1
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Shirani M, Levin S, Shebl B, Requena D, Finkelstein TM, Johnson DS, Ng D, Lalazar G, Heissel S, Hojrup P, Molina H, de Jong YP, Rice CM, Singhi AD, Torbenson MS, Coffino P, Lyons B, Simon SM. Increased Protein Kinase A Activity Induces Fibrolamellar Hepatocellular Carcinoma Features Independent of DNAJB1. Cancer Res 2024; 84:2626-2644. [PMID: 38888469 PMCID: PMC11325150 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-4110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma (FLC) is a rare liver cancer that is driven by the fusion of DNAJB1 and PRKACA, the catalytic subunit of protein kinase A (PKA). PKA activity is controlled through regulatory proteins that both inhibit catalytic activity and control localization, and an excess of regulatory subunits ensures PRKACA activity is inhibited. Here, we found an increase in the ratio of catalytic to regulatory units in FLC patient tumors driven by DNAJB1::PRKACA using mass spectrometry, biochemistry, and immunofluorescence, with increased nuclear localization of the kinase. Overexpression of DNAJB1::PRKACA, ATP1B1::PRKACA, or PRKACA, but not catalytically inactive kinase, caused similar transcriptomic changes in primary human hepatocytes, recapitulating the changes observed in FLC. Consistently, tumors in patients missing a regulatory subunit or harboring an ATP1B1::PRKACA fusion were indistinguishable from FLC based on the histopathological, transcriptomic, and drug-response profiles. Together, these findings indicate that the DNAJB1 domain of DNAJB1::PRKACA is not required for FLC. Instead, changes in PKA activity and localization determine the FLC phenotype. Significance: Alterations leading to unconstrained protein kinase A signaling, regardless of the presence or absence of PRKACA fusions, drive the phenotypes of fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma, reshaping understanding of the pathogenesis of this rare liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Shirani
- Laboratory of Cellular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York.
| | - Solomon Levin
- Laboratory of Cellular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York.
| | - Bassem Shebl
- Laboratory of Cellular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York.
| | - David Requena
- Laboratory of Cellular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York.
| | - Tova M. Finkelstein
- Laboratory of Cellular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York.
| | - Daniel S. Johnson
- Laboratory of Cellular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York.
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York.
| | - Denise Ng
- Laboratory of Cellular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York.
| | - Gadi Lalazar
- Laboratory of Cellular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York.
| | - Søren Heissel
- Proteomics Resource Center, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York.
| | - Peter Hojrup
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
| | - Henrik Molina
- Proteomics Resource Center, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York.
| | - Ype P. de Jong
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York.
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York.
| | - Charles M. Rice
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York.
| | - Aatur D. Singhi
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
| | | | - Philip Coffino
- Laboratory of Cellular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York.
| | - Barbara Lyons
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico.
| | - Sanford M. Simon
- Laboratory of Cellular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York.
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2
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Lee G, Muir TW. Distinct phases of cellular signaling revealed by time-resolved protein synthesis. Nat Chem Biol 2024:10.1038/s41589-024-01677-3. [PMID: 38977789 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-024-01677-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
The post-translational regulation of protein function is involved in most cellular processes. As such, synthetic biology tools that operate at this level provide opportunities for manipulating cellular states. Here we deploy proximity-triggered protein trans-splicing technology to enable the time-resolved synthesis of target proteins from premade parts. The modularity of the strategy allows for the addition or removal of various control elements as a function of the splicing reaction, in the process permitting the cellular location and/or activity state of starting materials and products to be differentiated. The approach is applied to a diverse set of proteins, including the kinase oncofusions breakpoint cluster region-Abelson (BCR-ABL) and DNAJ-PKAc where dynamic cellular phosphorylation events are dissected, revealing distinct phases of signaling and identifying molecular players connecting the oncofusion to cancer transformation as new therapeutic targets of cancer cells. We envision that the tools and control strategies developed herein will allow the activity of both naturally occurring and designer proteins to be harnessed for basic and applied research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gihoon Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Tom W Muir
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA.
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3
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Marsh NM, MacEwen MJS, Chea J, Kenerson HL, Kwong AA, Locke TM, Miralles FJ, Sapre T, Gozali N, Atilla-Gokcumen GE, Ong SE, Scott JD, Yeung RS, Sancak Y. Mitochondrial Calcium Signaling Regulates Branched-Chain Amino Acid Catabolism in Fibrolamellar Carcinoma. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.27.596106. [PMID: 38853984 PMCID: PMC11160645 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.27.596106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic adaptations in response to changes in energy supply and demand are essential for survival. The mitochondrial calcium uniporter coordinates metabolic homeostasis by regulating TCA cycle activation, mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation and cellular calcium signaling. However, a comprehensive analysis of uniporter-regulated mitochondrial metabolic pathways has remained unexplored. Here, we investigate the metabolic consequences of uniporter loss- and gain-of-function, and identify a key transcriptional regulator that mediates these effects. Using gene expression profiling and proteomic, we find that loss of uniporter function increases the expression of proteins in the branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) catabolism pathway. Activity is further augmented through phosphorylation of the enzyme that catalyzes this pathway's committed step. Conversely, in the liver cancer fibrolamellar carcinoma (FLC)-which we demonstrate to have high mitochondrial calcium levels- expression of BCAA catabolism enzymes is suppressed. We also observe uniporter-dependent suppression of the transcription factor KLF15, a master regulator of liver metabolic gene expression, including those involved in BCAA catabolism. Notably, loss of uniporter activity upregulates KLF15, along with its transcriptional target ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC), a component of the urea cycle, suggesting that uniporter hyperactivation may contribute to the hyperammonemia observed in FLC patients. Collectively, we establish that FLC has increased mitochondrial calcium levels, and identify an important role for mitochondrial calcium signaling in metabolic adaptation through the transcriptional regulation of metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M Marsh
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Melissa J S MacEwen
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Jane Chea
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Heidi L Kenerson
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Albert A Kwong
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Timothy M Locke
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | | | - Tanmay Sapre
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Natasha Gozali
- Department of Chemistry, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - G Ekin Atilla-Gokcumen
- Department of Chemistry, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Shao-En Ong
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - John D Scott
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Raymond S Yeung
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Yasemin Sancak
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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4
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Hardy JC, Pool EH, Bruystens JGH, Zhou X, Li Q, Zhou DR, Palay M, Tan G, Chen L, Choi JLC, Lee HN, Strack S, Wang D, Taylor SS, Mehta S, Zhang J. Molecular determinants and signaling effects of PKA RIα phase separation. Mol Cell 2024; 84:1570-1584.e7. [PMID: 38537638 PMCID: PMC11031308 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2024.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Spatiotemporal regulation of intracellular signaling molecules, such as the 3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase (PKA), ensures proper cellular function. Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of the ubiquitous PKA regulatory subunit RIα promotes cAMP compartmentation and signaling specificity. However, the molecular determinants of RIα LLPS remain unclear. Here, we reveal that two separate dimerization interfaces, combined with the cAMP-induced unleashing of the PKA catalytic subunit (PKA-C) from the pseudosubstrate inhibitory sequence, drive RIα condensate formation in the cytosol of mammalian cells, which is antagonized by docking to A-kinase anchoring proteins. Strikingly, we find that the RIα pseudosubstrate region is critically involved in forming a non-canonical R:C complex, which recruits active PKA-C to RIα condensates to maintain low basal PKA activity in the cytosol. Our results suggest that RIα LLPS not only facilitates cAMP compartmentation but also spatially restrains active PKA-C, thus highlighting the functional versatility of biomolecular condensates in driving signaling specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia C Hardy
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Shu Chien-Gene Lay Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Emily H Pool
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Jessica G H Bruystens
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Xin Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Qingrong Li
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Daojia R Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Shu Chien-Gene Lay Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Max Palay
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Gerald Tan
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Lisa Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Jaclyn L C Choi
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Ha Neul Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Stefan Strack
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Dong Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Susan S Taylor
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Sohum Mehta
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Jin Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Shu Chien-Gene Lay Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
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5
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Bock A, Irannejad R, Scott JD. cAMP signaling: a remarkably regional affair. Trends Biochem Sci 2024; 49:305-317. [PMID: 38310024 PMCID: PMC11175624 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2024.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Louis Pasteur once famously said 'in the fields of observation chance favors only the prepared mind'. Much of chance is being in the right place at the right time. This is particularly true in the crowded molecular environment of the cell where being in the right place is often more important than timing. Although Brownian motion argues that enzymes will eventually bump into substrates, this probability is greatly enhanced if both molecules reside in the same subcellular compartment. However, activation of cell signaling enzymes often requires the transmission of chemical signals from extracellular stimuli to intracellular sites of action. This review highlights new developments in our understanding of cAMP generation and the 3D utilization of this second messenger inside cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Bock
- Rudolf Boehm Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, 04107 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Roshanak Irannejad
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
| | - John D Scott
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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6
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Kirk AM, Crawford JC, Chou CH, Guy C, Pandey K, Kozlik T, Shah RK, Chung S, Nguyen P, Zhang X, Wang J, Bell M, Mettelman RC, Allen EK, Pogorelyy MV, Kim H, Minervina AA, Awad W, Bajracharya R, White T, Long D, Gordon B, Morrison M, Glazer ES, Murphy AJ, Jiang Y, Fitzpatrick EA, Yarchoan M, Sethupathy P, Croft NP, Purcell AW, Federico SM, Stewart E, Gottschalk S, Zamora AE, DeRenzo C, Strome SE, Thomas PG. DNAJB1-PRKACA fusion neoantigens elicit rare endogenous T cell responses that potentiate cell therapy for fibrolamellar carcinoma. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101469. [PMID: 38508137 PMCID: PMC10983114 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101469] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Fibrolamellar carcinoma (FLC) is a liver tumor with a high mortality burden and few treatment options. A promising therapeutic vulnerability in FLC is its driver mutation, a conserved DNAJB1-PRKACA gene fusion that could be an ideal target neoantigen for immunotherapy. In this study, we aim to define endogenous CD8 T cell responses to this fusion in FLC patients and evaluate fusion-specific T cell receptors (TCRs) for use in cellular immunotherapies. We observe that fusion-specific CD8 T cells are rare and that FLC patient TCR repertoires lack large clusters of related TCR sequences characteristic of potent antigen-specific responses, potentially explaining why endogenous immune responses are insufficient to clear FLC tumors. Nevertheless, we define two functional fusion-specific TCRs, one of which has strong anti-tumor activity in vivo. Together, our results provide insights into the fragmented nature of neoantigen-specific repertoires in humans and indicate routes for clinical development of successful immunotherapies for FLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison M Kirk
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Jeremy Chase Crawford
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Ching-Heng Chou
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Cliff Guy
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Kirti Pandey
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Tanya Kozlik
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Ravi K Shah
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Shanzou Chung
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Phuong Nguyen
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Jin Wang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Matthew Bell
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Robert C Mettelman
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - E Kaitlynn Allen
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Mikhail V Pogorelyy
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Hyunjin Kim
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Anastasia A Minervina
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Walid Awad
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Resha Bajracharya
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA; Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Toni White
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Donald Long
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
| | - Brittney Gordon
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Michelle Morrison
- Center for Cancer Research, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Evan S Glazer
- Center for Cancer Research, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA; Department of Surgery, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Andrew J Murphy
- Department of Surgery, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA; Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Yixing Jiang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Fitzpatrick
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Mark Yarchoan
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Praveen Sethupathy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
| | - Nathan P Croft
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Anthony W Purcell
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Sara M Federico
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Elizabeth Stewart
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA; Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Stephen Gottschalk
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Anthony E Zamora
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Christopher DeRenzo
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Scott E Strome
- College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA.
| | - Paul G Thomas
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA.
