1
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Lindamood HL, Liu TM, Read TA, Vitriol EA. Using ALS to understand profilin 1's diverse roles in cellular physiology. Cytoskeleton (Hoboken) 2024. [PMID: 39056295 DOI: 10.1002/cm.21896] [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: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Profilin is an actin monomer-binding protein whose role in actin polymerization has been studied for nearly 50 years. While its principal biochemical features are now well understood, many questions remain about how profilin controls diverse processes within the cell. Dysregulation of profilin has been implicated in a broad range of human diseases, including neurodegeneration, inflammatory disorders, cardiac disease, and cancer. For example, mutations in the profilin 1 gene (PFN1) can cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), although the precise mechanisms that drive neurodegeneration remain unclear. While initial work suggested proteostasis and actin cytoskeleton defects as the main pathological pathways, multiple novel functions for PFN1 have since been discovered that may also contribute to ALS, including the regulation of nucleocytoplasmic transport, stress granules, mitochondria, and microtubules. Here, we will review these newly discovered roles for PFN1, speculate on their contribution to ALS, and discuss how defects in actin can contribute to these processes. By understanding profilin 1's involvement in ALS pathogenesis, we hope to gain insight into this functionally complex protein with significant influence over cellular physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halli L Lindamood
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Tatiana M Liu
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Tracy-Ann Read
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Eric A Vitriol
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
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2
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Graham K, Lienau P, Bader B, Prechtl S, Naujoks J, Lesche R, Weiske J, Kuehnlenz J, Brzezinka K, Potze L, Zanconato F, Nicke B, Montebaur A, Bone W, Golfier S, Kaulfuss S, Kopitz C, Pilari S, Steuber H, Hayat S, Kamburov A, Steffen A, Schlicker A, Buchgraber P, Braeuer N, Font NA, Heinrich T, Kuhnke L, Nowak-Reppel K, Stresemann C, Steigemann P, Walter AO, Blotta S, Ocker M, Lakner A, von Nussbaum F, Mumberg D, Eis K, Piccolo S, Lange M. Discovery of YAP1/TAZ pathway inhibitors through phenotypic screening with potent anti-tumor activity via blockade of Rho-GTPase signaling. Cell Chem Biol 2024; 31:1247-1263.e16. [PMID: 38537632 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2024.02.013] [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: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
This study describes the identification and target deconvolution of small molecule inhibitors of oncogenic Yes-associated protein (YAP1)/TAZ activity with potent anti-tumor activity in vivo. A high-throughput screen (HTS) of 3.8 million compounds was conducted using a cellular YAP1/TAZ reporter assay. Target deconvolution studies identified the geranylgeranyltransferase-I (GGTase-I) complex as the direct target of YAP1/TAZ pathway inhibitors. The small molecule inhibitors block the activation of Rho-GTPases, leading to subsequent inactivation of YAP1/TAZ and inhibition of cancer cell proliferation in vitro. Multi-parameter optimization resulted in BAY-593, an in vivo probe with favorable PK properties, which demonstrated anti-tumor activity and blockade of YAP1/TAZ signaling in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith Graham
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany; Nuvisan ICB GmbH, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Philip Lienau
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Benjamin Bader
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany; Nuvisan ICB GmbH, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan Prechtl
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany; Nuvisan ICB GmbH, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jan Naujoks
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany; Nuvisan ICB GmbH, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ralf Lesche
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany; Nuvisan ICB GmbH, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Joerg Weiske
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany; Nuvisan ICB GmbH, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Julia Kuehnlenz
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Krzysztof Brzezinka
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany; Nuvisan ICB GmbH, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Lisette Potze
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Francesca Zanconato
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Via Gabelli 63, 35121 Padua, Italy
| | - Barbara Nicke
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany; Nuvisan ICB GmbH, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Anna Montebaur
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Wilhelm Bone
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany; Nuvisan ICB GmbH, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sven Golfier
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany; Nuvisan ICB GmbH, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan Kaulfuss
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany; Nuvisan ICB GmbH, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Charlotte Kopitz
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany; Nuvisan ICB GmbH, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sabine Pilari
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Holger Steuber
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany; Nuvisan ICB GmbH, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sikander Hayat
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Atanas Kamburov
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Steffen
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Schlicker
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Philipp Buchgraber
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Nico Braeuer
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany; Nuvisan ICB GmbH, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Nuria Aiguabella Font
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Tobias Heinrich
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Lara Kuhnke
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Katrin Nowak-Reppel
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany; Nuvisan ICB GmbH, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Carlo Stresemann
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany; Nuvisan ICB GmbH, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Patrick Steigemann
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany; Nuvisan ICB GmbH, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Annette O Walter
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Simona Blotta
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Matthias Ocker
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ashley Lakner
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Franz von Nussbaum
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany; Nuvisan ICB GmbH, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Dominik Mumberg
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Knut Eis
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefano Piccolo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Via Gabelli 63, 35121 Padua, Italy; IFOM, the FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Martin Lange
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals, Research & Development, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany; Nuvisan ICB GmbH, Muellerstr. 178, 13353 Berlin, Germany.
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3
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Guruvaiah P, Gupta R. IκBα kinase inhibitor BAY 11-7082 promotes anti-tumor effect in RAS-driven cancers. J Transl Med 2024; 22:642. [PMID: 38982514 PMCID: PMC11233160 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05384-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oncogenic mutations in the RAS gene are associated with uncontrolled cell growth, a hallmark feature contributing to tumorigenesis. While diverse therapeutic strategies have been diligently applied to treat RAS-mutant cancers, successful targeting of the RAS gene remains a persistent challenge in the field of cancer therapy. In our study, we discover a promising avenue for addressing this challenge. METHODS In this study, we tested the viability of several cell lines carrying oncogenic NRAS, KRAS, and HRAS mutations upon treatment with IkappaBalpha (IκBα) inhibitor BAY 11-7082. We performed both cell culture-based viability assay and in vivo subcutaneous xenograft-based assay to confirm the growth inhibitory effect of BAY 11-7082. We also performed large RNA sequencing analysis to identify differentially regulated genes and pathways in the context of oncogenic NRAS, KRAS, and HRAS mutations upon treatment with BAY 11-7082. RESULTS We demonstrate that oncogenic NRAS, KRAS, and HRAS activate the expression of IκBα kinase. BAY 11-7082, an inhibitor of IκBα kinase, attenuates the growth of NRAS, KRAS, and HRAS mutant cancer cells in cell culture and in mouse model. Mechanistically, BAY 11-7082 inhibitor treatment leads to suppression of the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway and activation of apoptosis in all RAS mutant cell lines. Additionally, we find that BAY 11-7082 treatment results in the downregulation of different biological pathways depending upon the type of RAS protein that may also contribute to tumor growth inhibition. CONCLUSION Our study identifies BAY 11-7082 to be an efficacious inhibitor for treating RAS oncogene (HRAS, KRAS, and NRAS) mutant cancer cells. This finding provides new therapeutic opportunity for effective treatment of RAS-mutant cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Praveen Guruvaiah
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Romi Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA.
- O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA.
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4
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Chen XY, Cheng AY, Wang ZY, Jin JM, Lin JY, Wang B, Guan YY, Zhang H, Jiang YX, Luan X, Zhang LJ. Dbl family RhoGEFs in cancer: different roles and targeting strategies. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 223:116141. [PMID: 38499108 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Small Ras homologous guanosine triphosphatase (Rho GTPase) family proteins are highly associated with tumorigenesis and development. As intrinsic exchange activity regulators of Rho GTPases, Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factors (RhoGEFs) have been demonstrated to be closely involved in tumor development and received increasing attention. They mainly contain two families: the diffuse B-cell lymphoma (Dbl) family and the dedicator of cytokinesis (Dock) family. More and more emphasis has been paid to the Dbl family members for their abnormally high expression in various cancers and their correlation to poor prognosis. In this review, the common and distinctive structures of Dbl family members are discussed, and their roles in cancer are summarized with a focus on Ect2, Tiam1/2, P-Rex1/2, Vav1/2/3, Trio, KALRN, and LARG. Significantly, the strategies targeting Dbl family RhoGEFs are highlighted as novel therapeutic opportunities for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Yi Chen
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ao-Yu Cheng
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zi-Ying Wang
- School of Biological Engineering, Tianjin University of Science&Technology, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Jin-Mei Jin
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jia-Yi Lin
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Bei Wang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ying-Yun Guan
- Department of Pharmacy, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yi-Xin Jiang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Xin Luan
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Li-Jun Zhang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
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5
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Di Giuseppe F, Ricci-Vitiani L, Pallini R, Di Pietro R, Di Iorio P, Ascani G, Ciccarelli R, Angelucci S. Changes Induced by P2X7 Receptor Stimulation of Human Glioblastoma Stem Cells in the Proteome of Extracellular Vesicles Isolated from Their Secretome. Cells 2024; 13:571. [PMID: 38607010 PMCID: PMC11011151 DOI: 10.3390/cells13070571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are secreted from many tumors, including glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most common and lethal brain tumor in adults, which shows high resistance to current therapies and poor patient prognosis. Given the high relevance of the information provided by cancer cell secretome, we performed a proteomic analysis of microvesicles (MVs) and exosomes (EXOs) released from GBM-derived stem cells (GSCs). The latter, obtained from the brain of GBM patients, expressed P2X7 receptors (P2X7Rs), which positively correlate with GBM growth and invasiveness. P2X7R stimulation of GSCs caused significant changes in the EV content, mostly ex novo inducing or upregulating the expression of proteins related to cytoskeleton reorganization, cell motility/spreading, energy supply, protection against oxidative stress, chromatin remodeling, and transcriptional regulation. Most of the induced/upregulated proteins have already been identified as GBM diagnostic/prognostic factors, while others have only been reported in peripheral tumors. Our findings indicate that P2X7R stimulation enhances the transport and, therefore, possible intercellular exchange of GBM aggressiveness-increasing proteins by GSC-derived EVs. Thus, P2X7Rs could be considered a new druggable target of human GBM, although these data need to be confirmed in larger experimental sets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Di Giuseppe
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, ‘G. d’Annunzio’ University of Chieti-Pescara, Via Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), ‘G d’Annunzio’ University of Chieti-Pescara, Via L Polacchi 13, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
- Stem TeCh Group, Via L Polacchi 13, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Lucia Ricci-Vitiani
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, ‘G d’Annunzio’ University of Chieti-Pescara, Via Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Roberto Pallini
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Via Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Roberta Di Pietro
- Institute of Neurosurgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Patrizia Di Iorio
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, ‘G. d’Annunzio’ University of Chieti-Pescara, Via Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Giuliano Ascani
- UOSD Maxillofacial Surgery, Azienda Sanitaria Locale di Pescara, Via Renato Paolini 47, 65124 Pescara, Italy;
| | - Renata Ciccarelli
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), ‘G d’Annunzio’ University of Chieti-Pescara, Via L Polacchi 13, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Stefania Angelucci
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, ‘G. d’Annunzio’ University of Chieti-Pescara, Via Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), ‘G d’Annunzio’ University of Chieti-Pescara, Via L Polacchi 13, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
- Stem TeCh Group, Via L Polacchi 13, 66100 Chieti, Italy
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6
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Ibáñez-Molero S, Pruijs JTM, Atmopawiro A, Wang F, Terry AM, Altelaar M, Peeper DS, Stecker KE. Phosphoprotein dynamics of interacting T cells and tumor cells by HySic. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113598. [PMID: 38150364 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Functional interactions between cytotoxic T cells and tumor cells are central to anti-cancer immunity. However, our understanding of the proteins involved is limited. Here, we present HySic (hybrid quantification of stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture [SILAC]-labeled interacting cells) as a method to quantify protein and phosphorylation dynamics between and within physically interacting cells. Using co-cultured T cells and tumor cells, we directly measure the proteome and phosphoproteome of engaged cells without the need for physical separation. We identify proteins whose abundance or activation status changes upon T cell:tumor cell interaction and validate our method with established signal transduction pathways including interferon γ (IFNγ) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Furthermore, we identify the RHO/RAC/PAK1 signaling pathway to be activated upon cell engagement and show that pharmacologic inhibition of PAK1 sensitizes tumor cells to T cell killing. Thus, HySic is a simple method to study rapid protein signaling dynamics in physically interacting cells that is easily extended to other biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofía Ibáñez-Molero
