SEL-10 is an inhibitor of notch signaling that targets notch for ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation

UPS and Kinases-Gatekeepers of the G1/S Transition

The G1/S transition is a highly regulated and pivotal checkpoint in the cell cycle, where the cell decides whether to commit to DNA replication and subsequent division or enter a non-dividing state. This checkpoint serves as a critical control point for preventing uncontrolled cell proliferation and maintaining genomic stability. The major driving force underlying the G1/S transition is the sequential activation of Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), which is regulated by the coordinated binding of Cyclin partners, as well as the phosphorylation and ubiquitin-mediated degradation of both Cyclin partners and Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CKIs). Various E3 ligase families govern the timely degradation of these regulatory proteins, with their activity intricately controlled by phosphorylation events. This coordination enables the cells to efficiently translate the environmental cues and molecular signaling inputs to determine their fate. We explore the evolution of three distinct models describing the G1/S transition, highlighting how the traditional linear model is being challenged by recent paradigm shifts and conflicting findings. These advances reveal emerging complexity and unresolved questions in the field, particularly regarding how the latest insights into coordinated phosphorylation and ubiquitination-dependent degradation integrate into contemporary models of the G1/S transition.

Exploring the origins of neurodevelopmental proteasomopathies associated with cardiac malformations: are neural crest cells central to certain pathological mechanisms?

Neurodevelopmental proteasomopathies constitute a recently defined class of rare Mendelian disorders, arising from genomic alterations in proteasome-related genes. These alterations result in the dysfunction of proteasomes, which are multi-subunit protein complexes essential for maintaining cellular protein homeostasis. The clinical phenotype of these diseases manifests as a syndromic association involving impaired neural development and multisystem abnormalities, notably craniofacial anomalies and malformations of the cardiac outflow tract (OFT). These observations suggest that proteasome loss-of-function variants primarily affect specific embryonic cell types which serve as origins for both craniofacial structures and the conotruncal portion of the heart. In this hypothesis article, we propose that neural crest cells (NCCs), a highly multipotent cell population, which generates craniofacial skeleton, mesenchyme as well as the OFT of the heart, in addition to many other derivatives, would exhibit a distinctive vulnerability to protein homeostasis perturbations. Herein, we introduce the diverse cellular compensatory pathways activated in response to protein homeostasis disruption and explore their potential implications for NCC physiology. Altogether, the paper advocates for investigating proteasome biology within NCCs and their early cranial and cardiac derivatives, offering a rationale for future exploration and laying the initial groundwork for therapeutic considerations.

Notch signalling: multifaceted role in development and disease

Notch pathway is an evolutionarily conserved signalling system that operates to influence an astonishing array of cell fate decisions in different developmental contexts. Notch signalling plays important roles in many developmental processes, making it difficult to name a tissue or a developing organ that does not depend on Notch function at one stage or another. Thus, dysregulation of Notch signalling is associated with many developmental defects and various pathological conditions, including cancer. Although many recent advances have been made to reveal different aspects of the Notch signalling mechanism and its intricate regulation, there are still many unanswered questions related to how the Notch signalling pathway functions in so many developmental events. The same pathway can be deployed in numerous cellular contexts to play varied and critical roles in an organism's development and this is only possible because of the complex regulatory mechanisms of the pathway. In this review, we provide an overview of the mechanism and regulation of the Notch signalling pathway along with its multifaceted functions in different aspects of development and disease.

NOTCH localizes to mitochondria through the TBC1D15-FIS1 interaction and is stabilized via blockade of E3 ligase and CDK8 recruitment to reprogram tumor-initiating cells

The P53-destabilizing TBC1D15-NOTCH protein interaction promotes self-renewal of tumor-initiating stem-like cells (TICs); however, the mechanisms governing the regulation of this pathway have not been fully elucidated. Here, we show that TBC1D15 stabilizes NOTCH and c-JUN through blockade of E3 ligase and CDK8 recruitment to phosphodegron sequences. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP-seq) analysis was performed to determine whether TBC1D15-dependent NOTCH1 binding occurs in TICs or non-TICs. The TIC population was isolated to evaluate TBC1D15-dependent NOTCH1 stabilization mechanisms. The tumor incidence in hepatocyte-specific triple knockout (Alb::CreERT2;Tbc1d15Flox/Flox;Notch1Flox/Flox;Notch2Flox/Flox;HCV-NS5A) Transgenic (Tg) mice and wild-type mice was compared after being fed an alcohol-containing Western diet (WD) for 12 months. The NOTCH1-TBC1D15-FIS1 interaction resulted in recruitment of mitochondria to the perinuclear region. TBC1D15 bound to full-length NUMB and to NUMB isoform 5, which lacks three Ser phosphorylation sites, and relocalized NUMB5 to mitochondria. TBC1D15 binding to NOTCH1 blocked CDK8- and CDK19-mediated phosphorylation of the NOTCH1 PEST phosphodegron to block FBW7 recruitment to Thr-2512 of NOTCH1. ChIP-seq analysis revealed that TBC1D15 and NOTCH1 regulated the expression of genes involved in mitochondrial metabolism-related pathways required for the maintenance of TICs. TBC1D15 inhibited CDK8-mediated phosphorylation to stabilize NOTCH1 and protect it from degradation The NUMB-binding oncoprotein TBC1D15 rescued NOTCH1 from NUMB-mediated ubiquitin-dependent degradation and recruited NOTCH1 to the mitochondrial outer membrane for the generation and expansion of liver TICs. A NOTCH-TBC1D15 inhibitor was found to inhibit NOTCH-dependent pathways and exhibited potent therapeutic effects in PDX mouse models. This unique targeting of the NOTCH-TBC1D15 interaction not only normalized the perinuclear localization of mitochondria but also promoted potent cytotoxic effects against TICs to eradicate patient-derived xenografts through NOTCH-dependent pathways.

N4BP1 mediates RAM domain-dependent notch signaling turnover during neocortical development

Notch signaling pathway activity, particularly fluctuations in the biologically active effector fragment NICD, is required for rapid and efficient dynamic regulation of proper fate decisions in stem cells. In this study, we identified NEDD4-binding protein 1 (N4BP1), which is highly expressed in the developing mouse cerebral cortex, as a negative modulator of Notch signaling dynamics in neural progenitor cells. Intriguingly, N4BP1 regulated NICD stability specifically after Notch1 S3 cleavage through ubiquitin-mediated degradation that depended on its RAM domain, not its PEST domain, as had been extensively and previously described. The CoCUN domain in N4BP1, particularly the "Phe-Pro" motif (862/863 amino acid), was indispensable for mediating NICD degradation. The Ring family E3 ligase Trim21 was, in contrast to other NEDD4 family members, required for N4BP1-regulated NICD degradation. Overexpression of N4BP1 in cortical neural progenitors promoted neural stem cell differentiation, whereas neural progenitor cells lacking N4BP1 were sensitized to Notch signaling, resulting in the maintenance of stem-like properties in neural progenitor cells and lower production of cortical neurons.

