Structural insights into the regulation of PDK1 by phosphoinositides and inositol phosphates

Research progress on the pathogenesis of psoriasis and its small molecule inhibitors

Psoriasis is a prevalent chronic systemic immune disease characterized by T-cellmediated hyperproliferation of keratinized cells. Among its various manifestations, plaque-type psoriasis is the most common. Treatment options for psoriasis encompass topical medications, biological therapies, phototherapy techniques, and others. However, traditional treatments are associated with numerous side effects. In contrast, targeted therapy has garnered increasing attention due to its high selectivity, strong safety profile, and favorable therapeutic outcomes. Patients with psoriasis lesions exhibit elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines compared with the general population. These proinflammatory cytokines have been implicated in mediating psoriasis pathogenesis by inducing keratinocyte proliferation through multiple signaling pathways within the body. This study will delve into the Janus kinase-signal transducers and activators of transcription, phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (PKB, also known as AKT), and nuclear factor Kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells signaling pathways to elucidate their roles in mediating psoriasis pathogenesis. In addition, we will summarize potential targets relevant to the treatment of psoriasis and discuss the design and activity assessment of their inhibitors. It also provides new insights for further in-depth study of psoriasis and development of novel molecularly targeted inhibitors.

Capturing Autoinhibited PDK1 Reveals the Linker's Regulatory Role, Informing Innovative Inhibitor Design

PDK1 is crucial for PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Ras/MAPK cancer signaling. It phosphorylates AKT in a PIP3-dependent but S6K, SGK, and RSK kinases in a PIP3-independent manner. Unlike its substrates, its autoinhibited monomeric state has been unclear, likely due to its low population time, and phosphorylation in the absence of PIP3 has been puzzling too. Here, guided by experimental data, we constructed models and performed all-atom molecular dynamics simulations. In the autoinhibited PDK1 conformation that resembles autoinhibited AKT, binding of the linker between the kinase and PH domains to the PIF-binding pocket promotes the formation of the Glu130-Lys111 salt bridge and weakens the association of the kinase domain with the PH domain, shifting the population from the autoinhibited state to states accessible to the membrane and its kinase substrates. The interaction of the substrates' hydrophobic motif and the PDK1 PIF-binding pocket facilitates the release of the autoinhibition even in the absence of PIP3. Phosphorylation of the serine-rich motif within the linker further attenuates the association of the PH domain with the kinase domain. These suggest that while the monomeric autoinhibited state is relatively stable, it can readily shift to its active, catalysis-prone state to phosphorylate its diverse substrates. Our findings reveal the PDK1 activation mechanism and discover the regulatory role of PDK1's linker, which lead to two innovative linker-based inhibitor strategies: (i) locking the autoinhibited PDK1 through optimization of the interactions of AKT inhibitors with the PH domain of PDK1 and (ii) analogs (small molecules or peptidomimetics) that mimic the linker interactions with the PIF-binding pocket.

Inositol Hexaphosphate as an Inhibitor and Potential Regulator of p47phox Membrane Anchoring

As a key component for NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) activation, the peripheral membrane protein p47phox translocates a cytosolic activating complex to the membrane through its PX domain. This study elucidates a potential regulatory mechanism of p47phox recruitment and NOX2 activation by inositol hexaphosphate (IP6). Through NMR, fluorescence polarization, and FRET experimental results, IP6 is shown to be capable of breaking the lipid binding and membrane anchoring events of p47phox-PX with low micromolar potency. Other phosphorylated inositol species such as IP5(1,3,4,5,6), IP4(1,3,4,5), and IP3(1,3,4) show weaker binding and no ability to inhibit lipid interactions in physiological concentration ranges. The low micromolar potency of IP6 inhibition of the p47phox membrane anchoring suggests that physiologically relevant concentrations of IP6 serve as regulators, as seen in other membrane anchoring domains. The PX domain of p47phox is known to be promiscuous to a variety of phosphatidylinositol phosphate (PIP) lipids, and this regulation may help target the domain only to the membranes most highly enriched with the highest affinity PIPs, such as the phagosomal membrane, while preventing aberrant binding to other membranes with high and heterogeneous PIP content, such as the plasma membrane. This study provides insight into a potential novel regulatory mechanism behind NOX2 activation and reveals a role for small-molecule regulation in this important NOX2 activator.

