1
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Chen J, Feng H, Wang Y, Bai X, Sheng S, Li H, Huang M, Chu X, Lei Z. The involvement of E3 ubiquitin ligases in the development and progression of colorectal cancer. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:458. [PMID: 38104139 PMCID: PMC10725464 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01760-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
To date, colorectal cancer (CRC) still has limited therapeutic efficacy and poor prognosis and there is an urgent need for novel targets to improve the outcome of CRC patients. The highly conserved ubiquitination modification mediated by E3 ubiquitin ligases is an important mechanism to regulate the expression and function of tumor promoters or suppressors in CRC. In this review, we provide an overview of E3 ligases in modulating various biological processes in CRC, including proliferation, migration, stemness, metabolism, cell death, differentiation and immune response of CRC cells, emphasizing the pluripotency of E3 ubiquitin ligases. We further focus on the role of E3 ligases in regulating vital cellular signal pathways in CRC, such as Wnt/β-catenin pathway and NF-κB pathway. Additionally, considering the potential of E3 ligases as novel targets in the treatment of CRC, we discuss what aspects of E3 ligases can be utilized and exploited for efficient therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Haimei Feng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yiting Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiaoming Bai
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Siqi Sheng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Huiyu Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Mengxi Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Xiaoyuan Chu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical university, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Zengjie Lei
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical university, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
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2
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Lin FT, Liu K, Garan LAW, Folly-Kossi H, Song Y, Lin SJ, Lin WC. A small-molecule inhibitor of TopBP1 exerts anti-MYC activity and synergy with PARP inhibitors. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2307793120. [PMID: 37878724 PMCID: PMC10622895 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2307793120] [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: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
We have previously identified TopBP1 (topoisomerase IIβ-binding protein 1) as a promising target for cancer therapy, given its role in the convergence of Rb, PI(3)K/Akt, and p53 pathways. Based on this, we conducted a large-scale molecular docking screening to identify a small-molecule inhibitor that specifically targets the BRCT7/8 domains of TopBP1, which we have named 5D4. Our studies show that 5D4 inhibits TopBP1 interactions with E2F1, mutant p53, and Cancerous Inhibitor of Protein Phosphatase 2A. This leads to the activation of E2F1-mediated apoptosis and the inhibition of mutant p53 gain of function. In addition, 5D4 disrupts the interaction of TopBP1 with MIZ1, which in turn allows MIZ1 to bind to its target gene promoters and repress MYC activity. Moreover, 5D4 inhibits the association of the TopBP1-PLK1 complex and prevents the formation of Rad51 foci. When combined with inhibitors of PARP1/2 or PARP14, 5D4 synergizes to effectively block cancer cell proliferation. Our animal studies have demonstrated the antitumor activity of 5D4 in breast and ovarian cancer xenograft models. Moreover, the effectiveness of 5D4 is further enhanced when combined with a PARP1/2 inhibitor talazoparib. Taken together, our findings strongly support the potential use of TopBP1-BRCT7/8 inhibitors as a targeted cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Tsyr Lin
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
| | - Kang Liu
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
| | - Lidija A. Wilhelms Garan
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Cancer and Cell Biology Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
| | - Helena Folly-Kossi
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
| | - Yongcheng Song
- Department of Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
| | - Shwu-Jiuan Lin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei11031, Taiwan
- PhD Program in Clinical Drug Development of Herbal Medicine, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Weei-Chin Lin
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Cancer and Cell Biology Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
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3
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Pettitt SJ, Shao N, Zatreanu D, Frankum J, Bajrami I, Brough R, Krastev DB, Roumeliotis TI, Choudhary JS, Lorenz S, Rust A, de Bono JS, Yap TA, Tutt ANJ, Lord CJ. A HUWE1 defect causes PARP inhibitor resistance by modulating the BRCA1-∆11q splice variant. Oncogene 2023; 42:2701-2709. [PMID: 37491606 PMCID: PMC10473960 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02782-8] [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: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Although PARP inhibitors (PARPi) now form part of the standard-of-care for the treatment of homologous recombination defective cancers, de novo and acquired resistance limits their overall effectiveness. Previously, overexpression of the BRCA1-∆11q splice variant has been shown to cause PARPi resistance. How cancer cells achieve increased BRCA1-∆11q expression has remained unclear. Using isogenic cells with different BRCA1 mutations, we show that reduction in HUWE1 leads to increased levels of BRCA1-∆11q and PARPi resistance. This effect is specific to cells able to express BRCA1-∆11q (e.g. BRCA1 exon 11 mutant cells) and is not seen in BRCA1 mutants that cannot express BRCA1-∆11q, nor in BRCA2 mutant cells. As well as increasing levels of BRCA1-∆11q protein in exon 11 mutant cells, HUWE1 silencing also restores RAD51 nuclear foci and platinum salt resistance. HUWE1 catalytic domain mutations were also seen in a case of PARPi resistant, BRCA1 exon 11 mutant, high grade serous ovarian cancer. These results suggest how elevated levels of BRCA1-∆11q and PARPi resistance can be achieved, identify HUWE1 as a candidate biomarker of PARPi resistance for assessment in future clinical trials and illustrate how some PARPi resistance mechanisms may only operate in patients with particular BRCA1 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Pettitt
- The CRUK Gene Function Laboratory, The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SW3 6JB, UK.
| | - Nan Shao
- The CRUK Gene Function Laboratory, The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Diana Zatreanu
- The CRUK Gene Function Laboratory, The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Jessica Frankum
- The CRUK Gene Function Laboratory, The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Ilirjana Bajrami
- The CRUK Gene Function Laboratory, The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Rachel Brough
- The CRUK Gene Function Laboratory, The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Dragomir B Krastev
- The CRUK Gene Function Laboratory, The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SW3 6JB, UK
| | | | | | - Sonja Lorenz
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Alistair Rust
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Johann S de Bono
- The Institute of Cancer Research, The Royal Marsden Hospital, Downs Road, Sutton, Surrey, SM2 5PT, UK
| | - Timothy A Yap
- The Institute of Cancer Research, The Royal Marsden Hospital, Downs Road, Sutton, Surrey, SM2 5PT, UK
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1400 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Andrew N J Tutt
- The CRUK Gene Function Laboratory, The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SW3 6JB, UK.
| | - Christopher J Lord
- The CRUK Gene Function Laboratory, The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SW3 6JB, UK.
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4
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Einig E, Jin C, Andrioletti V, Macek B, Popov N. RNAPII-dependent ATM signaling at collisions with replication forks. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5147. [PMID: 37620345 PMCID: PMC10449895 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40924-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Deregulation of RNA Polymerase II (RNAPII) by oncogenic signaling leads to collisions of RNAPII with DNA synthesis machinery (transcription-replication conflicts, TRCs). TRCs can result in DNA damage and are thought to underlie genomic instability in tumor cells. Here we provide evidence that elongating RNAPII nucleates activation of the ATM kinase at TRCs to stimulate DNA repair. We show the ATPase WRNIP1 associates with RNAPII and limits ATM activation during unperturbed cell cycle. WRNIP1 binding to elongating RNAPII requires catalytic activity of the ubiquitin ligase HUWE1. Mutation of HUWE1 induces TRCs, promotes WRNIP1 dissociation from RNAPII and binding to the replisome, stimulating ATM recruitment and activation at RNAPII. TRCs and translocation of WRNIP1 are rapidly induced in response to hydroxyurea treatment to activate ATM and facilitate subsequent DNA repair. We propose that TRCs can provide a controlled mechanism for stalling of replication forks and ATM activation, instrumental in cellular response to replicative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias Einig
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pulmonology, University Hospital Tübingen, Otfried-Mueller-Str 14, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Chao Jin
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pulmonology, University Hospital Tübingen, Otfried-Mueller-Str 14, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Valentina Andrioletti
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pulmonology, University Hospital Tübingen, Otfried-Mueller-Str 14, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
- enGenome S.R.L., Via Fratelli Cuzio 42, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Boris Macek
- Interfaculty Institute of Cell Biology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Auf d. Morgenstelle 15, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Nikita Popov
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pulmonology, University Hospital Tübingen, Otfried-Mueller-Str 14, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
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5
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Mueller S, Bialas J, Ryu S, Catone N, Aichem A. The ubiquitin-like modifier FAT10 covalently modifies HUWE1 and strengthens the interaction of AMBRA1 and HUWE1. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0290002. [PMID: 37578983 PMCID: PMC10424871 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The ubiquitin-like modifier FAT10 is highly upregulated under inflammatory conditions and targets its conjugation substrates to the degradation by the 26S proteasome. This process termed FAT10ylation is mediated by an enzymatic cascade and includes the E1 activating enzyme ubiquitin-like modifier activating enzyme 6 (UBA6), the E2 conjugating enzyme UBA6-specific E2 enzyme 1 (USE1) and E3 ligases, such as Parkin. In this study, the function of the HECT-type ubiquitin E3 ligase HUWE1 was investigated as a putative E3 ligase and/or conjugation substrate of FAT10. Our data provide strong evidence that HUWE1 is FAT10ylated in a UBA6 and FAT10 diglycine-dependent manner in vitro and in cellulo and that the HUWE1-FAT10 conjugate is targeted to proteasomal degradation. Since the mutation of all relevant cysteine residues within the HUWE1 HECT domain did not abolish FAT10 conjugation, a role of HUWE1 as E3 ligase for FAT10ylation is rather unlikely. Moreover, we have identified the autophagy-related protein AMBRA1 as a new FAT10 interaction partner. We show that the HUWE1-FAT10 conjugate formation is diminished in presence of AMBRA1, while the interaction between AMBRA1 and HUWE1 is strengthened in presence of FAT10. This implies a putative interplay of all three proteins in cellular processes such as mitophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Mueller
