1
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Wu X, Zhang Z, Qiu Z, Wu X, Chen J, Liu L, Liu X, Zhao S, Yang Y, Zhao Y. TNIK in disease: from molecular insights to therapeutic prospects. Apoptosis 2024:10.1007/s10495-024-01987-w. [PMID: 38853204 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-024-01987-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
TRAF2 and NCK interacting kinase (TNIK), a critical interacting protein kinase, is currently receiving wide attention. TNIK is found in various human body organs and tissues and participates in cell motility, proliferation, and differentiation. On the one hand, its aberrant expression is related to the onset and progression of numerous malignant tumors. On the other hand, TNIK is important in neuronal growth, proliferation, differentiation, and synaptic formation. Thus, the novel therapeutic strategies for targeting TNIK offer a promising direction for cancer, neurological or psychotic disorders. Here, we briefly summarized the biological information of TNIK, reviewed the role and regulatory mechanism in cancer and neuropsychiatric diseases, and introduced the research progress of inhibitors targeting TNIK. Taken together, this review hopes to contribute to the in-depth understanding of the function and regulatory mechanism of TNIK, which is of great significance for revealing the role of TNIK in the occurrence and treatment of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Wu
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Research for Heart Failure, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Research for Heart Failure, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, 710069, China
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University First Hospital, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Zhenye Qiu
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Research for Heart Failure, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, 710069, China
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University First Hospital, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Xiaopeng Wu
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Research for Heart Failure, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, 710069, China
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University First Hospital, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Junmin Chen
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Research for Heart Failure, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, 710069, China
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University First Hospital, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Lu Liu
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Research for Heart Failure, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, 710069, China
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University First Hospital, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Xiaoyi Liu
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Research for Heart Failure, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, 710069, China
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University First Hospital, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Shiyan Zhao
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Research for Heart Failure, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, 710069, China
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University First Hospital, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Research for Heart Failure, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, 710069, China.
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University First Hospital, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China.
| | - Ye Zhao
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Research for Heart Failure, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, 710069, China.
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2
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Ewald CY, Pulous FE, Lok SWY, Pun FW, Aliper A, Ren F, Zhavoronkov A. TNIK's emerging role in cancer, metabolism, and age-related diseases. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2024; 45:478-489. [PMID: 38777670 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2024.04.010] [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: 03/09/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Traf2- and Nck-interacting kinase (TNIK) has emerged as a key regulator of pathological metabolic signaling in several diseases and is a promising drug target. Originally studied for its role in cell migration and proliferation, TNIK possesses several newly identified functions that drive the pathogenesis of multiple diseases. Specifically, we evaluate TNIK's newfound roles in cancer, metabolic disorders, and neuronal function. We emphasize the implications of TNIK signaling in metabolic signaling and evaluate the translational potential of these discoveries. We also highlight how TNIK's role in many biological processes converges upon several hallmarks of aging. We conclude by discussing the therapeutic landscape of TNIK-targeting drugs and the recent success of clinical trials targeting TNIK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Collin Y Ewald
- Laboratory of Extracellular Matrix Regeneration, Institute of Translational Medicine, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Schwerzenbach CH-8603, Switzerland
| | - Fadi E Pulous
- Insilico Medicine US Inc., 345 Park Avenue South, 2nd Floor Suite 006, New York, NY 10010, USA
| | - Sarah Wing Yan Lok
- Insilico Medicine Hong Kong Ltd., Unit 310, 3/F, Building 8W, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Frank W Pun
- Insilico Medicine Hong Kong Ltd., Unit 310, 3/F, Building 8W, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Alex Aliper
- Insilico Medicine AI Limited, Level 6, Unit 08, Block A, IRENA HQ Building, Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Feng Ren
- Insilico Medicine Shanghai Ltd., Suite 902, Tower C, Changtai Plaza, 2889 Jinke Road, Pudong, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Alex Zhavoronkov
- Insilico Medicine US Inc., 345 Park Avenue South, 2nd Floor Suite 006, New York, NY 10010, USA; Insilico Medicine Hong Kong Ltd., Unit 310, 3/F, Building 8W, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong, SAR, China; Insilico Medicine AI Limited, Level 6, Unit 08, Block A, IRENA HQ Building, Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, UAE; Insilico Medicine Shanghai Ltd., Suite 902, Tower C, Changtai Plaza, 2889 Jinke Road, Pudong, Shanghai 201203, China; Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA 94945, USA.
