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Liu Y, Ruan H, Lu F, Peng H, Luan W. miR-224-5p acts as a tumour suppressor and reverses the resistance to BRAF inhibitor in melanoma through directly targeting PAK4 to block the MAPK pathway. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 249:154772. [PMID: 37611431 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
miR-224-5p has been shown to play both an oncogene and tumour suppressor role in many human tumours. However, the role and molecular mechanism of miR-224-5p in cutaneous melanoma remains unclear. miR-224-5p levels were downregulated in melanoma tissue, and low miR-224-5p expression was an independent risk factor for melanoma patients. miR-224-5p blocked proliferation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), invasion, migration in BRAF wild-type melanoma cell, and overcome acquired BRAFi resistance in VMF-resistant melanoma cells. miR-224-5p exerted its role by directly repressing PAK4 to block the downstream CRAF/MEK/ERK pathways. We demonstrated that miR-224-5p inhibited melanoma growth and metastasis in vivo though xenograft tumor and pulmonary metastasis assay. Thus, miR-224-5p/PAK4-mediated CRAF/MEK/ERK pathways have therapeutic potential in melanoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Liu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hongru Ruan
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Feng Lu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huiyong Peng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang Medical School of Nanjing Medical University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China; Department of Genetic Toxicology, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Wenkang Luan
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China.
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2
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Chetty AK, Ha BH, Boggon TJ. Rho family GTPase signaling through type II p21-activated kinases. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:598. [PMID: 36401658 PMCID: PMC10105373 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04618-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Signaling from the Rho family small GTPases controls a wide range of signaling outcomes. Key among the downstream effectors for many of the Rho GTPases are the p21-activated kinases, or PAK group. The PAK family comprises two types, the type I PAKs (PAK1, 2 and 3) and the type II PAKs (PAK4, 5 and 6), which have distinct structures and mechanisms of regulation. In this review, we discuss signal transduction from Rho GTPases with a focus on the type II PAKs. We discuss the role of PAKs in signal transduction pathways and selectivity of Rho GTPases for PAK family members. We consider the less well studied of the Rho GTPases and their PAK-related signaling. We then discuss the molecular basis for kinase domain recognition of substrates and for regulation of signaling. We conclude with a discussion of the role of PAKs in cross talk between Rho family small GTPases and the roles of PAKs in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashwin K Chetty
- Yale College, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Byung Hak Ha
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Titus J Boggon
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale University, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
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3
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Mozibullah M, Junaid M. Biological Role of the PAK4 Signaling Pathway: A Prospective Therapeutic Target for Multivarious Cancers. ARAB J CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.arabjc.2022.104438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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4
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Differential roles and regulation of the protein kinases PAK4, PAK5 and PAK6 in melanoma cells. Biochem J 2022; 479:1709-1725. [PMID: 35969127 PMCID: PMC9444074 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20220184] [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: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The protein kinases PAK4, PAK5 and PAK6 comprise a family of ohnologues. In multiple cancers including melanomas PAK5 most frequently carries non-synonymous mutations; PAK6 and PAK4 have fewer; and PAK4 is often amplified. To help interpret these genomic data, initially we compared the cellular regulation of the sister kinases and their roles in melanoma cells. In common with many ohnologue protein kinases, PAK4, PAK5 and PAK6 each have two 14-3-3-binding phosphosites of which phosphoSer99 is conserved. PAK4 localises to the leading edge of cells in response to phorbol ester-stimulated binding of 14-3-3 to phosphoSer99 and phosphoSer181, which are phosphorylated by two different PKCs or PKDs. These phosphorylations of PAK4 are essential for its phorbol ester-stimulated phosphorylation of downstream substrates. In contrast, 14-3-3 interacts with PAK5 in response to phorbol ester-stimulated phosphorylation of Ser99 and epidermal growth factor-stimulated phosphorylation of Ser288; whereas PAK6 docks onto 14-3-3 and is prevented from localising to cell–cell junctions when Ser133 is phosphorylated in response to cAMP-elevating agents via PKA and insulin-like growth factor 1 via PKB/Akt. Silencing of PAK4 impairs viability, migration and invasive behaviour of melanoma cells carrying BRAFV600E or NRASQ61K mutations. These defects are rescued by ectopic expression of PAK4, more so by a 14-3-3-binding deficient PAK4, and barely by PAK5 or PAK6. Together these genomic, biochemical and cellular data suggest that the oncogenic properties of PAK4 are regulated by PKC–PKD signalling in melanoma, while PAK5 and PAK6 are dispensable in this cancer.
