1
|
Li W, Quigley K. Bone morphogenetic protein signalling in pulmonary arterial hypertension: revisiting the BMPRII connection. Biochem Soc Trans 2024; 52:1515-1528. [PMID: 38716930 DOI: 10.1042/bst20231547] [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: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare and life-threatening vascular disorder, characterised by abnormal remodelling of the pulmonary vessels and elevated pulmonary artery pressure, leading to right ventricular hypertrophy and right-sided heart failure. The importance of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signalling in the pathogenesis of PAH is demonstrated by human genetic studies. Many PAH risk genes are involved in the BMP signalling pathway and are highly expressed or preferentially act on vascular endothelial cells. Endothelial dysfunction is recognised as an initial trigger for PAH, and endothelial BMP signalling plays a crucial role in the maintenance of endothelial integrity. BMPR2 is the most prevalent PAH gene, found in over 80% of heritable cases. As BMPRII protein is the major type II receptor for a large family of BMP ligands and expressed ubiquitously in many tissues, dysregulated BMP signalling in other cells may also contribute to PAH pathobiology. Sotatercept, which contains the extracellular domain of another transforming growth factor-β family type II receptor ActRIIA fused to immunoglobin Fc domain, was recently approved by the FDA as a treatment for PAH. Neither its target cells nor its mechanism of action is fully understood. This review will revisit BMPRII function and its extracellular regulation, summarise how dysregulated BMP signalling in endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells may contribute to PAH pathogenesis, and discuss how novel therapeutics targeting the extracellular regulation of BMP signalling, such as BMP9 and Sotatercept, can be related to restoring BMPRII function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- VPD Heart and Lung Research Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge CB2 0BB, U.K
| | - Kate Quigley
- VPD Heart and Lung Research Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge CB2 0BB, U.K
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Viswanathan PK, Chessel A, Molina MD, Haillot E, Lepage T. Maternal TGF-β ligand Panda breaks the radial symmetry of the sea urchin embryo by antagonizing the Nodal type II receptor ACVRII. PLoS Biol 2024; 22:e3002701. [PMID: 38913712 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
In the highly regulative embryo of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus, establishment of the dorsal-ventral (D/V) axis critically depends on the zygotic expression of the TGF-β nodal in the ventral ectoderm. nodal expression is first induced ubiquitously in the 32-cell embryo and becomes progressively restricted to the presumptive ventral ectoderm by the early blastula stage. This early spatial restriction of nodal expression is independent of Lefty, and instead relies on the activity of Panda, a maternally expressed TGF-β ligand related to Lefty and Inhibins, which is required maternally for D/V axis specification. However, the mechanism by which Panda restricts the early nodal expression has remained enigmatic and it is not known if Panda works like a BMP ligand by opposing Nodal and antagonizing Smad2/3 signaling, or if it works like Lefty by sequestering an essential component of the Nodal signaling pathway. In this study, we report that Panda functions as an antagonist of the TGF-β type II receptor ACVRII (Activin receptor type II), which is the only type II receptor for Nodal signaling in the sea urchin and is also a type II receptor for BMP ligands. Inhibiting translation of acvrII mRNA disrupted D/V patterning across all 3 germ layers and caused acvrII morphants to develop with a typical Nodal loss-of-function phenotype. In contrast, embryos overexpressing acvrII displayed strong ectopic Smad1/5/8 signaling at blastula stages and developed as dorsalized larvae, a phenotype very similar to that caused by over activation of BMP signaling. Remarkably, embryos co-injected with acvrII mRNA and panda mRNA did not show ectopic Smad1/5/8 signaling and developed with a largely normal dorsal-ventral polarity. Furthermore, using an axis induction assay, we found that Panda blocks the ability of ACVRII to orient the D/V axis when overexpressed locally. Using co-immunoprecipitation, we showed that Panda physically interacts with ACVRII, as well as with the Nodal co-receptor Cripto, and with TBR3 (Betaglycan), which is a non-signaling receptor for Inhibins in mammals. At the molecular level, we have traced back the antagonistic activity of Panda to the presence of a single proline residue, conserved with all the Lefty factors, in the ACVRII binding motif of Panda, instead of a serine as in most of TGF-β ligands. Conversion of this proline to a serine converted Panda from an antagonist that opposed Nodal signaling and promoted dorsalization to an agonist that promoted Nodal signaling and triggered ventralization when overexpressed. Finally, using phylogenomics, we analyzed the emergence of the agonist and antagonist form of Panda in the course of evolution. Our data are consistent with the idea that the presence of a serine at that position, like in most TGF-β, was the ancestral condition and that the initial function of Panda was possibly in promoting and not in antagonizing Nodal signaling. These results highlight the existence of key functional and structural elements conserved between Panda and Lefty, allow to draw an intriguing parallel between sea urchin Panda and mammalian Inhibin α and raise the unexpected possibility that the original function of Panda may have been in activation of the Nodal pathway rather than in its inhibition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Aline Chessel
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Inserm, iBV, Nice, France
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sivaccumar JP, Iaccarino E, Oliver A, Cantile M, Olimpieri P, Leonardi A, Ruvo M, Sandomenico A. Production in Bacteria and Characterization of Engineered Humanized Fab Fragment against the Nodal Protein. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1130. [PMID: 37631045 PMCID: PMC10459755 DOI: 10.3390/ph16081130] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug development in recent years is increasingly focused on developing personalized treatments based on blocking molecules selective for therapeutic targets specifically present in individual patients. In this perspective, the specificity of therapeutic targets and blocking agents plays a crucial role. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and their surrogates are increasingly used in this context thanks to their ability to bind therapeutic targets and to inhibit their activity or to transport bioactive molecules into the compartments in which the targets are expressed. Small antibody-like molecules, such as Fabs, are often used in certain clinical settings where small size and better tissue penetration are required. In the wake of this research trend, we developed a murine mAb (3D1) neutralizing the activity of Nodal, an oncofetal protein that is attracting an ever-increasing interest as a selective therapeutic target for several cancer types. Here, we report the preparation of a recombinant Fab of 3D1 that has been humanized through a computational approach starting from the sequence of the murine antibody. The Fab has been expressed in bacterial cells (1 mg/L bacterial culture), biochemically characterized in terms of stability and binding properties by circular dichroism and bio-layer interferometry techniques and tested in vitro on Nodal-positive cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jwala P. Sivaccumar
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, CNR, Via P. Castellino, 111, 80131 Naples, Italy (E.I.)
| | - Emanuela Iaccarino
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, CNR, Via P. Castellino, 111, 80131 Naples, Italy (E.I.)
| | - Angela Oliver
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, CNR, Via P. Castellino, 111, 80131 Naples, Italy (E.I.)
- Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | | | | | - Antonio Leonardi
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples “Federico II”, via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Menotti Ruvo
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, CNR, Via P. Castellino, 111, 80131 Naples, Italy (E.I.)
| | - Annamaria Sandomenico
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, CNR, Via P. Castellino, 111, 80131 Naples, Italy (E.I.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gipson GR, Goebel EJ, Hart KN, Kappes EC, Kattamuri C, McCoy JC, Thompson TB. Structural perspective of BMP ligands and signaling. Bone 2020; 140:115549. [PMID: 32730927 PMCID: PMC7502536 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2020.115549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs) are the largest class signaling molecules within the greater Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGFβ) family, and are responsible for a wide array of biological functions, including dorsal-ventral patterning, skeletal development and maintenance, as well as cell homeostasis. As such, dysregulation of BMPs results in a number of diseases, including fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Therefore, understanding BMP signaling and regulation at the molecular level is essential for targeted therapeutic intervention. This review discusses the recent advances in the structural and biochemical characterization of BMPs, from canonical ligand-receptor interactions to co-receptors and antagonists. This work aims to highlight how BMPs differ from other members of the TGFβ family, and how that information can be used to further advance the field. Lastly, this review discusses several gaps in the current understanding of BMP structures, with the aim that discussion of these gaps will lead to advancements in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gregory R Gipson
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, and Microbiology, University of Cincinnati, Medical Sciences Building, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Erich J Goebel
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, and Microbiology, University of Cincinnati, Medical Sciences Building, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Kaitlin N Hart
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Medical Sciences Building, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Emily C Kappes
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, and Microbiology, University of Cincinnati, Medical Sciences Building, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Chandramohan Kattamuri
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, and Microbiology, University of Cincinnati, Medical Sciences Building, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Jason C McCoy
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, and Microbiology, University of Cincinnati, Medical Sciences Building, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Thomas B Thompson
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, and Microbiology, University of Cincinnati, Medical Sciences Building, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Martinez-Hackert E, Sundan A, Holien T. Receptor binding competition: A paradigm for regulating TGF-β family action. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2020; 57:39-54. [PMID: 33087301 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2020.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The transforming growth factor (TGF)-β family is a group of structurally related, multifunctional growth factors, or ligands that are crucially involved in the development, regulation, and maintenance of animal tissues. In humans, the family counts over 33 members. These secreted ligands typically form multimeric complexes with two type I and two type II receptors to activate one of two distinct signal transduction branches. A striking feature of the family is its promiscuity, i.e., many ligands bind the same receptors and compete with each other for binding to these receptors. Although several explanations for this feature have been considered, its functional significance has remained puzzling. However, several recent reports have promoted the idea that ligand-receptor binding promiscuity and competition are critical features of the TGF-β family that provide an essential regulating function. Namely, they allow a cell to read and process multi-ligand inputs. This capability may be necessary for producing subtle, distinctive, or adaptive responses and, possibly, for facilitating developmental plasticity. Here, we review the molecular basis for ligand competition, with emphasis on molecular structures and binding affinities. We give an overview of methods that were used to establish experimentally ligand competition. Finally, we discuss how the concept of ligand competition may be fundamentally tied to human physiology, disease, and therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erik Martinez-Hackert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
| | - Anders Sundan
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491, Trondheim, Norway; Centre of Molecular Inflammation Research (CEMIR), Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Toril Holien
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491, Trondheim, Norway; Department of Hematology, St. Olav's University Hospital, 7030, Trondheim, Norway.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zabala M, Lobo NA, Antony J, Heitink LS, Gulati GS, Lam J, Parashurama N, Sanchez K, Adorno M, Sikandar SS, Kuo AH, Qian D, Kalisky T, Sim S, Li L, Dirbas FM, Somlo G, Newman A, Quake SR, Clarke MF. LEFTY1 Is a Dual-SMAD Inhibitor that Promotes Mammary Progenitor Growth and Tumorigenesis. Cell Stem Cell 2020; 27:284-299.e8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2020.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2018] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|
7
|