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, 3521 AL Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Joannes T M Pruijs
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, 3521 AL Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Alisha Atmopawiro
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Fujia Wang
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Alexandra M Terry
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Maarten Altelaar
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Daniel S Peeper
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Pathology, VU University Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, 3521 AL Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Kelly E Stecker
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, the Netherlands
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7
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Hussein MA, Valinezhad K, Adel E, Munirathinam G. MALAT-1 Is a Key Regulator of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Cancer: A Potential Therapeutic Target for Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:234. [PMID: 38201661 PMCID: PMC10778055 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010234] [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: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript-1 (MALAT-1) is a long intergenic non-coding RNA (lncRNA) located on chr11q13. It is overexpressed in several cancers and controls gene expression through chromatin modification, transcriptional regulation, and post-transcriptional regulation. Importantly, MALAT-1 stimulates cell proliferation, migration, and metastasis and serves a vital role in driving the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), subsequently acquiring cancer stem cell-like properties and developing drug resistance. MALAT-1 modulates EMT by interacting with various intracellular signaling pathways, notably the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and Wnt/β-catenin pathways. It also behaves like a sponge for microRNAs, preventing their interaction with target genes and promoting EMT. In addition, we have used bioinformatics online tools to highlight the disparities in the expression of MALAT-1 between normal and cancer samples using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Furthermore, the intricate interplay of MALAT-1 with several essential targets of cancer progression and metastasis renders it a good candidate for therapeutic interventions. Several innovative approaches have been exploited to target MALAT-1, such as short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs), antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), and natural products. This review emphasizes the interplay between MALAT-1 and EMT in modulating cancer metastasis, stemness, and chemoresistance in different cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Ali Hussein
- Department of Pharmaceutical Services, Children’s Cancer Hospital Egypt, Cairo 57357, Egypt;
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Engineering, American University in Cairo, New Cairo 11835, Egypt;
| | - Kamyab Valinezhad
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Illinois, Rockford, IL 61107, USA;
| | - Eman Adel
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Engineering, American University in Cairo, New Cairo 11835, Egypt;
| | - Gnanasekar Munirathinam
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Illinois, Rockford, IL 61107, USA;
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8
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Gong TT, Guo S, Liu FH, Huo YL, Zhang M, Yan S, Zhou HX, Pan X, Wang XY, Xu HL, Kang Y, Li YZ, Qin X, Xiao Q, Huang DH, Li XY, Zhao YY, Zhao XX, Wang YL, Ma XX, Gao S, Zhao YH, Ning SW, Wu QJ. Proteomic characterization of epithelial ovarian cancer delineates molecular signatures and therapeutic targets in distinct histological subtypes. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7802. [PMID: 38016970 PMCID: PMC10684593 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43282-3] [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: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Clear cell carcinoma (CCC), endometrioid carcinoma (EC), and serous carcinoma (SC) are the major histological subtypes of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), whose differences in carcinogenesis are still unclear. Here, we undertake comprehensive proteomic profiling of 80 CCC, 79 EC, 80 SC, and 30 control samples. Our analysis reveals the prognostic or diagnostic value of dysregulated proteins and phosphorylation sites in important pathways. Moreover, protein co-expression network not only provides comprehensive view of biological features of each histological subtype, but also indicates potential prognostic biomarkers and progression landmarks. Notably, EOC have strong inter-tumor heterogeneity, with significantly different clinical characteristics, proteomic patterns and signaling pathway disorders in CCC, EC, and SC. Finally, we infer MPP7 protein as potential therapeutic target for SC, whose biological functions are confirmed in SC cells. Our proteomic cohort provides valuable resources for understanding molecular mechanisms and developing treatment strategies of distinct histological subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Ting Gong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Shuang Guo
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Fang-Hua Liu
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research on Major Chronic Disease, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yun-Long Huo
- Department of Pathology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research on Major Chronic Disease, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Shi Yan
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research on Major Chronic Disease, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Han-Xiao Zhou
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xu Pan
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xin-Yue Wang
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - He-Li Xu
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research on Major Chronic Disease, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ye Kang
- Department of Pathology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yi-Zi Li
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research on Major Chronic Disease, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xue Qin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Qian Xiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Dong-Hui Huang
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research on Major Chronic Disease, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiao-Ying Li
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research on Major Chronic Disease, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yue-Yang Zhao
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xin-Xin Zhao
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ya-Li Wang
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiao-Xin Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Song Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yu-Hong Zhao
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research on Major Chronic Disease, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Shang-Wei Ning
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
| | - Qi-Jun Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
- Clinical Research Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
- Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research on Major Chronic Disease, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
- NHC Key Laboratory of Advanced Reproductive Medicine and Fertility (China Medical University), National Health Commission, Shenyang, China.
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9
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Kerch G. Nanocomposite Hydrogels and Extracellular Matrix-Advantages and Associated Risks. Gels 2023; 9:754. [PMID: 37754435 PMCID: PMC10530377 DOI: 10.3390/gels9090754] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydrogels can be considered as mimics of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Through integrins, the cytoskeleton is connected to the ECM, and cytoskeleton tension depends on ECM stiffness. A number of age-related diseases depend on cellular processes related to cytoskeleton function. Some examples of cancer initiation and progression and heart disease in relation to ECM stiffness have been analyzed. The incorporation of rigid particles into the ECM can increase ECM stiffness and promote the formation of internal residual stresses. Water migration, changes in water binding energy to biomactomolecules, and changes in the state of water from tightly bound water to free and loosely bound water lead to changes in the stiffness of the ECM. Cardiac tissue engineering, ECM stiffness and cancer, the equivalence of ECM stiffness, oxidative stress, inflammation, multi-layer polyelectrolyte complex hydrogels and bioprinting, residual internal stresses, viscoelastic hydrogels, hydrogel nanocomposites, and the effect of water have been reported. Special attention has been paid to the role of bound water and internal stresses in ECM stiffness. The risks related to rigid particle incorporation into the ECM have been discussed. The potential effect of polyphenols, chitosan, and chitosan oligosaccharide on ECM stiffness and the potential for anti-TNF-α and anti-NF-κB therapies have been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garry Kerch
- Faculty of Materials Science and Applied Chemistry, Riga Technical University, P. Valdena 3, 1048 Riga, Latvia
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10
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Yin G, Huang J, Petela J, Jiang H, Zhang Y, Gong S, Wu J, Liu B, Shi J, Gao Y. Targeting small GTPases: emerging grasps on previously untamable targets, pioneered by KRAS. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:212. [PMID: 37221195 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01441-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Small GTPases including Ras, Rho, Rab, Arf, and Ran are omnipresent molecular switches in regulating key cellular functions. Their dysregulation is a therapeutic target for tumors, neurodegeneration, cardiomyopathies, and infection. However, small GTPases have been historically recognized as "undruggable". Targeting KRAS, one of the most frequently mutated oncogenes, has only come into reality in the last decade due to the development of breakthrough strategies such as fragment-based screening, covalent ligands, macromolecule inhibitors, and PROTACs. Two KRASG12C covalent inhibitors have obtained accelerated approval for treating KRASG12C mutant lung cancer, and allele-specific hotspot mutations on G12D/S/R have been demonstrated as viable targets. New methods of targeting KRAS are quickly evolving, including transcription, immunogenic neoepitopes, and combinatory targeting with immunotherapy. Nevertheless, the vast majority of small GTPases and hotspot mutations remain elusive, and clinical resistance to G12C inhibitors poses new challenges. In this article, we summarize diversified biological functions, shared structural properties, and complex regulatory mechanisms of small GTPases and their relationships with human diseases. Furthermore, we review the status of drug discovery for targeting small GTPases and the most recent strategic progress focused on targeting KRAS. The discovery of new regulatory mechanisms and development of targeting approaches will together promote drug discovery for small GTPases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guowei Yin
- The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China.
| | - Jing Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Johnny Petela
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27101, USA
| | - Hongmei Jiang
- The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Yuetong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Siqi Gong
- The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
- School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Jiaxin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Bei Liu
- National Biomedical Imaging Center, School of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Jianyou Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology, Chengdu, 610072, China.
| | - Yijun Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
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11
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Dandamudi A, Akbar H, Cancelas J, Zheng Y. Rho GTPase Signaling in Platelet Regulation and Implication for Antiplatelet Therapies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032519. [PMID: 36768837 PMCID: PMC9917354 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Platelets play a vital role in regulating hemostasis and thrombosis. Rho GTPases are well known as molecular switches that control various cellular functions via a balanced GTP-binding/GTP-hydrolysis cycle and signaling cascade through downstream effectors. In platelets, Rho GTPases function as critical regulators by mediating signal transduction that drives platelet activation and aggregation. Mostly by gene targeting and pharmacological inhibition approaches, Rho GTPase family members RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42 have been shown to be indispensable in regulating the actin cytoskeleton dynamics in platelets, affecting platelet shape change, spreading, secretion, and aggregation, leading to thrombus formation. Additionally, studies of Rho GTPase function using platelets as a non-transformed model due to their anucleated nature have revealed valuable information on cell signaling principles. This review provides an updated summary of recent advances in Rho GTPase signaling in platelet regulation. We also highlight pharmacological approaches that effectively inhibited platelet activation to explore their possible development into future antiplatelet therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akhila Dandamudi
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Cincinnati Graduate School, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Huzoor Akbar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA
| | - Jose Cancelas
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Hoxworth Blood Center, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Yi Zheng
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Cincinnati Graduate School, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-513-636-0595
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12
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A current overview of RhoA, RhoB, and RhoC functions in vascular biology and pathology. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 206:115321. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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13
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Wang T, Rao D, Yu C, Sheng J, Luo Y, Xia L, Huang W. RHO GTPase family in hepatocellular carcinoma. Exp Hematol Oncol 2022; 11:91. [DOI: 10.1186/s40164-022-00344-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractRHO GTPases are a subfamily of the RAS superfamily of proteins, which are highly conserved in eukaryotic species and have important biological functions, including actin cytoskeleton reorganization, cell proliferation, cell polarity, and vesicular transport. Recent studies indicate that RHO GTPases participate in the proliferation, migration, invasion and metastasis of cancer, playing an essential role in the tumorigenesis and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This review first introduces the classification, structure, regulators and functions of RHO GTPases, then dissects its role in HCC, especially in migration and metastasis. Finally, we summarize inhibitors targeting RHO GTPases and highlight the issues that should be addressed to improve the potency of these inhibitors.