Function, mechanism and drug discovery of ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like modification with multiomics profiling for cancer therapy

Ubiquitin (Ub) and ubiquitin-like (Ubl) pathways are critical post-translational modifications that determine whether functional proteins are degraded or activated/inactivated. To date, >600 associated enzymes have been reported that comprise a hierarchical task network (e.g., E1-E2-E3 cascade enzymatic reaction and deubiquitination) to modulate substrates, including enormous oncoproteins and tumor-suppressive proteins. Several strategies, such as classical biochemical approaches, multiomics, and clinical sample analysis, were combined to elucidate the functional relations between these enzymes and tumors. In this regard, the fundamental advances and follow-on drug discoveries have been crucial in providing vital information concerning contemporary translational efforts to tailor individualized treatment by targeting Ub and Ubl pathways. Correspondingly, emphasizing the current progress of Ub-related pathways as therapeutic targets in cancer is deemed essential. In the present review, we summarize and discuss the functions, clinical significance, and regulatory mechanisms of Ub and Ubl pathways in tumorigenesis as well as the current progress of small-molecular drug discovery. In particular, multiomics analyses were integrated to delineate the complexity of Ub and Ubl modifications for cancer therapy. The present review will provide a focused and up-to-date overview for the researchers to pursue further studies regarding the Ub and Ubl pathways targeted anticancer strategies.

FAM129A promotes self-renewal and maintains invasive status via stabilizing the Notch intracellular domain in glioma stem cells

BACKGROUND

Glioma stem cells (GSCs) are a subpopulation of tumor cells with self-renewal and tumorigenic capabilities in glioblastomas (GBMs). Diffuse infiltration of GSCs facilitates tumor progression and frustrates efforts at effective treatment. Further compounding this situation is the currently limited understanding of what drives GSC invasion. Here we comprehensively evaluated the significance of a novel invasion-related protein, Family with Sequence Similarity 129 Member A (FAM129A), in infiltrative GSCs.

METHODS

Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and gene expression analysis were used to quantify FAM129A in glioma specimens and cancer datasets. Overexpression and knockdown of FAM129A in GSCs were used to investigate its effects on tumor growth and invasion. RNA-seq, qRT-PCR, western blotting, and co-precipitation assays were used to investigate FAM129A signaling mechanisms.

RESULTS

FAM129A is preferentially expressed in invasive frontiers. Targeting FAM129A impairs GSC invasion and self-renewal. Mechanistically, FAM129A acted as a positive regulator of Notch signaling by binding with the Notch1 intracellular domain (NICD1) and preventing its degradation.

CONCLUSIONS

FAM129A and NICD1 provide a precise indicator for identifying tumor margins and aiding prognosis. Targeting them may provide a significantly therapeutic strategy for GSCs.

Hepatocyte-to-cholangiocyte conversion occurs through transdifferentiation independently of proliferation in zebrafish

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Injury to biliary epithelial cells (BECs) lining the hepatic bile ducts leads to cholestatic liver diseases. Upon severe biliary damage, hepatocytes can convert to BECs, thereby contributing to liver recovery. Given a potential of augmenting this hepatocyte-to-BEC conversion as a therapeutic option for cholestatic liver diseases, it will be important to thoroughly understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms of the conversion process.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

Towards this aim, we have established a zebrafish model for hepatocyte-to-BEC conversion by employing Tg(fabp10a:CFP-NTR) zebrafish with a temporal inhibition of Notch signaling during regeneration. Cre/loxP-mediated permanent and H2B-mCherry-mediated short-term lineage tracing revealed that in the model, all BECs originate from hepatocytes. During the conversion, BEC markers are sequentially induced in the order of Sox9b, Yap/Taz, Notch activity/ epcam , and Alcama/ krt18 ; the expression of the hepatocyte marker Bhmt disappears between the Sox9b and Yap/Taz induction. Importantly, live time-lapse imaging unambiguously revealed transdifferentiation of hepatocytes into BECs: hepatocytes convert to BECs without transitioning through a proliferative intermediate state. In addition, using compounds and transgenic and mutant lines that modulate Notch and Yap signaling, we found that both Notch and Yap signaling are required for the conversion even in Notch- and Yap-overactivating settings.

CONCLUSIONS

Hepatocyte-to-BEC conversion occurs through transdifferentiation independently of proliferation, and Notch and Yap signaling control the process in parallel with a mutually positive interaction. The new zebrafish model will further contribute to a thorough understanding of the mechanisms of the conversion process.

Jag1-Notch cis-interaction determines cell fate segregation in pancreatic development

The Notch ligands Jag1 and Dll1 guide differentiation of multipotent pancreatic progenitor cells (MPCs) into unipotent pro-acinar cells (PACs) and bipotent duct/endocrine progenitors (BPs). Ligand-mediated trans-activation of Notch receptors induces oscillating expression of the transcription factor Hes1, while ligand-receptor cis-interaction indirectly represses Hes1 activation. Despite Dll1 and Jag1 both displaying cis- and trans-interactions, the two mutants have different phenotypes for reasons not fully understood. Here, we present a mathematical model that recapitulates the spatiotemporal differentiation of MPCs into PACs and BPs. The model correctly captures cell fate changes in Notch pathway knockout mice and small molecule inhibitor studies, and a requirement for oscillatory Hes1 expression to maintain the multipotent state. Crucially, the model entails cell-autonomous attenuation of Notch signaling by Jag1-mediated cis-inhibition in MPC differentiation. The model sheds light on the underlying mechanisms, suggesting that cis-interaction is crucial for exiting the multipotent state, while trans-interaction is required for adopting the bipotent fate.

Recent Insight on Regulations of FBXW7 and Its Role in Immunotherapy

SCF^FBXW7 E3 ubiquitin ligase complex is a crucial enzyme of the ubiquitin proteasome system that participates in variant activities of cell process, and its component FBXW7 (F-box and WD repeat domain–containing 7) is responsible for recognizing and binding to substrates. The expression of FBXW7 is controlled by multiple pathways at different levels. FBXW7 facilitates the maturity and function maintenance of immune cells via functioning as a mediator of ubiquitination-dependent degradation of substrate proteins. FBXW7 deficiency or mutation results in the growth disturbance and dysfunction of immune cell, leads to the resistance against immunotherapy, and participates in multiple illnesses. It is likely that FBXW7 coordinating with its regulators and substrates could offer potential targets to improve the sensitivity and effects of immunotherapy. Here, we review the mechanisms of the regulation on FBXW7 and its tumor suppression role in immune filed among various diseases (mostly cancers) to explore novel immune targets and treatments.

Trafficking in blood vessel development

Blood vessels demonstrate a multitude of complex signaling programs that work in concert to produce functional vasculature networks during development. A known, but less widely studied, area of endothelial cell regulation is vesicular trafficking, also termed sorting. After moving through the Golgi apparatus, proteins are shuttled to organelles, plugged into membranes, recycled, or degraded depending on the internal and extrinsic cues. A snapshot of these protein-sorting systems can be viewed as a trafficking signature that is not only unique to endothelial tissue, but critically important for blood vessel form and function. In this review, we will cover how vesicular trafficking impacts various aspects of angiogenesis, such as sprouting, lumen formation, vessel stabilization, and secretion, emphasizing the role of Rab GTPase family members and their various effectors.

