1
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Rhodes SD, McCormick F, Cagan RL, Bakker A, Staedtke V, Ly I, Steensma MR, Lee SY, Romo CG, Blakeley JO, Sarin KY. RAS Signaling Gone Awry in the Skin: The Complex Role of RAS in Cutaneous Neurofibroma Pathogenesis, Emerging Biological Insights. J Invest Dermatol 2023; 143:1358-1368. [PMID: 37245145 PMCID: PMC10409534 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2023.01.043] [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: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Cutaneous neurofibromas (cNFs) are the most common tumor in people with the rasopathy neurofibromatosis type 1. They number in hundreds or even thousands throughout the body, and currently, there are no effective interventions to prevent or treat these skin tumors. To facilitate the identification of novel and effective therapies, essential studies including a more refined understanding of cNF biology and the role of RAS signaling and downstream effector pathways responsible for cNF initiation, growth, and maintenance are needed. This review highlights the current state of knowledge of RAS signaling in cNF pathogenesis and therapeutic development for cNF treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven D Rhodes
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Frank McCormick
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA; Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Ross L Cagan
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland
| | | | - Verena Staedtke
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ina Ly
- Stephen E. and Catherine Pappas Center for Neuro-Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Matthew R Steensma
- Center for Cancer and Cell Biology, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA; Helen DeVos Children's Hospital, Spectrum Health System, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA; College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
| | - Sang Y Lee
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Carlos G Romo
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jaishri O Blakeley
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kavita Y Sarin
- Department of Dermatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA.
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2
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Fareez F, Wang BH, Brain I, Lu JQ. Lymphomas in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1): another malignancy in the NF1 syndrome? Pathology 2023; 55:302-314. [PMID: 36774237 DOI: 10.1016/j.pathol.2023.01.002] [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: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant multisystem syndrome caused by mutations in the neurofibromin 1 (NF1) gene that encodes for the protein neurofibromin acting as a tumour suppressor. Neurofibromin functions primarily as a GTPase-activating protein for the Ras family of oncogenes, which activates many signalling pathways for cell proliferation and differentiation; without neurofibromin, Ras is constitutively activated, thereby turning on many downstream signalling pathways related to oncogenesis. Patients with NF1 have a well known predisposition for certain types of malignancies including malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours, gliomas, and breast cancers, as well as a potential association of NF1 with lymphoproliferative disorders such as lymphomas. In this article, we review the pathophysiology and tumourigenesis of NF1, previously reported cases of cutaneous lymphomas in NF1 patients along with our case demonstration of a NF1-associated scalp B-cell lymphoma, and NF1-associated extra cutaneous lymphomas. The diagnosis of lymphomas particularly cutaneous lymphomas may be difficult in NF1 patients as they often have skin lesions and/or cutaneous/subcutaneous nodules or tumours like neurofibromas, which raises the possibility of underdiagnosed cutaneous lymphomas in NF1 patients. We also comprehensively discuss the association between NF1 and lymphomas. In summary, most studies support a potential association between NF1 and lymphomas. Further investigation is needed to clarify the association between NF1 and lymphomas in order to bring clinical awareness of possibly underdiagnosed NF1-associated lymphomas and individualised management of NF1 patients to practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faiha Fareez
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bill H Wang
- Department of Surgery/Neurosurgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ian Brain
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology/Hematopathology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jian-Qiang Lu
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine/Neuropathology, Hamilton General Hospital, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
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3
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Molecular Dynamics Simulations Reveal Structural Interconnections within Sec14-PH Bipartite Domain from Human Neurofibromin. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105707. [PMID: 35628517 PMCID: PMC9147397 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromin, the main RasGAP in the nervous system, is a 2818 aa protein with several poorly characterized functional domains. Mutations in the NF1-encoding gene lead to an autosomal dominant syndrome, neurofibromatosis, with an incidence of 1 out of 3000 newborns. Missense mutations spread in the Sec14-PH-encoding sequences as well. Structural data could not highlight the defect in mutant Sec14-PH functionality. By performing molecular dynamics simulations at different temperatures, we found that the lid-lock is fundamental for the structural interdependence of the NF1 bipartite Sec14-PH domain. In fact, increased flexibility in the lid-lock loop, observed for the K1750Δ mutant, leads to disconnection of the two subdomains and can affect the stability of the Sec14 subdomain.
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4
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Chaker-Margot M, Werten S, Dunzendorfer-Matt T, Lechner S, Ruepp A, Scheffzek K, Maier T. Structural basis of activation of the tumor suppressor protein neurofibromin. Mol Cell 2022; 82:1288-1296.e5. [PMID: 35353986 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2022.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in the NF1 gene cause the familial genetic disease neurofibromatosis type I, as well as predisposition to cancer. The NF1 gene product, neurofibromin, is a GTPase-activating protein and acts as a tumor suppressor by negatively regulating the small GTPase, Ras. However, structural insights into neurofibromin activation remain incompletely defined. Here, we provide cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures that reveal an extended neurofibromin homodimer in two functional states: an auto-inhibited state with occluded Ras-binding site and an asymmetric open state with an exposed Ras-binding site. Mechanistically, the transition to the active conformation is stimulated by nucleotide binding, which releases a lock that tethers the catalytic domain to an extended helical repeat scaffold in the occluded state. Structure-guided mutational analysis supports functional relevance of allosteric control. Disease-causing mutations are mapped and primarily impact neurofibromin stability. Our findings suggest a role for nucleotides in neurofibromin regulation and may lead to therapeutic modulation of Ras signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sebastiaan Werten
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | | | - Stefan Lechner
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Angela Ruepp
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Klaus Scheffzek
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria.
| | - Timm Maier
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.
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5
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Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Gene Alterations Define Specific Features of a Subset of Glioblastomas. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010352. [PMID: 35008787 PMCID: PMC8745708 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) gene mutations or alterations occur within neurofibromatosis type 1 as well as in many different malignant tumours on the somatic level. In glioblastoma, NF1 loss of function plays a major role in inducing the mesenchymal (MES) subtype and, therefore defining the most aggressive glioblastoma. This is associated with an immune signature and mediated via the NF1–MAPK–FOSL1 axis. Specifically, increased invasion seems to be regulated via mutations in the leucine-rich domain (LRD) of the NF1 gene product neurofibromin. Novel targets for therapy may arise from neurofibromin deficiency-associated cellular mechanisms that are summarised in this review.
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6
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Naschberger A, Baradaran R, Rupp B, Carroni M. The structure of neurofibromin isoform 2 reveals different functional states. Nature 2021; 599:315-319. [PMID: 34707296 PMCID: PMC8580823 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-04024-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The autosomal dominant monogenetic disease neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) affects approximately one in 3,000 individuals and is caused by mutations in the NF1 tumour suppressor gene, leading to dysfunction in the protein neurofibromin (Nf1)1,2. As a GTPase-activating protein, a key function of Nf1 is repression of the Ras oncogene signalling cascade. We determined the human Nf1 dimer structure at an overall resolution of 3.3 Å. The cryo-electron microscopy structure reveals domain organization and structural details of the Nf1 exon 23a splicing3 isoform 2 in a closed, self-inhibited, Zn-stabilized state and an open state. In the closed conformation, HEAT/ARM core domains shield the GTPase-activating protein-related domain (GRD) so that Ras binding is sterically inhibited. In a distinctly different, open conformation of one protomer, a large-scale movement of the GRD occurs, which is necessary to access Ras, whereas Sec14-PH reorients to allow interaction with the cellular membrane4. Zn incubation of Nf1 leads to reduced Ras-GAP activity with both protomers in the self-inhibited, closed conformation stabilized by a Zn binding site between the N-HEAT/ARM domain and the GRD–Sec14-PH linker. The transition between closed, self-inhibited states of Nf1 and open states provides guidance for targeted studies deciphering the complex molecular mechanism behind the widespread neurofibromatosis syndrome and Nf1 dysfunction in carcinogenesis. Cryo-EM structure of Nf1 protein is reported, revealing closed and open conformations that regulate interaction with Ras oncogene, setting the stage for understanding the mechanistic action of Nf1 and how disease mutations lead to dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Naschberger
- SciLifeLab, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Solna, Sweden.,Institute of Genetic Epidemiology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Rozbeh Baradaran
- SciLifeLab, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Solna, Sweden
| | - Bernhard Rupp
- Institute of Genetic Epidemiology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria. .,k.-k. Hofkristallamt, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Marta Carroni
- SciLifeLab, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Solna, Sweden.
