. Our results demonstrate that tetrapods can live by expressing either one or both ERK isoforms, supporting the notion that ERK1/2 act interchangeably. Substrate recognition sites and catalytic cleft are nearly invariant in all vertebrate ERKs further suggesting functional redundancy. We suggest that future ERK research should shift towards understanding the role and regulation of total ERK quantity, especially in light of newly described erk2 gene amplification identified in tumors. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12862-015-0450-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roser Buscà
- Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), University of Nice-Sophia Antipolis, CNRS UMR7284, INSERM, Centre A. Lacassagne, Nice, 06189, France
| | - Richard Christen
- CNRS UMR 7138, Systématique-Adaptation-Evolution, Université de Nice-Sophia Antipolis, 06108, Nice Cedex 2, France.,Université de Nice-Sophia Antipolis Nice UMR 7138, Systématique-Adaptation-Evolution, 06108, Nice Cedex 2, France
| | - Matthew Lovern
- Department of Zoology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Alexander M Clifford
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E9, Canada.,Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre, Bamfield, BC, V0R 1B0, Canada
| | - Jia-Xing Yue
- Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), University of Nice-Sophia Antipolis, CNRS UMR7284, INSERM, Centre A. Lacassagne, Nice, 06189, France
| | - Greg G Goss
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E9, Canada.,Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre, Bamfield, BC, V0R 1B0, Canada
| | - Jacques Pouysségur
- Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), University of Nice-Sophia Antipolis, CNRS UMR7284, INSERM, Centre A. Lacassagne, Nice, 06189, France.,Centre Scientifique de Monaco (CSM), ᅟ, Monaco
| | - Philippe Lenormand
- Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), University of Nice-Sophia Antipolis, CNRS UMR7284, INSERM, Centre A. Lacassagne, Nice, 06189, France.
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34
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Turbyville TJ, Holderfield M. Progress in targeting RAF kinases for cancer therapy. Per Med 2015; 12:183-186. [PMID: 29771643 DOI: 10.2217/pme.15.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Turbyville
- Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, 8560 Progress Drive, Frederick, MD 21701, USA
| | - Matthew Holderfield
- Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, 8560 Progress Drive, Frederick, MD 21701, USA
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Yoshizaki H, Okuda S. Large-scale analysis of the evolutionary histories of phosphorylation motifs in the human genome. Gigascience 2015; 4:21. [PMID: 25949811 PMCID: PMC4422407 DOI: 10.1186/s13742-015-0057-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2014] [Accepted: 04/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Protein phosphorylation is a post-translational modification that is essential for a wide range of eukaryotic physiological processes, such as transcription, cytoskeletal regulation, cell metabolism, and signal transduction. Although more than 200,000 phosphorylation sites have been reported in the human genome, the physiological roles of most remain unknown. In this study, we provide some useful datasets for the assessment of functional phosphorylation signaling using a comparative genome analysis of phosphorylation motifs. Findings We described the evolutionary patterns of conservation of these and comparative genomic data for 93,101 phosphosites and 1,003,756 potential phosphosites in human phosphomotifs, using 178 phosphomotifs identified in a previous study that occupied 69% of known phosphosites in public databases. Comparative genomic analyses were performed using genomes from nine species from yeast to humans. Here we provide an overview of the evolutionary patterns of phosphomotif acquisition and indicate the dependence on motif structures. Using the data from our previous study, we describe the interaction networks of phosphoproteins, identify the kinase substrates associated with phosphoproteins, and perform gene ontology enrichment analyses. In addition, we show how this dataset can help to elucidate the function of phosphomotifs. Conclusions Our characterizations of motif structures and assessments of evolutionary conservation of phosphosites reveal physiological roles of unreported phosphosites. Thus, interactions between protein groups that share motifs are likely to be helpful for inferring kinase-substrate interaction networks. Our computational methods can be used to elucidate the relationships between phosphorylation signaling and cellular functions. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13742-015-0057-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisayoshi Yoshizaki
- Department of Pathology I, Kanazawa Medical University, 1-1 Daigaku, Uchinada, Ishikawa, 920-0293 Japan ; Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, 1-1-1 Noji-higashi, Kusatsu, Shiga 525-0058 Japan
| | - Shujiro Okuda
- Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, 1-757 Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata 951-8510 Japan
