1
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Zhu B, Zheng T, Wang W, Gu Y, Wei C, Li Q, Wang Z. Genotype-phenotype correlations of neurofibromatosis type 1: a cross-sectional study from a large Chinese cohort. J Neurol 2024; 271:1893-1900. [PMID: 38095723 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-12127-w] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a highly heterogeneous autosomal genetic disorder characterized by a broad spectrum of clinical and molecular manifestations. The correlations between genotype and phenotype in NF1 remain elusive. This study aimed to elucidate genotype-phenotype associations in a large Chinese cohort of NF1 patients. METHODS We included NF1 patients from our center who underwent genetic testing for NF1 variants and systemic examination. Genotype-phenotype correlation analyses were performed, focusing on variation types and involved neurofibromin domains. RESULTS A total of 195 patients were enrolled, comprising 105 males and 90 females, with a median age of 18 years. Truncating variants, single amino acid variations, and splicing variants accounted for 139/195 (71.3%), 23/195 (11.8%), and 33/195 (16.9%), respectively. Patients with splicing variants exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of spinal plexiform neurofibromas (spinal PNF) than those with truncating variants (76.4% vs. 51.8%; p = 0.022). Variations affecting the PKC domain were associated with higher rates of cutaneous neurofibromas (CNF) (100% vs. 64.9%, p < 0.001), Lisch nodules (100% vs. 61.2%, p < 0.001), plexiform neurofibromas (PNF) (100% vs. 95.7%, p = 0.009), and psychiatric disorders (11.8% vs. 1.6%, p = 0.042). Patients with mutations in the CSRD had an elevated risk of secondary primary malignancies (11.6% vs. 2.8%, p = 0.015). GRD involvement might enhance the risk of Lisch nodules (76.9% vs. 53.7%, p = 0.044). Variations in the Sec14-PH domain were correlated with a higher rate of CNF (76.8% vs. 58.6%, p = 0.014). Additionally, we found that the p.R1748* variants carry a high risk of malignancy. CONCLUSION Our study suggested some novel genotype-phenotype correlations within a Chinese cohort, providing innovative insights into this complex field that may contribute to genetic counseling, risk stratification, and clinical management for the NF1 population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beiyao Zhu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
- Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Center and Laboratory for Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Research, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Tingting Zheng
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
- Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Center and Laboratory for Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Research, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
- Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Center and Laboratory for Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Research, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Yihui Gu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
- Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Center and Laboratory for Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Research, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Chengjiang Wei
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China
- Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Center and Laboratory for Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Research, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Qingfeng Li
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China.
- Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Center and Laboratory for Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Research, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Zhichao Wang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, China.
- Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Center and Laboratory for Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Research, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China.
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2
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Zamora PO, Altay G, Santamaria U, Dwarshuis N, Donthi H, Moon CI, Bakalar D, Zamora M. Drug Responses in Plexiform Neurofibroma Type I (PNF1) Cell Lines Using High-Throughput Data and Combined Effectiveness and Potency. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5811. [PMID: 38136356 PMCID: PMC10742026 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15245811] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a genetic disorder characterized by heterozygous germline NF1 gene mutations that predispose patients to developing plexiform neurofibromas, which are benign but often disfiguring tumors of the peripheral nerve sheath induced by loss of heterozygosity at the NF1 locus. These can progress to malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs). There are no approved drug treatments for adults with NF1-related inoperable plexiform neurofibromas, and only one drug (selumetinib), which is an FDA-approved targeted therapy for the treatment of symptomatic pediatric plexiform neurofibromas, highlighting the need for additional drug screening and development. In high-throughput screening, the effectiveness of drugs against cell lines is often assessed by measuring in vitro potency (AC50) or the area under the curve (AUC). However, the variability of dose-response curves across drugs and cell lines and the frequency of partial effectiveness suggest that these measures alone fail to provide a full picture of overall efficacy. Methods: Using concentration-response data, we combined response effectiveness (EFF) and potency (AC50) into (a) a score characterizing the effect of a compound on a single cell line, S = log[EFF/AC50], and (b) a relative score, ΔS, characterizing the relative difference between a reference (e.g., non-tumor) and test (tumor) cell line. ΔS was applied to data from high-throughput screening (HTS) of a drug panel tested on NF1-/- tumor cells, using immortalized non-tumor NF1+/- cells as a reference. Results: We identified drugs with sensitivity, targeting expected pathways, such as MAPK-ERK and PI3K-AKT, as well as serotonin-related targets, among others. The ΔS technique used here, in tandem with a supplemental ΔS web tool, simplifies HTS analysis and may provide a springboard for further investigations into drug response in NF1-related cancers. The tool may also prove useful for drug development in a variety of other cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Chang In Moon
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Dana Bakalar
- National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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3
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Kuroda K, Kiya K, Matsuzaki S, Takamura H, Otani N, Tomita K, Kawai K, Fujiwara T, Nakai K, Onishi A, Katayama T, Kubo T. Altered actin dynamics is possibly implicated in the inhibition of mechanical stimulation-induced dermal fibroblast differentiation into myofibroblasts. Exp Dermatol 2023; 32:2012-2022. [PMID: 37724850 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14933] [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: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
The formation of hypertrophic scars and keloids is strongly associated with mechanical stimulation, and myofibroblasts are known to play a major role in abnormal scar formation. Wounds in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) become inconspicuous and lack the tendency to form abnormal scars. We hypothesized that there would be a unique response to mechanical stimulation and subsequent scar formation in NF1. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the molecular mechanisms of differentiation into myofibroblasts in NF1-derived fibroblasts and neurofibromin-depleted fibroblasts and examined actin dynamics, which is involved in fibroblast differentiation, with a focus on the pathway linking LIMK2/cofilin to actin dynamics. In normal fibroblasts, expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), a marker of myofibroblasts, significantly increased after mechanical stimulation, whereas in NF1-derived and neurofibromin-depleted fibroblasts, α-SMA expression did not change. Phosphorylation of cofilin and subsequent actin polymerization did not increase in NF1-derived and neurofibromin-depleted fibroblasts after mechanical stimulation. Finally, in normal fibroblasts treated with Jasplakinolide, an actin stabilizer, α-SMA expression did not change after mechanical stimulation. Therefore, when neurofibromin was dysfunctional or depleted, subsequent actin polymerization did not occur in response to mechanical stimulation, which may have led to the unchanged expression of α-SMA. We believe this molecular pathway can be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of abnormal scars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuya Kuroda
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Koichiro Kiya
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Matsuzaki
- Department of Child Development and Molecular Brain Science, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Faculty of Medical Science Technology, Morinomiya University of Medical Sciences, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hironori Takamura
