Association with membrane protrusions makes ErbB2 an internalization-resistant receptor

Neuregulin-induced ErbB3 downregulation is mediated by a protein stability cascade involving the E3 ubiquitin ligase Nrdp1

The molecular mechanisms underlying epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor tyrosine kinase down-regulation in response to growth factor binding are coming into focus and involve cbl-mediated receptor ubiquitination followed by lysosomal degradation. However, mechanisms underlying the ligand-stimulated degradation of the related receptor tyrosine kinases of the ErbB family do not involve cbl and remain unexplored. Previous studies have demonstrated that the E3 ubiquitin ligase Nrdp1 contributes to the maintenance of steady-state ErbB3 levels by mediating its growth factor-independent degradation. Here we demonstrate that treatment of cells with the ErbB3 ligand neuregulin-1 (NRG1) stabilizes the deubiquitinating enzyme USP8, which in turn stabilizes Nrdp1. The catalytic activity of USP8 is required for NRG1-induced Nrdp1 stabilization. We provide evidence that Akt-mediated phosphorylation of USP8 threonine residue T907 contributes to USP8 stability. Finally, we demonstrate that Nrdp1 or USP8 knockdown suppresses NRG1-induced ErbB3 ubiquitination and degradation in MCF7 breast cancer cells. We conclude that an NRG1-induced protein stability cascade involving USP8 and Nrdp1 mediates the down-regulation of ErbB3. Our observations raise the possibility that the ligand-induced augmentation of pathways involved in the maintenance of basal levels of receptor tyrosine kinases can contribute to ligand-stimulated down-regulation.

HER2/Neu (ErbB2) Signaling to Rac1-Pak1 Is Temporally and Spatially Modulated by Transforming Growth Factor β

In HER2 (ErbB2)-overexpressing cells, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), via activation of phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K), recruits actin and actinin to HER2, which then colocalizes with Vav2, activated Rac1, and Pak1 at cell protrusions. This results in prolonged Rac1 activation, enhanced motility and invasiveness, Bad phosphorylation, uncoupling of Bad/Bcl-2, and enhanced cell survival. The recruitment of the HER2/Vav2/Rac1/Pak1/actin/actinin complex to lamellipodia was abrogated by actinin siRNAs, dominant-negative (dn) p85, gefitinib, and dn-Rac1 or dn-Pak1, suggesting that the reciprocal interplay of PI3K, HER2 kinase, and Rac GTPases with the actin cytoskeleton is necessary for TGF-beta action in oncogene-overexpressing cells. Thus, by recruiting the actin skeleton, TGF-beta "cross-links" this signaling complex at cell lamellipodia; this prolongs Rac1 activation and increases metastatic properties and survival of HER2-overexpressing cells.

Signaling through ERBB receptors: Multiple layers of diversity and control

The four known ERBB receptors in humans are involved in a broad range of cellular responses, and their deregulation is a significant aspect in a large number of disease states. However, their mechanism of action and modes of control are still poorly understood. This is largely due to the fact that the control of ERBB activity is a multilayered process with significant differences between the various ERBB members. In contrast to other receptor tyrosine kinases, the kinase domain of EGFR (ERBB1) does not require phosphorylation for activation. Consequently, the overall activation state of the receptor is controlled by constant balancing of activity favoring and activity suppressing actions within the receptor molecule. Influences of the membrane microenvironment and context dependent interactions with varying sets of signaling partners are superimposed on this system of intramolecular checks and balances. We will discuss current models of the control of ERBB signaling with an emphasis on the multilayered nature of activation control and aspects that give rise to diversity between ERBB receptors.

Hyaluronan synthesis induces microvillus-like cell surface protrusions

Hyaluronan synthases (HASs) are plasma membrane enzymes that simultaneously elongate, bind, and extrude the growing hyaluronan chain directly into extracellular space. In cells transfected with green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged Has3, the dorsal surface was decorated by up to 150 slender, 3-20-microm-long microvillus-type plasma membrane protrusions, which also contained filamentous actin, the hyaluronan receptor CD44, and lipid raft microdomains. Enzymatic activity of HAS was required for the growth of the microvilli, which were not present in cells transfected with other GFP proteins or inactive GFP-Has3 mutants or in cells incubated with exogenous soluble hyaluronan. The microvilli induced by HAS3 were gradually withered by introduction of an inhibitor of hyaluronan synthesis and rapidly retracted by hyaluronidase digestion, whereas they were not affected by competition with hyaluronan oligosaccharides and disruption of the CD44 gene, suggesting independence of hyaluronan receptors. The data bring out the novel concept that the glycocalyx created by dense arrays of hyaluronan chains, tethered to HAS during biosynthesis, can induce and maintain prominent microvilli.