Germline variants in tumor suppressor FBXW7 lead to impaired ubiquitination and a neurodevelopmental syndrome

Neurodevelopmental disorders are highly heterogenous conditions resulting from abnormalities of brain architecture and/or function. FBXW7 (F-box and WD-repeat-domain-containing 7), a recognized developmental regulator and tumor suppressor, has been shown to regulate cell-cycle progression and cell growth and survival by targeting substrates including CYCLIN E1/2 and NOTCH for degradation via the ubiquitin proteasome system. We used a genotype-first approach and global data-sharing platforms to identify 35 individuals harboring de novo and inherited FBXW7 germline monoallelic chromosomal deletions and nonsense, frameshift, splice-site, and missense variants associated with a neurodevelopmental syndrome. The FBXW7 neurodevelopmental syndrome is distinguished by global developmental delay, borderline to severe intellectual disability, hypotonia, and gastrointestinal issues. Brain imaging detailed variable underlying structural abnormalities affecting the cerebellum, corpus collosum, and white matter. A crystal-structure model of FBXW7 predicted that missense variants were clustered at the substrate-binding surface of the WD40 domain and that these might reduce FBXW7 substrate binding affinity. Expression of recombinant FBXW7 missense variants in cultured cells demonstrated impaired CYCLIN E1 and CYCLIN E2 turnover. Pan-neuronal knockdown of the Drosophila ortholog, archipelago, impaired learning and neuronal function. Collectively, the data presented herein provide compelling evidence of an F-Box protein-related, phenotypically variable neurodevelopmental disorder associated with monoallelic variants in FBXW7.

The roles of E3 ligases in Hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocarcinogenesis is a complex multistep biological process involving genetic and epigenetic alterations that are accompanied by activation of oncoproteins and inactivation of tumor suppressors, which in turn results in Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the common tumors with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is the key to protein degradation and regulation of physiological and pathological processes, and E3 ligases are key enzymes in the UPS that contain a variety of subfamily proteins involved in the regulation of some common signal pathways in HCC. There is growing evidence that many structural or functional dysfunctions of E3 are engaged in the development and progression of HCC. Herein, we review recent research advances in HCC-associated E3 ligases, describe their structure, classification, functional roles, and discuss some mechanisms of the abnormal activation or inactivation of the HCC-associated signal pathway due to the binding of E3 to known substrates. In addition, given the success of proteasome inhibitors in the treatment of malignant cancers, we characterize the current knowledge and future prospects for targeted therapies against aberrant E3 in HCC.

Regulation of Nucleolar Activity by MYC

The nucleolus harbors the machinery necessary to produce new ribosomes which are critical for protein synthesis. Nucleolar size, shape, and density are highly dynamic and can be adjusted to accommodate ribosome biogenesis according to the needs for protein synthesis. In cancer, cells undergo continuous proliferation; therefore, nucleolar activity is elevated due to their high demand for protein synthesis. The transcription factor and universal oncogene MYC promotes nucleolar activity by enhancing the transcription of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) and ribosomal proteins. This review summarizes the importance of nucleolar activity in mammalian cells, MYC's role in nucleolar regulation in cancer, and discusses how a better understanding (and the potential inhibition) of aberrant nucleolar activity in cancer cells could lead to novel therapeutics.

Fate of hematopoietic stem cells determined by Notch1 signaling (Review)

Regulation of the fate of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), including silencing, self-renewal or differentiation into blood line cells, is crucial to maintain the homeostasis of the human blood system and prevent leukemia. Notch1, a key receptor in the Notch signaling pathway, plays an important regulatory role in these properties of HSCs, particularly in the maintenance of the stemness of HSCs. In recent decades, the ubiquitination modification of Notch1 has been gradually revealed, and also demonstrated to affect the proliferation and differentiation of HSCs. Therefore, a detailed elucidation of Notch1 and its ubiquitination modification may help to improve understanding of the maintenance of HSC properties and the pathogenesis of leukemia. In addition, it may aid in identifying potential therapeutic targets for specific leukemias and provide potential prognostic indicators for HSC transplantation (HSCT). In the present review, the association between Notch1 and HSCs and the link between the ubiquitination modification of Notch1 and HSCs were described. In addition, the association between abnormal HSCs mediated by Notch1 or ubiquitinated Notch1and T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) was also examined, which provides a promising direction for clinical application.

The promotional effect of microRNA-103a-3p in cervical cancer cells by regulating the ubiquitin ligase FBXW7 function

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to be involved in the initiation and progression of human tumors including cervical cancer (CC). However, the mechanisms underlying of their actions in CC remain to be fully elucidated. Herein, the differentially expressed miRNAs that were screened based on GSE55940 microarray data retrieved from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and miR-103a-3p was significantly upregulated in CC tissues which was selected as the target miRNA for further research. We also found that high expression of miR-103a-3p was closely associated with histological grades, FIGO stage and distant metastasis as well as reflected poor overall survival. Moreover, miR-103a-3p inhibition decreased the growth capacity of SiHa and HeLa cells by inducing cell apoptosis. And F-box and WD repeat-domain containing protein 7 (FBXW7), a well-known tumor suppressor in many cancer types, was identified as a direct target of miR-103a-3p. It was further found that FBXW7 was significantly downregulated in CC tissues, and it was inversely correlated with miR-103a-3p expression levels. Further investigation demonstrated that FBXW7 upregulation could simulate the roles of miR-103a-3p knockdown in cell viability and apoptosis. Moreover, FBXW7 knockdown efficiently abrogated the influences of CC cells proliferation caused by miR-103a-3p inhibition. Notably, miR-103a-3p could block FBXW7 mediated the downstream transcription factor pathways. Taken together, these findings suggest that miR-103a-3p functions as an oncogene in CC by targeting FBXW7.

Low-density-lipoprotein-receptor-related protein 1 mediates Notch pathway activation

The Notch signaling pathway controls cell growth, differentiation, and fate decisions, and its dysregulation has been linked to various human genetic disorders and cancers. To comprehensively understand the global organization of the Notch pathway and identify potential drug targets for Notch-related diseases, we established a protein interaction landscape for the human Notch pathway. By combining and analyzing genetic and phenotypic data with bioinformatics analysis, we greatly expanded this pathway and identified many key regulators, including low-density-lipoprotein-receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1). We demonstrated that LRP1 mediates the ubiquitination chain linkage switching of Delta ligands, which further affects ligand recycling, membrane localization, and stability. LRP1 inhibition led to Notch signaling inhibition and decreased tumorigenesis in leukemia models. Our study provides a glimpse into the Notch pathway interaction network and uncovers LRP1 as one critical regulator of the Notch pathway, as well as a possible therapeutic target for Notch-related cancers.

Ubiquitin signaling in the control of centriole duplication

The centrosome plays an essential role in maintaining genetic stability, ciliogenesis and cell polarisation. The core of the centrosome is made up of two centrioles that duplicate precisely once during every cell cycle to generate two centrosomes that are required for bipolar spindle assembly and chromosome segregation. Abundance of centriole proteins at optimal levels and their recruitment to the centrosome are tightly regulated in time and space in order to restrict aberrant duplication of centrioles, a phenomenon that is observed in many cancers. Recent advances have conclusively shown that dedicated ubiquitin ligase-dependent protein degradation machineries are involved in governing centriole duplication. These studies revealed intricate mechanistic insights into how the ubiquitin ligases target different centriole proteins. In certain cases, a specific ubiquitin ligase targets a number of substrate proteins that co-regulate centriole assembly, prompting the possibility that substrate-targeting occurs during formation of the sub-centriolar structures. There are also instances where a specific centriole duplication protein is targeted by several ubiquitin ligases at different stages of the cell cycle, suggesting synchronised actions. Recent evidence also indicated a direct association of E3 ubiquitin ligase with the centrioles, supporting the notion that substrate-targeting occurs in the organelle itself. In this review, we highlight these advances by underlining the mechanisms of how different ubiquitin ligase machineries control centriole duplication and discuss our views on their coordination.

