Proteomic Analysis Reveals a Role for RSK in p120-catenin Phosphorylation and Melanoma Cell-Cell Adhesion

The RAS/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway regulates various biological functions, including cell survival, proliferation and migration. This pathway is frequently deregulated in cancer, including melanoma, which is the most aggressive form of skin cancer. RSK (p90 ribosomal S6 kinase) is a MAPK-activated protein kinase required for melanoma growth and proliferation, but relatively little is known about its function and the nature of its cellular partners. In this study, we used a proximity-based labeling approach to identify RSK proximity partners in cells. We identified many potential RSK-interacting proteins, including p120ctn (p120-catenin), which is an essential component of adherens junction (AJ). We found that RSK phosphorylates p120ctn on Ser320, which appears to be constitutively phosphorylated in melanoma cells. We also found that RSK inhibition increases melanoma cell-cell adhesion, suggesting that constitutive RAS/MAPK signaling negatively regulates AJ integrity. Together, our results indicate that RSK plays an important role in the regulation of melanoma cell-cell adhesion.

The synthetic diazonamide DZ-2384 has distinct effects on microtubule curvature and dynamics without neurotoxicity

Microtubule-targeting agents (MTAs) are widely used anticancer agents, but toxicities such as neuropathy limit their clinical use. MTAs bind to and alter the stability of microtubules, causing cell death in mitosis. We describe DZ-2384, a preclinical compound that exhibits potent antitumor activity in models of multiple cancer types. It has an unusually high safety margin and lacks neurotoxicity in rats at effective plasma concentrations. DZ-2384 binds the vinca domain of tubulin in a distinct way, imparting structurally and functionally different effects on microtubule dynamics compared to other vinca-binding compounds. X-ray crystallography and electron microscopy studies demonstrate that DZ-2384 causes straightening of curved protofilaments, an effect proposed to favor polymerization of tubulin. Both DZ-2384 and the vinca alkaloid vinorelbine inhibit microtubule growth rate; however, DZ-2384 increases the rescue frequency and preserves the microtubule network in nonmitotic cells and in primary neurons. This differential modulation of tubulin results in a potent MTA therapeutic with enhanced safety.

The expanding role of mTOR in cancer cell growth and proliferation

The mechanistic/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a conserved protein kinase that controls several anabolic processes required for cell growth and proliferation. As such, mTOR has been implicated in an increasing number of pathological conditions, including cancer, obesity, type 2 diabetes and neurodegeneration. As part of the mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1), mTOR regulates cell growth by promoting the biosynthesis of proteins, lipids and nucleic acids. Several mTORC1 substrates have been shown to regulate protein synthesis, including the eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E)-binding proteins (4E-BPs) and the ribosomal S6 kinases (S6Ks) 1 and 2. In this work, we focus on the signalling pathways that lie both upstream and downstream of mTORC1, as well as their relevance to human pathologies. We further discuss pharmacological approaches that target mTOR and their applications for the treatment of cancer.

Abstract A188: Diazonamide DZ 2384, a potential therapeutic for pancreatic cancer, binds to tubulin with a unique impact on microtubule dynamics and tubulin curvature

Microtubules are critical for cell proliferation, cellular invasion, migration and trafficking. As such, anti-mitotic tubulin binding agents continue to be a cornerstone of adjuvant chemotherapies across many different tumor indications. A major challenge in the development of new anti-tubulin agents is to overcome toxicities associated with targeting microtubule dynamics while maintaining a high degree of anti-cancer potency.

Diazonamide A is a natural product isolated from Diazona angulata, which has previously been shown to block cell division at mitosis but with an unusual safety profile compared to other anti-mitotics. DZ 2384 is a novel and more potent synthetic analog of diazonamide A. In an unbiased functional genomics, biochemical and high resolution structure approach to determine its cellular target, we found that DZ 2384 binds in the vinca domain of tubulin but imparts distinct effects on microtubule dynamics compared to vinorelbine that targets the same site. DZ 2384 and vinorelbine both inhibit the growth rate of microtubules; however, DZ 2384 also increases the rescue frequency while vinorelbine decreases the growth length of microtubules increasing the time spent in a paused or attenuated state. These dynamic characteristics are consistent with the observations that the microtubule network is preserved in interphase cells and in primary cortical neurons treated with DZ 2384 compared to vinorelbine. X-ray crystallography and electron microscopy studies demonstrate that DZ 2384 causes a straightening of curved protofilaments, an effect that has not been observed for other vinca-domain binders so far, and which may account for the observed differences in microtubule dynamics and toxicity of this class of compounds.