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7
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Daniel SK, Sullivan KM, Dickerson LK, van den Bijgaart RJE, Utria AF, Labadie KP, Kenerson HL, Jiang X, Smythe KS, Campbell JS, Pierce RH, Kim TS, Riehle KJ, Yeung RS, Carter JA, Barry KC, Pillarisetty VG. Reversing immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment of fibrolamellar carcinoma via PD-1 and IL-10 blockade. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5109. [PMID: 38429349 PMCID: PMC10907637 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55593-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibrolamellar carcinoma (FLC) is a rare liver tumor driven by the DNAJ-PKAc fusion protein that affects healthy young patients. Little is known about the immune response to FLC, limiting rational design of immunotherapy. Multiplex immunohistochemistry and gene expression profiling were performed to characterize the FLC tumor immune microenvironment and adjacent non-tumor liver (NTL). Flow cytometry and T cell receptor (TCR) sequencing were performed to determine the phenotype of tumor-infiltrating immune cells and the extent of T cell clonal expansion. Fresh human FLC tumor slice cultures (TSCs) were treated with antibodies blocking programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) and interleukin-10 (IL-10), with results measured by cleaved caspase-3 immunohistochemistry. Immune cells were concentrated in fibrous stromal bands, rather than in the carcinoma cell compartment. In FLC, T cells demonstrated decreased activation and regulatory T cells in FLC had more frequent expression of PD-1 and CTLA-4 than in NTL. Furthermore, T cells had relatively low levels of clonal expansion despite high TCR conservation across individuals. Combination PD-1 and IL-10 blockade signficantly increased cell death in human FLC TSCs. Immunosuppresion in the FLC tumor microenvironment is characterized by T cell exclusion and exhaustion, which may be reversible with combination immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- S K Daniel
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 356410, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - K M Sullivan
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 356410, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - L K Dickerson
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 356410, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - R J E van den Bijgaart
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - A F Utria
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 356410, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - K P Labadie
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 356410, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - H L Kenerson
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 356410, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - X Jiang
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 356410, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - K S Smythe
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - J S Campbell
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - R H Pierce
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - T S Kim
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 356410, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - K J Riehle
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 356410, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - R S Yeung
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 356410, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - J A Carter
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 356410, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - K C Barry
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - V G Pillarisetty
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 356410, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
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8
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Ma RK, Tsai PY, Farghli AR, Shumway A, Kanke M, Gordan JD, Gujral TS, Vakili K, Nukaya M, Noetzli L, Ronnekleiv-Kelly S, Broom W, Barrow J, Sethupathy P. DNAJB1-PRKACA fusion protein-regulated LINC00473 promotes tumor growth and alters mitochondrial fitness in fibrolamellar carcinoma. PLoS Genet 2024; 20:e1011216. [PMID: 38512964 PMCID: PMC11020935 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibrolamellar carcinoma (FLC) is a rare liver cancer that disproportionately affects adolescents and young adults. Currently, no standard of care is available and there remains a dire need for new therapeutics. Most patients harbor the fusion oncogene DNAJB1-PRKACA (DP fusion), but clinical inhibitors are not yet developed and it is critical to identify downstream mediators of FLC pathogenesis. Here, we identify long noncoding RNA LINC00473 among the most highly upregulated genes in FLC tumors and determine that it is strongly suppressed by RNAi-mediated inhibition of the DP fusion in FLC tumor epithelial cells. We show by loss- and gain-of-function studies that LINC00473 suppresses apoptosis, increases the expression of FLC marker genes, and promotes FLC growth in cell-based and in vivo disease models. Mechanistically, LINC00473 plays an important role in promoting glycolysis and altering mitochondrial activity. Specifically, LINC00473 knockdown leads to increased spare respiratory capacity, which indicates mitochondrial fitness. Overall, we propose that LINC00473 could be a viable target for this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna K. Ma
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Pei-Yin Tsai
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Alaa R. Farghli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Alexandria Shumway
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Matt Kanke
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - John D. Gordan
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCSF, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Taranjit S. Gujral
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Khashayar Vakili
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Manabu Nukaya
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Leila Noetzli
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Sean Ronnekleiv-Kelly
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Wendy Broom
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Joeva Barrow
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Praveen Sethupathy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
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9
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Lauer SM, Omar MH, Golkowski MG, Kenerson HL, Lee KS, Pascual BC, Lim HC, Forbush K, Smith FD, Gordan JD, Ong SE, Yeung RS, Scott JD. Recruitment of BAG2 to DNAJ-PKAc scaffolds promotes cell survival and resistance to drug-induced apoptosis in fibrolamellar carcinoma. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113678. [PMID: 38236773 PMCID: PMC10964278 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The DNAJ-PKAc fusion kinase is a defining feature of fibrolamellar carcinoma (FLC). FLC tumors are notoriously resistant to standard chemotherapies, with aberrant kinase activity assumed to be a contributing factor. By combining proximity proteomics, biochemical analyses, and live-cell photoactivation microscopy, we demonstrate that DNAJ-PKAc is not constrained by A-kinase anchoring proteins. Consequently, the fusion kinase phosphorylates a unique array of substrates, including proteins involved in translation and the anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-2-associated athanogene 2 (BAG2), a co-chaperone recruited to the fusion kinase through association with Hsp70. Tissue samples from patients with FLC exhibit increased levels of BAG2 in primary and metastatic tumors. Furthermore, drug studies implicate the DNAJ-PKAc/Hsp70/BAG2 axis in potentiating chemotherapeutic resistance. We find that the Bcl-2 inhibitor navitoclax enhances sensitivity to etoposide-induced apoptosis in cells expressing DNAJ-PKAc. Thus, our work indicates BAG2 as a marker for advanced FLC and a chemotherapeutic resistance factor in DNAJ-PKAc signaling scaffolds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia M Lauer
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Mitchell H Omar
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Martin G Golkowski
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Heidi L Kenerson
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Kyung-Soon Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Bryan C Pascual
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Huat C Lim
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Katherine Forbush
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - F Donelson Smith
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - John D Gordan
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Shao-En Ong
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Raymond S Yeung
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - John D Scott
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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10
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Omar MH, Byrne DP, Shrestha S, Lakey TM, Lee KS, Lauer SM, Collins KB, Daly LA, Eyers CE, Baird GS, Ong SE, Kannan N, Eyers PA, Scott JD. Discovery of a Cushing's syndrome protein kinase A mutant that biases signaling through type I AKAPs. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadl1258. [PMID: 38381834 PMCID: PMC10881042 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adl1258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Adrenal Cushing's syndrome is a disease of cortisol hypersecretion often caused by mutations in protein kinase A catalytic subunit (PKAc). Using a personalized medicine screening platform, we discovered a Cushing's driver mutation, PKAc-W196G, in ~20% of patient samples analyzed. Proximity proteomics and photokinetic imaging reveal that PKAcW196G is unexpectedly distinct from other described Cushing's variants, exhibiting retained association with type I regulatory subunits (RI) and their corresponding A kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs). Molecular dynamics simulations predict that substitution of tryptophan-196 with glycine creates a 653-cubic angstrom cleft between the catalytic core of PKAcW196G and type II regulatory subunits (RII), but only a 395-cubic angstrom cleft with RI. Endocrine measurements show that overexpression of RIα or redistribution of PKAcW196G via AKAP recruitment counteracts stress hormone overproduction. We conclude that a W196G mutation in the kinase catalytic core skews R subunit selectivity and biases AKAP association to drive Cushing's syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell H. Omar
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Dominic P. Byrne
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Safal Shrestha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Tyler M. Lakey
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Kyung-Soon Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Sophia M. Lauer
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Kerrie B. Collins
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Leonard A. Daly
- Centre for Proteome Research, Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Claire E. Eyers
- Centre for Proteome Research, Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Geoffrey S. Baird
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Shao-En Ong
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Natarajan Kannan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Patrick A. Eyers
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - John D. Scott
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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11
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Hardy JC, Pool EH, Bruystens JGH, Zhou X, Li Q, Zhou DR, Palay M, Tan G, Chen L, Choi JLC, Lee HN, Strack S, Wang D, Taylor SS, Mehta S, Zhang J. Molecular Determinants and Signaling Effects of PKA RIα Phase Separation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.10.570836. [PMID: 38168176 PMCID: PMC10760030 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.10.570836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Spatiotemporal regulation of intracellular signaling molecules, such as the 3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase (PKA), ensures the specific execution of various cellular functions. Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of the ubiquitously expressed PKA regulatory subunit RIα was recently identified as a major driver of cAMP compartmentation and signaling specificity. However, the molecular determinants of RIα LLPS remain unclear. Here, we reveal that two separate dimerization interfaces combined with the cAMP-induced release of the PKA catalytic subunit (PKA-C) from the pseudosubstrate inhibitory sequence are required to drive RIα condensate formation in cytosol, which is antagonized by docking to A-kinase anchoring proteins. Strikingly, we find that the RIα pseudosubstrate region is critically involved in the formation of a non-canonical R:C complex, which serves to maintain low basal PKA activity in the cytosol by enabling the recruitment of active PKA-C to RIα condensates. Our results suggest that RIα LLPS not only facilitates cAMP compartmentation but also spatially restrains active PKA-C, thus highlighting the functional versatility of biomolecular condensates in driving signaling specificity.
