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Pan P, Geng T, Li Z, Ding X, Shi M, Li Y, Wang Y, Shi Y, Wu J, Zhong L, Ji D, Li Z, Meng X. Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Proteolysis-Targeting Chimeras as Highly Selective and Efficient Degraders of Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase 5. J Med Chem 2023; 66:13568-13586. [PMID: 37751283 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) is recognized as a key member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase family and is involved in tumor growth, migration, and angiogenesis. However, the results of ERK5 inhibition in multiple studies are controversial, and a highly specific ERK5-targeting agent is required to confirm physiological functions. Using proteolysis-targeting chimera technology, we designed the selective ERK5 degrader PPM-3 and examined its biological effect on cancer cells. Interestingly, the selective degradation of ERK5 with PPM-3 did not influence tumor cell growth directly. Based on proteomics analysis, the ERK5 deletion may be associated with tumor immunity. PPM-3 influences tumor development by affecting the differentiation of macrophages. Therefore, PPM-3 is an effective small-molecule tool for studying ERK5 and a promising immunotherapy drug candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengming Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Tongtong Geng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Zhongtang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xuyang Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Mengyuan Shi
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery III, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Yang Li
- China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Food Nutrition/Safety and Medicinal Chemistry, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Yashuai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yuanyuan Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jiaojiao Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Liang Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Dengbo Ji
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery III, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Zhongjun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xiangbao Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
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2
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Golatkar V, Bhatt LK. mAKAPβ signalosome: A potential target for cardiac hypertrophy. Drug Dev Res 2023; 84:1072-1084. [PMID: 37203301 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.22081] [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: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Pathological cardiac hypertrophy is the result of a prolonged increase in the workload of the heart that activates various signaling pathways such as MAPK pathway, PKA-dependent cAMP signaling, and CaN-NFAT signaling pathway which further activates genes for cardiac remodeling. Various signalosomes are present in the heart that regulates the signaling of physiological and pathological cardiac hypertrophy. mAKAPβ is one such scaffold protein that regulates signaling pathways involved in promoting cardiac hypertrophy. It is present in the outer nuclear envelope of the cardiomyocytes, which provides specificity of the target toward the heart. In addition, nuclear translocation of signaling components and transcription factors such as MEF2D, NFATc, and HIF-1α is facilitated due to the localization of mAKAPβ near the nuclear envelope. These factors are required for activation of genes promoting cardiac remodeling. Downregulation of mAKAPβ improves cardiac function and attenuates cardiac hypertrophy which in turn prevents the development of heart failure. Unlike earlier therapies for heart failure, knockout or silencing of mAKAPβ is not associated with side effects because of its high specificity in the striated myocytes. Downregulating expression of mAKAPβ is a favorable therapeutic approach toward attenuating cardiac hypertrophy and hence preventing heart failure. This review discusses mAKAPβ signalosome as a potential target for cardiac hypertrophy intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaishnavi Golatkar
- Department of Pharmacology, SVKM's Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai, India
| | - Lokesh K Bhatt
- Department of Pharmacology, SVKM's Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai, India
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3
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Dautle M, Zhang S, Chen Y. scTIGER: A Deep-Learning Method for Inferring Gene Regulatory Networks from Case versus Control scRNA-seq Datasets. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13339. [PMID: 37686146 PMCID: PMC10488287 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713339] [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: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Inferring gene regulatory networks (GRNs) from single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) data is an important computational question to find regulatory mechanisms involved in fundamental cellular processes. Although many computational methods have been designed to predict GRNs from scRNA-seq data, they usually have high false positive rates and none infer GRNs by directly using the paired datasets of case-versus-control experiments. Here we present a novel deep-learning-based method, named scTIGER, for GRN detection by using the co-differential relationships of gene expression profiles in paired scRNA-seq datasets. scTIGER employs cell-type-based pseudotiming, an attention-based convolutional neural network method and permutation-based significance testing for inferring GRNs among gene modules. As state-of-the-art applications, we first applied scTIGER to scRNA-seq datasets of prostate cancer cells, and successfully identified the dynamic regulatory networks of AR, ERG, PTEN and ATF3 for same-cell type between prostatic cancerous and normal conditions, and two-cell types within the prostatic cancerous environment. We then applied scTIGER to scRNA-seq data from neurons with and without fear memory and detected specific regulatory networks for BDNF, CREB1 and MAPK4. Additionally, scTIGER demonstrates robustness against high levels of dropout noise in scRNA-seq data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison Dautle
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA;
| | - Shaoqiang Zhang
- College of Computer and Information Engineering, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387, China
| | - Yong Chen
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA;
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4
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Seidita I, Tusa I, Prisinzano M, Menconi A, Cencetti F, Vannuccini S, Castiglione F, Bruni P, Petraglia F, Bernacchioni C, Rovida E, Donati C. Sphingosine 1-phosphate elicits a ROS-mediated proinflammatory response in human endometrial stromal cells via ERK5 activation. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23061. [PMID: 37389926 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202300323r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological disease affecting ~10% women in the reproductive age characterized by the growth of endometrial glands and stroma outside the uterine cavity. The inflammatory process has a key role in the initiation and progression of the disorder. Currently, there are no available early diagnostic tests and therapy relies exclusively on symptomatic drugs, so that elucidation of the complex molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis is an unmet need. The signaling of the bioactive sphingolipid sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is deeply dysregulated in endometriosis. S1P modulates a variety of fundamental cellular processes, including inflammation, neo-angiogenesis, and immune responses acting mainly as ligand of a family of G-protein-coupled receptors named S1P receptors (S1PR), S1P1-5 . Here, we demonstrated that the mitogen-activated protein kinase ERK5, that is expressed in endometriotic lesions as determined by quantitative PCR, is activated by S1P in human endometrial stromal cells. S1P-induced ERK5 activation was shown to be triggered by S1P1/3 receptors via a SFK/MEK5-dependent axis. S1P-induced ERK5 activation was, in turn, responsible for the increase of reactive oxygen species and proinflammatory cytokine expression in human endometrial stromal cells. The present findings indicate that the S1P signaling, via ERK5 activation, supports a proinflammatory response in the endometrium and establish the rationale for the exploitation of innovative therapeutic targets for endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Seidita
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Ignazia Tusa
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Matteo Prisinzano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessio Menconi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Cencetti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Vannuccini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Castiglione
- Histopathology and Molecular Diagnostics, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Paola Bruni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Felice Petraglia
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Caterina Bernacchioni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Rovida
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Chiara Donati
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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5
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Middleton RC, Liao K, Liu W, de Couto G, Garcia N, Antes T, Wang Y, Wu D, Li X, Tourtellotte WG, Marbán E. Newt A1 cell-derived extracellular vesicles promote mammalian nerve growth. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11829. [PMID: 37481602 PMCID: PMC10363125 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38671-z] [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: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Newts have the extraordinary ability to fully regenerate lost or damaged cardiac, neural and retinal tissues, and even amputated limbs. In contrast, mammals lack these broad regenerative capabilities. While the molecular basis of newts' regenerative ability is the subject of active study, the underlying paracrine signaling factors involved remain largely uncharacterized. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play an important role in cell-to-cell communication via EV cargo-mediated regulation of gene expression patterns within the recipient cells. Here, we report that newt myogenic precursor (A1) cells secrete EVs (A1EVs) that contain messenger RNAs associated with early embryonic development, neuronal differentiation, and cell survival. Exposure of rat primary superior cervical ganglion (SCG) neurons to A1EVs increased neurite outgrowth, facilitated by increases in mitochondrial respiration. Canonical pathway analysis pinpointed activation of NGF/ERK5 signaling in SCG neurons exposed to A1EV, which was validated experimentally. Thus, newt EVs drive neurite growth and complexity in mammalian primary neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan C Middleton
- Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd #2900A, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Ke Liao
- Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd #2900A, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Weixin Liu
- Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd #2900A, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Geoff de Couto
- Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd #2900A, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Nahuel Garcia
- Gecorp, Av Juan Manuel de Rosas 899, San Miguel del Monte, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Travis Antes
- Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd #2900A, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Yizhou Wang
- Applied Genomics, Computation and Translational Core, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd #2900A, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Di Wu
- Applied Genomics, Computation and Translational Core, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd #2900A, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Xinling Li
- Applied Genomics, Computation and Translational Core, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd #2900A, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Warren G Tourtellotte
- Department of Pathology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd #2900A, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Eduardo Marbán
- Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd #2900A, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA.