- Department of Child Development and Molecular Brain Science, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Naoya Otani
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Koichi Tomita
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kenichiro Kawai
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Fujiwara
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Japan
| | - Kunihiro Nakai
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Fukui Hospital, Fukui, Japan
| | - Ayako Onishi
- Inclusive Medical Science Research Institute, Morinomiya University of Medical Sciences, Osaka, Japan
| | - Taiichi Katayama
- Department of Child Development and Molecular Brain Science, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tateki Kubo
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
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4
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Shah K, Cook M. LIMK2: A Multifaceted kinase with pleiotropic roles in human physiology and pathologies. Cancer Lett 2023; 565:216207. [PMID: 37141984 PMCID: PMC10316521 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216207] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
LIMK2, a serine-specific kinase, was discovered as an actin dynamics regulating kinase. Emerging studies have shown its pivotal role in numerous human malignancies and neurodevelopmental disorder. Inducible knockdown of LIMK2 fully reverses tumorigenesis, underscoring its potential as a clinical target. However, the molecular mechanisms leading to its upregulation and its deregulated activity in various diseases largely remain unknown. Similarly, LIMK2's peptide substrate specificity has not been analyzed. This is particularly important for LIMK2, a kinase almost three decades old, as only a handful of its substrates are known to date. As a result, most of LIMK2's physiological and pathological roles have been assigned to its regulation of actin dynamics via cofilin. This review focuses on LIMK2's unique catalytic mechanism, substrate specificity and its upstream regulators at transcriptional, post-transcriptional and post-translational stages. Moreover, emerging studies have unveiled a few tumor suppressors and oncogenes as LIMK2's direct substrates, which in turn have uncovered novel molecular mechanisms by which it plays pleiotropic roles in human physiology and pathologies independent of actin dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kavita Shah
- Department of Chemistry and Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, 560 Oval Drive, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
| | - Mason Cook
- Department of Chemistry and Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, 560 Oval Drive, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
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5
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Báez-Flores J, Rodríguez-Martín M, Lacal J. The therapeutic potential of neurofibromin signaling pathways and binding partners. Commun Biol 2023; 6:436. [PMID: 37081086 PMCID: PMC10119308 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04815-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromin controls many cell processes, such as growth, learning, and memory. If neurofibromin is not working properly, it can lead to health problems, including issues with the nervous, skeletal, and cardiovascular systems and cancer. This review examines neurofibromin's binding partners, signaling pathways and potential therapeutic targets. In addition, it summarizes the different post-translational modifications that can affect neurofibromin's interactions with other molecules. It is essential to investigate the molecular mechanisms that underlie neurofibromin variants in order to provide with functional connections between neurofibromin and its associated proteins for possible therapeutic targets based on its biological function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Báez-Flores
- Laboratory of Functional Genetics of Rare Diseases, Department of Microbiology and Genetics, University of Salamanca (USAL), 37007, Salamanca, Spain
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Mario Rodríguez-Martín
- Laboratory of Functional Genetics of Rare Diseases, Department of Microbiology and Genetics, University of Salamanca (USAL), 37007, Salamanca, Spain
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Jesus Lacal
- Laboratory of Functional Genetics of Rare Diseases, Department of Microbiology and Genetics, University of Salamanca (USAL), 37007, Salamanca, Spain.
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007, Salamanca, Spain.
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6
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Villalonga E, Mosrin C, Normand T, Girardin C, Serrano A, Žunar B, Doudeau M, Godin F, Bénédetti H, Vallée B. LIM Kinases, LIMK1 and LIMK2, Are Crucial Node Actors of the Cell Fate: Molecular to Pathological Features. Cells 2023; 12:cells12050805. [PMID: 36899941 PMCID: PMC10000741 DOI: 10.3390/cells12050805] [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: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
LIM kinase 1 (LIMK1) and LIM kinase 2 (LIMK2) are serine/threonine and tyrosine kinases and the only two members of the LIM kinase family. They play a crucial role in the regulation of cytoskeleton dynamics by controlling actin filaments and microtubule turnover, especially through the phosphorylation of cofilin, an actin depolymerising factor. Thus, they are involved in many biological processes, such as cell cycle, cell migration, and neuronal differentiation. Consequently, they are also part of numerous pathological mechanisms, especially in cancer, where their involvement has been reported for a few years and has led to the development of a wide range of inhibitors. LIMK1 and LIMK2 are known to be part of the Rho family GTPase signal transduction pathways, but many more partners have been discovered over the decades, and both LIMKs are suspected to be part of an extended and various range of regulation pathways. In this review, we propose to consider the different molecular mechanisms involving LIM kinases and their associated signalling pathways, and to offer a better understanding of their variety of actions within the physiology and physiopathology of the cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elodie Villalonga
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire; UPR4301, CNRS, University of Orleans and INSERM, CEDEX 2, 45071 Orleans, France
| | - Christine Mosrin
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire; UPR4301, CNRS, University of Orleans and INSERM, CEDEX 2, 45071 Orleans, France
| | - Thierry Normand
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire; UPR4301, CNRS, University of Orleans and INSERM, CEDEX 2, 45071 Orleans, France
| | - Caroline Girardin
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire; UPR4301, CNRS, University of Orleans and INSERM, CEDEX 2, 45071 Orleans, France
| | - Amandine Serrano
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire; UPR4301, CNRS, University of Orleans and INSERM, CEDEX 2, 45071 Orleans, France
| | - Bojan Žunar
- Laboratory for Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Michel Doudeau
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire; UPR4301, CNRS, University of Orleans and INSERM, CEDEX 2, 45071 Orleans, France
| | - Fabienne Godin
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire; UPR4301, CNRS, University of Orleans and INSERM, CEDEX 2, 45071 Orleans, France
| | - Hélène Bénédetti
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire; UPR4301, CNRS, University of Orleans and INSERM, CEDEX 2, 45071 Orleans, France
| | - Béatrice Vallée
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire; UPR4301, CNRS, University of Orleans and INSERM, CEDEX 2, 45071 Orleans, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-(0)2-38-25-76-11
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7
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LIM Kinases, Promising but Reluctant Therapeutic Targets: Chemistry and Preclinical Validation In Vivo. Cells 2022; 11:cells11132090. [PMID: 35805176 PMCID: PMC9265711 DOI: 10.3390/cells11132090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
LIM Kinases are important actors in the regulation of cytoskeleton dynamics by controlling microtubule and actin filament turnover. The signaling pathways involving LIM kinases for actin filament remodeling are well established. They are downstream effectors of small G proteins of the Rho-GTPases family and have become promising targets for the treatment of several major diseases because of their position at the lower end of these signaling cascades. Cofilin, which depolymerizes actin filaments, is the best-known substrate of these enzymes. The phosphorylation of cofilin to its inactive form by LIM kinases avoids actin filament depolymerization. The balance between phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated cofilin is thought to play an important role in tumor cell invasion and metastasis. Since 2006, many small molecules have been developed for LIMK inhibition, and in this review article, we will discuss the structure–activity relationships of the few inhibitor families that have been tested in vivo on different pathological models.