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Co-conserved MAPK features couple D-domain docking groove to distal allosteric sites via the C-terminal flanking tail. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0119636. [PMID: 25799139 PMCID: PMC4370755 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0119636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2014] [Accepted: 02/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs) form a closely related family of kinases that control critical pathways associated with cell growth and survival. Although MAPKs have been extensively characterized at the biochemical, cellular, and structural level, an integrated evolutionary understanding of how MAPKs differ from other closely related protein kinases is currently lacking. Here, we perform statistical sequence comparisons of MAPKs and related protein kinases to identify sequence and structural features associated with MAPK functional divergence. We show, for the first time, that virtually all MAPK-distinguishing sequence features, including an unappreciated short insert segment in the β4-β5 loop, physically couple distal functional sites in the kinase domain to the D-domain peptide docking groove via the C-terminal flanking tail (C-tail). The coupling mediated by MAPK-specific residues confers an allosteric regulatory mechanism unique to MAPKs. In particular, the regulatory αC-helix conformation is controlled by a MAPK-conserved salt bridge interaction between an arginine in the αC-helix and an acidic residue in the C-tail. The salt-bridge interaction is modulated in unique ways in individual sub-families to achieve regulatory specificity. Our study is consistent with a model in which the C-tail co-evolved with the D-domain docking site to allosterically control MAPK activity. Our study provides testable mechanistic hypotheses for biochemical characterization of MAPK-conserved residues and new avenues for the design of allosteric MAPK inhibitors.
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Price DC, Fonseca DM. Genetic divergence between populations of feral and domestic forms of a mosquito disease vector assessed by transcriptomics. PeerJ 2015; 3:e807. [PMID: 25755934 PMCID: PMC4349049 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2014] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Culex pipiens, an invasive mosquito and vector of West Nile virus in the US, has two morphologically indistinguishable forms that differ dramatically in behavior and physiology. Cx. pipiens form pipiens is primarily a bird-feeding temperate mosquito, while the sub-tropical Cx. pipiens form molestus thrives in sewers and feeds on mammals. Because the feral form can diapause during the cold winters but the domestic form cannot, the two Cx. pipiens forms are allopatric in northern Europe and, although viable, hybrids are rare. Cx. pipiens form molestus has spread across all inhabited continents and hybrids of the two forms are common in the US. Here we elucidate the genes and gene families with the greatest divergence rates between these phenotypically diverged mosquito populations, and discuss them in light of their potential biological and ecological effects. After generating and assembling novel transcriptome data for each population, we performed pairwise tests for nonsynonymous divergence (Ka) of homologous coding sequences and examined gene ontology terms that were statistically over-represented in those sequences with the greatest divergence rates. We identified genes involved in digestion (serine endopeptidases), innate immunity (fibrinogens and α-macroglobulins), hemostasis (D7 salivary proteins), olfaction (odorant binding proteins) and chitin binding (peritrophic matrix proteins). By examining molecular divergence between closely related yet phenotypically divergent forms of the same species, our results provide insights into the identity of rapidly-evolving genes between incipient species. Additionally, we found that families of signal transducers, ATP synthases and transcription regulators remained identical at the amino acid level, thus constituting conserved components of the Cx. pipiens proteome. We provide a reference with which to gauge the divergence reported in this analysis by performing a comparison of transcriptome sequences from conspecific (yet allopatric) populations of another member of the Cx. pipiens complex, Cx. quinquefasciatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana C Price
- Department of Entomology, Rutgers University , New Brunswick, NJ , USA
| | - Dina M Fonseca
- Department of Entomology, Rutgers University , New Brunswick, NJ , USA
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Mohanta TK, Arora PK, Mohanta N, Parida P, Bae H. Identification of new members of the MAPK gene family in plants shows diverse conserved domains and novel activation loop variants. BMC Genomics 2015; 16:58. [PMID: 25888265 PMCID: PMC4363184 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-015-1244-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2014] [Accepted: 01/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) signaling is of critical importance in plants and other eukaryotic organisms. The MAPK cascade plays an indispensible role in the growth and development of plants, as well as in biotic and abiotic stress responses. The MAPKs are constitute the most downstream module of the three tier MAPK cascade and are phosphorylated by upstream MAP kinase kinases (MAPKK), which are in turn are phosphorylated by MAP kinase kinase kinase (MAPKKK). The MAPKs play pivotal roles in regulation of many cytoplasmic and nuclear substrates, thus regulating several biological processes. Results A total of 589 MAPKs genes were identified from the genome wide analysis of 40 species. The sequence analysis has revealed the presence of several N- and C-terminal conserved domains. The MAPKs were previously believed to be characterized by the presence of TEY/TDY activation loop