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7
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Neefjes J, Cabukusta B. What the VAP: The Expanded VAP Family of Proteins Interacting With FFAT and FFAT-Related Motifs for Interorganellar Contact. CONTACT (THOUSAND OAKS (VENTURA COUNTY, CALIF.)) 2021; 4:25152564211012246. [PMID: 34036242 PMCID: PMC7610837 DOI: 10.1177/25152564211012246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Membrane contact sites are formed by tether proteins that have the ability to bring two organellar membranes together. VAP proteins are a family of endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident tether proteins specialized in interacting with FFAT (two phenylalanines in an acidic tract) peptide motifs in other proteins. If the FFAT-motif-containing proteins reside on other organelles, VAP proteins form contact sites between these organelles and the ER. The role of VAPA and VAPB, the two founding members of the VAP family in recruiting proteins to the ER and forming membrane contact sites is well appreciated as numerous interaction partners of VAPA and VAPB at different intracellular contact sites have been characterized. Recently, three new proteins -MOSPD1, MOSPD2 and MOSPD3-have been added to the VAP family. While MOSPD2 has a motif preference similar to VAPA and VAPB, MOSPD1 and MOSPD3 prefer to interact with proteins containing FFNT (two phenylalanines in a neutral tract) motifs. In this review, we discuss the recent advances in motif binding by VAP proteins along with the other biological processes VAP proteins are involved in.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacques Neefjes
- Cell and Chemical Biology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Birol Cabukusta
- Cell and Chemical Biology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
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8
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Bergoug M, Doudeau M, Godin F, Mosrin C, Vallée B, Bénédetti H. Neurofibromin Structure, Functions and Regulation. Cells 2020; 9:cells9112365. [PMID: 33121128 PMCID: PMC7692384 DOI: 10.3390/cells9112365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromin is a large and multifunctional protein encoded by the tumor suppressor gene NF1, mutations of which cause the tumor predisposition syndrome neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Over the last three decades, studies of neurofibromin structure, interacting partners, and functions have shown that it is involved in several cell signaling pathways, including the Ras/MAPK, Akt/mTOR, ROCK/LIMK/cofilin, and cAMP/PKA pathways, and regulates many fundamental cellular processes, such as proliferation and migration, cytoskeletal dynamics, neurite outgrowth, dendritic-spine density, and dopamine levels. The crystallographic structure has been resolved for two of its functional domains, GRD (GAP-related (GTPase-activating protein) domain) and SecPH, and its post-translational modifications studied, showing it to be localized to several cell compartments. These findings have been of particular interest in the identification of many therapeutic targets and in the proposal of various therapeutic strategies to treat the symptoms of NF1. In this review, we provide an overview of the literature on neurofibromin structure, function, interactions, and regulation and highlight the relationships between them.
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9
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Nishimura T, Stefan CJ. Specialized ER membrane domains for lipid metabolism and transport. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2019; 1865:158492. [PMID: 31349025 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2019.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a highly organized organelle that performs vital functions including de novo membrane lipid synthesis and transport. Accordingly, numerous lipid biosynthesis enzymes are localized in the ER membrane. However, it is now evident that lipid metabolism is sub-compartmentalized within the ER and that lipid biosynthetic enzymes engage with lipid transfer proteins (LTPs) to rapidly shuttle newly synthesized lipids from the ER to other organelles. As such, intimate relationships between lipid metabolism and lipid transfer pathways exist within the ER network. Notably, certain LTPs enhance the activities of lipid metabolizing enzymes; likewise, lipid metabolism can ensure the specificity of LTP transfer/exchange reactions. Yet, our understanding of these mutual relationships is still emerging. Here, we highlight past and recent key findings on specialized ER membrane domains involved in efficient lipid metabolism and transport and consider unresolved issues in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taki Nishimura
- MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - Christopher J Stefan
- MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
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10
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Fadhlullah SFB, Halim NBA, Yeo JYT, Ho RLY, Um P, Ang BT, Tang C, Ng WH, Virshup DM, Ho IAW. Pathogenic mutations in neurofibromin identifies a leucine-rich domain regulating glioma cell invasiveness. Oncogene 2019; 38:5367-5380. [PMID: 30967630 PMCID: PMC6755990 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-019-0809-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive tumor of the brain. NF1, a tumor suppressor gene and RAS-GTPase, is one of the highly mutated genes in GBM. Dysregulated NF1 expression promotes cell invasion, proliferation, and tumorigenesis. Loss of NF1 expression in glioblastoma is associated with increased aggressiveness of the tumor. Here, we show that NF1-loss in patient-derived glioma cells using shRNA increases self-renewal, heightens cell invasion, and promotes mesenchymal subtype and epithelial mesenchymal transition-specific gene expression that enhances tumorigenesis. The neurofibromin protein contains at least four major domains, with the GAP-related domain being the most well-studied. In this study, we report that the leucine-rich domain (LRD) of neurofibromin inhibits invasion of human glioblastoma cells without affecting their proliferation. Moreover, under conditions tested, the NF1-LRD fails to hydrolyze Ras-GTP to Ras-GDP, suggesting that its suppressive function is independent of Ras signaling. We further demonstrate that rare variants within the NF1-LRD domain found in a subset of the patients are pathogenic and reduce NF1-LRD’s invasion suppressive function. Taken together, our results show, for the first time, that NF1-LRD inhibits glioma invasion, and provides evidence of a previously unrecognized function of NF1-LRD in glioma biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siti Farah Bte Fadhlullah
- Molecular Neurotherapeutics Laboratory, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore, 308433, Singapore.,Lucence Diagnostics Pte Ltd., Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Jacqueline Y T Yeo
- Molecular Neurotherapeutics Laboratory, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore, 308433, Singapore
| | - Rachel L Y Ho
- Molecular Neurotherapeutics Laboratory, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore, 308433, Singapore
| | - Phoebe Um
- Molecular Neurotherapeutics Laboratory, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore, 308433, Singapore.,University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Beng Ti Ang
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore, 308433, Singapore.,Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119228, Singapore.,Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, A*STAR, Singapore, 117609, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
| | - Carol Tang
- Department of Research, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore, 308433, Singapore.,Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, 169857, Singapore.,Division of Cellular and Molecular Research, National Cancer Centre, Singapore, 169610, Singapore
| | - Wai H Ng
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore, 308433, Singapore
| | - David M Virshup
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, 169857, Singapore.,Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27703, USA
| | - Ivy A W Ho
- Molecular Neurotherapeutics Laboratory, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore, 308433, Singapore. .,Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119228, Singapore. .,Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, 169857, Singapore.
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11
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Scheffzek K, Shivalingaiah G. Ras-Specific GTPase-Activating Proteins-Structures, Mechanisms, and Interactions. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2019; 9:cshperspect.a031500. [PMID: 30104198 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a031500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Ras-specific GTPase-activating proteins (RasGAPs) down-regulate the biological activity of Ras proteins by accelerating their intrinsic rate of GTP hydrolysis, basically by a transition state stabilizing mechanism. Oncogenic Ras is commonly not sensitive to RasGAPs caused by interference of mutants with the electronic or steric requirements of the transition state, resulting in up-regulation of activated Ras in respective cells. RasGAPs are modular proteins containing a helical catalytic RasGAP module surrounded by smaller domains that are frequently involved in the subcellular localization or contributing to regulatory features of their host proteins. In this review, we summarize current knowledge about RasGAP structure, mechanism, regulation, and dual-substrate specificity and discuss in some detail neurofibromin, one of the most important negative Ras regulators in cellular growth control and neuronal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaus Scheffzek
- Division of Biological Chemistry (Biocenter), Medical University of Innsbruck, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Giridhar Shivalingaiah
- Division of Biological Chemistry (Biocenter), Medical University of Innsbruck, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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12
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Sugiura T, Takahashi C, Chuma Y, Fukuda M, Yamada M, Yoshida U, Nakao H, Ikeda K, Khan D, Nile AH, Bankaitis VA, Nakano M. Biophysical Parameters of the Sec14 Phospholipid Exchange Cycle. Biophys J 2018; 116:92-103. [PMID: 30580923 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2018.11.3131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Sec14, the major yeast phosphatidylcholine (PC)/phosphatidylinositol (PI) transfer protein (PITP), coordinates PC and PI metabolism to facilitate an appropriate and essential lipid signaling environment for membrane trafficking from trans-Golgi membranes. The Sec14 PI/PC exchange cycle is essential for its essential biological activity, but fundamental aspects of how this PITP executes its lipid transfer cycle remain unknown. To address some of these outstanding issues, we applied time-resolved small-angle neutron scattering for the determination of protein-mediated intervesicular movement of deuterated and hydrogenated phospholipids in vitro. Quantitative analysis by small-angle neutron scattering revealed that Sec14 PI- and PC-exchange activities were sensitive to both the lipid composition and curvature of membranes. Moreover, we report that these two parameters regulate lipid exchange activity via distinct mechanisms. Increased membrane curvature promoted both membrane binding and lipid exchange properties of Sec14, indicating that this PITP preferentially acts on the membrane site with a convexly curved face. This biophysical property likely constitutes part of a mechanism by which spatial specificity of Sec14 function is determined in cells. Finally, wild-type Sec14, but not a mixture of Sec14 proteins specifically deficient in either PC- or PI-binding activity, was able to effect a net transfer of PI or PC down opposing concentration gradients in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taichi Sugiura
- Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Chisato Takahashi
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yusuke Chuma
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masakazu Fukuda
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Makiko Yamada
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ukyo Yoshida
- Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Nakao
- Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Keisuke Ikeda
- Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Danish Khan
- Departments of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Aaron H Nile
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M Health Sciences Center, College Station, Texas
| | - Vytas A Bankaitis
- Departments of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas; Department of Molecular & Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M Health Sciences Center, College Station, Texas
| | - Minoru Nakano
- Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan.
