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Gilad Y, Shimon O, Han SJ, Lonard DM, O’Malley BW. Steroid receptor coactivators in Treg and Th17 cell biology and function. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1389041. [PMID: 38698860 PMCID: PMC11063348 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1389041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Steroid receptor coactivators (SRCs) are master regulators of transcription that play key roles in human physiology and pathology. SRCs are particularly important for the regulation of the immune system with major roles in lymphocyte fate determination and function, macrophage activity, regulation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) transcriptional activity and other immune system biology. The three members of the p160 SRC family comprise a network of immune-regulatory proteins that can function independently or act in synergy with each other, and compensate for - or moderate - the activity of other SRCs. Recent evidence indicates that the SRCs are key participants in governing numerous aspects of CD4+ T cell biology. Here we review findings that establish the SRCs as essential regulators of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and T helper 17 (Th17) cells, with a focus on their crucial roles in Treg immunity in cancer and Treg-Th17 cell phenotypic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosi Gilad
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- CoRegen, Inc., Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Ortal Shimon
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- CoRegen, Inc., Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Sang Jun Han
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- CoRegen, Inc., Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Nuclear Receptor, Transcription and Chromatin Biology Program, Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - David M. Lonard
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- CoRegen, Inc., Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Nuclear Receptor, Transcription and Chromatin Biology Program, Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Bert W. O’Malley
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- CoRegen, Inc., Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Nuclear Receptor, Transcription and Chromatin Biology Program, Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
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2
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Li X, Xiong H, Mou X, Huang C, Thomas ER, Yu W, Jiang Y, Chen Y. Androgen receptor cofactors: A potential role in understanding prostate cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 173:116338. [PMID: 38417290 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is witnessing a concerning rise in incidence annually, with the androgen receptor (AR) emerging as a pivotal contributor to its growth and progression. Mounting evidence underscores the AR's ability to recruit cofactors, influencing downstream gene transcription and thereby fueling the proliferation and metastasis of PCa cells. Although, clinical strategies involving AR antagonists provide some relief, managing castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) remains a formidable challenge. Thus, the need of the hour lies in unearthing new drugs or therapeutic targets to effectively combat PCa. This review encapsulates the pivotal roles played by coactivators and corepressors of AR, notably androgen receptor-associated protein (ARA) and steroid receptor Coactivators (SRC) in PCa. Our data unveils how these cofactors intricately modulate histone modifications, cell cycling, SUMOylation, and apoptosis through their interactions with AR. Among the array of cofactors scrutinised, such as ARA70β, ARA24, ARA160, ARA55, ARA54, PIAS1, PIAS3, SRC1, SRC2, SRC3, PCAF, p300/CBP, MED1, and CARM1, several exhibit upregulation in PCa. Conversely, other cofactors like ARA70α, PIASy, and NCoR/SMRT demonstrate downregulation. This duality underscores the complexity of AR cofactor dynamics in PCa. Based on our findings, we propose that manipulating cofactor regulation to modulate AR function holds promise as a novel therapeutic avenue against advanced PCa. This paradigm shift offers renewed hope in the quest for effective treatments in the face of CRPC's formidable challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Haojun Xiong
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Xingzhu Mou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China; Department of Dermatology, The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Cancan Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China; Department of Dermatology, The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | | | - Wenjing Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Yu Jiang
- The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China; Department of Dermatology, The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.