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12
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Lee G, Muir TW. Distinct phases of cellular signaling revealed by time-resolved protein synthesis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.10.548208. [PMID: 37503273 PMCID: PMC10369872 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.10.548208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
The post-translational regulation of protein function is involved in most cellular processes. As such, synthetic biology tools that operate at this level provide opportunities for manipulating cellular states. Here, we deploy a proximity-triggered protein trans-splicing technology to enable the time-resolved synthesis of target proteins from pre-made parts. The modularity of the strategy allows for the addition or removal of various control elements as a function of the splicing reaction, in the process permitting the cellular location and/or activity state of starting materials and products to be differentiated. The approach is applied to a diverse set of proteins, including the kinase oncofusions BCR/ABL and DNAJB1/PRKACA where dynamic cellular phosphorylation events are dissected, revealing distinct phases of signaling and identifying molecular players connecting the oncofusion to cancer transformation as novel therapeutic targets of cancer cells. We envision that the tools and control strategies developed herein will allow the activity of both naturally occurring and designer proteins to be harnessed for basic and applied research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gihoon Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Tom W. Muir
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
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13
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Lauer SM, Omar MH, Golkowski MG, Kenerson HL, Pascual BC, Forbush K, Smith FD, Gordan J, Ong SE, Yeung RS, Scott JD. Recruitment of BAG2 to DNAJ-PKAc scaffolds promotes cell survival and resistance to drug-induced apoptosis in fibrolamellar carcinoma. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.28.546958. [PMID: 37425703 PMCID: PMC10327129 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.28.546958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
The DNAJ-PKAc fusion kinase is a defining feature of the adolescent liver cancer fibrolamellar carcinoma (FLC). A single lesion on chromosome 19 generates this mutant kinase by creating a fused gene encoding the chaperonin binding domain of Hsp40 (DNAJ) in frame with the catalytic core of protein kinase A (PKAc). FLC tumors are notoriously resistant to standard chemotherapies. Aberrant kinase activity is assumed to be a contributing factor. Yet recruitment of binding partners, such as the chaperone Hsp70, implies that the scaffolding function of DNAJ- PKAc may also underlie pathogenesis. By combining proximity proteomics with biochemical analyses and photoactivation live-cell imaging we demonstrate that DNAJ-PKAc is not constrained by A-kinase anchoring proteins. Consequently, the fusion kinase phosphorylates a unique array of substrates. One validated DNAJ-PKAc target is the Bcl-2 associated athanogene 2 (BAG2), a co-chaperone recruited to the fusion kinase through association with Hsp70. Immunoblot and immunohistochemical analyses of FLC patient samples correlate increased levels of BAG2 with advanced disease and metastatic recurrences. BAG2 is linked to Bcl-2, an anti-apoptotic factor that delays cell death. Pharmacological approaches tested if the DNAJ- PKAc/Hsp70/BAG2 axis contributes to chemotherapeutic resistance in AML12 DNAJ-PKAc hepatocyte cell lines using the DNA damaging agent etoposide and the Bcl-2 inhibitor navitoclax. Wildtype AML12 cells were susceptible to each drug alone and in combination. In contrast, AML12 DNAJ-PKAc cells were moderately affected by etoposide, resistant to navitoclax, but markedly susceptible to the drug combination. These studies implicate BAG2 as a biomarker for advanced FLC and a chemotherapeutic resistance factor in DNAJ-PKAc signaling scaffolds.
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14
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Omar MH, Kihiu M, Byrne DP, Lee KS, Lakey TM, Butcher E, Eyers PA, Scott JD. Classification of Cushing's syndrome PKAc mutants based upon their ability to bind PKI. Biochem J 2023; 480:875-890. [PMID: 37306403 PMCID: PMC11136536 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20230183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Cushing's syndrome is an endocrine disorder caused by excess production of the stress hormone cortisol. Precision medicine strategies have identified single allele mutations within the PRKACA gene that drive adrenal Cushing's syndrome. These mutations promote perturbations in the catalytic core of protein kinase A (PKAc) that impair autoinhibition by regulatory subunits and compartmentalization via recruitment into AKAP signaling islands. PKAcL205R is found in ∼45% of patients, whereas PKAcE31V, PKAcW196R, and L198insW and C199insV insertion mutants are less prevalent. Mass spectrometry, cellular, and biochemical data indicate that Cushing's PKAc variants fall into two categories: those that interact with the heat-stable protein kinase inhibitor PKI, and those that do not. In vitro activity measurements show that wild-type PKAc and W196R activities are strongly inhibited by PKI (IC50 < 1 nM). In contrast, PKAcL205R activity is not blocked by the inhibitor. Immunofluorescent analyses show that the PKI-binding variants wild-type PKAc, E31V, and W196R are excluded from the nucleus and protected against proteolytic processing. Thermal stability measurements reveal that upon co-incubation with PKI and metal-bound nucleotide, the W196R variant tolerates melting temperatures 10°C higher than PKAcL205. Structural modeling maps PKI-interfering mutations to a ∼20 Å diameter area at the active site of the catalytic domain that interfaces with the pseudosubstrate of PKI. Thus, Cushing's kinases are individually controlled, compartmentalized, and processed through their differential association with PKI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell H. Omar
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, U.S.A
| | - Maryanne Kihiu
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, U.S.A
| | - Dominic P. Byrne
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, U.K
| | - Kyung-Soon Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, U.S.A
| | - Tyler M. Lakey
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, U.S.A
| | - Erik Butcher
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, U.S.A
| | - Patrick A. Eyers
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, U.K
| | - John D. Scott
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, U.S.A
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15
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Smolnig M, Fasching S, Stelzl U. De Novo Linear Phosphorylation Site Motifs for BCR-ABL Kinase Revealed by Phospho-Proteomics in Yeast. J Proteome Res 2023; 22:1790-1799. [PMID: 37053475 PMCID: PMC10243146 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.2c00795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
BCR-ABL is the oncogenic fusion product of tyrosine kinase ABL1 and a highly frequent driver of acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The kinase activity of BCR-ABL is strongly elevated; however, changes of substrate specificity in comparison to wild-type ABL1 kinase are less well characterized. Here, we heterologously expressed full-length BCR-ABL kinases in yeast. We exploited the proteome of living yeast as an in vivo phospho-tyrosine substrate for assaying human kinase specificity. Phospho-proteomic analysis of ABL1 and BCR-ABL isoforms p190 and p210 yielded a high-confidence data set of 1127 phospho-tyrosine sites on 821 yeast proteins. We used this data set to generate linear phosphorylation site motifs for ABL1 and the oncogenic ABL1 fusion proteins. The oncogenic kinases yielded a substantially different linear motif when compared to ABL1. Kinase set enrichment analysis with human pY-sites that have high linear motif scores well-recalled BCR-ABL driven cancer cell lines from human phospho-proteome data sets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Smolnig
- Institute
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Sandra Fasching
- Institute
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Ulrich Stelzl
- Institute
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
- Field
of Excellence BioHealth - University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
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16
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Rüland L, Andreatta F, Massalini S, Chuva de Sousa Lopes S, Clevers H, Hendriks D, Artegiani B. Organoid models of fibrolamellar carcinoma mutations reveal hepatocyte transdifferentiation through cooperative BAP1 and PRKAR2A loss. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2377. [PMID: 37137901 PMCID: PMC10156813 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37951-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrolamellar carcinoma (FLC) is a lethal primary liver cancer, affecting young patients in absence of chronic liver disease. Molecular understanding of FLC tumorigenesis is limited, partly due to the scarcity of experimental models. Here, we CRISPR-engineer human hepatocyte organoids to recreate different FLC backgrounds, including the predominant genetic alteration, the DNAJB1-PRKACA fusion, as well as a recently reported background of FLC-like tumors, encompassing inactivating mutations of BAP1 and PRKAR2A. Phenotypic characterizations and comparisons with primary FLC tumor samples revealed mutant organoid-tumor similarities. All FLC mutations caused hepatocyte dedifferentiation, yet only combined loss of BAP1 and PRKAR2A resulted in hepatocyte transdifferentiation into liver ductal/progenitor-like cells that could exclusively grow in a ductal cell environment. BAP1-mutant hepatocytes represent primed cells attempting to proliferate in this cAMP-stimulating environment, but require concomitant PRKAR2A loss to overcome cell cycle arrest. In all analyses, DNAJB1-PRKACAfus organoids presented with milder phenotypes, suggesting differences between FLC genetic backgrounds, or for example the need for additional mutations, interactions with niche cells, or a different cell-of-origin. These engineered human organoid models facilitate the study of FLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Rüland
- The Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Simone Massalini
- The Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Hans Clevers
- The Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Pharma, Research and Early Development (pRED) of F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Delilah Hendriks
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Benedetta Artegiani
- The Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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17
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Collins KB, Scott JD. Phosphorylation, compartmentalization, and cardiac function. IUBMB Life 2023; 75:353-369. [PMID: 36177749 PMCID: PMC10049969 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Protein phosphorylation is a fundamental element of cell signaling. First discovered as a biochemical switch in glycogen metabolism, we now know that this posttranslational modification permeates all aspects of cellular behavior. In humans, over 540 protein kinases attach phosphate to acceptor amino acids, whereas around 160 phosphoprotein phosphatases remove phosphate to terminate signaling. Aberrant phosphorylation underlies disease, and kinase inhibitor drugs are increasingly used clinically as targeted therapies. Specificity in protein phosphorylation is achieved in part because kinases and phosphatases are spatially organized inside cells. A prototypic example is compartmentalization of the cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase A through association with A-kinase anchoring proteins. This configuration creates autonomous signaling islands where the anchored kinase is constrained in proximity to activators, effectors, and selected substates. This article primarily focuses on A kinase anchoring protein (AKAP) signaling in the heart with an emphasis on anchoring proteins that spatiotemporally coordinate excitation-contraction coupling and hypertrophic responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerrie B. Collins
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, School of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific Ave, Seattle WA, 98195
| | - John D. Scott
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, School of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific Ave, Seattle WA, 98195
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18
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Chan GKL, Maisel S, Hwang YC, Pascual BC, Wolber RRB, Vu P, Patra KC, Bouhaddou M, Kenerson HL, Lim HC, Long D, Yeung RS, Sethupathy P, Swaney DL, Krogan NJ, Turnham RE, Riehle KJ, Scott JD, Bardeesy N, Gordan JD. Oncogenic PKA signaling increases c-MYC protein expression through multiple targetable mechanisms. eLife 2023; 12:e69521. [PMID: 36692000 PMCID: PMC9925115 DOI: 10.7554/elife.69521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic alterations that activate protein kinase A (PKA) are found in many tumor types. Yet, their downstream oncogenic signaling mechanisms are poorly understood. We used global phosphoproteomics and kinase activity profiling to map conserved signaling outputs driven by a range of genetic changes that activate PKA in human cancer. Two signaling networks were identified downstream of PKA: RAS/MAPK components and an Aurora Kinase A (AURKA)/glycogen synthase kinase (GSK3) sub-network with activity toward MYC oncoproteins. Findings were validated in two PKA-dependent cancer models: a novel, patient-derived fibrolamellar carcinoma (FLC) line that expresses a DNAJ-PKAc fusion and a PKA-addicted melanoma model with a mutant type I PKA regulatory subunit. We identify PKA signals that can influence both de novo translation and stability of the proto-oncogene c-MYC. However, the primary mechanism of PKA effects on MYC in our cell models was translation and could be blocked with the eIF4A inhibitor zotatifin. This compound dramatically reduced c-MYC expression and inhibited FLC cell line growth in vitro. Thus, targeting PKA effects on translation is a potential treatment strategy for FLC and other PKA-driven cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary KL Chan
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
- Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI), University of California San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Samantha Maisel
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
- Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI), University of California San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Yeonjoo C Hwang
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
- Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI), University of California San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Bryan C Pascual
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
- Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI), University of California San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Rebecca RB Wolber
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
- Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI), University of California San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Phuong Vu
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer CenterBostonUnited States
| | - Krushna C Patra
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer CenterBostonUnited States
| | - Mehdi Bouhaddou
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
- J. David Gladstone InstituteSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Heidi L Kenerson
- Department of Surgery and Northwest Liver Research Program, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
| | - Huat C Lim
