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Kanumuri R, Saravanan R, Pavithra V, Sundaram S, Rayala SK, Venkatraman G. Current trends and opportunities in targeting p21 activated kinase-1(PAK1) for therapeutic management of breast cancers. Gene 2020; 760:144991. [PMID: 32717309 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2020.144991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women worldwide. Identifying reliable biomarkers and druggable molecular targets pose to be a significant quest in breast cancer research. p21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1) is a serine/threonine kinase that direct cell motility, cytoskeletal remodelling, and has been shown to function as a downstream regulator for various cancer signalling cascades that promote cell proliferation, apoptosis deregulation and hasten mitotic abnormalities, resulting in tumor formation and progression. The heterogeneity and acquired drug resistance are important factors that challenge the treatment of breast cancer. p21-activated kinase 1 signalling is crucial for activation of the Ras/RAF/MEK/ERK, PI3K/Akt/mTOR and Wnt signalling cascades which regulate cell survival, cell cycle progression, differentiation, and proliferation. A study involving proteogenomics analysis on breast cancer tissues showed the PAK1 as outlier kinase. In addition to this, few outlier molecules were identified specific to subtypes of breast cancer. A few substrates of PAK1 in breast cancer are already known. In this paper, we have discussed a similar approach called Kinase Interacting Substrate Screening (KISS) for the identification of novel oncogenic substrates of p21-activated kinase specific to subtypes of breast cancer. Such high throughput approaches are expected to accelerate the process of identifying novel drug targets and biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Kanumuri
- Department of Human Genetics, Sri Ramachandra Faculty of Biomedical Sciences & Technology, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education & Research (Deemed to be University), Porur, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India; Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Roshni Saravanan
- Department of Human Genetics, Sri Ramachandra Faculty of Biomedical Sciences & Technology, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education & Research (Deemed to be University), Porur, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India
| | - V Pavithra
- Department of Pathology, Sri Ramachandra Medical College & Research Institute, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education & Research (Deemed to be University), Porur, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Sandhya Sundaram
- Department of Pathology, Sri Ramachandra Medical College & Research Institute, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education & Research (Deemed to be University), Porur, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Suresh K Rayala
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India.
| | - Ganesh Venkatraman
- Department of Human Genetics, Sri Ramachandra Faculty of Biomedical Sciences & Technology, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education & Research (Deemed to be University), Porur, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India.
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2
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Farzaneh Behelgardi M, Zahri S, Gholami Shahvir Z, Mashayekhi F, Mirzanejad L, Asghari SM. Targeting signaling pathways of VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 as a potential target in the treatment of breast cancer. Mol Biol Rep 2020; 47:2061-2071. [PMID: 32072404 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05306-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Tumor angiogenesis allows tumor cells to grow and migrate toward the bloodstream and initiate metastasis. The interactions of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) A and B, as the important regulating factors for blood vessel growth, with VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 trigger angiogenesis process. Thus, preventing these interactions led to the effective blockade of VEGF/VEGFRs signaling pathways. In this study, the inhibitory effect of a 23-mer linear peptide (VGB4), which binds to both VEGFR1 and VEGFR2, on VEGF-stimulated Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs) and highly metastatic human breast cancer cell MDA-MB-231 proliferation was examined using MTT assay. To assess the anti-migratory potential of VGB4, HUVECs and also MDA-MB-231 cells wound healing assay was carried out at 48 and 72 h. In addition, downstream signaling pathways of VEGF associated with cell migration and invasion were investigated by quantification of mRNA and protein expression using real-time quantitative PCR and western blot in 4T1 tumor tissues and MDA-MB-231 cells. The results revealed that VGB4 significantly impeded proliferation of HUVECs and MDA-MB-231 cells, in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and migration of HUVECs and MDA-MB-231 cells for a prolonged time. We also observed statistically significant reduction of the transcripts and protein levels of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), Paxillin, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), RAS-related C3 botulinum substrate 1 (Rac1), P21-activated kinase-2 (PAK-2) and Cofilin-1 in VGB4-treated 4T1 tumor tissues compared to controls. The protein levels of phospho-VEGFR1, phospho-VEGFR2, Vimentin, β-catenin and Snail were markedly decreased in both VGB4-treated MDA-MB-231 cells and VGB4-treated 4T1 tumor tissues compared to controls as evidenced by western blotting. These results, in addition to our previous studies, confirm that dual blockage of VEGFR1 and VEGFR2, due to the inactivation of diverse signaling mediators, effectively suppresses tumor growth and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Saber Zahri