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3
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Hoard TM, Liu K, Cadigan KM, Giger RJ, Allen BL. Semaphorin Receptors Antagonize Wnt Signaling Through Beta-Catenin Degradation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.29.596372. [PMID: 38854152 PMCID: PMC11160715 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.29.596372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Precise control of morphogen signaling levels is essential for proper development. An outstanding question is: what mechanisms ensure proper morphogen activity and correct cellular responses? Previous work has identified Semaphorin (SEMA) receptors, Neuropilins (NRPs) and Plexins (PLXNs), as positive regulators of the Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway. Here, we provide evidence that NRPs and PLXNs antagonize Wnt signaling in both fibroblasts and epithelial cells. Further, Nrp1/2 deletion in fibroblasts results in elevated baseline Wnt pathway activity and increased maximal responses to Wnt stimulation. Notably, and in contrast to HH signaling, SEMA receptor-mediated Wnt antagonism is independent of primary cilia. Mechanistically, PLXNs and NRPs act downstream of Dishevelled (DVL) to destabilize β-catenin (CTNNB1) in a proteosome-dependent manner. Further, NRPs, but not PLXNs, act in a GSK3β/CK1-dependent fashion to antagonize Wnt signaling, suggesting distinct repressive mechanisms for these SEMA receptors. Overall, this study identifies SEMA receptors as novel Wnt pathway antagonists that may also play larger roles integrating signals from multiple inputs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler M Hoard
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Katie Liu
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Kenneth M Cadigan
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Roman J Giger
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Benjamin L Allen
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
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Cherra SJ, Lamb R. Interactions between Ras and Rap signaling pathways during neurodevelopment in health and disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1352731. [PMID: 38463630 PMCID: PMC10920261 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1352731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The Ras family of small GTPases coordinates tissue development by modulating cell proliferation, cell-cell adhesion, and cellular morphology. Perturbations of any of these key steps alter nervous system development and are associated with neurological disorders. While the underlying causes are not known, genetic mutations in Ras and Rap GTPase signaling pathways have been identified in numerous neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum, neurofibromatosis, intellectual disability, epilepsy, and schizophrenia. Despite diverse clinical presentations, intersections between these two signaling pathways may provide a better understanding of how deviations in neurodevelopment give rise to neurological disorders. In this review, we focus on presynaptic and postsynaptic functions of Ras and Rap GTPases. We highlight various roles of these small GTPases during synapse formation and plasticity. Based on genomic analyses, we discuss how disease-related mutations in Ras and Rap signaling proteins may underlie human disorders. Finally, we discuss how recent observations have identified molecular interactions between these pathways and how these findings may provide insights into the mechanisms that underlie neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore J. Cherra
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
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Wang M, Fan J, Shao Z. Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Synaptic Subcellular Specificity. Brain Sci 2024; 14:155. [PMID: 38391729 PMCID: PMC10886843 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14020155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Chemical synapses are essential for neuronal information storage and relay. The synaptic signal received or sent from spatially distinct subcellular compartments often generates different outcomes due to the distance or physical property difference. Therefore, the final output of postsynaptic neurons is determined not only by the type and intensity of synaptic inputs but also by the synaptic subcellular location. How synaptic subcellular specificity is determined has long been the focus of study in the neurodevelopment field. Genetic studies from invertebrates such as Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) have uncovered important molecular and cellular mechanisms required for subcellular specificity. Interestingly, similar molecular mechanisms were found in the mammalian cerebellum, hippocampus, and cerebral cortex. This review summarizes the comprehensive advances in the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying synaptic subcellular specificity, focusing on studies from C. elegans and rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 131 Dong An Rd, Research Building B4017, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jiale Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 131 Dong An Rd, Research Building B4017, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhiyong Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 131 Dong An Rd, Research Building B4017, Shanghai 200032, China
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6
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Desbois M, Pak JS, Opperman KJ, Giles AC, Grill B. Optimized protocol for in vivo affinity purification proteomics and biochemistry using C. elegans. STAR Protoc 2023; 4:102262. [PMID: 37294631 PMCID: PMC10323129 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2023.102262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/11/2023] Open
Abstract
We present an optimized protocol for in vivo affinity purification proteomics and biochemistry using the model organism C. elegans. We describe steps for target tagging, large-scale culture, affinity purification using a cryomill, mass spectrometry and validation of candidate binding proteins. Our approach has proven successful for identifying protein-protein interactions and signaling networks with verified functional relevance. Our protocol is also suitable for biochemical evaluation of protein-protein interactions in vivo. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Crawley et al.,1 Giles et al.,2 and Desbois et al.3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muriel Desbois
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Joseph S Pak
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Karla J Opperman
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Andrew C Giles
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC V2N 4Z9 Canada
| | - Brock Grill
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington Medical School, Seattle, WA 98101, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington Medical School, Seattle, WA 98101, USA.
