1
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Chippalkatti R, Parisi B, Kouzi F, Laurini C, Ben Fredj N, Abankwa DK. RAS isoform specific activities are disrupted by disease associated mutations during cell differentiation. Eur J Cell Biol 2024; 103:151425. [PMID: 38795504 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2024.151425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The RAS-MAPK-pathway is aberrantly regulated in cancer and developmental diseases called RASopathies. While typically the impact of Ras on the proliferation of various cancer cell lines is assessed, it is poorly established how Ras affects cellular differentiation. Here we implement the C2C12 myoblast cell line to systematically study the effect of Ras mutants and Ras-pathway drugs on differentiation. We first provide evidence that a minor pool of Pax7+ progenitors replenishes a major pool of transit amplifying cells that are ready to differentiate. Our data indicate that Ras isoforms have distinct roles in the differentiating culture, where K-Ras depletion increases and H-Ras depletion decreases terminal differentiation. This assay could therefore provide significant new insights into Ras biology and Ras-driven diseases. In line with this, we found that all oncogenic Ras mutants block terminal differentiation of transit amplifying cells. By contrast, RASopathy associated K-Ras variants were less able to block differentiation. Profiling of eight targeted Ras-pathway drugs on seven oncogenic Ras mutants revealed their allele-specific activities and distinct abilities to restore normal differentiation as compared to triggering cell death. In particular, the MEK-inhibitor trametinib could broadly restore differentiation, while the mTOR-inhibitor rapamycin broadly suppressed differentiation. We expect that this quantitative assessment of the impact of Ras-pathway mutants and drugs on cellular differentiation has great potential to complement cancer cell proliferation data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohan Chippalkatti
- Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette 4362, Luxembourg
| | - Bianca Parisi
- Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette 4362, Luxembourg
| | - Farah Kouzi
- Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette 4362, Luxembourg
| | - Christina Laurini
- Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette 4362, Luxembourg
| | - Nesrine Ben Fredj
- Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette 4362, Luxembourg
| | - Daniel Kwaku Abankwa
- Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette 4362, Luxembourg.
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2
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Wang Z, Zhong S, Zhang S, Zhang B, Zheng Y, Sun Y, Zhang Q, Liu X. A novel and ubiquitous miRNA-involved regulatory module ensures precise phosphorylation of RNA polymerase II and proper transcription. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012138. [PMID: 38640110 PMCID: PMC11062530 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Proper transcription orchestrated by RNA polymerase II (RNPII) is crucial for cellular development, which is rely on the phosphorylation state of RNPII's carboxyl-terminal domain (CTD). Sporangia, developed from mycelia, are essential for the destructive oomycetes Phytophthora, remarkable transcriptional changes are observed during the morphological transition. However, how these changes are rapidly triggered and their relationship with the versatile RNPII-CTD phosphorylation remain enigmatic. Herein, we found that Phytophthora capsici undergone an elevation of Ser5-phosphorylation in its uncanonical heptapeptide repeats of RNPII-CTD during sporangia development, which subsequently changed the chromosomal occupation of RNPII and primarily activated transcription of certain genes. A cyclin-dependent kinase, PcCDK7, was highly induced and phosphorylated RNPII-CTD during this morphological transition. Mechanistically, a novel DCL1-dependent microRNA, pcamiR1, was found to be a feedback modulator for the precise phosphorylation of RNPII-CTD by complexing with PcAGO1 and regulating the accumulation of PcCDK7. Moreover, this study revealed that the pcamiR1-CDK7-RNPII regulatory module is evolutionarily conserved and the impairment of the balance between pcamiR1 and PcCDK7 could efficiently reduce growth and virulence of P. capsici. Collectively, this study uncovers a novel and evolutionary conserved mechanism of transcription regulation which could facilitate correct development and identifies pcamiR1 as a promising target for disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwen Wang
- China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Sanya Institute of China Agricultural University, Sanya, China
| | - Shan Zhong
- China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | | | - Borui Zhang
- China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Zheng
- China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Ye Sun
- China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | | | - Xili Liu
- China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory or Crop Stress Resistance and High-Efficiency Production, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
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3