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran
| | | | - Farhad Mashayekhi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran
| | - Laleh Mirzanejad
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran
| | - S Mohsen Asghari
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran. .,Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
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3
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Qian Y, Wu X, Wang H, Hou G, Han X, Song W. PAK1 silencing is synthetic lethal with CDK4/6 inhibition in gastric cancer cells via regulating PDK1 expression. Hum Cell 2020; 33:377-385. [PMID: 31919718 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-019-00317-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. The prognosis of GC is unsatisfied owning to widespread metastasis. P21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1), a member of serine/threonine kinases, is associated with the progression of multiple types of human cancers. Here, we demonstrated that CDK4/6 inhibitor reduced GC cell viability and decreased PAK1 expression. Consistently, PAK1 ablation increased GC cell sensitivity exposed to CDK4/6 inhibitor and promoted DNA damage. We also revealed PAK1 depletion notably affected PDK1-AKT pathway, and PDK1 overexpression totally abrogated the effect of PAK1 deletion on DNA damage in GC cells. Additionally, PDK1 overexpression also rescued the increased GC cell sensitivity towards CDK4/6 inhibitor and the cell cycle arrest caused by PAK1 depletion. Our findings, therefore, suggested that PAK1 silencing increased sensitivity to CDK4/6 inhibition in gastric cancer cells via PDK1-AKT pathway. We, therefore, thought PAK1 as a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of CDK4/6 inhibitor-resistant gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Qian
- Department of Gastric, The Affiliated Huaian No.1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an, 223300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xu Wu
- Department of Gastric, The Affiliated Huaian No.1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an, 223300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haixiao Wang
- Department of Gastric, The Affiliated Huaian No.1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an, 223300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guowei Hou
- Department of Gastric, The Affiliated Huaian No.1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an, 223300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiao Han
- Department of Gastric, The Affiliated Huaian No.1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an, 223300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Song
- Department of Gastroenterlogy, The Affiliated Huaian No.1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No. 1 Huanghe West Road, Huaiyin, Huai'an, 223300, Jiangsu, China.
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4
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He L, Qu L, Wei L, Chen Y, Suo J. Reduction of miR‑132‑3p contributes to gastric cancer proliferation by targeting MUC13. Mol Med Rep 2017; 15:3055-3061. [PMID: 28339011 PMCID: PMC5428394 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.6347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormal expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling and microRNAs (miRNAs) has been widely seen in gastric cancer. The present study focused on the miRNAs that regulate human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) activation through mucin 13 (MUC13). The protein level of MUC13 was demonstrated to be significantly increased in gastric cancer tissues compared with normal tissues by western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. TargetScan bioinformatic predictions indicated that miRNA (miR)-212-3p and miR-132-3p may bind to the 3′-untranslated region of MUC13. Further investigation revealed that miR-132-3p was significantly decreased in gastric cancer tissues compared with normal tissues, whereas miR-212-3p expression was unaffected. Luciferase assays and western blot confirmed MUC13 as a target gene of miR-132-3p. Inhibition of miR-132-3p enhanced gastric cancer cell migration through activation of HER2, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and Akt serine/threonine kinase (Akt) signaling, which was a similar effect to that of MUC13 overexpression. In summary, reduction of miR-132-3p may contribute to gastric cancer proliferation by targeting MUC13.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang He
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Linlin Qu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Lijing Wei
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Jian Suo
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
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5