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3
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Varisli L, Dancik GM, Tolan V, Vlahopoulos S. Critical Roles of SRC-3 in the Development and Progression of Breast Cancer, Rendering It a Prospective Clinical Target. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5242. [PMID: 37958417 PMCID: PMC10648290 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15215242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BCa) is the most frequently diagnosed malignant tumor in women and is also one of the leading causes of cancer-related death. Most breast tumors are hormone-dependent and estrogen signaling plays a critical role in promoting the survival and malignant behaviors of these cells. Estrogen signaling involves ligand-activated cytoplasmic estrogen receptors that translocate to the nucleus with various co-regulators, such as steroid receptor co-activator (SRC) family members, and bind to the promoters of target genes and regulate their expression. SRC-3 is a member of this family that interacts with, and enhances, the transcriptional activity of the ligand activated estrogen receptor. Although SRC-3 has important roles in normal homeostasis and developmental processes, it has been shown to be amplified and overexpressed in breast cancer and to promote malignancy. The malignancy-promoting potential of SRC-3 is diverse and involves both promoting malignant behavior of tumor cells and creating a tumor microenvironment that has an immunosuppressive phenotype. SRC-3 also inhibits the recruitment of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes with effector function and promotes stemness. Furthermore, SRC-3 is also involved in the development of resistance to hormone therapy and immunotherapy during breast cancer treatment. The versatility of SRC-3 in promoting breast cancer malignancy in this way makes it a good target, and methodical targeting of SRC-3 probably will be important for the success of breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lokman Varisli
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Science Faculty, Dicle University, Diyarbakir 21280, Turkey;
| | - Garrett M. Dancik
- Department of Computer Science, Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic, CT 06226, USA;
| | - Veysel Tolan
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Science Faculty, Dicle University, Diyarbakir 21280, Turkey;
| | - Spiros Vlahopoulos
- First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Thivon & Levadeias 8, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece
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4
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Zhong X, Wu H, Ouyang C, Zhang W, Shi Y, Wang YC, Ann DK, Gwack Y, Shang W, Sun Z. Ncoa2 Promotes CD8+ T cell-Mediated Antitumor Immunity by Stimulating T-cell Activation via Upregulation of PGC-1α Critical for Mitochondrial Function. Cancer Immunol Res 2023; 11:1414-1431. [PMID: 37540802 PMCID: PMC10592187 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-23-0092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Nuclear receptor coactivator 2 (Ncoa2) is a member of the Ncoa family of coactivators, and we previously showed that Ncoa2 regulates the differentiation of induced regulatory T cells. However, it remains unknown if Ncoa2 plays a role in CD8+ T-cell function. Here, we show that Ncoa2 promotes CD8+ T cell-mediated immune responses against tumors by stimulating T-cell activation via upregulating PGC-1α expression to enhance mitochondrial function. Mice deficient in Ncoa2 in T cells (Ncoa2fl/fl/CD4Cre) displayed defective immune responses against implanted MC38 tumors, which associated with significantly reduced tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells and decreased IFNγ production. Consistently, CD8+ T cells from Ncoa2fl/fl/CD4Cre mice failed to reject tumors after adoptive transfer into Rag1-/- mice. Further, in response to TCR stimulation, Ncoa2fl/fl/CD4Cre CD8+ T cells failed to increase mitochondrial mass, showed impaired oxidative phosphorylation, and had lower expression of PGC-1α, a master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis and function. Mechanically, T-cell activation-induced phosphorylation of CREB triggered the recruitment of Ncoa2 to bind to enhancers, thus, stimulating PGC-1α expression. Forced expression of PGC-1α in Ncoa2fl/fl/CD4Cre CD8+ T cells restored mitochondrial function, T-cell activation, IFNγ production, and antitumor immunity. This work informs the development of Ncoa2-based therapies that modulate CD8+ T cell-mediated antitumor immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiancai Zhong
- Department of Immunology & Theranostics, Arthur Riggs Diabetes & Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Hongmin Wu
- Department of Immunology & Theranostics, Arthur Riggs Diabetes & Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Ching Ouyang
- Department of Computational and Quantitative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Wencan Zhang
- Department of Immunology & Theranostics, Arthur Riggs Diabetes & Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Yun Shi
- Department of Immunology & Theranostics, Arthur Riggs Diabetes & Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Yi-Chang Wang
- Department of Diabetes Complication and Metabolism, Arthur Riggs Diabetes & Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - David K. Ann
- Department of Diabetes Complication and Metabolism, Arthur Riggs Diabetes & Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Yousang Gwack
- Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Weirong Shang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Zuoming Sun
- Department of Immunology & Theranostics, Arthur Riggs Diabetes & Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
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5
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Zhang W, Cao X, Zhong X, Wu H, Shi Y, Feng M, Wang YC, Ann D, Gwack Y, Yuan YC, Shang W, Sun Z. SRC2 controls CD4 + T cell activation via stimulating c-Myc-mediated upregulation of amino acid transporter Slc7a5. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2221352120. [PMID: 37094160 PMCID: PMC10160970 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2221352120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
T cell activation stimulates substantially increased protein synthesis activity to accumulate sufficient biomass for cell proliferation. The protein synthesis is fueled by the amino acids transported from the environment. Steroid nuclear receptor coactivator 2 (SRC2) is a member of a family of transcription coactivators. Here, we show that SRC2 recruited by c-Myc enhances CD4+ T cell activation to stimulate immune responses via upregulation of amino acid transporter Slc7a5. Mice deficient of SRC2 in T cells (SRC2fl/fl/CD4Cre) are resistant to the induction of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and susceptible to Citrobacter rodentium (C. rodentium) infection. Adoptive transfer of naive CD4+ T cells from SRC2fl/fl/CD4Cre mice fails to elicit EAE and colitis in Rag1/ recipients. Further, CD4+ T cells from SRC2fl/fl/CD4Cre mice display defective T cell proliferation, cytokine production, and differentiation both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanically, SRC2 functions as a coactivator to work together with c-Myc to stimulate the expression of amino acid transporter Slc7a5 required for T cell activation. Slc7a5 fails to be up-regulated in CD4+ T cells from SRC2fl/fl/CD4Cre mice, and forced expression of Slc7a5 rescues proliferation, cytokine production, and the ability of SRC2fl/fl/CD4Cre CD4+ T cells to induce EAE. Therefore, SRC2 is essential for CD4+ T cell activation and, thus, a potential drug target for controlling CD4+ T cell-mediated autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wencan Zhang
- Department of Immunology & Theranostics, Arthur Riggs Diabetes & Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA91010
| | - Xu Cao
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA91010
| | - Xiancai Zhong
- Department of Immunology & Theranostics, Arthur Riggs Diabetes & Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA91010
| | - Hongmin Wu
- Department of Immunology & Theranostics, Arthur Riggs Diabetes & Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA91010
| | - Yun Shi
- Department of Immunology & Theranostics, Arthur Riggs Diabetes & Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA91010
| | - Mingye Feng
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA91010
| | - Yi-Chang Wang
- Department of Diabetes Complication and Metabolism, Arthur Rigs Diabetes & Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA91010
| | - David Ann
- Department of Diabetes Complication and Metabolism, Arthur Rigs Diabetes & Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA91010
| | - Yousang Gwack
- Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA90095
| | - Yate-Ching Yuan
- Division of Translational Bioinformatic, Bioinformatics Core, City of Hope, Duarte, CA91010
| | - Weirong Shang
- Department of Gynecology and Obsterics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA30322
| | - Zuoming Sun
- Department of Immunology & Theranostics, Arthur Riggs Diabetes & Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA91010
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6
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Gilad Y, Lonard DM, O’Malley BW. Steroid receptor coactivators - their role in immunity. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1079011. [PMID: 36582250 PMCID: PMC9793089 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1079011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Steroid Receptor Coactivators (SRCs) are essential regulators of transcription with a wide range of impact on human physiology and pathology. In immunology, SRCs play multiple roles; they are involved in the regulation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), macrophage (MΦ) activity, lymphoid cells proliferation, development and function, to name just a few. The three SRC family members, SRC-1, SRC-2 and SRC-3, can exert their immunological function either in an independent manner or act in synergy with each other. In certain biological contexts, one SRC family member can compensate for lack of activity of another member, while in other cases one SRC can exert a biological function that competes against the function of another family counterpart. In this review we illustrate the diverse biological functionality of the SRCs with regard to their role in immunity. In the light of recent development of SRC small molecule inhibitors and stimulators, we discuss their potential relevance as modulators of the immunological activity of the SRCs for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosi Gilad
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States,CoRegen, Inc., Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States,*Correspondence: Yosi Gilad, ; David M. Lonard, ; Bert W. O’Malley,
| | - David M. Lonard