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
- Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI), University of California San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Donald Long
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell UniversityNew YorkUnited States
| | - Raymond S Yeung
- Department of Surgery and Northwest Liver Research Program, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
| | - Praveen Sethupathy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell UniversityNew YorkUnited States
| | - Danielle L Swaney
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
- J. David Gladstone InstituteSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Nevan J Krogan
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Rigney E Turnham
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
- Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI), University of California San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Kimberly J Riehle
- Department of Surgery and Northwest Liver Research Program, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
| | - John D Scott
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington Medical CenterSeattleUnited States
| | - Nabeel Bardeesy
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer CenterBostonUnited States
| | - John D Gordan
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
- Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI), University of California San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
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19
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Schalm SS, O’Hearn E, Wilson K, LaBranche TP, Silva G, Zhang Z, DiPietro L, Bifulco N, Woessner R, Stransky N, Sappal D, Campbell R, Lobbardi R, Palmer M, Kim J, Ye C, Dorsch M, Lengauer C, Guzi T, Kadambi V, Garner A, Hoeflich KP. Evaluation of Protein Kinase cAMP-Activated Catalytic Subunit Alpha as a Therapeutic Target for Fibrolamellar Carcinoma. GASTRO HEP ADVANCES 2022; 2:307-321. [PMID: 39132655 PMCID: PMC11307690 DOI: 10.1016/j.gastha.2022.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Background and Aims Fibrolamellar carcinoma (FLC) is a rare, difficult-to-treat liver cancer primarily affecting pediatric and adolescent patients, and for which precision medicine approaches have historically not been possible. The DNAJB1-PRKACA gene fusion was identified as a driver of FLC pathogenesis. We aimed to assess whether FLC tumors maintain dependency on this gene fusion and determine if PRKACA is a viable therapeutic target. Methods FLC patient-derived xenograft (PDX) shRNA cell lines were implanted subcutaneously into female NOD-SCID mice and tumors were allowed to develop prior to randomization to doxycycline (to induce knockdown) or control groups. Tumor development was assessed every 2 days. To assess the effect of treatment with novel selective PRKACA small molecule kinase inhibitors, BLU0588 and BLU2864, FLC PDX tumor cells were implanted subcutaneously into NOD-SCID mice and tumors allowed to develop. Mice were randomized to treatment (BLU0588 and BLU2864, orally, once daily) or control groups and tumor size determined as previously. Results Knockdown of DNAJB1-PRKACA reversed a FLC-specific gene signature and reduced PDX tumor growth in mice compared to the control group. Furthermore, FLC PDX tumor growth was significantly reduced with BLU0588 and BLU2864 treatment vs control (P = .003 and P = .0005, respectively). Conclusion We demonstrated, using an inducible knockdown and small molecule approaches, that FLC PDX tumors were dependent upon DNAJB1-PRKACA fusion activity. In addition, this study serves as a proof-of-concept that PRKACA is a viable therapeutic target for FLC and warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Erin O’Hearn
- Blueprint Medicines Corporation, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Kevin Wilson
- Blueprint Medicines Corporation, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | - Grace Silva
- Blueprint Medicines Corporation, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Zhuo Zhang
- Blueprint Medicines Corporation, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | - Neil Bifulco
- Blueprint Medicines Corporation, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | | | - Darshan Sappal
- Blueprint Medicines Corporation, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | - Riadh Lobbardi
- Blueprint Medicines Corporation, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Michael Palmer
- Blueprint Medicines Corporation, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Joseph Kim
- Blueprint Medicines Corporation, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Chaoyang Ye
- Blueprint Medicines Corporation, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Marion Dorsch
- Blueprint Medicines Corporation, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | - Timothy Guzi
- Blueprint Medicines Corporation, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Vivek Kadambi
- Blueprint Medicines Corporation, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Andrew Garner
- Blueprint Medicines Corporation, Cambridge, Massachusetts
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20
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Polychronidis G, Murtha-Lemekhova A, Fuchs J, Karathanasi E, Hoffmann K. A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Management of Fibrolamellar Carcinoma: Current Perspectives and Future Prospects. Onco Targets Ther 2022; 15:1095-1103. [PMID: 36212724 PMCID: PMC9541294 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s296127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrolamellar carcinoma (FLC) is a rare primary liver tumor affecting predominantly younger and otherwise healthy patients. Typically, FLC presents with advanced disease due to the paucity of typical symptoms and no history of underlying liver disease. Depending on tumor characteristics and the patient's general condition, surgical treatment is the most promising treatment modality. Aggressive resection and liver transplantation have been utilized and are presently indispensable curative treatment options. Under certain circumstances surgical resection is also possible for metachronous metastases or local recurrence. Recent tumor biology discoveries have contributed to improved diagnostic specificity and systemic treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Polychronidis
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
| | - Anastasia Murtha-Lemekhova
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
| | - Juri Fuchs
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
| | - Evdokia Karathanasi
- Post-Graduate Program “Human Genetics- Genetic Counseling”, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larisa, Greece
| | - Katrin Hoffmann
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany,Correspondence: Katrin Hoffmann, Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 420, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany, Email
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21
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Shebl B, Ng D, Lalazar G, Rosemore C, Finkelstein TM, Migler RD, Zheng G, Zhang P, Jiang CS, Qureshi A, Vaughan R, Yarchoan M, de Jong YP, Rice CM, Coffino P, Ortiz MV, Zhou D, Simon SM. Targeting BCL-XL in fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma. JCI Insight 2022; 7:e161820. [PMID: 36073545 PMCID: PMC9536265 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.161820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma (FLC) is a rare and often lethal liver cancer with no proven effective systemic therapy. Inhibition of the antiapoptotic protein BCL-XL was found to synergize with a variety of systemic therapies in vitro using cells dissociated from patient-derived xenografts (PDX) of FLC or cells dissociated directly from surgical patient resections. As BCL-XL is physiologically expressed in platelets, prior efforts to leverage this vulnerability in other cancers have been hampered by severe thrombocytopenia. To overcome this toxicity, we treated FLC models with DT2216, a proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) that directs BCL-XL for degradation via the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) E3 ligase, which is minimally expressed in platelets. The combination of irinotecan and DT2216 in vitro on cells directly acquired from patients or in vivo using several xenografts derived from patients with FLC demonstrated remarkable synergy and at clinically achievable doses not associated with significant thrombocytopenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bassem Shebl
- Laboratory of Cellular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Denise Ng
- Laboratory of Cellular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Gadi Lalazar
- Laboratory of Cellular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Carly Rosemore
- Laboratory of Cellular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Tova M. Finkelstein
- Laboratory of Cellular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Guangrong Zheng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Peiyi Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Caroline S. Jiang
- Hospital Biostatistics, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Adam Qureshi
- Hospital Biostatistics, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Roger Vaughan
- Hospital Biostatistics, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Mark Yarchoan
- The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ype P. de Jong
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Charles M. Rice
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Philip Coffino
- Laboratory of Cellular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Michael V. Ortiz
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Daohong Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology and Center for Innovative Drug Discovery, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Sanford M. Simon
- Laboratory of Cellular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, USA
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22
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Omar MH, Byrne DP, Jones KN, Lakey TM, Collins KB, Lee KS, Daly LA, Forbush KA, Lau HT, Golkowski M, McKnight GS, Breault DT, Lefrançois-Martinez AM, Martinez A, Eyers CE, Baird GS, Ong SE, Smith FD, Eyers PA, Scott JD. Mislocalization of protein kinase A drives pathology in Cushing's syndrome. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111073. [PMID: 35830806 PMCID: PMC9311266 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the catalytic subunit of protein kinase A (PKAc) drive the stress hormone disorder adrenal Cushing's syndrome. We define mechanisms of action for the PKAc-L205R and W196R variants. Proximity proteomic techniques demonstrate that both Cushing's mutants are excluded from A kinase-anchoring protein (AKAP)-signaling islands, whereas live-cell photoactivation microscopy reveals that these kinase mutants indiscriminately diffuse throughout the cell. Only cAMP analog drugs that displace native PKAc from AKAPs enhance cortisol release. Rescue experiments that incorporate PKAc mutants into AKAP complexes abolish cortisol overproduction, indicating that kinase anchoring restores normal endocrine function. Analyses of adrenal-specific PKAc-W196R knockin mice and Cushing's syndrome patient tissue reveal defective signaling mechanisms of the disease. Surprisingly each Cushing's mutant engages a different mitogenic-signaling pathway, with upregulation of YAP/TAZ by PKAc-L205R and ERK kinase activation by PKAc-W196R. Thus, aberrant spatiotemporal regulation of each Cushing's variant promotes the transmission of distinct downstream pathogenic signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell H Omar
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
| | - Dominic P Byrne
- Department of Biochemistry & Systems Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Kiana N Jones
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Tyler M Lakey
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Kerrie B Collins
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Kyung-Soon Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Leonard A Daly
- Centre for Proteome Research, Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Katherine A Forbush
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Ho-Tak Lau
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Martin Golkowski
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - G Stanley McKnight
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - David T Breault
- Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Anne-Marie Lefrançois-Martinez
- Génétique, Reproduction et Développement (GReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Antoine Martinez
- Génétique, Reproduction et Développement (GReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Claire E Eyers
- Centre for Proteome Research, Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Geoffrey S Baird
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Shao-En Ong
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - F Donelson Smith
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Patrick A Eyers
- Department of Biochemistry & Systems Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - John D Scott
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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23
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Short SS, Kastenberg ZJ, Wei G, Bondoc A, Dasgupta R, Tiao GM, Watters E, Heaton TE, Lotakis D, La Quaglia MP, Murphy AJ, Davidoff AM, Mansfield SA, Langham MR, Lautz TB, Superina RA, Ott KC, Malek MM, Morgan KM, Kim ES, Zamora A, Lascano D, Roach J, Murphy JT, Rothstein DH, Vasudevan SA, Whitlock R, Lal DR, Hallis B, Bütter A, Baertschiger RM, Lapidus-Krol E, Putra J, Tracy ER, Aldrink JH, Apfeld J, Le HD, Park KY, Rich BS, Glick RD, Fialkowski EA, Utria AF, Meyers RL, Riehle KJ. Histologic type predicts disparate outcomes in pediatric hepatocellular neoplasms: A Pediatric Surgical Oncology Research Collaborative study. Cancer 2022; 128:2786-2795. [PMID: 35561331 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.34256] [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: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare cancer in children, with various histologic subtypes and a paucity of data to guide clinical management and predict prognosis. METHODS A multi-institutional review of children with hepatocellular neoplasms was performed, including demographic, staging, treatment, and outcomes data. Patients were categorized as having conventional HCC (cHCC) with or without underlying liver disease, fibrolamellar carcinoma (FLC), and hepatoblastoma with HCC features (HB-HCC). Univariate and multivariate analyses identified predictors of mortality and relapse. RESULTS In total, 262 children were identified; and an institutional histologic review revealed 110 cHCCs (42%; 69 normal background liver, 34 inflammatory/cirrhotic, 7 unknown), 119 FLCs (45%), and 33 HB-HCCs (12%). The authors observed notable differences in presentation and behavior among tumor subtypes, including increased lymph node involvement in FLC and higher stage in cHCC. Factors associated with mortality included cHCC (hazard ratio [HR], 1.63; P = .038), elevated α-fetoprotein (HR, 3.1; P = .014), multifocality (HR, 2.4; P < .001), and PRETEXT (pretreatment extent of disease) stage IV (HR, 5.76; P < .001). Multivariate analysis identified increased mortality in cHCC versus FLC (HR, 2.2; P = .004) and in unresectable tumors (HR, 3.4; P < .001). Disease-free status at any point predicted survival. CONCLUSIONS This multi-institutional, detailed data set allowed a comprehensive analysis of outcomes for children with these rare hepatocellular neoplasms. The current data demonstrated that pediatric HCC subtypes are not equivalent entities because FLC and cHCC have distinct anatomic patterns and outcomes in concert with their known molecular differences. This data set will be further used to elucidate the impact of histology on specific treatment responses, with the goal of designing risk-stratified algorithms for children with HCC. LAY SUMMARY This is the largest reported granular data set on children with hepatocellular carcinoma. The study evaluates different subtypes of hepatocellular carcinoma and identifies key differences between subtypes. This information is pivotal in improving understanding of these rare cancers and may be used to improve clinical management and subsequent outcome in children with these rare malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott S Short
