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Onodera W, Kawasaki K, Oishi M, Aoki S, Asahi T. Functional Divergence and Origin of the Vertebrate Praja Family. J Mol Evol 2024; 92:21-29. [PMID: 38158403 DOI: 10.1007/s00239-023-10150-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The Praja family is an E3 ubiquitin ligase, promoting polyubiquitination and subsequent degradation of substrates. It comprises two paralogs, praja1 and praja2. Prior research suggests these paralogs have undergone functional divergence, with examples, such as their distinct roles in neurite outgrowth. However, the specific evolutionary trajectories of each paralog remain largely unexplored preventing mechanistic understanding of functional differences between paralogs. Here, we investigated the phylogeny and divergence of the vertebrate Praja family through molecular evolutionary analysis. Phylogenetic examination of the vertebrate praja revealed that praja1 and praja2 originated from the common ancestor of placentals via gene duplication, with praja1 evolving at twice the rate of praja2 shortly after the duplication. Moreover, a unique evolutionary trajectory for praja1 relative to other vertebrate Praja was indicated, as evidenced by principal component analysis on GC content, codon usage frequency, and amino acid composition. Subsequent motif/domain comparison revealed conserved N terminus and C terminus in praja1 and praja2, together with praja1-specific motifs, including nuclear localization signal and Ala-Gly-Ser repeats. The nuclear localization signal was demonstrated to be functional in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells using deletion mutant, while praja2 was exclusively expressed in the nucleus. These discoveries contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the Praja family's phylogeny and suggest a functional divergence between praja1 and praja2. Specifically, the shift of praja1 into the nucleus implies the degradation of novel substrates located in the nucleus as an evolutionary consequence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wataru Onodera
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University, TWIns, 2-2 Wakamatsu, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 162-0056, Japan.
| | - Kotaro Kawasaki
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University, TWIns, 2-2 Wakamatsu, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 162-0056, Japan
| | - Mizuho Oishi
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University, TWIns, 2-2 Wakamatsu, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 162-0056, Japan
| | - Shiho Aoki
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University, TWIns, 2-2 Wakamatsu, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 162-0056, Japan
| | - Toru Asahi
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University, TWIns, 2-2 Wakamatsu, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 162-0056, Japan.
- Research Organization for Nano & Life Innovation, Waseda University, 513 Waseda-Tsurumaki, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 162-0041, Japan.
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2
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Catalanotto M, Vaz JM, Abshire C, Youngblood R, Chu M, Levine H, Jolly MK, Dragoi AM. Dual role of CASP8AP2/FLASH in regulating epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition plasticity (EMP). Transl Oncol 2024; 39:101837. [PMID: 37984255 PMCID: PMC10689956 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2023.101837] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a developmental program that consists of the loss of epithelial features concomitant with the acquisition of mesenchymal features. Activation of EMT in cancer facilitates the acquisition of aggressive traits and cancer invasion. EMT plasticity (EMP), the dynamic transition between multiple hybrid states in which cancer cells display both epithelial and mesenchymal markers, confers survival advantages for cancer cells in constantly changing environments during metastasis. METHODS RNAseq analysis was performed to assess genome-wide transcriptional changes in cancer cells depleted for histone regulators FLASH, NPAT, and SLBP. Quantitative PCR and Western blot were used for the detection of mRNA and protein levels. Computational analysis was performed on distinct sets of genes to determine the epithelial and mesenchymal score in cancer cells and to correlate FLASH expression with EMT markers in the CCLE collection. RESULTS We demonstrate that loss of FLASH in cancer cells gives rise to a hybrid E/M phenotype with high epithelial scores even in the presence of TGFβ, as determined by computational methods using expression of predetermined sets of epithelial and mesenchymal genes. Multiple genes involved in cell-cell junction formation are similarly specifically upregulated in FLASH-depleted cells, suggesting that FLASH acts as a repressor of the epithelial phenotype. Further, FLASH expression in cancer lines is inversely correlated with the epithelial score. Nonetheless, subsets of mesenchymal markers were distinctly up-regulated in FLASH, NPAT, or SLBP-depleted cells. CONCLUSIONS The ZEB1low/SNAILhigh/E-cadherinhigh phenotype described in FLASH-depleted cancer cells is driving a hybrid E/M phenotype in which epithelial and mesenchymal markers coexist.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joel Markus Vaz
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Reneau Youngblood
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, LSUHSC, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Min Chu
- Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, INLET Core, LSUHSC, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Herbert Levine
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Center for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Ana-Maria Dragoi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, LSUHSC, Shreveport, LA, USA; Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, INLET Core, LSUHSC, Shreveport, LA, USA.