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Yuan Y, Zhang H, Li D, Li Y, Lin F, Wang Y, Song H, Liu X, Li F, Zhang J. PAK4 in cancer development: Emerging player and therapeutic opportunities. Cancer Lett 2022; 545:215813. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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6
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Yu X, Huang C, Liu J, Shi X, Li X. The significance of PAK4 in signaling and clinicopathology: A review. Open Life Sci 2022; 17:586-598. [PMID: 35800076 PMCID: PMC9210989 DOI: 10.1515/biol-2022-0064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
P21-activated protein kinases (PAKs) are thought to be at the center of tumor signaling pathways. As a representative member of the group II PAK family, P21-activated protein kinase 4 (PAK4) plays an important role in the development of tumors, with several biological functions such as participating in oncogenic transformation, promoting cell division, resisting aging and apoptosis, regulating cytoskeleton and adhesion, as well as suppressing antitumor immune responses. PAK4 is also crucial in biological processes, including the occurrence, proliferation, survival, migration, invasion, drug resistance, and immune escape of tumor cells. It is closely related to poor prognosis and tumor-related pathological indicators, which have significant clinical and pathological significance. Therefore, this article offers a review of the structure, activation, and biological functions of PAK4 and its clinical and pathological importance. This overview should be of assistance for future research on PAK4 and tumors and provide new ideas for tumor treatment and prognostic evaluation of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinbo Yu
- The First Clinical College, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110122, China
| | - Changwei Huang
- The First Clinical College, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110122, China
| | - Jiyuan Liu
- The First Clinical College, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110122, China
| | - Xinyu Shi
- The Second Clinical College, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110122, China
| | - Xiaodong Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Health Commission of the PRC and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education of the PRC, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110122, China
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NAD(P)H fluorescence lifetime imaging of live intestinal nematodes reveals metabolic crosstalk between parasite and host. Sci Rep 2022; 12:7264. [PMID: 35508502 PMCID: PMC9068778 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10705-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Infections with intestinal nematodes have an equivocal impact: they represent a burden for human health and animal husbandry, but, at the same time, may ameliorate auto-immune diseases due to the immunomodulatory effect of the parasites. Thus, it is key to understand how intestinal nematodes arrive and persist in their luminal niche and interact with the host over long periods of time. One basic mechanism governing parasite and host cellular and tissue functions, metabolism, has largely been neglected in the study of intestinal nematode infections. Here we use NADH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) and NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate) fluorescence lifetime imaging of explanted murine duodenum infected with the natural nematode Heligmosomoides polygyrus and define the link between general metabolic activity and possible metabolic pathways in parasite and host tissue, during acute infection. In both healthy and infected host intestine, energy is effectively produced, mainly via metabolic pathways resembling oxidative phosphorylation/aerobic glycolysis features. In contrast, the nematodes shift their energy production from balanced fast anaerobic glycolysis-like and effective oxidative phosphorylation-like metabolic pathways, towards mainly anaerobic glycolysis-like pathways, back to oxidative phosphorylation/aerobic glycolysis-like pathways during their different life cycle phases in the submucosa versus the intestinal lumen. Additionally, we found an increased NADPH oxidase (NOX) enzymes-dependent oxidative burst in infected intestinal host tissue as compared to healthy tissue, which was mirrored by a similar defense reaction in the parasites. We expect that, the here presented application of NAD(P)H-FLIM in live tissues constitutes a unique tool to study possible shifts between metabolic pathways in host-parasite crosstalk, in various parasitic intestinal infections.
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Best M, Gale ME, Wells CM. PAK-dependent regulation of actin dynamics in breast cancer cells. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2022; 146:106207. [PMID: 35385780 PMCID: PMC9941713 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2022.106207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Metastatic Breast Cancer has a poor 25% survival rate and currently there are no clinical therapeutics which target metastasis. 'Migrastatics' are a new drug class which target migration pathway effector proteins in order to inhibit cancer cell invasion and metastasis. The p21-activated kinases (PAKs) are essential drivers of breast cancer cell migration and invasion through their regulation of actin cytoskeletal dynamics. Therefore, the PAKs present as attractive migrastatic candidates. Here we review how PAKs regulate distinct aspects of breast cancer actin dynamics focussing on cytoskeletal reorganisation, cell:matrix adhesion, actomyosin contractility and degradative invasion. Lastly, we discuss the introduction of PAK migrastatics into the well-honed breast cancer clinical pipeline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Best
- School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kings College London, London UK.
| | - Madeline E. Gale
- School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kings College London, London UK,North West Thames Regional Genetics Service, Northwick Park Hospital, London UK
| | - Claire M. Wells
- School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kings College London, London UK,Corresponding author.