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8
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Anastasaki C, Mo J, Chen JK, Chatterjee J, Pan Y, Scheaffer SM, Cobb O, Monje M, Le LQ, Gutmann DH. Neuronal hyperexcitability drives central and peripheral nervous system tumor progression in models of neurofibromatosis-1. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2785. [PMID: 35589737 PMCID: PMC9120229 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30466-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal activity is emerging as a driver of central and peripheral nervous system cancers. Here, we examined neuronal physiology in mouse models of the tumor predisposition syndrome Neurofibromatosis-1 (NF1), with different propensities to develop nervous system cancers. We show that central and peripheral nervous system neurons from mice with tumor-causing Nf1 gene mutations exhibit hyperexcitability and increased secretion of activity-dependent tumor-promoting paracrine factors. We discovered a neurofibroma mitogen (COL1A2) produced by peripheral neurons in an activity-regulated manner, which increases NF1-deficient Schwann cell proliferation, establishing that neurofibromas are regulated by neuronal activity. In contrast, mice with the Arg1809Cys Nf1 mutation, found in NF1 patients lacking neurofibromas or optic gliomas, do not exhibit neuronal hyperexcitability or develop these NF1-associated tumors. The hyperexcitability of tumor-prone Nf1-mutant neurons results from reduced NF1-regulated hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channel function, such that neuronal excitability, activity-regulated paracrine factor production, and tumor progression are attenuated by HCN channel activation. Collectively, these findings reveal that NF1 mutations act at the level of neurons to modify tumor predisposition by increasing neuronal excitability and activity-regulated paracrine factor production. Neuronal activity is emerging as a driver of nervous system tumors. Here, the authors show in mouse models of Neurofibromatosis-1 (NF1) that Nf1 mutations differentially drive both central and peripheral nervous system tumor growth in mice through reduced hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channel function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corina Anastasaki
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Juan Mo
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas, Southwestern, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Ji-Kang Chen
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Jit Chatterjee
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Yuan Pan
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Suzanne M Scheaffer
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Olivia Cobb
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Michelle Monje
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Lu Q Le
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas, Southwestern, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - David H Gutmann
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
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9
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Jafari Nivlouei S, Soltani M, Shirani E, Salimpour MR, Travasso R, Carvalho J. A multiscale cell-based model of tumor growth for chemotherapy assessment and tumor-targeted therapy through a 3D computational approach. Cell Prolif 2022; 55:e13187. [PMID: 35132721 PMCID: PMC8891571 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Computational modeling of biological systems is a powerful tool to clarify diverse processes contributing to cancer. The aim is to clarify the complex biochemical and mechanical interactions between cells, the relevance of intracellular signaling pathways in tumor progression and related events to the cancer treatments, which are largely ignored in previous studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS A three-dimensional multiscale cell-based model is developed, covering multiple time and spatial scales, including intracellular, cellular, and extracellular processes. The model generates a realistic representation of the processes involved from an implementation of the signaling transduction network. RESULTS Considering a benign tumor development, results are in good agreement with the experimental ones, which identify three different phases in tumor growth. Simulating tumor vascular growth, results predict a highly vascularized tumor morphology in a lobulated form, a consequence of cells' motile behavior. A novel systematic study of chemotherapy intervention, in combination with targeted therapy, is presented to address the capability of the model to evaluate typical clinical protocols. The model also performs a dose comparison study in order to optimize treatment efficacy and surveys the effect of chemotherapy initiation delays and different regimens. CONCLUSIONS Results not only provide detailed insights into tumor progression, but also support suggestions for clinical implementation. This is a major step toward the goal of predicting the effects of not only traditional chemotherapy but also tumor-targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Jafari Nivlouei
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology, Isafahan, Iran.,Department of Physics, CFisUC, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Madjid Soltani
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, K. N. Toosi University of Technology, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada.,Centre for Biotechnology and Bioengineering (CBB), University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada.,Advanced Bioengineering Initiative Center, Computational Medicine Center, K. N. Toosi University of Technology, Tehran, Iran.,Cancer Biology Research Center, Cancer Institute of Iran, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ebrahim Shirani
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology, Isafahan, Iran.,Department of Mechanical Engineering, Foolad Institute of Technology, Fooladshahr, Iran
| | | | - Rui Travasso
- Department of Physics, CFisUC, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João Carvalho
- Department of Physics, CFisUC, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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10
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Mo J, Moye SL, McKay RM, Le LQ. Neurofibromin and suppression of tumorigenesis: beyond the GAP. Oncogene 2022; 41:1235-1251. [PMID: 35066574 PMCID: PMC9063229 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-02156-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant genetic disease and one of the most common inherited tumor predisposition syndromes, affecting 1 in 3000 individuals worldwide. The NF1 gene encodes neurofibromin, a large protein with RAS GTP-ase activating (RAS-GAP) activity, and loss of NF1 results in increased RAS signaling. Neurofibromin contains many other domains, and there is considerable evidence that these domains play a role in some manifestations of NF1. Investigating the role of these domains as well as the various signaling pathways that neurofibromin regulates and interacts with will provide a better understanding of how neurofibromin acts to suppress tumor development and potentially open new therapeutic avenues. In this review, we discuss what is known about the structure of neurofibromin, its interactions with other proteins and signaling pathways, its role in development and differentiation, and its function as a tumor suppressor. Finally, we discuss the latest research on potential therapeutics for neurofibromin-deficient neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Mo
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75390-9069, USA
| | - Stefanie L. Moye
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75390-9069, USA
| | - Renee M. McKay
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75390-9069, USA
| | - Lu Q. Le
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75390-9069, USA,Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75390-9069, USA,UTSW Comprehensive Neurofibromatosis Clinic, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75390-9069, USA,Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75390-9069, USA,O’Donnell Brain Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75390-9069, USA,Correspondence and requests for materials should be addressed to Lu Q. Le.