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3
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Watabe K, Niida-Kawaguchi M, Tada M, Kato Y, Murata M, Tanji K, Wakabayashi K, Yamada M, Kakita A, Shibata N. Praja1 RING-finger E3 ubiquitin ligase is a common suppressor of neurodegenerative disease-associated protein aggregation. Neuropathology 2022; 42:488-504. [PMID: 35701899 PMCID: PMC10084124 DOI: 10.1111/neup.12840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The formation of misfolded protein aggregates is one of the pathological hallmarks of neurodegenerative diseases. We have previously demonstrated the cytoplasmic aggregate formation of adenovirally expressed transactivation response DNA-binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP-43), the main constituent of neuronal cytoplasmic aggregates in cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), in cultured neuronal cells under the condition of proteasome inhibition. The TDP-43 aggregate formation was markedly suppressed by co-infection of adenoviruses expressing heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1), a master regulator of heat shock response, and Praja1 RING-finger E3 ubiquitin ligase (PJA1) located downstream of the HSF1 pathway. In the present study, we examined other reportedly known E3 ubiquitin ligases for TDP-43, i.e. Parkin, RNF112 and RNF220, but failed to find their suppressive effects on neuronal cytoplasmic TDP-43 aggregate formation, although they all bind to TDP-43 as verified by co-immunoprecipitation. In contrast, PJA1 also binds to adenovirally expressed wild-type and mutated fused in sarcoma, superoxide dismutase 1, α-synuclein and ataxin-3, and huntingtin polyglutamine proteins in neuronal cultures and suppressed the aggregate formation of these proteins. These results suggest that PJA1 is a common sensing factor for aggregate-prone proteins to counteract their aggregation propensity, and could be a potential therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases that include ALS, FTLD, Parkinson's disease and polyglutamine diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiko Watabe
- Department of Medical Technology (Neuropathology), Faculty of Health Sciences, Kyorin University, Tokyo, Japan.,Division of Pathological Neuroscience, Department of Pathology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Motoko Niida-Kawaguchi
- Division of Pathological Neuroscience, Department of Pathology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Kyorin University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mari Tada
- Department of Pathology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Yoichiro Kato
- Division of Pathological Neuroscience, Department of Pathology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makiko Murata
- Department of Medical Technology (Neuropathology), Faculty of Health Sciences, Kyorin University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kunikazu Tanji
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute of Brain Science, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Japan
| | - Koichi Wakabayashi
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute of Brain Science, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Japan
| | - Mitsunori Yamada
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Brain Disease Research, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Akiyoshi Kakita
- Department of Pathology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Shibata
- Division of Pathological Neuroscience, Department of Pathology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
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4
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Bouron A, Fauvarque MO. Genome-wide analysis of genes encoding core components of the ubiquitin system during cerebral cortex development. Mol Brain 2022; 15:72. [PMID: 35974412 PMCID: PMC9380329 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-022-00958-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitination involves three types of enzymes (E1, E2, and E3) that sequentially attach ubiquitin (Ub) to target proteins. This posttranslational modification controls key cellular processes, such as the degradation, endocytosis, subcellular localization and activity of proteins. Ubiquitination, which can be reversed by deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs), plays important roles during brain development. Furthermore, deregulation of the Ub system is linked to the pathogenesis of various diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders. We used a publicly available RNA-seq database to perform an extensive genome-wide gene expression analysis of the core components of the ubiquitination machinery, covering Ub genes as well as E1, E2, E3 and DUB genes. The ubiquitination network was governed by only Uba1 and Ube2m, the predominant E1 and E2 genes, respectively; their expression was positively regulated during cortical formation. The principal genes encoding HECT (homologous to the E6-AP carboxyl terminus), RBR (RING-in-between-RING), and RING (really interesting new gene) E3 Ub ligases were also highly regulated. Pja1, Dtx3 (RING ligases) and Stub1 (U-box RING) were the most highly expressed E3 Ub ligase genes and displayed distinct developmental expression patterns. Moreover, more than 80 DUB genes were expressed during corticogenesis, with two prominent genes, Uch-l1 and Usp22, showing highly upregulated expression. Several components of the Ub system overexpressed in cancers were also highly expressed in the cerebral cortex under conditions not related to tumour formation or progression. Altogether, this work provides an in-depth overview of transcriptomic changes during embryonic formation of the cerebral cortex. The data also offer new insight into the characterization of the Ub system and may contribute to a better understanding of its involvement in the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Bouron
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, CEA, UMR 1292, 38000, Grenoble, France. .,Genetics and Chemogenomics Lab, Building C3, CEA, 17 rue des Martyrs, 38054, Grenoble Cedex 9, France.