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Manuelli V, Cahill F, Wylie H, Gillett C, Correa I, Heck S, Rimmer A, Haire A, Van Hemelrijck M, Rudman S, Wells CM. Invadopodia play a role in prostate cancer progression. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:386. [PMID: 35397545 PMCID: PMC8994910 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-09424-4] [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: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Invadopodia, actin-rich structures that release metallo-proteases at the interface with extra-cellular matrix, in a punctate manner are thought to be important drivers of tumour invasion. Invadopodia formation has been observed in-vitro and in-vivo in numerous metastatic cell lines derived from multiple tumour types. However, prostate cancer cell lines have not been routinely reported to generate invadopodia and the few instances have always required external stimulation. Methods In this study, the invasive potential of primary prostate adenocarcinoma cell lines, which have never been fully characterised before, was investigated both in-vitro invadopodia assays and in-vivo zebrafish dissemination assay. Subsequently, circulating tumour cells from prostate cancer patients were isolated and tested in the invadopodia assay. Results Retention of E-cadherin and N-cadherin expression indicated a transitional state of EMT progression, consistent with the idea of partial EMT that has been frequently observed in aggressive prostate cancer. All cell lines tested were capable of spontaneous invadopodia formation and possess a significant degradative ability in-vitro under basal conditions. These cell lines were invasive in-vivo and produced visible metastasis in the zebrafish dissemination assay. Importantly we have proceeded to demonstrate that circulating tumour cells isolated from prostate cancer patients exhibit invadopodia-like structures and degrade matrix with visible puncta. This work supports a role for invadopodia activity as one of the mechanisms of dissemination employed by prostate cancer cells. Conclusion The combination of studies presented here provide clear evidence that invadopodia activity can play a role in prostate cancer progression. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-022-09424-4.
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10
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Interfering with pak4 Protein Expression Affects Osteosarcoma Cell Proliferation and Migration. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2021:9977001. [PMID: 35005025 PMCID: PMC8739922 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9977001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Purpose A number of studies have discovered various roles of PAK4 in human tumors, including osteosarcoma. However, the exact role of PAK4 in osteosarcoma and its mechanism have yet to be determined. Therefore, this study focused on interrogating the PAK4 effect on the proliferation and migration ability of osteosarcoma and its underlying mechanisms. Materials and Methods Western blot and QRT-PCR were utilized to quantify the PAK4 relative protein and mRNA levels. To measure cellular viability and mobility, the MTT and wound-healing assays were preferred. Results With the adenovirus-mediated overexpression of PAK4, the proliferation and migration of U2-OS and MG-63 osteosarcoma cells were stimulated. Furthermore, a liposome-mediated knockout of PAK4 will inhibit osteosarcoma cells from proliferating. In terms of mechanism, we observed the positive correlation of PAK4 expression with expression of P21, CyclinD1, CyclinE1, CDK2, and CDK6, which drives G0/G1 to the G2/M phase transition. PAK4 can also activate Erk expression in OS cells and induce EMT. Conclusion Interfering with PAK4 protein expression has been shown to affect osteosarcoma proliferation and migration.