DZ 2384 has potent anti-tumor activity in xenograft models of pancreatic and colon cancer and a higher therapeutic window than vinorelbine considering body weight, blood chemistry, hematology and bone marrow. DZ 2384 was also tested in a KrasG12D-driven genetically engineered murine model of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma that carries a Rgs16::GFP reporter transgene to enable tumor burden quantitation. In this model, DZ 2384 demonstrates strong antitumor activity in combination with gemcitabine; comparable with or better than that of gemcitabine + Abraxane on developing pancreatic tumors. DZ 2384 also reduces new tumor formation in this model.

Taken together, DZ 2384 represents a novel class of microtubule-targeting agents that operates with a distinct mechanistic impact on microtubule dynamics and structure. We propose DZ 2384 as a promising new agent for the treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Citation Format: Michal Wieczorek, Joseph Tcherkezian, Cynthia Bernier, Ozhan Ocal, Sami Chabaan, Yanneve Rolland, Claude Godbout, Mark Hancock, Cecilia Rocha, Natacha Olieric, Andrea E. Prota, Michel O. Steinmetz, Thomas M. Wilkie, Rolf A. Brekken, Hui Ding, Patrick Harran, Gordon C. Shore, Gary Brouhard, Anne Roulston. Diazonamide DZ 2384, a potential therapeutic for pancreatic cancer, binds to tubulin with a unique impact on microtubule dynamics and tubulin curvature. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2015 Nov 5-9; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2015;14(12 Suppl 2):Abstract nr A188.

APC is an RNA-binding protein, and its interactome provides a link to neural development and microtubule assembly

Adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) is a microtubule plus-end scaffolding protein important in biology and disease. APC is implicated in RNA localization, although the mechanisms and functional significance remain unclear. We show APC is an RNA-binding protein and identify an RNA interactome by HITS-CLIP. Targets were highly enriched for APC-related functions, including microtubule organization, cell motility, cancer, and neurologic disease. Among the targets is β2B-tubulin, known to be required in human neuron and axon migration. We show β2B-tubulin is synthesized in axons and localizes preferentially to dynamic microtubules in the growth cone periphery. APC binds the β2B-tubulin 3' UTR; experiments interfering with this interaction reduced β2B-tubulin mRNA axonal localization and expression, depleted dynamic microtubules and the growth cone periphery, and impaired neuron migration. These results identify APC as a platform binding functionally related protein and RNA networks, and suggest a self-organizing model for the microtubule to localize synthesis of its own subunits.

Proteomic analysis of cap-dependent translation identifies LARP1 as a key regulator of 5'TOP mRNA translation

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) promotes cell growth and proliferation by promoting mRNA translation and increasing the protein synthetic capacity of the cell. Although mTOR globally promotes translation by regulating the mRNA 5' cap-binding protein eIF4E (eukaryotic initiation factor 4E), it also preferentially regulates the translation of certain classes of mRNA via unclear mechanisms. To help fill this gap in knowledge, we performed a quantitative proteomic screen to identify proteins that associate with the mRNA 5' cap in an mTOR-dependent manner. Using this approach, we identified many potential regulatory factors, including the putative RNA-binding protein LARP1 (La-related protein 1). Our results indicate that LARP1 associates with actively translating ribosomes via PABP and that LARP1 stimulates the translation of mRNAs containing a 5' terminal oligopyrimidine (TOP) motif, encoding for components of the translational machinery. We found that LARP1 associates with the mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and is required for global protein synthesis as well as cell growth and proliferation. Together, these data reveal important molecular mechanisms involved in TOP mRNA translation and implicate LARP1 as an important regulator of cell growth and proliferation.

Cell cortex composition and homeostasis resolved by integrating proteomics and quantitative imaging

The cellular actin cortex is the cytoskeletal structure primarily responsible for the control of animal cell shape and as such plays a central role in cell division, migration, and tissue morphogenesis. Due to the lack of experimental systems where the cortex can be investigated independently from other organelles, little is known about its composition, assembly, and homeostasis. Here, we describe novel tools to resolve the composition and regulation of the cortex. We report and validate a protocol for cortex purification based on the separation of cellular blebs. Mass spectrometry analysis of purified cortices provides a first extensive list of cortical components. To assess the function of identified proteins, we design an automated imaging assay for precise quantification of cortical actomyosin assembly dynamics. We show subtle changes in cortex assembly dynamics upon depletion of the identified cortical component profilin. Our widely applicable integrated method paves the way for systems-level investigations of the actomyosin cortex and its regulation during morphogenesis.