Guignard L, Fiúza UM, Leggio B, Laussu J, Faure E, Michelin G, Biasuz K, Hufnagel L, Malandain G, Godin C, Lemaire P. Contact area-dependent cell communication and the morphological invariance of ascidian embryogenesis. Science 2020; 369:369/6500/eaar5663. [PMID: 32646972 DOI: 10.1126/science.aar5663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Marine invertebrate ascidians display embryonic reproducibility: Their early embryonic cell lineages are considered invariant and are conserved between distantly related species, despite rapid genomic divergence. Here, we address the drivers of this reproducibility. We used light-sheet imaging and automated cell segmentation and tracking procedures to systematically quantify the behavior of individual cells every 2 minutes during Phallusia mammillata embryogenesis. Interindividual reproducibility was observed down to the area of individual cell contacts. We found tight links between the reproducibility of embryonic geometries and asymmetric cell divisions, controlled by differential sister cell inductions. We combined modeling and experimental manipulations to show that the area of contact between signaling and responding cells is a key determinant of cell communication. Our work establishes the geometric control of embryonic inductions as an alternative to classical morphogen gradients and suggests that the range of cell signaling sets the scale at which embryonic reproducibility is observed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Léo Guignard
- CRBM, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, 34293 Montpellier, France.,Virtual Plants, Université de Montpellier, CIRAD, INRA, Inria, 34095 Montpellier, France.,Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Ulla-Maj Fiúza
- CRBM, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, 34293 Montpellier, France.,Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bruno Leggio
- CRBM, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, 34293 Montpellier, France.,Virtual Plants, Université de Montpellier, CIRAD, INRA, Inria, 34095 Montpellier, France.,Laboratoire Reproduction et Développement des Plantes, Université de Lyon, ENS de Lyon, UCB Lyon 1, CNRS, INRA, Inria, 69342 Lyon, France
| | - Julien Laussu
- CRBM, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, 34293 Montpellier, France
| | - Emmanuel Faure
- CRBM, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, 34293 Montpellier, France.,Virtual Plants, Université de Montpellier, CIRAD, INRA, Inria, 34095 Montpellier, France.,Institut de Recherche en Informatique de Toulouse (IRIT), Universités Toulouse I et III, CNRS, INPT, ENSEEIHT, 31071 Toulouse, France
| | - Gaël Michelin
- Morpheme, Université Côte d'Azur, Inria, CNRS, I3S, France
| | - Kilian Biasuz
- CRBM, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, 34293 Montpellier, France
| | - Lars Hufnagel
- Cell Biology and Biophysics Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | | | - Christophe Godin
- Virtual Plants, Université de Montpellier, CIRAD, INRA, Inria, 34095 Montpellier, France. .,Laboratoire Reproduction et Développement des Plantes, Université de Lyon, ENS de Lyon, UCB Lyon 1, CNRS, INRA, Inria, 69342 Lyon, France
| | - Patrick Lemaire
- CRBM, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, 34293 Montpellier, France.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Rodrigues Sousa E, Zoni E, Karkampouna S, La Manna F, Gray PC, De Menna M, Kruithof-de Julio M. A Multidisciplinary Review of the Roles of Cripto in the Scientific Literature Through a Bibliometric Analysis of its Biological Roles. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12061480. [PMID: 32517087 PMCID: PMC7352664 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061480] [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: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cripto is a small glycosylphosphatidylinisitol (GPI)-anchored and secreted oncofetal protein that plays important roles in regulating normal physiological processes, including stem cell differentiation, embryonal development, and tissue growth and remodeling, as well as pathological processes such as tumor initiation and progression. Cripto functions as a co-receptor for TGF-β ligands such as Nodal, GDF1, and GDF3. Soluble and secreted forms of Cripto also exhibit growth factor-like activity and activate SRC/MAPK/PI3K/AKT pathways. Glucose-Regulated Protein 78 kDa (GRP78) binds Cripto at the cell surface and has been shown to be required for Cripto signaling via both TGF-β and SRC/MAPK/PI3K/AKT pathways. To provide a comprehensive overview of the scientific literature related to Cripto, we performed, for the first time, a bibliometric analysis of the biological roles of Cripto as reported in the scientific literature covering the last 10 years. We present different fields of knowledge in comprehensive areas of research on Cripto, ranging from basic to translational research, using a keyword-driven approach. Our ultimate aim is to aid the scientific community in conducting targeted research by identifying areas where research has been conducted so far and, perhaps more importantly, where critical knowledge is still missing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Rodrigues Sousa
- Department for Biomedical Research, Urology Research Laboratory, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (E.R.S.); (E.Z.); (S.K.); (F.L.M.); (M.D.M.)
| | - Eugenio Zoni
- Department for Biomedical Research, Urology Research Laboratory, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (E.R.S.); (E.Z.); (S.K.); (F.L.M.); (M.D.M.)
- Department of Urology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sofia Karkampouna
- Department for Biomedical Research, Urology Research Laboratory, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (E.R.S.); (E.Z.); (S.K.); (F.L.M.); (M.D.M.)
| | - Federico La Manna
- Department for Biomedical Research, Urology Research Laboratory, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (E.R.S.); (E.Z.); (S.K.); (F.L.M.); (M.D.M.)
- Department of Urology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Marta De Menna
- Department for Biomedical Research, Urology Research Laboratory, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (E.R.S.); (E.Z.); (S.K.); (F.L.M.); (M.D.M.)
| | - Marianna Kruithof-de Julio
- Department for Biomedical Research, Urology Research Laboratory, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland; (E.R.S.); (E.Z.); (S.K.); (F.L.M.); (M.D.M.)