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Rivier P, Mubalama M, Destaing O. Small GTPases all over invadosomes. Small GTPases 2021; 12:429-439. [PMID: 33487105 PMCID: PMC8583085 DOI: 10.1080/21541248.2021.1877081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell invasion is associated with numerous patho-physiologic states including cell development and metastatic dissemination. This process couples the activation of cell motility with the capacity to degrade the extracellular matrix, thereby permitting cells to pass through basal membranes. Invasion is sustained by the actions of invadosomes, an ensemble of subcellular structures with high functional homology. Invadosomes are 3D acto-adhesive structures that can also mediate local extracellular matrix degradation through the controlled delivery of proteases. Intracellular RHO GTPases play a central role in the regulation of invadosomes where their complex interplay regulates multiple invadosome functions. This review aims to provide an overview of the synergistic activities of the small GTPases in invadosome biology. This broad-based review also reinforces the importance of the spatiotemporal regulation of small GTPases and the impact of this process on invadosome dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Rivier
- Team DYSAD, Dept2, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Centre de Recherche Université Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Grenoble, France
| | - Michel Mubalama
- Team DYSAD, Dept2, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Centre de Recherche Université Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Grenoble, France
| | - Olivier Destaing
- Team DYSAD, Dept2, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Centre de Recherche Université Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Grenoble, France
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12
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Wang H, Song P, Gao Y, Shen L, Xu H, Wang J, Cheng M. Drug discovery targeting p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4): a patent review. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2021; 31:977-987. [PMID: 34369844 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2021.1944100] [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] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: The Ser/Thr protein kinase PAK4 is a downstream regulator of Cdc42, mediating cytoskeleton remodeling, and cell motility, and inhibiting apoptosis and transcriptional regulation. Nowadays, efforts in PAK4 inhibitor development are focusing on improving inhibitory selectivity, cellular potency, and in vivo pharmacokinetic properties, and identifying the feasibility of immunotherapy combination in oncology therapy.Areas covered: This review summarized the development of PAK4 inhibitors that reported on patents in the past two decades. According to their binding features, these inhibitors were classified into type I, type I 1/2, and PAMs. Their designing ideas and SAR were elucidated in this review. Moreover, synergistic therapy of PAK4 inhibitors with PD-1/PD-L1 or CAR-T were also summarized .Expert opinion: In the past years, preclinical and clinical studies of PAK4 inhibitors ended in failure due to poor selectivity, cellular activity, or pharmacokinetic issues. There are researchers questioning the reliability of PAK4 as a drug target, particularly PAK4-related therapy is concerned with the distinguishment of the non-kinase functions and catalytic functions triggered by PAK4 phosphorylation. Meanwhile, synergistic effects of PAK4 inhibitors with PD-1/PD-L1 and CAR-T immunotherapy shed light for the development of PAK4 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanxun Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Peilu Song
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yinli Gao
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Lanlan Shen
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Hanqin Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jian Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Maosheng Cheng
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
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Unraveling the Molecular Tumor-Promoting Regulation of Cofilin-1 in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13040725. [PMID: 33578795 PMCID: PMC7916621 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Unraveling the mechanistic regulations that influence tumor behavior is an important step towards treatment. However, in vitro studies capture only small parts of the complex signaling cascades leading to tumor development. Mechanistic modeling, instead, allows a more holistic view of complex signaling pathways and their crosstalk. These models are able to suggest mechanistic regulations that can be validated by targeted and thus more cost-effective experiments. This article presents a logical model of pancreatic cancer cells with high cofilin-1 expression. The model includes migratory, proliferative, and apoptotic pathways as well as their crosstalk. Based on this model, mechanistic regulations affecting tumor promotion could be unraveled. Moreover, it was applied to screen for new therapeutic targets. The development of resistance mechanisms is a common limitation of cancer therapies. Therefore, new approaches are needed to identify optimal treatments. One is suggested in this article, indicating the surface protein CD44 as a promising target. Abstract Cofilin-1 (CFL1) overexpression in pancreatic cancer correlates with high invasiveness and shorter survival. Besides a well-documented role in actin remodeling, additional cellular functions of CFL1 remain poorly understood. Here, we unraveled molecular tumor-promoting functions of CFL1 in pancreatic cancer. For this purpose, we first show that a knockdown of CFL1 results in reduced growth and proliferation rates in vitro and in vivo, while apoptosis is not induced. By mechanistic modeling we were able to predict the underlying regulation. Model simulations indicate that an imbalance in actin remodeling induces overexpression and activation of CFL1 by acting on transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) and aurora kinase A (AURKA). Moreover, we could predict that CFL1 impacts proliferation and apoptosis via the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). These initial model-based regulations could be substantiated by studying protein levels in pancreatic cancer cell lines and human datasets. Finally, we identified the surface protein CD44 as a promising therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer patients with high CFL1 expression.