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14
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Keller L, Tardy C, Ligat L, Le Pennec S, Bery N, Koraïchi F, Chinestra P, David M, Gence R, Favre G, Cabantous S, Olichon A. Tripartite split-GFP assay to identify selective intracellular nanobody that suppresses GTPase RHOA subfamily downstream signaling. Front Immunol 2022; 13:980539. [PMID: 36059552 PMCID: PMC9433928 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.980539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Strategies based on intracellular expression of artificial binding domains present several advantages over manipulating nucleic acid expression or the use of small molecule inhibitors. Intracellularly-functional nanobodies can be considered as promising macrodrugs to study key signaling pathways by interfering with protein-protein interactions. With the aim of studying the RAS-related small GTPase RHOA family, we previously isolated, from a synthetic phage display library, nanobodies selective towards the GTP-bound conformation of RHOA subfamily proteins that lack selectivity between the highly conserved RHOA-like and RAC subfamilies of GTPases. To identify RHOA/ROCK pathway inhibitory intracellular nanobodies, we implemented a stringent, subtractive phage display selection towards RHOA-GTP followed by a phenotypic screen based on F-actin fiber loss. Intracellular interaction and intracellular selectivity between RHOA and RAC1 proteins was demonstrated by adapting the sensitive intracellular protein-protein interaction reporter based on the tripartite split-GFP method. This strategy led us to identify a functional intracellular nanobody, hereafter named RH28, that does not cross-react with the close RAC subfamily and blocks/disrupts the RHOA/ROCK signaling pathway in several cell lines without further engineering or functionalization. We confirmed these results by showing, using SPR assays, the high specificity of the RH28 nanobody towards the GTP-bound conformation of RHOA subfamily GTPases. In the metastatic melanoma cell line WM266-4, RH28 expression triggered an elongated cellular phenotype associated with a loss of cellular contraction properties, demonstrating the efficient intracellular blocking of RHOA/B/C proteins downstream interactions without the need of manipulating endogenous gene expression. This work paves the way for future therapeutic strategies based on protein-protein interaction disruption with intracellular antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Keller
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Toulouse (CRCT), Université de Toulouse, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier, Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse (CRCT), Toulouse, France
- Laboratoire de Biologie Médicale Oncologique, IUCT-Oncopôle, Toulouse, France
| | - Claudine Tardy
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Toulouse (CRCT), Université de Toulouse, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier, Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse (CRCT), Toulouse, France
| | - Laetitia Ligat
- Le Pôle Technologique du Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse, Plateau de Protéomique, Toulouse, France
| | - Soazig Le Pennec
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Toulouse (CRCT), Université de Toulouse, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier, Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse (CRCT), Toulouse, France
| | - Nicolas Bery
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Toulouse (CRCT), Université de Toulouse, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier, Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse (CRCT), Toulouse, France
| | - Faten Koraïchi
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Toulouse (CRCT), Université de Toulouse, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier, Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse (CRCT), Toulouse, France
| | - Patrick Chinestra
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Toulouse (CRCT), Université de Toulouse, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier, Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse (CRCT), Toulouse, France
| | - Mélissa David
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Toulouse (CRCT), Université de Toulouse, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier, Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse (CRCT), Toulouse, France
| | - Rémi Gence
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Toulouse (CRCT), Université de Toulouse, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier, Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse (CRCT), Toulouse, France
| | - Gilles Favre
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Toulouse (CRCT), Université de Toulouse, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier, Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse (CRCT), Toulouse, France
- Laboratoire de Biologie Médicale Oncologique, IUCT-Oncopôle, Toulouse, France
| | - Stéphanie Cabantous
- Laboratoire de Biologie Médicale Oncologique, IUCT-Oncopôle, Toulouse, France
- *Correspondence: Stéphanie Cabantous, ; Aurélien Olichon,
| | - Aurélien Olichon
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Toulouse (CRCT), Université de Toulouse, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier, Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse (CRCT), Toulouse, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 1188 Diabète athérothrombose Réunion Océan Indien (DéTROI), Université de La Réunion, Saint Denis de La Réunion, France
- *Correspondence: Stéphanie Cabantous, ; Aurélien Olichon,
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15
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Rac1 as a Target to Treat Dysfunctions and Cancer of the Bladder. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10061357. [PMID: 35740379 PMCID: PMC9219850 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Bladder pathologies, very common in the aged population, have a considerable negative impact on quality of life. Novel targets are needed to design drugs and combinations to treat diseases such as overactive bladder and bladder cancers. A promising new target is the ubiquitous Rho GTPase Rac1, frequently dysregulated and overexpressed in bladder pathologies. We have analyzed the roles of Rac1 in different bladder pathologies, including bacterial infections, diabetes-induced bladder dysfunctions and bladder cancers. The contribution of the Rac1 protein to tumorigenesis, tumor progression, epithelial-mesenchymal transition of bladder cancer cells and their metastasis has been analyzed. Small molecules selectively targeting Rac1 have been discovered or designed, and two of them—NSC23766 and EHT 1864—have revealed activities against bladder cancer. Their mode of interaction with Rac1, at the GTP binding site or the guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEF) interaction site, is discussed. Our analysis underlines the possibility of targeting Rac1 with small molecules with the objective to combat bladder dysfunctions and to reduce lower urinary tract symptoms. Finally, the interest of a Rac1 inhibitor to treat advanced chemoresistance prostate cancer, while reducing the risk of associated bladder dysfunction, is discussed. There is hope for a better management of bladder pathologies via Rac1-targeted approaches.
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16
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Fernández-Simón E, Suárez-Calvet X, Carrasco-Rozas A, Piñol-Jurado P, López-Fernández S, Pons G, Bech Serra JJ, de la Torre C, de Luna N, Gallardo E, Díaz-Manera J. RhoA/ROCK2 signalling is enhanced by PDGF-AA in fibro-adipogenic progenitor cells: implications for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2022; 13:1373-1384. [PMID: 35132805 PMCID: PMC8977967 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.12923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The lack of dystrophin expression in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) induces muscle fibre and replacement by fibro-adipose tissue. Although the role of some growth factors in the process of fibrogenesis has been studied, pathways activated by PDGF-AA have not been described so far. Our aim was to study the molecular role of PDGF-AA in the fibrotic process of DMD. METHODS Skeletal muscle fibro-adipogenic progenitor cells (FAPs) from three DMD treated with PDGF-AA at 50 ng/mL were analysed by quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomics. Western-blot, immunofluorescence, and G-LISA were used to confirm the mass spectrometry results. We evaluated the effects of PDGF-AA on the activation of RhoA pathway using two inhibitors, C3-exoenzyme and fasudil. Cell proliferation and migration were determined by BrdU and migration assay. Actin reorganization and collagen synthesis were measured by phalloidin staining and Sircol assay, respectively. In an in vivo proof of concept study, we treated dba/2J-mdx mice with fasudil for 6 weeks. Muscle strength was assessed with the grip strength. Immunofluorescence and flow cytometry analyses were used to study fibrotic and inflammatory markers in muscle tissue. RESULTS Mass spectrometry revealed that RhoA pathway proteins were up-regulated in treated compared with non-treated DMD FAPs (n = 3, mean age = 8 ± 1.15 years old). Validation of proteomic data showed that Arhgef2 expression was significantly increased in DMD muscles compared with healthy controls by a 7.7-fold increase (n = 2, mean age = 8 ± 1.14 years old). In vitro studies showed that RhoA/ROCK2 pathway was significantly activated by PDGF-AA (n = 3, 1.88-fold increase, P < 0.01) and both C3-exoenzyme and fasudil blocked that activation (n = 3, P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively). The activation of RhoA pathway by PDGF-AA promoted a significant increase in proliferation and migration of FAPs (n = 3, P < 0.001), while C3-exoenzyme and fasudil inhibited FAPs proliferation at 72 h and migration at 48 and 72 h (n = 3, P < 0.001). In vivo studies showed that fasudil improved muscle function (n = 5 non-treated dba/2J-mdx and n = 6 treated dba/2J-mdx, 1.76-fold increase, P < 0.013), and histological studies demonstrated a 23% reduction of collagen-I expression area (n = 5 non-treated dba/2J-mdx and n = 6 treated dba/2J-mdx, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that PDGF-AA promotes the activation of RhoA pathway in FAPs from DMD patients. This pathway could be involved in FAPs activation promoting its proliferation, migration, and actin reorganization, which represents the beginning of the fibrotic process. The inhibition of RhoA pathway could be considered as a potential therapeutic target for muscle fibrosis in patients with muscular dystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Fernández-Simón
- Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau and Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain.,John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Center, University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Xavier Suárez-Calvet
- Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau and Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red en Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Carrasco-Rozas
- Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau and Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Patricia Piñol-Jurado
- Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau and Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain.,John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Center, University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Susana López-Fernández
- Plastic Surgery Department, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gemma Pons
- Plastic Surgery Department, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Noemí de Luna
- Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau and Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red en Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
| | - Eduard Gallardo
- Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau and Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red en Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Díaz-Manera
- Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Neurology Department, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau and Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red en Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain.,John Walton Muscular Dystrophy Research Center, University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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17
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Autophagy in mesenchymal progenitors protects mice against bone marrow failure after severe intermittent stress. Blood 2022; 139:690-703. [PMID: 34657154 PMCID: PMC8814682 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2021011775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The cellular mechanisms required to ensure homeostasis of the hematopoietic niche and the ability of this niche to support hematopoiesis upon stress remain elusive. We here identify Wnt5a in Osterix+ mesenchymal progenitor and stem cells (MSPCs) as a critical factor for niche-dependent hematopoiesis. Mice lacking Wnt5a in MSPCs suffer from stress-related bone marrow (BM) failure and increased mortality. Niche cells devoid of Wnt5a show defective actin stress fiber orientation due to an elevated activity of the small GTPase CDC42. This results in incorrect positioning of autophagosomes and lysosomes, thus reducing autophagy and increasing oxidative stress. In MSPCs from patients from BM failure states which share features of peripheral cytopenia and hypocellular BM, we find similar defects in actin stress fiber orientation, reduced and incorrect colocalization of autophagosomes and lysosomes, and CDC42 activation. Strikingly, a short pharmacological intervention to attenuate elevated CDC42 activation in vivo in mice prevents defective actin-anchored autophagy in MSPCs, salvages hematopoiesis and protects against lethal cytopenia upon stress. In summary, our study identifies Wnt5a as a restriction factor for niche homeostasis by affecting CDC42-regulated actin stress-fiber orientation and autophagy upon stress. Our data further imply a critical role for autophagy in MSPCs for adequate support of hematopoiesis by the niche upon stress and in human diseases characterized by peripheral cytopenias and hypocellular BM.