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11
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Chatterjee D, Preuss F, Dederer V, Knapp S, Mathea S. Structural Aspects of LIMK Regulation and Pharmacology. Cells 2022; 11:cells11010142. [PMID: 35011704 PMCID: PMC8750758 DOI: 10.3390/cells11010142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Malfunction of the actin cytoskeleton is linked to numerous human diseases including neurological disorders and cancer. LIMK1 (LIM domain kinase 1) and its paralogue LIMK2 are two closely related kinases that control actin cytoskeleton dynamics. Consequently, they are potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of such diseases. In the present review, we describe the LIMK conformational space and its dependence on ligand binding. Furthermore, we explain the unique catalytic mechanism of the kinase, shedding light on substrate recognition and how LIMK activity is regulated. The structural features are evaluated for implications on the drug discovery process. Finally, potential future directions for targeting LIMKs pharmacologically, also beyond just inhibiting the kinase domain, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deep Chatterjee
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Max-von-Laue-Str 15, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (D.C.); (F.P.); (V.D.); (S.K.)
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Franziska Preuss
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Max-von-Laue-Str 15, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (D.C.); (F.P.); (V.D.); (S.K.)
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Verena Dederer
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Max-von-Laue-Str 15, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (D.C.); (F.P.); (V.D.); (S.K.)
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Stefan Knapp
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Max-von-Laue-Str 15, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (D.C.); (F.P.); (V.D.); (S.K.)
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sebastian Mathea
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Max-von-Laue-Str 15, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (D.C.); (F.P.); (V.D.); (S.K.)
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Correspondence:
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12
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Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Gene Alterations Define Specific Features of a Subset of Glioblastomas. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010352. [PMID: 35008787 PMCID: PMC8745708 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) gene mutations or alterations occur within neurofibromatosis type 1 as well as in many different malignant tumours on the somatic level. In glioblastoma, NF1 loss of function plays a major role in inducing the mesenchymal (MES) subtype and, therefore defining the most aggressive glioblastoma. This is associated with an immune signature and mediated via the NF1–MAPK–FOSL1 axis. Specifically, increased invasion seems to be regulated via mutations in the leucine-rich domain (LRD) of the NF1 gene product neurofibromin. Novel targets for therapy may arise from neurofibromin deficiency-associated cellular mechanisms that are summarised in this review.
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13
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Soriano O, Alcón-Pérez M, Vicente-Manzanares M, Castellano E. The Crossroads between RAS and RHO Signaling Pathways in Cellular Transformation, Motility and Contraction. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12060819. [PMID: 34071831 PMCID: PMC8229961 DOI: 10.3390/genes12060819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ras and Rho proteins are GTP-regulated molecular switches that control multiple signaling pathways in eukaryotic cells. Ras was among the first identified oncogenes, and it appears mutated in many forms of human cancer. It mainly promotes proliferation and survival through the MAPK pathway and the PI3K/AKT pathways, respectively. However, the myriad proteins close to the plasma membrane that activate or inhibit Ras make it a major regulator of many apparently unrelated pathways. On the other hand, Rho is weakly oncogenic by itself, but it critically regulates microfilament dynamics; that is, actin polymerization, disassembly and contraction. Polymerization is driven mainly by the Arp2/3 complex and formins, whereas contraction depends on myosin mini-filament assembly and activity. These two pathways intersect at numerous points: from Ras-dependent triggering of Rho activators, some of which act through PI3K, to mechanical feedback driven by actomyosin action. Here, we describe the main points of connection between the Ras and Rho pathways as they coordinately drive oncogenic transformation. We emphasize the biochemical crosstalk that drives actomyosin contraction driven by Ras in a Rho-dependent manner. We also describe possible routes of mechanical feedback through which myosin II activation may control Ras/Rho activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Soriano
- Tumor Biophysics Laboratory, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer and Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
| | - Marta Alcón-Pérez
- Tumour-Stroma Signalling Laboratory, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer and Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
| | - Miguel Vicente-Manzanares
- Tumor Biophysics Laboratory, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer and Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
- Correspondence: (M.V.-M.); (E.C.)
| | - Esther Castellano
- Tumour-Stroma Signalling Laboratory, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer and Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
- Correspondence: (M.V.-M.); (E.C.)