motifs. The present study showed that, in addition to presence of activation loop TEY/TDY motifs, MAPKs are also contain MEY, TEM, TQM, TRM, TVY, TSY, TEC and TQY activation loop motifs. Phylogenetic analysis of all predicted MAPKs were clustered into six different groups (group A, B, C, D, E and F), and all predicted MAPKs were assigned with specific names based on their orthology based evolutionary relationships with Arabidopsis or Oryza MAPKs. Conclusion We conducted global analysis of the MAPK gene family of plants from lower eukaryotes to higher eukaryotes and analyzed their genomic and evolutionary aspects. Our study showed the presence of several new activation loop motifs and diverse conserved domains in MAPKs. Advance study of newly identified activation loop motifs can provide further information regarding the downstream signaling cascade activated in response to a wide array of stress conditions, as well as plant growth and development. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-015-1244-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tapan Kumar Mohanta
- School of Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Daehak Gyeongsan, Gyeonsangbook, 712749, Republic of Korea.
| | - Pankaj Kumar Arora
- School of Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Daehak Gyeongsan, Gyeonsangbook, 712749, Republic of Korea.
| | - Nibedita Mohanta
- Department of Biotechnology, North Orissa University, Sri Ramchandra Vihar, Takatpur, Baripada, Mayurbhanj, Orissa, 757003, India.
| | - Pratap Parida
- Center for Studies in Biotechnology, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh, Assam, 786004, India.
| | - Hanhong Bae
- School of Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Daehak Gyeongsan, Gyeonsangbook, 712749, Republic of Korea.
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MAP Kinase Cascades in Antigen Receptor Signaling and Physiology. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2015; 393:211-231. [PMID: 26275875 DOI: 10.1007/82_2015_481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) play roles in a cell type and context-dependent manner to convert extracellular stimuli to a variety of cellular responses, thereby directing cells to proliferation, differentiation, survival, apoptosis, and migration. Studies of genetically engineered mice or chemical inhibitors specific to each MAPK signaling pathway revealed that MAPKs have various, but non-redundant physiologically important roles among different families. MAPK cascades are obviously integrated in the B cell receptor signaling pathways as critical components to drive B cell-mediated immunity.
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Zhu J, Cai L, Zhang T, Chen L, Jin P, Ma F. Identification and characterization of a p38-like gene from amphioxus (Branchiostoma belcheri): an insight into amphioxus innate immunity and evolution. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2014; 41:421-427. [PMID: 25281579 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2014.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2014] [Revised: 09/10/2014] [Accepted: 09/20/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
p38 MAP kinases, members of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) activated by environmental stresses and cytokines, play important roles in transcription regulation and inflammatory responses. However, the p38 MAP kinase gene has not been identified in amphioxus to date. Here, we identified and characterized a p38 MAP kinase gene from Branchiostoma belcheri (designed as Amphip38). First, we cloned the full length of Amphip38 gene and found that the deduced amino acid sequence of Amphip38 has 80.5-84% similarity and 67.2-72.5% identity to those from other species. Second, we found that Amphip38 contained the conserved TGY motif, ATP binding site (GXGXXG), substrate binding site (ATRW) and ED site in known p38 MAP kinases. The predicted 3D structure of Amphip38 was found to be similar to human p38 MAP kinases. These results indicate that Amphip38 belongs to p38 MAP kinase gene family. Third, we found that the Amphip38 was ubiquitously and differentially expressed in five investigated tissues (intestine, gills, notochord, muscles, and hepatic cecum). Finally, we found that LPS stimulation induced the expression of Amphip38 gene, and lead to increase of phosphorylation-p38 MAP kinase. These results indicate that Amphip38 is involved in innate immunity response in amphioxus. In addition, we found that Amphip38 gene might be an ancestor of vertebrate p38 MAP kinase gene via evolutionary analysis. In conclusion, our results provided an insight into the innate immunity response and the evolution of the vertebrate p38 MAP kinase gene family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiu Zhu
- Laboratory for Comparative Genomics and Bioinformatics & Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, PR China
| | - Lu Cai
- Laboratory for Comparative Genomics and Bioinformatics & Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, PR China
| | - Tianhai Zhang
- Laboratory for Comparative Genomics and Bioinformatics & Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, PR China
| | - Liming Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Ministry of Education, Institute of Life Science, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Ping Jin
- Laboratory for Comparative Genomics and Bioinformatics & Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, PR China.
| | - Fei Ma
- Laboratory for Comparative Genomics and Bioinformatics & Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, PR China.
