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Fernandes MT, Yassuda V, Bragança J, Link W, Ferreira BI, De Sousa-Coelho AL. Tribbles Gene Expression Profiles in Colorectal Cancer. GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS 2021; 3:218-236. [DOI: https:/doi.org/10.3390/gidisord3040021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of death due to cancer in the world. Therefore, the identification of novel druggable targets is urgently needed. Tribbles proteins belong to a pseudokinase family, previously recognized in CRC as oncogenes and potential therapeutic targets. Here, we analyzed the expression of TRIB1, TRIB2, and TRIB3 simultaneously in 33 data sets from CRC based on available GEO profiles. We show that all three Tribbles genes are overrepresented in CRC cell lines and primary tumors, though depending on specific features of the CRC samples. Higher expression of TRIB2 in the tumor microenvironment and TRIB3 overexpression in an early stage of CRC development, unveil a potential and unexplored role for these proteins in the context of CRC. Differential Tribbles expression was also explored in diverse cellular experimental conditions where either genetic or pharmacological approaches were used, providing novel hints for future research. This comprehensive bioinformatic analysis provides new insights into Tribbles gene expression and transcript regulation in CRC.
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Tribbles Gene Expression Profiles in Colorectal Cancer. GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/gidisord3040021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of death due to cancer in the world. Therefore, the identification of novel druggable targets is urgently needed. Tribbles proteins belong to a pseudokinase family, previously recognized in CRC as oncogenes and potential therapeutic targets. Here, we analyzed the expression of TRIB1, TRIB2, and TRIB3 simultaneously in 33 data sets from CRC based on available GEO profiles. We show that all three Tribbles genes are overrepresented in CRC cell lines and primary tumors, though depending on specific features of the CRC samples. Higher expression of TRIB2 in the tumor microenvironment and TRIB3 overexpression in an early stage of CRC development, unveil a potential and unexplored role for these proteins in the context of CRC. Differential Tribbles expression was also explored in diverse cellular experimental conditions where either genetic or pharmacological approaches were used, providing novel hints for future research. This comprehensive bioinformatic analysis provides new insights into Tribbles gene expression and transcript regulation in CRC.
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Ferreira BI, Santos B, Link W, De Sousa-Coelho AL. Tribbles Pseudokinases in Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13112825. [PMID: 34198908 PMCID: PMC8201230 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The Tribbles family of pseudokinases controls a wide number of processes during cancer on-set and progression. However, the exact contribution of each of the three family members is still to be defined. Their function appears to be context-dependent as they can act as oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes. They act as scaffolds modulating the activity of several signaling pathways involved in different cellular processes. In this review, we discuss the state-of-knowledge for TRIB1, TRIB2 and TRIB3 in the development and progression of colorectal cancer. We take a perspective look at the role of Tribbles proteins as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Specifically, we chronologically systematized all available articles since 2003 until 2020, for which Tribbles were associated with colorectal cancer human samples or cell lines. Herein, we discuss: (1) Tribbles amplification and overexpression; (2) the clinical significance of Tribbles overexpression; (3) upstream Tribbles gene and protein expression regulation; (4) Tribbles pharmacological modulation; (5) genetic modulation of Tribbles; and (6) downstream mechanisms regulated by Tribbles; establishing a comprehensive timeline, essential to better consolidate the current knowledge of Tribbles' role in colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bibiana I. Ferreira
- Centre for Biomedical Research (CBMR), Campus of Gambelas, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (B.I.F.); (B.S.)
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), Campus de Gambelas, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina e Ciências Biomédicas (FMCB), Campus de Gambelas, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Bruno Santos
- Centre for Biomedical Research (CBMR), Campus of Gambelas, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (B.I.F.); (B.S.)
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), Campus de Gambelas, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Serviço de Anatomia Patológica, Centro Hospital Universitário do Algarve (CHUA), 8000-386 Faro, Portugal
| | - Wolfgang Link
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas “Alberto Sols” (CSIC-UAM), Arturo Duperier 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (W.L.); (A.L.D.S.-C.)
| | - Ana Luísa De Sousa-Coelho
- Centre for Biomedical Research (CBMR), Campus of Gambelas, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (B.I.F.); (B.S.)
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), Campus de Gambelas, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Escola Superior de Saúde (ESS), Campus de Gambelas, Universidade do Algarve, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Correspondence: (W.L.); (A.L.D.S.-C.)