- Department of Urology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Mahaddalkar PU, Scheibner K, Pfluger S, Ansarullah, Sterr M, Beckenbauer J, Irmler M, Beckers J, Knöbel S, Lickert H. Generation of pancreatic β cells from CD177 + anterior definitive endoderm. Nat Biotechnol 2020; 38:1061-1072. [PMID: 32341565 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-020-0492-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Methods for differentiating human pluripotent stem cells to pancreatic and liver lineages in vitro have been limited by the inability to identify and isolate distinct endodermal subpopulations specific to these two organs. Here we report that pancreatic and hepatic progenitors can be isolated using the surface markers CD177/NB1 glycoprotein and inducible T-cell costimulatory ligand CD275/ICOSL, respectively, from seemingly homogeneous definitive endoderm derived from human pluripotent stem cells. Anterior definitive endoderm (ADE) subpopulations identified by CD177 and CD275 show inverse activation of canonical and noncanonical WNT signaling. CD177+ ADE expresses and synthesizes the secreted WNT, NODAL and BMP antagonist CERBERUS1 and is specified toward the pancreatic fate. CD275+ ADE receives canonical Wnt signaling and is specified toward the liver fate. Isolated CD177+ ADE differentiates more homogeneously into pancreatic progenitors and into more functionally mature and glucose-responsive β-like cells in vitro compared with cells from unsorted differentiation cultures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pallavi U Mahaddalkar
- Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany.,Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Katharina Scheibner
- Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Sandra Pfluger
- Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Ansarullah
- Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Michael Sterr
- Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany.,Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Julia Beckenbauer
- Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Martin Irmler
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Johannes Beckers
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany.,Chair of Experimental Genetics, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technische Universität München, Freising, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | | | - Heiko Lickert
- Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany. .,Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany. .,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany. .,β-Cell Biology, Technische Universität München, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Munich, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Olsen OE, Hella H, Elsaadi S, Jacobi C, Martinez-Hackert E, Holien T. Activins as Dual Specificity TGF-β Family Molecules: SMAD-Activation via Activin- and BMP-Type 1 Receptors. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10040519. [PMID: 32235336 PMCID: PMC7225989 DOI: 10.3390/biom10040519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Activins belong to the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β family of multifunctional cytokines and signal via the activin receptors ALK4 or ALK7 to activate the SMAD2/3 pathway. In some cases, activins also signal via the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) receptor ALK2, causing activation of the SMAD1/5/8 pathway. In this study, we aimed to dissect how activin A and activin B homodimers, and activin AB and AC heterodimers activate the two main SMAD branches. We compared the activin-induced signaling dynamics of ALK4/7-SMAD2/3 and ALK2-SMAD1/5 in a multiple myeloma cell line. Signaling via the ALK2-SMAD1/5 pathway exhibited greater differences between ligands than signaling via ALK4/ALK7-SMAD2/3. Interestingly, activin B and activin AB very potently activated SMAD1/5, resembling the activation commonly seen with BMPs. As SMAD1/5 was also activated by activins in other cell types, we propose that dual specificity is a general mechanism for activin ligands. In addition, we found that the antagonist follistatin inhibited signaling by all the tested activins, whereas the antagonist cerberus specifically inhibited activin B. Taken together, we propose that activins may be considered dual specificity TGF-β family members, critically affecting how activins may be considered and targeted clinically.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oddrun Elise Olsen
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, NTNU – Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Hematology, St. Olav’s University Hospital, 7030 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Hanne Hella
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, NTNU – Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Samah Elsaadi
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, NTNU – Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Carsten Jacobi
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research Basel, Musculoskeletal Disease Area, Novartis Pharma AG, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Erik Martinez-Hackert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Toril Holien
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, NTNU – Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Hematology, St. Olav’s University Hospital, 7030 Trondheim, Norway
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +47-924-21-162
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Asnaghi L, White DT, Yoon L, Price A, Lee GY, Sahoo A, Mumm JS, Eberhart CG. Downregulation of Nodal inhibits metastatic progression in retinoblastoma. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2019; 7:137. [PMID: 31451106 PMCID: PMC6709548 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-019-0785-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinoblastoma is the most common intraocular malignancy in children. We previously found that the ACVR1C/SMAD2 pathway is significantly upregulated in invasive retinoblastoma samples from patients. Here we studied the role of an ACVR1C ligand, Nodal, in regulating growth and metastatic dissemination in retinoblastoma. Inhibition of Nodal using multiple short hairpin (shRNAs) in WERI Rb1 and Y79 retinoblastoma cell cultures reduced growth by more than 90%, as determined by CCK-8 growth assay. Proliferation was also significantly inhibited, as found by Ki67 assay. These effects were paralleled by inhibition in the phosphorylation of the downstream effector SMAD2, as well as induction of apoptosis, as we observed more than three-fold increase in the percentage of cells positive for cleaved-caspase-3 or expressing cleaved-PARP1. Importantly, we found that downregulation of Nodal potently suppressed invasion in vitro, by 50 to 80%, as determined by transwell invasion assay (p = 0.02). Using an orthotopic model of retinoblastoma in zebrafish, we found 34% reduction in the ability of the cells to disseminate outside the eye, when Nodal was knocked down by shRNA (p = 0.0003). These data suggest that Nodal plays an important role in promoting growth, proliferation and invasion in retinoblastoma, and can be considered a new therapeutic target for both primary tumor growth and metastatic progression.
Collapse
|
12
|
Sandomenico A, Ruvo M. Targeting Nodal and Cripto-1: Perspectives Inside Dual Potential Theranostic Cancer Biomarkers. Curr Med Chem 2019; 26:1994-2050. [PMID: 30207211 DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666180912104707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elucidating the mechanisms of recurrence of embryonic signaling pathways in tumorigenesis has led to the discovery of onco-fetal players which have physiological roles during normal development but result aberrantly re-activated in tumors. In this context, Nodal and Cripto-1 are recognized as onco-developmental factors, which are absent in normal tissues but are overexpressed in several solid tumors where they can serve as theranostic agents. OBJECTIVE To collect, review and discuss the most relevant papers related to the involvement of Nodal and Cripto-1 in the development, progression, recurrence and metastasis of several tumors where they are over-expressed, with a particular attention to their occurrence on the surface of the corresponding sub-populations of cancer stem cells (CSC). RESULTS We have gathered, rationalized and discussed the most interesting findings extracted from some 370 papers related to the involvement of Cripto-1 and Nodal in all tumor types where they have been detected. Data demonstrate the clear connection between Nodal and Cripto-1 presence and their multiple oncogenic activities across different tumors. We have also reviewed and highlighted the potential of targeting Nodal, Cripto-1 and the complexes that they form on the surface of tumor cells, especially of CSC, as an innovative approach to detect and suppress tumors with molecules that block one or more mechanisms that they regulate. CONCLUSION Overall, Nodal and Cripto-1 represent two innovative and effective biomarkers for developing potential theranostic anti-tumor agents that target normal as well as CSC subpopulations and overcome both pharmacological resistance and tumor relapse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Sandomenico