Abstract 5191: Gab2 phosphorylation by RSK inhibits Shp2 recruitment and cell motility

The scaffolding adapter protein Gab2 (Grb2-associated binder) participates in the signaling response evoked by various growth factors and cytokines. Gab2 is overexpressed in several human malignancies, including breast cancer, and was shown to promote mammary epithelial cell migration. The role of Gab2 in the activation of different signaling pathways is well documented, but less is known regarding the feedback mechanisms responsible for its inactivation. We now demonstrate that activation of the Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway promotes Gab2 phosphorylation on basic consensus motifs. More specifically, we show that RSK (p90 ribosomal S6 kinase) phosphorylates Gab2 on three conserved residues, both in vivo and in vitro. Mutation of these phosphorylation sites does not alter Gab2 binding to Grb2, but instead, we show that Gab2 phosphorylation inhibits the recruitment of the tyrosine phosphatase Shp2 in response to growth factors. Expression of an unphosphorylatable Gab2 mutant in mammary epithelial cells promotes an invasive-like phenotype and increases cell motility. Taken together, these results suggest that RSK is part of a negative feedback loop that restricts Gab2-dependent epithelial cell motility. Based on the widespread role of Gab2 in receptor signaling, these findings also suggest that RSK plays a regulatory function in diverse receptor systems.

Citation Format: Xiaocui Zhang, Geneviève Lavoie, Loic Fort, Edward L. Huttlin, Joseph Tcherkezian, Jacob A. Galan, Haihua Gu, Steven P. Gygi, Sebastien Carreno, Philippe P. Roux. Gab2 phosphorylation by RSK inhibits Shp2 recruitment and cell motility. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5191. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-5191

Transmembrane receptor DCC associates with protein synthesis machinery and regulates translation

Extracellular signals regulate protein translation in many cell functions. A key advantage of control at the translational level is the opportunity to regulate protein synthesis within specific cellular subregions. However, little is known about mechanisms that may link extracellular cues to translation with spatial precision. Here, we show that a transmembrane receptor, DCC, forms a binding complex containing multiple translation components, including eukaryotic initiation factors, ribosomal large and small subunits, and monosomes. In neuronal axons and dendrites DCC colocalizes in particles with translation machinery, and newly synthesized protein. The extracellular ligand netrin promoted DCC-mediated translation and disassociation of translation components. The functional and physical association of a cell surface receptor with the translation machinery leads to a generalizable model for localization and extracellular regulation of protein synthesis, based on a transmembrane translation regulation complex.

Current knowledge of the large RhoGAP family of proteins

The Rho GTPases are implicated in almost every fundamental cellular process. They act as molecular switches that cycle between an active GTP-bound and an inactive GDP-bound state. Their slow intrinsic GTPase activity is greatly enhanced by RhoGAPs (Rho GTPase-activating proteins), thus causing their inactivation. To date, more than 70 RhoGAPs have been identified in eukaryotes, ranging from yeast to human, and based on sequence homology of their RhoGAP domain, we have grouped them into subfamilies. In the present Review, we discuss their regulation, biological functions and implication in human diseases.

Glycogen synthase kinase-3 phosphorylates CdGAP at a consensus ERK 1 regulatory site

Rho GTPases regulate a multitude of cellular processes from cytoskeletal reorganization to gene transcription and are negatively regulated by GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs). Cdc42 GTPase-activating protein (CdGAP) is a ubiquitously expressed GAP for Rac1 and Cdc42. In this study, we set out to identify CdGAP-binding partners and, using a yeast two-hybrid approach, glycogen synthase kinase 3alpha (GSK-3alpha) was identified as a partner for CdGAP. GSK-3 exists in two isoforms, alpha and beta, and is involved in regulating many cellular functions from insulin response to tumorigenesis. We show that GSK-3alpha and -beta interact with CdGAP in mammalian cells. We also demonstrate that GSK-3 phosphorylates CdGAP both in vitro and in vivo on Thr-776, which we have previously shown to be an ERK 1/2 phosphorylation site involved in CdGAP regulation. We report that the mRNA and protein levels of CdGAP are increased upon serum stimulation and that GSK-3 activity is necessary for the up-regulation of the protein levels of CdGAP but not for the increase in mRNA. We conclude that GSK-3 is an important regulator of CdGAP and that regulation of CdGAP protein levels by serum presents a novel mechanism for cells to control Cdc42/Rac1 GTPase signaling pathways.