MicroRNAs as the critical regulators of cisplatin resistance in gastric tumor cells

Combined chemotherapeutic treatment is the method of choice for advanced and metastatic gastric tumors. However, resistance to chemotherapeutic agents is one of the main challenges for the efficient gastric cancer (GC) treatment. Cisplatin (CDDP) is used as an important regimen of chemotherapy for GC which induces cytotoxicity by interfering with DNA replication in cancer cells and inducing their apoptosis. Majority of patients experience cisplatin-resistance which is correlated with tumor metastasis and relapse. Moreover, prolonged and high-dose cisplatin administrations cause serious side effects such as nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity, and anemia. Since, there is a high rate of recurrence after CDDP treatment in GC patients; it is required to clarify the molecular mechanisms associated with CDDP resistance to introduce novel therapeutic methods. There are various cell and molecular processes associated with multidrug resistance (MDR) including drug efflux, detoxification, DNA repair ability, apoptosis alteration, signaling pathways, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). MicroRNAs are a class of endogenous non-coding RNAs involved in chemo resistance of GC cells through regulation of all of the MDR mechanisms. In present review we have summarized all of the miRNAs associated with cisplatin resistance based on their target genes and molecular mechanisms in gastric tumor cells. This review paves the way of introducing a miRNA-based panel of prognostic markers to improve the efficacy of chemotherapy and clinical outcomes in GC patients. It was observed that miRNAs are mainly involved in cisplatin response of gastric tumor cells via regulation of signaling pathways, autophagy, and apoptosis.

Notch-ing up knowledge on molecular mechanisms of skin fibrosis: focus on the multifaceted Notch signalling pathway

Fibrosis can be defined as an excessive and deregulated deposition of extracellular matrix proteins, causing loss of physiological architecture and dysfunction of different tissues and organs. In the skin, fibrosis represents the hallmark of several acquired (e.g. systemic sclerosis and hypertrophic scars) and inherited (i.e. dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa) diseases. A complex series of interactions among a variety of cellular types and a wide range of molecular players drive the fibrogenic process, often in a context-dependent manner. However, the pathogenetic mechanisms leading to skin fibrosis are not completely elucidated. In this scenario, an increasing body of evidence has recently disclosed the involvement of Notch signalling cascade in fibrosis of the skin and other organs. Despite its apparent simplicity, Notch represents one of the most multifaceted, strictly regulated and intricate pathways with still unknown features both in health and disease conditions. Starting from the most recent advances in Notch activation and regulation, this review focuses on the pro-fibrotic function of Notch pathway in fibroproliferative skin disorders describing molecular networks, interplay with other pro-fibrotic molecules and pathways, including the transforming growth factor-β1, and therapeutic strategies under development.

Function and regulation of F-box/WD repeat-containing protein 7

The ubiquitin-proteasome system is an important post-translational modification system involved in numerous biological processes, such as cell cycle regulation, gene transcription, signal transduction, apoptosis, differentiation and development. F-box/WD repeat-containing protein 7 (FBXW7) is one of the most studied F-box (FBX) proteins, serving as substrate recognition component of S phase kinase-associated protein 1-Cullin 1-FBX protein complexes. As a tumor suppressor, FBXW7 recognizes numerous proto-oncoproteins and promotes their ubiquitination and subsequent proteasomal degradation. FBXW7 is regulated at different levels, leading to tunable and specific control of the activity and abundance of its substrates. Therefore, genetic mutations or decreases in its expression serve an important biological role in tumor development. In-depth studies and identification of additional substrates targeted by FBXW7 have suggested a signaling network regulated by FBXW7, including its tumor-inhibitory role. The present review focused on the role of FBXW7 in tumor suppression and its application in cancer therapy.

Complex Cartography: Regulation of E2F Transcription Factors by Cyclin F and Ubiquitin

The E2F family of transcriptional regulators sits at the center of cell cycle gene expression and plays vital roles in normal and cancer cell cycles. Whereas control of E2Fs by the retinoblastoma family of proteins is well established, much less is known about their regulation by ubiquitin pathways. Recent studies placed the Skp1-Cul1-F-box-protein (SCF) family of E3 ubiquitin ligases with the F-box protein Cyclin F at the center of E2F regulation, demonstrating temporal proteolysis of both activator and atypical repressor E2Fs. Importantly, these E2F members, in particular activator E2F1 and repressors E2F7 and E2F8, form a feedback circuit at the crossroads of cell cycle and cell death. Moreover, Cyclin F functions in a reciprocal circuit with the cell cycle E3 ligase anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C), which also controls E2F7 and E2F8. This review focuses on the complex contours of feedback within this circuit, highlighting the deep crosstalk between E2F, SCF-Cyclin F, and APC/C in regulating the oscillator underlying human cell cycles.

NUMB enhances Notch signaling by repressing ubiquitination of NOTCH1 intracellular domain

The release and nuclear translocation of the intracellular domain of Notch receptor (NICD) is the prerequisite for Notch signaling-mediated transcriptional activation. NICD is subjected to various posttranslational modifications including ubiquitination. Here, we surprisingly found that NUMB proteins stabilize the intracellular domain of NOTCH1 receptor (N1ICD) by regulating the ubiquitin-proteasome machinery, which is independent of NUMB's role in modulating endocytosis. BAP1, a deubiquitinating enzyme (DUB), was further identified as a positive N1ICD regulator, and NUMB facilitates the association between N1ICD and BAP1 to stabilize N1ICD. Intriguingly, BAP1 stabilizes N1ICD independent of its DUB activity but relying on the BRCA1-inhibiting function. BAP1 strengthens Notch signaling and maintains stem-like properties of cortical neural progenitor cells. Thus, NUMB enhances Notch signaling by regulating the ubiquitinating activity of the BAP1-BRCA1 complex.

Emerging roles of metazoan cell cycle regulators as coordinators of the cell cycle and differentiation

In multicellular organisms, cell proliferation must be tightly coordinated with other developmental processes to form functional tissues and organs. Despite significant advances in our understanding of how the cell cycle is controlled by conserved cell-cycle regulators (CCRs), how the cell cycle is coordinated with cell differentiation in metazoan organisms and how CCRs contribute to this process remain poorly understood. Here, we review the emerging roles of metazoan CCRs as intracellular proliferation-differentiation coordinators in multicellular organisms. We illustrate how major CCRs regulate cellular events that are required for cell fate acquisition and subsequent differentiation. To this end, CCRs employ diverse mechanisms, some of which are separable from those underpinning the conventional cell-cycle-regulatory functions of CCRs. By controlling cell-type-specific specification/differentiation processes alongside the progression of the cell cycle, CCRs enable spatiotemporal coupling between differentiation and cell proliferation in various developmental contexts in vivo. We discuss the significance and implications of this underappreciated role of metazoan CCRs for development, disease and evolution.