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Mayoral-Varo V, Jiménez L, Link W. The Critical Role of TRIB2 in Cancer and Therapy Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13112701. [PMID: 34070799 PMCID: PMC8198994 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The Tribbles proteins are members of CAMK Ser/Thr protein kinase family. They are evolutionary conserved pseudokinases found in most tissues of eukaryotic organisms. This ubiquitously expressed protein family is characterized by containing a catalytically deficient kinase domain which lacks amino acid residues required for the productive interaction with ATP and metal ions. Tribbles proteins exert their biological functions mainly through direct interaction with MAPKK and AKT proteins, therefore regulating important pathways involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation. Due to the role of MAPKK and AKT signalling in the context of cancer development, Tribbles proteins have been recently considered as biomarkers of cancer progression. Furthermore, as the atypical pseudokinase domain retains a binding platform for substrates, Tribbles targeting provides an attractive opportunity for drug development. Abstract The Tribbles pseudokinases family consists of TRIB1, TRIB2, TRIB3 and STK40 and, although evolutionarily conserved, they have distinctive characteristics. Tribbles members are expressed in a context and cell compartment-dependent manner. For example, TRIB1 and TRIB2 have potent oncogenic activities in vertebrate cells. Since the identification of Tribbles proteins as modulators of multiple signalling pathways, recent studies have linked their expression with several pathologies, including cancer. Tribbles proteins act as protein adaptors involved in the ubiquitin-proteasome degradation system, as they bridge the gap between substrates and E3 ligases. Between TRIB family members, TRIB2 is the most ancestral member of the family. TRIB2 is involved in protein homeostasis regulation of C/EBPα, β-catenin and TCF4. On the other hand, TRIB2 interacts with MAPKK, AKT and NFkB proteins, involved in cell survival, proliferation and immune response. Here, we review the characteristic features of TRIB2 structure and signalling and its role in many cancer subtypes with an emphasis on TRIB2 function in therapy resistance in melanoma, leukemia and glioblastoma. The strong evidence between TRIB2 expression and chemoresistance provides an attractive opportunity for targeting TRIB2.
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Fang Y, Zekiy AO, Ghaedrahmati F, Timoshin A, Farzaneh M, Anbiyaiee A, Khoshnam SE. Tribbles homolog 2 (Trib2), a pseudo serine/threonine kinase in tumorigenesis and stem cell fate decisions. Cell Commun Signal 2021; 19:41. [PMID: 33794905 PMCID: PMC8015142 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-021-00725-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The family of Tribbles proteins play many critical nonenzymatic roles and regulate a wide range of key signaling pathways. Tribbles homolog 2 (Trib2) is a pseudo serine/threonine kinase that functions as a scaffold or adaptor in various physiological and pathological processes. Trib2 can interact with E3 ubiquitin ligases and control protein stability of downstream effectors. This protein is induced by mitogens and enhances the propagation of several cancer cells, including myeloid leukemia, liver, lung, skin, bone, brain, and pancreatic. Thus, Trib2 can be a predictive and valuable biomarker for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Recent studies have illustrated that Trib2 plays a major role in cell fate determination of stem cells. Stem cells have the capacity to self-renew and differentiate into specific cell types. Stem cells are important sources for cell-based regenerative medicine and drug screening. Trib2 has been found to increase the self-renewal ability of embryonic stem cells, the reprogramming efficiency of somatic cells, and chondrogenesis. In this review, we will focus on the recent advances of Trib2 function in tumorigenesis and stem cell fate decisions. Video abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Fang
- Anyang Center for Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Anyang Normal University, Anyang, 455000, Henan, People's Republic of China. .,Key Laboratory of New Opto-Electronic Functional Materials of Henan Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Anyang Normal University, Anyang, 455000, Henan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Angelina Olegovna Zekiy
- Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Farhoodeh Ghaedrahmati
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | | | - Maryam Farzaneh
- Fertility, Infertility and Perinatology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Amir Anbiyaiee
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, 61357-15794, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Seyed Esmaeil Khoshnam