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5
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Delle Donne R, Iannucci R, Rinaldi L, Roberto L, Oliva MA, Senatore E, Borzacchiello D, Lignitto L, Giurato G, Rizzo F, Sellitto A, Chiuso F, Castaldo S, Scala G, Campani V, Nele V, De Rosa G, D'Ambrosio C, Garbi C, Scaloni A, Weisz A, Ambrosino C, Arcella A, Feliciello A. Targeted inhibition of ubiquitin signaling reverses metabolic reprogramming and suppresses glioblastoma growth. Commun Biol 2022; 5:780. [PMID: 35918402 PMCID: PMC9345969 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03639-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most frequent and aggressive form of primary brain tumor in the adult population; its high recurrence rate and resistance to current therapeutics urgently demand a better therapy. Regulation of protein stability by the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) represents an important control mechanism of cell growth. UPS deregulation is mechanistically linked to the development and progression of a variety of human cancers, including GBM. Thus, the UPS represents a potentially valuable target for GBM treatment. Using an integrated approach that includes proteomics, transcriptomics and metabolic profiling, we identify praja2, a RING E3 ubiquitin ligase, as the key component of a signaling network that regulates GBM cell growth and metabolism. Praja2 is preferentially expressed in primary GBM lesions expressing the wild-type isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 gene (IDH1). Mechanistically, we found that praja2 ubiquitylates and degrades the kinase suppressor of Ras 2 (KSR2). As a consequence, praja2 restrains the activity of downstream AMP-dependent protein kinase in GBM cells and attenuates the oxidative metabolism. Delivery in the brain of siRNA targeting praja2 by transferrin-targeted self-assembling nanoparticles (SANPs) prevented KSR2 degradation and inhibited GBM growth, reducing the size of the tumor and prolonging the survival rate of treated mice. These data identify praja2 as an essential regulator of cancer cell metabolism, and as a potential therapeutic target to suppress GBM growth. The E3 ubiquitin ligase praja2 is expressed in glioblastoma (GBM), targets the kinase suppressor of Ras 2 for degradation and attenuates oxidative metabolism. Nanoparticle-mediated delivery of praja2 siRNA to GBM-bearing mice reduces tumour size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Delle Donne
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosa Iannucci
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Laura Rinaldi
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Emanuela Senatore
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Domenica Borzacchiello
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Luca Lignitto
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Giorgio Giurato
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry SMS, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Francesca Rizzo
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry SMS, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Assunta Sellitto
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry SMS, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Francesco Chiuso
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Scala
- Department of Biology, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Valeria Nele
- Department of Pharmacy, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Chiara D'Ambrosio
- Proteomics, Metabolomics and Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, ISPAAM, National Research Council, Portici (Naples), Italy
| | - Corrado Garbi
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Scaloni
- Proteomics, Metabolomics and Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, ISPAAM, National Research Council, Portici (Naples), Italy
| | - Alessandro Weisz
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry SMS, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy.,Genome Research Center for Health, Campus of Medicine, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Concetta Ambrosino
- Biogem, Ariano Irpino, Avellino, Italy.,Department of Science and Technology University of Sannio, Benevento, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Feliciello
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University Federico II, Naples, Italy.