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13
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Recent Advances in the Diagnosis and Pathogenesis of Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1)-associated Peripheral Nervous System Neoplasms. Adv Anat Pathol 2018; 25:353-368. [PMID: 29762158 DOI: 10.1097/pap.0000000000000197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The diagnosis of a neurofibroma or a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) often raises the question of whether the patient has the genetic disorder neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) as well as how this will impact the patient's outcome, what their risk is for developing additional neoplasms and whether treatment options differ for NF1-associated and sporadic peripheral nerve sheath tumors. Establishing a diagnosis of NF1 is challenging as this disorder has numerous neoplastic and non-neoplastic manifestations which are variably present in individual patients. Further, other genetic diseases affecting the Ras signaling cascade (RASopathies) mimic many of the clinical features of NF1. Here, we review the clinical manifestations of NF1 and compare and contrast them with those of the RASopathies. We also consider current approaches to genetic testing for germline NF1 mutations. We then focus on NF1-associated neurofibromas, considering first the complicated clinical behavior and pathology of these neoplasms and then discussing our current understanding of the genomic abnormalities that drive their pathogenesis, including the mutations encountered in atypical neurofibromas. As several neurofibroma subtypes are capable of undergoing malignant transformation to become MPNSTs, we compare and contrast patient outcomes in sporadic, NF1-associated and radiation-induced MPNSTs, and review the challenging pathology of these lesions. The mutations involved in neurofibroma-MPNST progression, including the recent identification of mutations affecting epigenetic regulators, are then considered. Finally, we explore how our current understanding of neurofibroma and MPNST pathogenesis is informing the design of new therapies for these neoplasms.
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14
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Xu M, Xiong H, Han Y, Li C, Mai S, Huang Z, Ai X, Guo Z, Zeng F, Guo Q. Identification of Mutation Regions on NF1 Responsible for High- and Low-Risk Development of Optic Pathway Glioma in Neurofibromatosis Type I. Front Genet 2018; 9:270. [PMID: 30087692 PMCID: PMC6066643 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2018.00270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type I is a rare neurocutaneous syndrome resulting from loss-of-function mutations of NF1. The present study sought to determine a correlation between mutation regions on NF1 and the risk of developing optic pathway glioma (OPG) in patients with neurofibromatosis type I. A total of 215 patients with neurofibromatosis type I, from our clinic or previously reported literature, were included in the study after applying strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. Of these, 100 patients with OPG were classified into the OPG group and 115 patients without OPG (aged ≥ 10 years) were assigned to the Non-OPG group. Correlation between different mutation regions and risk of OPG was analyzed. The mutation clustering in the 5′ tertile of NF1 was not significantly different between OPG and Non-OPG groups (P = 0.131). Interestingly, patients with mutations in the cysteine/serine-rich domain of NF1 had a higher risk of developing OPG than patients with mutations in other regions [P = 0.019, adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 2.587, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.167–5.736], whereas those in the HEAT-like repeat region had a lower risk (P = 0.036, adjusted OR = 0.396, 95% CI = 0.166–0.942). This study confirms a new correlation between NF1 genotype and OPG phenotype in patients with neurofibromatosis type I, and provides novel insights into molecular functions of neurofibromin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Xu
- Department of Dermatology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui Xiong
- Department of Dermatology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanfang Han
- Department of Dermatology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chijun Li
- Department of Dermatology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shaozhen Mai
- Department of Dermatology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Dermatology, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhongzhou Huang
- Department of Dermatology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuechen Ai
- Department of Dermatology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhixuan Guo
- Department of Dermatology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fanqin Zeng
- Department of Dermatology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qing Guo
- Department of Dermatology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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15
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Abstract
In Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) germ line loss of function mutations result in reduction of cellular neurofibromin content (NF1+/-, NF1 haploinsufficiency). The Ras-GAP neurofibromin is a very large cytoplasmic protein (2818 AA, 319 kDa) involved in the RAS-MAPK pathway. Aside from regulation of proliferation, it is involved in mechanosensoric of cells. We investigated neurofibromin replacement in cultured human fibroblasts showing reduced amount of neurofibromin. Full length neurofibromin was produced recombinantly in insect cells and purified. Protein transduction into cultured fibroblasts was performed employing cell penetrating peptides along with photochemical internalization. This combination of transduction strategies ensures the intracellular uptake and the translocation to the cytoplasm of neurofibromin. The transduced neurofibromin is functional, indicated by functional rescue of reduced mechanosensoric blindness and reduced RasGAP activity in cultured fibroblasts of NF1 patients or normal fibroblasts treated by NF1 siRNA. Our study shows that recombinant neurofibromin is able to revert cellular effects of NF1 haploinsuffiency in vitro, indicating a use of protein transduction into cells as a potential treatment strategy for the monogenic disease NF1.