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Foxall E, Staszowska A, Hirvonen LM, Georgouli M, Ciccioli M, Rimmer A, Williams L, Calle Y, Sanz-Moreno V, Cox S, Jones GE, Wells CM. PAK4 Kinase Activity Plays a Crucial Role in the Podosome Ring of Myeloid Cells. Cell Rep 2020; 29:3385-3393.e6. [PMID: 31825823 PMCID: PMC6915307 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
p21-Activated kinase 4 (PAK4), a serine/threonine kinase, is purported to localize to podosomes: transient adhesive structures that degrade the extracellular matrix to facilitate rapid myeloid cell migration. We find that treatment of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)-differentiated monocytic (THP-1) cells with a PAK4-targeted inhibitor significantly reduces podosome formation and induces the formation of focal adhesions. This switch in adhesions confers a diminution of matrix degradation and reduced cell migration. Furthermore, reduced PAK4 expression causes a significant reduction in podosome number that cannot be rescued by kinase-dead PAK4, supporting a kinase-dependent role. Concomitant with PAK4 depletion, phosphorylation of Akt is perturbed, whereas a specific phospho-Akt signal is detected within the podosomes. Using superresolution analysis, we find that PAK4 specifically localizes in the podosome ring, nearer to the actin core than other ring proteins. We propose PAK4 kinase activity intersects with the Akt pathway at the podosome ring:core interface to drive regulation of macrophage podosome turnover.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Foxall
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Adela Staszowska
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Liisa M Hirvonen
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Mirella Georgouli
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Alexander Rimmer
- School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Lynn Williams
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
| | - Yolanda Calle
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Roehampton, London, UK
| | - Victoria Sanz-Moreno
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, London, UK; Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Susan Cox
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Gareth E Jones
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Claire M Wells
- School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, London, UK.
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15
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Clayton NS, Ridley AJ. Targeting Rho GTPase Signaling Networks in Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:222. [PMID: 32309283 PMCID: PMC7145979 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
As key regulators of cytoskeletal dynamics, Rho GTPases coordinate a wide range of cellular processes, including cell polarity, cell migration, and cell cycle progression. The adoption of a pro-migratory phenotype enables cancer cells to invade the stroma surrounding the primary tumor and move toward and enter blood or lymphatic vessels. Targeting these early events could reduce the progression to metastatic disease, the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Rho GTPases play a key role in the formation of dynamic actin-rich membrane protrusions and the turnover of cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix adhesions required for efficient cancer cell invasion. Here, we discuss the roles of Rho GTPases in cancer, their validation as therapeutic targets and the challenges of developing clinically viable Rho GTPase inhibitors. We review other therapeutic targets in the wider Rho GTPase signaling network and focus on the four best characterized effector families: p21-activated kinases (PAKs), Rho-associated protein kinases (ROCKs), atypical protein kinase Cs (aPKCs), and myotonic dystrophy kinase-related Cdc42-binding kinases (MRCKs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha S Clayton
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Anne J Ridley
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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16
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Abril-Rodriguez G, Torrejon DY, Liu W, Zaretsky JM, Nowicki TS, Tsoi J, Puig-Saus C, Baselga-Carretero I, Medina E, Quist MJ, Garcia AJ, Senapedis W, Baloglu E, Kalbasi A, Cheung-Lau G, Berent-Maoz B, Comin-Anduix B, Hu-Lieskovan S, Wang CY, Grasso CS, Ribas A. PAK4 inhibition improves PD-1 blockade immunotherapy. NATURE CANCER 2019; 1:46-58. [PMID: 34368780 PMCID: PMC8340852 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-019-0003-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Lack of tumor infiltration by immune cells is the main mechanism of primary resistance to programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) blockade therapies for cancer. It has been postulated that cancer cell-intrinsic mechanisms may actively exclude T cells from tumors, suggesting that the finding of actionable molecules that could be inhibited to increase T cell infiltration may synergize with checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy. Here, we show that p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) is enriched in non-responding tumor biopsies with low T cell and dendritic cell infiltration. In mouse models, genetic deletion of PAK4 increased T cell infiltration and reversed resistance to PD-1 blockade in a CD8 T cell-dependent manner. Furthermore, combination of anti-PD-1 with the PAK4 inhibitor KPT-9274 improved anti-tumor response compared with anti-PD-1 alone. Therefore, high PAK4 expression is correlated with low T cell and dendritic cell infiltration and a lack of response to PD-1 blockade, which could be reversed with PAK4 inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Abril-Rodriguez
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Davis Y Torrejon
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Wei Liu