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IBB-CNR), via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134, Napoli, Italy
| | - Menotti Ruvo
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IBB-CNR), via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134, Napoli, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Gudbergsson JM, Duroux M. An evaluation of different Cripto-1 antibodies and their variable results. J Cell Biochem 2019; 121:545-556. [PMID: 31310365 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.29293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cripto-1 is a protein expressed during embryonal development and has been linked to several malignant processes in cancer. Since the discovery of cripto-1 in the late 1980s, it has become a subject of biomarker investigation in several types of cancer which in many cases relies on immunolocalization of cripto-1 using antibodies. Investigating cripto-1 expression and localization in primary glioblastoma cells, we discovered nonspecific binding of cripto-1 antibody to the extracellular matrix Geltrex. A panel of four cripto-1 antibodies was investigated with respect to their binding to the Geltrex matrix and to the cripto-1 positive control cells NTERA2. The cripto-1 expression was varied for the different antibodies with respect to cellular localization and fixation methods. To further elaborate on these findings, we present a systematic review of cripto-1 antibodies found in the literature and highlight some possible cross reactants with data on sequence alignments and structural comparison of EGF domains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johann Mar Gudbergsson
- Laboratory of Immunology and Cancer Biology, Institute of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Meg Duroux
- Laboratory of Immunology and Cancer Biology, Institute of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Martyn I, Brivanlou AH, Siggia ED. A wave of WNT signaling balanced by secreted inhibitors controls primitive streak formation in micropattern colonies of human embryonic stem cells. Development 2019; 146:dev172791. [PMID: 30814117 PMCID: PMC6451321 DOI: 10.1242/dev.172791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Long-range signaling by morphogens and their inhibitors define embryonic patterning yet quantitative data and models are rare, especially in humans. Here, we use a human embryonic stem cell micropattern system to model formation of the primitive streak (PS) by WNT. In the pluripotent state, E-cadherin (E-CAD) transduces boundary forces to focus WNT signaling to the colony border. Following application of WNT ligand, E-CAD mediates a front or wave of epithelial-to-mesenchymal (EMT) conversion analogous to PS extension in an embryo. By knocking out the secreted WNT inhibitors active in our system, we show that DKK1 alone controls the extent and duration of patterning. The NODAL inhibitor cerberus 1 acts downstream of WNT to refine the endoderm versus mesoderm fate choice. Our EMT wave is a generic property of a bistable system with diffusion and we present a single quantitative model that describes both the wave and our knockout data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iain Martyn
- Laboratory of Molecular Vertebrate Embryology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Center for Studies in Physics and Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Ali H Brivanlou
- Laboratory of Molecular Vertebrate Embryology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Eric D Siggia
- Center for Studies in Physics and Biology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
High-Throughput, Biosensor-Based Approach to Examine Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP)-Receptor Interactions. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1891:37-49. [PMID: 30414125 PMCID: PMC6319254 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-8904-1_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Binding of a BMP to its cognate cell surface receptors is the initiating step in the BMP signaling cascade. Thus, knowing which BMP-receptor complexes form is vital for understanding the physiological activities of a particular BMP. Here, we describe a surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based, high-throughput approach that allows fast identification and evaluation of BMP-receptor complexes. Briefly, the extracellular, BMP-binding domains of receptors are produced as human IgG1-Fc-fusion proteins. The Fc moiety enables simple capture of the Fc-receptor-fusion protein on the sensor chip, supports a highly reproducible, uniform approach of surface regeneration, and ensures full activity of the receptor moiety. BMPs are injected over the captured receptors at one concentration (approximately 60-100 nM), permitting stratification of high-affinity, medium-affinity, and low-affinity binders. Using this concentration range, equilibrium dissociation constants for high-affinity and medium-affinity binders can be estimated with good accuracy and with great precision from the single injection binding curves.
Collapse
|
16
|
Abstract
TGF-β family ligands function in inducing and patterning many tissues of the early vertebrate embryonic body plan. Nodal signaling is essential for the specification of mesendodermal tissues and the concurrent cellular movements of gastrulation. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling patterns tissues along the dorsal-ventral axis and simultaneously directs the cell movements of convergence and extension. After gastrulation, a second wave of Nodal signaling breaks the symmetry between the left and right sides of the embryo. During these processes, elaborate regulatory feedback between TGF-β ligands and their antagonists direct the proper specification and patterning of embryonic tissues. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the function and regulation of TGF-β family signaling in these processes. Although we cover principles that are involved in the development of all vertebrate embryos, we focus specifically on three popular model organisms: the mouse Mus musculus, the African clawed frog of the genus Xenopus, and the zebrafish Danio rerio, highlighting the similarities and differences between these species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Zinski
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6058
| | - Benjamin Tajer
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6058
| | - Mary C Mullins
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6058
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Hill CS. Spatial and temporal control of NODAL signaling. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2018; 51:50-57. [PMID: 29153705 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2017.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Embryonic development is orchestrated by the activity of signal transduction pathways, amongst which are those downstream of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) family. Here I focus on signalling by one of these ligands, NODAL, which is essential for early embryonic axis patterning. I review recent advances in our understanding of how NODAL signalling is transduced from the plasma membrane to the nucleus to regulate the transcription of target genes, and how domains of NODAL activity are established and refined during embryonic development. The duration of signalling is emerging as a key determinant of the specificity of downstream responses in terms of cell fate decisions and I will discuss what is currently known about the underlying mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline S Hill