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16
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Liu J, Gallo RM, Khan MA, Renukaradhya GJ, Brutkiewicz RR. Neurofibromin 1 Impairs Natural Killer T-Cell-Dependent Antitumor Immunity against a T-Cell Lymphoma. Front Immunol 2018; 8:1901. [PMID: 29354122 PMCID: PMC5760513 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromin 1 (NF1) is a tumor suppressor gene encoding a Ras GTPase that negatively regulates Ras signaling pathways. Mutations in NF1 are linked to neurofibromatosis type 1, juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia and Watson syndrome. In terms of antitumor immunity, CD1d-dependent natural killer T (NKT) cells play an important role in the innate antitumor immune response. Generally, Type-I NKT cells protect (and Type-II NKT cells impair) host antitumor immunity. We have previously shown that CD1d-mediated antigen presentation to NKT cells is regulated by cell signaling pathways. To study whether a haploinsufficiency in NF1 would affect CD1d-dependent activation of NKT cells, we analyzed the NKT-cell population as well as the functional expression of CD1d in Nf1+/− mice. Nf1+/− mice were found to have similar levels of NKT cells as wildtype (WT) littermates. Interestingly, however, reduced CD1d expression was observed in Nf1+/− mice compared with their WT littermates. When inoculated with a T-cell lymphoma in vivo, Nf1+/− mice survived longer than their WT littermates. Furthermore, blocking CD1d in vivo significantly enhanced antitumor activity in WT, but not in Nf1+/− mice. In contrast, a deficiency in Type-I NKT cells increased antitumor activity in Nf1+/− mice, but not in WT littermates. Therefore, these data suggest that normal NF1 expression impairs CD1d-mediated NKT-cell activation and antitumor activity against a T-cell lymphoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianyun Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Richard M Gallo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Masood A Khan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States.,College of Applied Medical Sciences, Al-Qassim University, Buraidah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gourapura J Renukaradhya
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States.,Food Animal Health Research Program (FAHRP), Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC), Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State University, Wooster, OH, United States
| | - Randy R Brutkiewicz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
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17
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Yang A, Pantoom S, Wu YW. Elucidation of the anti-autophagy mechanism of the Legionella effector RavZ using semisynthetic LC3 proteins. eLife 2017; 6. [PMID: 28395732 PMCID: PMC5388539 DOI: 10.7554/elife.23905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a conserved cellular process involved in the elimination of proteins and organelles. It is also used to combat infection with pathogenic microbes. The intracellular pathogen Legionella pneumophila manipulates autophagy by delivering the effector protein RavZ to deconjugate Atg8/LC3 proteins coupled to phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) on autophagosomal membranes. To understand how RavZ recognizes and deconjugates LC3-PE, we prepared semisynthetic LC3 proteins and elucidated the structures of the RavZ:LC3 interaction. Semisynthetic LC3 proteins allowed the analysis of structure-function relationships. RavZ extracts LC3-PE from the membrane before deconjugation. RavZ initially recognizes the LC3 molecule on membranes via its N-terminal LC3-interacting region (LIR) motif. The RavZ α3 helix is involved in extraction of the PE moiety and docking of the acyl chains into the lipid-binding site of RavZ that is related in structure to that of the phospholipid transfer protein Sec14. Thus, Legionella has evolved a novel mechanism to specifically evade host autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimin Yang
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Precision Therapy, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society, Dortmund, Germany.,Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Physiology, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Supansa Pantoom
- Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society, Dortmund, Germany.,Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Physiology, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Yao-Wen Wu
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Precision Therapy, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society, Dortmund, Germany.,Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Physiology, Dortmund, Germany
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18
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Lipid transfer proteins and the tuning of compartmental identity in the Golgi apparatus. Chem Phys Lipids 2016; 200:42-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chemphyslip.2016.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2016] [Revised: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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19
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Chiapparino A, Maeda K, Turei D, Saez-Rodriguez J, Gavin AC. The orchestra of lipid-transfer proteins at the crossroads between metabolism and signaling. Prog Lipid Res 2015; 61:30-9. [PMID: 26658141 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2015.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Within the eukaryotic cell, more than 1000 species of lipids define a series of membranes essential for cell function. Tightly controlled systems of lipid transport underlie the proper spatiotemporal distribution of membrane lipids, the coordination of spatially separated lipid metabolic pathways, and lipid signaling mediated by soluble proteins that may be localized some distance away from membranes. Alongside the well-established vesicular transport of lipids, non-vesicular transport mediated by a group of proteins referred to as lipid-transfer proteins (LTPs) is emerging as a key mechanism of lipid transport in a broad range of biological processes. More than a hundred LTPs exist in humans and these can be divided into at least ten protein families. LTPs are widely distributed in tissues, organelles and membrane contact sites (MCSs), as well as in the extracellular space. They all possess a soluble and globular domain that encapsulates a lipid monomer and they specifically bind and transport a wide range of lipids. Here, we present the most recent discoveries in the functions and physiological roles of LTPs, which have expanded the playground of lipids into the aqueous spaces of cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Chiapparino
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Structural and Computational Biology Unit, Meyerhofstrasse 1, D-69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kenji Maeda
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Structural and Computational Biology Unit, Meyerhofstrasse 1, D-69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Denes Turei
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Structural and Computational Biology Unit, Meyerhofstrasse 1, D-69117 Heidelberg, Germany; European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), European Bioinformatics Institute (EBI), Cambridge CB10 1SD, UK
| | - Julio Saez-Rodriguez
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), European Bioinformatics Institute (EBI), Cambridge CB10 1SD, UK
| | - Anne-Claude Gavin
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Structural and Computational Biology Unit, Meyerhofstrasse 1, D-69117 Heidelberg, Germany; European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), Meyerhofstrasse 1, D-69117 Heidelberg, Germany.
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20
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Structural insights on cholesterol endosynthesis: Binding of squalene and 2,3-oxidosqualene to supernatant protein factor. J Struct Biol 2015; 190:261-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2015.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2015] [Revised: 05/08/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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21
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Ratner N, Miller SJ. A RASopathy gene commonly mutated in cancer: the neurofibromatosis type 1 tumour suppressor. Nat Rev Cancer 2015; 15:290-301. [PMID: 25877329 PMCID: PMC4822336 DOI: 10.1038/nrc3911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 292] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a common genetic disorder that predisposes affected individuals to tumours. The NF1 gene encodes a RAS GTPase-activating protein called neurofibromin and is one of several genes that (when mutant) affect RAS-MAPK signalling, causing related diseases collectively known as RASopathies. Several RASopathies, beyond NF1, are cancer predisposition syndromes. Somatic NF1 mutations also occur in 5-10% of human sporadic cancers and may contribute to resistance to therapy. To highlight areas for investigation in RASopathies and sporadic tumours with NF1 mutations, we summarize current knowledge of NF1 disease, the NF1 gene and neurofibromin, neurofibromin signalling pathways and recent developments in NF1 therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Ratner
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
| | - Shyra J Miller
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
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22
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Stenman A, Svahn F, Welander J, Gustavson B, Söderkvist P, Gimm O, Juhlin CC. Immunohistochemical NF1 analysis does not predict NF1 gene mutation status in pheochromocytoma. Endocr Pathol 2015; 26:9-14. [PMID: 25403449 DOI: 10.1007/s12022-014-9348-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Pheochromocytomas (PCCs) are tumors originating from the adrenal medulla displaying a diverse genetic background. While most PCCs are sporadic, about 40 % of the tumors have been associated with constitutional mutations in one of at least 14 known susceptibility genes. As 25 % of sporadic PCCs harbor somatic neurofibromin 1 gene (NF1) mutations, NF1 has been established as the most recurrently mutated gene in PCCs. To be able to pinpoint NF1-related pheochromocytoma (PCC) disease in clinical practice could facilitate the detection of familial cases, but the large size of the NF1 gene makes standard DNA sequencing methods cumbersome. The aim of this study was to examine whether mutations in the NF1 gene could be predicted by immunohistochemistry as a method to identify cases for further genetic characterization. Sixty-seven PCCs obtained from 67 unselected patients for which the somatic and constitutional mutational status of NF1 was known (49 NF1 wild type, 18 NF1 mutated) were investigated for NF1 protein immunoreactivity, and the results were correlated to clinical and genetic data. NF1 immunoreactivity was absent in the majority of the PCCs (44/67; 66 %), including 13 out of 18 cases (72 %) with a somatic or constitutional NF1 mutation. However, only a minority of the NF1 wild-type PCCs (18/49; 37 %) displayed retained NF1 immunoreactivity, thereby diminishing the specificity of the method. We conclude that NF1 immunohistochemistry alone is not a sufficient method to distinguish between NF1-mutated and non-mutated PCCs. In the clinical context, genetic screening therefore remains the most reliable tool to detect NF1-mutated PCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Stenman
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-17176, Stockholm, Sweden
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23
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A generic protocol for the purification and characterization of water-soluble complexes of affinity-tagged proteins and lipids. Nat Protoc 2014; 9:2256-66. [DOI: 10.1038/nprot.2014.148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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24
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Maertens O, Cichowski K. An expanding role for RAS GTPase activating proteins (RAS GAPs) in cancer. Adv Biol Regul 2014; 55:1-14. [PMID: 24814062 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2014.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2014] [Revised: 04/16/2014] [Accepted: 04/16/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The RAS pathway is one of the most commonly deregulated pathways in human cancer. Mutations in RAS genes occur in nearly 30% of all human tumors. However in some tumor types RAS mutations are conspicuously absent or rare, despite the fact that RAS and downstream effector pathways are hyperactivated. Recently, RAS GTPase Activating Proteins (RAS GAPs) have emerged as an expanding class of tumor suppressors that, when inactivated, provide an alternative mechanism of activating RAS. RAS GAPs normally turn off RAS by catalyzing the hydrolysis of RAS-GTP. As such, the loss of a RAS GAP would be expected to promote excessive RAS activation. Indeed, this is the case for the NF1 gene, which plays an established role in a familial tumor predisposition syndrome and a variety of sporadic cancers. However, there are 13 additional RAS GAP family members in the human genome. We are only now beginning to understand why there are so many RAS GAPs, how they differentially function, and what their potential role(s) in human cancer are. This review will focus on our current understanding of RAS GAPs in human disease and will highlight important outstanding questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ophélia Maertens
- Genetics Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Karen Cichowski
- Genetics Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Ludwig Center at Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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25
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Neuregulin-1 overexpression and Trp53 haploinsufficiency cooperatively promote de novo malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor pathogenesis. Acta Neuropathol 2014; 127:573-91. [PMID: 24232507 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-013-1209-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2013] [Accepted: 11/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are Schwann cell-derived malignancies that arise from plexiform neurofibromas in patients with mutation of the neurofibromin 1 (NF1) gene. We have shown that the growth factor neuregulin-1 (NRG1) also contributes to human neurofibroma and MPNST pathogenesis and that outbred C57BL/6J × SJL/J transgenic mice overexpressing NRG1 in Schwann cells (P0-GGFβ3 mice) recapitulate the process of neurofibroma-MPNST progression. However, it is unclear whether NRG1 acts predominantly within NF1-regulated signaling cascades or instead activates other essential cascades that cooperate with NF1 loss to promote tumorigenesis. We now report that tumorigenesis is suppressed in inbred P0-GGFβ3 mice on a C57BL/6J background. To determine whether NRG1 overexpression interacts with reduced Nf1 or Trp53 gene dosage to "unmask" tumorigenesis in these animals, we followed cohorts of inbred P0-GGFβ3;Nf1+/−, P0-GGFβ3;Trp53+/− and control (P0-GGFβ3, Nf1+/− and Trp53+/−) mice for 1 year. We found no reduction in survival or tumors in control and P0-GGFβ3;Nf1+/− mice. In contrast, P0-GGFβ3;Trp53+/− mice died on average at 226 days, with MPNSTs present in 95 % of these mice. MPNSTs in inbred P0-GGFβ3;Trp53+/− mice arose de novo from micro-MPNSTs that uniformly develop intraganglionically. These micro-MPNSTs are of lower grade (WHO grade II-III) than the major MPNSTs (WHO grade III-IV); array comparative genomic hybridization showed that lower grade MPNSTs also had fewer genomic abnormalities. Thus, P0-GGFβ3;Trp53+/− mice represent a novel model of low- to high-grade MPNST progression. We further conclude that NRG1 promotes peripheral nervous system neoplasia predominantly via its effects on the signaling cascades affected by Nf1 loss.