F-box proteins and cancer: an update from functional and regulatory mechanism to therapeutic clinical prospects

E3 ubiquitin ligases play a critical role in cellular mechanisms and cancer progression. F-box protein is the core component of the SKP1-cullin 1-F-box (SCF)-type E3 ubiquitin ligase and directly binds to substrates by various specific domains. According to the specific domains, F-box proteins are further classified into three sub-families: 1) F-box with leucine rich amino acid repeats (FBXL); 2) F-box with WD 40 amino acid repeats (FBXW); 3) F-box only with uncharacterized domains (FBXO). Here, we summarize the substrates of F-box proteins, discuss the important molecular mechanism and emerging role of F-box proteins especially from the perspective of cancer development and progression. These findings will shed new light on malignant tumor progression mechanisms, and suggest the potential role of F-box proteins as cancer biomarkers and therapeutic targets for future cancer treatment.

Making sense out of missense mutations: Mechanistic dissection of Notch receptors through structure-function studies in Drosophila

Notch signaling is involved in the development of almost all organ systems and is required post-developmentally to modulate tissue homeostasis. Rare variants in Notch signaling pathway genes are found in patients with rare Mendelian disorders, while unique or recurrent somatic mutations in a similar set of genes are identified in cancer. The human genome contains four genes that encode Notch receptors, NOTCH1-4, all of which are linked to genetic diseases and cancer. Although some mutations have been classified as clear loss- or gain-of-function alleles based on cellular or rodent based assay systems, the functional consequence of many variants/mutations in human Notch receptors remain unknown. In this review, I will first provide an overview of the domain structure of Notch receptors and discuss how each module is known to regulate Notch signaling activity in vivo using the Drosophila Notch receptor as an example. Next, I will introduce some interesting mutant alleles that have been isolated in the fly Notch gene over the past > 100 years of research and discuss how studies of these mutations have facilitated the understanding of Notch biology. By identifying unique alleles of the fly Notch gene through forward genetic screens, mapping their molecular lesions and characterizing their phenotypes in depth, one can begin to unravel new mechanistic insights into how different domains of Notch fine-tune signaling output. Such information can be useful in deciphering the functional consequences of rare variants/mutations in human Notch receptors, which in turn can influence disease management and therapy.

A Screen of the Conserved Kinome for Negative Regulators of LIN-12 Negative Regulatory Region ("NRR")-Missense Activity in Caenorhabditis elegans

Genetic analysis of LIN-12/Notch signaling in C. elegans has provided many insights into human biology. Activating missense mutations in the Negative Regulatory Region (NRR) of the ectodomain of LIN-12/Notch were first described in C. elegans, and similar mutations in human Notch were later found to cause T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). The ubiquitin ligase sel-10/Fbw7 is the prototype of a conserved negative regulator of lin-12/Notch that was first defined by loss-of-function mutations that enhance lin-12 NRR-missense activity in C. elegans, and then demonstrated to regulate Notch activity in mammalian cells and to be a bona fide tumor suppressor in T-ALL. Here, we report the results of an RNAi screen of 248 C. elegans protein kinase-encoding genes with human orthologs for enhancement of a weakly activating NRR-missense mutation of lin-12 in the Vulval Precursor Cells. We identified, and validated, thirteen kinase genes whose loss led to increase lin-12 activity; eleven of these genes have never been implicated previously in regulating Notch activity in any system. Depleting the activity of five kinase genes (cdk-8, wnk-1, kin-3, hpo-11, and mig-15) also significantly enhanced the activity of a transgene in which heterologous sequences drive expression of the untethered intracellular domain of LIN-12, suggesting that they increase the activity or stability of the signal-transducing form of LIN-12/Notch. Precedents set by other regulators of lin-12/Notch defined through genetic interactions in C. elegans suggest that this new set of genes may include negative regulators that are functionally relevant to mammalian development and cancer.

Deubiquitylation and stabilization of Notch1 intracellular domain by ubiquitin-specific protease 8 enhance tumorigenesis in breast cancer

Notch, an essential factor in tissue development and homoeostasis, has been reported to play an oncogenic function in a variety of cancers. Here, we report ubiquitin-specific protease 8 (USP8) as a novel deubiquitylase of Notch1 intracellular domain (NICD). USP8 specifically stabilizes and deubiquitylates NICD through a direct interaction. The inhibition of USP8 downregulated the Notch signalling pathway via NICD destabilization, resulting in the retardation of cellular growth, wound closure, and colony forming ability of breast cancer cell lines. These phenomena were restored by the reconstitution of NICD or USP8, supporting the direct interaction between these two proteins. The expression levels of NICD and USP8 proteins were positively correlated in patients with advanced breast cancer. Taken together, our results suggest that USP8 functions as a positive regulator of Notch signalling, offering a therapeutic target for breast cancer.

Mouse Models for Diseases in the Cholangiocyte Lineage

Cholangiopathies are an important group of liver diseases affecting the biliary system, and the purpose of this review is to describe how diseases in the biliary system can be studied in mouse models. A particular focus is placed on mouse models for Alagille syndrome, a cholangiopathy with a strong genetic link to dysfunctional Notch signaling. Recently, a number of different genetic mouse models based on various manipulations of the Notch signaling pathway have been generated to study Alagille syndrome, and we discuss the resulting phenotypes, and possible causes for the phenotypic heterogeneity among the various models. In the final section, we provide a more general discussion on how well mouse models can be expected to mimic human liver disease, as well as an outlook toward the need for new technologies that can help us to gain new insights from mouse models for liver disease.

Site-specific phosphorylation of Fbxw7 by Cdk5/p25 and its resulting decreased stability are linked to glutamate-induced excitotoxicity

Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) is a serine/threonine protein kinase that regulates brain development and neurodegeneration. Cdk5 is activated by p25 that is generated from calpain-dependent cleavage of p35. The generation of p25 is responsible for the aberrant hyper-activation of Cdk5, which causes neurodegeneration. Using in vitro assays, we discovered that F-box/WD repeat-containing protein 7 (Fbxw7) is a new substrate of Cdk5. Additionally, Cdk5-dependent phosphorylation of Fbxw7 was detected in the presence of p25, and two amino acid residues (S349 and S372) were determined to be major phosphorylation sites. This phosphorylation was eventually linked to decreased stability of Fbxw7. Using a culture model of cortical neurons challenged with glutamate, we confirmed that decreased stability of Fbxw7 was indeed Cdk5-dependent. Furthermore, diminished levels of Fbxw7 led to increased levels of transcription factor AP-1 (c-Jun), a known substrate of Fbxw7. Given that previous reports demonstrate that c-Jun plays a role in accelerating neuronal apoptosis in these pathological models, our data support the concepts of a molecular cascade in which Cdk5-mediated phosphorylation of Fbxw7 negatively regulates Fbxw7 expression, thereby contributing to neuronal cell death following glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity.