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López-Merino E, Cuartero MI, Esteban JA, Briz V. Perinatal exposure to pesticides alters synaptic plasticity signaling and induces behavioral deficits associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. Cell Biol Toxicol 2023; 39:2089-2111. [PMID: 35137321 PMCID: PMC10547633 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-022-09697-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Increasing evidence from animal and epidemiological studies indicates that perinatal exposure to pesticides cause developmental neurotoxicity and may increase the risk for psychiatric disorders such as autism and intellectual disability. However, the underlying pathogenic mechanisms remain largely elusive. This work was aimed at testing the hypothesis that developmental exposure to different classes of pesticides hijacks intracellular neuronal signaling contributing to synaptic and behavioral alterations associated with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD). Low concentrations of organochlorine (dieldrin, endosulfan, and chlordane) and organophosphate (chlorpyrifos and its oxon metabolite) pesticides were chronically dosed ex vivo (organotypic rat hippocampal slices) or in vivo (perinatal exposure in rats), and then biochemical, electrophysiological, behavioral, and proteomic studies were performed. All the pesticides tested caused prolonged activation of MAPK/ERK pathway in a concentration-dependent manner. Additionally, some of them impaired metabotropic glutamate receptor-dependent long-term depression (mGluR-LTD). In the case of the pesticide chlordane, the effect was attributed to chronic modulation of MAPK/ERK signaling. These synaptic alterations were reproduced following developmental in vivo exposure to chlordane and chlorpyrifos-oxon, and were also associated with prototypical behavioral phenotypes of NDD, including impaired motor development, increased anxiety, and social and memory deficits. Lastly, proteomic analysis revealed that these pesticides differentially regulate the expression of proteins in the hippocampus with pivotal roles in brain development and synaptic signaling, some of which are associated with NDD. Based on these results, we propose a novel mechanism of synaptic dysfunction, involving chronic overactivation of MAPK and impaired mGluR-LTD, shared by different pesticides which may have important implications for NDD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - María I Cuartero
- Neurovascular Pathophysiology Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - José A Esteban
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Víctor Briz
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain.
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4
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Clavaín L, Fernández-Pisonero I, Movilla N, Lorenzo-Martín LF, Nieto B, Abad A, García-Navas R, Llorente-González C, Sánchez-Martín M, Vicente-Manzanares M, Santos E, Alarcón B, García-Aznar JM, Dosil M, Bustelo XR. Characterization of mutant versions of the R-RAS2/TC21 GTPase found in tumors. Oncogene 2023; 42:389-405. [PMID: 36476833 PMCID: PMC9883167 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02563-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The R-RAS2 GTP hydrolase (GTPase) (also known as TC21) has been traditionally considered quite similar to classical RAS proteins at the regulatory and signaling levels. Recently, a long-tail hotspot mutation targeting the R-RAS2/TC21 Gln72 residue (Q72L) was identified as a potent oncogenic driver. Additional point mutations were also found in other tumors at low frequencies. Despite this, little information is available regarding the transforming role of these mutant versions and their relevance for the tumorigenic properties of already-transformed cancer cells. Here, we report that many of the RRAS2 mutations found in human cancers are highly transforming when expressed in immortalized cell lines. Moreover, the expression of endogenous R-RAS2Q72L is important for maintaining optimal levels of PI3K and ERK activities as well as for the adhesion, invasiveness, proliferation, and mitochondrial respiration of ovarian and breast cancer cell lines. Endogenous R-RAS2Q72L also regulates gene expression programs linked to both cell adhesion and inflammatory/immune-related responses. Endogenous R-RAS2Q72L is also quite relevant for the in vivo tumorigenic activity of these cells. This dependency is observed even though these cancer cell lines bear concurrent gain-of-function mutations in genes encoding RAS signaling elements. Finally, we show that endogenous R-RAS2, unlike the case of classical RAS proteins, specifically localizes in focal adhesions. Collectively, these results indicate that gain-of-function mutations of R-RAS2/TC21 play roles in tumor initiation and maintenance that are not fully redundant with those regulated by classical RAS oncoproteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Clavaín
- grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain ,grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain ,grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Isabel Fernández-Pisonero
- grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain ,grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain ,grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Nieves Movilla