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14
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Bergoug M, Doudeau M, Godin F, Mosrin C, Vallée B, Bénédetti H. Neurofibromin Structure, Functions and Regulation. Cells 2020; 9:cells9112365. [PMID: 33121128 PMCID: PMC7692384 DOI: 10.3390/cells9112365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromin is a large and multifunctional protein encoded by the tumor suppressor gene NF1, mutations of which cause the tumor predisposition syndrome neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Over the last three decades, studies of neurofibromin structure, interacting partners, and functions have shown that it is involved in several cell signaling pathways, including the Ras/MAPK, Akt/mTOR, ROCK/LIMK/cofilin, and cAMP/PKA pathways, and regulates many fundamental cellular processes, such as proliferation and migration, cytoskeletal dynamics, neurite outgrowth, dendritic-spine density, and dopamine levels. The crystallographic structure has been resolved for two of its functional domains, GRD (GAP-related (GTPase-activating protein) domain) and SecPH, and its post-translational modifications studied, showing it to be localized to several cell compartments. These findings have been of particular interest in the identification of many therapeutic targets and in the proposal of various therapeutic strategies to treat the symptoms of NF1. In this review, we provide an overview of the literature on neurofibromin structure, function, interactions, and regulation and highlight the relationships between them.
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15
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Schoentgen F, Jonic S. PEBP1/RKIP behavior: a mirror of actin-membrane organization. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:859-874. [PMID: 31960115 PMCID: PMC11105014 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03455-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 12/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein 1 (PEBP1), a small 21 kDa protein, is implicated in several key processes of the living cell. The deregulation of PEBP1, especially its downregulation, leads to major diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's disease. PEBP1 was found to interact with numerous proteins, especially kinases and GTPases, generally inhibiting their activity. To understand the basic functionality of this amazing small protein, we have considered several known processes that it modulates and we have discussed the role of each molecular target in these processes. Here, we propose that cortical actin organization, associated with membrane changes, is involved in the majority of the processes modulated by PEBP1. Furthermore, based on recent data, we summarize some key PEBP1-interacting proteins, and we report their respective functions and focus on their relationships with actin organization. We suggest that, depending on the cell status and environment, PEBP1 is an organizer of the actin-membrane composite material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Françoise Schoentgen
- UMR CNRS 7590, Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, IRD, Institut de Minéralogie, de Physique des Matériaux et de Cosmochimie, IMPMC, Sorbonne Université, 75005, Paris, France.
| | - Slavica Jonic
- UMR CNRS 7590, Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, IRD, Institut de Minéralogie, de Physique des Matériaux et de Cosmochimie, IMPMC, Sorbonne Université, 75005, Paris, France
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16
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Harrell Stewart DR, Clark GJ. Pumping the brakes on RAS - negative regulators and death effectors of RAS. J Cell Sci 2020; 133:133/3/jcs238865. [PMID: 32041893 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.238865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations that activate the RAS oncoproteins are common in cancer. However, aberrant upregulation of RAS activity often occurs in the absence of activating mutations in the RAS genes due to defects in RAS regulators. It is now clear that loss of function of Ras GTPase-activating proteins (RasGAPs) is common in tumors, and germline mutations in certain RasGAP genes are responsible for some clinical syndromes. Although regulation of RAS is central to their activity, RasGAPs exhibit great diversity in their binding partners and therefore affect signaling by multiple mechanisms that are independent of RAS. The RASSF family of tumor suppressors are essential to RAS-induced apoptosis and senescence, and constitute a barrier to RAS-mediated transformation. Suppression of RASSF protein expression can also promote the development of excessive RAS signaling by uncoupling RAS from growth inhibitory pathways. Here, we will examine how these effectors of RAS contribute to tumor suppression, through both RAS-dependent and RAS-independent mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desmond R Harrell Stewart
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40222, USA
| | - Geoffrey J Clark
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40222, USA
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17
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The Role of Rho GTPases in Motility and Invasion of Glioblastoma Cells. Anal Cell Pathol (Amst) 2020; 2020:9274016. [PMID: 32089990 PMCID: PMC7013281 DOI: 10.1155/2020/9274016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytomas are primary malignant brain tumors that originate from astrocytes. Grade IV astrocytoma or glioblastoma is a highly invasive tumor that occur within the brain parenchyma. The Rho family of small GTPases, which includes Rac1, Cdc42, and RhoA, is an important family whose members are key regulators of the invasion and migration of glioblastoma cells. In this review, we describe the role played by the Rho family of GTPases in the regulation of the invasion and migration of glioblastoma cells. Specifically, we focus on the role played by RhoA, Rac1, RhoG, and Cdc42 in cell migration through rearrangement of actin cytoskeleton, cell adhesion, and invasion. Finally, we highlight the importance of potentially targeting Rho GTPases in the treatment of glioblastoma.
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18
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Affinity Purification of NF1 Protein-Protein Interactors Identifies Keratins and Neurofibromin Itself as Binding Partners. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10090650. [PMID: 31466283 PMCID: PMC6770187 DOI: 10.3390/genes10090650] [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: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) is caused by pathogenic variants in the NF1 gene encoding neurofibromin. Definition of NF1 protein–protein interactions (PPIs) has been difficult and lacks replication, making it challenging to define binding partners that modulate its function. We created a novel tandem affinity purification (TAP) tag cloned in frame to the 3’ end of the full-length murine Nf1 cDNA (mNf1). We show that this cDNA is functional and expresses neurofibromin, His-Tag, and can correct p-ERK/ERK ratios in NF1 null HEK293 cells. We used this affinity tag to purify binding partners with Strep-Tactin®XT beads and subsequently, identified them via mass spectrometry (MS). We found the tagged mNf1 can affinity purify human neurofibromin and vice versa, indicating that neurofibromin oligomerizes. We identify 21 additional proteins with high confidence of interaction with neurofibromin. After Metacore network analysis of these 21 proteins, eight appear within the same network, primarily keratins regulated by estrogen receptors. Previously, we have shown that neurofibromin levels negatively regulate keratin expression. Here, we show through pharmacological inhibition that this is independent of Ras signaling, as the inhibitors, selumetinib and rapamycin, do not alter keratin expression. Further characterization of neurofibromin oligomerization and binding partners could aid in discovering new neurofibromin functions outside of Ras regulation, leading to novel drug targets.