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6
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Tusa I, Menconi A, Tubita A, Rovida E. Pathophysiological Impact of the MEK5/ERK5 Pathway in Oxidative Stress. Cells 2023; 12:cells12081154. [PMID: 37190064 DOI: 10.3390/cells12081154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress regulates many physiological and pathological processes. Indeed, a low increase in the basal level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is essential for various cellular functions, including signal transduction, gene expression, cell survival or death, as well as antioxidant capacity. However, if the amount of generated ROS overcomes the antioxidant capacity, excessive ROS results in cellular dysfunctions as a consequence of damage to cellular components, including DNA, lipids and proteins, and may eventually lead to cell death or carcinogenesis. Both in vitro and in vivo investigations have shown that activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 5/extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (MEK5/ERK5) pathway is frequently involved in oxidative stress-elicited effects. In particular, accumulating evidence identified a prominent role of this pathway in the anti-oxidative response. In this respect, activation of krüppel-like factor 2/4 and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 emerged among the most frequent events in ERK5-mediated response to oxidative stress. This review summarizes what is known about the role of the MEK5/ERK5 pathway in the response to oxidative stress in pathophysiological contexts within the cardiovascular, respiratory, lymphohematopoietic, urinary and central nervous systems. The possible beneficial or detrimental effects exerted by the MEK5/ERK5 pathway in the above systems are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignazia Tusa
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Alessio Menconi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandro Tubita
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Rovida
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
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7
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Miller D, Harnor SJ, Martin MP, Noble RA, Wedge SR, Cano C. Modulation of ERK5 Activity as a Therapeutic Anti-Cancer Strategy. J Med Chem 2023; 66:4491-4502. [PMID: 37002872 PMCID: PMC10108346 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) signaling pathway is one of four conventional mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathways. Genetic perturbation of ERK5 has suggested that modulation of ERK5 activity may have therapeutic potential in cancer chemotherapy. This Miniperspective examines the evidence for ERK5 as a drug target in cancer, the structure of ERK5, and the evolution of structurally distinct chemotypes of ERK5 kinase domain inhibitors. The emerging complexities of ERK5 pharmacology are discussed, including the confounding phenomenon of paradoxical ERK5 activation by small-molecule ERK5 inhibitors. The impact of the recent development and biological evaluation of potent and selective bifunctional degraders of ERK5 and future opportunities in ERK modulation are also explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duncan
C. Miller
- Cancer
Research Horizons Therapeutic Innovation, Newcastle Drug Discovery
Group, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, School of Natural and
Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Bedson Building, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, United Kingdom
| | - Suzannah J. Harnor
- Cancer
Research Horizons Therapeutic Innovation, Newcastle Drug Discovery
Group, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, School of Natural and
Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Bedson Building, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, United Kingdom
| | - Mathew P. Martin
- Cancer
Research Horizons Therapeutic Innovation, Newcastle Drug Discovery
Group, Translational and Clinical Research
Institute, Paul O’Gorman Building, Medical School, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, United Kingdom
| | - Richard A. Noble
- Cancer
Research Horizons Therapeutic Innovation, Newcastle Drug Discovery
Group, Translational and Clinical Research
Institute, Paul O’Gorman Building, Medical School, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen R. Wedge
- Cancer
Research Horizons Therapeutic Innovation, Newcastle Drug Discovery
Group, Translational and Clinical Research
Institute, Paul O’Gorman Building, Medical School, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, United Kingdom
| | - Celine Cano
- Cancer
Research Horizons Therapeutic Innovation, Newcastle Drug Discovery
Group, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, School of Natural and
Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Bedson Building, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, United Kingdom
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Mondru AK, Aljasir MA, Alrumayh A, Nithianandarajah GN, Ahmed K, Muller J, Goldring CEP, Wilm B, Cross MJ. VEGF Stimulates Activation of ERK5 in the Absence of C-Terminal Phosphorylation Preventing Nuclear Localization and Facilitating AKT Activation in Endothelial Cells. Cells 2023; 12:967. [PMID: 36980305 PMCID: PMC10047687 DOI: 10.3390/cells12060967] [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: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) is critical for normal cardiovascular development. Previous studies have defined a canonical pathway for ERK5 activation, showing that ligand stimulation leads to MEK5 activation resulting in dual phosphorylation of ERK5 on Thr218/Tyr220 residues within the activation loop. ERK5 then undergoes a conformational change, facilitating phosphorylation on residues in the C-terminal domain and translocation to the nucleus where it regulates MEF2 transcriptional activity. Our previous research into the importance of ERK5 in endothelial cells highlighted its role in VEGF-mediated tubular morphogenesis and cell survival, suggesting that ERK5 played a unique role in endothelial cells. Our current data show that in contrast to EGF-stimulated HeLa cells, VEGF-mediated ERK5 activation in human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMECs) does not result in C-terminal phosphorylation of ERK5 and translocation to the nucleus, but instead to a more plasma membrane/cytoplasmic localisation. Furthermore, the use of small-molecule inhibitors to MEK5 and ERK5 shows that instead of regulating MEF2 activity, VEGF-mediated ERK5 is important for regulating AKT activity. Our data define a novel pathway for ERK5 activation in endothelial cells leading to cell survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil Kumar Mondru
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GE, UK
| | - Mohammad A. Aljasir
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GE, UK
| | - Ahmed Alrumayh
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GE, UK
| | - Gopika N. Nithianandarajah
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GE, UK
| | - Katie Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GE, UK
| | - Jurgen Muller
- Cardiovascular Research Group, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford BD7 1DP, UK
| | - Christopher E. P. Goldring
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GE, UK
| | - Bettina Wilm
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Cell Signalling, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK
| | - Michael J. Cross
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GE, UK