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He LF, Xu HW, Chen M, Xian ZR, Wen XF, Chen MN, Du CW, Huang WH, Wu JD, Zhang GJ. Activated-PAK4 predicts worse prognosis in breast cancer and promotes tumorigenesis through activation of PI3K/AKT signaling. Oncotarget 2017; 8:17573-17585. [PMID: 28407679 PMCID: PMC5392270 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 01/27/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4) is sufficient to transform noncancerous mammary epithelial cells and to form tumors in the mammary glands of mice. The accumulated information suggests that PAK4 might be an oncogenic protein in breast cancer. In this study, we sought to identify the role for PAK4 in breast cancer progression. Immunohistochemical study revealed that high PAK4 expression is associated with larger tumor size, lymph node metastasis, and advanced stage cancer in 93 invasive breast carcinoma patients. Moreover, high PAK4 expression was significantly associated with poor overall and disease-free survival. PAK4 remained an independent adverse prognosticator after univariate and multivariate analysis. Ectopic expression of wild-type PAK4 in MDA-MB-231 cells activated PI3K/AKT signaling and resulted in the enhancement of the cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, whereas PAK4-induced effects were blocked by the PAK4 kinase inhibitor PF- 3758309, PAK4 siRNAs or the PI3K inhibitor LY294002. Furthermore, a kinase-active PAK4 (S474E) strongly induced PI3K/AKT activation, and promoted proliferation, migration and invasion in breast cancer cells. A kinase-inactive PAK4 KD (K350A/K351A) did partially upregulate PI3K/AKT, and promoted invasive phenotype. Taken together, these findings suggest that PAK4-activated PI3K/AKT signaling is both kinase-dependent and -independent, which contributes to breast cancer progression. Thus, our results imply that dual inhibition of PAK4 and PI3K/AKT signaling might be a potential therapeutic approach for breast cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Fang He
- The Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
- Changjiang Scholar Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Hong-Wu Xu
- Changjiang Scholar Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou, University Medical College, Shantou 515031, Guangdong, China
| | - Min Chen
- Changjiang Scholar Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhi-Rong Xian
- Changjiang Scholar Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiao-Fen Wen
- Changjiang Scholar Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Min-Na Chen
- Changjiang Scholar Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Cai-Wen Du
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Wen-He Huang
- The Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Jun-Dong Wu
- The Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Guo-Jun Zhang
- The Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
- Changjiang Scholar Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
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6
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A novel orally bioavailable compound KPT-9274 inhibits PAK4, and blocks triple negative breast cancer tumor growth. Sci Rep 2017; 7:42555. [PMID: 28198380 PMCID: PMC5309789 DOI: 10.1038/srep42555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease consisting of several subtypes. Among these subtypes, triple negative breast cancer is particularly difficult to treat. This is due to a lack of understanding of the mechanisms behind the disease, and consequently a lack of druggable targets. PAK4 plays critical roles in cell survival, proliferation, and morphology. PAK4 protein levels are high in breast cancer cells and breast tumors, and the gene is often amplified in basal like breast cancers, which are frequently triple negative. PAK4 is also overexpressed in other types of cancer, making it a promising drug target. However, its inhibition is complicated by the fact that PAK4 has both kinase-dependent and -independent functions. Here we investigate a new clinical compound KPT-9274, which has been shown to inhibit PAK4 and NAMPT. We find that KPT-9274 (and its analog, KPT-8752) can reduce the steady state level of PAK4 protein in triple negative breast cancer cells. These compounds also block the growth of the breast cancer cells in vitro, and stimulate apoptosis. Most importantly, oral administration of KPT-9274 reduces tumorigenesis in mouse models of human triple negative breast cancer. Our results indicate that KPT-9274 is a novel therapeutic option for triple negative breast cancer therapy.
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7
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Wolfson E, Goldenberg M, Solomon S, Frishberg A, Pinkas-Kramarski R. Nucleolin-binding by ErbB2 enhances tumorigenicity of ErbB2-positive breast cancer. Oncotarget 2016; 7:65320-65334. [PMID: 27542246 PMCID: PMC5323158 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
ErbB2 is an important member of the ErbB family, which activates growth and proliferation signaling pathways. ErbB2 is often overexpressed in various malignancies, especially in breast cancer, and is a common target for anti-cancer drugs. Breast cancer is currently one of the leading mortality causes in women, and acquired resistance to ErbB2-targeted therapies is a major obstacle in its treatment. Thus, understanding ErbB2-mediated signaling is crucial for further development of anti-cancer therapeutics and disease treatment. Previously, we have reported that the ErbB receptors interact with the major nucleolar protein nucleolin. In addition to its function in the nucleoli of cells, nucleolin participates in various cellular processes at the cytoplasm and cell-surface. Deregulated nucleolin is frequently overexpressed on the membrane of cancer cells. Here, we show that nucleolin increases colony formation and anchorage-independent growth of ErbB2-overexpressing cells. Importantly, this enhanced tumorigenicity also occurs in human ErbB2-positive breast cancer patients; namely, nucleolin overexpression in these patients is associated with reduced patient survival rates and increased disease-risk. ErbB2-nucleolin complexes are formed endogenously in both normal and cancer cells, and their effect on tumorigenicity is mediated through activation of ErbB2 signaling. Accordingly, nucleolin inhibition reduces cell viability and ErbB2 activation in ErbB2-positive cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eya Wolfson