- grid.11205.370000 0001 2152 8769Aragon Institute of Engineering Research, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - L. Francisco Lorenzo-Martín
- grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain ,grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain ,grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Blanca Nieto
- grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain ,grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Antonio Abad
- grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain ,grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain ,grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Rósula García-Navas
- grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain ,grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain ,grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Clara Llorente-González
- grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain ,grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Manuel Sánchez-Martín
- grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Transgenesis Facility and Nucleus Platform for Research Services, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Miguel Vicente-Manzanares
- grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain ,grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Eugenio Santos
- grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain ,grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain ,grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Balbino Alarcón
- grid.5515.40000000119578126Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, CSIC and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - José M. García-Aznar
- grid.11205.370000 0001 2152 8769Aragon Institute of Engineering Research, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Mercedes Dosil
- grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain ,grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain ,grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Xosé R. Bustelo
- grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain ,grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain ,grid.11762.330000 0001 2180 1817Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), CSIC and University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
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5
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A hotspot mutation targeting the R-RAS2 GTPase acts as a potent oncogenic driver in a wide spectrum of tumors. Cell Rep 2022; 38:110522. [PMID: 35294890 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A missense change in RRAS2 (Gln72 to Leu), analogous to the Gln61-to-Leu mutation of RAS oncoproteins, has been identified as a long-tail hotspot mutation in cancer and Noonan syndrome. However, the relevance of this mutation for in vivo tumorigenesis remains understudied. Here we show, using an inducible knockin mouse model, that R-Ras2Q72L triggers rapid development of a wide spectrum of tumors when somatically expressed in adult tissues. These tumors show limited overlap with those originated by classical Ras oncogenes. R-Ras2Q72L-driven tumors can be classified into different subtypes according to therapeutic susceptibility. Importantly, the most relevant R-Ras2Q72L-driven tumors are dependent on mTORC1 but independent of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-, MEK-, and Ral guanosine diphosphate (GDP) dissociation stimulator. This pharmacological vulnerability is due to the extensive rewiring by R-Ras2Q72L of pathways that orthogonally stimulate mTORC1 signaling. These findings demonstrate that RRAS2Q72L is a bona fide oncogenic driver and unveil therapeutic strategies for patients with cancer and Noonan syndrome bearing RRAS2 mutations.
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Castel P, Dharmaiah S, Sale MJ, Messing S, Rizzuto G, Cuevas-Navarro A, Cheng A, Trnka MJ, Urisman A, Esposito D, Simanshu DK, McCormick F. RAS interaction with Sin1 is dispensable for mTORC2 assembly and activity. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2103261118. [PMID: 34380736 PMCID: PMC8379911 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2103261118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
RAS proteins are molecular switches that interact with effector proteins when bound to guanosine triphosphate, stimulating downstream signaling in response to multiple stimuli. Although several canonical downstream effectors have been extensively studied and tested as potential targets for RAS-driven cancers, many of these remain poorly characterized. In this study, we undertook a biochemical and structural approach to further study the role of Sin1 as a RAS effector. Sin1 interacted predominantly with KRAS isoform 4A in cells through an atypical RAS-binding domain that we have characterized by X-ray crystallography. Despite the essential role of Sin1 in the assembly and activity of mTORC2, we find that the interaction with RAS is not required for these functions. Cells and mice expressing a mutant of Sin1 that is unable to bind RAS are proficient for activation and assembly of mTORC2. Our results suggest that Sin1 is a bona fide RAS effector that regulates downstream signaling in an mTORC2-independent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pau Castel
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158
| | - Srisathiyanarayanan Dharmaiah