- Biotechnology Institute Thurgau at the University of Konstanz, Kreuzlingen, Switzerland
- Division of Immunology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Kontstanz, Germany
| | - Johanna Bialas
- Biotechnology Institute Thurgau at the University of Konstanz, Kreuzlingen, Switzerland
- Division of Immunology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Kontstanz, Germany
| | - Stella Ryu
- Biotechnology Institute Thurgau at the University of Konstanz, Kreuzlingen, Switzerland
- Division of Immunology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Kontstanz, Germany
| | - Nicola Catone
- Biotechnology Institute Thurgau at the University of Konstanz, Kreuzlingen, Switzerland
| | - Annette Aichem
- Biotechnology Institute Thurgau at the University of Konstanz, Kreuzlingen, Switzerland
- Division of Immunology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Kontstanz, Germany
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6
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Yin J, Xu J, Chen C, Ma X, Zhu H, Xie L, Wang B, Shao Y, Zhao Y, Wei Y, Hu A, Zheng Z, Yu C, Fu J, Zheng L. HECT, UBA and WWE domain containing 1 represses cholesterol efflux during CD4 + T cell activation in Sjögren's syndrome. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1191692. [PMID: 37435494 PMCID: PMC10330700 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1191692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by exocrine gland dysfunction, leading to loss of salivary function. Histological analysis of salivary glands from SS patients reveals a high infiltration of immune cells, particularly activated CD4+ T cells. Thus, interventions targeting abnormal activation of CD4+ T cells may provide promising therapeutic strategies for SS. Here, we demonstrate that Hect, uba, and wwe domain containing 1 (HUWE1), a member of the eukaryotic Hect E3 ubiquitin ligase family, plays a critical role in CD4+ T-cell activation and SS pathophysiology. Methods: In the context of HUWE1 inhibition, we investigated the impact of the HUWE1 inhibitor BI8626 and sh-Huwe1 on CD4+ T cells in mice, focusing on the assessment of activation levels, proliferation capacity, and cholesterol abundance. Furthermore, we examined the therapeutic potential of BI8626 in NOD/ShiLtj mice and evaluated its efficacy as a treatment strategy. Results: Inhibition of HUWE1 reduces ABCA1 ubiquitination and promotes cholesterol efflux, decreasing intracellular cholesterol and reducing the expression of phosphorylated ZAP-70, CD25, and other activation markers, culminating in the suppressed proliferation of CD4+ T cells. Moreover, pharmacological inhibition of HUWE1 significantly reduces CD4+ T-cell infiltration in the submandibular glands and improves salivary flow rate in NOD/ShiLtj mice. Conclusion: These findings suggest that HUWE1 may regulate CD4+ T-cell activation and SS development by modulating ABCA1-mediated cholesterol efflux and presents a promising target for SS treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhao Yin
- Department of Oral Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Stomatology and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiabao Xu
- Department of Oral Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Stomatology and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
| | - Changyu Chen
- Department of Oral Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Stomatology and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinyi Ma
- Department of Oral Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Stomatology and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
| | - Hanyi Zhu
- Department of Oral Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Stomatology and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
| | - Lisong Xie
- Department of Oral Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Stomatology and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
| | - Baoli Wang
- Department of Oral Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Stomatology and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanxiong Shao
- Department of Oral Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Stomatology and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yijie Zhao
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Wei
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Tooth Restoration and Regeneration, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Anni Hu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Tooth Restoration and Regeneration, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhanglong Zheng
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Tooth Restoration and Regeneration, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chuangqi Yu
- Department of Oral Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Stomatology and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiayao Fu
- Department of Oral Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Stomatology and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingyan Zheng
- Department of Oral Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- National Center for Stomatology and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, China
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7
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Monda JK, Ge X, Hunkeler M, Donovan KA, Ma MW, Jin CY, Leonard M, Fischer ES, Bennett EJ. HAPSTR1 localizes HUWE1 to the nucleus to limit stress signaling pathways. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112496. [PMID: 37167062 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112496] [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: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
HUWE1 is a large, enigmatic HECT-domain ubiquitin ligase implicated in the regulation of diverse pathways, including DNA repair, apoptosis, and differentiation. How HUWE1 engages its structurally diverse substrates and how HUWE1 activity is regulated are unknown. Using unbiased quantitative proteomics, we find that HUWE1 targets substrates in a largely cell-type-specific manner. However, we identify C16orf72/HAPSTR1 as a robust HUWE1 substrate in multiple cell lines. Previously established physical and genetic interactions between HUWE1 and HAPSTR1 suggest that HAPSTR1 positively regulates HUWE1 function. Here, we show that HAPSTR1 is required for HUWE1 nuclear localization and nuclear substrate targeting. Nuclear HUWE1 is required for both cell proliferation and modulation of stress signaling pathways, including p53 and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB)-mediated signaling. Combined, our results define a role for HAPSTR1 in gating critical nuclear HUWE1 functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie K Monda
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Xuezhen Ge
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Moritz Hunkeler
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Katherine A Donovan
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Michelle W Ma
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Cyrus Y Jin
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Marilyn Leonard
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Eric S Fischer
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Eric J Bennett
- School of Biological Sciences, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
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8
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Sun A, Chen Y, Tian X, Lin Q. The Role of HECT E3 Ubiquitin Ligases in Colorectal Cancer. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020478. [PMID: 36831013 PMCID: PMC9953483 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is estimated to rank as the second reason for cancer-related deaths, and the prognosis of CRC patients remains unsatisfactory. Numerous studies on gastrointestinal cell biology have shown that the E3 ligase-mediated ubiquitination exerts key functions in the pathogenesis of CRC. The homologous to E6-associated protein C-terminus (HECT) family E3 ligases are a major group of E3 enzymes, featured with the presence of a catalytic HECT domain, which participate in multiple cellular processes; thus, alterations in HECT E3 ligases in function or expression are closely related to the occurrence and development of many human malignancies, including-but not limited to-CRC. In this review, we summarize the potential role of HECT E3 ligases in colorectal carcinogenesis and the related underlying molecular mechanism to expand our understanding of their pathological functions. Exploiting specific inhibitors targeting HECT E3 ligases could be a potential therapeutic strategy for CRC therapy in the future.
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9
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Targeting CSC-related transcription factors by E3 ubiquitin ligases for cancer therapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 87:84-97. [PMID: 36371028 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Evidence has revealed that transcription factors play essential roles in regulation of multiple cellular processes, including cell proliferation, metastasis, EMT, cancer stem cells and chemoresistance. Dysregulated expression levels of transcription factors contribute to tumorigenesis and malignant progression. The expression of transcription factors is tightly governed by several signaling pathways, noncoding RNAs and E3 ubiquitin ligases. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been validated in regulation of tumor metastasis, reoccurrence and chemoresistance in human cancer. Transcription factors have been verified to participate in regulation of CSC formation, including Oct4, SOX2, KLF4, c-Myc, Nanog, GATA, SALL4, Bmi-1, OLIG2, POU3F2 and FOX proteins. In this review article, we will describe the critical role of CSC-related transcription factors. We will further discuss which E3 ligases regulate the degradation of these CSC-related transcription factors and their underlying mechanisms. We also mentioned the functions and mechanisms of EMT-associated transcription factors such as ZEB1, ZEB2, Snail, Slug, Twist1 and Twist2. Furthermore, we highlight the therapeutic potential via targeting E3 ubiquitin ligases for modulation of these transcription factors.
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10
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Increased slow dynamics defines ligandability of BTB domains. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6989. [PMID: 36384931 PMCID: PMC9668832 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34599-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Efficient determination of protein ligandability, or the propensity to bind small-molecules, would greatly facilitate drug development for novel targets. Ligandability is currently assessed using computational methods that typically consider the static structural properties of putative binding sites or by experimental fragment screening. Here, we evaluate ligandability of conserved BTB domains from the cancer-relevant proteins LRF, KAISO, and MIZ1. Using fragment screening, we discover that MIZ1 binds multiple ligands. However, no ligands are uncovered for the structurally related KAISO or LRF. To understand the principles governing ligand-binding by BTB domains, we perform comprehensive NMR-based dynamics studies and find that only the MIZ1 BTB domain exhibits backbone µs-ms time scale motions. Interestingly, residues with elevated dynamics correspond to the binding site of fragment hits and recently defined HUWE1 interaction site. Our data argue that examining protein dynamics using NMR can contribute to identification of cryptic binding sites, and may support prediction of the ligandability of novel challenging targets.