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p38δ MAPK: Emerging Roles of a Neglected Isoform. Int J Cell Biol 2014; 2014:272689. [PMID: 25313309 PMCID: PMC4182853 DOI: 10.1155/2014/272689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2014] [Revised: 08/29/2014] [Accepted: 08/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
p38δ mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) is a unique stress responsive protein kinase. While the p38 MAPK family as a whole has been implicated in a wide variety of biological processes, a specific role for p38δ MAPK in cellular signalling and its contribution to both physiological and pathological conditions are presently lacking. Recent emerging evidence, however, provides some insights into specific p38δ MAPK signalling. Importantly, these studies have helped to highlight functional similarities as well as differences between p38δ MAPK and the other members of the p38 MAPK family of kinases. In this review we discuss the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying p38δ MAPK activity. We outline a role for p38δ MAPK in important cellular processes such as differentiation and apoptosis as well as pathological conditions such as neurodegenerative disorders, diabetes, and inflammatory disease. Interestingly, disparate roles for p38δ MAPK in tumour development have also recently been reported. Thus, we consider evidence which characterises p38δ MAPK as both a tumour promoter and a tumour suppressor. In summary, while our knowledge of p38δ MAPK has progressed somewhat since its identification in 1997, our understanding of this particular isoform in many cellular processes still strikingly lags behind that of its counterparts.
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Brenton AA, Souvannaseng L, Cheung K, Anishchenko M, Brault AC, Luckhart S. Engineered single nucleotide polymorphisms in the mosquito MEK docking site alter Plasmodium berghei development in Anopheles gambiae. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:287. [PMID: 24957684 PMCID: PMC4077580 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2014] [Accepted: 06/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Susceptibility to Plasmodium infection in Anopheles gambiae has been proposed to result from naturally occurring polymorphisms that alter the strength of endogenous innate defenses. Despite the fact that some of these mutations are known to introduce non-synonymous substitutions in coding sequences, these mutations have largely been used to rationalize knockdown of associated target proteins to query the effects on parasite development in the mosquito host. Here, we assay the effects of engineered mutations on an immune signaling protein target that is known to control parasite sporogonic development. By this proof-of-principle work, we have established that naturally occurring mutations can be queried for their effects on mosquito protein function and on parasite development and that this important signaling pathway can be genetically manipulated to enhance mosquito resistance. METHODS We introduced SNPs into the A. gambiae MAPK kinase MEK to alter key residues in the N-terminal docking site (D-site), thus interfering with its ability to interact with the downstream kinase target ERK. ERK phosphorylation levels in vitro and in vivo were evaluated to confirm the effects of MEK D-site mutations. In addition, overexpression of various MEK D-site alleles was used to assess P. berghei infection in A. gambiae. RESULTS The MEK D-site contains conserved lysine residues predicted to mediate protein-protein interaction with ERK. As anticipated, each of the D-site mutations (K3M, K6M) suppressed ERK phosphorylation and this inhibition was significant when both mutations were present. Tissue-targeted overexpression of alleles encoding MEK D-site polymorphisms resulted in reduced ERK phosphorylation in the midgut of A. gambiae. Furthermore, as expected, inhibition of MEK-ERK signaling due to D-site mutations resulted in reduction in P. berghei development relative to infection in the presence of overexpressed catalytically active MEK. CONCLUSION MEK-ERK signaling in A. gambiae, as in model organisms and humans, depends on the integrity of conserved key residues within the MEK D-site. Disruption of signal transmission via engineered SNPs provides a purposeful proof-of-principle model for the study of naturally occurring mutations that may be associated with mosquito resistance to parasite infection as well as an alternative genetic basis for manipulation of this important immune signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley A Brenton
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, 95616 Davis, CA, USA
| | - Lattha Souvannaseng
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, 95616 Davis, CA, USA
| | - Kong Cheung
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, 95616 Davis, CA, USA
| | - Michael Anishchenko
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3156 Rampart Rd, 80521 Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Aaron C Brault
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3156 Rampart Rd, 80521 Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Shirley Luckhart
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, 95616 Davis, CA, USA