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Primary Children's Hospital, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Zachary J Kastenberg
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Primary Children's Hospital, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Guo Wei
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Primary Children's Hospital, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Alex Bondoc
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Roshni Dasgupta
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Greg M Tiao
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Erin Watters
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Todd E Heaton
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Dimitra Lotakis
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Michael P La Quaglia
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Andrew J Murphy
- Department of Surgery, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Andrew M Davidoff
- Department of Surgery, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Sara A Mansfield
- Department of Surgery, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Max R Langham
- Department of Surgery, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Timothy B Lautz
- Department of Surgery, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Riccardo A Superina
- Department of Surgery, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Katherine C Ott
- Department of Surgery, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Marcus M Malek
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Katrina M Morgan
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Eugene S Kim
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Abigail Zamora
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Danny Lascano
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jonathan Roach
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Colorado, Denver, Colorado
| | - Joseph T Murphy
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Medical Center, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, Texas
| | - David H Rothstein
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Sanjeev A Vasudevan
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Richard Whitlock
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Dave R Lal
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Brian Hallis
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Andreana Bütter
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital, London Health Sciences Center, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Reto M Baertschiger
- Department of General and Pediatric Surgery, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eveline Lapidus-Krol
- Department of General and Pediatric Surgery, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Juan Putra
- Division of Pediatric Pathology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elisabeth R Tracy
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Jennifer H Aldrink
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Jordan Apfeld
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Hau D Le
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, American Family Children's Hospital, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Keon Y Park
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, American Family Children's Hospital, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Barrie S Rich
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Cohen Children's Medical Center, Zucker School of Medicine at Northwell/Hofstra, New Hyde Park, New York
| | - Richard D Glick
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Cohen Children's Medical Center, Zucker School of Medicine at Northwell/Hofstra, New Hyde Park, New York
| | - Elizabeth A Fialkowski
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University Doernbecher Children's Hospital, Portland, Oregon
| | - Alan F Utria
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University Doernbecher Children's Hospital, Portland, Oregon
| | - Rebecka L Meyers
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Primary Children's Hospital, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Kimberly J Riehle
- Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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24
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Dinh TA, Utria AF, Barry KC, Ma R, Abou-Alfa GK, Gordan JD, Jaffee EM, Scott JD, Zucman-Rossi J, O’Neill AF, Furth ME, Sethupathy P. A framework for fibrolamellar carcinoma research and clinical trials. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 19:328-342. [PMID: 35190728 PMCID: PMC9516439 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-022-00580-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Fibrolamellar carcinoma (FLC), a rare, lethal hepatic cancer, occurs primarily in adolescents and young adults. Unlike hepatocellular carcinoma, FLC has no known association with viral, metabolic or chemical agents that cause cirrhosis. Currently, surgical resection is the only treatment demonstrated to achieve cure, and no standard of care exists for systemic therapy. Progress in FLC research illuminates a transition from an obscure cancer to one for which an interactive community seems poised to uncover fundamental mechanisms and initiate translation towards novel therapies. In this Roadmap, we review advances since the seminal discovery in 2014 that nearly all FLC tumours express a signature oncogene (DNAJB1-PRKACA) encoding a fusion protein (DNAJ-PKAc) in which the J-domain of a heat shock protein 40 (HSP40) co-chaperone replaces an amino-terminal segment of the catalytic subunit of the cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA). Important gains include increased understanding of oncogenic pathways driven by DNAJ-PKAc; identification of potential therapeutic targets; development of research models; elucidation of immune mechanisms with potential for the development of immunotherapies; and completion of the first multicentre clinical trials of targeted therapy for FLC. In each of these key areas we propose a Roadmap for future progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy A. Dinh
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.,These authors contributed equally: Timothy A. Dinh, Alan F. Utria, Kevin C. Barry
| | - Alan F. Utria
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,These authors contributed equally: Timothy A. Dinh, Alan F. Utria, Kevin C. Barry
| | - Kevin C. Barry
- Translational Research Program, Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.,These authors contributed equally: Timothy A. Dinh, Alan F. Utria, Kevin C. Barry
| | - Rosanna Ma
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Ghassan K. Abou-Alfa
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Medicine, Weill Medical College at Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - John D. Gordan
- Gastrointestinal oncology, University of California at San Francisco Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Elizabeth M. Jaffee
- Department of oncology, Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - John D. Scott
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jessica Zucman-Rossi
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne université, Inserm, Université de Paris, Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors, Paris, France
| | - Allison F. O’Neill
- Department of Paediatric Hematology/oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mark E. Furth
- Fibrolamellar Cancer Foundation, Greenwich, CT, USA.,;
| | - Praveen Sethupathy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.,;
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25
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Francisco AB, Kanke M, Massa AP, Dinh TA, Sritharan R, Vakili K, Bardeesy N, Sethupathy P. Multi-omic analysis of microRNA-mediated regulation reveals a proliferative axis involving miR-10b in fibrolamellar carcinoma. JCI Insight 2022; 7:154743. [PMID: 35482409 PMCID: PMC9220943 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.154743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrolamellar carcinoma (FLC) is an aggressive liver cancer primarily afflicting adolescents and young adults. Most patients with FLC harbor a heterozygous deletion on chromosome 19 that leads to the oncogenic gene fusion, DNAJB1-PRKACA. There are currently no effective therapeutics for FLC. To address that, it is critical to gain deeper mechanistic insight into FLC pathogenesis. We assembled a large sample set of FLC and nonmalignant liver tissue (n = 52) and performed integrative multiomic analysis. Specifically, we carried out small RNA sequencing to define altered microRNA expression patterns in tumor samples and then coupled this analysis with RNA sequencing and chromatin run-on sequencing data to identify candidate master microRNA regulators of gene expression in FLC. We also evaluated the relationship between DNAJB1-PRKACA and microRNAs of interest in several human and mouse cell models. Finally, we performed loss-of-function experiments for a specific microRNA in cells established from a patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model. We identified miR-10b-5p as the top candidate pro-proliferative microRNA in FLC. In multiple human cell models, overexpression of DNAJB1-PRKACA led to significant upregulation of miR-10b-5p. Inhibition of miR-10b in PDX-derived cells increased the expression of several potentially novel target genes, concomitant with a significant reduction in metabolic activity, proliferation, and anchorage-independent growth. This study highlights a potentially novel proliferative axis in FLC and provides a rich resource for further investigation of FLC etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam B Francisco
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, United States of America
| | - Matt Kanke
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, United States of America
| | - Andrew P Massa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, United States of America
| | - Timothy A Dinh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, United States of America
| | - Ramja Sritharan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, United States of America
| | - Khashayar Vakili
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, United States of America
| | - Nabeel Bardeesy
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States of America
| | - Praveen Sethupathy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, United States of America
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26
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Kim SS, Kycia I, Karski M, Ma RK, Bordt EA, Kwan J, Karki A, Winter E, Aktas RG, Wu Y, Emili A, Bauer DE, Sethupathy P, Vakili K. DNAJB1-PRKACA in HEK293T cells induces LINC00473 overexpression that depends on PKA signaling. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263829. [PMID: 35167623 PMCID: PMC8846505 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrolamellar carcinoma (FLC) is a primary liver cancer that most commonly arises in adolescents and young adults in a background of normal liver tissue and has a poor prognosis due to lack of effective chemotherapeutic agents. The DNAJB1-PRKACA gene fusion (DP) has been reported in the majority of FLC tumors; however, its oncogenic mechanisms remain unclear. Given the paucity of cellular models, in particular FLC tumor cell lines, we hypothesized that engineering the DP fusion gene in HEK293T cells would provide insight into the cellular effects of the fusion gene. We used CRISPR/Cas9 to engineer HEK293T clones expressing DP fusion gene (HEK-DP) and performed transcriptomic, proteomic, and mitochondrial studies to characterize this cellular model. Proteomic analysis of DP interacting partners identified mitochondrial proteins as well as proteins in other subcellular compartments. HEK-DP cells demonstrated significantly elevated mitochondrial fission, which suggests a role for DP in altering mitochondrial dynamics. Transcriptomic analysis of HEK-DP cells revealed a significant increase in LINC00473 expression, similar to what has been observed in primary FLC samples. LINC00473 overexpression was reversible with siRNA targeting of PRKACA as well as pharmacologic targeting of PKA and Hsp40 in HEK-DP cells. Therefore, our model suggests that LINC00473 is a candidate marker for DP activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie S. Kim
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Ina Kycia
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Michael Karski
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Rosanna K. Ma
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
| | - Evan A. Bordt
- Department of Pediatrics, Lurie Center for Autism, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Julian Kwan
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Networks Systems Biology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Anju Karki
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Elle Winter
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Ranan G. Aktas
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Yuxuan Wu
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Broad Institute, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Andrew Emili
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Networks Systems Biology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Daniel E. Bauer
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Broad Institute, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Praveen Sethupathy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States of America
| | - Khashayar Vakili
- Department of Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Bolger GB. The cAMP-signaling cancers: Clinically-divergent disorders with a common central pathway. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1024423. [PMID: 36313756 PMCID: PMC9612118 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1024423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The cAMP-signaling cancers, which are defined by functionally-significant somatic mutations in one or more elements of the cAMP signaling pathway, have an unexpectedly wide range of cell origins, clinical manifestations, and potential therapeutic options. Mutations in at least 9 cAMP signaling pathway genes (TSHR, GPR101, GNAS, PDE8B, PDE11A, PRKARA1, PRKACA, PRKACB, and CREB) have been identified as driver mutations in human cancer. Although all cAMP-signaling pathway cancers are driven by mutation(s) that impinge on a single signaling pathway, the ultimate tumor phenotype reflects interactions between five critical variables: (1) the precise gene(s) that undergo mutation in each specific tumor type; (2) the effects of specific allele(s) in any given gene; (3) mutations in modifier genes (mutational "context"); (4) the tissue-specific expression of various cAMP signaling pathway elements in the tumor stem cell; and (5) and the precise biochemical regulation of the pathway components in tumor cells. These varying oncogenic mechanisms reveal novel and important targets for drug discovery. There is considerable diversity in the "druggability" of cAMP-signaling components, with some elements (GPCRs, cAMP-specific phosphodiesterases and kinases) appearing to be prime drug candidates, while other elements (transcription factors, protein-protein interactions) are currently refractory to robust drug-development efforts. Further refinement of the precise driver mutations in individual tumors will be essential for directing priorities in drug discovery efforts that target these mutations.