Novel Notch signaling inhibitor NSI‑1 suppresses nuclear translocation of the Notch intracellular domain

The Notch receptor serves a fundamental role in the regulation of cell fate determination through intracellular signal transmission. Mutation of the Notch receptor results in abnormal active signaling, leading to the development of diseases involving abnormal cell growth, including malignant tumors. Therefore, the Notch signaling pathway is a useful pharmacological target for the treatment of cancer. In the present study, a compound screening system was designed to identify inhibitors of the Notch signaling targeting Notch intracellular domain (NICD). A total of 9,600 compounds were analyzed using the Michigan Cancer Foundation‑7 (MCF7) human breast adenocarcinoma cell line and the SH‑SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell line with the reporter assay system using an artificial protein encoding a partial Notch carboxyl‑terminal fragment fused to the Gal4 DNA‑binding domain. The molecular mechanism underlying the inhibition of Notch signaling by a hit compound was further validated using biochemical and cell biological approaches. Using the screening system, a potential candidate, Notch signaling inhibitor‑1 (NSI‑1), was isolated which showed 50% inhibition at 6.1 µM in an exogenous Notch signaling system. In addition, NSI‑1 suppressed the nuclear translocation of NICD and endogenous gene expression of hairy and enhancer of split‑1, indicating that NSI‑1 specifically targets Notch. Notably, NSI‑1 suppressed the cell viability of MCF7 cells and another human breast adenocarcinoma cell line, MDA‑MB‑231 exhibiting constitutive and high Notch signaling activity, whereas no significant effect was observed in the SH‑SY5Y cells bearing a lower Notch signaling activity. NSI‑1 significantly suppressed the viability of SH‑SY5Y cells expressing exogenous human Notch1. These results indicate that NSI‑1 is a novel Notch signaling inhibitor and suggest its potential as a useful drug for the treatment of diseases induced by constitutively active Notch signaling.

Decoding the PTM-switchboard of Notch

The developmentally indispensable Notch pathway exhibits a high grade of pleiotropism in its biological output. Emerging evidence supports the notion of post-translational modifications (PTMs) as a modus operandi controlling dynamic fine-tuning of Notch activity. Although, the intricacy of Notch post-translational regulation, as well as how these modifications lead to multiples of divergent Notch phenotypes is still largely unknown, numerous studies show a correlation between the site of modification and the output. These include glycosylation of the extracellular domain of Notch modulating ligand binding, and phosphorylation of the PEST domain controlling half-life of the intracellular domain of Notch. Furthermore, several reports show that multiple PTMs can act in concert, or compete for the same sites to drive opposite outputs. However, further investigation of the complex PTM crosstalk is required for a complete understanding of the PTM-mediated Notch switchboard. In this review, we aim to provide a consistent and up-to-date summary of the currently known PTMs acting on the Notch signaling pathway, their functions in different contexts, as well as explore their implications in physiology and disease. Furthermore, we give an overview of the present state of PTM research methodology, and allude to a future with PTM-targeted Notch therapeutics.

CDK1 and CDK2 regulate NICD1 turnover and the periodicity of the segmentation clock

All vertebrates share a segmented body axis. Segments form from the rostral end of the presomitic mesoderm (PSM) with a periodicity that is regulated by the segmentation clock. The segmentation clock is a molecular oscillator that exhibits dynamic clock gene expression across the PSM with a periodicity that matches somite formation. Notch signalling is crucial to this process. Altering Notch intracellular domain (NICD) stability affects both the clock period and somite size. However, the mechanism by which NICD stability is regulated in this context is unclear. We identified a highly conserved site crucial for NICD recognition by the SCF E3 ligase, which targets NICD for degradation. We demonstrate both CDK1 and CDK2 can phosphorylate NICD in the domain where this crucial residue lies and that NICD levels vary in a cell cycle-dependent manner. Inhibiting CDK1 or CDK2 activity increases NICD levels both in vitro and in vivo, leading to a delay of clock gene oscillations and an increase in somite size.

The nuclear pore proteins Nup88/214 and T-cell acute lymphatic leukemia-associated NUP214 fusion proteins regulate Notch signaling

The Notch receptor is a key mediator of developmental programs and cell-fate decisions. Imbalanced Notch signaling leads to developmental disorders and cancer. To fully characterize the Notch signaling pathway and exploit it in novel therapeutic interventions, a comprehensive view on the regulation and requirements of Notch signaling is needed. Notch is regulated at different levels, ranging from ligand binding, stability to endocytosis. Using an array of different techniques, including reporter gene assays, immunocytochemistry, and ChIP-qPCR we show here, to the best of our knowledge for the first time, regulation of Notch signaling at the level of the nuclear pore. We found that the nuclear pore protein Nup214 (nucleoporin 214) and its interaction partner Nup88 negatively regulate Notch signaling in vitro and in vivo in zebrafish. In mammalian cells, loss of Nup88/214 inhibited nuclear export of recombination signal-binding protein for immunoglobulin κJ region (RBP-J), the DNA-binding component of the Notch pathway. This inhibition increased binding of RBP-J to its cognate promoter regions, resulting in increased downstream Notch signaling. Interestingly, we also found that NUP214 fusion proteins, causative for certain cases of T-cell acute lymphatic leukemia, potentially contribute to tumorigenesis via a Notch-dependent mechanism. In summary, the nuclear pore components Nup88/214 suppress Notch signaling in vitro, and in zebrafish, nuclear RBP-J levels are rate-limiting factors for Notch signaling in mammalian cells, and regulation of nucleocytoplasmic transport of RBP-J may contribute to fine-tuning Notch activity in cells.

Sorting Nexin 5 Controls Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Progression by Modulating FBW7

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most prevalent cancer worldwide. Long-term survival rates in patients with HNSCC have not increased significantly in the past 30 years. Therefore, looking for novel molecular targets that control HNSCC progression is urgently required to improve the treatment of HNSCC. Here, we identified Sorting Nexin 5 (SNX5) as a new regulator that plays an oncogenic function in HNSCC progression. Analyzing HNSCC patients' data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) indicates that the expression levels of SNX5 in HNSCC are significantly elevated compared to normal tissues. Furthermore, higher SNX5 expression correlates with a worse prognosis for HNSCC patients. These results suggest that SNX5 has an oncogenic role. Consistently, loss of SNX5 in HNSCC cells dramatically reduces colony formation and significantly decreases tumor growth in xenograft mouse models. SNX5 interacts with the tumor suppressor F-box/WD repeat-containing protein 7 (FBW7), an E3 ubiquitin ligase that mediates ubiquitination and degradation of oncoproteins such as c-Myc, NOTCH1, and Cyclin E1. By interacting with FBW7, SNX5 inhibits FBW7-mediated oncoproteins ubiquitination. In this way, SNX5 decreases the FBW7-mediated oncoproteins degradation to promote HNSCC progression.

Notch signaling facilitates hepatitis B virus covalently closed circular DNA transcription via cAMP response element-binding protein with E3 ubiquitin ligase-modulation

Notch1 is regulated by E3 ubiquitin ligases, with proteasomal degradation of the Notch intracellular domain affecting the transcription of target genes. cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) mediates the transcription of hepatitis B virus (HBV) covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA). We assessed the relationship between HBV cccDNA and Notch signaling activities. HBV cccDNA levels and relative gene expression were evaluated in HBV-replicating cells treated with Jagged1 shRNA and a γ-secretase inhibitor. The effects of these factors in surgically resected clinical samples were also assessed. Notch inhibition suppressed HBV cccDNA and CREB-related expression but increased ITCH and NUMB levels. Proteasome inhibitor augmented HBV cccDNA, restored Notch and CREB expression, and inhibited ITCH and NUMB function. Increased HBV cccDNA was observed after ITCH and NUMB blockage, even after treatment with the adenylate cyclase activator forskolin; protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor had the opposite effect. Notch activation and E3 ligase inactivation were observed in HBV-positive cells in clinical liver tissue. Collectively, these findings reveal that Notch signaling activity facilitates HBV cccDNA transcription via CREB to trigger the downstream PKA-phospho-CREB cascade and is regulated by E3 ubiquitin ligase-modulation of the Notch intracellular domain.