- National Cancer Institute (NCI) RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, MD 21702
| | - Matthew J Sale
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158
| | - Simon Messing
- National Cancer Institute (NCI) RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, MD 21702
| | - Gabrielle Rizzuto
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158
| | - Antonio Cuevas-Navarro
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158
| | - Alice Cheng
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158
| | - Michael J Trnka
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158
| | - Anatoly Urisman
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158
| | - Dominic Esposito
- National Cancer Institute (NCI) RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, MD 21702
| | - Dhirendra K Simanshu
- National Cancer Institute (NCI) RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, MD 21702;
| | - Frank McCormick
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158;
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Parallel Rap1>RalGEF>Ral and Ras signals sculpt the C. elegans nervous system. Dev Biol 2021; 477:37-48. [PMID: 33991533 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2021.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Ras is the most commonly mutated oncogene in humans and uses three oncogenic effectors: Raf, PI3K, and RalGEF activation of Ral. Understanding the importance of RalGEF>Ral signaling in cancer is hampered by the paucity of knowledge about their function in animal development, particularly in cell movements. We found that mutations that disrupt function of RalGEF or Ral enhance migration phenotypes of mutants for genes with established roles in cell migration. We used as a model the migration of the canal associated neurons (CANs), and validated our results in HSN cell migration, neurite guidance, and general animal locomotion. These functions of RalGEF and Ral are specific to their control of Ral signaling output rather than other published functions of these proteins. In this capacity Ral functions cell autonomously as a permissive developmental signal. In contrast, we observed Ras, the canonical activator of RalGEF>Ral signaling in cancer, to function as an instructive signal. Furthermore, we unexpectedly identified a function for the close Ras relative, Rap1, consistent with activation of RalGEF>Ral. These studies define functions of RalGEF>Ral, Rap1 and Ras signaling in morphogenetic processes that fashion the nervous system. We have also defined a model for studying how small GTPases partner with downstream effectors. Taken together, this analysis defines novel molecules and relationships in signaling networks that control cell movements during development of the nervous system.
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8
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Malaquias AC, Jorge AAL. Activation of the MAPK pathway (RASopathies) and partial growth hormone insensitivity. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 519:111040. [PMID: 33011209 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.111040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
RASopathies are a heterogeneous group of syndromes caused by germline mutations in genes encoding components of the RAS/MAPK pathway. Postnatal short stature is a cardinal feature of the RASopathies. Although the pathophysiology of these conditions is not fully understood to date, growth hormone insensitivity is one possibility, based on the observation of low IGF-1 values, generally preserved GH secretion and suboptimal growth response to recombinant human GH therapy. In this review, we will discuss the clinical and experimental evidence of GH insensitivity in patients with Noonan syndrome and other RASopathies, as well as their molecular basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexsandra C Malaquias
- Unidade de Endocrinologia Genética, Laboratório de Endocrinologia Celular e Molecular LIM25, Disciplina de Endocrinologia da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Unidade de Endocrinologia Pediátrica, Departamento de Pediatria, Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Santa Casa de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alexander A L Jorge
- Unidade de Endocrinologia Genética, Laboratório de Endocrinologia Celular e Molecular LIM25, Disciplina de Endocrinologia da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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9
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Washington C, Chernet R, Gokhale RH, Martino-Cortez Y, Liu HY, Rosenberg AM, Shahar S, Pfleger CM. A conserved, N-terminal tyrosine signal directs Ras for inhibition by Rabex-5. PLoS Genet 2020; 16:e1008715. [PMID: 32559233 PMCID: PMC7329146 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of the Ras oncogene in development causes developmental disorders, "Rasopathies," whereas mutational activation or amplification of Ras in differentiated tissues causes cancer. Rabex-5 (also called RabGEF1) inhibits Ras by promoting Ras mono- and di-ubiquitination. We report here that Rabex-5-mediated Ras ubiquitination requires Ras Tyrosine 4 (Y4), a site of known phosphorylation. Ras substitution mutants insensitive to Y4 phosphorylation did not undergo Rabex-5-mediated ubiquitination in cells and exhibited Ras gain-of-function phenotypes in vivo. Ras Y4 