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Karamafrooz A, Brennan J, Thomas DD, Parker LL. Integrated Phosphoproteomics for Identifying Substrates of Human Protein Kinase A ( PRKACA) and Its Oncogenic Mutant DNAJB1 -PRKACA. J Proteome Res 2021; 20:4815-4830. [PMID: 34436901 PMCID: PMC10153428 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.1c00500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The DNAJB1-PRKACA fusion is the signature genetic event of fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma (FL-HCC), a rare but lethal liver cancer that primarily affects adolescents and young adults. A deletion fuses the first exon of the HSP40 gene (DNAJB1), with exons 2-10 of protein kinase A (PRKACA), producing the chimeric kinase DNAJB1-PKAca (J-PKAca). The HSP40 portion's scaffolding/chaperone function has been implicated in redirecting substrate recognition to upregulate oncogenic pathways, but the direct substrates of this fusion are not fully known. We integrated cell-based and in vitro phosphoproteomics to identify substrates targeted directly by PKA and J-PKAca, comparing phosphoproteome profiles from cells with in vitro rephosphorylation of peptides and proteins from lysates using recombinant enzymes. We identified a subset of phosphorylation sites in both cell-based and in vitro experiments, as well as altered pathways and proteins consistent with observations from related studies. We also treated cells with PKA inhibitors that function by two different mechanisms (rpcAMPs and PKI) and examined phosphoproteome profiles, finding some substrates that persisted in the presence of inhibitors and revealing differences between WT and chimera. Overall, these results provide potential insights into J-PKAca's oncogenic activity in a complex cellular system and may provide candidate targets for therapeutic follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adak Karamafrooz
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States.,Current affiliation: Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, California 91010, United States
| | - Jack Brennan
- Independent Technology Consultant, LIC, Boston, Massachusetts 02129, United States
| | - David D Thomas
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Laurie L Parker
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
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29
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Lalazar G, Requena D, Ramos-Espiritu L, Ng D, Bhola PD, de Jong YP, Wang R, Narayan NJC, Shebl B, Levin S, Michailidis E, Kabbani M, Vercauteren KOA, Hurley AM, Farber BA, Hammond WJ, Saltsman JA, Weinberg EM, Glickman JF, Lyons BA, Ellison J, Schadde E, Hertl M, Leiting JL, Truty MJ, Smoot RL, Tierney F, Kato T, Wendel HG, LaQuaglia MP, Rice CM, Letai A, Coffino P, Torbenson MS, Ortiz MV, Simon SM. Identification of Novel Therapeutic Targets for Fibrolamellar Carcinoma Using Patient-Derived Xenografts and Direct-from-Patient Screening. Cancer Discov 2021; 11:2544-2563. [PMID: 34127480 PMCID: PMC8734228 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-20-0872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
To repurpose therapeutics for fibrolamellar carcinoma (FLC), we developed and validated patient-derived xenografts (PDX) from surgical resections. Most agents used clinically and inhibitors of oncogenes overexpressed in FLC showed little efficacy on PDX. A high-throughput functional drug screen found primary and metastatic FLC were vulnerable to clinically available inhibitors of TOPO1 and HDAC and to napabucasin. Napabucasin's efficacy was mediated through reactive oxygen species and inhibition of translation initiation, and specific inhibition of eIF4A was effective. The sensitivity of each PDX line inversely correlated with expression of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-xL, and inhibition of Bcl-xL synergized with other drugs. Screening directly on cells dissociated from patient resections validated these results. This demonstrates that a direct functional screen on patient tumors provides therapeutically informative data within a clinically useful time frame. Identifying these novel therapeutic targets and combination therapies is an urgent need, as effective therapeutics for FLC are currently unavailable. SIGNIFICANCE: Therapeutics informed by genomics have not yielded effective therapies for FLC. A functional screen identified TOPO1, HDAC inhibitors, and napabucasin as efficacious and synergistic with inhibition of Bcl-xL. Validation on cells dissociated directly from patient tumors demonstrates the ability for functional precision medicine in a solid tumor.This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 2355.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gadi Lalazar
- Laboratory of Cellular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - David Requena
- Laboratory of Cellular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - Lavoisier Ramos-Espiritu
- High Throughput and Spectroscopy Resource Center, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - Denise Ng
- Laboratory of Cellular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - Patrick D Bhola
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ype P de Jong
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - Ruisi Wang
- Laboratory of Cellular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - Nicole J C Narayan
- Laboratory of Cellular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
- Pediatric Surgery Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Bassem Shebl
- Laboratory of Cellular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - Solomon Levin
- Laboratory of Cellular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - Eleftherios Michailidis
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - Mohammad Kabbani
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - Koen O A Vercauteren
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
- Laboratory of Liver Infectious Diseases, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Arlene M Hurley
- Hospital Program Direction, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - Benjamin A Farber
- Laboratory of Cellular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
- Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - William J Hammond
- Laboratory of Cellular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
- Pediatric Surgery Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Department of Surgery, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - James A Saltsman
- Laboratory of Cellular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
- Pediatric Surgery Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Department of Surgery, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, New York
| | - Ethan M Weinberg
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - J Fraser Glickman
- High Throughput and Spectroscopy Resource Center, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - Barbara A Lyons
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico
| | - Jessica Ellison
- Division of Transplantation, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Erik Schadde
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation and Division of Surgical Oncology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Martin Hertl
- Division of Transplantation, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Jennifer L Leiting
- Division of Subspecialty General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Mark J Truty
- Division of Subspecialty General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Rory L Smoot
- Division of Subspecialty General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Faith Tierney
- Division of Abdominal Organ Transplantation, New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Tomoaki Kato
- Division of Abdominal Organ Transplantation, New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Hans-Guido Wendel
- Cancer Biology and Genetics Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Michael P LaQuaglia
- Pediatric Surgery Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Charles M Rice
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | - Anthony Letai
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Philip Coffino
- Laboratory of Cellular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York
| | | | - Michael V Ortiz
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Sanford M Simon
- Laboratory of Cellular Biophysics, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York.
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Ramms DJ, Raimondi F, Arang N, Herberg FW, Taylor SS, Gutkind JS. G αs-Protein Kinase A (PKA) Pathway Signalopathies: The Emerging Genetic Landscape and Therapeutic Potential of Human Diseases Driven by Aberrant G αs-PKA Signaling. Pharmacol Rev 2021; 73:155-197. [PMID: 34663687 PMCID: PMC11060502 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.120.000269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Many of the fundamental concepts of signal transduction and kinase activity are attributed to the discovery and crystallization of cAMP-dependent protein kinase, or protein kinase A. PKA is one of the best-studied kinases in human biology, with emphasis in biochemistry and biophysics, all the way to metabolism, hormone action, and gene expression regulation. It is surprising, however, that our understanding of PKA's role in disease is largely underappreciated. Although genetic mutations in the PKA holoenzyme are known to cause diseases such as Carney complex, Cushing syndrome, and acrodysostosis, the story largely stops there. With the recent explosion of genomic medicine, we can finally appreciate the broader role of the Gαs-PKA pathway in disease, with contributions from aberrant functioning G proteins and G protein-coupled receptors, as well as multiple alterations in other pathway components and negative regulators. Together, these represent a broad family of diseases we term the Gαs-PKA pathway signalopathies. The Gαs-PKA pathway signalopathies encompass diseases caused by germline, postzygotic, and somatic mutations in the Gαs-PKA pathway, with largely endocrine and neoplastic phenotypes. Here, we present a signaling-centric review of Gαs-PKA-driven pathophysiology and integrate computational and structural analysis to identify mutational themes commonly exploited by the Gαs-PKA pathway signalopathies. Major mutational themes include hotspot activating mutations in Gαs, encoded by GNAS, and mutations that destabilize the PKA holoenzyme. With this review, we hope to incite further study and ultimately the development of new therapeutic strategies in the treatment of a wide range of human diseases. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Little recognition is given to the causative role of Gαs-PKA pathway dysregulation in disease, with effects ranging from infectious disease, endocrine syndromes, and many cancers, yet these disparate diseases can all be understood by common genetic themes and biochemical signaling connections. By highlighting these common pathogenic mechanisms and bridging multiple disciplines, important progress can be made toward therapeutic advances in treating Gαs-PKA pathway-driven disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana J Ramms
- Department of Pharmacology (D.J.R., N.A., J.S.G.), Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry (S.S.T.), and Moores Cancer Center (D.J.R., N.A., J.S.G.), University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California; Laboratorio di Biologia Bio@SNS, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy (F.R.); and Department of Biochemistry, University of Kassel, Kassel, Germany (F.W.H.)
| | - Francesco Raimondi
- Department of Pharmacology (D.J.R., N.A., J.S.G.), Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry (S.S.T.), and Moores Cancer Center (D.J.R., N.A., J.S.G.), University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California; Laboratorio di Biologia Bio@SNS, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy (F.R.); and Department of Biochemistry, University of Kassel, Kassel, Germany (F.W.H.)
| | - Nadia Arang
- Department of Pharmacology (D.J.R., N.A., J.S.G.), Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry (S.S.T.), and Moores Cancer Center (D.J.R., N.A., J.S.G.), University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California; Laboratorio di Biologia Bio@SNS, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy (F.R.); and Department of Biochemistry, University of Kassel, Kassel, Germany (F.W.H.)
| | - Friedrich W Herberg
- Department of Pharmacology (D.J.R., N.A., J.S.G.), Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry (S.S.T.), and Moores Cancer Center (D.J.R., N.A., J.S.G.), University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California; Laboratorio di Biologia Bio@SNS, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy (F.R.); and Department of Biochemistry, University of Kassel, Kassel, Germany (F.W.H.)
| | - Susan S Taylor
- Department of Pharmacology (D.J.R., N.A., J.S.G.), Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry (S.S.T.), and Moores Cancer Center (D.J.R., N.A., J.S.G.), University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California; Laboratorio di Biologia Bio@SNS, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy (F.R.); and Department of Biochemistry, University of Kassel, Kassel, Germany (F.W.H.)
| | - J Silvio Gutkind
- Department of Pharmacology (D.J.R., N.A., J.S.G.), Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry (S.S.T.), and Moores Cancer Center (D.J.R., N.A., J.S.G.), University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California; Laboratorio di Biologia Bio@SNS, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy (F.R.); and Department of Biochemistry, University of Kassel, Kassel, Germany (F.W.H.)