- Developmental Signalling Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Kalyan A, Carneiro BA, Chandra S, Kaplan J, Chae YK, Matsangou M, Hendrix MJC, Giles F. Nodal Signaling as a Developmental Therapeutics Target in Oncology. Mol Cancer Ther 2018; 16:787-792. [PMID: 28468864 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-16-0215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Revised: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment is a vital feature of oncogenesis and tumor progression. There are several parallels between cancer cells and early developmental stem cells, including their plasticity and signaling mechanisms. In early fetal development, Nodal is expressed for endodermal and mesodermal differentiation. This expression has been shown reemerge in the setting of epithelial cancers, such as breast and melanoma. High Nodal expression correlates to an aggressive tumor grade in these malignancies. Nodal signal begins with its interaction with its coreceptor, Cripto-1, leading to activation of Smad2/Smad3 and ultimately downstream transcription and translation. Lefty is the natural inhibitor of Nodal and controls Nodal signaling during fetal development. However, cancer cells lack the presence of Lefty, thus leading to uncontrolled tumor growth. Given this understanding, inhibition of the Nodal pathway offers a new novel therapeutic target in oncology. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(5); 787-92. ©2017 AACR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aparna Kalyan
- Developmental Therapeutics Program, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Olson Pavilion, Chicago, Illinois. .,Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Benedito A Carneiro
- Developmental Therapeutics Program, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Olson Pavilion, Chicago, Illinois.,Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Sunandana Chandra
- Developmental Therapeutics Program, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Olson Pavilion, Chicago, Illinois.,Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Jason Kaplan
- Developmental Therapeutics Program, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Olson Pavilion, Chicago, Illinois.,Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Young Kwang Chae
- Developmental Therapeutics Program, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Olson Pavilion, Chicago, Illinois.,Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Maria Matsangou
- Developmental Therapeutics Program, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Olson Pavilion, Chicago, Illinois.,Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Mary J C Hendrix
- Developmental Therapeutics Program, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Olson Pavilion, Chicago, Illinois.,Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Anne and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Francis Giles
- Developmental Therapeutics Program, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Olson Pavilion, Chicago, Illinois.,Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Calvanese L, Focà A, Sandomenico A, Focà G, Caporale A, Doti N, Iaccarino E, Leonardi A, D'Auria G, Ruvo M, Falcigno L. Structural insights into the interaction of a monoclonal antibody and Nodal peptides by STD-NMR spectroscopy. Bioorg Med Chem 2017; 25:6589-6596. [PMID: 29113739 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2017.10.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Nodal is a growth factor expressed during early embryonic development, but reactivated in several advanced-stage cancers. Targeting of Nodal signaling, which occurs via the binding to Cripto-1 co-receptor, results in inhibition of cell aggressiveness and reduced tumor growth. The Nodal binding region to Cripto-1 was identified and targeted with a high affinity monoclonal antibody (3D1). By STD-NMR technique, we investigated the interaction of Nodal fragments with 3D1 with the aim to elucidate at atomic level the interaction surface. Data indicate with high accuracy the antibody-antigen contact atoms and confirm the information previously obtained by immune-enzymatic methods. Main residues contacted by 3D1 are P46, V47, E49 and E50, which belong to the Nodal loop involved in the interaction with the co-receptor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Calvanese
- CIRPeB, University of Naples Federico II, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy
| | - Annalia Focà
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council, IBB-CNR, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy
| | - Annamaria Sandomenico
- CIRPeB, University of Naples Federico II, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy; Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council, IBB-CNR, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Focà
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council, IBB-CNR, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy
| | - Andrea Caporale
- CIRPeB, University of Naples Federico II, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy
| | - Nunzianna Doti
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council, IBB-CNR, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy
| | - Emanuela Iaccarino
- DISTABIF, Università degli Studi della Campania "Lugi Vanvitelli", via Vivaldi, 43, 80100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Antonio Leonardi
- Dept. Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Gabriella D'Auria
- CIRPeB, University of Naples Federico II, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy; Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council, IBB-CNR, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy; Dept. of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy
| | - Menotti Ruvo
- CIRPeB, University of Naples Federico II, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy; Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council, IBB-CNR, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Lucia Falcigno
- CIRPeB, University of Naples Federico II, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy; Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council, IBB-CNR, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy; Dept. of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Xiang Z, Liang Z, Yanfeng H, Leitao K. Persistence of RSV promotes proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of bronchial epithelial cells through Nodal signaling. J Med Microbiol 2017; 66:1499-1505. [PMID: 28901900 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.000581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Xiang
- Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, 44 Xiaoheyan Road, Dadong Region, Shengyang 110042, Liaoning, PR China
| | - Zhang Liang
- Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, 44 Xiaoheyan Road, Dadong Region, Shengyang 110042, Liaoning, PR China
| | - Huang Yanfeng
- Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, 44 Xiaoheyan Road, Dadong Region, Shengyang 110042, Liaoning, PR China
| | - Kang Leitao
- Department of Microbiology, Central South University, Changsha 410000, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Goh BC, Singhal V, Herrera AJ, Tomlinson RE, Kim S, Faugere MC, Germain-Lee EL, Clemens TL, Lee SJ, DiGirolamo DJ. Activin receptor type 2A (ACVR2A) functions directly in osteoblasts as a negative regulator of bone mass. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:13809-13822. [PMID: 28659341 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m117.782128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Revised: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Bone and skeletal muscle mass are highly correlated in mammals, suggesting the existence of common anabolic signaling networks that coordinate the development of these two anatomically adjacent tissues. The activin signaling pathway is an attractive candidate to fulfill such a role. Here, we generated mice with conditional deletion of activin receptor (ACVR) type 2A, ACVR2B, or both, in osteoblasts, to determine the contribution of activin receptor signaling in regulating bone mass. Immunohistochemistry localized ACVR2A and ACVR2B to osteoblasts and osteocytes. Primary osteoblasts expressed activin signaling components, including ACVR2A, ACVR2B, and ACVR1B (ALK4) and demonstrated increased levels of phosphorylated Smad2/3 upon exposure to activin ligands. Osteoblasts lacking ACVR2B did not show significant changes in vitro However, osteoblasts deficient in ACVR2A exhibited enhanced differentiation indicated by alkaline phosphatase activity, mineral deposition, and transcriptional expression of osterix, osteocalcin, and dentin matrix acidic phosphoprotein 1. To investigate activin signaling in osteoblasts in vivo, we analyzed the skeletal phenotypes of mice lacking these receptors in osteoblasts and osteocytes (osteocalcin-Cre). Similar to the lack of effect in vitro, ACVR2B-deficient mice demonstrated no significant change in any bone parameter. By contrast, mice lacking ACVR2A had significantly increased femoral trabecular bone volume at 6 weeks of age. Moreover, mutant mice lacking both ACVR2A and ACVR2B demonstrated sustained increases in trabecular bone volume, similar to those in ACVR2A single mutants, at 6 and 12 weeks of age. Taken together, these results indicate that activin receptor signaling, predominantly through ACVR2A, directly and negatively regulates bone mass in osteoblasts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian C Goh
