Atypical protein kinase C regulates dual pathways for degradation of the oncogenic coactivator SRC-3/AIB1

Disruption of histone modification and CARM1 recruitment by arsenic represses transcription at glucocorticoid receptor-regulated promoters

Chronic exposure to inorganic arsenic (iAs) found in the environment is one of the most significant and widespread environmental health risks in the U.S. and throughout the world. It is associated with a broad range of health effects from cancer to diabetes as well as reproductive and developmental anomalies. This diversity of diseases can also result from disruption of metabolic and other cellular processes regulated by steroid hormone receptors via aberrant transcriptional regulation. Significantly, exposure to iAs inhibits steroid hormone-mediated gene activation. iAs exposure is associated with disease, but is also used therapeutically to treat specific cancers complicating an understanding of iAs action. Transcriptional activation by steroid hormone receptors is accompanied by changes in histone and non-histone protein post-translational modification (PTM) that result from the enzymatic activity of coactivator and corepressor proteins such as GRIP1 and CARM1. This study addresses how iAs represses steroid receptor-regulated gene transcription. PTMs on histones H3 and H4 at the glucocorticoid receptor (GR)-activated mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) promoter were identified by chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis following exposure to steroid hormone±iAs. Histone H3K18 and H3R17 amino acid residues had significantly different patterns of PTMs after treatment with iAs. Promoter interaction of the coactivator CARM1 was disrupted, but the interaction of GRIP1, a p160 coactivator through which CARM1 interacts with a promoter, was intact. Over-expression of CARM1 was able to fully restore and GRIP1 partially restored iAs-repressed transcription indicating that these coactivators are functionally associated with iAs-mediated transcriptional repression. Both are essential for robust transcription at steroid hormone regulated genes and both are associated with disease when inappropriately expressed. We postulate that iAs effects on CARM1 and GRIP1 may underlie some of its therapeutic effects and as well be associated with its toxic effects.

OTU Domain-containing ubiquitin aldehyde-binding protein 1 (OTUB1) deubiquitinates estrogen receptor (ER) alpha and affects ERalpha transcriptional activity

Estrogen receptor (ER) alpha is an essential component in human physiology and is a key factor involved in the development of breast and endometrial cancers. ERalpha protein levels and transcriptional activity are tightly controlled by the ubiquitin proteasome system. Deubiquitinating enzymes, a class of proteases capable of removing ubiquitin from proteins, are increasingly being seen as key modulators of the ubiquitin proteasome system, regulating protein stability and other functions by countering the actions of ubiquitin ligases. Using mass spectrometry analysis of an ERalpha protein complex, we identified OTU domain-containing ubiquitin aldehyde-binding protein 1 (OTUB1) as a novel ERalpha-interacting protein capable of deubiquitinating ERalpha in cells and in vitro. We show that OTUB1 negatively regulates transcription mediated by ERalpha in transient reporter gene assays and transcription mediated by endogenous ERalpha in Ishikawa endometrial cancer cells. We also show that OTUB1 regulates the availability and functional activity of ERalpha in Ishikawa cells by affecting the transcription of the ERalpha gene and by stabilizing the ERalpha protein in the chromatin.

Dynamic and combinatorial control of gene expression by nuclear retinoic acid receptors (RARs)

Nuclear retinoic acid receptors (RARs) are transcriptional regulators controlling the expression of specific subsets of genes in a ligand-dependent manner. The basic mechanism for switching on transcription of cognate target genes involves RAR binding at specific response elements and a network of interactions with coregulatory protein complexes, the assembly of which is directed by the C-terminal ligand-binding domain of RARs. In addition to this scenario, new roles for the N-terminal domain and the ubiquitin-proteasome system recently emerged. Moreover, the functions of RARs are not limited to the regulation of cognate target genes, as they can transrepress other gene pathways. Finally, RARs are also involved in nongenomic biological activities such as the activation of translation and of kinase cascades. Here we will review these mechanisms, focusing on how kinase signaling and the proteasome pathway cooperate to influence the dynamics of RAR transcriptional activity.