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19
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Fadhlullah SFB, Halim NBA, Yeo JYT, Ho RLY, Um P, Ang BT, Tang C, Ng WH, Virshup DM, Ho IAW. Pathogenic mutations in neurofibromin identifies a leucine-rich domain regulating glioma cell invasiveness. Oncogene 2019; 38:5367-5380. [PMID: 30967630 PMCID: PMC6755990 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-019-0809-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive tumor of the brain. NF1, a tumor suppressor gene and RAS-GTPase, is one of the highly mutated genes in GBM. Dysregulated NF1 expression promotes cell invasion, proliferation, and tumorigenesis. Loss of NF1 expression in glioblastoma is associated with increased aggressiveness of the tumor. Here, we show that NF1-loss in patient-derived glioma cells using shRNA increases self-renewal, heightens cell invasion, and promotes mesenchymal subtype and epithelial mesenchymal transition-specific gene expression that enhances tumorigenesis. The neurofibromin protein contains at least four major domains, with the GAP-related domain being the most well-studied. In this study, we report that the leucine-rich domain (LRD) of neurofibromin inhibits invasion of human glioblastoma cells without affecting their proliferation. Moreover, under conditions tested, the NF1-LRD fails to hydrolyze Ras-GTP to Ras-GDP, suggesting that its suppressive function is independent of Ras signaling. We further demonstrate that rare variants within the NF1-LRD domain found in a subset of the patients are pathogenic and reduce NF1-LRD’s invasion suppressive function. Taken together, our results show, for the first time, that NF1-LRD inhibits glioma invasion, and provides evidence of a previously unrecognized function of NF1-LRD in glioma biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siti Farah Bte Fadhlullah
- Molecular Neurotherapeutics Laboratory, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore, 308433, Singapore.,Lucence Diagnostics Pte Ltd., Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Jacqueline Y T Yeo
- Molecular Neurotherapeutics Laboratory, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore, 308433, Singapore
| | - Rachel L Y Ho
- Molecular Neurotherapeutics Laboratory, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore, 308433, Singapore
| | - Phoebe Um
- Molecular Neurotherapeutics Laboratory, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore, 308433, Singapore.,University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Beng Ti Ang
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore, 308433, Singapore.,Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119228, Singapore.,Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, A*STAR, Singapore, 117609, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
| | - Carol Tang
- Department of Research, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore, 308433, Singapore.,Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, 169857, Singapore.,Division of Cellular and Molecular Research, National Cancer Centre, Singapore, 169610, Singapore
| | - Wai H Ng
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore, 308433, Singapore
| | - David M Virshup
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, 169857, Singapore.,Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27703, USA
| | - Ivy A W Ho
- Molecular Neurotherapeutics Laboratory, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore, 308433, Singapore. .,Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119228, Singapore. .,Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, 169857, Singapore.
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20
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Scheffzek K, Shivalingaiah G. Ras-Specific GTPase-Activating Proteins-Structures, Mechanisms, and Interactions. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2019; 9:cshperspect.a031500. [PMID: 30104198 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a031500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Ras-specific GTPase-activating proteins (RasGAPs) down-regulate the biological activity of Ras proteins by accelerating their intrinsic rate of GTP hydrolysis, basically by a transition state stabilizing mechanism. Oncogenic Ras is commonly not sensitive to RasGAPs caused by interference of mutants with the electronic or steric requirements of the transition state, resulting in up-regulation of activated Ras in respective cells. RasGAPs are modular proteins containing a helical catalytic RasGAP module surrounded by smaller domains that are frequently involved in the subcellular localization or contributing to regulatory features of their host proteins. In this review, we summarize current knowledge about RasGAP structure, mechanism, regulation, and dual-substrate specificity and discuss in some detail neurofibromin, one of the most important negative Ras regulators in cellular growth control and neuronal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaus Scheffzek
- Division of Biological Chemistry (Biocenter), Medical University of Innsbruck, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Giridhar Shivalingaiah
- Division of Biological Chemistry (Biocenter), Medical University of Innsbruck, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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21
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LIMK2-1, a new isoform of human LIMK2, regulates actin cytoskeleton remodeling via a different signaling pathway than that of its two homologs, LIMK2a and LIMK2b. Biochem J 2018; 475:3745-3761. [DOI: 10.1042/bcj20170961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Revised: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
LIMK1 and LIMK2 (LIMKs, LIM kinases) are kinases that play a crucial role in cytoskeleton dynamics by independently regulating both actin filament and microtubule remodeling. LIMK1 and, more recently, LIMK2 have been shown to be involved in cancer development and metastasis, resistance of cancer cells to microtubule-targeted treatments, neurological diseases, and viral infection. LIMKs have thus recently emerged as new therapeutic targets. Databanks describe three isoforms of human LIMK2: LIMK2a, LIMK2b, and LIMK2-1. Evidence suggests that they may not have completely overlapping functions. We biochemically characterized the three isoforms to better delineate their potential roles, focusing on LIMK2-1, which has only been described at the mRNA level in a single study. LIMK2-1 has a protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) inhibitory domain at its C-terminus which its two counterparts do not. We showed that the LIMK2-1 protein is indeed synthesized. LIMK2-1 does not phosphorylate cofilin, the canonical substrate of LIMKs, although it has kinase activity and promotes actin stress fiber formation. Instead, it interacts with PP1 and partially inhibits its activity towards cofilin. Our data suggest that LIMK2-1 regulates actin cytoskeleton dynamics by preventing PP1-mediated cofilin dephosphorylation, rather than by directly phosphorylating cofilin as its two counterparts, LIMK2a and LIMK2b. This specificity may allow for tight regulation of the phospho-cofilin pool, determining the fate of the cell.