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Mizumoto K, Jin Y, Bessereau JL. Synaptogenesis: unmasking molecular mechanisms using Caenorhabditis elegans. Genetics 2023; 223:iyac176. [PMID: 36630525 PMCID: PMC9910414 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyac176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is a research model organism particularly suited to the mechanistic understanding of synapse genesis in the nervous system. Armed with powerful genetics, knowledge of complete connectomics, and modern genomics, studies using C. elegans have unveiled multiple key regulators in the formation of a functional synapse. Importantly, many signaling networks display remarkable conservation throughout animals, underscoring the contributions of C. elegans research to advance the understanding of our brain. In this chapter, we will review up-to-date information of the contribution of C. elegans to the understanding of chemical synapses, from structure to molecules and to synaptic remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kota Mizumoto
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Yishi Jin
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Jean-Louis Bessereau
- Univ Lyon, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS UMR 5284, INSERM U 1314, Melis, 69008 Lyon, France
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8
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Hendi A, Niu LG, Snow AW, Ikegami R, Wang ZW, Mizumoto K. Channel-independent function of UNC-9/Innexin in spatial arrangement of GABAergic synapses in C. elegans. eLife 2022; 11:80555. [PMID: 36378164 PMCID: PMC9665852 DOI: 10.7554/elife.80555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Precise synaptic connection of neurons with their targets is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system. A plethora of signaling pathways act in concert to mediate the precise spatial arrangement of synaptic connections. Here we show a novel role for a gap junction protein in controlling tiled synaptic arrangement in the GABAergic motor neurons in Caenorhabditis elegans, in which their axons and synapses overlap minimally with their neighboring neurons within the same class. We found that while EGL-20/Wnt controls axonal tiling, their presynaptic tiling is mediated by a gap junction protein UNC-9/Innexin, that is localized at the presynaptic tiling border between neighboring dorsal D-type GABAergic motor neurons. Strikingly, the gap junction channel activity of UNC-9 is dispensable for its function in controlling tiled presynaptic patterning. While gap junctions are crucial for the proper functioning of the nervous system as channels, our finding uncovered the novel channel-independent role of UNC-9 in synapse patterning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ardalan Hendi
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia
- Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia
| | - Long-Gang Niu
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut Health Center
| | - Andrew William Snow
- Graduate Program in Cell and Developmental Biology, University of British Columbia
| | | | - Zhao-Wen Wang
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut Health Center
| | - Kota Mizumoto
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia
- Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia
- Graduate Program in Cell and Developmental Biology, University of British Columbia
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia
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9
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Balseiro-Gómez S, Park J, Yue Y, Ding C, Shao L, Ҫetinkaya S, Kuzoian C, Hammarlund M, Verhey KJ, Yogev S. Neurexin and frizzled intercept axonal transport at microtubule minus ends to control synapse formation. Dev Cell 2022; 57:1802-1816.e4. [PMID: 35809561 PMCID: PMC9378695 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2022.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Synapse formation is locally determined by transmembrane proteins, yet synaptic material is synthesized remotely and undergoes processive transport in axons. How local synaptogenic signals intercept synaptic cargo in transport to promote its delivery and synapse formation is unknown. We found that the control of synaptic cargo delivery at microtubule (MT) minus ends mediates pro- and anti-synaptogenic activities of presynaptic neurexin and frizzled in C. elegans and identified the atypical kinesin VAB-8/KIF26 as a key molecule in this process. VAB-8/KIF26 levels at synaptic MT minus ends are controlled by frizzled and neurexin; loss of VAB-8 mimics neurexin mutants or frizzled hyperactivation, and its overexpression can rescue synapse loss in these backgrounds. VAB-8/KIF26 is required for the synaptic localization of other minus-end proteins and promotes the pausing of retrograde transport to allow delivery to synapses. Consistently, reducing retrograde transport rescues synapse loss in vab-8 and neurexin mutants. These results uncover a mechanistic link between synaptogenic signaling and axonal transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Balseiro-Gómez
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, 295 Congress Avenue, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Junhyun Park
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, 295 Congress Avenue, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Yang Yue
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Chen Ding
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, 295 Congress Avenue, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, 295 Congress Avenue, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Lin Shao