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26
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Ekvall S, Sjörs K, Jonzon A, Vihinen M, Annerén G, Bondeson ML. Novel association of neurofibromatosis type 1-causing mutations in families with neurofibromatosis-Noonan syndrome. Am J Med Genet A 2013; 164A:579-87. [PMID: 24357598 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.36313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2013] [Accepted: 09/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis-Noonan syndrome (NFNS) is a rare condition with clinical features of both neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and Noonan syndrome (NS). All three syndromes belong to the RASopathies, which are caused by dysregulation of the RAS-MAPK pathway. The major gene involved in NFNS is NF1, but co-occurring NF1 and PTPN11 mutations in NFNS have been reported. Knowledge about possible involvement of additional RASopathy-associated genes in NFNS is, however, very limited. We present a comprehensive clinical and molecular analysis of eight affected individuals from three unrelated families displaying features of NF1 and NFNS. The genetic etiology of the clinical phenotypes was investigated by mutation analysis, including NF1, PTPN11, SOS1, KRAS, NRAS, BRAF, RAF1, SHOC2, SPRED1, MAP2K1, MAP2K2, and CBL. All three families harbored a heterozygous NF1 variant, where the first family had a missense variant, c.5425C>T;p.R1809C, the second family a recurrent 4bp-deletion, c.6789_6792delTTAC;p.Y2264Tfs*6, and the third family a splice-site variant, c.2991-1G>A, resulting in skipping of exon 18 and an in-frame deletion of 41 amino acids. These NF1 variants have all previously been reported in NF1 patients. Surprisingly, both c.6789_6792delTTAC and c.2991-1G>A are frequently associated with NF1, but association to NFNS has, to our knowledge, not previously been reported. Our results support the notion that NFNS represents a variant of NF1, genetically distinct from NS, and is caused by mutations in NF1, some of which also cause classical NF1. Due to phenotypic overlap between NFNS and NS, we propose screening for NF1 mutations in NS patients, preferentially when café-au-lait spots are present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Ekvall
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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27
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Abstract
Small GTPases use GDP/GTP alternation to actuate a variety of functional switches that are pivotal for cell dynamics. The GTPase switch is turned on by GEFs, which stimulate dissociation of the tightly bound GDP, and turned off by GAPs, which accelerate the intrinsically sluggish hydrolysis of GTP. For Ras, Rho, and Rab GTPases, this switch incorporates a membrane/cytosol alternation regulated by GDIs and GDI-like proteins. The structures and core mechanisms of representative members of small GTPase regulators from most families have now been elucidated, illuminating their general traits combined with scores of unique features. Recent studies reveal that small GTPase regulators have themselves unexpectedly sophisticated regulatory mechanisms, by which they process cellular signals and build up specific cell responses. These mechanisms include multilayered autoinhibition with stepwise release, feedback loops mediated by the activated GTPase, feed-forward signaling flow between regulators and effectors, and a phosphorylation code for RhoGDIs. The flipside of these highly integrated functions is that they make small GTPase regulators susceptible to biochemical abnormalities that are directly correlated with diseases, notably a striking number of missense mutations in congenital diseases, and susceptible to bacterial mimics of GEFs, GAPs, and GDIs that take command of small GTPases in infections. This review presents an overview of the current knowledge of these many facets of small GTPase regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Cherfils
- Laboratoire d’Enzymologie et Biochimie Structurales, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre deRecherche de Gif, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
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28
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King PD, Lubeck BA, Lapinski PE. Nonredundant functions for Ras GTPase-activating proteins in tissue homeostasis. Sci Signal 2013; 6:re1. [PMID: 23443682 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.2003669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Inactivation of the small guanosine triphosphate-binding protein Ras during receptor signal transduction is mediated by Ras guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase)-activating proteins (RasGAPs). Ten different RasGAPs have been identified and have overlapping patterns of tissue distribution. However, genetic analyses are revealing critical nonredundant functions for each RasGAP in tissue homeostasis and as regulators of disease processes in mouse and man. Here, we discuss advances in understanding the role of RasGAPs in the maintenance of tissue integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip D King
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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29
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Yuan Y, Zhao W, Wang X, Gao Y, Niu L, Teng M. Dimeric Sfh3 has structural changes in its binding pocket that are associated with a dimer–monomer state transformation induced by substrate binding. ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION D: BIOLOGICAL CRYSTALLOGRAPHY 2013; 69:313-23. [DOI: 10.1107/s0907444912046161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2012] [Accepted: 11/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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30
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Kaufmann D, Hoesch J, Su Y, Deeg L, Mellert K, Spatz JP, Kemkemer R. Partial Blindness to Submicron Topography in NF1 Haploinsufficient Cultured Fibroblasts Indicates a New Function of Neurofibromin in Regulation of Mechanosensoric. Mol Syndromol 2012; 3:169-79. [PMID: 23239959 DOI: 10.1159/000342698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells sense physical properties of their extracellular environment and translate them into biochemical signals. In this study, cell responses to surfaces with submicron topographies were investigated in cultured human NF1 haploinsufficient fibroblasts. Age-matched fibroblasts from 8 patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1(+/-)) and 9 controls (NF1(+/+)) were cultured on surfaces with grooves of 200 nm height and lateral distance of 2 μm. As cellular response indicator, the mean cell orientation along microstructured grooves was systematically examined. The tested NF1 haploinsufficient fibroblasts were significantly less affected by the topography than those from healthy donors. Incubation of the NF1(+/-) fibroblasts with the farnesyltransferase inhibitor FTI-277 and other inhibitors of the neurofibromin pathway ameliorates significantly the cell orientation. These data indicate that NF1 haploinsufficiency results in an altered response to specific surface topography in fibroblasts. We suggest a new function of neurofibromin in the sensoric mechanism to topographies and a partial mechanosensoric blindness by NF1 haploinsufficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Kaufmann
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Ulm, Ulm, Stuttgart, Germany
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31
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Scheffzek K, Welti S. Pleckstrin homology (PH) like domains - versatile modules in protein-protein interaction platforms. FEBS Lett 2012; 586:2662-73. [PMID: 22728242 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2012.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2012] [Revised: 06/07/2012] [Accepted: 06/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The initial reports on pleckstrin homology (PH) domains almost 20 years ago described them as sequence feature of proteins involved in signal transduction processes. Investigated at first along the phospholipid binding properties of a small subset of PH representatives, the PH fold turned out to appear as mediator of phosphotyrosine and polyproline peptide binding to other signaling proteins. While phospholipid binding now seems rather the exception among PH-like domains, protein-protein interactions established as more and more important feature of these modules. In this review we focus on the PH superfold as a versatile protein-protein interaction platform and its three-dimensional integration in an increasing number of available multidomain structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaus Scheffzek
- Division Biological Chemistry, Biocenter, Innsbruck Medical University, Innrain 80/82, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
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Hsueh YP. From neurodevelopment to neurodegeneration: the interaction of neurofibromin and valosin-containing protein/p97 in regulation of dendritic spine formation. J Biomed Sci 2012; 19:33. [PMID: 22449146 PMCID: PMC3326706 DOI: 10.1186/1423-0127-19-33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2012] [Accepted: 03/26/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Both Neurofibromatosis type I (NF1) and inclusion body myopathy with Paget's disease of bone and frontotemporal dementia (IBMPFD) are autosomal dominant genetic disorders. These two diseases are fully penetrant but with high heterogeneity in phenotypes, suggesting the involvement of genetic modifiers in modulating patients' phenotypes. Although NF1 is recognized as a developmental disorder and IBMPFD is associated with degeneration of multiple tissues, a recent study discovered the direct protein interaction between neurofibromin, the protein product of the NF1 gene, and VCP/p97, encoded by the causative gene of IBMPFD. Both NF1 and VCP/p97 are critical for dendritic spine formation, which provides the cellular mechanism explaining the cognitive deficits and dementia found in patients. Moreover, disruption of the interaction between neurofibromin and VCP impairs dendritic spinogenesis. Neurofibromin likely influences multiple downstream pathways to control dendritic spinogenesis. One is to activate the protein kinase A pathway to initiate dendritic spine formation; another is to regulate the synaptic distribution of VCP and control the activity of VCP in dendritic spinogenesis. Since neurofibromin and VCP/p97 also regulate cell growth and bone metabolism, the understanding of neurofibromin and VCP/p97 in neurons may be applied to study of cancer and bone. Statin treatment rescues the spine defects caused by VCP deficiency, suggesting the potential role of statin in clinical treatment for these two diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ping Hsueh
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, 128, Sec 2, Academia Rd, Taipei 11529, Taiwan.