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22
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Knirsh R, Ben-Dror I, Modai S, Shomron N, Vardimon L. MicroRNA 10b promotes abnormal expression of the proto-oncogene c-Jun in metastatic breast cancer cells. Oncotarget 2018; 7:59932-59944. [PMID: 27494896 PMCID: PMC5312359 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 06/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs have been shown to act as oncogenes or tumor suppressers via various cellular pathways. Specifically, in breast cancer, upregulation of miR-10b is positively associated with aggressiveness of tumors. However, the mechanism by which miR-10b contributes to cell malignancy is largely unknown. Here we show that at the receiving end of the miR-10b pathway is the proto-oncogene c-Jun, a transcription factor that plays a critical role in stimulation of cell proliferation and tumor progression. c-Jun is known to be translationally activated by loss of cell contacts or restructuring of the cytoskeleton. A comprehensive analysis of miRNA expression exhibited a significant increase in miR-10b expression. This was supported by analysis of breast cancer cells, which showed that loss of E-cadherin in metastatic cells is accompanied by elevation of miR-10b and interestingly, by a marked increase in accumulation of c-Jun. Silencing miR-10b in metastatic breast cancer cells leads to a decline in c-Jun expression, whereas overexpression of miR-10b in HaCaT cells is sufficient to elevate the accumulation of c-Jun. The increase in c-Jun protein accumulation in metastatic cells is not accompanied by an increase in c-Jun mRNA and is not dependent on MAPK activity. Knockdown and overexpression experiments revealed that the increase is mediated by NF1 and RhoC, downstream targets of miR-10b that affect cytoskeletal dynamics through the ROCK pathway. Overall, we show the ability of miR-10b to activate the expression of c-Jun through RhoC and NF1, which represents a novel pathway for promoting migration and invasion of human cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Revital Knirsh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Iris Ben-Dror
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shira Modai
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Noam Shomron
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Lily Vardimon
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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23
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Physical interaction between neurofibromin and serotonin 5-HT6 receptor promotes receptor constitutive activity. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:12310-12315. [PMID: 27791021 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1600914113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Active G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) conformations not only are promoted by agonists but also occur in their absence, leading to constitutive activity. Association of GPCRs with intracellular protein partners might be one of the mechanisms underlying GPCR constitutive activity. Here, we show that serotonin 5 hydroxytryptamine 6 (5-HT6) receptor constitutively activates the Gs/adenylyl cyclase pathway in various cell types, including neurons. Constitutive activity is strongly reduced by silencing expression of the Ras-GTPase activating protein (Ras-GAP) neurofibromin, a 5-HT6 receptor partner. Neurofibromin is a multidomain protein encoded by the NF1 gene, the mutation of which causes Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), a genetic disorder characterized by multiple benign and malignant nervous system tumors and cognitive deficits. Disrupting association of 5-HT6 receptor with neurofibromin Pleckstrin Homology (PH) domain also inhibits receptor constitutive activity, and PH domain expression rescues 5-HT6 receptor-operated cAMP signaling in neurofibromin-deficient cells. Furthermore, PH domains carrying mutations identified in NF1 patients that prevent interaction with the 5-HT6 receptor fail to rescue receptor constitutive activity in neurofibromin-depleted cells. Further supporting a role of neurofibromin in agonist-independent Gs signaling elicited by native receptors, the phosphorylation of cAMP-responsive element-binding protein (CREB) is strongly decreased in prefrontal cortex of Nf1+/- mice compared with WT mice. Moreover, systemic administration of a 5-HT6 receptor inverse agonist reduces CREB phosphorylation in prefrontal cortex of WT mice but not Nf1+/- mice. Collectively, these findings suggest that disrupting 5-HT6 receptor-neurofibromin interaction prevents agonist-independent 5-HT6 receptor-operated cAMP signaling in prefrontal cortex, an effect that might underlie neuronal abnormalities in NF1 patients.
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Neurofibromatosis type 1: Fundamental insights into cell signalling and cancer. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2016; 52:39-46. [PMID: 26860753 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2016.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Revised: 02/02/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant tumour predisposition syndrome that is caused through loss of function mutations of a tumour suppressor gene called Neurofibromin 1. Therapeutic options are currently limited for NF1-associated tumours, where treatment is often restricted to complete surgical resection with clear margins. Herein, we discuss the multifunctional tumour suppressive role of neurofibromin, which is classically known as a GTPase activating protein (GAP) towards the RAS small GTPase. While neurofibromin inhibits proliferative growth through blockade of RAS-mediated signal transduction, neurofibromin should also be considered as a modulator of cell motility and cell adhesion. Through interfacing with the cytoskeleton and membrane structures, neurofibromin acts as a negative regulator of RHO/ROCK signalling pathways involved in cytoskeletal dynamics that are instrumental in proper neuronal development. In the context of cancer, the loss of normal function of neurofibromin via genetic mutation results in heightened cell proliferation and migration, predisposing NF1 patients to cancer. Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumours (MPNSTs) can develop from benign neurofibromas and are the main cause of death amongst NF1 patients. Through recent research on MPNSTs, we have gained insight into the key molecular events that drive their malignancy. Advances regarding malignant drivers involved in cell migration, cell invasion and angiogenic signalling are discussed in this review, where these findings will likely influence future therapies for both NF1 and related sporadic cancers.