A journey into the regulatory secrets of the de novo purine nucleotide biosynthesis

De novo purine nucleotide biosynthesis (DNPNB) consists of sequential reactions that are majorly conserved in living organisms. Several regulation events take place to maintain physiological concentrations of adenylate and guanylate nucleotides in cells and to fine-tune the production of purine nucleotides in response to changing cellular demands. Recent years have seen a renewed interest in the DNPNB enzymes, with some being highlighted as promising targets for therapeutic molecules. Herein, a review of two newly revealed modes of regulation of the DNPNB pathway has been carried out: i) the unprecedent allosteric regulation of one of the limiting enzymes of the pathway named inosine 5'-monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH), and ii) the supramolecular assembly of DNPNB enzymes. Moreover, recent advances that revealed the therapeutic potential of DNPNB enzymes in bacteria could open the road for the pharmacological development of novel antibiotics.

Modulation of the substrate specificity of the kinase PDK1 by distinct conformations of the full-length protein

The activation of at least 23 different mammalian kinases requires the phosphorylation of their hydrophobic motifs by the kinase PDK1. A linker connects the phosphoinositide-binding PH domain to the catalytic domain, which contains a docking site for substrates called the PIF pocket. Here, we used a chemical biology approach to show that PDK1 existed in equilibrium between at least three distinct conformations with differing substrate specificities. The inositol polyphosphate derivative HYG8 bound to the PH domain and disrupted PDK1 dimerization by stabilizing a monomeric conformation in which the PH domain associated with the catalytic domain and the PIF pocket was accessible. In the absence of lipids, HYG8 potently inhibited the phosphorylation of Akt (also termed PKB) but did not affect the intrinsic activity of PDK1 or the phosphorylation of SGK, which requires docking to the PIF pocket. In contrast, the small-molecule valsartan bound to the PIF pocket and stabilized a second distinct monomeric conformation. Our study reveals dynamic conformations of full-length PDK1 in which the location of the linker and the PH domain relative to the catalytic domain determines the selective phosphorylation of PDK1 substrates. The study further suggests new approaches for the design of drugs to selectively modulate signaling downstream of PDK1.

Loss of PI3k activity of inositol polyphosphate multikinase impairs PDK1-mediated AKT activation, cell migration, and intestinal homeostasis

Protein kinase B (AKT) is essential for cell survival, proliferation, and migration and has been associated with several diseases. Here, we demonstrate that inositol polyphosphate multikinase (IPMK's) lipid kinase property drives AKT activation via increasing membrane localization and activation of PDK1 (3-Phosphoinositide-dependent kinase 1), largely independent of class I PI3k (cPI3K). Deletion of IPMK impairs cell migration, which is partially associated with the abolition of PDK1-mediated ROCK1 disinhibition and subsequent myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation. IPMK is highly expressed in intestinal epithelial cells (IEC). Deleting IPMK in IEC reduced AKT phosphorylation and diminished the number of Paneth cells. Ablation of IPMK impaired IEC regeneration both basally and after chemotherapy-induced damage, suggesting a broad role for IPMK in activating AKT and intestinal tissue regeneration. In conclusion, the PI3k activity of IPMK is necessary for PDK1-mediated AKT activation and intestinal homeostasis.

Aristolone in Nardostachys jatamansi DC. induces mesenteric vasodilation and ameliorates hypertension via activation of the KATP channel and PDK1-Akt-eNOS pathway

BACKGROUND

Nardostachys jatamansi DC. is a common medicinal herb used to treat cardiovascular diseases, particularly hypertension. Previously, our lab characterized the chemical compounds of N. jatamansi. However, the bioactive compounds of N. jatamansi and their mechanisms of action on blood pressure and blood vessels are unknown.

PURPOSE

The vasorelaxant effects of the methanolic extract (MeOH ext.) of the roots and rhizomes of N. jatamansi, its main compounds, and their underlying mode of action, were investigated.

METHODS

The main compounds of N. jatamansi were isolated and identified using UHPLC-TOF MS. The antihypertensive effect of N. jatamansi extracts and (-)-aristolone were determined using spontaneously hypertensive rats. The extracts, fractions, and compounds were also evaluated for their vasorelaxant effects on U46619 contractile responses in isolated thoracic aortic and mesenteric arterial rings. The endothelial-dependent relaxation, as well as the regulatory pathways and targets of (-)-aristolone, were studied in-vitro and ex-vivo. Molecular docking and biophysical characterization (Surface plasmon resonance) studies were utilized to investigate the molecular interaction between (-)-aristolone and the target protein.