- Persian Gulf Physiology Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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Machado S, Silva A, De Sousa-Coelho AL, Duarte I, Grenho I, Santos B, Mayoral-Varo V, Megias D, Sánchez-Cabo F, Dopazo A, Ferreira BI, Link W. Harmine and Piperlongumine Revert TRIB2-Mediated Drug Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12123689. [PMID: 33316942 PMCID: PMC7763856 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Poor survival and treatment failure of patients with cancer are mainly due to resistance to therapy. Tribbles homologue 2 (TRIB2) has recently been identified as a protein that promotes resistance to several anti-cancer drugs. In this study, RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis were used with the aim of characterizing the impact of TRIB2 on the expression of genes and developing pharmacological strategies to revert these TRIB2-mediated changes, thereby overcoming therapy resistance. We show that two naturally occurring alkaloids, harmine and piperlongumine, inverse the gene expression profile produced by TRIB2 and sensitize cancer cells to anti-cancer drugs. Our data suggest that harmine and piperlongumine or similar compounds might have the potential to overcome TRIB2-mediated therapy resistance in cancer patients. Abstract Therapy resistance is responsible for most relapses in patients with cancer and is the major challenge to improving the clinical outcome. The pseudokinase Tribbles homologue 2 (TRIB2) has been characterized as an important driver of resistance to several anti-cancer drugs, including the dual ATP-competitive PI3K and mTOR inhibitor dactolisib (BEZ235). TRIB2 promotes AKT activity, leading to the inactivation of FOXO transcription factors, which are known to mediate the cell response to antitumor drugs. To characterize the downstream events of TRIB2 activity, we analyzed the gene expression profiles of isogenic cell lines with different TRIB2 statuses by RNA sequencing. Using a connectivity map-based computational approach, we identified drug-induced gene-expression profiles that invert the TRIB2-associated expression profile. In particular, the natural alkaloids harmine and piperlongumine not only produced inverse gene expression profiles but also synergistically increased BEZ235-induced cell toxicity. Importantly, both agents promote FOXO nuclear translocation without interfering with the nuclear export machinery and induce the transcription of FOXO target genes. Our results highlight the great potential of this approach for drug repurposing and suggest that harmine and piperlongumine or similar compounds might be useful in the clinic to overcome TRIB2-mediated therapy resistance in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Machado
- Centre for Biomedical Research (CBMR), Universidade do Algarve, Campus of Gambelas, Building 8, Room 1.12, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (S.M.); (A.S.); (A.L.D.S.-C.); (I.D.); (I.G.); (B.S.)
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Andreia Silva
- Centre for Biomedical Research (CBMR), Universidade do Algarve, Campus of Gambelas, Building 8, Room 1.12, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (S.M.); (A.S.); (A.L.D.S.-C.); (I.D.); (I.G.); (B.S.)
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Ana Luísa De Sousa-Coelho
- Centre for Biomedical Research (CBMR), Universidade do Algarve, Campus of Gambelas, Building 8, Room 1.12, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (S.M.); (A.S.); (A.L.D.S.-C.); (I.D.); (I.G.); (B.S.)
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Isabel Duarte
- Centre for Biomedical Research (CBMR), Universidade do Algarve, Campus of Gambelas, Building 8, Room 1.12, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (S.M.); (A.S.); (A.L.D.S.-C.); (I.D.); (I.G.); (B.S.)
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Inês Grenho
- Centre for Biomedical Research (CBMR), Universidade do Algarve, Campus of Gambelas, Building 8, Room 1.12, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (S.M.); (A.S.); (A.L.D.S.-C.); (I.D.); (I.G.); (B.S.)
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Bruno Santos
- Centre for Biomedical Research (CBMR), Universidade do Algarve, Campus of Gambelas, Building 8, Room 1.12, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (S.M.); (A.S.); (A.L.D.S.-C.); (I.D.); (I.G.); (B.S.)
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Victor Mayoral-Varo
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas “Alberto Sols” (CSIC-UAM), Arturo Duperier 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Diego Megias
- Confocal Microscopy Unit, Biotechnology Program, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), 28029 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Fátima Sánchez-Cabo
- Vascular Pathophysiology Area, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), 28029 Madrid, Spain; (F.S.-C.); (A.D.)
| | - Ana Dopazo
- Vascular Pathophysiology Area, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), 28029 Madrid, Spain; (F.S.-C.); (A.D.)
| | - Bibiana I. Ferreira
- Centre for Biomedical Research (CBMR), Universidade do Algarve, Campus of Gambelas, Building 8, Room 1.12, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; (S.M.); (A.S.); (A.L.D.S.-C.); (I.D.); (I.G.); (B.S.)
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Medicine, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- Correspondence: (B.I.F.); (W.L.)
| | - Wolfgang Link
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas “Alberto Sols” (CSIC-UAM), Arturo Duperier 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain;
- Correspondence: (B.I.F.); (W.L.)