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Abstract
NF1 (neurofibromatosis type I) is a common genetic disease that affects one in 3500 individuals. The disease is completely penetrant but shows variable phenotypic expression in patients. NF1 is a large gene, and its pre-mRNA undergoes alternative splicing. The NF1 protein, neurofibromin, is involved in diverse signalling cascades. One of the best characterized functions of NF1 is its function as a Ras-GAP (GTPase-activating protein). NF1 exon 23a is an alternative exon that lies within the GAP-related domain of neurofibromin. This exon is predominantly included in most tissues, and it is skipped in CNS (central nervous system) neurons. The isoform in which exon 23a is skipped has 10 times higher Ras-GAP activity than the isoform in which exon 23a is included. Exon 23a inclusion is tightly regulated by at least three different families of RNA-binding proteins: CELF {CUG-BP (cytosine-uridine-guanine-binding protein) and ETR-3 [ELAV (embryonic lethal abnormal vision)-type RNA-binding protein]-like factor}, Hu and TIA-1 (T-cell intracellular antigen 1)/TIAR (T-cell intracellular antigen 1-related protein). The CELF and Hu proteins promote exon 23a skipping, while the TIA-1/TIAR proteins promote its inclusion. The widespread clinical variability that is observed among NF1 patients cannot be explained by NF1 mutations alone and it is believed that modifier genes may have a role in the variability. We suggest that the regulation of alternative splicing may act as a modifier to contribute to the variable expression in NF1 patients.
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Carroll SL. Molecular mechanisms promoting the pathogenesis of Schwann cell neoplasms. Acta Neuropathol 2012; 123:321-48. [PMID: 22160322 PMCID: PMC3288530 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-011-0928-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2011] [Revised: 12/01/2011] [Accepted: 12/04/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Neurofibromas, schwannomas and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) all arise from the Schwann cell lineage. Despite their common origin, these tumor types have distinct pathologies and clinical behaviors; a growing body of evidence indicates that they also arise via distinct pathogenic mechanisms. Identification of the genes that are mutated in genetic diseases characterized by the development of either neurofibromas and MPNSTs [neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1)] or schwannomas [neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), schwannomatosis and Carney complex type 1] has greatly advanced our understanding of these mechanisms. The development of genetically engineered mice with ablation of NF1, NF2, SMARCB1/INI1 or PRKAR1A has confirmed the key role these genes play in peripheral nerve sheath tumorigenesis. Establishing the functions of the NF1, NF2, SMARCB1/INI1 and PRKAR1A gene products has led to the identification of key cytoplasmic signaling pathways promoting Schwann cell neoplasia and identified new therapeutic targets. Analyses of human neoplasms and genetically engineered mouse models have established that interactions with other tumor suppressors such as TP53 and CDKN2A promote neurofibroma-MPNST progression and indicate that intratumoral interactions between neoplastic and non-neoplastic cell types play an essential role in peripheral nerve sheath tumorigenesis. Recent advances have also provided new insights into the identity of the neural crest-derived populations that give rise to different types of peripheral nerve sheath tumors. Based on these findings, we now have an initial outline of the molecular mechanisms driving the pathogenesis of neurofibromas, MPNSTs and schwannomas. However, this improved understanding in turn raises a host of intriguing new questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven L Carroll
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1720 Seventh Avenue South, SC930G3, Birmingham, AL 35294-0017, USA.
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Devising Powerful Genetics, Biochemical and Structural Tools in the Functional Analysis of Phosphatidylinositol Transfer Proteins (PITPs) Across Diverse Species. Methods Cell Biol 2012; 108:249-302. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-386487-1.00013-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Mousley CJ, Davison JM, Bankaitis VA. Sec14 like PITPs couple lipid metabolism with phosphoinositide synthesis to regulate Golgi functionality. Subcell Biochem 2012; 59:271-87. [PMID: 22374094 DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-3015-1_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
An interface coordinating lipid metabolism with proteins that regulate membrane trafficking is necessary to regulate Golgi morphology and dynamics. Such an interface facilitates the membrane deformations required for vesicularization, forms platforms for protein recruitment and assembly on appropriate sites on a membrane surface and provides lipid co-factors for optimal protein activity in the proper spatio-temporally regulated manner. Importantly, Sec14 and Sec14-like proteins are a unique superfamily of proteins that sense specific aspects of lipid metabolism, employing this information to potentiate phosphoinositide production. Therefore, Sec14 and Sec14 like proteins form central conduits to integrate multiple aspects of lipid metabolism with productive phosphoinositide signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl J Mousley
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, 27599-7090, Chapel Hill, NC, USA,
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Ligeti E, Welti S, Scheffzek K. Inhibition and Termination of Physiological Responses by GTPase Activating Proteins. Physiol Rev 2012; 92:237-72. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00045.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Physiological processes are strictly organized in space and time. However, in cell physiology research, more attention is given to the question of space rather than to time. To function as a signal, environmental changes must be restricted in time; they need not only be initiated but also terminated. In this review, we concentrate on the role of one specific protein family involved in biological signal termination. GTPase activating proteins (GAPs) accelerate the endogenously low GTP hydrolysis rate of monomeric guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (GNBPs), limiting thereby their prevalence in the active, GTP-bound form. We discuss cases where defective or excessive GAP activity of specific proteins causes significant alteration in the function of the nervous, endocrine, and hemopoietic systems, or contributes to development of infections and tumors. Biochemical and genetic data as well as observations from human pathology support the notion that GAPs represent vital elements in the spatiotemporal fine tuning of physiological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erzsébet Ligeti
- Department of Physiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany; and Division of Biological Chemistry, Biocenter, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Stefan Welti
- Department of Physiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany; and Division of Biological Chemistry, Biocenter, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Klaus Scheffzek
- Department of Physiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany; and Division of Biological Chemistry, Biocenter, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
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Abstract
Ever since their discovery as cellular counterparts of viral oncogenes more than 25 years ago, much progress has been made in understanding the complex networks of signal transduction pathways activated by oncogenic Ras mutations in human cancers. The activity of Ras is regulated by nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) and GTPase activating proteins (GAPs), and much emphasis has been put into the biochemical and structural analysis of the Ras/GAP complex. The mechanisms by which GAPs catalyze Ras-GTP hydrolysis have been clarified and revealed that oncogenic Ras mutations confer resistance to GAPs and remain constitutively active. However, it is yet unclear how cells coordinate the large and divergent GAP protein family to promote Ras inactivation and ensure a certain biological response. Different domain arrangements in GAPs to create differential protein-protein and protein-lipid interactions are probably key factors determining the inactivation of the 3 Ras isoforms H-, K-, and N-Ras and their effector pathways. In recent years, in vitro as well as cell- and animal-based studies examining GAP activity, localization, interaction partners, and expression profiles have provided further insights into Ras inactivation and revealed characteristics of several GAPs to exert specific and distinct functions. This review aims to summarize knowledge on the cell biology of RasGAP proteins that potentially contributes to differential regulation of spatiotemporal Ras signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Grewal