- Department of Neurobiology, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat-Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Maria Goldenberg
- Department of Neurobiology, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat-Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Shira Solomon
- Department of Neurobiology, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat-Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Amit Frishberg
- Department of Cell Research and Immunology, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat-Aviv, 69978, Israel
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8
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Rijal G, Li W. 3D scaffolds in breast cancer research. Biomaterials 2016; 81:135-156. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2015.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2015] [Revised: 12/12/2015] [Accepted: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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9
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The investigation of miR-221-3p and PAK1 gene expressions in breast cancer cell lines. Gene 2015; 555:377-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2014.11.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2014] [Revised: 11/13/2014] [Accepted: 11/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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10
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Signaling of the p21-activated kinase (PAK1) coordinates insulin-stimulated actin remodeling and glucose uptake in skeletal muscle cells. Biochem Pharmacol 2014; 92:380-8. [PMID: 25199455 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2014.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2014] [Revised: 08/26/2014] [Accepted: 08/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Skeletal muscle accounts for ∼ 80% of postprandial glucose clearance, and skeletal muscle glucose clearance is crucial for maintaining insulin sensitivity and euglycemia. Insulin-stimulated glucose clearance/uptake entails recruitment of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) to the plasma membrane (PM) in a process that requires cortical F-actin remodeling; this process is dysregulated in Type 2 Diabetes. Recent studies have implicated PAK1 as a required element in GLUT4 recruitment in mouse skeletal muscle in vivo, although its underlying mechanism of action and requirement in glucose uptake remains undetermined. Toward this, we have employed the PAK1 inhibitor, IPA3, in studies using L6-GLUT4-myc muscle cells. IPA3 fully ablated insulin-stimulated GLUT4 translocation to the PM, corroborating the observation of ablated insulin-stimulated GLUT4 accumulation in the PM of skeletal muscle from PAK1(-/-) knockout mice. IPA3-treatment also abolished insulin-stimulated glucose uptake into skeletal myotubes. Mechanistically, live-cell imaging of myoblasts expressing the F-actin biosensor LifeAct-GFP treated with IPA3 showed blunting of the normal insulin-induced cortical actin remodeling. This blunting was underpinned by a loss of normal insulin-stimulated cofilin dephosphorylation in IPA3-treated myoblasts. These findings expand upon the existing model of actin remodeling in glucose uptake, by placing insulin-stimulated PAK1 signaling as a required upstream step to facilitate actin remodeling and subsequent cofilin dephosphorylation. Active, dephosphorylated cofilin then provides the G-actin substrate for continued F-actin remodeling to facilitate GLUT4 vesicle translocation for glucose uptake into the skeletal muscle cell.
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11
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Remarkable reductions of PAKs in the brain tissues of scrapie-infected rodent possibly linked closely with neuron loss. Med Microbiol Immunol 2014; 203:291-302. [PMID: 24870058 DOI: 10.1007/s00430-014-0342-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 05/12/2014] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Prion diseases are irreversible progressive neurodegenerative diseases characterized in the brain by PrP(Sc) deposits, neuronal degeneration, gliosis and by cognitive, behavioral and physical impairments, leading to severe incapacity and inevitable death. Proteins of the p21-activated kinase (PAK) family are noted for roles in gene transcription, cytoskeletal dynamics, cell cycle progression and survival signaling. In the present study, we aimed to identify the potential roles of PAKs during prion infection, utilizing the brains of scrapie agent-infected hamsters. Western blots and immunohistochemical assays showed that brain levels of PAK3 and PAK1, as well as their upstream activator Rac/cdc42 and downstream substrate Raf1, were remarkably reduced at terminal stage. Double-stained immunofluorescent assay demonstrated that PAK3 was expressed mainly in neurons. Dynamic analyses of the brain samples collected at the different time points during the incubation period illustrated successive decreases of PAK3, PAK1 and Raf1, especially phosphor Raf1, which correlated well with neuron loss. Rac/cdc42 in the brain tissues increased at early stage and reached to the top at mid-late stage, but diminished at final stage. Unlike the alteration of PAKs in vivo, PAK3 and PAK1, as well as Rac/cdc42 and Raf1 in the prion-infected cell line SMB-S15 remained unchanged compared with those of its normal cell line SMB-PS. Our data here indicate that the functions of PAKs and their associated signaling pathways are seriously affected in the brains of prion disease, which appear to associate closely with the extensive neuron loss.