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Mariano G, Stilo R, Terrazzano G, Coccia E, Vito P, Varricchio E, Paolucci M. Effects of recombinant trout leptin in superoxide production and NF-κB/MAPK phosphorylation in blood leukocytes. Peptides 2013; 48:59-69. [PMID: 23932941 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2013.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2013] [Revised: 07/30/2013] [Accepted: 07/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Studies in mammals indicate that leptin is a multifunctional cytokine involved in regulation of energy metabolism and the modulation of the immune function. However, evidence for an immunomodulatory effect of leptin in fish is still missing. At least in part, this lack of knowledge is due to the absence of materials and models. In this study, we produced trout recombinant leptin (rt-lep) and tested its capacity to trigger cellular pathways, usually active in mammal immune system cells. STAT3, NF-κB, and the three major MAPK cascades (JNK, p38 and ERK), were activated by rt-lep in in vitro incubations with blood leucocytes of the rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. We also showed that rt-lep causes a decrease in superoxide anion production in trout blood leucocytes. Thus our data indicate that as in mammals also in teleosts leptin plays pleiotropic activities. Importantly, its actions in fishes do not always conform to the picture emerging for mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Mariano
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie, Universita' del Sannio, Italy.
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Greenblatt MB, Shim JH, Glimcher LH. Mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways in osteoblasts. Annu Rev Cell Dev Biol 2013; 29:63-79. [PMID: 23725048 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-cellbio-101512-122347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are ancient signal transducers well characterized as mediators of inflammation and neoplastic transformation. Recent work has expanded our understanding of their developmental functions, particularly in the regulation of bone mass via control of osteoblast differentiation. Here, we review the functions of MAPK pathways in osteoblasts, including a consideration of MAPK substrates. In particular, MAPKs function to regulate the key transcriptional mediators of osteoblast differentiation, with ERK and p38 MAPKs phosphorylating RUNX2, the master regulator of osteoblast differentiation. ERK also activates RSK2, which in turn phosphorylates ATF4, a transcriptional regulator of late-stage osteoblast synthetic functions. The MAP3Ks and MAP2Ks upstream of MAPKs have also been investigated, and significant differences have been found in the wiring of MAPK pathways in osteoblasts relative to other tissues. Thus, the investigation of MAPKs in osteoblasts has both revealed critical mechanisms for the maintenance of bone mass and added to our understanding of how the individual components of MAPK pathways function in concert in a complex in vivo system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew B Greenblatt
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115;
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Glatz G, Gógl G, Alexa A, Reményi A. Structural mechanism for the specific assembly and activation of the extracellular signal regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) module. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:8596-8609. [PMID: 23382384 PMCID: PMC3605678 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.452235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation depends on a linear binding motif found in all MAPK kinases (MKK). In addition, the PB1 (Phox and Bem1) domain of MKK5 is required for extracellular signal regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) activation. We present the crystal structure of ERK5 in complex with an MKK5 construct comprised of the PB1 domain and the linear binding motif. We show that ERK5 has distinct protein-protein interaction surfaces compared with ERK2, which is the closest ERK5 paralog. The two MAPKs have characteristically different physiological functions and their distinct protein-protein interaction surface topography enables them to bind different sets of activators and substrates. Structural and biochemical characterization revealed that the MKK5 PB1 domain cooperates with the MAPK binding linear motif to achieve substrate specific binding, and it also enables co-recruitment of the upstream activating enzyme and the downstream substrate into one signaling competent complex. Studies on present day MAPKs and MKKs hint on the way protein kinase networks may evolve. In particular, they suggest how paralogous enzymes with similar catalytic properties could acquire novel signaling roles by merely changing the way they make physical links to other proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gábor Glatz
- Department of Biochemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest H-1117, Hungary
| | - Gergő Gógl
- Department of Biochemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest H-1117, Hungary
| | - Anita Alexa
- Department of Biochemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest H-1117, Hungary
| | - Attila Reményi
- Department of Biochemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest H-1117, Hungary.