phosphomimic substitution increased Rabex-5-mediated ubiquitination in cells. Y4 phosphomimic substitution in oncogenic Ras blocked the morphological phenotypes associated with oncogenic Ras in vivo dependent on the presence of Rabex-5. We developed polyclonal antibodies raised against an N-terminal Ras peptide phosphorylated at Y4. These anti-phospho-Y4 antibodies showed dramatic recognition of recombinant wild-type Ras and RasG12V proteins when incubated with JAK2 or SRC kinases but not of RasY4F or RasY4F,G12V recombinant proteins suggesting that JAK2 and SRC could promote phosphorylation of Ras proteins at Y4 in vitro. Anti-phospho-Y4 antibodies also showed recognition of RasG12V protein, but not wild-type Ras, when incubated with EGFR. A role for JAK2, SRC, and EGFR (kinases with well-known roles to activate signaling through Ras), to promote Ras Y4 phosphorylation could represent a feedback mechanism to limit Ras activation and thus establish Ras homeostasis. Notably, rare variants of Ras at Y4 have been found in cerebellar glioblastomas. Therefore, our work identifies a physiologically relevant Ras ubiquitination signal and highlights a requirement for Y4 for Ras inhibition by Rabex-5 to maintain Ras pathway homeostasis and to prevent tissue transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chalita Washington
- Department of Oncological Sciences, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States of America
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Rachel Chernet
- Department of Oncological Sciences, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Rewatee H. Gokhale
- Department of Oncological Sciences, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States of America
- The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States of America
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Yesenia Martino-Cortez
- Department of Oncological Sciences, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States of America
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Hsiu-Yu Liu
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Ashley M. Rosenberg
- Department of Oncological Sciences, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States of America
- Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Sivan Shahar
- Department of Oncological Sciences, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States of America
- New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, United States of America
| | - Cathie M. Pfleger
- Department of Oncological Sciences, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States of America
- The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States of America
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States of America
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10
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Zhang B, Zhong X, Sauane M, Zhao Y, Zheng ZL. Modulation of the Pol II CTD Phosphorylation Code by Rac1 and Cdc42 Small GTPases in Cultured Human Cancer Cells and Its Implication for Developing a Synthetic-Lethal Cancer Therapy. Cells 2020; 9:cells9030621. [PMID: 32143485 PMCID: PMC7140432 DOI: 10.3390/cells9030621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Rho GTPases, including Rho, Cdc42, Rac and ROP subfamilies, are key signaling molecules in RNA polymerase II (Pol II) transcriptional control. Our prior work has shown that plant ROP and yeast Cdc42 GTPases similarly modulate Ser2 and Ser5 phosphorylation status of the C-terminal domain (CTD) of the Pol II largest subunit by regulating CTD phosphatase degradation. Here, we present genetic and pharmacological evidence showing that Cdc42 and Rac1 GTPase signaling modulates a similar CTD Ser2 and Ser5 phosphorylation code in cultured human cancer cells. While siRNA knockdown of Cdc42 and Rac1, respectively, in HeLa cells increased the level of CTD Ser phosphatases RPAP2 and FCP1, they both decreased the level of CTD kinases CDK7 and CDK13. In addition, the protein degradation inhibitor MG132 reversed the effect of THZ1, a CDK7 inhibitor which could decrease the cell number and amount of CDK7 and CDK13, accompanied by a reduction in the level of CTD Ser2 and Ser5 phosphorylation and DOCK4 and DOCK9 (the activators for Rac1 and Cdc42, respectively). Conversely, treatments of Torin1 or serum deprivation, both of which promote protein degradation, could enhance the effect of THZ1, indicating the involvement of protein degradation in controlling CDK7 and CDK13. Our results support an evolutionarily conserved signaling shortcut model linking Rho GTPases to Pol II transcription across three kingdoms, Fungi, Plantae and Animalia, and could lead to the development of a potential synthetic-lethal strategy in controlling cancer cell proliferation or death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Zhang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehman College, City University of New York, Bronx, NY 10468, USA
- Department of Biology, Wenzhou-Kean University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325060, China
| | - Xuelin Zhong
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehman College, City University of New York, Bronx, NY 10468, USA
- Biology PhD Program, Graduate School and University Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Moira Sauane
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehman College, City University of New York, Bronx, NY 10468, USA