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States,CoRegen, Inc., Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States,*Correspondence: Yosi Gilad, ; David M. Lonard, ; Bert W. O’Malley,
| | - Bert W. O’Malley
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States,CoRegen, Inc., Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States,*Correspondence: Yosi Gilad, ; David M. Lonard, ; Bert W. O’Malley,
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7
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Zhong X, Wu H, Zhang W, Gwack Y, Shang W, Lee KO, Isakov N, He Z, Sun Z. Decoupling the role of RORγt in the differentiation and effector function of T H17 cells. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eadc9221. [PMID: 36269826 PMCID: PMC9586477 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adc9221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
RORγt is known to instruct the differentiation of T helper 17 (TH17) cells that mediate the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. However, it remains unknown whether RORγt plays a distinct role in the differentiation and effector function of TH17 cells. Here, we show that mutation of RORγt lysine-256, a ubiquitination site, to arginine (K256R) separates the RORγt role in these two functions. Preventing ubiquitination at K256 via arginine substitution does not affect RORγt-dependent thymocyte development, and TH17 differentiation in vitro and in vivo, however, greatly impaired the pathogenesis of TH17 cell-mediated experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Mechanistically, K256R mutation impairs RORγt to bind to and activate Runx1 expression critical for TH17-mediated EAE. Thus, RORγt regulates the effector function of TH17 cells in addition to TH17 differentiation. This work informs the development of RORγt-based therapies that specifically target the effector function of TH17 cells responsible for autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiancai Zhong
- Department of Immunology and Theranostics, Arthur Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Hongmin Wu
- Department of Immunology and Theranostics, Arthur Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Wencan Zhang
- Department of Immunology and Theranostics, Arthur Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Yousang Gwack
- Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Weirong Shang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Kyle O. Lee
- Eugene and Ruth Roberts Summer Student Academy, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Noah Isakov
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Zhiheng He
- Department of Immunology and Theranostics, Arthur Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Zuoming Sun
- Department of Immunology and Theranostics, Arthur Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
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8
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Zhang W, Cao X, Zhong X, Wu H, Feng M, Gwack Y, Noah I, Sun Z. Steroid nuclear receptor coactivator 2 controls immune tolerance by promoting induced T reg differentiation via up-regulating Nr4a2. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabn7662. [PMID: 35704583 PMCID: PMC9200286 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abn7662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Steroid nuclear receptor coactivator 2 (SRC2) is a member of a family of transcription coactivators. While SRC1 inhibits the differentiation of regulatory T cells (Tregs) critical for establishing immune tolerance, we show here that SRC2 stimulates Treg differentiation. SRC2 is dispensable for the development of thymic Tregs, whereas naive CD4+ T cells from mice deficient of SRC2 specific in Tregs (SRC2fl/fl/Foxp3YFP-Cre) display defective Treg differentiation. Furthermore, the aged SRC2fl/fl/Foxp3YFP-Cre mice spontaneously develop autoimmune phenotypes including enlarged spleen and lung inflammation infiltrated with IFNγ-producing CD4+ T cells. SRC2fl/fl/Foxp3YFP-Cre mice also develop severer experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) due to reduced Tregs. Mechanically, SRC2 recruited by NFAT1 binds to the promoter and activates the expression of Nr4a2, which then stimulates Foxp3 expression to promote Treg differentiation. Members of SRC family coactivators thus play distinct roles in Treg differentiation and are potential drug targets for controlling immune tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wencan Zhang
- Department of Immunology and Theranostics, Arthur Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Xu Cao
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Xiancai Zhong
- Department of Immunology and Theranostics, Arthur Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Hongmin Wu
- Department of Immunology and Theranostics, Arthur Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Mingye Feng
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Yousang Gwack
- Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Isakov Noah
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Ben-Gurion University of Negev, Bear Sheva, Israel
| | - Zuoming Sun
- Department of Immunology and Theranostics, Arthur Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
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9
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Strutzenberg TS, Zhu Y, Novick SJ, Garcia-Ordonez RD, Doebelin C, He Y, Chang MR, Kamenecka TM, Edwards DP, Griffin PR. Conformational Changes of RORγ During Response Element Recognition and Coregulator Engagement. J Mol Biol 2021; 433:167258. [PMID: 34547329 PMCID: PMC8556364 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.167258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
The retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor γ (RORγ) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor of the nuclear receptor super family that underpins metabolic activity, immune function, and cancer progression. Despite being a valuable drug target in health and disease, our understanding of the ligand-dependent activities of RORγ is far from complete. Like most nuclear receptors, RORγ must recruit coregulatory protein to enact the RORγ target gene program. To date, a majority of structural studies have been focused exclusively on the RORγ ligand-binding domain and the ligand-dependent recruitment of small peptide segments of coregulators. Herein, we examine the ligand-dependent assembly of full length RORγ:coregulator complexes on cognate DNA response elements using structural proteomics and small angle x-ray scattering. The results from our studies suggest that RORγ becomes elongated upon DNA recognition, preventing long range interdomain crosstalk. We also determined that the DNA binding domain adopts a sequence-specific conformation, and that coregulatory protein may be able to 'sense' the ligand- and DNA-bound status of RORγ. We propose a model where ligand-dependent coregulator recruitment may be influenced by the sequence of the DNA to which RORγ is bound. Overall, the efforts described herein will illuminate important aspects of full length RORγ and monomeric orphan nuclear receptor target gene regulation through DNA-dependent conformational changes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yingmin Zhu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Scott J Novick
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | | | - Christelle Doebelin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Yuanjun He
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Mi Ra Chang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Theodore M Kamenecka
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Dean P Edwards
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Patrick R Griffin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL, USA.
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10
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Li Z, Liu T, He X, Bai C. The evolution paths of some reprehensive scaffolds of RORγt modulators, a perspective from medicinal chemistry. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 228:113962. [PMID: 34776280 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The ligand binding domain (LBD) of retinoid-related orphan nuclear receptor γt (RORγt) has been exploited as a promising target for the new small molecule therapeutics to cure autoimmune diseases via modulating the IL-17 and IL-22 production by Th17 cells. Diverse chemical scaffolds of these small molecules have been discovered by multiple groups with methods such as high throughput screening (HTS) and virtual screening. These different scaffolds are further developed by medicinal chemists to afford lead compounds the best of which enter clinical trials. In this review, we summarize these chemical scaffolds and their evolution paths according to the groups in which they have been discovered or studied. We combine the data of the chemistry, biological assays and structural biology of each chemical scaffold, in order to afford insight to develop new RORγt modulators with higher potency, less toxicity and elucidated working mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuohao Li
- Institute of Human Virology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China; Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and Immunotechnology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Institute of Human Virology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China; Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and Immunotechnology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Xixin He
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chuan Bai
- Institute of Human Virology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China; Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and Immunotechnology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China.
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Zhang J, Bouch RJ, Blekhman MG, He Z. USP19 Suppresses Th17-Driven Pathogenesis in Autoimmunity. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 207:23-33. [PMID: 34135062 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Th17 cells have emerged as a chief pathogenic cell type in murine models of autoimmunity and human autoimmune diseases. Th17 cells are markedly plastic in their pathogenic potential, as they can adopt pro- or anti-inflammatory programming under distinct conditions. The specific mechanism underlying the plasticity of Th17 pathogenesis remains elusive. In this study, we found that Th17 lineage-specific transcription factor RORγt directly bound to the promoters of genes engaged in the ubiquitination pathway and thus upregulated their expression in pathogenic Th17 cells. We observed that ubiquitination activity correlated with Th17-related pathology in the context of autoimmunity. Consistent with this finding, the deubiquitinase USP19 was shown to suppress pathogenic Th17 differentiation in vitro and Th17-mediated pathogenesis in vivo. Mechanistically, USP19 removed the K63-linked ubiquitin chain from RORγt lysine 313, which is essential for recruiting the coactivator SRC3. Collectively, our findings indicate that USP19 selectively suppresses the pathogenic potential of Th17 cells and offer novel strategies for treating autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC; and