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18
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Comer SP. Turning Platelets Off and On: Role of RhoGAPs and RhoGEFs in Platelet Activity. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 8:820945. [PMID: 35071371 PMCID: PMC8770426 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.820945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Platelet cytoskeletal reorganisation is a critical component of platelet activation and thrombus formation in haemostasis. The Rho GTPases RhoA, Rac1 and Cdc42 are the primary drivers in the dynamic reorganisation process, leading to the development of filopodia and lamellipodia which dramatically increase platelet surface area upon activation. Rho GTPases cycle between their active (GTP-bound) and inactive (GDP-bound) states through tightly regulated processes, central to which are the guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) and GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs). GEFs catalyse the dissociation of GDP by inducing changes in the nucleotide binding site, facilitating GTP binding and activating Rho GTPases. By contrast, while all GTPases possess intrinsic hydrolysing activity, this reaction is extremely slow. Therefore, GAPs catalyse the hydrolysis of GTP to GDP, reverting Rho GTPases to their inactive state. Our current knowledge of these proteins is constantly being updated but there is considerably less known about the functionality of Rho GTPase specific GAPs and GEFs in platelets. In the present review, we discuss GAP and GEF proteins for Rho GTPases identified in platelets, their regulation, biological function and present a case for their further study in platelets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane P Comer
- ConwaySPHERE Research Group, UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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19
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Abstract
Rho guanosine triphosphatase (GTPases), as molecular switches, have been identified to be dysregulated and involved in the pathogenesis of various rheumatic diseases, mainly including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, systemic sclerosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. Downstream pathways involving multiple types of cells, such as fibroblasts, chondrocytes, synoviocytes, and immunocytes are mediated by activated Rho GTPases to promote pathogenesis. Targeted therapy via inhibitors of Rho GTPases has been implicated in the treatment of rheumatic diseases, demonstrating promising effects. In this review, the effects of Rho GTPases in the pathogenesis of rheumatic diseases are summarized, and the Rho GTPase-mediated pathways are elucidated. Therapeutic strategies using Rho GTPase inhibitors in rheumatic diseases are also discussed to provide insights for further exploration of targeted therapy in preclinical studies and clinical practice. Future directions on studies of Rho GTPases in rheumatic diseases based on current understandings are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruijie Zeng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Zewei Zhuo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangzhou 510080, China
- School of Bioscience and Bioengineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yujun Luo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Weihong Sha
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangzhou 510080, China
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Corresponding author
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangzhou 510080, China
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Corresponding author
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20
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Abstract
The cognitive dysfunction experienced by patients with schizophrenia represents a major unmet clinical need. We believe that enhancing synaptic function and plasticity by targeting kalirin may provide a novel means to remediate these symptoms. Karilin (a protein encoded by the KALRN gene) has multiple functional domains, including two Dbl homology (DH) guanine exchange factor (GEF) domains, which act to enhance the activity of the Rho family guanosine triphosphate (GTP)-ases. Here, we provide an overview of kalirin's roles in brain function and its therapeutic potential in schizophrenia. We outline how it mediates diverse effects via a suite of distinct isoforms that couple to members of the Rho GTPase family to regulate synapse formation and stabilisation, and how genomic and post-mortem data implicate it in schizophrenia. We then review the current state of knowledge about the influence of kalirin on brain function at a systems level, based largely on evidence from transgenic mouse models, which support its proposed role in regulating dendritic spine function and plasticity. We demonstrate that, whilst the GTPases are classically considered to be 'undruggable', targeting kalirin and other Rho GEFs provides a means to indirectly modulate their activity. Finally, we integrate across the information presented to assess the therapeutic potential of kalirin for schizophrenia and highlight the key outstanding questions required to advance it in this capacity; namely, the need for more information about the diversity and function of its isoforms, how these change across neurodevelopment, and how they affect brain function in vivo.
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21
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Nandi S, Upadhyay P, Roy A, Dasgupta A, Sen A, Adhikary A, Acharya K. A natural derivative from ethnomedicinal mushroom potentiates apoptosis, autophagy and attenuates cell migration, via fine tuning the Akt signaling in human lung adenocarcinoma cells (A549). ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2022; 37:52-68. [PMID: 34581487 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Although comprehensive exertions have been made in late decades for treating advanced lung cancer with inclusive therapies but efficient anti-lung cancer therapeutics are statically inadequate in the clinics. Hence, compelling novel anti-lung cancer drugs are considerably desired. This backdrop enticed us to unveil anticancer efficacy of astrakurkurol, derivative of wild edible mushroom against lung cancer, whose effects have not yet been described. Mechanistic analysis disclosed that sensitizing effect of astrakurkurol is due to cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase, increased level of Fas, FADD, decreased ratio of Bax/Bcl-2, and increased cleaved form of caspase 9, 8, and 3. Apart from the induction of apoptosis, it was demonstrated for the first time that astrakurkurol induced an autophagic response as evidenced by the development of acidic vesicular organelles (AVOs) with up-regulation of beclin-1, Atg7, and downregulated p62. Apoptosis and autophagy can be sparked by the same stimuli, which was as evident from the astrakurkurol-induced inactivation of PI3K/AKT signaling. The thorough scanning of the mechanism of crosstalk between apoptosis and autophagy is requisite for prosperous anticancer remedy. Triterpenoid has evidently intensified cytotoxicity, induced apoptosis and autophagy on A549 cells. Besides astrakurkurol could also curb migration and regress the size of tumor in ex ovo xenograft model. All these findings put forth astrakurkurol as a convincing novel anti-cancer agent, for scrutinizing the lung cancer therapies and as a robust contender for future in vitro and in vivo analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudeshna Nandi
- Molecular and Applied Mycology and Plant Pathology Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India
| | - Priyanka Upadhyay
- Center for Research in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Technology Campus, University of Calcutta, Salt Lake City, India
| | - Ayan Roy
- Department of Biotechnology, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, India
| | - Adhiraj Dasgupta
- Molecular and Applied Mycology and Plant Pathology Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India
| | - Arnab Sen
- Bioinformatics Facility, Department of Botany, University of North Bengal, Siliguri, India
| | - Arghya Adhikary
- Center for Research in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Technology Campus, University of Calcutta, Salt Lake City, India
| | - Krishnendu Acharya
- Molecular and Applied Mycology and Plant Pathology Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India
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22
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Ji M, Sun J, Zhao J. Verbascoside represses malignant phenotypes of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells by inhibiting CDC42 via the HMGB1/RAGE axis. Hum Exp Toxicol 2022; 41:9603271221127429. [PMID: 36112883 DOI: 10.1177/09603271221127429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As an aggressive human malignancy, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is prevalent globally, especially in China. Verbascoside (VE) exerts anti-cancer effects in several human cancers. This work was to investigate the effects of VE on ESCC cells. METHODS Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were assessed by CCK-8, TUNEL, and Transwell assays. Gene and protein levels were detected by RT-qPCR and western blotting. CDC42 activity was evaluated by G-lisa assay. RESULTS Verbascoside significantly inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and induced cell apoptosis in ESCC cells. Furthermore, it was found that VE markedly inhibited HMGB1 and RAGE expression in a dose-dependent manner. Besides, HMGB1/RAGE upregulation partially reversed the anti-cancer effects of VE on ESCC cells. VE repressed HMGB1/RAGE-induced CDC42 activation in ESCC cells. In addition, ML141-mediated CDC42 inactivation further enhanced the effect of VE on ESCC cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicated that VE has significant anti-tumor potential in ESCC by suppressing HMGB1/RAGE-dependent CDC42 activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingming Ji
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, 74566The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jian Sun
- The First People's Hospital of Yancheng, 38044The Yancheng Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jun Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, 74566The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu, China
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Targeting Cancer by Using Nanoparticles to Modulate RHO GTPase Signaling. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1357:115-127. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-88071-2_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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24
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Kinsella S, Evandy CA, Cooper K, Iovino L, deRoos PC, Hopwo KS, Granadier DW, Smith CW, Rafii S, Dudakov JA. Attenuation of apoptotic cell detection triggers thymic regeneration after damage. Cell Rep 2021; 37:109789. [PMID: 34610317 PMCID: PMC8627669 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The thymus, which is the primary site of T cell development, is particularly sensitive to insult but also has a remarkable capacity for repair. However, the mechanisms orchestrating regeneration are poorly understood, and delayed repair is common after cytoreductive therapies. Here, we demonstrate a trigger of thymic regeneration, centered on detecting the loss of dying thymocytes that are abundant during steady-state T cell development. Specifically, apoptotic thymocytes suppressed production of the regenerative factors IL-23 and BMP4 via TAM receptor signaling and activation of the Rho-GTPase Rac1, the intracellular pattern recognition receptor NOD2, and micro-RNA-29c. However, after damage, when profound thymocyte depletion occurs, this TAM-Rac1-NOD2-miR29c pathway is attenuated, increasing production of IL-23 and BMP4. Notably, pharmacological inhibition of Rac1-GTPase enhanced thymic function after acute damage. These findings identify a complex trigger of tissue regeneration and offer a regenerative strategy for restoring immune competence in patients whose thymic function has been compromised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinéad Kinsella
- Program in Immunology, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
| | - Cindy A Evandy
- Program in Immunology, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Kirsten Cooper
- Program in Immunology, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Lorenzo Iovino
- Program in Immunology, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Paul C deRoos
- Program in Immunology, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Kayla S Hopwo
- Program in Immunology, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - David W Granadier
- Program in Immunology, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Colton W Smith
- Program in Immunology, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Shahin Rafii
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Jarrod A Dudakov
- Program in Immunology, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
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25
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Li J, Chen W, Cao Y, Li ZR. The Identification of Alternative Polyadenylation in Stomach Adenocarcinomas Using the Genotype-Tissue Expression Project and the Cancer Genome Atlas- Stomach Adenocarcinoma Profiles. Int J Gen Med 2021; 14:6035-6045. [PMID: 34588807 PMCID: PMC8475968 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s329064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Alternative polyadenylation (APA) is a common mechanism that is present in most human genes and determines the length of the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) three prime untranslated region (3ʹ-UTR), which can give rise to changes in mRNA stability and localization. However, little is known about the specific changes related to APA in stomach adenocarcinomas (STADs). Methods We integrated RNA sequencing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Genotype-Tissue Expression project to comprehensively analyze APA events in 289 cases of STAD. Results Our results showed that APA events were widespread in patients with STAD and were rich in genes related to known STAD pathways. The APA events result in the loss of tumor-suppressing micro-ribonucleic acid (miRNA) binding sites and increased heterogeneity in the length of the 3ʹ-UTR altered genes. Survival analysis revealed that specific subsets of 3ʹ-UTR-altered genes independently characterized a poor prognostic cohort among patients with STAD, thereby indicating the potential of APA as a new prognostic biomarker. Conclusion Our single-cancer analysis showed that by losing miRNA regulation, APA can become a driving factor for regulating the expression of oncogenic genes in STAD and promote its development. Our research revealed that APA events regulated STAD genes that were functionally related, thereby providing a new approach for gaining a better understanding of the progress of STADs and a means for identifying new drug targets as avenues of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330000, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen Chen