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11
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Qi L, Xu X, Qi X. The giant E3 ligase HUWE1 is linked to tumorigenesis, spermatogenesis, intellectual disability, and inflammatory diseases. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:905906. [PMID: 35937685 PMCID: PMC9355080 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.905906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
E3 ubiquitin ligases determine the substrate specificity and catalyze the ubiquitination of lysine residues. HUWE1 is a catalytic HECT domain-containing giant E3 ligase that contains a substrate-binding ring structure, and mediates the ubiquitination of more than 40 diverse substrates. HUWE1 serves as a central node in cellular stress responses, cell growth and death, signal transduction, etc. The expanding atlas of HUWE1 substrates presents a major challenge for the potential therapeutic application of HUWE1 in a particular disease. In addition, HUWE1 has been demonstrated to play contradictory roles in certain aspects of tumor progression in either an oncogenic or a tumor-suppressive manner. We recently defined novel roles of HUWE1 in promoting the activation of multiple inflammasomes. Inflammasome activation-mediated immune responses might lead to multifunctional effects on tumor therapy, inflammation, and autoimmune diseases. In this review, we summarize the known substrates and pleiotropic functions of HUWE1 in different types of cells and models, including its involvement in development, cancer, neuronal disorder and infectious disease. We also discuss the advances in cryo-EM-structural analysis for a functional-mechanistic understanding of HUWE1 in modulating the multitudinous diverse substrates, and introduce the possibility of revisiting the comprehensive roles of HUWE1 in multiple aspects within one microenvironment, which will shed light on the potential therapeutic application of targeting giant E3 ligases like HUWE1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Qi
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoqing Xu
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaopeng Qi
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Department of Clinical Laboratory/Qilu Hospital, Advanced Medical Research Institute, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaopeng Qi,
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12
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Wang L, Jin H, Zeng Y, Tan Y, Wang J, Fu W, Chen W, Cui K, Qiu Z, Zhou Z. HOXB4 Mis-Regulation Induced by Microcystin-LR and Correlated With Immune Infiltration Is Unfavorable to Colorectal Cancer Prognosis. Front Oncol 2022; 12:803493. [PMID: 35211403 PMCID: PMC8861523 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.803493] [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: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) exists widely in polluted food and water in humid and warm areas, and facilitates the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the molecular mechanism associated with the MC-LR-induced CRC progression remains elusive. The purpose of this study is to explore the role of the hub genes associated with MC-LR-induced CRC development at the molecular, cellular and clinical levels through bioinformatics and traditional experiments. By utilizing R, we screened and investigated the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the MC-LR and the control groups with the GEO, in which, HOXB4 highly expressed in MC-LR-treated group was identified and further explored as a hub gene. With the aid of TCGA, GEPIA, HPA, UALCAN, Cistrome, and TIMER, the increased mRNA and protein levels of HOXB4 in CRC tissue were found to be positively associated with high tumor stage and poor prognosis, and were linked to immune infiltration, especially tumor-associated macrophages and cancer-associated fibroblasts. Cox regression analysis and nomogram prediction model indicated that high HOXB4 expression was correlated to poor survival probability. To elucidate the mechanism of high HOXB4 expression induced by MC-LR, we overlapped the genes involved in the MC-LR-mediated CRC pathways and the HOXB4-correlated transcription genes. Importantly, C-myc instead of PPARG and RUNX1 promoted the high expression of HOXB4 through experiment validation, and was identified as a key target gene. Interestingly, C-myc was up-regulated by HOXB4 and maintained cell cycle progression. In addition, MC-LR was proved to up-regulate HOXB4 expression, thus promoting proliferation and migration of Caco2 cells and driving the cell cycle progression. In conclusion, MC-LR might accelerate CRC progression. In the process, MC-LR induced C-myc augmentation elevates the high expression of HOXB4 through increasing the S phase cell proportion to enhance Caco2 cell proliferation. Therefore, HOXB4 might be considered as a potential prognostic biomarker for CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingqiao Wang
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Huidong Jin
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yi Zeng
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yao Tan
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Jia Wang
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Wenjuan Fu
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Weiyan Chen
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Ke Cui
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Zhiqun Qiu
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Ziyuan Zhou
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
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13
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Llombart V, Mansour MR. Therapeutic targeting of "undruggable" MYC. EBioMedicine 2022; 75:103756. [PMID: 34942444 PMCID: PMC8713111 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2021.103756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 80.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
c-MYC controls global gene expression and regulates cell proliferation, cell differentiation, cell cycle, metabolism and apoptosis. According to some estimates, MYC is dysregulated in ≈70% of human cancers and strong evidence implicates aberrantly expressed MYC in both tumor initiation and maintenance. In vivo studies show that MYC inhibition elicits a prominent anti-proliferative effect and sustained tumor regression while any alteration on healthy tissue remains reversible. This opens an exploitable window for treatment that makes MYC one of the most appealing therapeutic targets for cancer drug development. This review describes the main functional and structural features of the protein structure of MYC and provides a general overview of the most relevant or recently identified interactors that modulate MYC oncogenic activity. This review also summarizes the different approaches aiming to abrogate MYC oncogenic function, with a particular focus on the prototype inhibitors designed for the direct and indirect targeting of MYC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Llombart
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, Department of Haematology, London WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Marc R Mansour
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, Department of Haematology, London WC1E 6DD, UK; UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Developmental Biology and Cancer, London, UK.
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14
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Boisvert O, Létourneau D, Delattre P, Tremblay C, Jolibois É, Montagne M, Lavigne P. Zinc Fingers 10 and 11 of Miz-1 undergo conformational exchange to achieve specific DNA binding. Structure 2021; 30:623-636.e5. [PMID: 34963061 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2021.12.001] [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: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Miz-1 (ZBTB17) is a poly-zinc finger BTB/POZ transcription factor with 12 consecutive C2H2 zinc fingers (ZFs) that binds transcriptional start sites (TSSs) to regulate the expression of genes involved in cell development and proliferation. As of now, it is not known which of the 12 consecutive ZFs are responsible for the recognition of the 24 base pair consensus sequence found at these TSSs. Evidence suggests ZFs 7-12 plays this role. We provide validation for this and describe the structural and dynamical characterization of unprecedented conformational exchange in the linker between ZFs 10 and 11. This conformational exchange uncouples ZFs 7-10 from 11 and 12 and promotes a scanning-recognition mechanism through which the two segments cooperate to bind two sub-sites at both ends of the consensus. We further show that this can result in the coiling of TSSs as part of Miz-1's mechanism of transcriptional transactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Boisvert
- Département de biochimie et de génomique fonctionnelle, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke and PROTÉO, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001 12 Avenue N, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Danny Létourneau
- Département de biochimie et de génomique fonctionnelle, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke and PROTÉO, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001 12 Avenue N, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Patrick Delattre
- Département de biochimie et de génomique fonctionnelle, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke and PROTÉO, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001 12 Avenue N, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Cynthia Tremblay
- Département de biochimie et de génomique fonctionnelle, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke and PROTÉO, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001 12 Avenue N, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Émilie Jolibois
- Département de biochimie et de génomique fonctionnelle, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke and PROTÉO, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001 12 Avenue N, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Martin Montagne
- Département de biochimie et de génomique fonctionnelle, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke and PROTÉO, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001 12 Avenue N, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Pierre Lavigne
- Département de biochimie et de génomique fonctionnelle, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke and PROTÉO, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001 12 Avenue N, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada.
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15
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Li J, Xia Y, Fan X, Wu X, Yang F, Hu S, Wang Z. HUWE1 Causes an Immune Imbalance in Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura by Reducing the Number and Function of Treg Cells Through the Ubiquitination Degradation of Ets-1. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:708562. [PMID: 34900980 PMCID: PMC8660631 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.708562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune bleeding disorder and the decreased number and immunosuppressive dysfunction of Treg cells are key promoters of ITP. However, their mechanisms in ITP development have not been fully clarified. Methods: HUWE1 mRNA and protein levels in CD4+ T cells in peripheral blood from ITP patients were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot. HUWE1 function in ITP was estimated using flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunosuppression assay. Besides, the HUWE1 mechanism in reducing the number and function of Treg cells in ITP was investigated by immunoprecipitation, cycloheximide-chase assay, ubiquitin experiment and immunofluorescence assay. Results: HUWE1 expression was elevated in CD4+ T cells in peripheral blood from ITP patients and HUWE1 mRNA level was negatively correlated with platelet counts and Treg cell percentage. Moreover, the interference with HUWE1 increased the number of Treg cells and enhanced its immunosuppressive function, and the HUWE1 overexpression produced the opposite results. For the exploration of mechanism, HUWE1 interacted with E26 transformation-specific-1 (Ets-1) and this binding was dependent on the negative regulation of the phosphorylation level of Ets-1 (Thr38) and HUWE1 facilitated the ubiquitin degradation of Ets-1 protein to restrain Treg cell differentiation and weaken their immunosuppressive functions. The in vivo assay confirmed that the HUWE1 inhibitor alleviated ITP in mice. Conclusion: HUWE1 induced the immune imbalance in ITP by decreasing the number and weakening the function of Treg cells through the ubiquitination degradation of Ets-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianqin Li
- Department of Hematology, The Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yalin Xia
- Department of Hematology, The Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiaoru Fan
- Department of Hematology, The Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiaofang Wu
- Department of Hematology, The Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Feiyun Yang
- Department of Hematology, The Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Shaoyan Hu
- Department of Hematology, The Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Zhaoyue Wang
- Department of Hematology, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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16
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Dai H, Zeng W, Zeng W, Yan M, Jiang P, Li Y, Zhang W, Ke M. HELZ2 promotes K63-linked polyubiquitination of c-Myc to induce retinoblastoma tumorigenesis. Med Oncol 2021; 39:11. [PMID: 34761308 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-021-01603-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Retinoblastoma is a rare ocular tumor in children that originates in the retina. Several core transcriptional regulators maintain the expansion of retinoblastoma tumors, including c-Myc. Here, we demonstrated that Helicase with zinc finger domain 2 (HELZ2) promoted retinoblastoma tumorigenesis by targeting c-Myc. HELZ2-deficient inhibited retinoblastoma cell proliferation, whereas overexpression of HELZ2 promoted retinoblastoma cell proliferation. In addition, high levels of HELZ2 promoted xenograft retinoblastoma tumorigenesis and inhibited animal survival. Mechanistically, HELZ2 interacted with c-Myc and promoted its K63-linked polyubiquitination. We indicated that HELZ2 promoted the interaction between E3 ubiquitin ligase HUWE1 and c-Myc, and HELZ2-mediated K63-linked polyubiquitination and activation of c-Myc were dependent on HUWE1. Taken together, HELZ2 plays a critical role in the regulation of retinoblastoma tumorigenesis by enhancing the activity of c-Myc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanjun Dai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wen Zeng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, People's Republic of China
| | - Weijuan Zeng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Yan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Ke
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, People's Republic of China.
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17
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Márquez-Cantudo L, Ramos A, Coderch C, de Pascual-Teresa B. Proteasomal Degradation of Zn-Dependent Hdacs: The E3-Ligases Implicated and the Designed Protacs That Enable Degradation. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26185606. [PMID: 34577077 PMCID: PMC8467390 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26185606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein degradation by the Ubiquitin-Proteasome System is one of the main mechanisms of the regulation of cellular proteostasis, and the E3 ligases are the key effectors for the protein recognition and degradation. Many E3 ligases have key roles in cell cycle regulation, acting as checkpoints and checkpoint regulators. One of the many important proteins involved in the regulation of the cell cycle are the members of the Histone Deacetylase (HDAC) family. The importance of zinc dependent HDACs in the regulation of chromatin packing and, therefore, gene expression, has made them targets for the design and synthesis of HDAC inhibitors. However, achieving potency and selectivity has proven to be a challenge due to the homology between the zinc dependent HDACs. PROteolysis TArgeting Chimaera (PROTAC) design has been demonstrated to be a useful strategy to inhibit and selectively degrade protein targets. In this review, we attempt to summarize the E3 ligases that naturally ubiquitinate HDACs, analyze their structure, and list the known ligands that can bind to these E3 ligases and be used for PROTAC design, as well as the already described HDAC-targeted PROTACs.