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6
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Reimunde P, Pensado-López A, Carreira Crende M, Lombao Iglesias V, Sánchez L, Torrecilla-Parra M, Ramírez CM, Anfray C, Torres Andón F. Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Glioblastoma and Zebrafish Models for the Discovery of New Treatments. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1087. [PMID: 33802571 PMCID: PMC7961726 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13051087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common of all brain malignant tumors; it displays a median survival of 14.6 months with current complete standard treatment. High heterogeneity, aggressive and invasive behavior, the impossibility of completing tumor resection, limitations for drug administration and therapeutic resistance to current treatments are the main problems presented by this pathology. In recent years, our knowledge of GBM physiopathology has advanced significantly, generating relevant information on the cellular heterogeneity of GBM tumors, including cancer and immune cells such as macrophages/microglia, genetic, epigenetic and metabolic alterations, comprising changes in miRNA expression. In this scenario, the zebrafish has arisen as a promising animal model to progress further due to its unique characteristics, such as transparency, ease of genetic manipulation, ethical and economic advantages and also conservation of the major brain regions and blood-brain-barrier (BBB) which are similar to a human structure. A few papers described in this review, using genetic and xenotransplantation zebrafish models have been used to study GBM as well as to test the anti-tumoral efficacy of new drugs, their ability to interact with target cells, modulate the tumor microenvironment, cross the BBB and/or their toxicity. Prospective studies following these lines of research may lead to a better diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of patients with GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Reimunde
- Department of Medicine, Campus de Oza, Universidade da Coruña, 15006 A Coruña, Spain
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital Universitario Lucus Augusti, 27003 Lugo, Spain
| | - Alba Pensado-López
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Campus de Lugo, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (A.P.-L.); (M.C.C.); (V.L.I.); (L.S.)
- Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Martín Carreira Crende
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Campus de Lugo, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (A.P.-L.); (M.C.C.); (V.L.I.); (L.S.)
| | - Vanesa Lombao Iglesias
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Campus de Lugo, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (A.P.-L.); (M.C.C.); (V.L.I.); (L.S.)
| | - Laura Sánchez
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Campus de Lugo, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (A.P.-L.); (M.C.C.); (V.L.I.); (L.S.)
| | - Marta Torrecilla-Parra
- IMDEA Research Institute of Food and Health Sciences, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (M.T.-P.); (C.M.R.)
| | - Cristina M. Ramírez
- IMDEA Research Institute of Food and Health Sciences, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (M.T.-P.); (C.M.R.)
| | - Clément Anfray
- IRCCS Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Via A. Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy;
| | - Fernando Torres Andón
- Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- IRCCS Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Via A. Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy;
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7
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Scholz N, Kurian KM, Siebzehnrubl FA, Licchesi JDF. Targeting the Ubiquitin System in Glioblastoma. Front Oncol 2020; 10:574011. [PMID: 33324551 PMCID: PMC7724090 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.574011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most common primary brain tumor in adults with poor overall outcome and 5-year survival of less than 5%. Treatment has not changed much in the last decade or so, with surgical resection and radio/chemotherapy being the main options. Glioblastoma is highly heterogeneous and frequently becomes treatment-resistant due to the ability of glioblastoma cells to adopt stem cell states facilitating tumor recurrence. Therefore, there is an urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies. The ubiquitin system, in particular E3 ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinating enzymes, have emerged as a promising source of novel drug targets. In addition to conventional small molecule drug discovery approaches aimed at modulating enzyme activity, several new and exciting strategies are also being explored. Among these, PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs) aim to harness the endogenous protein turnover machinery to direct therapeutically relevant targets, including previously considered "undruggable" ones, for proteasomal degradation. PROTAC and other strategies targeting the ubiquitin proteasome system offer new therapeutic avenues which will expand the drug development toolboxes for glioblastoma. This review will provide a comprehensive overview of E3 ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinating enzymes in the context of glioblastoma and their involvement in core signaling pathways including EGFR, TGF-β, p53 and stemness-related pathways. Finally, we offer new insights into how these ubiquitin-dependent mechanisms could be exploited therapeutically for glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nico Scholz
- Department of Biology & Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Kathreena M. Kurian
- Brain Tumour Research Group, Institute of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Florian A. Siebzehnrubl
- Cardiff University School of Biosciences, European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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8