Role of gangliosides in the association of ErbB2 with lipid rafts in mammary epithelial HC11 cells

We analyzed the role of gangliosides in the association of the ErbB2 receptor tyrosine-kinase (RTK) with lipid rafts in mammary epithelial HC11 cells. Scanning confocal microscopy experiments revealed a strict ErbB2-GM3 colocalization in wild-type cells. In addition, analysis of membrane fractions obtained using a linear sucrose gradient showed that ErbB2, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and Shc-p66 (proteins correlated with the ErbB2 signal transduction pathway) were preferentially enriched in lipid rafts together with gangliosides. Blocking of endogenous ganglioside synthesis by (+/-)-threo-1-phenyl-2-decanoylamino-3-morpholino-1-propanol hydrochloride ([D]-PDMP) induced a drastic cell-surface redistribution of ErbB2, EGFR and Shc-p66, within the Triton-soluble fractions, as revealed by linear sucrose-gradient analysis. This redistribution was partially reverted when exogenous GM3 was added to ganglioside-depleted HC11 cells. The results point out the key role of ganglioside GM3 in retaining ErbB2 and signal-transduction-correlated proteins in lipid rafts.

A trimeric anti-HER2/neu ScFv and tumor necrosis factor-alpha fusion protein induces HER2/neu signaling and facilitates repair of injured epithelia

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha genetically fused to the carboxyl terminus of a single-chain Fv (ScFv) antibody specific for the human HER2/neu (anti-HER2/neu ScFv-TNF-alpha) forms a homotrimeric structure that retains both TNF-alpha activity and the ability to bind HER2/neu. In contrast to anti-HER2/neu IgG3, anti-HER2/neu ScFv-TNF-alpha induces potent HER2/neu signaling, activating the downstream mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and Akt pathways in SKBR3 cells. Activation of MAPK and Akt by anti-HER2/neu ScFv-TNF-alpha inhibited the apoptosis of SKBR3 cells induced by actinomycin D. Remarkably, anti-HER2/neu ScFv-TNF-alpha facilitated the repair of injured epithelia. Accelerated wound healing required binding to HER2/neu but not TNF-alpha activity since anti-HER2/neu ScFv-TNF-alpha (S147Y), containing a mutant TNF-alpha with significantly decreased biological activity, demonstrated equivalent ability to facilitate wound healing and soluble HER2/neu inhibited the effect. These results suggest that trimeric anti-HER2/neu ScFv has the potential to facilitate wound healing. In addition, fusion with TNF-alpha provides a novel approach to producing polymeric antibodies.

FAK signaling is critical for ErbB-2/ErbB-3 receptor cooperation for oncogenic transformation and invasion

The overexpression of members of the ErbB tyrosine kinase receptor family has been associated with cancer progression. We demonstrate that focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is essential for oncogenic transformation and cell invasion that is induced by ErbB-2 and -3 receptor signaling. ErbB-2/3 overexpression in FAK-deficient cells fails to promote cell transformation and rescue chemotaxis deficiency. Restoration of FAK rescues both oncogenic transformation and invasion that is induced by ErbB-2/3 in vitro and in vivo. In contrast, the inhibition of FAK in FAK-proficient invasive cancer cells prevented cell invasion and metastasis formation. The activation of ErbB-2/3 regulates FAK phosphorylation at Tyr-397, -861, and -925. ErbB-induced oncogenic transformation correlates with the ability of FAK to restore ErbB-2/3–induced mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation; the inhibition of MAPK prevented oncogenic transformation. In contrast, the inhibition of Src but not MAPK prevented ErbB–FAK-induced chemotaxis. In migratory cells, activated ErbB-2/3 receptors colocalize with activated FAK at cell protrusions. This colocalization requires intact FAK. In summary, distinct FAK signaling has an essential function in ErbB-induced oncogenesis and invasiveness.

Geldanamycin stimulates internalization of ErbB2 in a proteasome-dependent way

The potent oncoprotein and receptor tyrosine kinase ErbB2 is remarkable because it resists efficient downregulation. However, ErbB2 can be downregulated by the HSP-90 inhibitor geldanamycin, but the underlying cellular mechanisms are uncertain. Apparently, delivery of ErbB2 to lysosomes, cleavage of the ErbB2 kinase domain and proteasomal activity are all processes that are involved. Using a non-invasive confocal microscopical assay allowing quantitative analysis of ErbB2 internalization in cell populations, we show that whereas ErbB2 is resistant to internalization in untreated SK-BR-3 cells, geldanamycin stimulates internalization and subsequent degradation in lysosomes. This process depends on proteasomal activity, which is a regulatory upstream event in ErbB2 internalization rather than the actual mechanism of degradation. ErbB2 can be internalized as a full-length protein, thus cleavage of the ErbB2 kinase domain is not a requirement for geldanamycin-stimulated internalization. Moreover, as shown by FRAP (fluorescence recovery after photobleaching) and electron microscopy, geldanamycin induces an increase in the amount of mobile ErbB2 and a redistribution of ErbB2 in the plasma membrane making the receptor accessible to endocytosis. Cells with most ErbB2 endocytosis also have the highest fraction of mobile ErbB2. It is concluded that geldanamycin stimulates internalization of full-length ErbB2 in a proteasome-dependent manner leading to lysosomal degradation.