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Abstract
p21-Activated kinases (PAKs) are positioned at the nexus of several oncogenic signalling pathways. Overexpression or mutational activation of PAK isoforms frequently occurs in various human tumours, and recent data suggest that excessive PAK activity drives many of the cellular processes that are the hallmarks of cancer. In this Review, we discuss the mechanisms of PAK activation in cancer, the key substrates that mediate the developmental and oncogenic effects of this family of kinases, and how small-molecule inhibitors of these enzymes might be best developed and deployed for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Radu
- Cancer Biology Program; Fox Chase Cancer Center; Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Galina Semenova
- Cancer Biology Program; Fox Chase Cancer Center; Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Rachelle Kosoff
- Cancer Biology Program; Fox Chase Cancer Center; Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Cancer Biology program, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jonathan Chernoff
- Cancer Biology Program; Fox Chase Cancer Center; Philadelphia, PA, USA
- To whom correspondence should be addressed: Jonathan Chernoff, Cancer Biology Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA, Tel.: (215) 728 5319; Fax: (215) 728 3616;
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Avilova E, Andreeva O, Shatskaya V, Krasilnikov M. The role of protein kinase PAK1 in the regulation of estrogen-independent growth of breast cancer. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 60:322-31. [DOI: 10.18097/pbmc20146003322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The main goal of this work was to study the intracellular signaling pathways responsible for the development of hormone resistance and maintaining the autonomous growth of breast cancer cells. In particular, the role of PAK1 (p21-activated kinase 1), the key mitogenic signaling protein, in the development of cell resistance to estrogens was analyzed. In vitro studies were performed on cultured breast cancer cell lines: estrogen-dependent estrogen receptor (ER)-positive MCF-7 cells and estrogen-resistant ER-negative HBL-100 cells. We found that the resistant HBL-100 cells were characterized by a higher level of PAK1 and demonstrated PAK1 involvement in the maintaining of estrogen-independent cell growth. We have also shown PAK1 ability to up-regulate Snail1, one of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition proteins, and obtained experimental evidence for Snail1 importance in the regulation of cell proliferation. In general, the results obtained in this study demonstrate involvement of PAK1 and Snail1 in the formation of estrogen-independent phenotype of breast cancer cells showing the potential role of both proteins as markers of hormone resistance of breast tumors.
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Abstract
The Rac inhibitor EHop-016 was developed as a compound with the potential to inhibit cancer metastasis. Inhibition of the first step of metastasis, migration, is an important strategy for metastasis prevention. The small GTPase Rac acts as a pivotal binary switch that is turned "on" by guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) via a myriad of cell surface receptors, to regulate cancer cell migration, survival, and proliferation. Unlike the related GTPase Ras, Racs are not usually mutated, but overexpressed or overactivated in cancer. Therefore, a rational Rac inhibitor should block the activation of Rac by its upstream effectors, GEFs, and the Rac inhibitor NSC23766 was developed using this rationale. However, this compound is ineffective at inhibiting the elevated Rac activity of metastatic breast cancer cells. Therefore, a panel of small molecule compounds were derived from NSC23766 and screened for Rac activity inhibition in metastatic cancer cells. EHop-016 was identified as a compound that blocks the interaction of Rac with the GEF Vav in metastatic human breast cancer cells with an IC50 of ~1μM. At higher concentrations (10μM), EHop-016 inhibits the related Rho GTPase Cdc42, but not Rho, and also reduces cell viability. Moreover, EHop-016 inhibits the activation of the Rac downstream effector p21-activated kinase, extension of motile actin-based structures, and cell migration. Future goals are to develop EHop-016 as a therapeutic to inhibit cancer metastasis, either individually or in combination with current anticancer compounds. The next generation of EHop-016-based Rac inhibitors is also being developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suranganie Dharmawardhane
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico, USA.