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PKA Cβ: a forgotten catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase opens new windows for PKA signaling and disease pathologies. Biochem J 2021; 478:2101-2119. [PMID: 34115095 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20200867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) dependent protein kinase or protein kinase A (PKA) has served as a prototype for the large family of protein kinases that are crucially important for signal transduction in eukaryotic cells. The PKA catalytic subunits are encoded by the two major genes PRKACA and PRKACB, respectively. The PRKACA gene encodes two known splice variants, the ubiquitously expressed Cα1 and the sperm-specifically expressed Cα2. In contrast, the PRKACB gene encodes several splice variants expressed in a highly cell and tissue-specific manner. The Cβ proteins are called Cβ1, Cβ2, Cβ3, Cβ4 and so-called abc variants of Cβ3 and Cβ4. Whereas Cβ1 is ubiquitously expressed, Cβ2 is enriched in immune cells and the Cβ3, Cβ4 and their abc variants are solely expressed in neuronal cells. All Cα and Cβ splice variants share a kinase-conserved catalytic core and a C-terminal tail encoded by exons 2 through 10 in the PRKACA and PRKACB genes, respectively. All Cα and Cβ splice variants with the exception of Cα1 and Cβ1 are hyper-variable at the N-terminus. Here, we will discuss how the PRKACA and PRKACB genes have developed as paralogs that encode distinct and functionally non-redundant proteins. The fact that Cα and Cβ splice variant mutations are associated with numerous diseases further opens new windows for PKA-induced disease pathologies.
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Hamanaka RB, Mutlu GM. The role of metabolic reprogramming and de novo amino acid synthesis in collagen protein production by myofibroblasts: implications for organ fibrosis and cancer. Amino Acids 2021; 53:1851-1862. [PMID: 33963932 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-021-02996-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Fibrosis is a pathologic condition resulting from aberrant wound healing responses that lead to excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix components, distortion of organ architecture, and loss of organ function. Fibrotic disease can affect every organ system; moreover, fibrosis is an important microenvironmental component of many cancers, including pancreatic, cervical, and hepatocellular cancers. Fibrosis is also an independent risk factor for cancer. Taken together, organ fibrosis contributes to up to 45% of all deaths worldwide. There are no approved therapies that halt or reverse fibrotic disease, highlighting the great need for novel therapeutic targets. At the heart of almost all fibrotic disease is the TGF-β-mediated differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts, the primary cell type responsible for the production of collagen and other matrix proteins and distortion of tissue architecture. Recent advances, particularly in the field of lung fibrosis, have highlighted the role that metabolic reprogramming plays in the pathogenic phenotype of myofibroblasts, particularly the induction of de novo amino acid synthesis pathways that are required to support collagen matrix production by these cells. In this review, we will discuss the metabolic changes associated with myofibroblast differentiation, focusing on the de novo production of glycine and proline, two amino acids which compose over half of the primary structure of collagen protein. We will also discuss the important role that synthesis of these amino acids plays in regulating cellular redox balance and epigenetic state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert B Hamanaka
- Department of Medicine, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, MC6026, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Gökhan M Mutlu
- Department of Medicine, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, MC6026, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
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Piette BL, Alerasool N, Lin ZY, Lacoste J, Lam MHY, Qian WW, Tran S, Larsen B, Campos E, Peng J, Gingras AC, Taipale M. Comprehensive interactome profiling of the human Hsp70 network highlights functional differentiation of J domains. Mol Cell 2021; 81:2549-2565.e8. [PMID: 33957083 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2021.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Hsp70s comprise a deeply conserved chaperone family that has a central role in maintaining protein homeostasis. In humans, Hsp70 client specificity is provided by 49 different co-factors known as J domain proteins (JDPs). However, the cellular function and client specificity of JDPs have largely remained elusive. We have combined affinity purification-mass spectrometry (AP-MS) and proximity-dependent biotinylation (BioID) to characterize the interactome of all human JDPs and Hsp70s. The resulting network suggests specific functions for many uncharacterized JDPs, and we establish a role of conserved JDPs DNAJC9 and DNAJC27 in histone chaperoning and ciliogenesis, respectively. Unexpectedly, we find that the J domain of DNAJC27 but not of other JDPs can fully replace the function of endogenous DNAJC27, suggesting a previously unappreciated role for J domains themselves in JDP specificity. More broadly, our work expands the role of the Hsp70-regulated proteostasis network and provides a platform for further discovery of JDP-dependent functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin L Piette
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON M5G 1X5, Canada; Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Nader Alerasool
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Zhen-Yuan Lin
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Jessica Lacoste
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Mandy Hiu Yi Lam
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Wesley Wei Qian
- Department of Computer Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Stephanie Tran
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Brett Larsen
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Eric Campos
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Jian Peng
- Department of Computer Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Anne-Claude Gingras
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON M5G 1X5, Canada.
| | - Mikko Taipale
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada.
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Olivieri C, Walker C, Karamafrooz A, Wang Y, Manu VS, Porcelli F, Blumenthal DK, Thomas DD, Bernlohr DA, Simon SM, Taylor SS, Veglia G. Defective internal allosteric network imparts dysfunctional ATP/substrate-binding cooperativity in oncogenic chimera of protein kinase A. Commun Biol 2021; 4:321. [PMID: 33692454 PMCID: PMC7946884 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-01819-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
An aberrant fusion of the DNAJB1 and PRKACA genes generates a chimeric protein kinase (PKA-CDNAJB1) in which the J-domain of the heat shock protein 40 is fused to the catalytic α subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA-C). Deceivingly, this chimeric construct appears to be fully functional, as it phosphorylates canonical substrates, forms holoenzymes, responds to cAMP activation, and recognizes the endogenous inhibitor PKI. Nonetheless, PKA-CDNAJB1 has been recognized as the primary driver of fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma and is implicated in other neoplasms for which the molecular mechanisms remain elusive. Here we determined the chimera's allosteric response to nucleotide and pseudo-substrate binding. We found that the fusion of the dynamic J-domain to PKA-C disrupts the internal allosteric network, causing dramatic attenuation of the nucleotide/PKI binding cooperativity. Our findings suggest that the reduced allosteric cooperativity exhibited by PKA-CDNAJB1 alters specific recognitions and interactions between substrates and regulatory partners contributing to dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Olivieri
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Caitlin Walker
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Adak Karamafrooz
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Yingjie Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, China
| | - V S Manu
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Fernando Porcelli
- DIBAF - University of Tuscia - Largo dell' Università, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Donald K Blumenthal
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - David D Thomas
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - David A Bernlohr
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Sanford M Simon
- Laboratory of Cellular Biophysics, Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Susan S Taylor
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Pharmacology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Gianluigi Veglia
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
- Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
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35
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Liu X, Li K, Wang L, Zhang M, Wang X. Variations of human heat shock proteins in multiple cancers. Clin Transl Med 2021; 11:e320. [PMID: 33634978 PMCID: PMC7888541 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxia Liu
- Zhongshan Hospital Institute of Clinical Science, Fudan University Shanghai Medical School; Jinshan Hospital Center for Tumor Diagnosis & Therapy, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai Medical School; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of AI Technology for Cardiopulmonary Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Clinical Bioinformatics, Shanghai, China
| | - Ka Li
- Zhongshan Hospital Institute of Clinical Science, Fudan University Shanghai Medical School; Jinshan Hospital Center for Tumor Diagnosis & Therapy, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai Medical School; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of AI Technology for Cardiopulmonary Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Clinical Bioinformatics, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingyan Wang
- Zhongshan Hospital Institute of Clinical Science, Fudan University Shanghai Medical School; Jinshan Hospital Center for Tumor Diagnosis & Therapy, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai Medical School; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of AI Technology for Cardiopulmonary Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Clinical Bioinformatics, Shanghai, China
| | - Miaomiao Zhang
- Zhongshan Hospital Institute of Clinical Science, Fudan University Shanghai Medical School; Jinshan Hospital Center for Tumor Diagnosis & Therapy, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai Medical School; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of AI Technology for Cardiopulmonary Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Clinical Bioinformatics, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangdong Wang
- Zhongshan Hospital Institute of Clinical Science, Fudan University Shanghai Medical School; Jinshan Hospital Center for Tumor Diagnosis & Therapy, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai Medical School; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of AI Technology for Cardiopulmonary Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Clinical Bioinformatics, Shanghai, China
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36
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Postler TS. A most versatile kinase: The catalytic subunit of PKA in T-cell biology. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 361:301-318. [PMID: 34074497 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2021.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The cAMP-dependent protein kinase, more commonly referred to as protein kinase A (PKA), is one of the most-studied enzymes in biology. PKA is ubiquitously expressed in mammalian cells, can be activated in response to a plethora of biological stimuli, and phosphorylates more than 250 known substrates. Indeed, PKA is of central importance to a wide range of organismal processes, including energy homeostasis, memory formation and immunity. It serves as the primary effector of the second-messenger molecule 3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), which is believed to have mostly inhibitory effects on the adaptive immune response. In particular, elevated levels of intracellular cAMP inhibit the activation of conventional T cells by limiting signal transduction through the T-cell receptor and altering gene expression, primarily in a PKA-dependent manner. Regulatory T cells have been shown to increase the cAMP levels in adjacent T cells by direct and indirect means, but the role of cAMP within regulatory T cells themselves remains incompletely understood. Paradoxically, cAMP has been implicated in promoting T-cell activation as well, adding another functional dimension beyond its established immunosuppressive effects. Furthermore, PKA can phosphorylate the NF-κB subunit p65, a transcription factor that is essential for T-cell activation, independently of cAMP. This phosphorylation of p65 drastically enhances NF-κB-dependent transcription and thus is likely to facilitate immune activation. How these immunosuppressive and immune-activating properties of PKA balance in vivo remains to be elucidated. This review provides a brief overview of PKA regulation, its ability to affect NF-κB activation, and its diverse functions in T-cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas S Postler
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States.