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, 295 Congress Avenue, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Selim Ҫetinkaya
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, 295 Congress Avenue, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Caroline Kuzoian
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, 295 Congress Avenue, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Marc Hammarlund
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, 295 Congress Avenue, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, 295 Congress Avenue, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Kristen J Verhey
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Shaul Yogev
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, 295 Congress Avenue, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
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10
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Meng Z, Li FL, Fang C, Yeoman B, Qiu Y, Wang Y, Cai X, Lin KC, Yang D, Luo M, Fu V, Ma X, Diao Y, Giancotti FG, Ren B, Engler AJ, Guan KL. The Hippo pathway mediates Semaphorin signaling. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabl9806. [PMID: 35613278 PMCID: PMC9132450 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abl9806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Semaphorins were originally identified as axonal guidance molecules, but they also control processes such as vascular development and tumorigenesis. The downstream signaling cascades of Semaphorins in these biological processes remain unclear. Here, we show that the class 3 Semaphorins (SEMA3s) activate the Hippo pathway to attenuate tissue growth, angiogenesis, and tumorigenesis. SEMA3B restoration in lung cancer cells with SEMA3B loss of heterozygosity suppresses cancer cell growth via activating the core Hippo kinases LATS1/2 (large tumor suppressor kinase 1/2). Furthermore, SEMA3 also acts through LATS1/2 to inhibit angiogenesis. We identified p190RhoGAPs as essential partners of the SEMA3A receptor PlexinA in Hippo regulation. Upon SEMA3 treatment, PlexinA interacts with the pseudo-guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) domain of p190RhoGAP and simultaneously recruits RND GTPases to activate p190RhoGAP, which then stimulates LATS1/2. Disease-associated etiological factors, such as genetic lesions and oscillatory shear, diminish Hippo pathway regulation by SEMA3. Our study thus discovers a critical role of Hippo signaling in mediating SEMA3 physiological function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhipeng Meng
- Department of Pharmacology and Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Fu-Long Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Cao Fang
- Department of Pharmacology and Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Benjamin Yeoman
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Yunjiang Qiu
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Graduate Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Xiaomin Cai
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Kimberly C. Lin
- Department of Pharmacology and Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Di Yang
- Department of Pharmacology and Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Min Luo
- Department of Pharmacology and Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Vivian Fu
- Department of Pharmacology and Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Xiaoxiao Ma
- Center for Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Yarui Diao
- Regeneration Next Initiative, Department of Cell Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Filippo G. Giancotti
- Department of Cancer Biology and David H. Koch Center for Applied Research of GU Cancers, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center and Department of Genetics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10033, USA
| | - Bing Ren
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Adam J. Engler
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Kun-Liang Guan
- Department of Pharmacology and Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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11
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β-Arrestin2 Is Critically Involved in the Differential Regulation of Phosphosignaling Pathways by Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone and Taltirelin. Cells 2022; 11:cells11091473. [PMID: 35563779 PMCID: PMC9103620 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and its analogs, including taltirelin (TAL), have demonstrated a range of effects on the central nervous system that represent potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of various neurological disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms of their actions remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated phosphosignaling dynamics in pituitary GH1 cells affected by TRH and TAL and the putative role of β-arrestin2 in mediating these effects. Our results revealed widespread alterations in many phosphosignaling pathways involving signal transduction via small GTPases, MAP kinases, Ser/Thr- and Tyr-protein kinases, Wnt/β-catenin, and members of the Hippo pathway. The differential TRH- or TAL-induced phosphorylation of numerous proteins suggests that these ligands exhibit some degree of biased agonism at the TRH receptor. The different phosphorylation patterns induced by TRH or TAL in β-arrestin2-deficient cells suggest that the β-arrestin2 scaffold is a key factor determining phosphorylation events after TRH receptor activation. Our results suggest that compounds that modulate kinase and phosphatase activity can be considered as additional adjuvants to enhance the potential therapeutic value of TRH or TAL.