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18
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HUWE1 employs a giant substrate-binding ring to feed and regulate its HECT E3 domain. Nat Chem Biol 2021; 17:1084-1092. [PMID: 34294896 PMCID: PMC7611724 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-021-00831-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
HUWE1 is a universal quality-control E3 ligase that marks diverse client proteins for proteasomal degradation. Although the giant HECT enzyme is an essential component of the ubiquitin-proteasome system closely linked with severe human diseases, its molecular mechanism is little understood. Here, we present the crystal structure of Nematocida HUWE1, revealing how a single E3 enzyme has specificity for a multitude of unrelated substrates. The protein adopts a remarkable snake-like structure where the C-terminal HECT domain heads an extended alpha solenoid body that coils in on itself and houses various protein-protein interaction modules. Our integrative structural analysis shows that this ring structure is highly dynamic, enabling the flexible HECT domain to reach protein targets presented by the various acceptor sites. Together, our data demonstrate how HUWE1 is regulated by its unique structure, adapting a promiscuous E3 ligase to selectively target unassembled orphan proteins.
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19
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Whitfield JR, Soucek L. The long journey to bring a Myc inhibitor to the clinic. J Cell Biol 2021; 220:212429. [PMID: 34160558 PMCID: PMC8240852 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202103090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The oncogene Myc is deregulated in the majority of human tumors and drives numerous hallmarks of cancer. Despite its indisputable role in cancer development and maintenance, Myc is still undrugged. Developing a clinical inhibitor for Myc has been particularly challenging owing to its intrinsically disordered nature and lack of a binding pocket, coupled with concerns regarding potentially deleterious side effects in normal proliferating tissues. However, major breakthroughs in the development of Myc inhibitors have arisen in the last couple of years. Notably, the direct Myc inhibitor that we developed has just entered clinical trials. Celebrating this milestone, with this Perspective, we pay homage to the different strategies developed so far against Myc and all of the researchers focused on developing treatments for a target long deemed undruggable.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura Soucek
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Edifici Cellex, Barcelona, Spain.,Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.,Peptomyc S.L., Barcelona, Spain
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20
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LaPlante G, Zhang W. Targeting the Ubiquitin-Proteasome System for Cancer Therapeutics by Small-Molecule Inhibitors. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3079. [PMID: 34203106 PMCID: PMC8235664 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13123079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is a critical regulator of cellular protein levels and activity. It is, therefore, not surprising that its dysregulation is implicated in numerous human diseases, including many types of cancer. Moreover, since cancer cells exhibit increased rates of protein turnover, their heightened dependence on the UPS makes it an attractive target for inhibition via targeted therapeutics. Indeed, the clinical application of proteasome inhibitors in treatment of multiple myeloma has been very successful, stimulating the development of small-molecule inhibitors targeting other UPS components. On the other hand, while the discovery of potent and selective chemical compounds can be both challenging and time consuming, the area of targeted protein degradation through utilization of the UPS machinery has seen promising developments in recent years. The repertoire of proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), which employ E3 ligases for the degradation of cancer-related proteins via the proteasome, continues to grow. In this review, we will provide a thorough overview of small-molecule UPS inhibitors and highlight advancements in the development of targeted protein degradation strategies for cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel LaPlante
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Biological Science, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, ON N1G2W1, Canada;
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Biological Science, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, ON N1G2W1, Canada;
- CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, MaRS Centre West Tower, 661 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G1M1, Canada
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21
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Sun XX, Li Y, Sears RC, Dai MS. Targeting the MYC Ubiquitination-Proteasome Degradation Pathway for Cancer Therapy. Front Oncol 2021; 11:679445. [PMID: 34178666 PMCID: PMC8226175 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.679445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Deregulated MYC overexpression and activation contributes to tumor growth and progression. Given the short half-life and unstable nature of the MYC protein, it is not surprising that the oncoprotein is highly regulated via diverse posttranslational mechanisms. Among them, ubiquitination dynamically controls the levels and activity of MYC during normal cell growth and homeostasis, whereas the disturbance of the ubiquitination/deubiquitination balance enables unwanted MYC stabilization and activation. In addition, MYC is also regulated by SUMOylation which crosstalks with the ubiquitination pathway and controls MYC protein stability and activity. In this mini-review, we will summarize current updates regarding MYC ubiquitination and provide perspectives about these MYC regulators as potential therapeutic targets in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Xin Sun
- Department of Molecular & Medical Genetics, School of Medicine and the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Yanping Li
- Department of Molecular & Medical Genetics, School of Medicine and the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Rosalie C Sears
- Department of Molecular & Medical Genetics, School of Medicine and the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Mu-Shui Dai
- Department of Molecular & Medical Genetics, School of Medicine and the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
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22
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Zhang W, Zhangyuan G, Wang F, Jin K, Shen H, Zhang L, Yuan X, Wang J, Zhang H, Yu W, Huang R, Xu X, Yin Y, Zhong G, Lin A, Sun B. The zinc finger protein Miz1 suppresses liver tumorigenesis by restricting hepatocyte-driven macrophage activation and inflammation. Immunity 2021; 54:1168-1185.e8. [PMID: 34038747 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2021.04.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Chronic inflammation plays a central role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the contribution of hepatocytes to tumor-associated inflammation is not clear. Here, we report that the zinc finger transcription factor Miz1 restricted hepatocyte-driven inflammation to suppress HCC, independently of its transcriptional activity. Miz1 was downregulated in HCC mouse models and a substantial fraction of HCC patients. Hepatocyte-specific Miz1 deletion in mice generated a distinct sub-group of hepatocytes that produced pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, which skewed the polarization of the tumor-infiltrating macrophages toward pro-inflammatory phenotypes to promote HCC. Mechanistically, Miz1 sequestrated the oncoprotein metadherin (MTDH), preventing MTDH from promoting transcription factor nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) activation. A distinct sub-group of pro-inflammatory cytokine-producing hepatocytes was also seen in a subset of HCC patients. In addition, Miz1 expression inversely correated with disease recurrence and poor prognosis in HCC patients. Our findings identify Miz1 as a tumor suppressor that prevents hepatocytes from driving inflammation in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu Province, China; Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Guangyan Zhangyuan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu Province, China; Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Fei Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu Province, China; Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Kangpeng Jin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu Province, China; Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Haiyuan Shen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu Province, China; Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Liansheng Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; Ben May Department for Cancer Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Xiang Yuan
- The State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; Ben May Department for Cancer Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Jincheng Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu Province, China; Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Haitian Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu Province, China; Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Weiwei Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu Province, China; Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ruyi Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu Province, China; Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiaoliang Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu Province, China; Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yin Yin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu Province, China; Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Guisheng Zhong
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Anning Lin
- Ben May Department for Cancer Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Institute of Modern Biology, Nanjing University, Nanjing 20018, China.
| | - Beicheng Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu Province, China; Liver Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
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MITOL-dependent ubiquitylation negatively regulates the entry of PolγA into mitochondria. PLoS Biol 2021; 19:e3001139. [PMID: 33657094 PMCID: PMC7959396 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in mitochondrial replicative polymerase PolγA lead to progressive external ophthalmoplegia (PEO). While PolγA is the known central player in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) replication, it is unknown whether a regulatory process exists on the mitochondrial outer membrane which controlled its entry into the mitochondria. We now demonstrate that PolγA is ubiquitylated by mitochondrial E3 ligase, MITOL (or MARCH5, RNF153). Ubiquitylation in wild-type (WT) PolγA occurs at Lysine 1060 residue via K6 linkage. Ubiquitylation of PolγA negatively regulates its binding to Tom20 and thereby its mitochondrial entry. While screening different PEO patients for mitochondrial entry, we found that a subset of the PolγA mutants is hyperubiquitylated by MITOL and interact less with Tom20. These PolγA variants cannot enter into mitochondria, instead becomes enriched in the insoluble fraction and undergo enhanced degradation. Hence, mtDNA replication, as observed via BrdU incorporation into the mtDNA, was compromised in these PEO mutants. However, by manipulating their ubiquitylation status by 2 independent techniques, these PEO mutants were reactivated, which allowed the incorporation of BrdU into mtDNA. Thus, regulated entry of non-ubiquitylated PolγA may have beneficial consequences for certain PEO patients. This study shows that mitochondrial entry of the replicative polymerase PolgA is regulated by ubiquitylation by the E3 ligase MITOL; however, by manipulating their ubiquitylation status, some progressive external ophthalmoplegia mutants whose PolgA is polyubiquitylated and cannot enter the mitochondrion can be reactivated and hence become functionally active.
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24
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Singh S, Ng J, Sivaraman J. Exploring the "Other" subfamily of HECT E3-ligases for therapeutic intervention. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 224:107809. [PMID: 33607149 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The HECT E3 ligase family regulates key cellular signaling pathways, with its 28 members divided into three subfamilies: NEDD4 subfamily (9 members), HERC subfamily (6 members) and "Other" subfamily (13 members). Here, we focus on the less-explored "Other" subfamily and discuss the recent findings pertaining to their biological roles. The N-terminal regions preceding the conserved HECT domains are significantly diverse in length and sequence composition, and are mostly unstructured, except for short regions that incorporate known substrate-binding domains. In some of the better-characterized "Other" members (e.g., HUWE1, AREL1 and UBE3C), structure analysis shows that the extended region (~ aa 50) adjacent to the HECT domain affects the stability and activity of the protein. The enzymatic activity is also influenced by interactions with different adaptor proteins and inter/intramolecular interactions. Primarily, the "Other" subfamily members assemble atypical ubiquitin linkages, with some cooperating with E3 ligases from the other subfamilies to form branched ubiquitin chains on substrates. Viruses and pathogenic bacteria target and hijack the activities of "Other" subfamily members to evade host immune responses and cause diseases. As such, these HECT E3 ligases have emerged as potential candidates for therapeutic drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunil Singh
- Department of Biological Sciences, 14 Science Drive 4, National University of Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Joel Ng
- Department of Biological Sciences, 14 Science Drive 4, National University of Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - J Sivaraman
- Department of Biological Sciences, 14 Science Drive 4, National University of Singapore, 117543, Singapore.