| | - Eliud Hernandez
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico, USA
| | - Cornelis Vlaar
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico, USA
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15
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Jain K, Paranandi KS, Sridharan S, Basu A. Autophagy in breast cancer and its implications for therapy. Am J Cancer Res 2013; 3:251-265. [PMID: 23841025 PMCID: PMC3696532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2013] [Accepted: 05/01/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved process of cellular self-digestion that serves as a mechanism to clear damaged organelles and recycle nutrients. Since autophagy can promote cell survival as well as cell death, it has been linked to different human pathologies, including cancer. Although mono-allelic deletion of autophagy-related gene BECN1 in breast tumors originally indicated a tumor suppressive role for autophagy in breast cancer, the intense research during the last decade suggests a role for autophagy in tumor progression. It is now recognized that tumor cells often utilize autophagy to survive various stresses, such as oncogene-induced transformation, hypoxia, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and extracellular matrix detachment. Induction of autophagy by tumor cells may also contribute to tumor dormancy and resistance to anticancer therapies, thus making autophagy inhibitors promising drug candidates for breast cancer treatment. The scientific endeavors continue to define a precise role for autophagy in breast cancer. In this article, we review the current literature on the role of autophagy during the development and progression of breast cancer, and discuss the potential of autophagy modulators for breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirti Jain
- Department of Molecular Biology & Immunology, University of North Texas Health Science Center and Institutes for Cancer Research and Focused on Resources for her Health Education and Research Fort Worth, Texas, 76107, USA
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Wong LE, Chen N, Karantza V, Minden A. The Pak4 protein kinase is required for oncogenic transformation of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Oncogenesis 2013; 2:e50. [PMID: 23732710 PMCID: PMC3740299 DOI: 10.1038/oncsis.2013.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The Pak4 protein kinase, normally expressed at low level in the mammary gland, is commonly overexpressed in breast cancer. Overexpression of Pak4 transforms mouse mammary epithelial cells in vitro and renders these cells tumorigenic in athymic mice in vivo. Here we show that Pak4 is also required for oncogenic transformation of the human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231. These high Pak4-expressing human breast cancer cells form highly disorganized three-dimensional (3D) structures in vitro and readily give rise to orthotopic xenograft tumors in nude mice. We have found that when Pak4 levels are reduced, MDA-MB-231 cells exhibit decreased proliferation and migration in vitro, as well as gross restoration of normal 3D mammary acinar organization, the latter in association with a strong induction of apoptosis. Similarly, Pak4 knockdown suppresses MDA-MB-231 breast xenograft tumor formation in nude mice in vivo. These results indicate that Pak4 has a key role in the oncogenic transformation of breast cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- L E Wong
- Susan Lehman Cullman Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Chemical Biology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
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Huynh N, Yim M, Chernoff J, Shulkes A, Baldwin GS, He H. p-21-Activated kinase 1 mediates gastrin-stimulated proliferation in the colorectal mucosa via multiple signaling pathways. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2013; 304:G561-7. [PMID: 23306081 PMCID: PMC3602683 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00218.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Gastrins, including amidated (Gamide) and glycine-extended (Ggly) forms, function as growth factors for the gastrointestinal mucosa. The p-21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1) plays important roles in growth factor signaling networks that control cell motility, proliferation, differentiation, and transformation. PAK1, activated by both Gamide and Ggly, mediates gastrin-stimulated proliferation and migration, and activation of β-catenin, in gastric epithelial cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of PAK1 in the regulation by gastrin of proliferation in the normal colorectal mucosa in vivo. Mucosal proliferation was measured in PAK1 knockout (PAK1 KO) mice by immunohistochemistry. The expression of phosphorylated and unphosphorylated forms of the signaling molecules PAK1, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and protein kinase B (AKT), and the expression of β-catenin and its downstream targets c-Myc and cyclin D1, were measured in gastrin knockout (Gas KO) and PAK1 KO mice by Western blotting. The expression and activation of PAK1 are decreased in Gas KO mice, and these decreases are associated with reduced activation of ERK, AKT, and β-catenin. Proliferation in the colorectal mucosa of PAK1 KO mice is reduced, and the reduction is associated with reduced activation of ERK, AKT, and β-catenin. In compensation, antral gastrin mRNA and serum gastrin concentrations are increased in PAK1 KO mice. These results indicate that PAK1 mediates the stimulation of colorectal proliferation by gastrins via multiple signaling pathways involving activation of ERK, AKT, and β-catenin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nhi Huynh