The role and regulation of the nuclear receptor co-activator AIB1 in breast cancer

AIB1 (amplified in breast cancer 1), also called SRC-3 and NCoA-3, is a member of the p160 nuclear receptor co-activator family and is considered an important oncogene in breast cancer. Increased AIB1 levels in human breast cancer have been correlated with poor clinical prognosis. Overexpression of AIB1 in conjunction with members of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF/HER) tyrosine kinase family, such as HER2, is associated with resistance to tamoxifen therapy and decreased disease-free survival. A number of functional studies in cell culture and in rodents indicate that AIB1 has a pleiotropic role in breast cancer. Initially AIB1 was shown to have a role in the estrogen-dependent proliferation of breast epithelial cells. However, AIB1 also affects the growth of hormone-independent breast cancer and AIB1 levels are limiting for IGF-1-, EGF- and heregulin-stimulated biological responses in breast cancer cells and consequently the PI3 K/Akt/mTOR and other EGFR/HER2 signaling pathways are controlled by changes in AIB1 protein levels. The cellular levels and activity of AIB1 are in turn regulated at the levels of transcription, mRNA stability, post-translational modification, and by a complex control of protein half life. In particular, AIB1 activity as well as its half-life is modulated through a number of post-translational modifications including serine, threonine and tyrosine phosphorylation via kinases that are components of multiple signal transduction pathways. This review summarizes the possible mechanisms of how dysregulation of AIB1 at multiple levels can lead to the initiation and progression of breast cancer as well as its role as a predictor of response to breast cancer therapy, and as a possible therapeutic target.

CK1delta modulates the transcriptional activity of ERalpha via AIB1 in an estrogen-dependent manner and regulates ERalpha-AIB1 interactions

Oncogenesis in breast cancer often requires the overexpression of the nuclear receptor coactivator AIB1/SRC-3 acting in conjunction with estrogen receptor-α (ERα). Phosphorylation of both ERα and AIB1 has been shown to have profound effects on their functions. In addition, proteasome-mediated degradation plays a major role by regulating their stability and activity. CK1δ, a member of the ubiquitous casein kinase-1 family, is implicated in the progression of breast cancer. In this study, we show that both ERα and AIB1 are substrates for CK1δ in vitro, and identify a novel AIB1 phosphorylation site (S601) targeted by CK1δ, significant for the co-activator function of AIB1. CK1δ is able to interact with ERα and AIB1 in vivo, while overexpression of CK1δ in breast cancer cells results in an increased association of ERα with AIB1 as confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation assays from cell lysates. Using an siRNA-based approach, luciferase reporter assays and qRT-PCR, we observe that silencing of CK1δ leads to reduced ERα transcriptional activity, despite increased ERα levels, similarly to proteasome inhibition. We provide evidence that AIB1 protein levels are reduced by CK1δ silencing, in an estradiol-dependent manner; such destabilization can be inhibited by pre-treatment with the proteasome inhibitor MG132. We propose that differing activities adopted by ERα and AIB1 as a consequence of their interactions with and phosphorylation by CK1δ, particularly AIB1 stabilization, influence the transcriptional activity of ERα, and therefore have a role in breast cancer development.

The "fourth dimension" of gene transcription

The three dimensions of space provide our relationship to position on the earth, but the fourth dimension of time has an equally profound influence on our lives. Everything from light and sound to weather and biology operate on the principle of measurable temporal periodicity. Consequently, a wide variety of time clocks affect all aspects of our existence. The annual (and biannual) cycles of activity, metabolism, and mating, the monthly physiological clocks of women and men, and the 24-h diurnal rhythms of humans are prime examples. Should it be surprising to us that the fourth dimension also impinges upon gene expression and that the genome itself is regulated by the fastest running of all biological clocks? Recent evidence substantiates the existence of such a ubiquitin-dependent transcriptional clock that is based upon the activation and destruction of transcriptional coactivators.