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Cook SJ, Lochhead PA. ERK5 Signalling and Resistance to ERK1/2 Pathway Therapeutics: The Path Less Travelled? Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:839997. [PMID: 35903549 PMCID: PMC9315226 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.839997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The RAS-regulated RAF-MEK1/2-ERK1/2 signalling pathway is frequently de-regulated in human cancer. Melanoma in particular exhibits a high incidence of activating BRAFV600E/K and NRASQ61L/K mutations and such cells are addicted to the activity of these mutant oncoproteins. As a result three different BRAF inhibitors (BRAFi) have now been approved for BRAFV600E/K- mutant melanoma and have transformed the treatment of this disease. Despite this, clinical responses are typically transient as tumour cells develop resistance. These resistance mechanisms frequently involve reinstatement of ERK1/2 signalling and BRAFi are now deployed in combination with one of three approved MEK1/2 inhibitors (MEKi) to provide more durable, but still transient, clinical responses. Furthermore, inhibitors to ERK1/2 (ERK1/2i) have also been developed to counteract ERK1/2 signalling. However, recent studies have suggested that BRAFi/MEKi and ERK1/2i resistance can arise through activation of a parallel signalling pathway leading to activation of ERK5, an unusual protein kinase that contains both a kinase domain and a transcriptional transactivation domain. Here we review the evidence supporting ERK5 as a mediator of BRAFi/MEKi and ERK1/2i resistance. We also review the challenges in targeting ERK5 signalling with small molecules, including paradoxical activation of the transcriptional transactivation domain, and discuss new therapeutic modalities that could be employed to target ERK5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon J. Cook
- Signalling Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Pamela A. Lochhead, ; Simon J. Cook,
| | - Pamela A. Lochhead
- Signalling Programme, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Pamela A. Lochhead, ; Simon J. Cook,
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10
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Sagehashi N, Obara Y, Maruyama O, Nakagawa T, Hosoi T, Ishii K. Insulin enhances gene expression of Midnolin, a novel genetic risk factor for Parkinson's disease, via ERK, PI3-kinase and multiple transcription factors in SH-SY5Y cells. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2022; 381:68-78. [PMID: 35241633 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.121.001076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease. Although many monogenic variants have been identified that cause familial PD, most cases are sporadic and the mechanisms of sporadic PD onset remain unclear. We previously identified Midnolin (MIDN) as a novel genetic risk factor for PD in Japanese population. MIDN copy number loss was strongly associated with sporadic PD, which was replicated in British population. Furthermore, suppression of MIDN expression in rat PC12 cells inhibits neurite outgrowth and expression of Parkin ubiquitin ligase. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms of MIDN expression are unknown. We, therefore, investigated the molecular mechanism of MIDN expression in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. We found that MIDN expression was promoted by insulin via extracellular-signal regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 and PI3-kinase-dependent pathways. In addition, MIDN promoter activity was enhanced by mutations at transcription factor AP-2 consensus sequences and reduced by mutations at cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) and activator protein 1 (AP-1) consensus sequences. The dominant-negative CREB mutant did not block MIDN promoter activity, but both the pharmacological inhibitor and decoy oligodeoxynucleotide for AP-1 significantly blocked its activity. Additionally, DNA binding of c-FOS and c-JUN to the AP-1 consensus sequence in the MIDN promoter was enhanced by insulin as determined by chromatin immunoprecipitation, which suggested that AP-1 positively regulated MIDN expression. Taken together, this study reveals molecular mechanisms of MIDN gene expression induced by insulin in neuronal cells, and drugs which promote MIDN expression may have potential to be a novel medicine for PD. Significance Statement We demonstrated that insulin promotes MIDN expression via ERK1/2 and PI3-kinase pathways. Furthermore, we identified the important region of the MIDN promoter and showed that transcription factors, including AP-1, positively regulate MIDN expression, whereas TFAP2 negatively regulates basal and insulin-induced MIDN expression. We believe that our observations are important and that they contribute to the development of novel drugs to treat Parkinson's disease.
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11
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Clinical Significance and Regulation of ERK5 Expression and Function in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14020348. [PMID: 35053510 PMCID: PMC8773716 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14020348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) is a unique kinase among MAPKs family members, given its large structure characterized by the presence of a unique C-terminal domain. Despite increasing data demonstrating the relevance of the ERK5 pathway in the growth, survival, and differentiation of normal cells, ERK5 has recently attracted the attention of several research groups given its relevance in inflammatory disorders and cancer. Accumulating evidence reported its role in tumor initiation and progression. In this review, we explore the gene expression profile of ERK5 among cancers correlated with its clinical impact, as well as the prognostic value of ERK5 and pERK5 expression levels in tumors. We also summarize the importance of ERK5 in the maintenance of a cancer stem-like phenotype and explore the major known contributions of ERK5 in the tumor-associated microenvironment. Moreover, although several questions are still open concerning ERK5 molecular regulation, different ERK5 isoforms derived from the alternative splicing process are also described, highlighting the potential clinical relevance of targeting ERK5 pathways.
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12
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Devost D, Zingg HH, Hébert TE. The MAP kinase ERK5/MAPK7 is a downstream effector of oxytocin signaling in myometrial cells. Cell Signal 2021; 90:110211. [PMID: 34902542 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2021.110211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The hormone oxytocin (OT) has pleiotropic activities both in the central nervous system as well as in peripheral tissues, including uterotonic effects on the myometrium during parturition. OT effects are mediated by a single transmembrane receptor, belonging to the GPCR (G protein-coupled receptor) superfamily and coupled primarily to Gq- and Gi-containing heterotrimeric G proteins. Upon receptor stimulation, one well-studied downstream effect is activation of the ERK1/2 MAP (mitogen-activated protein) kinase, and studies have shown that induction of COX-2 by OT in the myometrium required ERK1/2 activity. Many studies investigating the role of ERK1/2 in myometrial tissue were based on the use of chemical inhibitors that, to varying degrees, also inhibited ERK5/MAPK7. Here we report that OT activates ERK5 in a human myometrial cell line in a dose- and time-dependent manner through the activation of Gi/o heterotrimers. Using complementary approaches, we demonstrate that OT-induced COX-2 induction and the concomitant release of PGF2α into the media are primarily ERK5-dependent and to a much lesser extent ERK1/2-dependent. Moreover, in contrast to ERK1/2 activation, ERK5 activation is downstream of Gi/o activation. Here, we also found that ERK5 impacted both basal and to a lesser extent, OT-mediated myometrial cell contraction in vitro. Finally, tracking both ERK1/2 and ERK5 activity during different stages of gestation in rat myometrium, we showed that they followed distinct patterns starting at the onset of labor corresponding to the highest COX-2 expression levels. Overall, our results reveal an important, hitherto unrecognized role for ERK5 in myometrial cell contraction involving induction of COX-2. This novel pathway is likely to play an important role in supporting uterine contractions during parturition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic Devost
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Québec H3G 1Y6, Canada.
| | - Hans H Zingg
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Québec H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Terence E Hébert
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Québec H3G 1Y6, Canada.