- Key Laboratory of Bioprocess Engineering of Jiangxi Province, College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Cao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330000, People's Republic of China
| | - Zheng-Rong Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330000, People's Republic of China
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Cuadrado M, Robles-Valero J. VAV Proteins as Double Agents in Cancer: Oncogenes with Tumor Suppressor Roles. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10090888. [PMID: 34571765 PMCID: PMC8466051 DOI: 10.3390/biology10090888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary The role of the VAV family (comprised of VAV1, VAV2, and VAV3) in proactive pathways involved in cell transformation has been historically assumed. Indeed, the discovery of potential gain-of-function VAV1 mutations in specific tumor subtypes reinforced this functional archetype. Contrary to this paradigm, we demonstrated that VAV1 could unexpectedly act as a tumor suppressor in some in vivo contexts. In this review, we discuss recent findings in the field, where the emerging landscape is one in which GTPases and their regulators, such as VAV proteins, can exhibit tumor suppressor functions. Abstract Guanosine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) are responsible for catalyzing the transition of small GTPases from the inactive (GDP-bound) to the active (GTP-bound) states. RHO GEFs, including VAV proteins, play essential signaling roles in a wide variety of fundamental cellular processes and in human diseases. Although the most widespread archetype in the field is that RHO GEFs exert proactive functions in cancer, recent studies in mice and humans are providing new insights into the in vivo function of these proteins in cancer. These results suggest a more complex scenario where the role of GEFs is not so clearly defined. For example, VAV1 can unexpectedly play non-catalytic tumor suppressor functions in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) by controlling the levels of the active form of NOTCH1 (ICN1). This review focuses on emerging work unveiling tumor suppressor roles for these proteins that should prompt a reevaluation of the role of VAV GEF family in tumor biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myriam Cuadrado
- Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, CSIC-University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), CSIC-University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Javier Robles-Valero
- Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, CSIC-University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), CSIC-University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Correspondence:
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Repurposing Small Molecules to Target PPAR-γ as New Therapies for Peripheral Nerve Injuries. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11091301. [PMID: 34572514 PMCID: PMC8465622 DOI: 10.3390/biom11091301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The slow rate of neuronal regeneration that follows peripheral nerve repair results in poor recovery, particularly where reinnervation of muscles is delayed, leading to atrophy and permanent loss of function. There is a clear clinical need to develop drug treatments that can accelerate nerve regeneration safely, restoring connections before the target tissues deteriorate irreversibly. The identification that the Rho/Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) pathway acts to limit neuronal growth rate is a promising advancement towards the development of drugs. Targeting Rho or ROCK directly can act to suppress the activity of this pathway; however, the pathway can also be modulated through the activation of upstream receptors; one of particular interest being peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ). The connection between the PPAR-γ receptor and the Rho/ROCK pathway is the suppression of the conversion of inactive guanosine diphosphate (GDP)-Rho to active guanosine triphosphate GTP-Rho, resulting in the suppression of Rho/ROCK activity. PPAR-γ is known for its role in cellular metabolism that leads to cell growth and differentiation. However, more recently there has been a growing interest in targeting PPAR-γ in peripheral nerve injury (PNI). The localisation and expression of PPAR-γ in neural cells following a PNI has been reported and further in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that delivering PPAR-γ agonists following injury promotes nerve regeneration, leading to improvements in functional recovery. This review explores the potential of repurposing PPAR-γ agonists to treat PNI and their prospective translation to the clinic.
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Post-Translational Modification and Subcellular Compartmentalization: Emerging Concepts on the Regulation and Physiopathological Relevance of RhoGTPases. Cells 2021; 10:cells10081990. [PMID: 34440759 PMCID: PMC8393718 DOI: 10.3390/cells10081990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells and tissues are continuously exposed to both chemical and physical stimuli and dynamically adapt and respond to this variety of external cues to ensure cellular homeostasis, regulated development and tissue-specific differentiation. Alterations of these pathways promote disease progression-a prominent example being cancer. Rho GTPases are key regulators of the remodeling of cytoskeleton and cell membranes and their coordination and integration with different biological processes, including cell polarization and motility, as well as other signaling networks such as growth signaling and proliferation. Apart from the control of GTP-GDP cycling, Rho GTPase activity is spatially and temporally regulated by post-translation modifications (PTMs) and their assembly onto specific protein complexes, which determine their controlled activity at distinct cellular compartments. Although Rho GTPases were traditionally conceived as targeted from the cytosol to the plasma membrane to exert their activity, recent research demonstrates that active pools of different Rho GTPases also localize to endomembranes and the nucleus. In this review, we discuss how PTM-driven modulation of Rho GTPases provides a versatile mechanism for their compartmentalization and functional regulation. Understanding how the subcellular sorting of active small GTPase pools occurs and what its functional significance is could reveal novel therapeutic opportunities.
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Wang Q, Liu W, Chen S, Luo Q, Li Y, Peng S, Wang H, Liu X, Chen D. ORMDL1 is upregulated and associated with favorable outcomes in colorectal cancer. Transl Oncol 2021; 14:101171. [PMID: 34243012 PMCID: PMC8273222 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The association between ORMDL1 expression and clinipathological characteristic in colorectal cancer (CRC) has not been reported before, which is addressed in this study. Although ORMDL1 is generally upregulated in CRC, high expression of ORMDL1 is associated with longer survival; the combination of ORMDL1 expression and other biomarkers to stratify and predict prognosis in CRC is worth to explore. ORMDL1 seems to influence cell cytoskeleton dynamics through Rho GTPase, other than canonical EMT related transcription factors.
Background The ORMDL1 gene is known as a crucial negative regulator of sphingolipid biogenesis. However, the ORMDL1 gene has rarely been studied in a tumor-related context. Therefore, its prognostic value and functional significance in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain to be explored. Methods TCGA CRC cohort analysis, qRT-PCR, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to examine the ORMDL1 expression level. The association between ORMDL1 expression and various clinical characteristics was analyzed by chi-square tests. The overall survival (OS) of CRC patients was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier analysis. In vitro and in vivo cell-based assays were performed to explore the role of ORMDL1 in cell proliferation, invasion and migration. Transcriptional changes in cells with either ORMDL1 knockdown or overexpression were compared and analyzed. Results ORMDL1 was upregulated in CRC tissues in both the TCGA and our cohort. Interestingly, its expression was significantly lower in patients with metastasis than in patients without metastasis, and the high expression group had longer OS than the low expression group. Knockdown of ORMDL1 expression can promote proliferation, colony formation and invasion, while attenuating migration in CRC cell lines. In contrast, forced overexpression of ORMDL1 reduced cell proliferation, colony formation and invasion, while enhancing cell migration. Stable knockdown of ORMDL1 can promote cancer cell proliferation in vivo to some extent. Finally, Rho GTPase activity was influenced by ORMDL1, and the expression of ORMDL1 was enhanced by DTT treatment. Conclusion ORMDL1 is upregulated and may serve as a biomarker to predict favourable outcomes in colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Wang
- Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, 26 Yuancun Er Heng Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510655, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, 26 Yuancun Er Heng Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510655, China
| | - Wanjun Liu
- Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, 26 Yuancun Er Heng Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510655, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, 26 Yuancun Er Heng Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510655, China
| | - Si Chen
- Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, 26 Yuancun Er Heng Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510655, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, 26 Yuancun Er Heng Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510655, China
| | - Qianxin Luo
- Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, 26 Yuancun Er Heng Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510655, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, 26 Yuancun Er Heng Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510655, China; Department of Intensive Care Unit, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 26 Yuancun Er Heng Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510655, China
| | - Yichen Li
- Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, 26 Yuancun Er Heng Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510655, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, 26 Yuancun Er Heng Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510655, China
| | - Shaoyong Peng
- Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, 26 Yuancun Er Heng Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510655, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, 26 Yuancun Er Heng Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510655, China
| | - Huaiming Wang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 26 Yuancun Er Heng Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510655, China
| | - Xiaoxia Liu
- Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, 26 Yuancun Er Heng Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510655, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, 26 Yuancun Er Heng Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510655, China
| | - Daici Chen
- Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, 26 Yuancun Er Heng Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510655, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, 26 Yuancun Er Heng Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510655, China; Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 26 Yuancun Er Heng Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510655, China.
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Gargiuli C, Sepe P, Tessari A, Sheetz T, Colecchia M, de Braud FGM, Procopio G, Sensi M, Verzoni E, Dugo M. Integrative Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals Distinctive Molecular Traits and Novel Subtypes of Collecting Duct Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:2903. [PMID: 34200770 PMCID: PMC8230422 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13122903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Collecting duct carcinoma (CDC) is a rare and highly aggressive kidney cancer subtype with poor prognosis and no standard treatments. To date, only a few studies have examined the transcriptomic portrait of CDC. Through integration of multiple datasets, we compared CDC to normal tissue, upper-tract urothelial carcinomas, and other renal cancers, including clear cell, papillary, and chromophobe histologies. Association between CDC gene expression signatures and in vitro drug sensitivity data was evaluated using the Cancer Therapeutic Response Portal, Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer datasets, and connectivity map. We identified a CDC-specific gene signature that predicted in vitro sensitivity to different targeted agents and was associated to worse outcome in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. We showed that CDC are transcriptionally related to the principal cells of the collecting ducts providing evidence that this tumor originates from this normal kidney cell type. Finally, we proved that CDC is a molecularly heterogeneous disease composed of at least two subtypes distinguished by cell signaling, metabolic and immune-related alterations. Our findings elucidate the molecular features of CDC providing novel biological and clinical insights. The identification of distinct CDC subtypes and their transcriptomic traits provides the rationale for patient stratification and alternative therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Gargiuli
- Platform of Integrated Biology, Department of Applied Research and Technology Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Pierangela Sepe
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy; (P.S.); (F.G.M.d.B.); (G.P.); (E.V.)
| | - Anna Tessari
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine and Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (A.T.); (T.S.)
| | - Tyler Sheetz
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine and Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (A.T.); (T.S.)
- Department of Urology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Maurizio Colecchia
- Department of Pathology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Filippo Guglielmo Maria de Braud
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy; (P.S.); (F.G.M.d.B.); (G.P.); (E.V.)