- Biology PhD Program, Graduate School and University Center, City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Yihong Zhao
- Center of Alcohol and Substance Use Studies and Department of Applied Psychology, Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Zhi-Liang Zheng
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehman College, City University of New York, Bronx, NY 10468, USA
- Correspondence:
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11
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Gross AM, Frone M, Gripp KW, Gelb BD, Schoyer L, Schill L, Stronach B, Biesecker LG, Esposito D, Hernandez ER, Legius E, Loh ML, Martin S, Morrison DK, Rauen KA, Wolters PL, Zand D, McCormick F, Savage SA, Stewart DR, Widemann BC, Yohe ME. Advancing RAS/RASopathy therapies: An NCI-sponsored intramural and extramural collaboration for the study of RASopathies. Am J Med Genet A 2020; 182:866-876. [PMID: 31913576 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.61485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
RASopathies caused by germline pathogenic variants in genes that encode RAS pathway proteins. These disorders include neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), Noonan syndrome (NS), cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome (CFC), and Costello syndrome (CS), and others. RASopathies are characterized by heterogenous manifestations, including congenital heart disease, failure to thrive, and increased risk of cancers. Previous work led by the NCI Pediatric Oncology Branch has altered the natural course of one of the key manifestations of the RASopathy NF1. Through the conduct of a longitudinal cohort study and early phase clinical trials, the MEK inhibitor selumetinib was identified as the first active therapy for the NF1-related peripheral nerve sheath tumors called plexiform neurofibromas (PNs). As a result, selumetinib was granted breakthrough therapy designation by the FDA for the treatment of PN. Other RASopathy manifestations may also benefit from RAS targeted therapies. The overall goal of Advancing RAS/RASopathy Therapies (ART), a new NCI initiative, is to develop effective therapies and prevention strategies for the clinical manifestations of the non-NF1 RASopathies and for tumors characterized by somatic RAS mutations. This report reflects discussions from a February 2019 initiation meeting for this project, which had broad international collaboration from basic and clinical researchers and patient advocates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea M Gross
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Megan Frone
- Clinical Genetics Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Karen W Gripp
- Department of Genetics, Division of Pediatrics, Al duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, Delaware
| | - Bruce D Gelb
- Department of Pediatrics, Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.,Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | | | | | | | - Leslie G Biesecker
- Medical Genomics and Metabolic Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Dominic Esposito
- NCI RAS Initiative, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Edjay Ralph Hernandez
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Eric Legius
- Laboratory for Neurofibromatosis Research, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven University Hospital, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mignon L Loh
- Department of Pediatrics, Benioff Children's Hospital and the Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Staci Martin
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Deborah K Morrison
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Signaling, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Katherine A Rauen
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genomic Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California
| | - Pamela L Wolters
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Dina Zand
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Frank McCormick
- NCI RAS Initiative, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Sharon A Savage
- Clinical Genetics Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Douglas R Stewart
- Clinical Genetics Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Brigitte C Widemann
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Marielle E Yohe
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
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12
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Eijkelenboom A, van Schaik FMA, van Es RM, Ten Broek RW, Rinne T, van der Vleuten C, Flucke U, Ligtenberg MJL, Rehmann H. Functional characterisation of a novel class of in-frame insertion variants of KRAS and HRAS. Sci Rep 2019; 9:8239. [PMID: 31160609 PMCID: PMC6547725 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-44584-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the RAS genes are identified in a variety of clinical settings, ranging from somatic mutations in oncology to germline mutations in developmental disorders, also known as 'RASopathies', and vascular malformations/overgrowth syndromes. Generally single amino acid substitutions are identified, that result in an increase of the GTP bound fraction of the RAS proteins causing constitutive signalling. Here, a