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13
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Hu L, Wei S, Wu Y, Li S, Zhu P, Wang X. MicroRNA regulation of the proliferation and apoptosis of Leydig cells in diabetes. Mol Med 2021; 27:104. [PMID: 34496750 PMCID: PMC8425090 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-021-00370-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The number of patients with diabetes is increasing worldwide. Diabetic testicular damage can cause spermiogenesis disorders and sexual dysfunction. We thus explored the role of miRNAs in diabetic testicular damage, and revealed that they could serve as effective prevention and treatment therapeutic targets. METHODS Streptozotocin (STZ) was used to generate a rat model of type 2 diabetes. Rat testicular tissues were used for miRNA and mRNA sequencing. Through bioinformatics analysis, we constructed an miRNA-mRNA diabetic testicular damage regulatory network and screened for key miRNAs. We also used Leydig cells to generate a diabetic cell model and detected the downstream target genes of miRNAs, secretion of testosterone, and proliferation and apoptotic levels to elucidate the role and mechanism of the selected miRNAs in diabetic testicular damage. RESULTS Using second-generation sequencing, we identified 19 differentially expressed miRNAs and 555 mRNAs in the testes of diabetic rats. Based on computational prediction of targets and negative regulation relationships, we constructed a miRNA-mRNA regulatory network, including 12 miRNAs and 215 mRNAs. KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that genes were more concentrated on the survival signalling pathway. Based on this, we screened 2 key miRNAs, miR-504 and miR-935. In vitro, glucose could induce an increase in miR-504 and miR-935, whereas a decrease in MEK5 and MEF2C in a dose-dependent manner. Overexpression of miR-504 and miR-935 led to the decreased expression of MEK5 and MEF2C, decreased proliferation rate of Leydig cells, increased apoptotic rate, and decreased secretion of testosterone. Whereas, knockdown of miR-504 and miR-935 displayed opposite tendencies. CONCLUSIONS miRNAs play important roles in diabetic testicular damage. miR-504 and miR-935 might regulate testicular damage through the classic survival pathway of MEK5-ERK5-MEF2C. Targeted inhibition of miR-504 and miR-935 could reverse the high-glucose-induced testicular complications, thus posing as a potential therapeutic approach in diabetic testicular injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Hu
- Shenzhen University South China Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518111, People's Republic of China
- Department of Physiology, Shantou University of Medical College, Shantou, 515041, People's Republic of China
| | - Shaochai Wei
- Department of Physiology, Shantou University of Medical College, Shantou, 515041, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuqi Wu
- Department of Urology & Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital & Shenzhen University Clinical Medical Academy Center, Shenzhen University, NO.1098, Xueyuan Road, Shenzhen University City, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China
| | - Shulin Li
- Department of Urology & Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital & Shenzhen University Clinical Medical Academy Center, Shenzhen University, NO.1098, Xueyuan Road, Shenzhen University City, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China
| | - Pei Zhu
- Department of Urology & Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital & Shenzhen University Clinical Medical Academy Center, Shenzhen University, NO.1098, Xueyuan Road, Shenzhen University City, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiangwei Wang
- Department of Urology & Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital & Shenzhen University Clinical Medical Academy Center, Shenzhen University, NO.1098, Xueyuan Road, Shenzhen University City, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518055, People's Republic of China.
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Small molecule ERK5 kinase inhibitors paradoxically activate ERK5 signalling: be careful what you wish for…. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 48:1859-1875. [PMID: 32915196 PMCID: PMC7609025 DOI: 10.1042/bst20190338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
ERK5 is a protein kinase that also contains a nuclear localisation signal and a transcriptional transactivation domain. Inhibition of ERK5 has therapeutic potential in cancer and inflammation and this has prompted the development of ERK5 kinase inhibitors (ERK5i). However, few ERK5i programmes have taken account of the ERK5 transactivation domain. We have recently shown that the binding of small molecule ERK5i to the ERK5 kinase domain stimulates nuclear localisation and paradoxical activation of its transactivation domain. Other kinase inhibitors paradoxically activate their intended kinase target, in some cases leading to severe physiological consequences highlighting the importance of mitigating these effects. Here, we review the assays used to monitor ERK5 activities (kinase and transcriptional) in cells, the challenges faced in development of small molecule inhibitors to the ERK5 pathway, and classify the molecular mechanisms of paradoxical activation of protein kinases by kinase inhibitors.
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15
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Paudel R, Fusi L, Schmidt M. The MEK5/ERK5 Pathway in Health and Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147594. [PMID: 34299213 PMCID: PMC8303459 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The MEK5/ERK5 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) cascade is a unique signaling module activated by both mitogens and stress stimuli, including cytokines, fluid shear stress, high osmolarity, and oxidative stress. Physiologically, it is mainly known as a mechanoreceptive pathway in the endothelium, where it transduces the various vasoprotective effects of laminar blood flow. However, it also maintains integrity in other tissues exposed to mechanical stress, including bone, cartilage, and muscle, where it exerts a key function as a survival and differentiation pathway. Beyond its diverse physiological roles, the MEK5/ERK5 pathway has also been implicated in various diseases, including cancer, where it has recently emerged as a major escape route, sustaining tumor cell survival and proliferation under drug stress. In addition, MEK5/ERK5 dysfunction may foster cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis. Here, we highlight the importance of the MEK5/ERK5 pathway in health and disease, focusing on its role as a protective cascade in mechanical stress-exposed healthy tissues and its function as a therapy resistance pathway in cancers. We discuss the perspective of targeting this cascade for cancer treatment and weigh its chances and potential risks when considering its emerging role as a protective stress response pathway.
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16
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Bhatt AB, Wright TD, Barnes V, Chakrabarty S, Matossian MD, Lexner E, Ucar DA, Miele L, Flaherty PT, Burow ME, Cavanaugh JE. Diverse and converging roles of ERK1/2 and ERK5 pathways on mesenchymal to epithelial transition in breast cancer. Transl Oncol 2021; 14:101046. [PMID: 33761370 PMCID: PMC8020482 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is characterized by a loss of cell polarity, a decrease in the epithelial cell marker E-cadherin, and an increase in mesenchymal markers including the zinc-finger E-box binding homeobox (ZEB1). The EMT is also associated with an increase in cell migration and anchorage-independent growth. Induction of a reversal of the EMT, a mesenchymal to epithelial transition (MET), is an emerging strategy being explored to attenuate the metastatic potential of aggressive cancer types, such as triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) and tamoxifen-resistant (TAMR) ER-positive breast cancers, which have a mesenchymal phenotype. Patients with these aggressive cancers have poor prognoses, quick relapse, and resistance to most chemotherapeutic drugs. Overexpression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 and ERK5 is associated with poor patient survival in breast cancer. Moreover, TNBC and tamoxifen resistant cancers are unresponsive to most targeted clinical therapies and there is a dire need for alternative therapies. In the current study, we found that MAPK3, MAPK1, and MAPK7 gene expression correlated with EMT markers and poor overall survival in breast cancer patients using publicly available datasets. The effect of ERK1/2 and ERK5 pathway inhibition on MET was evaluated in MDA-MB-231, BT-549 TNBC cells, and tamoxifen-resistant MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Moreover, TU-BcX-4IC patient-derived primary TNBC cells were included to enhance the translational relevance of our study. We evaluated the effect of pharmacological inhibitors and lentivirus-induced activation or inhibition of the MEK1/2-ERK1/2 and MEK5-ERK5 pathways on cell morphology, E-cadherin, vimentin and ZEB1 expression. Additionally, the effects of pharmacological inhibition of trametinib and XMD8-92 on nuclear localization of ERK1/2 and ERK5, cell migration, proliferation, and spheroid formation were evaluated. Novel compounds that target the MEK1/2 and MEK5 pathways were used in combination with the AKT inhibitor ipatasertib to understand cell-specific responses to kinase inhibition. The results from this study will aid in the design of innovative therapeutic strategies that target cancer metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshita B Bhatt
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Thomas D Wright
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Van Barnes
- Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Suravi Chakrabarty
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, USA
| | - Margarite D Matossian
- Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Erin Lexner
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Deniz A Ucar
- Department of Genetics and Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Lucio Miele
- Department of Genetics and Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Patrick T Flaherty
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, USA
| | - Matthew E Burow
- Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Jane E Cavanaugh
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA.