The human orthologue of CdGAP is a phosphoprotein and a GTPase-activating protein for Cdc42 and Rac1 but not RhoA

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Rho GTPases regulate a wide range of cellular functions affecting both cell proliferation and cytoskeletal dynamics. They cycle between inactive GDP- and active GTP-bound states. This cycle is tightly regulated by GEFs (guanine nucleotide-exchange factors) and GAPs (GTPase-activating proteins). Mouse CdGAP (mCdc42 GTPase-activating protein) has been previously identified and characterized as a specific GAP for Rac1 and Cdc42, but not for RhoA. It consists of an N-terminal RhoGAP domain and a C-terminal proline-rich region. In addition, CdGAP-related genes are present in both vertebrates and invertebrates. We have recently reported that two predominant isoforms of CdGAP (250 and 90 kDa) exist in specific mouse tissues.

RESULTS

In the present study, we have identified and characterized human CdGAP (KIAA1204) which shares 76% sequence identity to the long isoform of mCdGAP (mCdGAP-l). Similar to mCdGAP, it is active in vitro and in vivo on both Cdc42 and Rac1, but not RhoA, and is phosphorylated in vivo on serine and threonine residues. In contrast with mCdGAP-l, human CdGAP interacts with ERK1/2 (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 1/2) through a region that does not involve a DEF (docking site for ERK Phe-Xaa-Phe-Pro) domain. Also, the tissue distribution of CdGAP proteins appears to be different between human and mouse species. Interestingly, we found that CdGAP proteins cause membrane blebbing in COS-7 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that CdGAP properties are well conserved between human and mouse species, and that CdGAP may play an unexpected role in apoptosis.

Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 interacts with and phosphorylates CdGAP at an important regulatory site

Rho GTPases regulate multiple cellular processes affecting both cell proliferation and cytoskeletal dynamics. Their cycling between inactive GDP- and active GTP-bound states is tightly regulated by guanine nucleotide exchange factors and GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs). We have previously identified CdGAP (for Cdc42 GTPase-activating protein) as a specific GAP for Rac1 and Cdc42. CdGAP consists of an N-terminal RhoGAP domain and a C-terminal proline-rich region. In addition, CdGAP is a member of the impressively large number of mammalian RhoGAP proteins that is well conserved among both vertebrates and invertebrates. In mice, we find two predominant isoforms of CdGAP differentially expressed in specific tissues. We report here that CdGAP is highly phosphorylated in vivo on serine and threonine residues. We find that CdGAP is phosphorylated downstream of the MEK-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway in response to serum or platelet-derived growth factor stimulation. Furthermore, CdGAP interacts with and is phosphorylated by ERK-1 and RSK-1 in vitro. A putative DEF (docking for ERK FXFP) domain located in the proline-rich region of CdGAP is required for efficient binding and phosphorylation by ERK1/2. We identify Thr776 as an in vivo target site of ERK1/2 and as an important regulatory site of CdGAP activity. Together, these data suggest that CdGAP is a novel substrate of ERK1/2 and mediates cross talk between the Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway and regulation of Rac1 activity.

Phosphorylation of DCC by Fyn mediates Netrin-1 signaling in growth cone guidance

Netrin-1 acts as a chemoattractant molecule to guide commissural neurons (CN) toward the floor plate by interacting with the receptor deleted in colorectal cancer (DCC). The molecular mechanisms underlying Netrin-1–DCC signaling are still poorly characterized. Here, we show that DCC is phosphorylated in vivo on tyrosine residues in response to Netrin-1 stimulation of CN and that the Src family kinase inhibitors PP2 and SU6656 block both Netrin-1–dependent phosphorylation of DCC and axon outgrowth. PP2 also blocks the reorientation of Xenopus laevis retinal ganglion cells that occurs in response to Netrin-1, which suggests an essential role of the Src kinases in Netrin-1–dependent orientation. Fyn, but not Src, is able to phosphorylate the intracellular domain of DCC in vitro, and we demonstrate that Y1418 is crucial for DCC axon outgrowth function. Both DCC phosphorylation and Netrin-1–induced axon outgrowth are impaired in Fyn^−/− CN and spinal cord explants. We propose that DCC is regulated by tyrosine phosphorylation and that Fyn is essential for the response of axons to Netrin-1.