The inhibitory effect of ErbB2 on epidermal growth factor-induced formation of clathrin-coated pits correlates with retention of epidermal growth factor receptor-ErbB2 oligomeric complexes at the plasma membrane

By constructing stably transfected cells harboring the same amount of epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR), but with increasing overexpression of ErbB2, we have demonstrated that ErbB2 efficiently inhibits internalization of ligand-bound EGFR. Apparently, ErbB2 inhibits internalization of EGF-bound EGFR by constitutively driving EGFR-ErbB2 hetero/oligomerization. We have demonstrated that ErbB2 does not inhibit phosphorylation or ubiquitination of the EGFR. Our data further indicate that the endocytosis deficiency of ErbB2 and of EGFR-ErbB2 heterodimers/oligomers cannot be explained by anchoring of ErbB2 to PDZ-containing proteins such as Erbin. Instead, we demonstrate that in contrast to EGFR homodimers, which are capable of inducing new clathrin-coated pits in serum-starved cells upon incubation with EGF, clathrin-coated pits are not induced upon activation of EGFR-ErbB2 heterodimers/oligomers.

Treatment of Human Tumor Xenografts with Monoclonal Antibody 806 in Combination with a Prototypical Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor–Specific Antibody Generates Enhanced Antitumor Activity

Monoclonal antibody (mAb) 806 is a novel epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibody with significant antitumor activity that recognizes a mutant EGFR commonly expressed in glioma known as delta2-7 EGFR (de2-7 EGFR or EGFRvIII) and a subset of the wild-type (wt) EGFR found in cells that overexpress the receptor. We have used two human xenograft mouse models to examine the efficacy of mAb 806 in combination with mAb 528, a prototypical anti-EGFR antibody with similar specificity to cetuximab. Treatment of nude mice, bearing s.c. or i.c. tumor human xenografts expressing the wt or de2-7 EGFR, with mAbs 806 and 528 in combination resulted in additive and in some cases synergistic, antitumor activity. Interestingly, mAb 528 was also effective against xenografts expressing the ligand independent de2-7 EGFR when used as a single agent, showing that its antitumor activity is not merely mediated through inhibition of ligand binding. When used as single agents, neither mAbs 806 or 528 induced down-regulation of the de2-7 EGFR either in vitro or in vivo. In contrast, the combination of antibodies produced a rapid and dramatic decrease in the total cell surface de2-7 EGFR both in vitro and in xenografts. Consistent with this decrease in total cell surface de2-7 EGFR, we observed up-regulation of the cell cycle inhibitor p27(KIP1) and a decrease in tumor cell proliferation as measured by Ki-67 immunostaining when the antibodies were used in combination in vivo. Thus, mAb 806 can synergize with other EGFR-specific antibodies thereby providing a rationale for its translation into the clinic.

Associations of ErbB2, β1-integrin and lipid rafts on Herceptin (Trastuzumab) resistant and sensitive tumor cell lines

ErbB2-mediated transmembrane signaling is a key target of novel anticancer agents such as Herceptin. Our comparison of Herceptin resistant (JIMT-1, MKN-7) and sensitive (SKBR-3, N-87) cell lines demonstrates the importance of ErbB2 association patterns involving integrins and lipid rafts. Flow cytometric FRET and confocal microscopic measurements revealed colocalization and molecular proximity between beta1-integrins and ErbB2, as well as their association with lipid rafts. A weak functional interaction between ErbB2 and beta1-integrin and the fact that ErbB2 did not co-patch with beta1-integrins upon crosslinking imply that ErbB2 and beta1-integrin define two distinct molecular association clusters from a functional point of view. Although Herceptin-sensitive cell lines expressed more ErbB2 and fewer beta1-integrin molecules on their surface than their resistant counterparts, this finding probably does not explain the Herceptin resistant phenotype due to the weak interaction between beta1-integrins and ErbB2. Our results imply that the true significance of the expression profile of proteins involved in oncogenesis can only be understood after characterizing their molecular interactions.