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17
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González-Rubio G, Sellers-Moya Á, Martín H, Molina M. A walk-through MAPK structure and functionality with the 30-year-old yeast MAPK Slt2. Int Microbiol 2021; 24:531-543. [PMID: 33993419 DOI: 10.1007/s10123-021-00183-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are evolutionarily conserved signaling proteins involved in the regulation of most eukaryotic cellular processes. They are downstream components of essential signal transduction pathways activated by the external stimuli, in which the signal is conveyed through phosphorylation cascades. The excellent genetic and biochemical tractability of simple eukaryotes such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae has significantly contributed to gain fundamental information into the physiology of these key proteins. The budding yeast MAPK Slt2 was identified 30 years ago and was later revealed as a fundamental element of the cell wall integrity (CWI) pathway, one of the five MAPK routes of S. cerevisiae. As occurs with other MAPKs, whereas Slt2 displays the core typical structural traits of eukaryotic protein kinases, it also features conserved domains among MAPKs that allow an exquisite spatio-temporal regulation of their activity and binding to activating kinases, downregulatory phosphatases, or nuclear transcription factors. Additionally, Slt2 bears a regulatory extra C-terminal tail unique among S. cerevisiae MAPKs. Here, we review the structural and functional basis for the signaling role of Slt2 in the context of the molecular architecture of this important family of protein kinases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gema González-Rubio
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Pza. Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ángela Sellers-Moya
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Pza. Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Humberto Martín
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Pza. Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - María Molina
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Pza. Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
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18
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Yuan H, Xiang Q, Yang L, Geng J. Protein kinase D participates in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy by regulating extracellular signal-regulated and myocyte enhancer factor 2D. REVISTA PORTUGUESA DE CARDIOLOGIA (ENGLISH EDITION) 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.repce.2020.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
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19
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Bhatt AB, Patel S, Matossian MD, Ucar DA, Miele L, Burow ME, Flaherty PT, Cavanaugh JE. Molecular Mechanisms of Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition Regulated by ERK5 Signaling. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11020183. [PMID: 33572742 PMCID: PMC7911413 DOI: 10.3390/biom11020183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK5) is an essential regulator of cancer progression, tumor relapse, and poor patient survival. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a complex oncogenic process, which drives cell invasion, stemness, and metastases. Activators of ERK5, including mitogen-activated protein kinase 5 (MEK5), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), are known to induce EMT and metastases in breast, lung, colorectal, and other cancers. Several downstream targets of the ERK5 pathway, such as myocyte-specific enhancer factor 2c (MEF2C), activator protein-1 (AP-1), focal adhesion kinase (FAK), and c-Myc, play a critical role in the regulation of EMT transcription factors SNAIL, SLUG, and β-catenin. Moreover, ERK5 activation increases the release of extracellular matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), facilitating breakdown of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and local tumor invasion. Targeting the ERK5 signaling pathway using small molecule inhibitors, microRNAs, and knockdown approaches decreases EMT, cell invasion, and metastases via several mechanisms. The focus of the current review is to highlight the mechanisms which are known to mediate cancer EMT via ERK5 signaling. Several therapeutic approaches that can be undertaken to target the ERK5 pathway and inhibit or reverse EMT and metastases are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshita B. Bhatt
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, USA;
| | - Saloni Patel
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, USA; (S.P.); (P.T.F.)
| | - Margarite D. Matossian
- Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (M.D.M.); (M.E.B.)
| | - Deniz A. Ucar
- Department of Genetics and Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (D.A.U.); (L.M.)
| | - Lucio Miele
- Department of Genetics and Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (D.A.U.); (L.M.)
| | - Matthew E. Burow
- Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (M.D.M.); (M.E.B.)
| | - Patrick T. Flaherty
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, USA; (S.P.); (P.T.F.)
| | - Jane E. Cavanaugh
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-412-760-3503
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20
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Protein kinase D participates in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy by regulating extracellular signal-regulated and myocyte enhancer factor 2D. Rev Port Cardiol 2020; 40:191-200. [PMID: 33334620 DOI: 10.1016/j.repc.2020.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cardiomyocyte hypertrophy is an important feature of hypertension. However, its molecular underpinnings, especially the signaling cascades, remain unclear. Here we hypothesized that a protein kinase D (PKD)-dependent extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) pathway was able to regulate downstream myocyte enhancer factor 2D (MEF2D), affecting prohypertrophic responses to angiotensin II (Ang II). METHODS Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes from 2- to 3-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats were prepared and Western blot, real-time quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence staining were used to assess the activation and translocation of pathway signaling molecules. Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) expression and [3H]-leucine (Leu) incorporation were measured to determine cell hypertrophy. RESULTS Elevated levels of phosphorylated PKD (p-PKD) and ERK5 (p-ERK5) were observed in cardiomyocytes stimulated with Ang II, while silencing protein kinase C epsilon (PKCɛ) resulted in significantly lower levels of p-PKD. Furthermore, Ang II-induced ERK5 activated translocation was mediated by the PKD pathway. Consequently, inhibiting PKCɛ, PKD and ERK5 by siRNA significantly attenuated Ang II-induced MEF2D activation, ANP and BNP mRNA expression, and [3H]-Leu incorporation. CONCLUSIONS Our studies are the first to show that the PKCɛ/PKD/ERK5/MEF2D pathway plays an important role in the cardiomyocyte hypertrophy response to Ang II.
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21
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Lee B, Sahoo A, Sawada J, Marchica J, Sahoo S, Layng FIAL, Finlay D, Mazar J, Joshi P, Komatsu M, Vuori K, de Jong PR, Ray A, Perera RJ. MicroRNA-211 Modulates the DUSP6-ERK5 Signaling Axis to Promote BRAF V600E-Driven Melanoma Growth In Vivo and BRAF/MEK Inhibitor Resistance. J Invest Dermatol 2020; 141:385-394. [PMID: 32888955 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2020.06.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRs) are important posttranscriptional regulators of cell fate in both normal and disease states. miR-211 has previously been shown to be a direct regulator of metabolism in BRAFV600E-mutant melanoma cells in vitro. Here, we report that miR-211 expression promotes the aggressive growth of BRAFV600E-mutant melanoma xenografts in vivo. miR-211 promoted proliferation through the posttranscriptional activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 5 signaling, which has recently been implicated in the resistance to BRAF and MAPK/ERK kinase inhibitors. We therefore examined whether miR-211 similarly modulated melanoma resistance to the BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib and the MAPK/ERK kinase inhibitor cobimetinib. Consistent with this model, miR-211 expression increased melanoma cell resistance to both the inhibitors, and this resistance was associated with an increased ERK5 phosphorylation. miR-211 mediates these effects by directly inhibiting the expression of DUSP6, an ERK5 pathway-specific phosphatase and now shown to be an miR-211 target gene. These results dissect the role of the miR-211-DUSP6-ERK5 axis in melanoma tumor growth and suggest a mechanism for the development of drug-resistant tumors and a target for overcoming resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bongyong Lee
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Anupama Sahoo
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Junko Sawada
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Orlando, Florida, USA; Department of Cancer and Blood Disorders Institute, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St. Petersburg, Florida, USA
| | - John Marchica
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Sanjay Sahoo
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Fabiana I A L Layng
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, NCI-Designated Cancer Center, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Darren Finlay
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, NCI-Designated Cancer Center, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Joseph Mazar
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Piyush Joshi
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Masanobu Komatsu
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Orlando, Florida, USA; Department of Cancer and Blood Disorders Institute, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St. Petersburg, Florida, USA
| | - Kristiina Vuori
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, NCI-Designated Cancer Center, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Petrus R de Jong
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, NCI-Designated Cancer Center, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Animesh Ray
- Keck Graduate Institute, Claremont, California, USA; Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - Ranjan J Perera
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Orlando, Florida, USA; Department of Cancer and Blood Disorders Institute, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, NCI-Designated Cancer Center, La Jolla, California, USA.