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7
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Sarrou E, Richmond L, Carmody RJ, Gibson B, Keeshan K. CRISPR Gene Editing of Murine Blood Stem and Progenitor Cells Induces MLL-AF9 Chromosomal Translocation and MLL-AF9 Leukaemogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21124266. [PMID: 32549410 PMCID: PMC7352880 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromosomal rearrangements of the mixed lineage leukaemia (MLL, also known as KMT2A) gene on chromosome 11q23 are amongst the most common genetic abnormalities observed in human acute leukaemias. MLL rearrangements (MLLr) are the most common cytogenetic abnormalities in infant and childhood acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and acute lymphocytic leukaemia (ALL) and do not normally acquire secondary mutations compared to other leukaemias. To model these leukaemias, we have used clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 gene editing to induce MLL-AF9 (MA9) chromosomal rearrangements in murine hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell lines and primary cells. By utilizing a dual-single guide RNA (sgRNA) approach targeting the breakpoint cluster region of murine Mll and Af9 equivalent to that in human MA9 rearrangements, we show efficient de novo generation of MA9 fusion product at the DNA and RNA levels in the bulk population. The leukaemic features of MA9-induced disease were observed including increased clonogenicity, enrichment of c-Kit-positive leukaemic stem cells and increased MA9 target gene expression. This approach provided a rapid and reliable means of de novo generation of Mll-Af9 genetic rearrangements in murine haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), using CRISPR/Cas9 technology to produce a cellular model of MA9 leukaemias which faithfully reproduces many features of the human disease in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgenia Sarrou
- Paul O’Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 0YN, UK; (E.S.); (L.R.)
| | - Laura Richmond
- Paul O’Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 0YN, UK; (E.S.); (L.R.)
| | - Ruaidhrí J. Carmody
- Centre for Immunobiology, Institute of Infection, Immunity & Inflammation, College of Medicine, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK;
| | | | - Karen Keeshan
- Paul O’Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 0YN, UK; (E.S.); (L.R.)
- Correspondence:
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8
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Morgan R, Pandha HS. PBX3 in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12020431. [PMID: 32069812 PMCID: PMC7072649 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12020431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
PBX3 is a homeodomain-containing transcription factor of the pre-B cell leukemia (PBX) family, members of which have extensive roles in early development and some adult processes. A number of features distinguish PBX3 from other PBX proteins, including the ability to form specific and stable interactions with DNA in the absence of cofactors. PBX3 has frequently been reported as having a role in the development and maintenance of a malignant phenotype, and high levels of PBX3 tumor expression have been linked to shorter overall survival in cancer. In this review we consider the similarities and differences in the function of PBX3 in different cancer types and draw together the core signaling pathways involved to help provide a better insight into its potential as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Morgan
- Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford BD7 1DP, UK
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-1274-233225; Fax: +44-1274-233234
| | - Hardev S Pandha
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK;
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9
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Richmond L, Keeshan K. Pseudokinases: a tribble-edged sword. FEBS J 2019; 287:4170-4182. [PMID: 31621188 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Advances in the understanding of the Tribbles family of pseudokinases (TRIB1, TRIB2 and TRIB3) reveal these proteins as potentially valuable biomarkers of disease diagnosis, prognosis, prediction and clinical strategy. In their role as signalling mediators and scaffolding proteins, TRIBs lead to changes in protein stability and activity, which impact on diverse cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, cell cycle and cell death. We review the role of TRIB proteins as promising therapeutic targets, with an emphasis on their role in cancer, and as biomarkers, with potential application across diverse pathological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Richmond
- Paul O'Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - Karen Keeshan
- Paul O'Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK
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Highlights of the 2nd International Symposium on Tribbles and Diseases: tribbles tremble in therapeutics for immunity, metabolism, fundamental cell biology and cancer. Acta Pharm Sin B 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2018.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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11
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Foulkes DM, Byrne DP, Yeung W, Shrestha S, Bailey FP, Ferries S, Eyers CE, Keeshan K, Wells C, Drewry DH, Zuercher WJ, Kannan N, Eyers PA. Covalent inhibitors of EGFR family protein kinases induce degradation of human Tribbles 2 (TRIB2) pseudokinase in cancer cells. Sci Signal 2018; 11:11/549/eaat7951. [PMID: 30254057 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aat7951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
A major challenge associated with biochemical and cellular analysis of pseudokinases is a lack of target-validated small-molecule compounds with which to probe function. Tribbles 2 (TRIB2) is a cancer-associated pseudokinase with a diverse interactome, including the canonical AKT signaling module. There is substantial evidence that human TRIB2 promotes survival and drug resistance in solid tumors and blood cancers and therefore is of interest as a therapeutic target. The unusual TRIB2 pseudokinase domain contains a unique cysteine-rich C-helix and interacts with a conserved peptide motif in its own carboxyl-terminal tail, which also supports its interaction with E3 ubiquitin ligases. We found that TRIB2 is a target of previously described small-molecule protein kinase inhibitors, which were originally designed to inhibit the canonical kinase domains of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase family members. Using a thermal shift assay, we discovered TRIB2-binding compounds within the Published Kinase Inhibitor Set (PKIS) and used a drug repurposing approach to classify compounds that either stabilized or destabilized TRIB2 in vitro. TRIB2 destabilizing agents, including the covalent drug afatinib, led to rapid TRIB2 degradation in human AML cancer cells, eliciting tractable effects on signaling and survival. Our data reveal new drug leads for the development of TRIB2-degrading compounds, which will also be invaluable for unraveling the cellular mechanisms of TRIB2-based signaling. Our study highlights that small molecule-induced protein down-regulation through drug "off-targets" might be relevant for other inhibitors that serendipitously target pseudokinases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M Foulkes
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Dominic P Byrne
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Wayland Yeung
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Safal Shrestha
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Fiona P Bailey
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Samantha Ferries
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK.,Centre for Proteome Research, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Claire E Eyers
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK.,Centre for Proteome Research, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Karen Keeshan
- Paul O'Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Carrow Wells
- Structural Genomics Consortium, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - David H Drewry
- Structural Genomics Consortium, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - William J Zuercher
- Structural Genomics Consortium, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Natarajan Kannan
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Patrick A Eyers
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK.