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12
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Lamb R, Dhar B, Cherra SJ. PXF-1 promotes synapse development at the neuromuscular junction in Caenorhabditis elegans. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:945680. [PMID: 36311020 PMCID: PMC9606220 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.945680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) are a family of proteins that modulate small G protein signaling. Mutations in a subfamily of GEFs that act on Rap, known as RapGEFs, have been associated with neurological disorders, and knockout mice display impairments in neuronal activity. However, the precise functions of RapGEFs in the nervous system remain unclear. Here, we have used the Caenorhabditis elegans neuromuscular junction, to investigate how the RapGEF homolog, PXF-1, regulates synaptic function. We found that loss of function mutations in pxf-1 reduced cholinergic activity at the neuromuscular junction. We observed that PXF-1 is expressed in the nervous system, and its expression in neurons is sufficient to promote synaptic activity. In pxf-1 mutant animals, there is a reduction in the levels of synaptic vesicles in cholinergic motor neurons but no change in the overall synapse numbers. In addition to synaptic vesicles proteins, we also found that filamentous actin, a scaffold for nascent synapses, was reduced at developing cholinergic synapses in pxf-1 mutant animals. Our studies indicate that PXF-1 regulates neuromuscular function by promoting the formation of actin filaments to support the development of motor neuron synapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reagan Lamb
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Bithika Dhar
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Salvatore J Cherra
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
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Ste20-like Kinase Is Critical for Inhibitory Synapse Maintenance and Its Deficiency Confers a Developmental Dendritopathy. J Neurosci 2021; 41:8111-8125. [PMID: 34400520 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0352-21.2021] [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: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The size and structure of the dendritic arbor play important roles in determining how synaptic inputs of neurons are converted to action potential output. The regulatory mechanisms governing the development of dendrites, however, are insufficiently understood. The evolutionary conserved Ste20/Hippo kinase pathway has been proposed to play an important role in regulating the formation and maintenance of dendritic architecture. A key element of this pathway, Ste20-like kinase (SLK), regulates cytoskeletal dynamics in non-neuronal cells and is strongly expressed throughout neuronal development. However, its function in neurons is unknown. We show that, during development of mouse cortical neurons, SLK has a surprisingly specific role for proper elaboration of higher, ≥ third-order dendrites both in male and in female mice. Moreover, we demonstrate that SLK is required to maintain excitation-inhibition balance. Specifically, SLK knockdown caused a selective loss of inhibitory synapses and functional inhibition after postnatal day 15, whereas excitatory neurotransmission was unaffected. Finally, we show that this mechanism may be relevant for human disease, as dysmorphic neurons within human cortical malformations revealed significant loss of SLK expression. Overall, the present data identify SLK as a key regulator of both dendritic complexity during development and inhibitory synapse maintenance.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT We show that dysmorphic neurons of human epileptogenic brain lesions have decreased levels of the Ste20-like kinase (SLK). Decreasing SLK expression in mouse neurons revealed that SLK has essential functions in forming the neuronal dendritic tree and in maintaining inhibitory connections with neighboring neurons.
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14
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Kurashina M, Wang J, Lin J, Lee KK, Johal A, Mizumoto K. Sustained expression of unc-4 homeobox gene and unc-37/Groucho in postmitotic neurons specifies the spatial organization of the cholinergic synapses in C. elegans. eLife 2021; 10:66011. [PMID: 34388088 PMCID: PMC8363302 DOI: 10.7554/elife.66011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal cell fate determinants establish the identities of neurons by controlling gene expression to regulate neuronal morphology and synaptic connectivity. However, it is not understood if neuronal cell fate determinants have postmitotic functions in synapse pattern formation. Here we identify a novel role for UNC-4 homeobox protein and its corepressor UNC-37/Groucho, in tiled synaptic patterning of the cholinergic motor neurons in Caenorhabditis elegans. We show that unc-4 is not required during neurogenesis but is required in the postmitotic neurons for proper synapse patterning. In contrast, unc-37 is required in both developing and postmitotic neurons. The synaptic tiling defects of unc-4 mutants are suppressed by bar-1/β-catenin mutation, which positively regulates the expression of ceh-12/HB9. Ectopic ceh-12 expression partly underlies the synaptic tiling defects of unc-4 and unc-37 mutants. Our results reveal a novel postmitotic role of neuronal cell fate determinants in synapse pattern formation through inhibiting the canonical Wnt signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mizuki Kurashina
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,Graduate Program in Cell and Developmental Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Jane Wang