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22
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Lochhead PA, Tucker JA, Tatum NJ, Wang J, Oxley D, Kidger AM, Johnson VP, Cassidy MA, Gray NS, Noble MEM, Cook SJ. Paradoxical activation of the protein kinase-transcription factor ERK5 by ERK5 kinase inhibitors. Nat Commun 2020; 11:1383. [PMID: 32170057 PMCID: PMC7069993 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-15031-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The dual protein kinase-transcription factor, ERK5, is an emerging drug target in cancer and inflammation, and small-molecule ERK5 kinase inhibitors have been developed. However, selective ERK5 kinase inhibitors fail to recapitulate ERK5 genetic ablation phenotypes, suggesting kinase-independent functions for ERK5. Here we show that ERK5 kinase inhibitors cause paradoxical activation of ERK5 transcriptional activity mediated through its unique C-terminal transcriptional activation domain (TAD). Using the ERK5 kinase inhibitor, Compound 26 (ERK5-IN-1), as a paradigm, we have developed kinase-active, drug-resistant mutants of ERK5. With these mutants, we show that induction of ERK5 transcriptional activity requires direct binding of the inhibitor to the kinase domain. This in turn promotes conformational changes in the kinase domain that result in nuclear translocation of ERK5 and stimulation of gene transcription. This shows that both the ERK5 kinase and TAD must be considered when assessing the role of ERK5 and the effectiveness of anti-ERK5 therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela A Lochhead
- Signalling Laboratory, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK.
| | - Julie A Tucker
- York Biomedical Research Institute and Department of Biology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Natalie J Tatum
- CRUK Newcastle Drug Discovery Unit, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University, Newcastle, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Jinhua Wang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - David Oxley
- Signalling Laboratory, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Andrew M Kidger
- Signalling Laboratory, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Victoria P Johnson
- Signalling Laboratory, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK
- Institute of Cancer Research, Chester Beatty Laboratories, 237 Fulham Road, London, SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Megan A Cassidy
- Signalling Laboratory, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Nathanael S Gray
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Martin E M Noble
- CRUK Newcastle Drug Discovery Unit, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University, Newcastle, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Simon J Cook
- Signalling Laboratory, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK.
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Targeted Avenues for Cancer Treatment: The MEK5-ERK5 Signaling Pathway. Trends Mol Med 2020; 26:394-407. [PMID: 32277933 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2020.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Twenty years have passed since extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) and its upstream activator, mitogen-activated protein kinase 5 (MEK5), first emerged onto the cancer research scene. Although we have come a long way in defining the liaison between dysregulated MEK5-ERK5 signaling and the pathogenesis of epithelial and nonepithelial malignancies, selective targeting of this unique pathway remains elusive. Here, we provide an updated review of the existing evidence for a correlation between aberrant MEK5-ERK5 (phospho)proteomic/transcriptomic profiles, aggressive cancer states, and poor patient outcomes. We then focus on emerging insights from preclinical models regarding the relevance of upregulated ERK5 activity in promoting tumor growth, metastasis, therapy resistance, undifferentiated traits, and immunosuppression, highlighting the opportunities, prospects, and challenges of selectively blocking this cascade for antineoplastic treatment and chemosensitization.
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Pearson AJ, Fullwood P, Toro Tapia G, Prise I, Smith MP, Xu Q, Jordan A, Giurisato E, Whitmarsh AJ, Francavilla C, Tournier C. Discovery of a Gatekeeper Residue in the C-Terminal Tail of the Extracellular Signal-Regulated Protein Kinase 5 (ERK5). Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E929. [PMID: 32023819 PMCID: PMC7037328 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21030929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 5 (ERK5) is a non-redundant mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) that exhibits a unique C-terminal extension which comprises distinct structural and functional properties. Here, we sought to elucidate the significance of phosphoacceptor sites in the C-terminal transactivation domain of ERK5. We have found that Thr732 acted as a functional gatekeeper residue controlling C-terminal-mediated nuclear translocation and transcriptional enhancement. Consistently, using a non-bias quantitative mass spectrometry approach, we demonstrated that phosphorylation at Thr732 conferred selectivity for binding interactions of ERK5 with proteins related to chromatin and RNA biology, whereas a number of metabolic regulators were associated with full-length wild type ERK5. Additionally, our proteomic analysis revealed that phosphorylation of the Ser730-Glu-Thr732-Pro motif could occur independently of dual phosphorylation at Thr218-Glu-Tyr220 in the activation loop. Collectively, our results firmly establish the significance of C-terminal phosphorylation in regulating ERK5 function. The post-translational modification of ERK5 on its C-terminal tail might be of particular relevance in cancer cells where ERK5 has be found to be hyperphosphoryated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J. Pearson
- Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (A.J.P.); (Q.X.); (E.G.)
| | - Paul Fullwood
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Function, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (P.F.); (G.T.T.); (M.P.S.); (A.J.W.); (C.F.)
| | - Gabriela Toro Tapia
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Function, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (P.F.); (G.T.T.); (M.P.S.); (A.J.W.); (C.F.)
| | - Ian Prise
- Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK;
| | - Michael P. Smith
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Function, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (P.F.); (G.T.T.); (M.P.S.); (A.J.W.); (C.F.)
| | - Qiuping Xu
- Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (A.J.P.); (Q.X.); (E.G.)
| | - Allan Jordan
- Drug Discovery Unit, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK;
| | - Emanuele Giurisato
- Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (A.J.P.); (Q.X.); (E.G.)
- Department of Biotechnology Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Alan J. Whitmarsh
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Function, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (P.F.); (G.T.T.); (M.P.S.); (A.J.W.); (C.F.)
| | - Chiara Francavilla
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Function, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (P.F.); (G.T.T.); (M.P.S.); (A.J.W.); (C.F.)
| | - Cathy Tournier
- Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; (A.J.P.); (Q.X.); (E.G.)
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25
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Beyond Kinase Activity: ERK5 Nucleo-Cytoplasmic Shuttling as a Novel Target for Anticancer Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21030938. [PMID: 32023850 PMCID: PMC7038028 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21030938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The importance of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) in human pathology is underlined by the relevance of abnormalities of MAPK-related signaling pathways to a number of different diseases, including inflammatory disorders and cancer. One of the key events in MAPK signaling, especially with respect to pro-proliferative effects that are crucial for the onset and progression of cancer, is MAPK nuclear translocation and its role in the regulation of gene expression. The extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) is the most recently discovered classical MAPK and it is emerging as a possible target for cancer treatment. The bigger size of ERK5 when compared to other MAPK enables multiple levels of regulation of its expression and activity. In particular, the phosphorylation of kinase domain and C-terminus, as well as post-translational modifications and chaperone binding, are involved in ERK5 regulation. Likewise, different mechanisms control ERK5 nucleo-cytoplasmic shuttling, underscoring the key role of ERK5 in the nuclear compartment. In this review, we will focus on the mechanisms involved in ERK5 trafficking between cytoplasm and nucleus, and discuss how these processes might be exploited to design new strategies for cancer treatment.