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Ren J, Schaaf G, Bankaitis VA, Ortlund EA, Pathak MC. Crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of Sfh3, a member of the Sec14 protein superfamily. Acta Crystallogr Sect F Struct Biol Cryst Commun 2011; 67:1239-43. [PMID: 22102037 PMCID: PMC3212372 DOI: 10.1107/s1744309111027096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2011] [Accepted: 07/06/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Sec14 is the major phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns)/phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho) transfer protein in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and is the founding member of the Sec14 protein superfamily. Recent functional data suggest that Sec14 functions as a nanoreactor for PtdCho-regulated presentation of PtdIns to PtdIns kinase to affect membrane trafficking. Extrapolation of this concept to other members of the Sec14 superfamily suggests a mechanism by which a comprehensive cohort of Sec14-like nanoreactors sense correspondingly diverse pools of lipid metabolites. In turn, metabolic information is translated to signaling circuits driven by phosphoinositide metabolism. Sfh3, one of five Sec14 homologs in yeast, exhibits several interesting functional features, including its unique localization to lipid particles and microsomes. This localization forecasts novel regulatory interfaces between neutral lipid metabolism and phosphoinositide signaling. To launch a detailed structural and functional characterization of Sfh3, the recombinant protein was purified to homogeneity, diffraction-quality crystals were produced and a native X-ray data set was collected to 2.2 Å resolution. To aid in phasing, SAD X-ray diffraction data were collected to 1.93 Å resolution from an SeMet-labeled crystal at the Southeast Regional Collaborative Access Team at the Advanced Photon Source. Here, the cloning and purification of Sfh3 and the preliminary diffraction of Sfh3 crystals are reported, enabling structural analyses that are expected to reveal novel principles governing ligand binding and functional specificity for Sec14-superfamily proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihui Ren
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7090, USA
| | - Gabriel Schaaf
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7090, USA
| | - Vytas A. Bankaitis
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7090, USA
| | - Eric A. Ortlund
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Manish C. Pathak
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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40
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Brossier NM, Carroll SL. Genetically engineered mouse models shed new light on the pathogenesis of neurofibromatosis type I-related neoplasms of the peripheral nervous system. Brain Res Bull 2011; 88:58-71. [PMID: 21855613 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2011.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2011] [Revised: 07/28/2011] [Accepted: 08/02/2011] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), the most common genetic disorder affecting the human nervous system, is characterized by the development of multiple benign Schwann cell tumors in skin and large peripheral nerves. These neoplasms, which are termed dermal and plexiform neurofibromas respectively, have distinct clinical courses; of particular note, plexiform, but not dermal, neurofibromas often undergo malignant progression to form malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs), the most common malignancy occurring in NF1 patients. In recent years, a number of genetically engineered mouse models have been created to investigate the molecular mechanisms driving the pathogenesis of these tumors. These models have been designed to address key questions including: (1) whether NF1 loss in the Schwann cell lineage is essential for tumorigenesis; (2) what cell type(s) in the Schwann cell lineage gives rise to dermal neurofibromas, plexiform neurofibromas and MPNSTs; (3) how the tumor microenvironment contributes to neoplasia; (4) what additional mutations contribute to neurofibroma-MPNST progression; (5) what role different neurofibromin-regulated Ras proteins play in this process and (6) how dysregulated growth factor signaling facilitates PNS tumorigenesis. In this review, we summarize the major findings from each of these models and their limitations as well as how discrepancies between these models may be reconciled. We also discuss how information gleaned from these models can be synthesized to into a comprehensive model of tumor formation in peripheral nervous system and consider several of the major questions that remain unanswered about this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M Brossier
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294-0017, USA
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41
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Ghosh R, Bankaitis VA. Phosphatidylinositol transfer proteins: negotiating the regulatory interface between lipid metabolism and lipid signaling in diverse cellular processes. Biofactors 2011; 37:290-308. [PMID: 21915936 DOI: 10.1002/biof.180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Phosphoinositides represent only a small percentage of the total cellular lipid pool. Yet, these molecules play crucial roles in diverse intracellular processes such as signal transduction at membrane-cytosol interface, regulation of membrane trafficking, cytoskeleton organization, nuclear events, and the permeability and transport functions of the membrane. A central principle in such lipid-mediated signaling is the appropriate coordination of these events. Such an intricate coordination demands fine spatial and temporal control of lipid metabolism and organization, and consistent mechanisms for specifically coupling these parameters to dedicated physiological processes. In that regard, recent studies have identified Sec14-like phosphatidylcholine transfer protein (PITPs) as "coincidence detectors," which spatially and temporally link the diverse aspects of the cellular lipid metabolome with phosphoinositide signaling. The integral role of PITPs in eukaryotic signal transduction design is amply demonstrated by the mammalian diseases associated with the derangements in the function of these proteins, to stress response and developmental regulation in plants, to fungal dimorphism and pathogenicity, to membrane trafficking in yeast, and higher eukaryotes. This review updates the recent advances made in the understanding of how these proteins, specifically PITPs of the Sec14-protein superfamily, operate at the molecular level and further describes how this knowledge has advanced our perception on the diverse biological functions of PITPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ratna Ghosh
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27526-7090, USA.
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Welti S, Kühn S, D'Angelo I, Brügger B, Kaufmann D, Scheffzek K. Structural and biochemical consequences of NF1 associated nontruncating mutations in the Sec14-PH module of neurofibromin. Hum Mutat 2011; 32:191-7. [PMID: 21089070 DOI: 10.1002/humu.21405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2010] [Accepted: 10/26/2010] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a common genetic disorder caused by alterations in the tumor suppressor gene NF1. Clinical manifestations include various neural crest derived tumors, pigmentation anomalies, bone deformations, and learning disabilities. NF1 encodes the Ras specific GTPase activating protein (RasGAP) neurofibromin, of which the central RasGAP related domain as well as a Sec14-like (residues 1560-1699) and a tightly interacting pleckstrin homology (PH)-like (1713-1818) domain are currently well defined. However, patient-derived nontruncating mutations have been reported along the whole NF1 gene, suggesting further essential protein functions. Focusing on the Sec14-PH module, we have engineered such nontruncating mutations and analyzed their implications on protein function and structure using lipid binding assays, CD spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. Although lipid binding appears to be preserved among most nontruncating mutants, we see major structural changes for two of the alterations. Judging from these changes and our biochemical data, we suggest the presence of an intermolecular contact surface in the lid-lock region of the protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Welti
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Structural and Computational Biology Unit, Heidelberg, Germany.