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25
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Guo Y, Li L, Xu T, Guo X, Wang C, Li Y, Yang Y, Yang D, Sun B, Zhao X, Shao G, Qi X. HUWE1 mediates inflammasome activation and promotes host defense against bacterial infection. J Clin Invest 2021; 130:6301-6316. [PMID: 33104527 DOI: 10.1172/jci138234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanism by which inflammasome activation is modulated remains unclear. In this study, we identified an AIM2-interacting protein, the E3 ubiquitin ligase HUWE1, which was also found to interact with NLRP3 and NLRC4 through the HIN domain of AIM2 and the NACHT domains of NLRP3 and NLRC4. The BH3 domain of HUWE1 was important for its interaction with NLRP3, AIM2, and NLRC4. Caspase-1 maturation, IL-1β release, and pyroptosis were reduced in Huwe1-deficient bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) compared with WT BMDMs in response to stimuli to induce NLRP3, NLRC4, and AIM2 inflammasome activation. Furthermore, the activation of NLRP3, NLRC4, and AIM2 inflammasomes in both mouse and human cells was remarkably reduced by treatment with the HUWE1 inhibitor BI8622. HUWE1 mediated the K27-linked polyubiquitination of AIM2, NLRP3, and NLRC4, which led to inflammasome assembly, ASC speck formation, and sustained caspase-1 activation. Huwe1-deficient mice had an increased bacterial burden and decreased caspase-1 activation and IL-1β production upon Salmonella, Francisella, or Acinetobacter baumannii infection. Our study provides insights into the mechanisms of inflammasome activation as well as a potential therapeutic target against bacterial infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Guo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China.,School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Longjun Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China.,Kunming College of Life Science, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Tao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Xiaomin Guo
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Chaoming Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China.,Kunming College of Life Science, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Yihui Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China.,Kunming College of Life Science, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Yanan Yang
- Advanced Medical Research Institute, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Dong Yang
- Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models and Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bin Sun
- Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models and Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xudong Zhao
- Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models and Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Genze Shao
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaopeng Qi
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China.,Advanced Medical Research Institute, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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26
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Ubiquitylation of MYC couples transcription elongation with double-strand break repair at active promoters. Mol Cell 2021; 81:830-844.e13. [PMID: 33453168 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2020.12.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The MYC oncoprotein globally affects the function of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII). The ability of MYC to promote transcription elongation depends on its ubiquitylation. Here, we show that MYC and PAF1c (polymerase II-associated factor 1 complex) interact directly and mutually enhance each other's association with active promoters. PAF1c is rapidly transferred from MYC onto RNAPII. This transfer is driven by the HUWE1 ubiquitin ligase and is required for MYC-dependent transcription elongation. MYC and HUWE1 promote histone H2B ubiquitylation, which alters chromatin structure both for transcription elongation and double-strand break repair. Consistently, MYC suppresses double-strand break accumulation in active genes in a strictly PAF1c-dependent manner. Depletion of PAF1c causes transcription-dependent accumulation of double-strand breaks, despite widespread repair-associated DNA synthesis. Our data show that the transfer of PAF1c from MYC onto RNAPII efficiently couples transcription elongation with double-strand break repair to maintain the genomic integrity of MYC-driven tumor cells.
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27
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Denk S, Schmidt S, Schurr Y, Schwarz G, Schote F, Diefenbacher M, Armendariz C, Dejure F, Eilers M, Wiegering A. CIP2A regulates MYC translation (via its 5'UTR) in colorectal cancer. Int J Colorectal Dis 2021; 36:911-918. [PMID: 33078202 PMCID: PMC8178152 DOI: 10.1007/s00384-020-03772-y] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deregulated expression of MYC is a driver of colorectal carcinogenesis, suggesting that decreasing MYC expression may have significant therapeutic value. CIP2A is an oncogenic factor that regulates MYC expression. CIP2A is overexpressed in colorectal cancer (CRC), and its expression levels are an independent marker for long-term outcome of CRC. Previous studies suggested that CIP2A controls MYC protein expression on a post-transcriptional level. METHODS To determine the mechanism by which CIP2A regulates MYC in CRC, we dissected MYC translation and stability dependent on CIP2A in CRC cell lines. RESULTS Knockdown of CIP2A reduced MYC protein levels without influencing MYC stability in CRC cell lines. Interfering with proteasomal degradation of MYC by usage of FBXW7-deficient cells or treatment with the proteasome inhibitor MG132 did not rescue the effect of CIP2A depletion on MYC protein levels. Whereas CIP2A knockdown had marginal influence on global protein synthesis, we could demonstrate that, by using different reporter constructs and cells expressing MYC mRNA with or without flanking UTR, CIP2A regulates MYC translation. This interaction is mainly conducted by the MYC 5'UTR. CONCLUSIONS Thus, instead of targeting MYC protein stability as reported for other tissue types before, CIP2A specifically regulates MYC mRNA translation in CRC but has only slight effects on global mRNA translation. In conclusion, we propose as novel mechanism that CIP2A regulates MYC on a translational level rather than affecting MYC protein stability in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Denk
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany ,Department of General, Visceral, Transplant, Vascular and Pediatric Surgery (Department of Surgery I), University Hospital Würzburg, Oberduerrbacherstr. 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - S. Schmidt
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany ,Department of General, Visceral, Transplant, Vascular and Pediatric Surgery (Department of Surgery I), University Hospital Würzburg, Oberduerrbacherstr. 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Y. Schurr
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - G. Schwarz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - F. Schote
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - M. Diefenbacher
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - C. Armendariz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - F. Dejure
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - M. Eilers
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany ,Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Armin Wiegering
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany ,Department of General, Visceral, Transplant, Vascular and Pediatric Surgery (Department of Surgery I), University Hospital Würzburg, Oberduerrbacherstr. 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany ,Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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28
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TRIB3 promotes MYC-associated lymphoma development through suppression of UBE3B-mediated MYC degradation. Nat Commun 2020; 11:6316. [PMID: 33298911 PMCID: PMC7725785 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20107-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor MYC is deregulated in almost all human cancers, especially in aggressive lymphomas, through chromosomal translocation, amplification, and transcription hyperactivation. Here, we report that high expression of tribbles homologue 3 (TRIB3) positively correlates with elevated MYC expression in lymphoma specimens; TRIB3 deletion attenuates the initiation and progression of MYC-driven lymphoma by reducing MYC expression. Mechanistically, TRIB3 interacts with MYC to suppress E3 ubiquitin ligase UBE3B-mediated MYC ubiquitination and degradation, which enhances MYC transcriptional activity, causing high proliferation and self-renewal of lymphoma cells. Use of a peptide to disturb the TRIB3-MYC interaction together with doxorubicin reduces the tumor burden in MycEμ mice and patient-derived xenografts. The pathophysiological relevance of UBE3B, TRIB3 and MYC is further demonstrated in human lymphoma. Our study highlights a key mechanism for controlling MYC expression and a potential therapeutic option for treating lymphomas with high TRIB3-MYC expression. c-MYC is often deregulated in human cancers including lymphomas. Here, the authors show that a member of the pseudokinase family, tribbles homologue 3 (TRIB3), interacts with c-MYC to suppress c-MYC ubiquitination and degradation, leading to increased proliferation and self-renewal of lymphoma cells.
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29
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Cho HI, Kim MS, Lee J, Yoo BC, Kim KH, Choe KM, Jang YK. BRPF3-HUWE1-mediated regulation of MYST2 is required for differentiation and cell-cycle progression in embryonic stem cells. Cell Death Differ 2020; 27:3273-3288. [PMID: 32555450 PMCID: PMC7853152 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-020-0577-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Brpf-histone acetyltransferase (HAT) complexes have important roles in embryonic development and regulating differentiation in ESCs. Among Brpf family, Brpf3 is a scaffold protein of Myst2 histone acetyltransferase complex that plays crucial roles in gene regulation, DNA replication, development as well as maintaining pluripotency in embryonic stem cells (ESCs). However, its biological functions in ESCs are not elucidated. In this study, we find out that Brpf3 protein level is critical for Myst2 stability and E3 ligase Huwe1 functions as a novel negative regulator of Myst2 via ubiquitin-mediated degradation. Importantly, Brpf3 plays an antagonistic role in Huwe1-mediated degradation of Myst2, suggesting that protein-protein interaction between Brpf3 and Myst2 is required for retaining Myst2 stability. Further, Brpf3 overexpression causes the aberrant upregulation of Myst2 protein levels which in turn induces the dysregulated cell-cycle progression and also delay of early embryonic development processes such as embryoid-body formation and lineage commitment of mouse ESCs. The Brpf3 overexpression-induced phenotypes can be reverted by Huwe1 overexpression. Together, these results may provide novel insights into understanding the functions of Brpf3 in proper differentiation as well as cell-cycle progression of ESCs via regulation of Myst2 stability by obstructing Huwe1-mediated ubiquitination. In addition, we suggest that this is a useful report which sheds light on the function of an unknown gene in ESC field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye In Cho
- Department of Systems Biology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
- Initiative for Biological Function & Systems, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Seong Kim
- Department of Systems Biology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
- Initiative for Biological Function & Systems, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jina Lee
- Department of Systems Biology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
- Initiative for Biological Function & Systems, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Byong Chul Yoo
- Colorectal Cancer Branch, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Hee Kim
- Colorectal Cancer Branch, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Republic of Korea
- Omics Core Laboratory, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang-Min Choe
- Department of Systems Biology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
- Initiative for Biological Function & Systems, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeun Kyu Jang
- Department of Systems Biology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
- Initiative for Biological Function & Systems, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
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30
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Kunz V, Bommert KS, Kruk J, Schwinning D, Chatterjee M, Stühmer T, Bargou R, Bommert K. Targeting of the E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase HUWE1 impairs DNA repair capacity and tumor growth in preclinical multiple myeloma models. Sci Rep 2020; 10:18419. [PMID: 33116152 PMCID: PMC7595222 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-75499-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Experimental evidence suggests that ubiquitin-protein ligases regulate a number of cellular processes involved in tumorigenesis. We analysed the role of the E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase HUWE1 for pathobiology of multiple myeloma (MM), a still incurable blood cancer. mRNA expression analysis indicates an increase in HUWE1 expression levels correlated with advanced stages of myeloma. Pharmacologic as well as RNAi-mediated HUWE1 inhibition caused anti-proliferative effects in MM cell lines in vitro and in an MM1.S xenotransplantation mouse model. Cell cycle analysis upon HUWE1 inhibition revealed decreased S phase cell fractions. Analyses of potential HUWE1-dependent molecular functions did not show involvement in MYC-dependent gene regulation. However, HUWE1 depleted MM cells displayed increased DNA tail length by comet assay, as well as changes in the levels of DNA damage response mediators such as pBRCA1, DNA-polymerase β, γH2AX and Mcl-1. Our finding that HUWE1 might thus be involved in endogenous DNA repair is further supported by strongly enhanced apoptotic effects of the DNA-damaging agent melphalan in HUWE1 depleted cells in vitro and in vivo. These data suggest that HUWE1 might contribute to tumour growth by endogenous repair of DNA, and could therefore potentially be exploitable in future treatment developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoria Kunz
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University Hospital Würzburg, Versbacher Str. 5, 97078, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Kathryn S Bommert
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University Hospital Würzburg, Versbacher Str. 5, 97078, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jessica Kruk
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University Hospital Würzburg, Versbacher Str. 5, 97078, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Schwinning
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University Hospital Würzburg, Versbacher Str. 5, 97078, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Manik Chatterjee
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University Hospital Würzburg, Versbacher Str. 5, 97078, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Stühmer
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University Hospital Würzburg, Versbacher Str. 5, 97078, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ralf Bargou
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University Hospital Würzburg, Versbacher Str. 5, 97078, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Kurt Bommert
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University Hospital Würzburg, Versbacher Str. 5, 97078, Würzburg, Germany.