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26
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Tusa I, Cheloni G, Poteti M, Gozzini A, DeSouza NH, Shan Y, Deng X, Gray NS, Li S, Rovida E, Dello Sbarba P. Targeting the Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase 5 Pathway to Suppress Human Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Stem Cells. Stem Cell Reports 2018; 11:929-943. [PMID: 30245209 PMCID: PMC6178886 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2018.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKi) are effective against chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), but their inefficacy on leukemia stem cells (LSCs) may lead to relapse. To identify new druggable targets alternative to BCR/ABL, we investigated the role of the MEK5/ERK5 pathway in LSC maintenance in low oxygen, a feature of bone marrow stem cell niches. We found that MEK5/ERK5 pathway inhibition reduced the growth of CML patient-derived cells and cell lines in vitro and the number of leukemic cells in vivo. Treatment in vitro of primary CML cells with MEK5/ERK5 inhibitors, but not TKi, strikingly reduced culture repopulation ability (CRA), serial colony formation ability, long-term culture-initiating cells (LTC-ICs), and CD26-expressing cells. Importantly, MEK5/ERK5 inhibition was effective on CML cells regardless of the presence or absence of imatinib, and did not reduce CRA or LTC-ICs of normal CD34+ cells. Thus, targeting MEK/ERK5 may represent an innovative therapeutic approach to suppress CML progenitor/stem cells. ERK5 is constitutively active in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cells ERK5 pathway inhibition reduces the growth of CML cells in vitro and in vivo ERK5 pathway inhibition strikingly reduces CML progenitor/stem cell maintenance The combination of ERK5i with imatinib reduces the expression of stem cell proteins
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignazia Tusa
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Firenze, viale G.B. Morgagni, 50, Firenze 50134, Italy; Istituto Toscano Tumori (ITT), Firenze 50134, Italy
| | - Giulia Cheloni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Firenze, viale G.B. Morgagni, 50, Firenze 50134, Italy; Istituto Toscano Tumori (ITT), Firenze 50134, Italy
| | - Martina Poteti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Firenze, viale G.B. Morgagni, 50, Firenze 50134, Italy
| | - Antonella Gozzini
- Hematology Unit, Careggi University Hospital (AOUC), Firenze 50134, Italy
| | - Ngoc Ho DeSouza
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Yi Shan
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Xianming Deng
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Nathanael S Gray
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Shaoguang Li
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Elisabetta Rovida
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Firenze, viale G.B. Morgagni, 50, Firenze 50134, Italy; Istituto Toscano Tumori (ITT), Firenze 50134, Italy.
| | - Persio Dello Sbarba
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Firenze, viale G.B. Morgagni, 50, Firenze 50134, Italy; Istituto Toscano Tumori (ITT), Firenze 50134, Italy.
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27
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Kashino Y, Obara Y, Okamoto Y, Saneyoshi T, Hayashi Y, Ishii K. ERK5 Phosphorylates K v4.2 and Inhibits Inactivation of the A-Type Current in PC12 Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19072008. [PMID: 29996472 PMCID: PMC6073465 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19072008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) regulates diverse physiological responses such as proliferation, differentiation, and gene expression. Previously, we demonstrated that ERK5 is essential for neurite outgrowth and catecholamine biosynthesis in PC12 cells and sympathetic neurons. However, it remains unclear how ERK5 regulates the activity of ion channels, which are important for membrane excitability. Thus, we examined the effect of ERK5 on the ion channel activity in the PC12 cells that overexpress both ERK5 and the constitutively active MEK5 mutant. The gene and protein expression levels of voltage-dependent Ca2+ and K+ channels were determined by RT-qPCR or Western blotting. The A-type K+ current was recorded using the whole-cell patch clamp method. In these ERK5-activated cells, the gene expression levels of voltage-dependent L- and P/Q-type Ca2+ channels did not alter, but the N-type Ca2+ channel was slightly reduced. In contrast, those of Kv4.2 and Kv4.3, which are components of the A-type current, were significantly enhanced. Unexpectedly, the protein levels of Kv4.2 were not elevated by ERK5 activation, but the phosphorylation levels were increased by ERK5 activation. By electrophysiological analysis, the inactivation time constant of the A-type current was prolonged by ERK5 activation, without changes in the peak current. Taken together, ERK5 inhibits an inactivation of the A-type current by phosphorylation of Kv4.2, which may contribute to the neuronal differentiation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yurina Kashino
- Department of Pharmacology, Yamagata University School of Medicine, Yamagata 990-9585, Japan.
| | - Yutaro Obara
- Department of Pharmacology, Yamagata University School of Medicine, Yamagata 990-9585, Japan.
| | - Yosuke Okamoto
- Department of Pharmacology, Yamagata University School of Medicine, Yamagata 990-9585, Japan.
| | - Takeo Saneyoshi
- Department of Pharmacology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.
| | - Yasunori Hayashi
- Department of Pharmacology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.
| | - Kuniaki Ishii
- Department of Pharmacology, Yamagata University School of Medicine, Yamagata 990-9585, Japan.
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28
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Tusa I, Gagliardi S, Tubita A, Pandolfi S, Urso C, Borgognoni L, Wang J, Deng X, Gray NS, Stecca B, Rovida E. ERK5 is activated by oncogenic BRAF and promotes melanoma growth. Oncogene 2018; 37:2601-2614. [PMID: 29483645 PMCID: PMC5945581 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-018-0164-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Revised: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is among the most aggressive cancers and its incidence is increasing worldwide. Targeted therapies and immunotherapy have improved the survival of patients with metastatic melanoma in the last few years; however, available treatments are still unsatisfactory. While the role of the BRAF-MEK1/2-ERK1/2 pathway in melanoma is well established, the involvement of mitogen-activated protein kinases MEK5-ERK5 remains poorly explored. Here we investigated the function of ERK5 signaling in melanoma. We show that ERK5 is consistently expressed in human melanoma tissues and is active in melanoma cells. Genetic silencing and pharmacological inhibition of ERK5 pathway drastically reduce the growth of melanoma cells and xenografts harboring wild-type (wt) or mutated BRAF (V600E). We also found that oncogenic BRAF positively regulates expression, phosphorylation, and nuclear localization of ERK5. Importantly, ERK5 kinase and transcriptional transactivator activities are enhanced by BRAF. Nevertheless, combined pharmacological inhibition of BRAFV600E and MEK5 is required to decrease nuclear ERK5, that is critical for the regulation of cell proliferation. Accordingly, combination of MEK5 or ERK5 inhibitors with BRAFV600E inhibitor vemurafenib is more effective than single treatments in reducing colony formation and growth of BRAFV600E melanoma cells and xenografts. Overall, these data support a key role of the ERK5 pathway for melanoma growth in vitro and in vivo and suggest that targeting ERK5, alone or in combination with BRAF-MEK1/2 inhibitors, might represent a novel approach for melanoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignazia Tusa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Alessandro Tubita
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Pandolfi
- Core Research Laboratory - Istituto Toscano Tumori, Florence, Italy
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Carmelo Urso
- Anatomic Pathology Unit, Dermatopathology Section, S.M. Annunziata Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Borgognoni
- Plastic Surgery Unit, Regional Melanoma Referral Center, S.M. Annunziata Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Jinhua Wang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xianming Deng
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Nathanael S Gray
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Barbara Stecca
- Core Research Laboratory - Istituto Toscano Tumori, Florence, Italy.