- Laboratory of Molecular Signaling, Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jesse M Zaretsky
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Theodore S Nowicki
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Jennifer Tsoi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Cristina Puig-Saus
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ignacio Baselga-Carretero
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Egmidio Medina
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michael J Quist
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Alejandro J Garcia
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Anusha Kalbasi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Gardenia Cheung-Lau
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Beata Berent-Maoz
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Begoña Comin-Anduix
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Siwen Hu-Lieskovan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Cun-Yu Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Signaling, Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Catherine S Grasso
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Antoni Ribas
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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17
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Grebeňová D, Holoubek A, Röselová P, Obr A, Brodská B, Kuželová K. PAK1, PAK1Δ15, and PAK2: similarities, differences and mutual interactions. Sci Rep 2019; 9:17171. [PMID: 31748572 PMCID: PMC6868145 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-53665-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
P21-activated kinases (PAK) are key effectors of the small GTPases Rac1 and Cdc42, as well as of Src family kinases. In particular, PAK1 has several well-documented roles, both kinase-dependent and kinase-independent, in cancer-related processes, such as cell proliferation, adhesion, and migration. However, PAK1 properties and functions have not been attributed to individual PAK1 isoforms: besides the full-length kinase (PAK1-full), a splicing variant lacking the exon 15 (PAK1Δ15) is annotated in protein databases. In addition, it is not clear if PAK1 and PAK2 are functionally overlapping. Using fluorescently tagged forms of human PAK1-full, PAK1Δ15, and PAK2, we analyzed their intracellular localization and mutual interactions. Effects of PAK inhibition (IPA-3, FRAX597) or depletion (siRNA) on cell-surface adhesion were monitored by real-time microimpedance measurement. Both PAK1Δ15 and PAK2, but not PAK1-full, were enriched in focal adhesions, indicating that the C-terminus might be important for PAK intracellular localization. Using coimmunoprecipitation, we documented direct interactions among the studied PAK group I members: PAK1 and PAK2 form homodimers, but all possible heterocomplexes were also detected. Interaction of PAK1Δ15 or PAK2 with PAK1-full was associated with extensive PAK1Δ15/PAK2 cleavage. The impedance measurements indicate, that PAK2 depletion slows down cell attachment to a surface, and that PAK1-full is involved in cell spreading. Altogether, our data suggest a complex interplay among different PAK group I members, which have non-redundant functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Grebeňová
- Department of Proteomics, Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, U Nemocnice 1, 128 20, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Aleš Holoubek
- Department of Proteomics, Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, U Nemocnice 1, 128 20, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavla Röselová
- Department of Proteomics, Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, U Nemocnice 1, 128 20, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Adam Obr
- Department of Proteomics, Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, U Nemocnice 1, 128 20, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Brodská
- Department of Proteomics, Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, U Nemocnice 1, 128 20, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Kuželová
- Department of Proteomics, Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, U Nemocnice 1, 128 20, Prague, Czech Republic.
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18
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Ubiquitination and Long Non-coding RNAs Regulate Actin Cytoskeleton Regulators in Cancer Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20122997. [PMID: 31248165 PMCID: PMC6627692 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20122997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 06/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Actin filaments are a major component of the cytoskeleton in eukaryotic cells and play an important role in cancer metastasis. Dynamics and reorganization of actin filaments are regulated by numerous regulators, including Rho GTPases, PAKs (p21-activated kinases), ROCKs (Rho-associated coiled-coil containing kinases), LIMKs (LIM domain kinases), and SSH1 (slingshot family protein phosphate 1). Ubiquitination, as a ubiquitous post-transcriptional modification, deceases protein levels of actin cytoskeleton regulatory factors and thereby modulates the actin cytoskeleton. There is increasing evidence showing cytoskeleton regulation by long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in cancer metastasis. However, which E3 ligases are activated for the ubiquitination of actin-cytoskeleton regulators involved in tumor metastasis remains to be fully elucidated. Moreover, it is not clear how lncRNAs influence the expression of actin cytoskeleton regulators. Here, we summarize physiological and pathological mechanisms of lncRNAs and ubiquitination control mediators of actin cytoskeleton regulators which that are involved in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Finally, we briefly discuss crosstalk between ubiquitination and lncRNA control mediators of actin-cytoskeleton regulators in cancer.