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31
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Shahar N, Larisch S. Inhibiting the inhibitors: Targeting anti-apoptotic proteins in cancer and therapy resistance. Drug Resist Updat 2020; 52:100712. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2020.100712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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32
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The E3 ligase HUWE1 inhibition as a therapeutic strategy to target MYC in multiple myeloma. Oncogene 2020; 39:5001-5014. [PMID: 32523091 PMCID: PMC7329634 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-1345-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Proteasome inhibitors have provided a significant advance in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM). Consequently, there is increasing interest in developing strategies to target E3 ligases, de-ubiquitinases, and/or ubiquitin receptors within the ubiquitin proteasome pathway, with an aim to achieve more specificity and reduced side-effects. Previous studies have shown a role for the E3 ligase HUWE1 in modulating c-MYC, an oncogene frequently dysregulated in MM. Here we investigated HUWE1 in MM. We identified elevated expression of HUWE1 in MM compared with normal cells. Small molecule-mediated inhibition of HUWE1 resulted in growth arrest of MM cell lines without significantly effecting the growth of normal bone marrow cells, suggesting a favorable therapeutic index. Studies using a HUWE1 knockdown model showed similar growth inhibition. HUWE1 expression positively correlated with MYC expression in MM bone marrow cells and correspondingly, genetic knockdown and biochemical inhibition of HUWE1 reduced MYC expression in MM cell lines. Proteomic identification of HUWE1 substrates revealed a strong association of HUWE1 with metabolic processes in MM cells. Intracellular glutamine levels are decreased in the absence of HUWE1 and may contribute to MYC degradation. Finally, HUWE1 depletion in combination with lenalidomide resulted in synergistic anti-MM activity in both in vitro and in vivo models. Taken together, our data demonstrate an important role of HUWE1 in MM cell growth and provides preclinical rationale for therapeutic strategies targeting HUWE1 in MM.
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33
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He J, Wu S, Li X, Tang L, Chen H, Qin L, Xie J, Lu T, Xu W. Tobramycin suppresses HUWE1 degradation to control MCL-1 stability during tumour development. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2020; 47:1600-1610. [PMID: 32378766 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
HUWE1 is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that is involved in cancer cell proliferation by regulating MCL-1 stability. The HECT domain has been shown to be required for the ubiquitin ligase activity of HUWE1. To identify efficient drugs that impair the activity of HUWE1, and thus decrease MCL-1 accumulation, we screened 2000 candidate compounds that might suppress HUWE1 activity. To evaluate these 2000 candidates, the HECT domain of HUWE1, which is the catalytic domain responsible for MCL1 ubiquitination, was selected as a conjugation site, and putative binding candidates were filtrated. Tobramycin emerged as one of the compounds that show efficient binding ability with the HECT domain of HUWE1. The surface plasmon resonance (SPR) results validated the specific binding of Tobramycin with the HECT domain. Subsequent analyses demonstrated its potential to inhibit cancer cell proliferation by binding to the HECT domain of HUWE1 and impeding the HUWE1-mediated ubiquitination of MCL-1. Consequently, the accumulation of MCL-1 inhibited the proliferation of tumour cells, while the apoptosis rates were not significantly altered after Tobramycin treatment. In vitro experiments showed that Tobramycin could inhibit cell proliferation by regulating the G2/M transition in cancer cell models, including A549 and HeLaCaco2 cell lines. Our results indicated that Tobramycin could be a potential new probe to develop targeted therapies for the prevention or treatment of HUWE1-overexpressing cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiabei He
- Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, SCU-CUHK, Key Laboratory of Obstetric & Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Reproductive Endocrinology and Regulation Joint Laboratory, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Sixian Wu
- Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, SCU-CUHK, Key Laboratory of Obstetric & Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoliang Li
- Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, SCU-CUHK, Key Laboratory of Obstetric & Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Reproductive Endocrinology and Regulation Joint Laboratory, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Li Tang
- Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, SCU-CUHK, Key Laboratory of Obstetric & Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hanxiao Chen
- Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, SCU-CUHK, Key Laboratory of Obstetric & Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lang Qin
- Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, SCU-CUHK, Key Laboratory of Obstetric & Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiang Xie
- Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, SCU-CUHK, Key Laboratory of Obstetric & Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tao Lu
- School of Bioscience and Technology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Wenming Xu
- Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, SCU-CUHK, Key Laboratory of Obstetric & Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Reproductive Endocrinology and Regulation Joint Laboratory, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Proteogenomics analysis unveils a TFG-RET gene fusion and druggable targets in papillary thyroid carcinomas. Nat Commun 2020; 11:2056. [PMID: 32345963 PMCID: PMC7188865 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-15955-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is the most common type of endocrine malignancy. By RNA-seq analysis, we identify a RET rearrangement in the tumour material of a patient who does not harbour any known RAS or BRAF mutations. This new gene fusion involves exons 1–4 from the 5′ end of the Trk fused Gene (TFG) fused to the 3′ end of RET tyrosine kinase leading to a TFG-RET fusion which transforms immortalized human thyroid cells in a kinase-dependent manner. TFG-RET oligomerises in a PB1 domain-dependent manner and oligomerisation of TFG-RET is required for oncogenic transformation. Quantitative proteomic analysis reveals the upregulation of E3 Ubiquitin ligase HUWE1 and DUBs like USP9X and UBP7 in both tumor and metastatic lesions, which is further confirmed in additional patients. Expression of TFG-RET leads to the upregulation of HUWE1 and inhibition of HUWE1 significantly reduces RET-mediated oncogenesis. Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is one of the most common type of endocrine malignancy. Here, the authors use proteogenomic approaches to analyse the primary tumour and lymph node metastases from a PTC patient and report an oncogenic RET fusion, and potential druggable targets from the ubiquitin signaling machinery for treating human PTCs.
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35
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Wu KJ. The role of miRNA biogenesis and DDX17 in tumorigenesis and cancer stemness. Biomed J 2020; 43:107-114. [PMID: 32513392 PMCID: PMC7283569 DOI: 10.1016/j.bj.2020.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stemness represents one of the major mechanisms that predispose patients to tumor aggressiveness, metastasis, and treatment resistance. MicroRNA biogenesis is an important process controlling miRNA processing and maturation. Deregulation of miRNA biogenesis can lead to tumorigenesis and cancer stemness. DDX17 is a co-factor of the miRNA microprocessor. Misregulation of DDX17 can be associated with cancer stemness. K63-linked polyubiquitination of DDX17 presents a concerted mechanism of decreased synthesis of stemness-inhibiting miRNAs and increased transcriptional activation of stemness-related gene expression. K63-linked polyubiquitination of HAUSP serves as a scaffold to anchor HIF-1α, CBP, the mediator complex, and the super-elongation complex to enhance HIF-1α-induced gene transcription. Recent progress in RNA modifications shows that RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is a crucial mechanism to regulate RNA levels. M6A modification of miRNAs can also be linked to tumorigenesis and cancer stemness. Overall, miRNA biogenesis and K63-linked polyubiquitination of DDX17 play an important role in the induction of cancer stemness. Delineation of the mechanisms and identification of suitable targets may provide new therapeutic options for treatment-resistant cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kou-Juey Wu
- Cancer Genome Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
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36
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Fan L, Xu S, Zhang F, Cui X, Fazli L, Gleave M, Clark DJ, Yang A, Hussain A, Rassool F, Qi J. Histone demethylase JMJD1A promotes expression of DNA repair factors and radio-resistance of prostate cancer cells. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:214. [PMID: 32238799 PMCID: PMC7113292 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-2405-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The DNA damage response (DDR) pathway is a promising target for anticancer therapies. The androgen receptor and myeloblastosis transcription factors have been reported to regulate expression of an overlapping set of DDR genes in prostate cancer cells. Here, we found that histone demethylase JMJD1A regulates expression of a different set of DDR genes largely through c-Myc. Inhibition of JMJD1A delayed the resolution of γ-H2AX foci, reduced the formation of foci containing ubiquitin, 53BP1, BRCA1 or Rad51, and inhibited the reporter activity of double-strand break (DSB) repair. Mechanistically, JMJD1A regulated expression of DDR genes by increasing not only the level but also the chromatin recruitment of c-Myc through H3K9 demethylation. Further, we found that ubiquitin ligase HUWE1 induced the K27-/K29-linked noncanonical ubiquitination of JMJD1A at lysine-918. Ablation of the JMJD1A noncanonical ubiquitination lowered DDR gene expression, impaired DSB repair, and sensitized response of prostate cells to irradiation, topoisomerase inhibitors or PARP inhibitors. Thus, development of agents that target JMJD1A or its noncanonical ubiquitination may sensitize the response of prostate cancer to radiotherapy and possibly also genotoxic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Fan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Songhui Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Fengbo Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Urology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, 100050, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaolu Cui
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Urology, First Hospital of China Medical University, 110001, Shenyang, China
| | - Ladan Fazli
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Martin Gleave
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - David J Clark
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Austin Yang
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Arif Hussain
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Baltimore VA Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Feyruz Rassool
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jianfei Qi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA. .,Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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37
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Abstract
Targeting the function of MYC oncoproteins holds the promise of achieving conceptually new and effective anticancer therapies that can be applied to a broad range of tumors. The nature of the target however—a broadly, possibly universally acting transcription factor that has no enzymatic activity and is largely unstructured unless complexed with partner proteins—has so far defied the development of clinically applicable MYC-directed therapies. At the same time, lingering questions about exactly which functions of MYC proteins account for their pervasive oncogenic role in human tumors and need to be targeted have prevented the development of effective therapies using surrogate targets that act in critical MYC-dependent pathways. In this review, we therefore argue that rigorous testing of critical oncogenic functions and protein/protein interactions and new chemical approaches to target them are necessary to successfully eradicate MYC-driven tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elmar Wolf
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Theodor Boveri Institute, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany;,
| | - Martin Eilers
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Theodor Boveri Institute, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany;,
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38
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Abstract
MYC is a master transcriptional regulator that controls almost all cellular processes. Over the last several decades, researchers have strived to define the context-dependent transcriptional gene programs that are controlled by MYC, as well as the mechanisms that regulate MYC function, in an effort to better understand the contribution of this oncoprotein to cancer progression. There are a wealth of data indicating that deregulation of MYC activity occurs in a large number of cancers and significantly contributes to disease progression, metastatic potential, and therapeutic resistance. Although the therapeutic targeting of MYC in cancer is highly desirable, there remain substantial structural and functional challenges that have impeded direct MYC-targeted drug development and efficacy. While efforts to drug the ‘undruggable’ may seem futile given these challenges and considering the broad reach of MYC, significant strides have been made to identify points of regulation that can be exploited for therapeutic purposes. These include targeting the deregulation of MYC transcription in cancer through small-molecule inhibitors that induce epigenetic silencing or that regulate the G-quadruplex structures within the MYC promoter. Alternatively, compounds that disrupt the DNA-binding activities of MYC have been the long-standing focus of many research groups, since this method would prevent downstream MYC oncogenic activities regardless of upstream alterations. Finally, proteins involved in the post-translational regulation of MYC have been identified as important surrogate targets to reduce MYC activity downstream of aberrant cell stimulatory signals. Given the complex regulation of the MYC signaling pathway, a combination of these approaches may provide the most durable response, but this has yet to be shown. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the different therapeutic strategies being employed to target oncogenic MYC function, with a focus on post-translational mechanisms.