| | - Elisabetta Rovida
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
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29
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Obara Y, Imai T, Sato H, Takeda Y, Kato T, Ishii K. Midnolin is a novel regulator of parkin expression and is associated with Parkinson's Disease. Sci Rep 2017; 7:5885. [PMID: 28724963 PMCID: PMC5517452 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-05456-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Midnolin (MIDN) was first discovered in embryonic stem cells, but its physiological and pathological roles are, to date, poorly understood. In the present study, we therefore examined the role of MIDN in detail. We found that in PC12 cells, a model of neuronal cells, MIDN localized primarily to the nucleus and intracellular membranes. Nerve growth factor promoted MIDN gene expression, which was attenuated by specific inhibitors of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 and 5. MIDN-deficient PC12 cells created using CRISPR/Cas9 technology displayed significantly impaired neurite outgrowth. Interestingly, a genetic approach revealed that 10.5% of patients with sporadic Parkinson’s disease (PD) had a lower MIDN gene copy number whereas no copy number variation was observed in healthy people, suggesting that MIDN is involved in PD pathogenesis. Furthermore, the expression of parkin, a major causative gene in PD, was significantly reduced by CRISPR/Cas9 knockout and siRNA knockdown of MIDN. Activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) was also down-regulated, which binds to the cAMP response element (CRE) in the parkin core promoter region. The activity of CRE was reduced following MIDN loss. Overall, our data suggests that MIDN promotes the expression of parkin E3 ubiquitin ligase, and that MIDN loss can trigger PD-related pathogenic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutaro Obara
- Department of Pharmacology, Yamagata University School of Medicine, 2-2-2 Iida-Nishi, Yamagata, 990-9585, Japan.
| | - Toru Imai
- Department of Pharmacology, Yamagata University School of Medicine, 2-2-2 Iida-Nishi, Yamagata, 990-9585, Japan
| | - Hidenori Sato
- Genome Informatics Unit, Institution for Promotion of Medical Science Research, Yamagata University School of Medicine, 2-2-2 Iida-Nishi, Yamagata, 990-9585, Japan
| | - Yuji Takeda
- Department of Immunology, Yamagata University School of Medicine, 2-2-2 Iida-Nishi, Yamagata, 990-9585, Japan
| | - Takeo Kato
- Department of Neurology, Hematology, Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetology, Yamagata University School of Medicine, 2-2-2 Iida-Nishi, Yamagata, 990-9585, Japan
| | - Kuniaki Ishii
- Department of Pharmacology, Yamagata University School of Medicine, 2-2-2 Iida-Nishi, Yamagata, 990-9585, Japan
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30
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Mansour MA, Hyodo T, Akter KA, Kokuryo T, Uehara K, Nagino M, Senga T. SATB1 and SATB2 play opposing roles in c-Myc expression and progression of colorectal cancer. Oncotarget 2016; 7:4993-5006. [PMID: 26701851 PMCID: PMC4826260 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 12/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Special AT-rich sequence-binding protein 1 and 2 (SATB1/2) are nuclear matrix-associated proteins involved in chromatin remodeling and regulation of gene expression. SATB2 acts as a tumor suppressor in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma and colon cancer, whereas SATB1 promotes the progression of numerous types of cancers. In this study, we examined the effects of SATB1 and SATB2 on the malignant characteristics of colorectal cancer cells. SATB1 and SATB2 expression were negatively correlated in colorectal cancer specimens. SATB1 expression was increased, whereas SATB2 expression was reduced, in colorectal cancer tissues compared to control tissues. Exogenous expression of SATB2 in colorectal cancer cells suppressed cell proliferation, colony formation and tumor proliferation in mice. c-Myc was reduced by SATB2 expression, and exogenous expression of c-Myc in SATB2-expressing cells restored proliferation, colony formation and in vivo tumor growth of colorectal cancer cells. We also showed that c-Myc reduction by SATB2 was mediated by the inactivation of ERK5. In contrast, SATB1 promoted c-Myc expression. The expression of SATB1 in colorectal cancer tissues was positively correlated with c-Myc expression, and SATB1 knockdown reduced c-Myc expression in colorectal cancer cells. Finally, we showed that SATB1 knockdown in colorectal cancer cells suppressed cell proliferation, colony formation and cell invasion. Our results reveal interesting features of how the structural homologs SATB1 and SATB2 exert opposing functions in colorectal tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed A Mansour
- Division of Cancer Biology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Showa, Nagoya, 466-8550 Japan.,Biochemistry Section, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt
| | - Toshinori Hyodo
- Division of Cancer Biology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Showa, Nagoya, 466-8550 Japan
| | - Khondker Ayesha Akter
- Division of Cancer Biology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Showa, Nagoya, 466-8550 Japan
| | - Toshio Kokuryo
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Showa, Nagoya, 466-8550 Japan
| | - Keisuke Uehara
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Showa, Nagoya, 466-8550 Japan
| | - Masato Nagino
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Showa, Nagoya, 466-8550 Japan
| | - Takeshi Senga
- Division of Cancer Biology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Showa, Nagoya, 466-8550 Japan
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31
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ERK5 kinase activity is dispensable for cellular immune response and proliferation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:11865-11870. [PMID: 27679845 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1609019113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Unlike other members of the MAPK family, ERK5 contains a large C-terminal domain with transcriptional activation capability in addition to an N-terminal canonical kinase domain. Genetic deletion of ERK5 is embryonic lethal, and tissue-restricted deletions have profound effects on erythroid development, cardiac function, and neurogenesis. In addition, depletion of ERK5 is antiinflammatory and antitumorigenic. Small molecule inhibition of ERK5 has been shown to have promising activity in cell and animal models of inflammation and oncology. Here we report the synthesis and biological characterization of potent, selective ERK5 inhibitors. In contrast to both genetic depletion/deletion of ERK5 and inhibition with previously reported compounds, inhibition of the kinase with the most selective of the new inhibitors had no antiinflammatory or antiproliferative activity. The source of efficacy in previously reported ERK5 inhibitors is shown to be off-target activity on bromodomains, conserved protein modules involved in recognition of acetyl-lysine residues during transcriptional processes. It is likely that phenotypes reported from genetic deletion or depletion of ERK5 arise from removal of a noncatalytic function of ERK5. The newly reported inhibitors should be useful in determining which of the many reported phenotypes are due to kinase activity and delineate which can be pharmacologically targeted.
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32
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Simões AES, Rodrigues CMP, Borralho PM. The MEK5/ERK5 signalling pathway in cancer: a promising novel therapeutic target. Drug Discov Today 2016; 21:1654-1663. [PMID: 27320690 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2016.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2016] [Revised: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Conventional mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family members are among the most sought-after oncogenic effectors for the development of novel human cancer treatment strategies. MEK5/ERK5 has been the less-studied MAPK subfamily, despite its increasingly demonstrated relevance in the growth, survival, and differentiation of normal cells. MEK5/ERK5 signalling has already been proposed to have pivotal roles in several cancer hallmarks, and to mediate the effects of a range of oncogenes. Accumulating evidence indicates the contribution of MEK5/ERK5 signalling to therapy resistance and the benefits of using MEK5/ERK5 inhibitory strategies in the treatment of human cancer. Here, we explore the major known contributions of MEK5/ERK5 signalling to the onset and progression of several types of cancer, and highlight the potential clinical relevance of targeting MEK5/ERK5 pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- André E S Simões
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Cecília M P Rodrigues
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Pedro M Borralho
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal.
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