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Chen J, A. Gingold J. Dysregulated PJA1-TGF-β signaling in cancer stem cell-associated liver cancers. Oncoscience 2020; 7:88-95. [PMID: 33457451 PMCID: PMC7781490 DOI: 10.18632/oncoscience.522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling pathway plays important roles in cell differentiation, stem cell modulation, organ lineage, and immune suppression. TGF-β signaling is negatively regulated by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Although mouse models of cancer arising from a defective TGF-β pathway clearly demonstrate the tumor-suppressive role of TGF-β, the underlying mechanism by which a defective TGF-β pathway triggers liver cancer development is poorly understood. This review summarizes key findings from our recent studies connecting TGF-β to hepatic oncogenesis and highlights the vulnerability of TGF-β signaling to PJA1-mediated ubiquitination. TGF-β, together with the chromatin insulator CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF), epigenetically and transcriptionally regulate tumor promoter genes, including IGF2 and TERT, in TGF-β-defective mice and in human liver cancers. Dysfunction of the TGF-β-regulated SPTBN1/SMAD3/CTCF complex increases stem cell-like properties in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and enhances tumorigenesis in tumor-initiating cells in a mouse model. PJA1, a novel E3 ubiquitin ligase, is a key negative regulator of TGF-β signaling. PJA1 overexpression is detected in HCCs and is sufficient to suppress SMAD3- and SPTBN1-mediated TGF-β tumor suppressor signaling, promoting HCC proliferation. Dysregulated PJA1-TGF-β signaling activates oncogenic genes and promotes tumorigenesis in human liver cancers. In addition, inhibition of PJA1 by treatment with E3 ligase inhibitors restores TGF-β tumor-suppressor function and suppresses liver cancer progression. These new findings suggest potential therapeutic avenues for targeting dysregulated PJA1-TGF-β signaling via cancer stem cells in liver cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, & Nutrition, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Sandhill Therapeutics, Inc., Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Julian A. Gingold
- Montefiore Medical Center, OB/GYN and Women’s Health, Bronx, NY, USA
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9
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Bunda S, Heir P, Metcalf J, Li ASC, Agnihotri S, Pusch S, Yasin M, Li M, Burrell K, Mansouri S, Singh O, Wilson M, Alamsahebpour A, Nejad R, Choi B, Kim D, von Deimling A, Zadeh G, Aldape K. CIC protein instability contributes to tumorigenesis in glioblastoma. Nat Commun 2019; 10:661. [PMID: 30737375 PMCID: PMC6368580 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-08087-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Capicua (CIC) is a transcriptional repressor that counteracts activation of genes downstream of receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK)/Ras/ERK signaling. It is well-established that tumorigenesis, especially in glioblastoma (GBM), is attributed to hyperactive RTK/Ras/ERK signaling. While CIC is mutated in other tumors, here we show that CIC has a tumor suppressive function in GBM through an alternative mechanism. We find that CIC protein levels are negligible in GBM due to continuous proteasome-mediated degradation, which is mediated by the E3 ligase PJA1 and show that this occurs through binding of CIC to its DNA target and phosphorylation on residue S173. PJA1 knockdown increased CIC stability and extended survival using in-vivo models of GBM. Deletion of the ERK binding site resulted in stabilization of CIC and increased therapeutic efficacy of ERK inhibition in GBM models. Our results provide a rationale to target CIC degradation in Ras/ERK-driven tumors, including GBM, to increase efficacy of ERK inhibitors. Capicua (CIC) is a tumour suppressor in oligodendroglioma. Here, the authors show that ERK activation mediates CIC regulation via ubiquitination and degradation by PJA1 and a degradation resistant form of CIC enhances efficacy of ERK inhibition in glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Severa Bunda
- MacFeeters Hamilton Centre for Neuro-Oncology Research, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C1, Canada
| | - Pardeep Heir
- MacFeeters Hamilton Centre for Neuro-Oncology Research, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C1, Canada
| | - Julie Metcalf
- MacFeeters Hamilton Centre for Neuro-Oncology Research, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C1, Canada
| | - Annie Si Cong Li
- MacFeeters Hamilton Centre for Neuro-Oncology Research, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C1, Canada
| | - Sameer Agnihotri
- MacFeeters Hamilton Centre for Neuro-Oncology Research, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C1, Canada.,Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, UPMC Presbyterian, Suite B-400, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Stefan Pusch
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, D-69120, Germany.,German Consortium of Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), Clinical Cooperation Unit Neuropathology German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, D-69120, Germany
| | - Mamatjan Yasin
- MacFeeters Hamilton Centre for Neuro-Oncology Research, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C1, Canada
| | - Mira Li
- MacFeeters Hamilton Centre for Neuro-Oncology Research, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C1, Canada
| | - Kelly Burrell
- MacFeeters Hamilton Centre for Neuro-Oncology Research, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C1, Canada
| | - Sheila Mansouri
- MacFeeters Hamilton Centre for Neuro-Oncology Research, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C1, Canada
| | - Olivia Singh
- MacFeeters Hamilton Centre for Neuro-Oncology Research, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C1, Canada
| | - Mark Wilson
- MacFeeters Hamilton Centre for Neuro-Oncology Research, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C1, Canada
| | - Amir Alamsahebpour
- MacFeeters Hamilton Centre for Neuro-Oncology Research, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C1, Canada
| | - Romina Nejad
- MacFeeters Hamilton Centre for Neuro-Oncology Research, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C1, Canada
| | - Bethany Choi
- MacFeeters Hamilton Centre for Neuro-Oncology Research, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C1, Canada
| | - David Kim
- MacFeeters Hamilton Centre for Neuro-Oncology Research, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C1, Canada
| | - Andreas von Deimling
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, D-69120, Germany.,German Consortium of Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), Clinical Cooperation Unit Neuropathology German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, D-69120, Germany
| | - Gelareh Zadeh
- MacFeeters Hamilton Centre for Neuro-Oncology Research, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C1, Canada. .,Division of Neurosurgery, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C1, Canada. .,Insititute of Medical Science, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada.