Diverse regulatory mechanisms of eukaryotic transcriptional activation by the proteasome complex

The life of any protein within a cell begins with transcriptional activation, and ends with proteolytic degradation. Intriguingly, the 26S proteasome complex, a non-lysosomal protein degradation machine comprising the 20S proteolytic core and 19S regulatory particles, has been implicated in intimate regulation of eukaryotic transcriptional activation through diverse mechanisms in a proteolysis-dependent as well as independent manner. Here, we discuss the intricate mechanisms of such proteasomal regulation of eukaryotic gene activation via multiple pathways.

Par complex in cancer: a regulator of normal cell polarity joins the dark side

In the past 20 years, the discovery and characterization of the molecular machinery that controls cellular polarization have enabled us to achieve a better understanding of many biological processes. Spatial asymmetry or establishment of cell polarity during embryogenesis, epithelial morphogenesis, neuronal differentiation, and migration of fibroblasts and T cells are thought to rely on a small number of evolutionarily conserved proteins and pathways. Correct polarization is crucial for normal cell physiology and tissue homeostasis, and is lost in cancer. Thus, cell polarity signaling is likely to have an important function in tumor progression. Recent findings have identified a regulator of cell polarity, the Par complex, as an important signaling node in tumorigenesis. In normal cell types, the Par complex is part of the molecular machinery that regulates cell polarity and maintains normal cell homeostasis. As such, the polarity regulators are proposed to have a tumor suppressor function, consistent with the loss of polarity genes associated with hyperproliferation in Drosophila melanogaster. However, recent studies showing that some members of this complex also display pro-oncogenic activities suggest a more complex regulation of the polarity machinery during cellular transformation. Here, we examine the existing data about the different functions of the Par complex. We discuss how spatial restriction, binding partners and substrate specificity determine the signaling properties of Par complex proteins. A better understanding of these processes will very likely shed some light on how the Par complex can switch from a normal polarity regulation function to promotion of transformation downstream of oncogenes.

Multi-modulation of nuclear receptor coactivators through posttranslational modifications

Nuclear receptor (NR) coactivators are recruited to DNA by NRs, potentiating NR-dependent gene transcription. To obtain the complexity of NR-mediated gene regulation with a finite number of coactivators, the molecular properties of coactivators are dynamically modulated by posttranslational modifications (PTMs) in response to external stimuli. PTMs can regulate the molecular interactions of coactivators with transcription factors and other coactivators, in addition to their cellular location, protein stability, conformation and enzymatic activity. Therefore, dynamic regulation of the molecular properties of coactivators by PTMs allows for the complexity of NR-dependent gene expression and influences the regulation of NR-mediated physiological processes. This review focuses on recent progress in our understanding of how coactivator PTMs influence NR-mediated gene transcription and addresses their biological relevance.

Phosphorylation of farnesoid X receptor by protein kinase C promotes its transcriptional activity

The farnesoid X receptor (FXR, NR1H4) belongs to the nuclear receptor superfamily and is activated by bile acids such as chenodeoxycholic acid, or synthetic ligands such as GW4064. FXR is implicated in the regulation of bile acid, lipid, and carbohydrate metabolism. Posttranslational modifications regulating its activity have not been investigated yet. Here, we demonstrate that calcium-dependent protein kinase C (PKC) inhibition impairs ligand-mediated regulation of FXR target genes. Moreover, in a transactivation assay, we show that FXR transcriptional activity is modulated by PKC. Furthermore, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate , a PKC activator, induces the phosphorylation of endogenous FXR in HepG2 cells and PKCalpha phosphorylates in vitro FXR in its DNA-binding domain on S135 and S154. Mutation of S135 and S154 to alanine residues reduces in cell FXR phosphorylation. In contrast to wild-type FXR, mutant FXRS135AS154A displays an impaired PKCalpha-induced transactivation and a decreased ligand-dependent FXR transactivation. Finally, phosphorylation of FXR by PKC promotes the recruitment of peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1alpha. In conclusion, these findings show that the phosphorylation of FXR induced by PKCalpha directly modulates the ability of agonists to activate FXR.

Phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT signaling can promote AIB1 stability independently of GSK3 phosphorylation

The transcriptional coactivator AIB1 is an oncogene overexpressed in different types of tumors, including breast cancer. Although the subcellular compartimentalization of AIB1 seems to be intimately linked to abnormal proliferation, the molecular mechanisms that regulate its subcellular distribution are not well defined. Here, we report that the nuclear accumulation and half-life of AIB1 vary between cancer cell lines. Using these differences as an experimental model, our results reveal that alterations to the Akt signaling pathway and nuclear export determine the stability of AIB1 and nuclear content of this coactivator. Moreover, our results show that AIB1 is degraded in the nucleus by the proteasome in an ubiquitin-dependent manner. However, this process does not require phosphorylation by GSK3, thereby revealing an alternative mechanism for regulating the turnover of AIB1. We define a new region at the carboxy terminus of AIB1 that is required for proteasome-dependent transcriptional activation and is preceded by a PEST domain that is required for adequate protein turnover. Based on differences in Akt signaling and the subcellular distribution of AIB1 between different cell lines, our results suggest that dysregulation of nuclear shuttling and proteasomal degradation may modulate the oncogenic potential of AIB1.

Dap160/intersectin binds and activates aPKC to regulate cell polarity and cell cycle progression

The atypical protein kinase C (aPKC) is required for cell polarization of many cell types, and is upregulated in several human tumors. Despite its importance in cell polarity and growth control, relatively little is known about how aPKC activity is regulated. Here, we use a biochemical approach to identify Dynamin-associated protein 160 (Dap160; related to mammalian intersectin) as an aPKC-interacting protein in Drosophila. We show that Dap160 directly interacts with aPKC, stimulates aPKC activity in vitro and colocalizes with aPKC at the apical cortex of embryonic neuroblasts. In dap160 mutants, aPKC is delocalized from the neuroblast apical cortex and has reduced activity, based on its inability to displace known target proteins from the basal cortex. Both dap160 and aPKC mutants have fewer proliferating neuroblasts and a prolonged neuroblast cell cycle. We conclude that Dap160 positively regulates aPKC activity and localization to promote neuroblast cell polarity and cell cycle progression.

Cracking the coregulator codes

The study of the genetic code has collectively revealed that the biochemical basis of heredity is uniform for nearly all known forms of life. Genetic approaches have generated a much better appreciation and understanding of many aspects of biological processes-and in some cases provided strategies for the treatment of human diseases. Still, the enormous and undoubtedly impressive amount of information gathered on gene sequences, their myriad expression patterns and translation into proteins is insufficient to answer seemingly simpler questions such as to what sets us humans apart from much more undemanding species while sharing almost the same sets of genes. Regulation of the proteome by post-translational modifications (PTMs) is beginning to be understood as a major contributing factor to the structural and functional diversity in biology and for defining cellular mechanisms in particular. Covalent, PTMs provide an astonishingly rich and specific basis for an ultrafast regulation of cellular processes, many of which converge to transcription units to control gene expression. With this essay we intend to share with the reader the rapid growth of our knowledge of the many conjunctions that exist between PTMs and key cellular processes that have emerged by studying the nuclear receptors (NRs) and their transcriptional coregulators.

Staying the distance: avoiding the proteasomal trap

There are a multitude of nuclear receptor coactivators, and as a result, individual constituents of activation complexes are often overlooked when studying the specific actions of hormone signaling pathways. Specificity is typically associated with the receptor and its cognate ligand. However, SRC-3 has distinguished itself by persistent association with cell growth. In the February 29 issue of Molecular Cell, Yi et al. demonstrate that estrogen-induced posttranslational modulation of SRC-3 by atypical PKC shields it from proteasomal degradation, facilitating increased estrogenic gene activity. This process may have important implications in different types of hormone-sensitive tumors, particularly breast cancer.