The ATPase TER94 regulates Notch signaling during Drosophila wing development

The evolutionarily conserved Notch signaling pathway plays crucial roles in various developmental contexts. Multiple mechanisms are involved in the regulation of Notch pathway activity. Identified through a genetic mosaic screen, we show that the ATPase TER94 acts as a positive regulator of Notch signaling during Drosophila wing development. Depletion of TER94 causes marginal notches in the adult wing and the reduction of Notch target genes wingless and cut during wing margin formation. We provide evidence that TER94 is likely required for proper Notch protein localization and activation. Furthermore, we show that knockdown of the TER94 adaptor p47 leads to similar Notch signaling defects. Although the TER94 complex is implicated in various cellular processes, its role in the regulation of Notch pathways was previously uncharacterized. Our study demonstrates that TER94 positively regulates Notch signaling and thus reveals a novel role of TER94 in development.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.

Summary: Our study demonstrates that the ATPase TER94 and the p47 adaptor positively regulate Notch signaling during Drosophila wing development, thus establishing a functional interaction between TER94 and Notch signaling activity.

Defective NOTCH signaling drives increased vascular smooth muscle cell apoptosis and contractile differentiation in bicuspid aortic valve aortopathy: A review of the evidence and future directions

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) disease remains the most common congenital cardiac disease and is associated with an increased risk of potentially fatal aortopathy including aortic aneurysm and dissection. Mutations in the NOTCH1 gene are one of only a few genetic anomalies identified in BAV disease; however evidence for defective NOTCH signaling, and its involvement in the characteristic histological changes of VSMC apoptosis and differentiation in ascending aortae of BAV patients is lacking. This review scrutinizes the evidence for the interactions of NOTCH signaling, cellular differentiation and apoptosis in the context of aortic VSMCs and provides focus for future research efforts in the diagnosis of BAV aortopathy and prevention of catastrophic complications through NOTCH signaling manipulation.

Genetic Deletion of Fbw7 in the mouse intestinal epithelium aggravated dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis by modulating the inflammatory response of NF-κB pathway

Fbw7 is a type of E3 ubiquitin ligase that targets various proteins for degradation and has been found to have a high expression level in progenitor cells. Deletion of Fbw7 in the intestine results in the accumulation of progenitor cells. Moreover, Fbw7 loss increases the susceptibility of colorectal cancer. However, the involvement of Fbw7 in the progress and development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is still controversial. To identify the function of Fbw7 on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colonic inflammation, we generated Fbw7^ΔG mice, lacking Fbw7 specifically in intestinal epithelium. Colitis was induced in male Fbw7 ^ΔG and wild-type (WT) mice (both age and body weight matched) by treating with 3% DSS in drinking water. We demonstrate that deletion of Fbw7 in the mouse intestinal epithelium aggravates DSS-induced colitis, showing inflammatory response and reduced survival rate. Furthermore, we found that Fbw7 loss caused activation of NF-κB signaling. Thus, FBW7 plays a protective role in acute intestinal inflammation by modulating the inflammatory response of NF-κB pathway.

Novel TCR-Mediated Mechanisms of Notch Activation and Signaling

The Notch receptor is an evolutionarily highly conserved transmembrane protein that is essential to a wide spectrum of cellular systems. Notch signaling is especially important to T cell development, and its deregulation leads to leukemia. Although not well characterized, it continues to play an integral role in peripheral T cells, in which a unique mode of Notch activation can occur. In contrast to canonical Notch activation initiated by adjacent ligand-expressing cells, TCR stimulation is sufficient to induce Notch signaling. However, the interactions between these two pathways have not been defined. In this article, we show that Notch activation occurs in peripheral T cells within a few hours post-TCR stimulation and is required for optimal T cell activation. Using a panel of inhibitors against components of the TCR signaling cascade, we demonstrate that Notch activation is facilitated through initiation of protein kinase C-induced ADAM activity. Moreover, our data suggest that internalization of Notch via endocytosis plays a role in this process. Although ligand-mediated Notch stimulation relies on mechanical pulling forces that disrupt the autoinhibitory domain of Notch, we hypothesized that, in T cells in the absence of ligands, these conformational changes are induced through chemical adjustments in the endosome, causing alleviation of autoinhibition and receptor activation. Thus, T cells may have evolved a unique method of Notch receptor activation, which is described for the first time, to our knowledge, in this article.

Establishment and analysis of a novel mouse line carrying a conditional knockin allele of a cancer-specific FBXW7 mutation

F-box and WD40 domain protein 7 (FBXW7) is a component of the SKP1-CUL1-F-box protein (SCF) complex that mediates the ubiquitination of diverse oncogenic target proteins. The exploration of FBXW7 mutations in human primary cancer has revealed three mutation hotspots at conserved arginine residues (Arg⁴⁶⁵, Arg⁴⁷⁹, and Arg⁵⁰⁵) in the WD40 domain, which are critical for substrate recognition. To study the function of human FBXW7^R465C, the most frequent mutation in human malignancies, we generated a novel conditional knockin mouse line of murine Fbxw7^R468C corresponding to human FBXW7^R465C. Systemic heterozygous knockin of the Fbxw7^R468C mutation resulted in perinatal lethality due to defects in lung development, and occasionally caused an eyes-open at birth phenotype and cleft palate. Furthermore, mice carrying liver-specific heterozygous and homozygous Fbxw7^R468C alleles cooperated with an oncogenic Kras mutation to exhibit bile duct hyperplasia within 8 months of birth and cholangiocarcinoma-like lesions within 8 weeks of birth, respectively. In addition, the substrates affected by the mutant Fbxw7 differed between the embryos, embryonic fibroblasts, and adult liver. This novel conditional knockin Fbxw7^R468C line should be useful to gain a more profound understanding of carcinogenesis associated with mutation of FBXW7.

Promotional effect of microRNA-194 on breast cancer cells via targeting F-box/WD repeat-containing protein 7

Breast cancer is the most common type of malignant cancer in females. An increasing number of studies have revealed that microRNAs (miR), which belong to a class of small non-coding RNAs, serve an important role in a number of human cancer subtypes. In the present study, the role of miR-194 in breast cancer cells and its underlying mechanisms were investigated. The results demonstrated that the serum levels of miR-194 were significantly higher in patients of the poorly differentiated and well-differentiated groups, compared with in healthy adults. Additionally, the serum level of miR-194 was significantly higher in the poorly differentiated group compared with in the well-differentiated group. In order to further investigate the role of miR-194 in breast cancer cells, the present study transfected two breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, with an empty vector (control), miR-194 (overexpression), antagomiR-194 (inhibitor, functional knock down) or antagomiR-194 and miR-194. An MTT assay was performed in order to detect the proliferation of breast cancer cells in the various groups. The results revealed that the overexpression of miR-194 significantly accelerated cell proliferation, whereas the inhibition of miR-194 significantly decelerated the proliferation of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. Furthermore, the expression levels of cyclin D and cyclin E were significantly upregulated in miR-194 overexpressing cells, and the expression levels of cyclin D and cyclin E were significantly downregulated in miR-194 inhibited cells, as compared with in control cells. No significant change was observed in the level of proliferation of cells co-transfected with miR-194 and antagomiR-194, compared with in the control cells. According to the hypothesis suggesting possible target genes of miR-194, the present study proposed that F-box/WD repeat-containing protein 7 (Fbxw-7) may be a direct target of miR-194, which was confirmed by a luciferase reporter assay. The present study suggested that miR-194 expression promoted the proliferation of breast cancer cells by targeting Fbxw-7, and may serve as a biomarker and a novel target for breast cancer therapy.