Caveolae: Stable Membrane Domains with a Potential for Internalization

The role of caveolae in endocytosis is hotly debated. Here, we argue that most caveolae are stable microdomains at the cell surface. Only a small fraction of caveolae is constitutively internalized, leading to a quantitatively minor uptake of ligands and receptors. In addition, we suggest that a more pronounced downregulation of caveolae from the plasma membrane can occur, presumably stimulated by receptor cross-linking and clustering in caveolae. Finally, we propose that future studies dealing with internalization of caveolae should actually document such internalization and include kinetic data.

Hyaluronan Constitutively Regulates ErbB2 Phosphorylation and Signaling Complex Formation in Carcinoma Cells

Hyaluronan is enriched in many types of human cancers, and manipulations of hyaluronan expression or interactions have a major influence on tumor progression in animal models. Increased ErbB2 activity is characteristic of several cancers and is responsible for many aspects of malignant cell behavior in these cancers. In this study we show that constitutively high levels of active, i.e. autophosphorylated, ErbB2 in HCT116 colon carcinoma cells and TA3/St mammary carcinoma cells are dependent on endogenous hyaluronan-CD44 interaction. Dependence on hyaluronan-CD44 interaction was demonstrated by the administration of hyaluronan oligomers, experimentally induced expression of soluble CD44, and small interfering RNA knockdown of CD44 expression. On the other hand, increasing hyaluronan production by overexpression of hyaluronan synthase 2 or emmprin causes elevated ErbB2 phosphorylation in MCF-7 mammary carcinoma cells, which normally exhibit low levels of ErbB2 activity. Furthermore, in HCT116 and TA3/St cells, inhibition of endogenous hyaluronan-CD44 interaction causes disassembly of a constitutive, lipid raft-associated, signaling complex containing phosphorylated ErbB2, CD44, ezrin, phosphoinositide 3-kinase, and the chaperone molecules, Hsp90 and cdc37. Stimulation of hyaluronan production in MCF-7 cells induces assembly of this complex. We conclude that hyaluronan regulates ErbB2 activity and its interactions with other signaling factors in carcinoma cells.

Herceptin-induced inhibition of ErbB2 signaling involves reduced phosphorylation of Akt but not endocytic down-regulation of ErbB2

The anti-proliferative effect of the ErbB2 specific antibody Herceptin in cells overexpressing ErbB2 has previously been explained by endocytic downregulation of ErbB2. However, in the following, we demonstrate that Herceptin inhibited proliferation of ErbB2 overexpressing cells without downregulating ErbB2. Herceptin did also not induce endocytosis of ErbB2. Herceptin was found to blunt proliferation of SKBr3 cells overexpressing EGFR, ErbB2, and ErbB3 and expressing functional PTEN, probably by recruiting PTEN to the plasma membrane. Akt was found to be constitutively phosphorylated both in SKBr3 cells overexpressing EGFR, ErbB2 and ErbB3, and in SKOv3 cells, overexpressing EGFR and ErbB2. However, phosphorylation of Akt was inhibited by Herceptin only in SKBr3 cells. SKOv3 cells, which lack the tumour suppressor protein Ras homolog member I, was found to have constitutively phosphorylated mitogen activated protein kinase and functionally increased Ras activity. SKOv3 cells further had low expression levels of PTEN. We thus confirm that the anti-proliferative effect of Herceptin in SKBr3 cells is due to recruitment of PTEN to the plasma membrane and conclude that Herceptin does not blunt phosphatidyl inositol 3 kinase-induced growth in cells with constitutive Ras activity. We further conclude that endocytic downregulation of ErbB2 does not contribute to Herceptin's antiproliferative effect.

Endocytosis and sorting of ErbB2 and the site of action of cancer therapeutics trastuzumab and geldanamycin

ErbB2 is a transmembrane tyrosine kinase whose surface overexpression is linked to tumorigenesis and poor prognosis in breast cancer patients. Two models have emerged that account for the high surface distribution of ErbB2. In one model, the surface pool is dynamic and governed by a balance between endocytosis and recycling, whereas in the other it is retained, static, and excluded from endocytosis. These models have contrasting implications for how ErbB2 exerts its biological function and how cancer therapies might down-regulate surface ErbB2, such as the antibody trastuzumab (Herceptin) or the Hsp90 inhibitor geldanamycin. Little is known, however, about how these treatments affect ErbB2 endocytic trafficking. To investigate this issue, we examined breast carcinoma cells by immunofluorescence and quantitative immunoelectron microscopy and developed imaging and trafficking kinetics assays using cell surface fluorescence quenching. Surprisingly, trastuzumab does not influence ErbB2 distribution but instead recycles passively with internalized ErbB2. By contrast, geldanamycin down-regulates surface ErbB2 through improved degradative sorting in endosomes exclusively rather than through increased endocytosis. These results reveal substantial dynamism in the surface ErbB2 pool and clearly demonstrate the significance of endosomal sorting in the maintenance of ErbB2 surface distribution, a critical feature of its biological function.