| | - Kenneth Aldape
- MacFeeters Hamilton Centre for Neuro-Oncology Research, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C1, Canada. .,Laboratory of Pathology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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PJA1 Coordinates with the SMC5/6 Complex To Restrict DNA Viruses and Episomal Genes in an Interferon-Independent Manner. J Virol 2018; 92:JVI.00825-18. [PMID: 30185588 PMCID: PMC6206484 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00825-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA viruses, including hepatitis B virus and herpes simplex virus, induce a series of immune responses in the host and lead to human public health concerns worldwide. In addition to cytokines in the cytoplasm, restriction of viral DNA in the nucleus is an important approach of host immunity. However, the mechanism of foreign DNA recognition and restriction in the cell nucleus is largely unknown. This work demonstrates that an important cellular factor (PJA1) suppresses DNA viruses and transfected plasmids independent of type I and II interferon (IFN) pathways. Instead, PJA1 interacts with the chromosome maintenance complex (SMC5/6), facilitates the complex to recognize and bind viral and episomal DNAs, and recruits DNA topoisomerases to restrict the foreign molecules. These results reveal a distinct mechanism underlying the silencing of viral and episomal invaders in the cell nuclei and suggest that PJA1 acts as a potential agent to prevent infectious and inflammatory diseases. Viral and episomal DNAs, as signs of infections and dangers, induce a series of immune responses in the host, and cells must sense foreign DNAs to eliminate the invaders. The cell nucleus is not “immune privileged” and exerts intrinsic mechanisms to control nuclear-replicating DNA viruses. Thus, it is important to understand the action of viral DNA sensing in the cell nucleus. Here, we reveal a mechanism of restriction of DNA viruses and episomal plasmids mediated by PJA1, a RING-H2 E3 ubiquitin ligase. PJA1 restricts the DNA viruses hepatitis B virus (HBV) and herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) but not the RNA viruses enterovirus 71 (EV71) and vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV). Similarly, PJA1 inhibits episomal plasmids but not chromosome-integrated reporters or endogenous genes. In addition, PJA1 has no effect on endogenous type I and II interferons (IFNs) and interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs), suggesting that PJA1 silences DNA viruses independent of the IFN pathways. Interestingly, PJA1 interacts with the SMC5/6 complex (a complex essential for chromosome maintenance and HBV restriction) to facilitate the binding of the complex to viral and episomal DNAs in the cell nucleus. Moreover, treatment with inhibitors of DNA topoisomerases (Tops) and knockdown of Tops release PJA1-mediated silencing of viral and extrachromosomal DNAs. Taken together, results of this work demonstrate that PJA1 interacts with SMC5/6 and facilitates the complex to bind and eliminate viral and episomal DNAs through DNA Tops and thus reveal a distinct mechanism underlying restriction of DNA viruses and foreign genes in the cell nucleus. IMPORTANCE DNA viruses, including hepatitis B virus and herpes simplex virus, induce a series of immune responses in the host and lead to human public health concerns worldwide. In addition to cytokines in the cytoplasm, restriction of viral DNA in the nucleus is an important approach of host immunity. However, the mechanism of foreign DNA recognition and restriction in the cell nucleus is largely unknown. This work demonstrates that an important cellular factor (PJA1) suppresses DNA viruses and transfected plasmids independent of type I and II interferon (IFN) pathways. Instead, PJA1 interacts with the chromosome maintenance complex (SMC5/6), facilitates the complex to recognize and bind viral and episomal DNAs, and recruits DNA topoisomerases to restrict the foreign molecules. These results reveal a distinct mechanism underlying the silencing of viral and episomal invaders in the cell nuclei and suggest that PJA1 acts as a potential agent to prevent infectious and inflammatory diseases.
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