Notch signaling: its roles and therapeutic potential in hematological malignancies

Notch is a highly conserved signaling system that allows neighboring cells to communicate, thereby controlling their differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis, with the outcome of its activation being highly dependent on signal strength and cell type. As such, there is growing evidence that disturbances in physiological Notch signaling contribute to cancer development and growth through various mechanisms. Notch was first reported to contribute to tumorigenesis in the early 90s, through identification of the involvement of the Notch1 gene in the chromosomal translocation t(7;9)(q34;q34.3), found in a small subset of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Since then, Notch mutations and aberrant Notch signaling have been reported in numerous other precursor and mature hematological malignancies, of both myeloid and lymphoid origin, as well as many epithelial tumor types. Of note, Notch has been reported to have both oncogenic and tumor suppressor roles, dependent on the cancer cell type. In this review, we will first give a general description of the Notch signaling pathway, and its physiologic role in hematopoiesis. Next, we will review the role of aberrant Notch signaling in several hematological malignancies. Finally, we will discuss current and potential future therapeutic approaches targeting this pathway.

CSL-Associated Corepressor and Coactivator Complexes

The highly conserved Notch signal transduction pathway orchestrates fundamental cellular processes including, differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis during embryonic development and in the adult organism. Dysregulated Notch signaling underlies the etiology of a variety of human diseases, such as certain types of cancers, developmental disorders and cardiovascular disease. Ligand binding induces proteolytic cleavage of the Notch receptor and nuclear translocation of the Notch intracellular domain (NICD), which forms a ternary complex with the transcription factor CSL and the coactivator MAML to upregulate transcription of Notch target genes. The DNA-binding protein CSL is the centrepiece of transcriptional regulation in the Notch pathway, acting as a molecular hub for interactions with either corepressors or coactivators to repress or activate, respectively, transcription. Here we review previous structure-function studies of CSL-associated coregulator complexes and discuss the molecular insights gleaned from this research. We discuss the functional consequences of both activating and repressing binding partners using the same interaction platforms on CSL. We also emphasize that although there has been a significant uptick in structural information over the past decade, it is still under debate how the molecular switch from repression to activation mediated by CSL occurs at Notch target genes and whether it will be possible to manipulate these transcription complexes therapeutically in the future.

FBXO2, a novel marker for metastasis in human gastric cancer

FBXO2 belongs to the F-box family of proteins, is a cytoplasmic protein and ubiquitin ligase F-box protein with specificity for high-mannose glycoproteins. Recently published studies indicate that other members of the F-box family, such as SKP2 and FBXW7, are involved in the development of gastric cancer. The role of FBXO2 in the process of tumorigenesis, including gastric cancer, is still unknown. In this study, we show that the level of FBXO2 is highly correlated with lymph node metastasis, and that overall survival (OS) of patients with high FBXO2 expression is significantly shorter than patients with low FBXO2 expression. FBXO2 promoted the proliferation and migration of human gastric cancer cells, whereas knockdown of FBXO2 by siRNA led to a decrease in those activities. Down-regulating FBXO2 reduced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in gastric cancer cells, with increased expression of E-cadherin and decreased expression of N-cadherin and vimentin. In summary, our findings suggest that FBXO2-regulated EMT led to carcinogenicity in gastric cancer and may be a novel target in the diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer.

Integration of EGFR and LIN-12/Notch Signaling by LIN-1/Elk1, the Cdk8 Kinase Module, and SUR-2/Med23 in Vulval Precursor Cell Fate Patterning in Caenorhabditis elegans

Six initially equivalent, multipotential Vulval Precursor Cells (VPCs) in Caenorhabditis elegans adopt distinct cell fates in a precise spatial pattern, with each fate associated with transcription of different target genes. The pattern is centered on a cell that adopts the "1°" fate through Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) activity, and produces a lateral signal composed of ligands that activate LIN-12/Notch in the two flanking VPCs to cause them to adopt "2°" fate. Here, we investigate orthologs of a transcription complex that acts in mammalian EGFR signaling-lin-1/Elk1, sur-2/Med23, and the Cdk8 Kinase module (CKM)-previously implicated in aspects of 1° fate in C. elegans and show they act in different combinations for different processes for 2° fate. When EGFR is inactive, the CKM, but not SUR-2, helps to set a threshold for LIN-12/Notch activity in all VPCs. When EGFR is active, all three factors act to resist LIN-12/Notch, as revealed by the reduced ability of ectopically-activated LIN-12/Notch to activate target gene reporters. We show that overcoming this resistance in the 1° VPC leads to repression of lateral signal gene reporters, suggesting that resistance to LIN-12/Notch helps ensure that P6.p becomes a robust source of the lateral signal. In addition, we show that sur-2/Med23 and lin-1/Elk1, and not the CKM, are required to promote endocytic downregulation of LIN-12-GFP in the 1° VPC. Finally, our analysis using cell fate reporters reveals that both EGFR and LIN-12/Notch signal transduction pathways are active in all VPCs in lin-1/Elk1 mutants, and that lin-1/Elk1 is important for integrating EGFR and lin-12/Notch signaling inputs in the VPCs so that the proper gene complement is transcribed.

Notch Signaling in Development, Tissue Homeostasis, and Disease

Notch signaling is an evolutionarily highly conserved signaling mechanism, but in contrast to signaling pathways such as Wnt, Sonic Hedgehog, and BMP/TGF-β, Notch signaling occurs via cell-cell communication, where transmembrane ligands on one cell activate transmembrane receptors on a juxtaposed cell. Originally discovered through mutations in Drosophila more than 100 yr ago, and with the first Notch gene cloned more than 30 yr ago, we are still gaining new insights into the broad effects of Notch signaling in organisms across the metazoan spectrum and its requirement for normal development of most organs in the body. In this review, we provide an overview of the Notch signaling mechanism at the molecular level and discuss how the pathway, which is architecturally quite simple, is able to engage in the control of cell fates in a broad variety of cell types. We discuss the current understanding of how Notch signaling can become derailed, either by direct mutations or by aberrant regulation, and the expanding spectrum of diseases and cancers that is a consequence of Notch dysregulation. Finally, we explore the emerging field of Notch in the control of tissue homeostasis, with examples from skin, liver, lung, intestine, and the vasculature.

KSHV and the Role of Notch Receptor Dysregulation in Disease Progression

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is the causative agent of two human cancers, Kaposi's Sarcoma (KS) and primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), and a lymphoproliferation, Multicentric Castleman's Disease (MCD). Progression to tumor development in KS is dependent upon the reactivation of the virus from its latent state. We, and others, have shown that the Replication and transcriptional activator (Rta) protein is the only viral gene product that is necessary and sufficient for viral reactivation. To induce the reactivation and transcription of viral genes, Rta forms a complex with the cellular DNA binding component of the canonical Notch signaling pathway, recombination signal binding protein for Jk (RBP-Jk). Formation of this Rta:RBP-Jk complex is necessary for viral reactivation to occur. Expression of activated Notch has been shown to be dysregulated in KSHV infected cells and to be necessary for cell growth and disease progression. Studies into the involvement of activated Notch in viral reactivation have yielded varied results. In this paper, we review the current literature regarding Notch dysregulation by KSHV and its role in viral infection and cellular pathogenesis.