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43
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Nile AH, Bankaitis VA, Grabon A. Mammalian diseases of phosphatidylinositol transfer proteins and their homologs. CLINICAL LIPIDOLOGY 2010; 5:867-897. [PMID: 21603057 PMCID: PMC3097519 DOI: 10.2217/clp.10.67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Inositol and phosphoinositide signaling pathways represent major regulatory systems in eukaryotes. The physiological importance of these pathways is amply demonstrated by the variety of diseases that involve derangements in individual steps in inositide and phosphoinositide production and degradation. These diseases include numerous cancers, lipodystrophies and neurological syndromes. Phosphatidylinositol transfer proteins (PITPs) are emerging as fascinating regulators of phosphoinositide metabolism. Recent advances identify PITPs (and PITP-like proteins) to be coincidence detectors, which spatially and temporally coordinate the activities of diverse aspects of the cellular lipid metabolome with phosphoinositide signaling. These insights are providing new ideas regarding mechanisms of inherited mammalian diseases associated with derangements in the activities of PITPs and PITP-like proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron H Nile
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-27090, USA
| | - Vytas A Bankaitis
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-27090, USA
| | - Aby Grabon
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-27090, USA
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The RasGAP proteins Ira2 and neurofibromin are negatively regulated by Gpb1 in yeast and ETEA in humans. Mol Cell Biol 2010; 30:2264-79. [PMID: 20160012 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.01450-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) gene encodes the GTPase-activating protein (GAP) neurofibromin, which negatively regulates Ras activity. The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has two neurofibromin homologs, Ira1 and Ira2. To understand how these proteins are regulated, we utilized an unbiased proteomics approach to identify Ira2 and neurofibromin binding partners. We demonstrate that the Gpb1/Krh2 protein binds and negatively regulates Ira2 by promoting its ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis. We extended our findings to show that in mammalian cells, the ETEA/UBXD8 protein directly interacts with and negatively regulates neurofibromin. ETEA contains both UBA and UBX domains. Overexpression of ETEA downregulates neurofibromin in human cells. Purified ETEA, but not a mutant of ETEA that lacks the UBX domain, ubiquitinates the neurofibromin GAP-related domain in vitro. Silencing of ETEA expression increases neurofibromin levels and downregulates Ras activity. These findings provide evidence for conserved ubiquitination pathways regulating the RasGAP proteins Ira2 (in yeast) and neurofibromin (in humans).
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45
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Bankaitis VA, Mousley CJ, Schaaf G. The Sec14 superfamily and mechanisms for crosstalk between lipid metabolism and lipid signaling. Trends Biochem Sci 2009; 35:150-60. [PMID: 19926291 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2009.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2009] [Revised: 10/26/2009] [Accepted: 10/27/2009] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Lipid signaling pathways define central mechanisms for cellular regulation. Productive lipid signaling requires an orchestrated coupling between lipid metabolism, lipid organization and the action of protein machines that execute appropriate downstream reactions. Using membrane trafficking control as primary context, we explore the idea that the Sec14-protein superfamily defines a set of modules engineered for the sensing of specific aspects of lipid metabolism and subsequent transduction of 'sensing' information to a phosphoinositide-driven 'execution phase'. In this manner, the Sec14 superfamily connects diverse territories of the lipid metabolome with phosphoinositide signaling in a productive 'crosstalk' between these two systems. Mechanisms of crosstalk, by which non-enzymatic proteins integrate metabolic cues with the action of interfacial enzymes, represent unappreciated regulatory themes in lipid signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vytas A Bankaitis
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7090, USA
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46
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Neurofibromin homologs Ira1 and Ira2 affect glycerophosphoinositol production and transport in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. EUKARYOTIC CELL 2009; 8:1808-11. [PMID: 19717739 DOI: 10.1128/ec.00217-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Saccharomyces cerevisiae produces extracellular glycerophosphoinositol through phospholipase-mediated turnover of phosphatidylinositol and transports glycerophosphoinositol into the cell upon nutrient limitation. A screening identified the RAS GTPase-activating proteins Ira1 and Ira2 as required for utilization of glycerophosphoinositol as the sole phosphate source, but the RAS/cyclic AMP pathway does not appear to be involved in the growth phenotype. Ira1 and Ira2 affect both the production and transport of glycerophosphoinositol.
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47
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Reuss D, von Deimling A. Hereditary tumor syndromes and gliomas. Recent Results Cancer Res 2009; 171:83-102. [PMID: 19322539 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-540-31206-2_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Several congenital syndromes caused by germline mutations in tumor suppressor genes predispose to the development of glial tumors. In the last few decades our knowledge about the molecular functions of these genes and the pathogenesis of hereditary tumor syndromes has greatly increased. The most common syndromes are the neurofibromatoses (type 1 and type 2) and the tuberous scleroses complex. There are interesting overlaps in the molecular pathogen-esis. Deregulation of Ras or downstream Ras pathways including MEK/ERK and AKT/ mTOR plays an important role in these three syndromes. Other rare syndromes include Li-Fraumeni, melanoma-astrocytoma, and Turcot syndrome involving cell cycle regulators and DNA repair genes. The genes and pathways involved in the pathogenesis of these syndromes also play an important role in the development of sporadic tumors. Therefore research on hereditary syndromes contributes substantially to our understanding of tumor formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Reuss
- Department of Neuropathology, Institute of Pathology, Im Neuenheimer Feld 220/221, Heidelberg 69120, Germany.
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48
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Yang Q, Huang C, Yang X, Feng Y, Wang Q, Liu M. The R1947X mutation of NF1 causing autosomal dominant neurofibromatosis type 1 in a Chinese family. J Genet Genomics 2009; 35:73-6. [PMID: 18407053 DOI: 10.1016/s1673-8527(08)60011-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2007] [Revised: 10/24/2007] [Accepted: 10/25/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 is a common autosomal dominant disorder with a high rate of penetrance. It is caused by the mutation of the tumor suppressor gene NF1, which encodes neurofibromin. The main function of neurofibromin is down-regulating the biological activity of the proto-oncoprotein Ras by acting as a Ras-specific GTPase activating protein. In this study, we identified a Chinese family affected with neurofibromatosis type 1. The known gene NF1 associated with NF1 was studied by linkage analysis and by direct sequencing of the entire coding region and exon-intron boundaries of the NF1 gene. The R1947X mutation of NF1 was identified, which was co-segregated with affected individuals in the Chinese family, but not present in unaffected family members. This is the first report, which states that the R1947X mutation of NF1 may be one of reasons for neurofibromatosis type 1 in Chinese population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinbo Yang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, and Center for Human Genome Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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49
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Abstract
Neurofibromas are benign tumors of peripheral nerve that occur sporadically or in patients with the autosomal dominant tumor predisposition syndrome neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Multiple neurofibroma subtypes exist which differ in their site of occurrence, their association with NF1, and their tendency to undergo transformation to become malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs), the most common malignancy associated with NF1. Most NF1 patients carry a constitutional mutation of the NF1 tumor suppressor gene. Neurofibromas develop in these patients when an unknown cell type in the Schwann cell lineage loses its remaining functional NF1 gene and initiates a complex series of interactions with other cell types; these interactions may be influenced by aberrant expression of growth factors and growth factor receptors and the action of modifier genes. Cells within certain neurofibroma subtypes subsequently accumulate additional mutations affecting the p19(ARF)-MDM2-TP53 and p16INK4A-Rb signaling cascades, mutations of other as yet unidentified genes, and amplification of growth factor receptor genes, resulting in their transformation into MPNSTs. These observations have been validated using a variety of transgenic and knockout mouse models that recapitulate neurofibroma and MPNST pathogenesis. A new generation of mouse models is also providing important new insights into the identity of the cell type in the Schwann cell lineage that gives rise to neurofibromas. Our improving understanding of the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of neurofibromas and MPNSTs raises intriguing new questions about the origin and pathogenesis of these neoplasms and establishes models for the development of new therapies targeting these neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven L Carroll
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294-0017, USA.
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Curwin AJ, Fairn GD, McMaster CR. Phospholipid transfer protein Sec14 is required for trafficking from endosomes and regulates distinct trans-Golgi export pathways. J Biol Chem 2009; 284:7364-75. [PMID: 19129178 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m808732200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
A protein known to regulate both lipid metabolism and vesicular transport is the phosphatidylcholine/phosphatidylinositol transfer protein Sec14 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Sec14 is thought to globally affect secretion from the trans-Golgi. The results from a synthetic genetic array screen for genes whose inactivation impaired growth of cells with a temperature-sensitive SEC14 allele implied Sec14 regulates transport into and out of the Golgi. This prompted us to examine the role of Sec14 in various vesicular transport pathways. We determined that Sec14 function was required for the route followed by Bgl2, whereas trafficking of other secreted proteins, including Hsp150, Cts1, Scw4, Scw10, Exg1, Cis3, and Ygp1, still occurred, indicating Sec14 regulates specific trans-Golgi export pathways. Upon diminution of Sec14 function, the v-SNARE Snc1 accumulated in endosomes and the trans-Golgi. Its accumulation in endosomes is consistent with Sec14 being required for transport from endosomes to the trans-Golgi. Sec14 was also required for trafficking of Ste3 and the lipophilic dye FM4-64 from the plasma membrane to the vacuole at the level of the endosome. The combined genetic and cell biology data are consistent with regulation of endosome trafficking being a major role for Sec14. We further determined that lipid ligand occupancy differentially regulates Sec14 functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy J Curwin
- Department of Pediatrics, Atlantic Research Centre, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4H7, Canada
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