- From the Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and
| | | | | | | | - Soohyun Kim
- From the Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and
| | - Marie-Claude Faugere
- the Albert B. Chandler Medical Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536
| | - Emily L Germain-Lee
- the Department of Pediatrics, University of Connecticut School of Medicine/UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut 06030.,the Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Hartford, Connecticut 06106, and
| | - Thomas L Clemens
- From the Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and.,the Veterans Administration Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland 21201
| | - Se-Jin Lee
- Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287
| | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Aykul S, Parenti A, Chu KY, Reske J, Floer M, Ralston A, Martinez-Hackert E. Biochemical and Cellular Analysis Reveals Ligand Binding Specificities, a Molecular Basis for Ligand Recognition, and Membrane Association-dependent Activities of Cripto-1 and Cryptic. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:4138-4151. [PMID: 28126904 PMCID: PMC5354514 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.747501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2016] [Revised: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) pathways are key determinants of cell fate in animals. Their basic mechanism of action is simple. However, to produce cell-specific responses, TGF-β pathways are heavily regulated by secondary factors, such as membrane-associated EGF-CFC family proteins. Cellular activities of EGF-CFC proteins have been described, but their molecular functions, including how the mammalian homologs Cripto-1 and Cryptic recognize and regulate TGF-β family ligands, are less clear. Here we use purified human Cripto-1 and mouse Cryptic produced in mammalian cells to show that these two EGF-CFC homologs have distinct, highly specific ligand binding activities. Cripto-1 interacts with BMP-4 in addition to its known partner Nodal, whereas Cryptic interacts only with Activin B. These interactions depend on the integrity of the protein, as truncated or deglycosylated Cripto-1 lacked BMP-4 binding activity. Significantly, Cripto-1 and Cryptic blocked binding of their cognate ligands to type I and type II TGF-β receptors, indicating that Cripto-1 and Cryptic contact ligands at their receptor interaction surfaces and, thus, that they could inhibit their ligands. Indeed, soluble Cripto-1 and Cryptic inhibited ligand signaling in various cell-based assays, including SMAD-mediated luciferase reporter gene expression, and differentiation of a multipotent stem cell line. But in agreement with previous work, the membrane bound form of Cripto-1 potentiated signaling, revealing a critical role of membrane association for its established cellular activity. Thus, our studies provide new insights into the mechanism of ligand recognition by this enigmatic family of membrane-anchored TGF-β family signaling regulators and link membrane association with their signal potentiating activities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Senem Aykul
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1319
| | - Anthony Parenti
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1319
| | - Kit Yee Chu
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1319
| | - Jake Reske
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1319
| | - Monique Floer
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1319
| | - Amy Ralston
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1319
| | - Erik Martinez-Hackert
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1319
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Abstract
The discovery of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) family ligands and the realization that their bioactivities need to be tightly controlled temporally and spatially led to intensive research that has identified a multitude of extracellular modulators of TGF-β family ligands, uncovered their functions in developmental and pathophysiological processes, defined the mechanisms of their activities, and explored potential modulator-based therapeutic applications in treating human diseases. These studies revealed a diverse repertoire of extracellular and membrane-associated molecules that are capable of modulating TGF-β family signals via control of ligand availability, processing, ligand-receptor interaction, and receptor activation. These molecules include not only soluble ligand-binding proteins that were conventionally considered as agonists and antagonists of TGF-β family of growth factors, but also extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and proteoglycans that can serve as "sink" and control storage and release of both the TGF-β family ligands and their regulators. This extensive network of soluble and ECM modulators helps to ensure dynamic and cell-specific control of TGF-β family signals. This article reviews our knowledge of extracellular modulation of TGF-β growth factors by diverse proteins and their molecular mechanisms to regulate TGF-β family signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chenbei Chang
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Aykul S, Martinez-Hackert E. Determination of half-maximal inhibitory concentration using biosensor-based protein interaction analysis. Anal Biochem 2016; 508:97-103. [PMID: 27365221 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2016.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2016] [Revised: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 06/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) is the most widely used and informative measure of a drug's efficacy. It indicates how much drug is needed to inhibit a biological process by half, thus providing a measure of potency of an antagonist drug in pharmacological research. Most approaches to determine IC50 of a pharmacological compound are based on assays that utilize whole cell systems. While they generally provide outstanding potency information, results can depend on the experimental cell line used and may not differentiate a compound's ability to inhibit specific interactions. Here we show using the secreted Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β) family ligand BMP-4 and its receptors as example that surface plasmon resonance can be used to accurately determine IC50 values of individual ligand-receptor pairings. The molecular resolution achievable wih this approach can help distinguish inhibitors that specifically target individual complexes, or that can inhibit multiple functional interactions at the same time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Senem Aykul
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824-1319, USA
| | - Erik Martinez-Hackert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824-1319, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Li P, Sun D, Li X, He Y, Li W, Zhao J, Wang Y, Wang H, Xin Y. Elevated expression of Nodal and YAP1 is associated with poor prognosis of gastric adenocarcinoma. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2016; 142:1765-73. [PMID: 27325246 PMCID: PMC4954832 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-016-2188-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the correlation between Nodal and YAP1 expression and the clinicopathological characteristics of gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC). METHODS Quantitative real-time RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry were performed to measure Nodal and YAP1 mRNA and protein in 20 fresh frozen samples and 220 paraffin-embedded GAC tissues with their paired non-tumor mucosa (PNTM). The prognostic values of Nodal and YAP1 were evaluated in 161 GAC patients using univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS Both mRNA and protein expression of Nodal and YAP1 were significantly increased in GAC compared to PNTM (P < 0.05). Immunohistochemistry showed that Nodal was more highly expressed in 56.4 % GAC samples compared to PNTM; additionally, Nodal expression correlated with depth of tumor invasion, lymph node metastasis, and distant metastasis (all P < 0.05). There was no association between Nodal and YAP1 in GAC (P = 0.171). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the outcome of Nodal-high patients was significantly worse than those with low Nodal expression (χ (2) = 30.452, P < 0.001). Cox multivariate regression showed that high Nodal expression was an independent risk factor affecting the prognosis of GAC patients (P = 0.000, RR = 2.976). Furthermore, patients with tumors in which both Nodal and YAP1 were expressed at high levels had the worst prognosis. CONCLUSIONS Elevated Nodal expression is a marker of poor prognosis in gastric cancer. Patient outcome is further worsened if Nodal and YAP1 are both expressed in the same tumor. The datas we present here suggest that the inhibition of Nodal signaling may represent a new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of gastric adenocarcinoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ping Li
- Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Onco-Pathology, Cancer Institute and General Surgery Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, 155 Nanjing North Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Dan Sun
- Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Onco-Pathology, Cancer Institute and General Surgery Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, 155 Nanjing North Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Xiaoting Li
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, No. 52 Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Yingjian He
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, No. 52 Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Wenhui Li
- Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Onco-Pathology, Cancer Institute and General Surgery Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, 155 Nanjing North Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Onco-Pathology, Cancer Institute and General Surgery Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, 155 Nanjing North Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Onco-Pathology, Cancer Institute and General Surgery Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, 155 Nanjing North Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Huan Wang
- Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Onco-Pathology, Cancer Institute and General Surgery Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, 155 Nanjing North Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yan Xin
- Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Onco-Pathology, Cancer Institute and General Surgery Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, 155 Nanjing North Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Aykul S, Martinez-Hackert E. Transforming Growth Factor-β Family Ligands Can Function as Antagonists by Competing for Type II Receptor Binding. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:10792-804. [PMID: 26961869 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.713487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family ligands are pleiotropic cytokines. Their physiological activities are not determined by a simple coupling of stimulus and response, but depend critically on context, i.e. the interplay of receptors, ligands, and regulators that form the TGF-β signal transduction system of a cell or tissue. How these different components combine to regulate signaling activities remains poorly understood. Here, we describe a ligand-mediated mechanism of signaling regulation. Based on the observation that the type II TGF-β family receptors ActRIIA, ActRIIB, and BMPRII interact with a large group of overlapping ligands at overlapping epitopes, we hypothesized high affinity ligands compete with low affinity ligands for receptor binding and signaling. We show activin A and other high affinity ligands directly inhibited signaling by the low affinity ligands BMP-2, BMP-7, and BMP-9. We demonstrate activin A functions as a competitive inhibitor that blocks the ligand binding epitope on type II receptors. We propose binding competition and signaling antagonism are integral functions of the TGF-β signal transduction system. These functions could help explain how activin A modulates physiological signaling during extraordinary cellular responses, such as injury and wound healing, and how activin A could elicit disease phenotypes such as cancer-related muscle wasting and fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Senem Aykul
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1319
| | - Erik Martinez-Hackert
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1319
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Aykul S, Martinez-Hackert E. New Ligand Binding Function of Human Cerberus and Role of Proteolytic Processing in Regulating Ligand-Receptor Interactions and Antagonist Activity. J Mol Biol 2016; 428:590-602. [PMID: 26802359 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2016.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2015] [Revised: 01/06/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Cerberus is a key regulator of vertebrate embryogenesis. Its biological function has been studied extensively in frog and mouse embryos. Its ability to bind and antagonize the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family ligand Nodal is well established. Strikingly, the molecular function of Cerberus remains poorly understood. The underlying reason is that Cerberus is a complex, multifunctional protein: It binds and inhibits multiple TGF-β family ligands, it may bind and inhibit some Wnt family members, and two different forms with distinct activities have been described. In addition, sequence homology between frog and mammalian Cerberus is low, suggesting that previous studies, which analyzed frog Cerberus function, may not accurately describe the function of mammalian Cerberus. We therefore undertook to determine the molecular activities of human Cerberus in TGF-β family signaling. Using purified proteins, surface plasmon resonance, and reporter gene assays, we discovered that human Cerberus bound and inhibited the TGF-β family ligands Activin B, BMP-6, and BMP-7, but not the frog Cerberus ligand BMP-2. Notably, full-length Cerberus successfully blocked ligand binding to type II receptors, but the short form was less effective. In addition, full-length Cerberus suppressed breast cancer cell migration but the short form did not. Thus, our findings expand the roles of Cerberus as TGF-β family signaling inhibitor, provide a molecular rationale for the function of the N-terminal region, and support the idea that Cerberus could have regulatory activities beyond direct inhibition of TGF-β family signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Senem Aykul
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1319, USA
| | - Erik Martinez-Hackert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1319, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
New Anti-Nodal Monoclonal Antibodies Targeting the Nodal Pre-Helix Loop Involved in Cripto-1 Binding. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:21342-62. [PMID: 26370966 PMCID: PMC4613256 DOI: 10.3390/ijms160921342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Revised: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 08/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Nodal is a potent embryonic morphogen belonging to the TGF-β superfamily. Typically, it also binds to the ALK4/ActRIIB receptor complex in the presence of the co-receptor Cripto-1. Nodal expression is physiologically restricted to embryonic tissues and human embryonic stem cells, is absent in normal cells but re-emerges in several human cancers, including melanoma, breast, and colon cancer. Our aim was to obtain mAbs able to recognize Nodal on a major CBR (Cripto-Binding-Region) site and to block the Cripto-1-mediated signalling. To achieve this, antibodies were raised against hNodal(44-67) and mAbs generated by the hybridoma technology. We have selected one mAb, named 3D1, which strongly associates with full-length rhNodal (KD 1.4 nM) and recognizes the endogenous protein in a panel of human melanoma cell lines by western blot and FACS analyses. 3D1 inhibits the Nodal-Cripto-1 binding and blocks Smad2/3 phosphorylation. Data suggest that inhibition of the Nodal-Cripto-1 axis is a valid therapeutic approach against melanoma and 3D1 is a promising and interesting agent for blocking Nodal-Cripto mediated tumor development. These findings increase the interest for Nodal as both a diagnostic and prognostic marker and as a potential new target for therapeutic intervention.
Collapse
|