| | - Ronald J Bouch
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC; and
| | | | - Zhiheng He
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC; and
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12
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Yin X, Wei H, Wu S, Wang Z, Liu B, Guo L, Bi H, Guo D. DAPT reverses the Th17/Treg imbalance in experimental autoimmune uveitis in vitro via inhibiting Notch signaling pathway. Int Immunopharmacol 2019; 79:106107. [PMID: 31863921 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2019.106107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Uveitis is the most common cause in inflammatory eye diseases that can lead to visual impairment even blindness worldwide. T helper (Th) 17 and regulatory T (Treg) cells are critical mediators for immune response. Notch signaling can regulate the cell differentiation, playing a role in the pathogenesis of the diseases. In this study, we measured the expression levels of Notch1, DLL4, IL-10, IL-17, RORγt and Foxp3 in T cells from lymph node, spleen and eye tissues in experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) rats in vitro, determined the ratios of CD4+/CD8+ and Th17/Treg. Moreover, we also investigated the effect of Notch signaling inhibitor N-(N-(3,5-Difluorophenacetyl-L-alanyl))-S-phenylglycine t-Butyl Ester (DAPT) on Notch1, DLL4 expression and on Th17, Treg cell differentiation. The results indicated that the pathogenesis of uveitis accompanied by the elevated expression of Notch1, DLL4, IL-10, IL-17, RORγt, and Foxp3 as well as the imbalanced CD4+/CD8+ and Th17/Treg ratios. By contrast, inhibition of Notch signaling by DAPT can efficiently decrease Th17 cell response, downregulate the expression of Notch1, DLL4, IL-17 and the transcription of RORγt, reduce Th17 levels and restore the CD4+/CD8+, Th17/Treg balance. Moreover, DAPT can also inhibit Th17 cell differentiation in healthy rats, though the inhibitory capacity of Th17, Treg differentiation is less than that in EAU rats. Overall, Notch signaling activation can lead to the disturbed Th17/Treg balance in uveitis, whereas inhibition of Notch signaling can ameliorate the inflammatory response and may be a potential immunoregulatory strategy in patients with uveitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuewei Yin
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250002, China
| | - Huixia Wei
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250002, China
| | - Shanshan Wu
- School of Ophthalmology & Optometry, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250002, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zaozhuang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zaozhuang 277000, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250002, China
| | - Lijie Guo
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Hongsheng Bi
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Therapy of Ocular Diseases, Eye Institute of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250002, China
| | - Dadong Guo
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Therapy of Ocular Diseases, Eye Institute of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250002, China.
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13
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Jiang Y, Wang X, Dong C. Molecular mechanisms of T helper 17 cell differentiation: Emerging roles for transcription cofactors. Adv Immunol 2019; 144:121-153. [PMID: 31699215 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ai.2019.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
T helper 17 (Th17) cells, characterized by secretion of IL-17 and IL-17F, are a specialized CD4+ effector T cell lineage that not only facilitates host defense against pathogen infection and maintenance of mucosal barrier, but also potently induces tissue inflammation and autoimmune diseases. Since its discovery in 2005, the developmental program of Th17 cells has been characterized, which involves a number of key cytokines, transcription factors and multiple layers of epigenetic modifications. However, how these mechanisms integrate into the complex regulatory network in Th17 cells has not been well defined. Emerging evidences have revealed essential roles of cofactors in controlling chromosome accessibilities and activities of Th17-specific transcription factors. Moreover, cofactors also act as critical signaling integrators to coordinate multiple signaling pathways and transcriptional programs. Deficiency or dysregulation of these cofactors results in defects in Th17 responses and induction of associated autoimmune diseases. Our lab has recently reported several important cofactors in Th17 cells. Here we summarize our findings regarding this new scenario of developmental regulation of Th17 cells. These findings may benefit the development of innovative strategies to treat autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Jiang
- Institute for Immunology and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohu Wang
- Institute for Immunology and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Chen Dong
- Institute for Immunology and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Lab for Immunological Research on Chronic Diseases, Beijing, China.
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