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19
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P21 activated kinase signaling in cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2019; 54:40-49. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2018.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Revised: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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20
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Invadopodia are chemosensing protrusions that guide cancer cell extravasation to promote brain tropism in metastasis. Oncogene 2019; 38:3598-3615. [PMID: 30651600 PMCID: PMC6756237 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-018-0667-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Invadopodia are cell protrusions that mediate cancer cell extravasation but the microenvironmental cues and signaling factors that induce invadopodia formation during extravasation remain unclear. Using intravital imaging and loss of function experiments, we determined invadopodia contain receptors involved in chemotaxis, namely GABA receptor and EGFR. These chemotaxis capabilities are mediated in part by PAK1 which controls invadopodia responsiveness to ligands such as GABA and EGF via assembly, stability, and turnover of invadopodia in vivo. PAK1 knockdown rendered cells unresponsive to chemotactic stimuli present in the stroma, resulting in dramatically lower rates of cancer cell extravasation and metastatic colony formation compared to stimulated cancer cells. In an experimental mouse model of brain metastasis, inhibition of PAK1 significantly reduced overall tumor burden and reduced the average size of brain metastases. In summary, invadopodia contain chemotaxis receptors that can respond to microenvironmental cues to guide cancer cell extravasation, and when PAK1 is depleted, brain tropism of metastatic breast cancer cells is significantly reduced, blocking secondary colony growth at sites otherwise permissive for metastatic outgrowth.
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21
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LaPak KM, Vroom DC, Garg AA, Guan X, Hays JL, Song JW, Burd CE. Melanoma-associated mutants within the serine-rich domain of PAK5 direct kinase activity to mitogenic pathways. Oncotarget 2018; 9:25386-25401. [PMID: 29875996 PMCID: PMC5986637 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.25356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The overexpression and hyperactivity of p21-activated serine/threonine kinases (PAKs) is known to facilitate tumorigenesis; however, the contribution of cancer-associated PAK mutations to tumor initiation and progression remains unclear. Here, we identify p21-activated serine/threonine kinase 5 (PAK5) as the most frequently altered PAK family member in human melanoma. More than 60% of melanoma-associated PAK5 gene alterations are missense mutations, and distribution of these variants throughout the protein coding sequence make it difficult to distinguish oncogenic drivers from passengers. To address this issue, we stably introduced the five most common melanoma-associated PAK5 missense mutations into human immortalized primary melanocytes (hMELTs). While expression of these mutants did not promote single-cell migration or induce temozolomide resistance, a subset of variants drove aberrant melanocyte proliferation. These mitogenic mutants, PAK5 S364L and D421N, clustered within an unstructured, serine-rich domain of the protein and inappropriately activated ERK and PKA through kinase-independent and -dependent mechanisms, respectively. Together, our findings establish the ability of mutant PAK5 to enhance PKA and MAPK signaling in melanocytes and localize the engagement of mitogenic pathways to a serine-rich region of PAK5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle M LaPak
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Dennis C Vroom
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ayush A Garg
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Xiangnan Guan
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - John L Hays
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jonathan W Song
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Christin E Burd
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.,Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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22
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Lawson CD, Ridley AJ. Rho GTPase signaling complexes in cell migration and invasion. J Cell Biol 2018; 217:447-457. [PMID: 29233866 PMCID: PMC5800797 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201612069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 326] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Revised: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell migration is dependent on the dynamic formation and disassembly of actin filament-based structures, including lamellipodia, filopodia, invadopodia, and membrane blebs, as well as on cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix adhesions. These processes all involve Rho family small guanosine triphosphatases (GTPases), which are regulated by the opposing actions of guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) and GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs). Rho GTPase activity needs to be precisely tuned at distinct cellular locations to enable cells to move in response to different environments and stimuli. In this review, we focus on the ability of RhoGEFs and RhoGAPs to form complexes with diverse binding partners, and describe how this influences their ability to control localized GTPase activity in the context of migration and invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Campbell D Lawson
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, London, England, UK
| | - Anne J Ridley
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, London, England, UK
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23