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25
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Cuberos H, Vallée B, Vourc'h P, Tastet J, Andres CR, Bénédetti H. Roles of LIM kinases in central nervous system function and dysfunction. FEBS Lett 2015; 589:3795-806. [PMID: 26545494 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2015.10.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Revised: 10/21/2015] [Accepted: 10/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
LIM kinase 1 (LIMK1) and LIM kinase 2 (LIMK2) regulate actin dynamics by phosphorylating cofilin. In this review, we outline studies that have shown an involvement of LIMKs in neuronal function and we detail some of the pathways and molecular mechanisms involving LIMKs in neurodevelopment and synaptic plasticity. We also review the involvement of LIMKs in neuronal diseases and emphasize the differences in the regulation of LIMKs expression and mode of action. We finally present the existence of a cofilin-independent pathway also involved in neuronal function. A better understanding of the differences between both LIMKs and of the precise molecular mechanisms involved in their mode of action and regulation is now required to improve our understanding of the physiopathology of the neuronal diseases associated with LIMKs.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Cuberos
- CNRS UPR 4301, CBM, Orléans, France; UMR INSERM U930, Université François-Rabelais, Tours, France
| | - B Vallée
- CNRS UPR 4301, CBM, Orléans, France
| | - P Vourc'h
- UMR INSERM U930, Université François-Rabelais, Tours, France; CHRU de Tours, Service de Biochimie et de Biologie Moléculaire, Tours, France
| | - J Tastet
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - C R Andres
- UMR INSERM U930, Université François-Rabelais, Tours, France; CHRU de Tours, Service de Biochimie et de Biologie Moléculaire, Tours, France
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26
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Ratner N, Miller SJ. A RASopathy gene commonly mutated in cancer: the neurofibromatosis type 1 tumour suppressor. Nat Rev Cancer 2015; 15:290-301. [PMID: 25877329 PMCID: PMC4822336 DOI: 10.1038/nrc3911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 298] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a common genetic disorder that predisposes affected individuals to tumours. The NF1 gene encodes a RAS GTPase-activating protein called neurofibromin and is one of several genes that (when mutant) affect RAS-MAPK signalling, causing related diseases collectively known as RASopathies. Several RASopathies, beyond NF1, are cancer predisposition syndromes. Somatic NF1 mutations also occur in 5-10% of human sporadic cancers and may contribute to resistance to therapy. To highlight areas for investigation in RASopathies and sporadic tumours with NF1 mutations, we summarize current knowledge of NF1 disease, the NF1 gene and neurofibromin, neurofibromin signalling pathways and recent developments in NF1 therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Ratner
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
| | - Shyra J Miller
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
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27
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Cunha KS, Rozza-de-Menezes RE, Luna EB, Almeida LMDS, Pontes RRLDA, Almeida PN, de Aguiar LV, Dias EP. High prevalence of hyposalivation in individuals with neurofibromatosis 1: a case-control study. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2015; 10:24. [PMID: 25759173 PMCID: PMC4351927 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-015-0239-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2015] [Accepted: 02/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is one of the most common genetic diseases in humans and has widely variable expressivity. Oral manifestations are common, but there are no studies that investigated functional alterations in salivary glands in NF1. Our aim was to evaluate the salivary flow rate in NF1 individuals, comparing to a control group, and to investigate the possible causes and some consequences of salivary gland alteration. Methods This is a case–control study that evaluated the salivary flow rate of NF1 individuals (n = 49) and compared to an age and sex-matched control group. We have also investigated the possible causes and consequences of hyposalivation in NF1 individuals through anamnesis, a specific questionnaire, physical examination, tongue coating evaluation and cytopathological exam to assess the prevalence of oral candidiasis. Results Hyposalivation at rest was present in 59% (29/49) of NF1 individuals in contrast to 22% (11/49) in the control group, being statistically significant (P <0.0001; Wilcoxon rank-sum test). The analysis of the adjusted residual showed that the prevalence of hyposalivation in NF1 individuals (46.9%) was 4-fold higher than in controls (10.2%). None of the possible causes of hyposalivation (medications, low liquid intake, caffeinated or stimulant drink use, mouth breathers, alcohol, smoke and plexiform neurofibroma close to or involving major salivary glands areas) had important impact on the salivary flow rate in NF1 individuals. Conclusions Hyposalivation may be a consequence of NF1, as occurs in other genetic diseases. More studies are necessary to understand if there is and what is the relationship between NF1 and hyposalivation. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13023-015-0239-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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28
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Affiliation(s)
- Roni Rak
- Department of Neurobiology; The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences; Tel Aviv University; Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yoel Kloog
- Department of Neurobiology; The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences; Tel Aviv University; Tel Aviv, Israel
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29
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Rak R, Haklai R, Elad-Tzfadia G, Wolfson HJ, Carmeli S, Kloog Y. Novel LIMK2 Inhibitor Blocks Panc-1 Tumor Growth in a mouse xenograft model. Oncoscience 2014; 1:39-48. [PMID: 25593987 PMCID: PMC4295757 DOI: 10.18632/oncoscience.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2013] [Accepted: 12/31/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
LIM kinases (LIMKs) are important cell cytoskeleton regulators that play a prominent role in cancer manifestation and neuronal diseases. The LIMK family consists of two homologues, LIMK1 and LIMK2, which differ from one another in expression profile, intercellular localization, and function. The main substrate of LIMK is cofilin, a member of the actin-depolymerizing factor (ADF) protein family. When phosphorylated by LIMK, cofilin is inactive. LIMKs play a contributory role in several neurodevelopmental disorders and in cancer growth and metastasis. We recently reported the development and validation of a novel LIMK inhibitor, referred to here as T56-LIMKi, using a combination of computational methods and classical biochemistry techniques. Here we report that T56-LIMKi inhibits LIMK2 with high specificity, and shows little or no cross-reactivity with LIMK1. We found that T56-LIMKi decreases phosphorylated cofilin (p-cofilin) levels and thus inhibits growth of several cancerous cell lines, including those of pancreatic cancer, glioma and schwannoma. Because the most promising in-vitro effect of T56-LIMKi was observed in the pancreatic cancer cell line Panc-1, we tested the inhibitor on a nude mouse Panc-1 xenograft model. T56-LIMKi reduced tumor size and p-cofilin levels in the Panc-1 tumors, leading us to propose T56-LIMKi as a candidate drug for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roni Rak
- Department of Neurobiology, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Roni Haklai
- Department of Neurobiology, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Galit Elad-Tzfadia
- Department of Neurobiology, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Haim J Wolfson
- The Blavatnik School of Computer Science, Raymond and Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences
| | - Shmuel Carmeli
- School of Chemistry, Raymond and Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences
| | - Yoel Kloog
- Department of Neurobiology, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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