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Jeffrey Lin
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Kathy Kyungeun Lee
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Arpun Johal
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Kota Mizumoto
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,Graduate Program in Cell and Developmental Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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15
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Coste de Bagneaux P, von Elsner L, Bierhals T, Campiglio M, Johannsen J, Obermair GJ, Hempel M, Flucher BE, Kutsche K. A homozygous missense variant in CACNB4 encoding the auxiliary calcium channel beta4 subunit causes a severe neurodevelopmental disorder and impairs channel and non-channel functions. PLoS Genet 2020; 16:e1008625. [PMID: 32176688 PMCID: PMC7176149 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
P/Q-type channels are the principal presynaptic calcium channels in brain functioning in neurotransmitter release. They are composed of the pore-forming CaV2.1 α1 subunit and the auxiliary α2δ-2 and β4 subunits. β4 is encoded by CACNB4, and its multiple splice variants serve isoform-specific functions as channel subunits and transcriptional regulators in the nucleus. In two siblings with intellectual disability, psychomotor retardation, blindness, epilepsy, movement disorder and cerebellar atrophy we identified rare homozygous variants in the genes LTBP1, EMILIN1, CACNB4, MINAR1, DHX38 and MYO15 by whole-exome sequencing. In silico tools, animal model, clinical, and genetic data suggest the p.(Leu126Pro) CACNB4 variant to be likely pathogenic. To investigate the functional consequences of the CACNB4 variant, we introduced the corresponding mutation L125P into rat β4b cDNA. Heterologously expressed wild-type β4b associated with GFP-CaV1.2 and accumulated in presynaptic boutons of cultured hippocampal neurons. In contrast, the β4b-L125P mutant failed to incorporate into calcium channel complexes and to cluster presynaptically. When co-expressed with CaV2.1 in tsA201 cells, β4b and β4b-L125P augmented the calcium current amplitudes, however, β4b-L125P failed to stably complex with α1 subunits. These results indicate that p.Leu125Pro disrupts the stable association of β4b with native calcium channel complexes, whereas membrane incorporation, modulation of current density and activation properties of heterologously expressed channels remained intact. Wildtype β4b was specifically targeted to the nuclei of quiescent excitatory cells. Importantly, the p.Leu125Pro mutation abolished nuclear targeting of β4b in cultured myotubes and hippocampal neurons. While binding of β4b to the known interaction partner PPP2R5D (B56δ) was not affected by the mutation, complex formation between β4b-L125P and the neuronal TRAF2 and NCK interacting kinase (TNIK) seemed to be disturbed. In summary, our data suggest that the homozygous CACNB4 p.(Leu126Pro) variant underlies the severe neurological phenotype in the two siblings, most likely by impairing both channel and non-channel functions of β4b.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leonie von Elsner
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tatjana Bierhals
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marta Campiglio
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jessika Johannsen
- Childrens Hospital, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gerald J. Obermair
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Division Physiology, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems, Austria
| | - Maja Hempel
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Bernhard E. Flucher
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Kerstin Kutsche
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Hendi A, Kurashina M, Mizumoto K. Intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms of synapse formation and specificity in C. elegans. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:2719-2738. [PMID: 31037336 PMCID: PMC11105629 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03109-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Precise neuronal wiring is critical for the function of the nervous system and is ultimately determined at the level of individual synapses. Neurons integrate various intrinsic and extrinsic cues to form synapses onto their correct targets in a stereotyped manner. In the past decades, the nervous system of nematode (Caenorhabditis elegans) has provided the genetic platform to reveal the genetic and molecular mechanisms of synapse formation and specificity. In this review, we will summarize the recent discoveries in synapse formation and specificity in C. elegans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ardalan Hendi
- Department of Zoology, The University of British Columbia, 2406-2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Mizuki Kurashina
- Department of Zoology, The University of British Columbia, 2406-2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Kota Mizumoto
- Department of Zoology, The University of British Columbia, 2406-2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada.
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17
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Hendi A, Mizumoto K. GFPnovo2, a brighter GFP variant for in vivo labeling in C. elegans. MICROPUBLICATION BIOLOGY 2018; 2018. [PMID: 32550394 PMCID: PMC7282520 DOI: 10.17912/49yb-7k39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ardalan Hendi
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver Canada
| | - Kota Mizumoto
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver Canada
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