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Procopio
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy; (P.S.); (F.G.M.d.B.); (G.P.); (E.V.)
| | - Marialuisa Sensi
- Platform of Integrated Biology, Department of Applied Research and Technology Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Elena Verzoni
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy; (P.S.); (F.G.M.d.B.); (G.P.); (E.V.)
| | - Matteo Dugo
- Platform of Integrated Biology, Department of Applied Research and Technology Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy;
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Fragliasso V, Tameni A, Inghirami G, Mularoni V, Ciarrocchi A. Cytoskeleton Dynamics in Peripheral T Cell Lymphomas: An Intricate Network Sustaining Lymphomagenesis. Front Oncol 2021; 11:643620. [PMID: 33928032 PMCID: PMC8076600 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.643620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Defects in cytoskeleton functions support tumorigenesis fostering an aberrant proliferation and promoting inappropriate migratory and invasive features. The link between cytoskeleton and tumor features has been extensively investigated in solid tumors. However, the emerging genetic and molecular landscape of peripheral T cell lymphomas (PTCL) has unveiled several alterations targeting structure and function of the cytoskeleton, highlighting its role in cell shape changes and the aberrant cell division of malignant T cells. In this review, we summarize the most recent evidence about the role of cytoskeleton in PTCLs development and progression. We also discuss how aberrant signaling pathways, like JAK/STAT3, NPM-ALK, RhoGTPase, and Aurora Kinase, can contribute to lymphomagenesis by modifying the structure and the signaling properties of cytoskeleton.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Fragliasso
- Laboratory of Translational Research, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Annalisa Tameni
- Laboratory of Translational Research, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy.,Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Giorgio Inghirami
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Valentina Mularoni
- Laboratory of Translational Research, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Alessia Ciarrocchi
- Laboratory of Translational Research, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
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Uemura A, Fukushima Y. Rho GTPases in Retinal Vascular Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073684. [PMID: 33916163 PMCID: PMC8036301 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The Rho family of small GTPases (Rho GTPases) act as molecular switches that transduce extrinsic stimuli into cytoskeletal rearrangements. In vascular endothelial cells (ECs), Cdc42, Rac1, and RhoA control cell migration and cell–cell junctions downstream of angiogenic and inflammatory cytokines, thereby regulating vascular formation and permeability. While these Rho GTPases are broadly expressed in various types of cells, RhoJ is enriched in angiogenic ECs. Semaphorin 3E (Sema3E) releases RhoJ from the intracellular domain of PlexinD1, by which RhoJ induces actin depolymerization through competition with Cdc42 for their common effector proteins. RhoJ further mediates the Sema3E-induced association of PlexinD1 with vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) 2 and the activation of p38. Upon stimulation with VEGF-A, RhoJ facilitates the formation of a holoreceptor complex comprising VEGFR2, PlexinD1, and neuropilin-1, leading to the prevention of VEGFR2 degradation and the maintenance of intracellular signal transduction. These pleiotropic roles of RhoJ are required for directional EC migration in retinal angiogenesis. This review highlights the latest insights regarding Rho GTPases in the field of vascular biology, as it will be informative to consider their potential as targets for the treatment of aberrant angiogenesis and hyperpermeability in retinal vascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akiyoshi Uemura
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan
- Department of Cell Biology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Osaka 564-8565, Japan
- Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Toon 791-0295, Japan
- Uemura Eye Clinic, Nishinomiya 663-8101, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-798-61-8000
| | - Yoko Fukushima
- Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka 563-0871, Japan;
- Integrated Frontier Research for Medical Science Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
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Schwab M, Lohr S, Schneider J, Kaiser M, Krunic D, Helbig D, Géraud C, Angel P. Podoplanin is required for tumor cell invasion in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Exp Dermatol 2021; 30:1619-1630. [PMID: 33783869 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The invasiveness of late-stage cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is associated with poor patients' prognosis and linked to strong upregulation of the glycoprotein Podoplanin (PDPN) in cancer cells. However, the function of PDPN in these processes in cSCC carcinogenesis has not been characterized in detail yet. Employing a CRISPR/Cas9-based loss-of-function approach on murine cSCC cells, we show that the loss of Pdpn results in decreased migration and invasion in vitro. Complementing these in vitro studies, labelled murine control and Pdpn knockout cells were injected orthotopically into the dermis of nude mice to recapitulate the formation of human cSCC displaying a well-differentiated morphology with a PDPN-positive reaction in fibroblasts in the tumor stroma. Smaller tumors were observed upon Pdpn loss, which is associated with reduced tumor cell infiltration into the stroma. Utilizing Pdpn mutants in functional experiments in vitro, we provide evidence that both the intra- and extracellular domains are essential for cancer cell invasion. These findings underline the critical role of PDPN in cSCC progression and highlight potential therapeutic strategies targeting PDPN-dependent cancer cell invasion, especially in late-stage cSCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Schwab
- Division of Signal Transduction and Growth Control, DKFZ/ZMBH Alliance, Heidelberg, Germany.,Faculty of Biosciences, University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sabrina Lohr
- Division of Signal Transduction and Growth Control, DKFZ/ZMBH Alliance, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jakob Schneider
- Division of Signal Transduction and Growth Control, DKFZ/ZMBH Alliance, Heidelberg, Germany.,Faculty of Biosciences, University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michaela Kaiser
- Department of Functional Neuroanatomy, Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Damir Krunic
- Light Microscopy Facility, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Doris Helbig
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University Clinic of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Cyrill Géraud
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center and Medical Faculty Mannheim, Center of Excellence in Dermatology, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.,Section of Clinical and Molecular Dermatology, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center and Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.,European Center for Angioscience, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Peter Angel
- Division of Signal Transduction and Growth Control, DKFZ/ZMBH Alliance, Heidelberg, Germany
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Zheng W, Zhang J, Song Q, Xu Y, Zhu M, Ma J. Rac Family Small GTPase 3 Correlates with Progression and Poor Prognosis in Bladder Cancer. DNA Cell Biol 2021; 40:469-481. [PMID: 33600260 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2020.5613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer (BC) is a common genitourinary malignancy worldwide. However, the molecular pathogenesis of BC remains unclear. The current study conducted bioinformatic analyses to discover key genes involved in BC progression. A total of 375 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened in the GEO database and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, which were further evaluated by the core level in the protein-protein interaction network. RAC3 (Rac family small GTPase 3), one of the top hub genes, was focused on for its gene expression and prognostic value in BC. Immunohistochemical assays indicated elevated RAC3 levels in BC tissues compared with normal tissues. Overexpression of RAC3 expression was closely associated with poor differentiation (p = 0.035), advanced TNM stage (p = 0.014), lymph metastasis (p = 0.033), and recurrence (p < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards analyses demonstrated that high RAC3 expression indicated poor survival of BC patients, which could serve as an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (HR = 3.159, p = 0.023) and disease-free survival (HR = 4.633, p = 0.002). Moreover, bioinformatic analyses indicated that RAC3 might be correlated with malignant phenotypes and immune infiltration of BC. Taken together, RAC3 could be a novel prognostic biomarker for BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Zheng
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Qianqian Song
- Department of Radiology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, One Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Yuqing Xu
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Mengqi Zhu
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Jianguo Ma
- Department of Urology, Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
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Tucker SJ, Zorn AJ. The role of Popeye domain-containing protein 1 (POPDC1) in the progression of the malignant phenotype. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 179:2829-2843. [PMID: 33533478 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The Popeye domain-containing protein 1 (POPDC1), a tight junction-associated transmembrane protein with a unique binding site for cAMP, has been shown to act as a tumour suppressor in cancer cells. Through interaction with many downstream effectors and signalling pathways, POPDC1 promotes cell adhesion and inhibits uncontrolled cell proliferation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and metastasis. However, POPDC1 expression is down-regulated in many types of cancer, thereby reducing its tumour-suppressive actions. This review discusses the role of POPDC1 in the progression of the malignant phenotype and highlights the broad range of benefits POPDC1 stabilisation may achieve therapeutically. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a key hallmark of malignancies and commonly promote treatment resistance. This article provides a comprehensive overview of CSC signalling mechanisms, many of which have been shown to be regulated by POPDC1 in other cell types, thus suggesting an additional therapeutic benefit for POPDC1-stabilising anti-cancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J Tucker
- School of Medicine, Medical Science and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Alina J Zorn
- School of Medicine, Medical Science and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
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36
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MicroRNA-Based Cancer Mortality Risk Scoring System and hTERT Expression in Early-Stage Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2021; 2021:8292453. [PMID: 33510789 PMCID: PMC7822680 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8292453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
We have previously constructed a novel microRNA (miRNA)-based prognostic model and cancer-specific mortality risk score formula to predict survival outcome in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients who are already categorized into “early-stage” by the TNM staging system. A total of 836 early-stage OSCC patients were assigned the mortality risk scores. We evaluated the efficacy of various treatment regimens in terms of survival benefit compared to surgery only in patients stratified into high (risk score ≥0) versus low (risk score <0) mortality risk categories. For the high-risk group, surgery with neck dissection significantly improved the 5-year survival to 75% from 46% with surgery only (p < 0.001); a Cox proportional hazard model on time-to-death demonstrated a hazard ratio of 0.37 for surgery with neck dissection (95% CI: 0.2–0.6; p=0.0005). For the low-risk group, surgery only was the treatment of choice associated with 5-year survival benefit. Regardless of treatment selected, those with risk score ≥2 may benefit from additional therapy to prevent cancer relapse. We also identified hTERT (human telomerase reverse transcriptase) as a gene target common to the prognostic miRNAs. There was 22-fold increase in the hTERT expression level in patients with risk score ≥2 compared to healthy controls (p < 0.0005). Overexpression of hTERT was also observed in the patient-derived OSCC organoid compared to that of normal organoid. The DNA cancer vaccine that targets hTERT-expressing cells currently undergoing rigorous clinical evaluation for other tumors can be repurposed to prevent cancer recurrence in these high-risk early-stage oral cancer patients.