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Donnelly SK, Cabrera R, Mao SPH, Christin JR, Wu B, Guo W, Bravo-Cordero JJ, Condeelis JS, Segall JE, Hodgson L. Rac3 regulates breast cancer invasion and metastasis by controlling adhesion and matrix degradation. J Cell Biol 2017; 216:4331-4349. [PMID: 29061650 PMCID: PMC5716284 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201704048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Revised: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The initial step of metastasis is the local invasion of tumor cells into the surrounding tissue. Invadopodia are actin-based protrusions that mediate the matrix degradation necessary for invasion and metastasis of tumor cells. We demonstrate that Rac3 GTPase is critical for integrating the adhesion of invadopodia to the extracellular matrix (ECM) with their ability to degrade the ECM in breast tumor cells. We identify two pathways at invadopodia important for integrin activation and delivery of matrix metalloproteinases: through the upstream recruiter CIB1 as well as the downstream effector GIT1. Rac3 activity, at and surrounding invadopodia, is controlled by Vav2 and βPIX. These guanine nucleotide exchange factors regulate the spatiotemporal dynamics of Rac3 activity, impacting GIT1 localization. Moreover, the GTPase-activating function of GIT1 toward the vesicular trafficking regulator Arf6 GTPase is required for matrix degradation. Importantly, Rac3 regulates the ability of tumor cells to metastasize in vivo. The Rac3-dependent mechanisms we show in this study are critical for balancing proteolytic activity and adhesive activity to achieve a maximally invasive phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara K Donnelly
- Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY.,Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Ramon Cabrera
- Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Serena P H Mao
- Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - John R Christin
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Bin Wu
- Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | - Wenjun Guo
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Jose Javier Bravo-Cordero
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine, Tisch Cancer Institute at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - John S Condeelis
- Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY.,Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Jeffrey E Segall
- Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY.,Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Louis Hodgson
- Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY .,Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
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24
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Zhao M, Spiess M, Johansson HJ, Olofsson H, Hu J, Lehtiö J, Strömblad S. Identification of the PAK4 interactome reveals PAK4 phosphorylation of N-WASP and promotion of Arp2/3-dependent actin polymerization. Oncotarget 2017; 8:77061-77074. [PMID: 29100370 PMCID: PMC5652764 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.20352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) regulates cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell motility and F-actin remodeling, but the PAK4 interactome has not been systematically analyzed. Here, we comprehensively characterized the human PAK4 interactome by iTRAQ quantitative mass spectrometry of PAK4-immunoprecipitations. Consistent with its multiple reported functions, the PAK4 interactome was enriched in diverse protein networks, including the 14-3-3, proteasome, replication fork, CCT and Arp2/3 complexes. Because PAK4 co-immunoprecipitated most subunits of the Arp2/3 complex, we hypothesized that PAK4 may play a role in Arp2/3 dependent actin regulation. Indeed, we found that PAK4 interacts with and phosphorylates the nucleation promoting factor N-WASP at Ser484/Ser485 and promotes Arp2/3-dependent actin polymerization in vitro. Also, PAK4 ablation in vivo reduced N-WASP Ser484/Ser485 phosphorylation and altered the cellular balance between G- and F-actin as well as the actin organization. By presenting the PAK4 interactome, we here provide a powerful resource for further investigations and as proof of principle, we also indicate a novel mechanism by which PAK4 regulates actin cytoskeleton remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Zhao
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Matthias Spiess
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Henrik J Johansson
- Cancer Proteomics Mass Spectrometry, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Helene Olofsson
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jianjiang Hu
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Janne Lehtiö
- Cancer Proteomics Mass Spectrometry, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Staffan Strömblad
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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25
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Nicholas NS, Pipili A, Lesjak MS, Wells CM. Differential role for PAK1 and PAK4 during the invadopodia lifecycle. Small GTPases 2017; 10:289-295. [PMID: 28301299 DOI: 10.1080/21541248.2017.1295830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
PAK1 and PAK4 are members of the p-21 activated kinase family of serine/threonine kinases. PAK1 has previously been implicated in both the formation and disassembly of invasive cell protrusions, termed invadopodia. We recently reported a novel role for PAK4 during invadopodia maturation and confirmed a specific role for PAK1 in invadopodia formation; findings we will review here. Moreover, we found that PAK4 induction of maturation is delivered via interaction with the RhoA regulator PDZ-RhoGEF. We can now reveal that loss of PAK4 expression leads to changes in invadopodia dynamics. Ultimately we propose that PAK4 but not PAK1 is a key mediator of RhoA activity and provide further evidence that modulation of PAK4 expression levels leads to changes in RhoA activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole S Nicholas
- a Division of Cancer Studies , New Hunts House, Guy's Campus, King's College London , London , UK.,b National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre, Guy's and St Thomas's Hospital and King's College London , London , UK
| | - Aikaterini Pipili
- a Division of Cancer Studies , New Hunts House, Guy's Campus, King's College London , London , UK.,b National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre, Guy's and St Thomas's Hospital and King's College London , London , UK
| | - Michaela S Lesjak
- a Division of Cancer Studies , New Hunts House, Guy's Campus, King's College London , London , UK
| | - Claire M Wells
- a Division of Cancer Studies , New Hunts House, Guy's Campus, King's College London , London , UK
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