series of 7 in-frame insertions and duplications in HRAS (n = 5) and KRAS (n = 2) is presented, resulting in the insertion of 7-10 amino acids residues in the switch II region. These variants were identified in routine diagnostic screening of 299 samples for somatic mutations in vascular malformations/overgrowth syndromes (n = 6) and in germline analyses for RASopathies (n = 1). Biophysical characterization shows the inability of Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors to induce GTP loading and reduced intrinsic and GAP-stimulated GTP hydrolysis. As a consequence of these opposing effects, increased RAS signalling is detected in a cellular model system. Therefore these in-frame insertions represent a new class of weakly activating clinically relevant RAS variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Eijkelenboom
- Department of Pathology, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Frederik M A van Schaik
- Department of Molecular Cancer Research, Center for Molecular Medicine, Oncode Institute, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, 3584 CX, The Netherlands
| | - Robert M van Es
- Department of Molecular Cancer Research, Center for Molecular Medicine, Oncode Institute, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, 3584 CX, The Netherlands
| | - Roel W Ten Broek
- Department of Pathology, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Tuula Rinne
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Carine van der Vleuten
- Department of Dermatology, Radboudumc Center of Expertise Hecovan, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Uta Flucke
- Department of Pathology, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marjolijn J L Ligtenberg
- Department of Pathology, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Department of Human Genetics, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Holger Rehmann
- Department of Molecular Cancer Research, Center for Molecular Medicine, Oncode Institute, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, 3584 CX, The Netherlands. .,Expertise Centre for Structural Biology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, 3584 CX, The Netherlands.
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13
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Popov IK, Hiatt SM, Whalen S, Keren B, Ruivenkamp C, van Haeringen A, Chen MJ, Cooper GM, Korf BR, Chang C. A YWHAZ Variant Associated With Cardiofaciocutaneous Syndrome Activates the RAF-ERK Pathway. Front Physiol 2019; 10:388. [PMID: 31024343 PMCID: PMC6465419 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiofaciocutaneous (CFC) syndrome is a genetic disorder characterized by distinctive facial features, congenital heart defects, and skin abnormalities. Several germline gain-of-function mutations in the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK pathway are associated with the disease, including KRAS, BRAF, MEK1, and MEK2. CFC syndrome thus belongs to a group of disorders known as RASopathies, which are all caused by pathogenic mutations in various genes encoding components of the RAS pathway. We recently identified novel variants in YWHAZ, a 14-3-3 family member, in individuals with a phenotype consistent with CFC that may potentially be deleterious and disease-causing. In the current study, we take advantage of the vertebrate model Xenopus laevis to analyze the functional consequence of a particular YWHAZ variant, S230W, and investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying its activity. We show that compared with wild type YWHAZ, the S230W variant induces severe embryonic defects when ectopically expressed in early Xenopus embryos. The S230W variant also rescues the defects induced by a dominant negative FGF receptor more efficiently and enhances Raf-stimulated Erk phosphorylation to a higher level than wild type YWHAZ. Although neither YWHAZ nor the variant promotes membrane recruitment of Raf proteins, the variant binds to more Raf and escapes phosphorylation by casein kinase 1a. Our data provide strong support to the hypothesis that the S230W variant of YWHAZ is a gain-of-function mutation in the RAS-ERK pathway and may underlie a CFC phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan K Popov
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Susan M Hiatt
- HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL, United States
| | - Sandra Whalen
- UF de Génétique Clinique, Hôpital Armand Trousseau, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Centre de Référence Maladies Rares des Anomalies du Développement et Syndromes Malformatifs, Paris, France
| | - Boris Keren
- UF de Génétique Clinique, Hôpital Armand Trousseau, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Centre de Référence Maladies Rares des Anomalies du Développement et Syndromes Malformatifs, Paris, France
| | - Claudia Ruivenkamp
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Arie van Haeringen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Mei-Jan Chen
- Department of Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Gregory M Cooper
- HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Huntsville, AL, United States
| | - Bruce R Korf
- Department of Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Chenbei Chang
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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