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37
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Grimes MM, Kenney SR, Dominguez DR, Brayer KJ, Guo Y, Wandinger-Ness A, Hudson LG. The R-enantiomer of ketorolac reduces ovarian cancer tumor burden in vivo. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:40. [PMID: 33413202 PMCID: PMC7791840 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-020-07716-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rho-family GTPases, including Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1) and cell division control protein 42 (Cdc42), are important modulators of cancer-relevant cell functions and are viewed as promising therapeutic targets. Based on high-throughput screening and cheminformatics we identified the R-enantiomer of an FDA-approved drug (ketorolac) as an inhibitor of Rac1 and Cdc42. The corresponding S-enantiomer is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with selective activity against cyclooxygenases. We reported previously that R-ketorolac, but not the S-enantiomer, inhibited Rac1 and Cdc42-dependent downstream signaling, growth factor stimulated actin cytoskeleton rearrangements, cell adhesion, migration and invasion in ovarian cancer cell lines and patient-derived tumor cells. METHODS In this study we treated mice with R-ketorolac and measured engraftment of tumor cells to the omentum, tumor burden, and target GTPase activity. In order to gain insights into the actions of R-ketorolac, we also performed global RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis on tumor samples. RESULTS Treatment of mice with R-ketorolac decreased omental engraftment of ovarian tumor cells at 18 h post tumor cell injection and tumor burden after 2 weeks of tumor growth. R-ketorolac treatment inhibited tumor Rac1 and Cdc42 activity with little impact on mRNA or protein expression of these GTPase targets. RNA-seq analysis revealed that R-ketorolac decreased expression of genes in the HIF-1 signaling pathway. R-ketorolac treatment also reduced expression of additional genes associated with poor prognosis in ovarian cancer. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that R-ketorolac may represent a novel therapeutic approach for ovarian cancer based on its pharmacologic activity as a Rac1 and Cdc42 inhibitor. R-ketorolac modulates relevant pathways and genes associated with disease progression and worse outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha M. Grimes
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico USA
| | - S. Ray Kenney
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico USA
- Division of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico USA
| | - Dayna R. Dominguez
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico USA
| | - Kathryn J. Brayer
- Analytical and Translational Genomics Shared Resource, Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico USA
| | - Yuna Guo
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico USA
| | - Angela Wandinger-Ness
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico USA
| | - Laurie G. Hudson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico USA
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38
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Wang J, Feng D, Gao B. An Overview of Potential Therapeutic Agents Targeting WNT/PCP Signaling. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2021; 269:175-213. [PMID: 34463852 DOI: 10.1007/164_2021_533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Since the discovery of the proto-oncogene Wnt1 (Int1) in 1982, WNT signaling has been identified as one of the most important pathways that regulates a wide range of fundamental developmental and physiological processes in multicellular organisms. The canonical WNT signaling pathway depends on the stabilization and translocation of β-catenin and plays important roles in development and homeostasis. The WNT/planar cell polarity (WNT/PCP) signaling, also known as one of the β-catenin-independent WNT pathways, conveys directional information to coordinate polarized cell behaviors. Similar to WNT/β-catenin signaling, disruption or aberrant activation of WNT/PCP signaling also underlies a variety of developmental defects and cancers. However, the pharmacological targeting of WNT/PCP signaling for therapeutic purposes remains largely unexplored. In this review, we briefly discuss WNT/PCP signaling in development and disease and summarize the known drugs/inhibitors targeting this pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Wang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Di Feng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Bo Gao
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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39
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Banerjee A, Kulkarni S. Orientia tsutsugamushi: The dangerous yet neglected foe from the East. Int J Med Microbiol 2020; 311:151467. [PMID: 33338890 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2020.151467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Orientia tsutsugamushi (OT), the causative agent of the vector-borne Scrub typhus zoonotic disease in humans, is a unique microorganism that exists in the Asia-Pacific region since a long time. In spite of its occurrence, the organism had been neglected until recent years. Humans are the accidental dead-end hosts of O. tsutsugamushi and display manifestations which are both severe and misleading. The vast antigenic diversity of OT and non-pathognomic symptoms of Scrub typhus, create hurdles in the clinical management of the disease and impede the OT-research. Many countries in the Asia-Pacific region have reported the resurgence of OT- infections and have raised concerns for its expanding distribution. This has triggered the development of advanced techniques for diagnosis and research on exploring a successful vaccine candidate to reduce the burden of the disease. Thus, the aim of this systematic review is to provide an update on the recent advances in the OT-research and highlight the key areas that have remained obscure and demand attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anwesha Banerjee
- ICMR-National AIDS Research Institute, Bhosari, Pune, 411026, India
| | - Smita Kulkarni
- ICMR-National AIDS Research Institute, Bhosari, Pune, 411026, India.
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40
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Identifying Cancer-Relevant Mutations in the DLC START Domain Using Evolutionary and Structure-Function Analyses. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218175. [PMID: 33142932 PMCID: PMC7662654 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Rho GTPase signaling promotes proliferation, invasion, and metastasis in a broad spectrum of cancers. Rho GTPase activity is regulated by the deleted in liver cancer (DLC) family of bona fide tumor suppressors which directly inactivate Rho GTPases by stimulating GTP hydrolysis. In addition to a RhoGAP domain, DLC proteins contain a StAR-related lipid transfer (START) domain. START domains in other organisms bind hydrophobic small molecules and can regulate interacting partners or co-occurring domains through a variety of mechanisms. In the case of DLC proteins, their START domain appears to contribute to tumor suppressive activity. However, the nature of this START-directed mechanism, as well as the identities of relevant functional residues, remain virtually unknown. Using the Catalogue of Somatic Mutations in Cancer (COSMIC) dataset and evolutionary and structure-function analyses, we identify several conserved residues likely to be required for START-directed regulation of DLC-1 and DLC-2 tumor-suppressive capabilities. This pan-cancer analysis shows that conserved residues of both START domains are highly overrepresented in cancer cells from a wide range tissues. Interestingly, in DLC-1 and DLC-2, three of these residues form multiple interactions at the tertiary structural level. Furthermore, mutation of any of these residues is predicted to disrupt interactions and thus destabilize the START domain. As such, these mutations would not have emerged from traditional hotspot scans of COSMIC. We propose that evolutionary and structure-function analyses are an underutilized strategy which could be used to unmask cancer-relevant mutations within COSMIC. Our data also suggest DLC-1 and DLC-2 as high-priority candidates for development of novel therapeutics that target their START domain.
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41
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Brito C, Barral DC, Pojo M. Subversion of Ras Small GTPases in Cutaneous Melanoma Aggressiveness. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:575223. [PMID: 33072757 PMCID: PMC7538714 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.575223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The rising incidence and mortality rate associated with the metastatic ability of cutaneous melanoma represent a major public health concern. Cutaneous melanoma is one of the most invasive human cancers, but the molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Moreover, currently available therapies are not efficient in avoiding melanoma lethality. In this context, new biomarkers of prognosis, metastasis, and response to therapy are necessary to better predict the disease outcome. Additionally, the knowledge about the molecular alterations and dysregulated pathways involved in melanoma metastasis may provide new therapeutic targets. Members of the Ras superfamily of small GTPases regulate various essential cellular activities, from signaling to membrane traffic and cytoskeleton dynamics. Therefore, it is not surprising that they are differentially expressed, and their functions subverted in several types of cancer, including melanoma. Indeed, Ras small GTPases were found to regulate melanoma progression and invasion. Hence, a better understanding of the mechanisms regulated by Ras small GTPases that are involved in melanoma tumorigenesis and progression may provide new therapeutic strategies to block these processes. Here, we review the current knowledge on the role of Ras small GTPases in melanoma aggressiveness and the molecular mechanisms involved. Furthermore, we summarize the known involvement of these proteins in melanoma metastasis and how these players influence the response to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheila Brito
- Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular (UIPM) do Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil E.P.E., Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Duarte C Barral
- CEDOC, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NOVA Medical School, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Marta Pojo
- Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular (UIPM) do Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil E.P.E., Lisbon, Portugal
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42
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Mund JA, Park S, Smith AE, He Y, Jiang L, Hawley E, Roberson MJ, Mitchell DK, Abu-Sultanah M, Yuan J, Bessler WK, Sandusky G, Chen S, Zhang C, Rhodes SD, Clapp DW. Genetic disruption of the small GTPase RAC1 prevents plexiform neurofibroma formation in mice with neurofibromatosis type 1. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:9948-9958. [PMID: 32471868 PMCID: PMC7380178 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.010981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a common cancer predisposition syndrome caused by mutations in the NF1 tumor suppressor gene. NF1 encodes neurofibromin, a GTPase-activating protein for RAS proto-oncogene GTPase (RAS). Plexiform neurofibromas are a hallmark of NF1 and result from loss of heterozygosity of NF1 in Schwann cells, leading to constitutively activated p21RAS. Given the inability to target p21RAS directly, here we performed an shRNA library screen of all human kinases and Rho-GTPases in a patient-derived NF1-/- Schwann cell line to identify novel therapeutic targets to disrupt PN formation and progression. Rho family members, including Rac family small GTPase 1 (RAC1), were identified as candidates. Corroborating these findings, we observed that shRNA-mediated knockdown of RAC1 reduces cell proliferation and phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in NF1-/- Schwann cells. Genetically engineered Nf1flox/flox;PostnCre+ mice, which develop multiple PNs, also exhibited increased RAC1-GTP and phospho-ERK levels compared with Nf1flox/flox;PostnCre- littermates. Notably, mice in which both Nf1 and Rac1 loci were disrupted (Nf1flox/floxRac1flox/flox;PostnCre+) were completely free of tumors and had normal phospho-ERK activity compared with Nf1flox/flox ;PostnCre+ mice. We conclude that the RAC1-GTPase is a key downstream node of RAS and that genetic disruption of the Rac1 allele completely prevents PN tumor formation in vivo in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Mund
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman B. Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - SuJung Park
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman B. Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Abbi E Smith
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman B. Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Yongzheng He
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman B. Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Li Jiang
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman B. Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Eric Hawley
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman B. Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Michelle J Roberson
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman B. Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Dana K Mitchell
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman B. Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Mohannad Abu-Sultanah
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman B. Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Jin Yuan
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman B. Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Waylan K Bessler
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman B. Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - George Sandusky
- Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Shi Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman B. Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Chi Zhang
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Steven D Rhodes
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman B. Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
- Department of Pathology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - D Wade Clapp
- Department of Pediatrics, Herman B. Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
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Hormones Secretion and Rho GTPases in Neuroendocrine Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12071859. [PMID: 32664294 PMCID: PMC7408961 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12071859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) belong to a heterogeneous group of neoplasms arising from hormone secreting cells. These tumors are often associated with a dysfunction of their secretory activity. Neuroendocrine secretion occurs through calcium-regulated exocytosis, a process that is tightly controlled by Rho GTPases family members. In this review, we compiled the numerous mutations and modification of expression levels of Rho GTPases or their regulators (Rho guanine nucleotide-exchange factors and Rho GTPase-activating proteins) that have been identified in NETs. We discussed how they might regulate neuroendocrine secretion.
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Sun Z, Zhang H, Zhang Y, Liao L, Zhou W, Zhang F, Lian F, Huang J, Xu P, Zhang R, Lu W, Zhu M, Tao H, Yang F, Ding H, Chen S, Yue L, Zhou B, Zhang N, Tan M, Jiang H, Chen K, Liu B, Liu C, Dang Y, Luo C. Covalent Inhibitors Allosterically Block the Activation of Rho Family Proteins and Suppress Cancer Cell Invasion. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2020; 7:2000098. [PMID: 32714746 PMCID: PMC7375240 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202000098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The Rho family GTPases are crucial drivers of tumor growth and metastasis. However, it is difficult to develop GTPases inhibitors due to a lack of well-characterized binding pockets for compounds. Here, through molecular dynamics simulation of the RhoA protein, a groove around cysteine 107 (Cys107) that is relatively well-conserved within the Rho family is discovered. Using a combined strategy, the novel inhibitor DC-Rhoin is discovered, which disrupts interaction of Rho proteins with guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) and guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitors (GDIs). Crystallographic studies reveal that the covalent binding of DC-Rhoin to the Cys107 residue stabilizes and captures a novel allosteric pocket. Moreover, the derivative compound DC-Rhoin04 inhibits the migration and invasion of cancer cells, through targeting this allosteric pocket of RhoA. The study reveals a novel allosteric regulatory site within the Rho family, which can be exploited for anti-metastasis drug development, and also provides a novel strategy for inhibitor discovery toward "undruggable" protein targets.