- 1Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; and
| | - Mildred Yim
- 1Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; and
| | | | - Arthur Shulkes
- 1Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; and
| | - Graham S. Baldwin
- 1Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; and
| | - Hong He
- 1Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; and
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Malecka KA, Szentpetery Z, Peterson JR. Synergistic activation of p21-activated kinase 1 by phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate and Rho GTPases. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:8887-97. [PMID: 23393142 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.428904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoinhibited p21-activated kinase 1 (Pak1) can be activated in vitro by the plasma membrane-bound Rho GTPases Rac1 and Cdc42 as well as by the lipid phosphatidylinositol (4,5)-bisphosphate (PIP2). Activator binding is mediated by a GTPase-binding motif and an adjacent phosphoinositide-binding motif. Whether these two classes of activators play alternative, additive, or synergistic roles in Pak1 activation is unknown, as is their contributions to Pak1 activation in vivo. To address these questions, we developed a system to mimic the membrane anchoring of Rho GTPases by creating liposomes containing both PIP2 and a Ni(2+)-NTA modified lipid capable of binding hexahistidine-tagged Cdc42. We find that among all biologically relevant phosphoinositides, only PIP2 is able to synergistically activate Pak1 in concert with Cdc42. Membrane binding of the kinase was highly sensitive to the spatial density of PIP2 and Pak1 demonstrated dramatically enhanced affinity for Cdc42 anchored in a PIP2 environment. To validate these findings in vivo, we utilized an inducible recruitment system to drive the ectopic synthesis of PIP2 on Golgi membranes, which normally have active Cdc42 but lack significant concentrations of PIP2. Pak1 was recruited to PIP2-containing membranes in a manner dependent on the ability of Pak1 to bind to both PIP2 and Cdc42. These findings provide a mechanistic explanation for the essential role of both phosphoinositides and GTPases in Pak1 recruitment and activation. In contrast, Ack, another Cdc42 effector kinase that lacks an analogous phosphoinositide-binding motif, fails to show the same enhancement of membrane binding and activation by PIP2, thus indicating that regulation by PIP2 and Cdc42 could provide a combinatorial code for activation of different GTPase effectors in different subcellular locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly A Malecka
- Cancer Biology Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA
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The Rac GTPase effector p21-activated kinase is essential for hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell migration and engraftment. Blood 2013; 121:2474-82. [PMID: 23335370 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2012-10-460709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The p21-activated kinases (Paks) are serine/threonine kinases that are major effectors of the Rho guanosine 5'\x{2011}triphosphatase, Rac, and Cdc42. Rac and Cdc42 are known regulators of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) function, however, a direct role for Paks in HSPCs has yet to be elucidated. Lin(-)Sca1(+)c-kit(+) (LSK) cells from wild-type mice were transduced with retrovirus expressing Pak inhibitory domain (PID), a well-characterized inhibitor of Pak activation. Defects in marrow homing and in vitro cell migration, assembly of the actin cytoskeleton, proliferation, and survival were associated with engraftment failure of PID-LSK. The PID-LSK demonstrated decreased phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), whereas constitutive activation of ERK in these cells led to rescue of hematopoietic progenitor cell proliferation in vitro and partial rescue of Pak-deficient HSPC homing and engraftment in vivo. Using conditional knock-out mice, we demonstrate that among group A Paks, Pak2(-/-) HSPC show reduced homing to the bone marrow and altered cell shape similar to PID-LSK cells in vitro and are completely defective in HSPC engraftment. These data demonstrate that Pak proteins are key components of multiple engraftment-associated HSPC functions and play a direct role in activation of ERK in HSPCs, and that Pak2 is specifically essential for HSPC engraftment.
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Wu YJ, Tang Y, Li ZF, Li Z, Zhao Y, Wu ZJ, Su Q. Expression and significance of Rac1, Pak1 and Rock1 in gastric carcinoma. Asia Pac J Clin Oncol 2013; 10:e33-9. [PMID: 23298303 PMCID: PMC4153960 DOI: 10.1111/ajco.12052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Rac1, Pak1 and Rock1 are indicators related to gastric cancer invasion and metastasis, but few reports discuss all three kinds of protein in research on gastric cancer invasion and metastasis. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression and clinical significance of Rac1, Pak1 and Rock1 in gastric carcinoma. METHODS Rac1, Pak1 and Rock1 expression in 158 cases of gastric carcinoma were investigated via immunohistochemical staining and clinical analysis. RESULTS The positive expression rates of Rac1, Pak1 and Rock1 in normal tissue, intraepithelial neoplastic tissues and gastric carcinoma showed an increasing trend (P < 0.05). Their expression in lymph node metastasis was significantly higher than in patients with lymph-node metastasis than in those without lymph nodes metastasis (P < 0.05). Their expression in tumor (TNM stages III and IV) were significantly higher than that in stages I and II (P < 0.05). Rac1, Pak1 and Rock1 expression did not differ significantly with patients' sex (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION Positive rates of Rac1, Pak1 and Rock1 expression in normal tissue, dysplasia and gastric carcinoma show an increasing trend and are correlated with tumor lymph node metastasis and TNM stage. Rac1, Pak1 and Rock1 may be important biomarkers of gastric carcinoma invasion and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-jun Wu