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37
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Omar MH, Scott JD. AKAP Signaling Islands: Venues for Precision Pharmacology. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2020; 41:933-946. [PMID: 33082006 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2020.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Regulatory enzymes often have different roles in distinct subcellular compartments. Yet, most drugs indiscriminately saturate the cell. Thus, subcellular drug-delivery holds promise as a means to reduce off-target pharmacological effects. A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs) sequester combinations of signaling enzymes within subcellular microdomains. Targeting drugs to these 'signaling islands' offers an opportunity for more precise delivery of therapeutics. Here, we review mechanisms that bestow protein kinase A (PKA) versatility inside the cell, appraise recent advances in exploiting AKAPs as platforms for precision pharmacology, and explore the impact of methodological innovations on AKAP research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell H Omar
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - John D Scott
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
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38
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Zhang JZ, Lu TW, Stolerman LM, Tenner B, Yang JR, Zhang JF, Falcke M, Rangamani P, Taylor SS, Mehta S, Zhang J. Phase Separation of a PKA Regulatory Subunit Controls cAMP Compartmentation and Oncogenic Signaling. Cell 2020; 182:1531-1544.e15. [PMID: 32846158 PMCID: PMC7502557 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2020.07.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The fidelity of intracellular signaling hinges on the organization of dynamic activity architectures. Spatial compartmentation was first proposed over 30 years ago to explain how diverse G protein-coupled receptors achieve specificity despite converging on a ubiquitous messenger, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). However, the mechanisms responsible for spatially constraining this diffusible messenger remain elusive. Here, we reveal that the type I regulatory subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), RIα, undergoes liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) as a function of cAMP signaling to form biomolecular condensates enriched in cAMP and PKA activity, critical for effective cAMP compartmentation. We further show that a PKA fusion oncoprotein associated with an atypical liver cancer potently blocks RIα LLPS and induces aberrant cAMP signaling. Loss of RIα LLPS in normal cells increases cell proliferation and induces cell transformation. Our work reveals LLPS as a principal organizer of signaling compartments and highlights the pathological consequences of dysregulating this activity architecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Z Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Tsan-Wen Lu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Lucas M Stolerman
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Brian Tenner
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Jessica R Yang
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Jin-Fan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Martin Falcke
- Mathematical Cell Physiology, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, 13125 Berlin, Germany; Department of Physics, Humboldt University, 12489 Berlin, Germany
| | - Padmini Rangamani
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Susan S Taylor
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Sohum Mehta
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Jin Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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39
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Bucko PJ, Scott JD. Drugs That Regulate Local Cell Signaling: AKAP Targeting as a Therapeutic Option. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2020; 61:361-379. [PMID: 32628872 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-022420-112134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Cells respond to environmental cues by mobilizing signal transduction cascades that engage protein kinases and phosphoprotein phosphatases. Correct organization of these enzymes in space and time enables the efficient and precise transmission of chemical signals. The cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase A is compartmentalized through its association with A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs). AKAPs are a family of multivalent scaffolds that constrain signaling enzymes and effectors at subcellular locations to drive essential physiological events. More recently, it has been recognized that defective signaling in certain endocrine disorders and cancers proceeds through pathological AKAP complexes. Consequently, pharmacologically targeting these macromolecular complexes unlocks new therapeutic opportunities for a growing number of clinical indications. This review highlights recent findings on AKAP signaling in disease, particularly in certain cancers, and offers an overview of peptides and small molecules that locally regulate AKAP-binding partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula J Bucko
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA; ,
| | - John D Scott
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA; ,
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40
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Barriot R, Latour J, Castanié-Cornet MP, Fichant G, Genevaux P. J-Domain Proteins in Bacteria and Their Viruses. J Mol Biol 2020; 432:3771-3789. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2020.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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41
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de Oliveira S, Houseright RA, Korte BG, Huttenlocher A. DnaJ-PKAc fusion induces liver inflammation in a zebrafish model of fibrolamellar carcinoma. Dis Model Mech 2020; 13:dmm042564. [PMID: 32102783 PMCID: PMC7197716 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.042564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrolamellar carcinoma (FLC) is a rare liver cancer that affects adolescents and young adults. Genomic analysis of FLC has revealed a 400 kb deletion in chromosome 19 that leads to the chimeric transcript DNAJB1-PRKACA (DnaJ-PKAc), comprised of the first exon of heat shock protein 40 (DNAJB1) and exons 2-10 of the catalytic subunit of protein kinase A (PRKACA). Here, we report a new zebrafish model of FLC induced by ectopic expression of zebrafish Dnaja-Pkaca (zfDnaJa-Pkaca) in hepatocytes that is amenable to live imaging of early innate immune inflammation. Expression of zfDnaJa-Pkaca in hepatocytes induces hepatomegaly and increased hepatocyte size. In addition, FLC larvae exhibit early innate immune inflammation characterized by early infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages into the liver microenvironment. Increased Caspase-a (the zebrafish homolog for human caspase-1) activity was also found in the liver of FLC larvae, and pharmacological inhibition of Tnfα and caspase-a decreased liver size and inflammation. Overall, these findings show that innate immune inflammation is an early feature in a zebrafish model of FLC and that pharmacological inhibition of TNFα or caspase-1 activity might be targets to treat inflammation and progression in FLC patients.This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia de Oliveira
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Ruth A Houseright
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Benjamin G Korte
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Anna Huttenlocher
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53792, USA
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42
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Dinh TA, Sritharan R, Smith FD, Francisco AB, Ma RK, Bunaciu RP, Kanke M, Danko CG, Massa AP, Scott JD, Sethupathy P. Hotspots of Aberrant Enhancer Activity in Fibrolamellar Carcinoma Reveal Candidate Oncogenic Pathways and Therapeutic Vulnerabilities. Cell Rep 2020; 31:107509. [PMID: 32294439 PMCID: PMC7474926 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.03.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrolamellar carcinoma (FLC) is a rare, therapeutically intractable liver cancer that disproportionately affects youth. Although FLC tumors exhibit a distinct gene expression profile, the chromatin regulatory landscape and the genes most critical for tumor cell survival remain unclear. Here, we use chromatin run-on sequencing to discover ∼7,000 enhancers and 141 enhancer hotspots activated in FLC relative to nonmalignant liver. Bioinformatic analyses reveal aberrant ERK/MEK signaling and candidate master transcriptional regulators. We also define the genes most strongly associated with hotspots of FLC enhancer activity, including CA12 and SLC16A14. Treatment of FLC cell models with inhibitors of CA12 or SLC16A14 independently reduce cell viability and/or significantly enhance the effect of the MEK inhibitor cobimetinib. These findings highlight molecular targets for drug development, as well as drug combination approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy A Dinh
- Curriculum in Genetics & Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Ramja Sritharan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - F Donelson Smith
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Adam B Francisco
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Rosanna K Ma
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Rodica P Bunaciu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Matt Kanke
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Charles G Danko
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA; Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Andrew P Massa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - John D Scott
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Praveen Sethupathy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
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Massimi M, Ragusa F, Cardarelli S, Giorgi M. Targeting Cyclic AMP Signalling in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cells 2019; 8:cells8121511. [PMID: 31775395 PMCID: PMC6952960 DOI: 10.3390/cells8121511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major healthcare problem worldwide, representing one of the leading causes of cancer mortality. Since there are currently no predictive biomarkers for early stage diagnosis, HCC is detected only in advanced stages and most patients die within one year, as radical tumour resection is generally performed late during the disease. The development of alternative therapeutic approaches to HCC remains one of the most challenging areas of cancer. This review focuses on the relevance of cAMP signalling in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma and identifies the modulation of this second messenger as a new strategy for the control of tumour growth. In addition, because the cAMP pathway is controlled by phosphodiesterases (PDEs), targeting these enzymes using PDE inhibitors is becoming an attractive and promising tool for the control of HCC. Among them, based on current preclinical and clinical findings, PDE4-specific inhibitors remarkably demonstrate therapeutic potential in the management of cancer outcomes, especially as adjuvants to standard therapies. However, more preclinical studies are warranted to ascertain their efficacy during the different stages of hepatocyte transformation and in the treatment of established HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Massimi
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy;
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (M.G.); Tel.: +39-0862-433219 (M.M.); +39-06-49912308 (M.G.)
| | - Federica Ragusa
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy;
| | - Silvia Cardarelli
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Mauro Giorgi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (M.G.); Tel.: +39-0862-433219 (M.M.); +39-06-49912308 (M.G.)
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44
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Turnham RE, Smith FD, Kenerson HL, Omar MH, Golkowski M, Garcia I, Bauer R, Lau HT, Sullivan KM, Langeberg LK, Ong SE, Riehle KJ, Yeung RS, Scott JD. An acquired scaffolding function of the DNAJ-PKAc fusion contributes to oncogenic signaling in fibrolamellar carcinoma. eLife 2019; 8:44187. [PMID: 31063128 PMCID: PMC6533061 DOI: 10.7554/elife.44187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrolamellar carcinoma (FLC) is a rare liver cancer. FLCs uniquely produce DNAJ-PKAc, a chimeric enzyme consisting of a chaperonin-binding domain fused to the Cα subunit of protein kinase A. Biochemical analyses of clinical samples reveal that a unique property of this fusion enzyme is the ability to recruit heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70). This cellular chaperonin is frequently up-regulated in cancers. Gene-editing of mouse hepatocytes generated disease-relevant AML12DNAJ-PKAc cell lines. Further analyses indicate that the proto-oncogene A-kinase anchoring protein-Lbc is up-regulated in FLC and functions to cluster DNAJ-PKAc/Hsp70 sub-complexes with a RAF-MEK-ERK kinase module. Drug screening reveals Hsp70 and MEK inhibitor combinations that selectively block proliferation of AML12DNAJ-PKAc cells. Phosphoproteomic profiling demonstrates that DNAJ-PKAc biases the signaling landscape toward ERK activation and engages downstream kinase cascades. Thus, the oncogenic action of DNAJ-PKAc involves an acquired scaffolding function that permits recruitment of Hsp70 and mobilization of local ERK signaling. Fibrolamellar carcinoma (or FLC for short) is a rare type of liver cancer that affects teenagers and young adults. FLC tumors are often resistant to standard radiotherapy or chemotherapy treatments. The only way to treat FLC is to remove tumors by surgery. However, often the tumors come back after initial treatment and spread to other locations. Therefore, there is a genuine need to improve the treatment options available to FLC patients. The tumor cells of FLC patients contain a genetic defect that fuses together two genes, which produce proteins called DNAJ and PKAc. Normally, DNAJ helps other proteins in the cell to fold into their correct shapes, while PKAc is an enzyme that can control how cells communicate. However, it is not clear what the abnormal DNAJ-PKAc fusion protein does, or how it causes FLC. Turnham, Smith et al. have now used gene editing to make mouse liver cells that mimic the human FLC mutation. Biochemical experiments on these cells showed that the DNAJ-PKAc protein brings together unique combinations of enzymes that drive uncontrolled cell growth. Analyzing cells taken from tumors in FLC patients confirmed that these enzymes are also activated in the human disease. Turnham, Smith et al. also found that combinations of drugs that simultaneously target the DNAJ-PKAc protein and the recruited enzymes slowed down the growth of FLC cells. More experiments are now needed to test these drug combinations on human FLC cells or in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rigney E Turnham
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, United States
| | - F Donelson Smith
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, United States
| | - Heidi L Kenerson
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, United States
| | - Mitchell H Omar
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, United States
| | - Martin Golkowski
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, United States
| | - Irvin Garcia
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, United States
| | - Renay Bauer
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, United States
| | - Ho-Tak Lau
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, United States
| | - Kevin M Sullivan
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, United States
| | - Lorene K Langeberg
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, United States
| | - Shao-En Ong
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, United States
| | - Kimberly J Riehle
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, United States
| | - Raymond S Yeung
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, United States
| | - John D Scott
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, United States
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