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39
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The structure and regulation of the E3 ubiquitin ligase HUWE1 and its biological functions in cancer. Invest New Drugs 2020; 38:515-524. [PMID: 32008177 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-020-00894-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
E3 ligases are a class of critical enzymes that can catalyse the transfer of ubiquitin (Ub) from an E2 enzyme to the substrate and are essential to cellular processes. The E3 ligase HUWE1 (also known as ARF-BP1, HECTH9, HSPC272, Ib772, LASU1, MULE, URE-B1, UREB1, and HECT, UBA and WWE domain-containing E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 1) is encoded by the huwe1 gene. HUWE1 is a key regulator of the DNA damage response, transcription, autophagy, apoptosis and metabolism in a variety of cancers. Due to its pivotal role in conferring substrate specificity, HUWE1 has attracted enormous attention as a promising anticancer drug target. In this review, we indicate the specific molecular structure of HUWE1 and its role in various cellular signalling pathways and highlight new insights into HUWE1 in cancer. Finally, we discuss outstanding questions regarding HUWE1 in oncology and highlight its limitations in drug development and clinical guidance to better define the role of HUWE1 in multiple cancers.
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40
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Bernassola F, Chillemi G, Melino G. HECT-Type E3 Ubiquitin Ligases in Cancer. Trends Biochem Sci 2019; 44:1057-1075. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2019.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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41
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Otto C, Schmidt S, Kastner C, Denk S, Kettler J, Müller N, Germer CT, Wolf E, Gallant P, Wiegering A. Targeting bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) inhibits MYC expression in colorectal cancer cells. Neoplasia 2019; 21:1110-1120. [PMID: 31734632 PMCID: PMC6888720 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2019.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcriptional regulator BRD4 has been shown to be important for the expression of several oncogenes including MYC. Inhibiting of BRD4 has broad antiproliferative activity in different cancer cell types. The small molecule JQ1 blocks the interaction of BRD4 with acetylated histones leading to transcriptional modulation. Depleting BRD4 via engineered bifunctional small molecules named PROTACs (proteolysis targeting chimeras) represents the next-generation approach to JQ1-mediated BRD4 inhibition. PROTACs trigger BRD4 for proteasomale degradation by recruiting E3 ligases. The aim of this study was therefore to validate the importance of BRD4 as a relevant target in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells and to compare the efficacy of BRD4 inhibition with BRD4 degradation on downregulating MYC expression. JQ1 induced a downregulation of both MYC mRNA and MYC protein associated with an antiproliferative phenotype in CRC cells. dBET1 and MZ1 induced degradation of BRD4 followed by a reduction in MYC expression and CRC cell proliferation. In SW480 cells, where dBET1 failed, we found significantly lower levels of the E3 ligase cereblon, which is essential for dBET1-induced BRD4 degradation. To gain mechanistic insight into the unresponsiveness to dBET1, we generated dBET1-resistant LS174t cells and found a strong downregulation of cereblon protein. These findings suggest that inhibition of BRD4 by JQ1 and degradation of BRD4 by dBET1 and MZ1 are powerful tools for reducing MYC expression and CRC cell proliferation. In addition, downregulation of cereblon may be an important mechanism for developing dBET1 resistance, which can be evaded by incubating dBET1-resistant cells with JQ1 or MZ1.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Otto
- Experimental Visceral Surgery, Department of General, Visceral, Transplantation, Vascular and Pediatric Surgery (Department of Surgery I), University Hospital Würzburg, Germany
| | - S Schmidt
- University of Würzburg, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Würzburg, Germany
| | - C Kastner
- University of Würzburg, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Würzburg, Germany; Department of General, Visceral, Transplantation, Vascular and Pediatric Surgery (Department of Surgery I), University Hospital Würzburg, Germany
| | - S Denk
- University of Würzburg, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Würzburg, Germany
| | - J Kettler
- Experimental Visceral Surgery, Department of General, Visceral, Transplantation, Vascular and Pediatric Surgery (Department of Surgery I), University Hospital Würzburg, Germany
| | - N Müller
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - C T Germer
- Department of General, Visceral, Transplantation, Vascular and Pediatric Surgery (Department of Surgery I), University Hospital Würzburg, Germany; University of Würzburg, Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, Würzburg, Germany
| | - E Wolf
- University of Würzburg, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Würzburg, Germany
| | - P Gallant
- University of Würzburg, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Würzburg, Germany
| | - A Wiegering
- University of Würzburg, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Würzburg, Germany; Department of General, Visceral, Transplantation, Vascular and Pediatric Surgery (Department of Surgery I), University Hospital Würzburg, Germany; University of Würzburg, Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, Würzburg, Germany.
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42
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Lee HJ, He J, Chan CH. HectH9 hijacks glucose metabolism to fuel tumor growth. Mol Cell Oncol 2019; 6:e1644599. [PMID: 31528705 PMCID: PMC6736202 DOI: 10.1080/23723556.2019.1644599] [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: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Our study uncovered that HectH9 drives glycolysis and tumor development by K63-linked ubiquitination of Hexokinase 2 (HK2). This mechanism is critical for HK2 localization to mitochondria for activating HK2’s functions in glycolysis promotion and apoptosis inhibition, suggesting that targeting HectH9 is a new strategy to tackle metabolism-addicted tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Jen Lee
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Jiabei He
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Chia-Hsin Chan
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA.,Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
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43
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Chen Y, Sun XX, Sears RC, Dai MS. Writing and erasing MYC ubiquitination and SUMOylation. Genes Dis 2019; 6:359-371. [PMID: 31832515 PMCID: PMC6889025 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2019.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor c-MYC (MYC thereafter) controls diverse transcription programs and plays a key role in the development of many human cancers. Cells develop multiple mechanisms to ensure that MYC levels and activity are precisely controlled in normal physiological context. As a short half-lived protein, MYC protein levels are tightly regulated by the ubiquitin proteasome system. Over a dozen of ubiquitin ligases have been found to ubiquitinate MYC whereas a number of deubiquitinating enzymes counteract this process. Recent studies show that SUMOylation and deSUMOylation can also regulate MYC protein stability and activity. Interestingly, evidence suggests an intriguing crosstalk between MYC ubiquitination and SUMOylation. Deregulation of the MYC ubiquitination-SUMOylation regulatory network may contribute to tumorigenesis. This review is intended to provide the current understanding of the complex regulation of the MYC biology by dynamic ubiquitination and SUMOylation and their crosstalk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingxiao Chen
- Departments of Molecular & Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Xiao-Xin Sun
- Departments of Molecular & Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Rosalie C Sears
- Departments of Molecular & Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Mu-Shui Dai
- Departments of Molecular & Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA
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44
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Deol KK, Lorenz S, Strieter ER. Enzymatic Logic of Ubiquitin Chain Assembly. Front Physiol 2019; 10:835. [PMID: 31333493 PMCID: PMC6624479 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein ubiquitination impacts virtually every biochemical pathway in eukaryotic cells. The fate of a ubiquitinated protein is largely dictated by the type of ubiquitin modification with which it is decorated, including a large variety of polymeric chains. As a result, there have been intense efforts over the last two decades to dissect the molecular details underlying the synthesis of ubiquitin chains by ubiquitin-conjugating (E2) enzymes and ubiquitin ligases (E3s). In this review, we highlight these advances. We discuss the evidence in support of the alternative models of transferring one ubiquitin at a time to a growing substrate-linked chain (sequential addition model) versus transferring a pre-assembled ubiquitin chain (en bloc model) to a substrate. Against this backdrop, we outline emerging principles of chain assembly: multisite interactions, distinct mechanisms of chain initiation and elongation, optimal positioning of ubiquitin molecules that are ultimately conjugated to each other, and substrate-assisted catalysis. Understanding the enzymatic logic of ubiquitin chain assembly has important biomedical implications, as the misregulation of many E2s and E3s and associated perturbations in ubiquitin chain formation contribute to human disease. The resurgent interest in bifunctional small molecules targeting pathogenic proteins to specific E3s for polyubiquitination and subsequent degradation provides an additional incentive to define the mechanisms responsible for efficient and specific chain synthesis and harness them for therapeutic benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirandeep K Deol
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States
| | - Sonja Lorenz
- Rudolf Virchow Center for Experimental Biomedicine, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Eric R Strieter
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States
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45
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Su C, Wang T, Zhao J, Cheng J, Hou J. Meta-analysis of gene expression alterations and clinical significance of the HECT domain-containing ubiquitin ligase HUWE1 in cancer. Oncol Lett 2019; 18:2292-2303. [PMID: 31404287 PMCID: PMC6676739 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2019.10579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase (HUWE1) has previously been identified as a HECT domain-containing ubiquitin ligase (E3) that is involved in several signaling pathways, transcriptional regulation, neural differentiation, DNA damage responses and apoptosis. However, the function of HUWE1 in the various types of cancer remains unclear. A previous study indicated that HUWE1 exhibited different roles depending on the cancer type due to the ubiquitination of various substrates. The objective of the present study was to determine whether HUWE1 can be employed as a prognostic indicator in human cancer. The expression of HUWE1 was examined using the Oncomine database, and gene alterations during carcinogenesis, copy number alterations and mutations of HUWE1 were then analyzed using cBioPortal, which is the International Cancer Genome Consortium and the Tumorscape database. Furthermore, the association between HUWE1 expression and patient survival was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier plotter and the PrognoScan databases. In addition, the present study attempted to establish the functional association between HUWE1 expression and cancer phenotypes, and the results revealed that HUWE1 may serve as a diagnostic marker or therapeutic target for certain types of cancer. HUWE1 may serve an oncogenic role in breast, brain and prostate cancer, while it may serve an anti-oncogenic role in colorectal cancer and certain lung cancers. The function of HUWE1 and its mechanisms require more in-depth and extensive investigation in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Su