- Xiangtan Affiliated Clinical Institute, University of South China, Xiangtan
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21
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Chauhan SC, Ebeling MC, Maher DM, Koch MD, Watanabe A, Aburatani H, Lio Y, Jaggi M. MUC13 mucin augments pancreatic tumorigenesis. Mol Cancer Ther 2011; 11:24-33. [PMID: 22027689 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-11-0598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The high death rate of pancreatic cancer is attributed to the lack of reliable methods for early detection and underlying molecular mechanisms of its aggressive pathogenesis. Although MUC13, a newly identified transmembrane mucin, is known to be aberrantly expressed in ovarian and gastro-intestinal cancers, its role in pancreatic cancer is unknown. Herein, we investigated the expression profile and functions of MUC13 in pancreatic cancer progression. The expression profile of MUC13 in pancreatic cancer was investigated using a recently generated monoclonal antibody (clone PPZ0020) and pancreatic tissue microarrays. The expression of MUC13 was significantly (P < 0.005) higher in cancer samples compared with normal/nonneoplastic pancreatic tissues. For functional analyses, full-length MUC13 was expressed in MUC13 null pancreatic cancer cell lines, MiaPaca and Panc1. MUC13 overexpression caused a significant (P < 0.05) increase in cell motility, invasion, proliferation, and anchorage-dependent or -independent clonogenicity while decreasing cell-cell and cell-substratum adhesion. Exogenous MUC13 expression significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced pancreatic tumor growth and reduced animal survival in a xenograft mouse model. These tumorigenic characteristics correlated with the upregulation/phosphorylation of HER2, p21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), Akt, and metastasin (S100A4), and the suppression of p53. Conversely, suppression of MUC13 in HPAFII pancreatic cancer cells by short hairpin RNA resulted in suppression of tumorigenic characteristics, repression of HER2, PAK1, ERK, and S100A4, and upregulation of p53. MUC13 suppression also significantly (P < 0.05) reduced tumor growth and increased animal survival. These results imply a role of MUC13 in pancreatic cancer and suggest its potential use as a diagnostic and therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhash C Chauhan
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Sanford Research/USD, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA.
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Wang Z, Oh E, Clapp DW, Chernoff J, Thurmond DC. Inhibition or ablation of p21-activated kinase (PAK1) disrupts glucose homeostatic mechanisms in vivo. J Biol Chem 2011; 286:41359-41367. [PMID: 21969371 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.291500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The p21-activated kinase PAK1 is implicated in tumorigenesis, and efforts to inhibit PAK1 signaling as a means to induce tumor cell apoptosis are underway. However, PAK1 has also been implicated as a positive effector of mechanisms in clonal pancreatic beta cells and skeletal myotubes that would be crucial to maintaining glucose homeostasis in vivo. Of relevance, human islets of Type 2 diabetic donors contained ~80% less PAK1 protein compared with non-diabetics, implicating PAK1 in islet signaling/scaffolding functions. Mimicking this, islets from PAK1(-/-) knock-out mice exhibited profound defects in the second/sustained-phase of insulin secretion. Reiteration of this specific defect by human islets treated with the PAK1 signaling inhibitor IPA3 revealed PAK1 signaling to be of primary functional importance. Analyses of human and mouse islet beta cell signaling revealed PAK1 activation to be 1) dependent upon Cdc42 abundance, 2) crucial for signaling downstream to activate ERK1/2, but 3) dispensable for cofilin phosphorylation. Importantly, the PAK1(-/-) knock-out mice were found to exhibit whole body glucose intolerance in vivo. Exacerbating this, the PAK1(-/-) knock-out mice also exhibited peripheral insulin resistance. Insulin resistance was coupled to ablation of insulin-stimulated GLUT4 translocation in skeletal muscle from PAK1(-/-) knock-out mice, and in sharp contrast to islet beta cells, skeletal muscle PAK1 loss was underscored by defective cofilin phosphorylation but normal ERK1/2 activation. Taken together, these data provide the first human islet and mammalian in vivo data unveiling the key and crucial roles for differential PAK1 signaling in the multi-tissue regulation of whole body glucose homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanxiang Wang
- Basic Diabetes Group, Department of Pediatrics, Herman B. Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
| | - Eunjin Oh
- Basic Diabetes Group, Department of Pediatrics, Herman B. Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
| | - D Wade Clapp
- Basic Diabetes Group, Department of Pediatrics, Herman B. Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
| | | | - Debbie C Thurmond
- Basic Diabetes Group, Department of Pediatrics, Herman B. Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202.
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