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12
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Salomé M, Hopcroft L, Keeshan K. Inverse and correlative relationships between TRIBBLES genes indicate non-redundant functions during normal and malignant hemopoiesis. Exp Hematol 2018; 66:63-78.e13. [PMID: 30031847 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2018.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
TRIBBLES pseudokinases (TRIB1, TRIB2, and TRIB3) are important regulators of normal and malignant hemopoiesis. The relative abundance of each TRIBBLES family member may be important for distinct oncogenic or tumor suppressor functions. We map the expression profiles of TRIB1, TRIB2, and TRIB3 in human and murine hemopoietic stem, progenitor and mature cells, and in human leukemia datasets. Our data show that TRIB1-TRIB2 have an inverse expression relationship in normal hemopoiesis, whereas TRIB1-TRIB3 have a positive correlation. We reveal that TRIB3 expression is high in the dormant hemopoietic stem cell (HSC) population, implicating a novel role for TRIB3 in stem cell quiescence. These analyses support a non-redundant role for each TRIBBLES member during normal hemopoietic differentiation. We show that TRIB1-TRIB2 display a significant negative correlation in myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) subtypes, but not in acute lymphoid leukemia. This inverse relationship is specific to certain subtypes of AML. A positive correlation exists in different leukemia subtypes between TRIB1-TRIB3. The TRIB1-TRIB2 and TRIB1-TRIB3 correlations are consistent with a correlative relationship with C/EBP transcription factor family members. Our results have implications for the development of strategies to therapeutically target these genes in different types of leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Salomé
- Paul O'Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Lisa Hopcroft
- Paul O'Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Karen Keeshan
- Paul O'Gorman Leukaemia Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Scotland, UK.
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A Trib2-p38 axis controls myeloid leukaemia cell cycle and stress response signalling. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:443. [PMID: 29670085 PMCID: PMC5906628 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-0467-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Trib2 pseudokinase is involved in the etiology of a number of cancers including leukaemia, melanoma, ovarian, lung and liver cancer. Both high and low Trib2 expression levels correlate with different types of cancer. Elevated Trib2 expression has oncogenic properties in both leukaemia and lung cancer dependent on interactions with proteasome machinery proteins and degradation of transcription factors. Here, we demonstrated that Trib2 deficiency conferred a growth and survival advantage both at steady state and in stress conditions in leukaemia cells. In response to stress, wild type leukaemia cells exited the cell cycle and underwent apoptosis. In contrast, Trib2 deficient leukaemia cells continued to enter mitosis and survive. We showed that Trib2 deficient leukaemia cells had defective MAPK p38 signalling, which associated with a reduced γ-H2Ax and Chk1 stress signalling response, and continued proliferation following stress, associated with inefficient activation of cell cycle inhibitors p21, p16 and p19. Furthermore, Trib2 deficient leukaemia cells were more resistant to chemotherapy than wild type leukaemia cells, having less apoptosis and continued propagation. Trib2 re-expression or pharmacological activation of p38 in Trib2 deficient leukaemia cells sensitised the cells to chemotherapy-induced apoptosis comparable with wild type leukaemia cells. Our data provide evidence for a tumour suppressor role of Trib2 in myeloid leukaemia via activation of p38 stress signalling. This newly identified role indicates that Trib2 may counteract the propagation and chemotherapy resistance of leukaemia cells.
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