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361004, P.R. China.,Institute of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361004, P.R. China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Urology Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361003, P.R. China
| | - Jiabao Zhao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361004, P.R. China.,Institute of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361004, P.R. China
| | - Jia Cheng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361004, P.R. China.,Institute of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361004, P.R. China
| | - Jingjing Hou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361004, P.R. China.,Institute of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361004, P.R. China
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46
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Lee HJ, Li CF, Ruan D, He J, Montal ED, Lorenz S, Girnun GD, Chan CH. Non-proteolytic ubiquitination of Hexokinase 2 by HectH9 controls tumor metabolism and cancer stem cell expansion. Nat Commun 2019; 10:2625. [PMID: 31201299 PMCID: PMC6573064 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-10374-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Enormous efforts have been made to target metabolic dependencies of cancer cells for developing new therapies. However, the therapeutic efficacy of glycolysis inhibitors is limited due to their inability to elicit cell death. Hexokinase 2 (HK2), via its mitochondrial localization, functions as a central nexus integrating glycolysis activation and apoptosis resilience. Here we identify that K63-linked ubiquitination by HectH9 regulates the mitochondrial localization and function of HK2. Through stable isotope tracer approach and functional metabolic analyses, we show that HectH9 deficiency impedes tumor glucose metabolism and growth by HK2 inhibition. The HectH9/HK2 pathway regulates cancer stem cell (CSC) expansion and CSC-associated chemoresistance. Histological analyses show that HectH9 expression is upregulated and correlated with disease progression in prostate cancer. This work uncovers that HectH9 is a novel regulator of HK2 and cancer metabolism. Targeting HectH9 represents an effective strategy to achieve long-term tumor remission by concomitantly disrupting glycolysis and inducing apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Jen Lee
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA.,Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Chien-Feng Li
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan, 704, Taiwan.,Department of Pathology, Chi-Mei Foundational Medical Center, Tainan, 710, Taiwan
| | - Diane Ruan
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Jiabei He
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Emily D Montal
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA.,Department of Pathology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Sonja Lorenz
- Rudolf Virchow Center for Experimental Biomedicine, University of Würzburg, Josef- Schneider-Strasse 2, D-97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Geoffrey D Girnun
- Department of Pathology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Chia-Hsin Chan
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA. .,Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA.
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47
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Weber J, Polo S, Maspero E. HECT E3 Ligases: A Tale With Multiple Facets. Front Physiol 2019; 10:370. [PMID: 31001145 PMCID: PMC6457168 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitination plays a pivotal role in several cellular processes and is critical for protein degradation and signaling. E3 ubiquitin ligases are the matchmakers in the ubiquitination cascade, responsible for substrate recognition. In order to achieve selectivity and specificity on their substrates, HECT E3 enzymes are tightly regulated and exert their function in a spatially and temporally controlled fashion in the cells. These characteristics made HECT E3s intriguing targets in drug discovery in the context of cancer biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine Weber
- Fondazione Istituto FIRC di Oncologia Molecolare, Milan, Italy
| | - Simona Polo
- Fondazione Istituto FIRC di Oncologia Molecolare, Milan, Italy.,Dipartimento di Oncologia ed Emato-Oncologia, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Maspero
- Fondazione Istituto FIRC di Oncologia Molecolare, Milan, Italy
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48
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Kao SH, Cheng WC, Wang YT, Wu HT, Yeh HY, Chen YJ, Tsai MH, Wu KJ. Regulation of miRNA Biogenesis and Histone Modification by K63-Polyubiquitinated DDX17 Controls Cancer Stem-like Features. Cancer Res 2019; 79:2549-2563. [PMID: 30877109 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-18-2376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Markers of cancer stemness predispose patients to tumor aggressiveness, drug and immunotherapy resistance, relapse, and metastasis. DDX17 is a cofactor of the Drosha-DGCR8 complex in miRNA biogenesis and transcriptional coactivator and has been associated with cancer stem-like properties. However, the precise mechanism by which DDX17 controls cancer stem-like features remains elusive. Here, we show that the E3 ligase HectH9 mediated K63-polyubiquitination of DDX17 under hypoxia to control stem-like properties and tumor-initiating capabilities. Polyubiquitinated DDX17 disassociated from the Drosha-DGCR8 complex, leading to decreased biogenesis of anti-stemness miRNAs. Increased association of polyubiquitinated DDX17 with p300-YAP resulted in histone 3 lysine 56 (H3K56) acetylation proximal to stemness-related genes and their subsequent transcriptional activation. High expression of HectH9 and six stemness-related genes (BMI1, SOX2, OCT4, NANOG, NOTCH1, and NOTCH2) predicted poor survival in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and lung adenocarcinoma. Our findings demonstrate that concerted regulation of miRNA biogenesis and histone modifications through posttranslational modification of DDX17 underlies many cancer stem-like features. Inhibition of DDX17 ubiquitination may serve as a new therapeutic venue for cancer treatment. SIGNIFICANCE: Hypoxia-induced polyubiquitination of DDX17 controls its dissociation from the pri-miRNA-Drosha-DCGR8 complex to reduce anti-stemness miRNA biogenesis and association with YAP and p300 to enhance transcription of stemness-related genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Han Kao
- Research Center for Tumor Medical Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Drug Development Center, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chung Cheng
- Research Center for Tumor Medical Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Drug Development Center, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ting Wang
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Han-Tsang Wu
- Department of Cell and Tissue Engineering, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua City, Taiwan
| | - Han-Yu Yeh
- Research Center for Tumor Medical Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ju Chen
- Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Hsui Tsai
- Department of Otolaryngology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Kou-Juey Wu
- Research Center for Tumor Medical Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan. .,Drug Development Center, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Institute of New Drug Development, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.,Cancer Genome Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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49
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Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Imatinib Mesylate Alters DMBA-Induced Early Onco/Suppressor Gene Expression with Tissue-Specificity in Mice. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:8670398. [PMID: 30882001 PMCID: PMC6383434 DOI: 10.1155/2019/8670398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 12/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Tyrosine kinases play crucial roles in cellular development and tumorigenesis. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are effective and widely used drug molecules in targeted cancer therapies. Altered expressions of protooncogenes and tumor suppressor genes after DMBA (7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene) treatment have been described as early markers of tumor induction; however their tissue-specific effects remain still unclear. Our study was aimed at examining the short-term possible antineoplastic and chemopreventive effects of a TKI compound (imatinib mesylate) on a DMBA-induced mouse tumor model. In addition, we also investigated the tissue-specific expressions of Hras, Kras, Myc, and Trp53 genes in the brain, bone marrow, spleen, liver, abdominal lymph nodes, thymus, lungs, and kidneys, respectively. 24 hours after the imatinib mesylate injection, we observed significant Kras downregulation in the bone marrow and lung of the DMBA-treated mice. Moreover, the mRNA expression of Myc was also found to be decreased significantly in the spleen. Interestingly, while Trp53 expression was significantly increased in the lung, it was decreased in the other tissues. However, there was also a tendency in the decreased Myc level in the bone marrow, brain, kidneys, lungs, and lymph nodes and in the decreased Hras level in the bone marrow, kidneys, and lungs, although no significant differences were observed. Our findings indicate rapid tissue-specific impact of imatinib mesylate on DMBA-induced gene expression in vivo, supporting the chemopreventive potential of imatinib mesylate in cancer.
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50
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Chen D, Gehringer M, Lorenz S. Developing Small-Molecule Inhibitors of HECT-Type Ubiquitin Ligases for Therapeutic Applications: Challenges and Opportunities. Chembiochem 2018; 19:2123-2135. [PMID: 30088849 PMCID: PMC6471174 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201800321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The ubiquitin system regulates countless physiological and disease-associated processes and has emerged as an attractive entryway for therapeutic efforts. With over 600 members in the human proteome, ubiquitin ligases are the most diverse class of ubiquitylation enzymes and pivotal in encoding specificity in ubiquitin signaling. Although considerable progress has been made in the identification of small molecules targeting RING ligases, relatively little is known about the "druggability" of HECT (homologous to E6AP C terminus) ligases, many of which are critically implicated in human pathologies. A major obstacle to optimizing the few available ligands is our incomplete understanding of their inhibitory mechanisms and the structural basis of catalysis in HECT ligases. Here, we survey recent approaches to manipulate the activities of HECT ligases with small molecules to showcase the particular challenges and opportunities these enzymes hold as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Chen
- Rudolf Virchow Center for Experimental BiomedicineUniversity of WürzburgJosef-Schneider-Strasse 2, Haus D1597080WürzburgGermany
| | - Matthias Gehringer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical SciencesDepartment of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal ChemistryUniversity of TübingenAuf der Morgenstelle 872076TübingenGermany
| | - Sonja Lorenz
- Rudolf Virchow Center for Experimental BiomedicineUniversity of WürzburgJosef-Schneider-Strasse 2, Haus D1597080WürzburgGermany
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