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Wang D, Qian X, Sanchez-Solana B, Tripathi BK, Durkin ME, Lowy DR. Cancer-Associated Point Mutations in the DLC1 Tumor Suppressor and Other Rho-GAPs Occur Frequently and Are Associated with Decreased Function. Cancer Res 2020; 80:3568-3579. [PMID: 32606003 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-3984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In advanced cancer, the RHOA GTPase is often active together with reduced expression of genes encoding Rho-specific GTPase-accelerating proteins (Rho-GAP), which negatively regulate RHOA and related GTPases. Here we used the The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset to examine 12 tumor types (including colon, breast, prostate, pancreas, lung adenocarcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma) for the frequency of codon mutations of 10 Rho-GAP and experimentally tested biochemical and biological consequences for cancer-associated mutants that arose in the DLC1 tumor suppressor gene. DLC1 was the Rho-GAP gene mutated most frequently, with 5%-8% of tumors in five of the tumor types evaluated having DLC1 missense mutations. Furthermore, 20%-26% of the tumors in four of these five tumor types harbored missense mutations in at least one of the 10 Rho-GAPs. Experimental analysis of the DLC1 mutants indicated 7 of 9 mutants whose lesions were located in the Rho-GAP domain were deficient for Rho-GAP activity and for suppressing cell migration and anchorage-independent growth. Analysis of a DLC1 linker region mutant and a START domain mutant showed each was deficient for suppressing migration and growth in agar, but their Rho-GAP activity was similar to that of wild-type DLC1. Compared with the wild-type, the linker region mutant bound 14-3-3 proteins less efficiently, while the START domain mutant displayed reduced binding to Caveolin-1. Thus, mutation of Rho-GAP genes occurs frequently in some cancer types and the majority of cancer-associated DLC1 mutants evaluated were deficient biologically, with various mechanisms contributing to their reduced activity. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings indicate that point mutation of Rho-GAP genes is unexpectedly frequent in several cancer types, with DLC1 mutants exhibiting reduced function by various mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dunrui Wang
- Laboratory of Cellular Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Xiaolan Qian
- Laboratory of Cellular Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Beatriz Sanchez-Solana
- Laboratory of Cellular Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Brajendra K Tripathi
- Laboratory of Cellular Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Marian E Durkin
- Laboratory of Cellular Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Douglas R Lowy
- Laboratory of Cellular Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.
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Caggia S, Tapadar S, Wu B, Venugopal SV, Garrett AS, Kumar A, Stiffend JS, Davis JS, Oyelere AK, Khan SA. Small Molecule Inhibitors Targeting Gα i2 Protein Attenuate Migration of Cancer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E1631. [PMID: 32575572 PMCID: PMC7353059 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [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: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Heterotrimeric G-proteins are ubiquitously expressed in several cancers, and they transduce signals from activated G-protein coupled receptors. These proteins have numerous biological functions, and they are becoming interesting target molecules in cancer therapy. Previously, we have shown that heterotrimeric G-protein subunit alphai2 (Gαi2) has an essential role in the migration and invasion of prostate cancer cells. Using a structure-based approach, we have synthesized optimized small molecule inhibitors that are able to prevent specifically the activation of the Gαi2 subunit, keeping the protein in its inactive GDP-bound state. We observed that two of the compounds (13 and 14) at 10 μΜ significantly inhibited the migratory behavior of the PC3 and DU145 prostate cancer cell lines. Additionally, compound 14 at 10 μΜ blocked the activation of Gαi2 in oxytocin-stimulated prostate cancer PC3 cells, and inhibited the migratory capability of DU145 cells overexpressing the constitutively active form of Gαi2, under basal and EGF-stimulated conditions. We also observed that the knockdown or inhibition of Gαi2 negatively regulated migration of renal and ovarian cancer cell lines. Our results suggest that small molecule inhibitors of Gαi2 have potential as leads for discovering novel anti-metastatic agents for attenuating the capability of cancer cells to spread and invade to distant sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Caggia
- Center for Cancer Research and Therapeutic Development, Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA 30314, USA; (S.C.); (S.V.V.); (A.S.G.); (A.K.); (J.S.S.)
| | - Subhasish Tapadar
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30318, USA; (S.T.); (B.W.)
| | - Bocheng Wu
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30318, USA; (S.T.); (B.W.)
| | - Smrruthi V. Venugopal
- Center for Cancer Research and Therapeutic Development, Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA 30314, USA; (S.C.); (S.V.V.); (A.S.G.); (A.K.); (J.S.S.)
| | - Autumn S. Garrett
- Center for Cancer Research and Therapeutic Development, Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA 30314, USA; (S.C.); (S.V.V.); (A.S.G.); (A.K.); (J.S.S.)
| | - Aditi Kumar
- Center for Cancer Research and Therapeutic Development, Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA 30314, USA; (S.C.); (S.V.V.); (A.S.G.); (A.K.); (J.S.S.)
| | - Janae S. Stiffend
- Center for Cancer Research and Therapeutic Development, Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA 30314, USA; (S.C.); (S.V.V.); (A.S.G.); (A.K.); (J.S.S.)
| | - John S. Davis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center and VA Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA;
| | - Adegboyega K. Oyelere
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30318, USA; (S.T.); (B.W.)
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30318, USA
| | - Shafiq A. Khan
- Center for Cancer Research and Therapeutic Development, Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA 30314, USA; (S.C.); (S.V.V.); (A.S.G.); (A.K.); (J.S.S.)
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Small Ones to Fight a Big Problem-Intervention of Cancer Metastasis by Small Molecules. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12061454. [PMID: 32503267 PMCID: PMC7352875 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastasis represents the most lethal attribute of cancer and critically limits successful therapies in many tumor entities. The clinical need is defined by the fact that all cancer patients, who have or who will develop distant metastasis, will experience shorter survival. Thus, the ultimate goal in cancer therapy is the restriction of solid cancer metastasis by novel molecularly targeted small molecule based therapies. Biomarkers identifying cancer patients at high risk for metastasis and simultaneously acting as key drivers for metastasis are extremely desired. Clinical interventions targeting these key molecules will result in high efficiency in metastasis intervention. In result of this, personalized tailored interventions for restriction and prevention of cancer progression and metastasis will improve patient survival. This review defines crucial biological steps of the metastatic cascade, such as cell dissemination, migration and invasion as well as the action of metastasis suppressors. Targeting these biological steps with tailored therapeutic strategies of intervention or even prevention of metastasis using a wide range of small molecules will be discussed.
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Rho GTPases in Gynecologic Cancers: In-Depth Analysis toward the Paradigm Change from Reactive to Predictive, Preventive, and Personalized Medical Approach Benefiting the Patient and Healthcare. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12051292. [PMID: 32443784 PMCID: PMC7281750 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12051292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Rho guanosine triphospatases (GTPases) resemble a conserved family of GTP-binding proteins regulating actin cytoskeleton dynamics and several signaling pathways central for the cell. Rho GTPases create a so-called Ras-superfamily of GTPases subdivided into subgroups comprising at least 20 members. Rho GTPases play a key regulatory role in gene expression, cell cycle control and proliferation, epithelial cell polarity, cell migration, survival, and apoptosis, among others. They also have tissue-related functions including angiogenesis being involved in inflammatory and wound healing processes. Contextually, any abnormality in the Rho GTPase function may result in severe consequences at molecular, cellular, and tissue levels. Rho GTPases also play a key role in tumorigenesis and metastatic disease. Corresponding mechanisms include a number of targets such as kinases and scaffold/adaptor-like proteins initiating GTPases-related signaling cascades. The accumulated evidence demonstrates the oncogenic relevance of Rho GTPases for several solid malignancies including breast, liver, bladder, melanoma, testicular, lung, central nervous system (CNS), head and neck, cervical, and ovarian cancers. Furthermore, Rho GTPases play a crucial role in the development of radio- and chemoresistance e.g. under cisplatin-based cancer treatment. This article provides an in-depth overview on the role of Rho GTPases in gynecological cancers, highlights relevant signaling pathways and pathomechanisms, and sheds light on their involvement in tumor progression, metastatic spread, and radio/chemo resistance. In addition, insights into a spectrum of novel biomarkers and innovative approaches based on the paradigm shift from reactive to predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine are provided.
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Dysregulation of Rho GTPases in Human Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12051179. [PMID: 32392742 PMCID: PMC7281333 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12051179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Rho GTPases play central roles in numerous cellular processes, including cell motility, cell polarity, and cell cycle progression, by regulating actin cytoskeletal dynamics and cell adhesion. Dysregulation of Rho GTPase signaling is observed in a broad range of human cancers, and is associated with cancer development and malignant phenotypes, including metastasis and chemoresistance. Rho GTPase activity is precisely controlled by guanine nucleotide exchange factors, GTPase-activating proteins, and guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitors. Recent evidence demonstrates that it is also regulated by post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and sumoylation. Here, we review the current knowledge on the role of Rho GTPases, and the precise mechanisms controlling their activity in the regulation of cancer progression. In addition, we discuss targeting strategies for the development of new drugs to improve cancer therapy.
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Tian T, Chen ZH, Zheng Z, Liu Y, Zhao Q, Liu Y, Qiu H, Long Q, Chen M, Li L, Xie F, Luo G, Wu X, Deng W. Investigation of the role and mechanism of ARHGAP5-mediated colorectal cancer metastasis. Theranostics 2020; 10:5998-6010. [PMID: 32483433 PMCID: PMC7254992 DOI: 10.7150/thno.43427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) is a lethal disease; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear and require further study. Methods: RNA-Seq, PCR, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, ChIP and RNAi assays were performed to investigate Rho GTPase-activating protein 5 (ARHGAP5, aslo known as p190RhoGAP-B, p190-B) expression and the clinical relevance, functional roles and regulatory mechanisms of this protein using human CRC cells and tissues. In vivo, two cell-based xenograft models were used to evaluate the roles of ARHGAP5 in CRC metastasis. Results: Here, we report that ARHGAP5 expression is significantly increased in metastatic CRC tissues and is inversely associated with patient overall survival. The suppression of ARHGAP5 reduces CRC cell metastasis in vitro and in cell-based xenograft models. Furthermore, we show that ARHGAP5 promotes CRC cell epithelial-mesenchymal transition by negatively regulating RhoA activity. Mechanistically, cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB1) transcriptionally upregulates ARHGAP5 expression, and decreased miR-137 further contributes to ARHGAP5 mRNA stability in CRC. Conclusions: Overall, our study highlights the crucial function of ARHGAP5 in CRC metastasis, thus suggesting novel prognostic biomarkers and hypothetical therapeutic targets.
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