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Dóczi R, Okrész L, Romero AE, Paccanaro A, Bögre L. Exploring the evolutionary path of plant MAPK networks. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2012; 17:518-25. [PMID: 22682803 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2012.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2012] [Revised: 05/01/2012] [Accepted: 05/10/2012] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The evolutionarily conserved mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling network comprises connected protein kinases arranged in MAPK modules. In this Opinion article, we analyze MAPK signaling components in evolutionarily representative species of the plant lineage and in Naegleria gruberi, a member of an early diverging eukaryotic clade. In Naegleria, there are two closely related MAPK kinases (MKKs) and a single conventional MAPK, whereas in several species of algae, there are two distinct MKKs and multiple MAPKs belonging to different groups. This suggests that the formation of multiple MAPK modules began early during plant evolution. The expansion of MAPK signaling components through gene duplications and the evolution of interaction motifs could have contributed to the highly connected complex MAPK signaling network that we know in Arabidopsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Róbert Dóczi
- Institute of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Centre of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Brunszvik Rd 2, Martonvásár, H-2462, Hungary
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Abstract
Dynamic changes in somatosensory perception occur as a result of multiple signaling events. In many instances, over-activation of sensory receptors results in the desensitization and subsequent increased threshold for activation of receptors. In other cases, receptor sensitization can occur following tissue injury and/or inflammation. In both cases, signaling mechanisms that control alterations in receptor activities can significantly affect organism response to sensory stimuli, including thermal, mechanical, and chemical. Due to the homeostatic nature of somatosensory recognition, dynamic changes in receptor response can negatively affect an individual's way of life, as well as alert individuals to tissue damage. Here, we will focus on scaffolding structures that regulate somatosensory neuronal excitability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel A Jeske
- Departments of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio TX, USA
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Janitza P, Ullrich KK, Quint M. Toward a comprehensive phylogenetic reconstruction of the evolutionary history of mitogen-activated protein kinases in the plant kingdom. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2012; 3:271. [PMID: 23230446 PMCID: PMC3515877 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2012.00271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2012] [Accepted: 11/19/2012] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is a three-tier signaling cascade that transmits cellular information from the plasma membrane to the cytoplasm where it triggers downstream responses. The MAPKs represent the last step in this cascade and are activated when both tyrosine and threonine residues in a conserved TxY motif are phosphorylated by MAPK kinases, which in turn are themselves activated by phosphorylation by MAPK kinase kinases. To understand the molecular evolution of MAPKs in the plant kingdom, we systematically conducted a Hidden-Markov-Model based screen to identify MAPKs in 13 completely sequenced plant genomes. In this analysis, we included green algae, bryophytes, lycophytes, and several mono- and eudicotyledonous species covering >800 million years of evolution. The phylogenetic relationships of the 204 identified MAPKs based on Bayesian inference facilitated the retraction of the sequence of emergence of the four major clades that are characterized by the presence of a TDY or TEY-A/TEY-B/TEY-C type kinase activation loop. We present evidence that after the split of TDY- and TEY-type MAPKs, initially the TEY-C clade emerged. This was followed by the TEY-B clade in early land plants until the TEY-A clade finally emerged in flowering plants. In addition to these well characterized clades, we identified another highly conserved clade of 45 MAPK-likes, members of which were previously described as Mak-homologous kinases. In agreement with their essential functions, molecular population genetic analysis of MAPK genes in Arabidopsis thaliana accessions reveal that purifying selection drove the evolution of the MAPK family, implying strong functional constraints on MAPK genes. Closely related MAPKs most likely subfunctionalized, a process in which differential transcriptional regulation of duplicates may be involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Janitza
- Department of Molecular Signal Processing, Leibniz Institute of Plant BiochemistryHalle (Saale), Germany
| | - Kristian Karsten Ullrich
- Department of Molecular Signal Processing, Leibniz Institute of Plant BiochemistryHalle (Saale), Germany
| | - Marcel Quint
- Department of Molecular Signal Processing, Leibniz Institute of Plant BiochemistryHalle (Saale), Germany
- *Correspondence: Marcel Quint, Department of Molecular Signal Processing, Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Weinberg 03, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany. e-mail:
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