RESULTS

MeOH ext. (200 mg/kg) reduces the systolic and diastolic blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats. MeOH ext. and its ethyl acetate fraction (EtOAc Fr.), but not the H₂O fraction, had a significant relaxing effect on the thoracic aorta. (-)-aristolone and kanshone H from EtOAc Fr. induced vasorelaxation of the thoracic aorta and mesenteric artery. In human umbilical vein endothelial cells, (-)-aristolone treatment upregulated phosphorylation of Akt (T308) and eNOS. Molecular docking and surface plasmon resonance experiments revealed an interaction between (-)-aristolone and phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1 (PDK1), an upstream protein kinase that phosphorylates Akt at T308. Treatment with PDK1 inhibitor PHT-427 and eNOS inhibitor L-NAME consistently inhibited (-)-aristolone-induced vasorelaxation. In addition, K_ATP channel inhibitor glibenclamide dramatically inhibited the vasorelaxant effects of (-)-aristolone and kanshone H in the endothelium-denuded thoracic aorta. Finally, (-)-aristolone lowers hypertensive rats' systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

CONCLUSIONS

The extracts of N. jatamansi promote vasorelaxation and alleviate hypertension. The essential chemicals responsible for producing vasorelaxation effects are (-)-aristolone and kanshone H, which activate the PDK1-Akt-eNOS-NO relaxing pathway and stimulate the opening of the K_ATP channel. These findings point to N. jatamansi and aristolone as possible antihypertensive agents.

Molecular Insights into the Regulation of 3-Phosphoinositide-Dependent Protein Kinase 1: Modeling the Interaction between the Kinase and the Pleckstrin Homology Domains

The 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1 (PDK1) K465E mutant kinase can still activate protein kinase B (PKB) at the membrane in a phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP₃, PtdIns(3,4,5)P₃) independent manner. To understand this new PDK1 regulatory mechanism, docking and molecular dynamics calculations were performed for the first time to simulate the wild-type kinase domain-pleckstrin homology (PH) domain complex with PH-in and PH-out conformations. These simulations were then compared to the PH-in model of the KD-PH(mutant K465E) PDK1 complex. Additionally, three KD-PH complexes were simulated, including a substrate analogue bound to a hydrophobic pocket (denominated the PIF-pocket) substrate-docking site. We find that only the PH-out conformation, with the PH domain well-oriented to interact with the cellular membrane, is active for wild-type PDK1. In contrast, the active conformation of the PDK1 K465E mutant is PH-in, being ATP-stable at the active site while the PIF-pocket is more accessible to the peptide substrate. We corroborate that both the docking-site binding and the catalytic activity are in fact enhanced in knock-in mouse samples expressing the PDK1 K465E protein, enabling the phosphorylation of PKB in the absence of PIP₃ binding.

Reducing PDK1/Akt Activity: An Effective Therapeutic Target in the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a common age-related neurodegenerative disease that leads to memory loss and cognitive function damage due to intracerebral neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) and amyloid-β (Aβ) protein deposition. The phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase (PDK1)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway plays a significant role in neuronal differentiation, synaptic plasticity, neuronal survival, and neurotransmission via the axon–dendrite axis. The phosphorylation of PDK1 and Akt rises in the brain, resulting in phosphorylation of the TNF-α-converting enzyme (TACE) at its cytoplasmic tail (the C-terminal end), changing its internalization as well as its trafficking. The current review aimed to explain the mechanisms of the PDK1/Akt/TACE signaling axis that exerts its modulatory effect on AD physiopathology. We provide an overview of the neuropathological features, genetics, Aβ aggregation, Tau protein hyperphosphorylation, neuroinflammation, and aging in the AD brain. Additionally, we summarized the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/PDK1/Akt pathway-related features and its molecular mechanism that is dependent on TACE in the pathogenesis of AD. This study reviewed the relationship between the PDK1/Akt signaling pathway and AD, and discussed the role of PDK1/Akt in resisting neuronal toxicity by suppressing TACE expression in the cell membrane. This work also provides a perspective for developing new therapeutics targeting PDK1/Akt and TACE for the treatment of AD.

The 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1 is an essential upstream activator of protein kinase A in malaria parasites

Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) signalling is essential for the proliferation of Plasmodium falciparum malaria blood stage parasites. The mechanisms regulating the activity of the catalytic subunit PfPKAc, however, are only partially understood, and PfPKAc function has not been investigated in gametocytes, the sexual blood stage forms that are essential for malaria transmission. By studying a conditional PfPKAc knockdown (cKD) mutant, we confirm the essential role for PfPKAc in erythrocyte invasion by merozoites and show that PfPKAc is involved in regulating gametocyte deformability. We furthermore demonstrate that overexpression of PfPKAc is lethal and kills parasites at the early phase of schizogony. Strikingly, whole genome sequencing (WGS) of parasite mutants selected to tolerate increased PfPKAc expression levels identified missense mutations exclusively in the gene encoding the parasite orthologue of 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase-1 (PfPDK1). Using targeted mutagenesis, we demonstrate that PfPDK1 is required to activate PfPKAc and that T189 in the PfPKAc activation loop is the crucial target residue in this process. In summary, our results corroborate the importance of tight regulation of PfPKA signalling for parasite survival and imply that PfPDK1 acts as a crucial upstream regulator in this pathway and potential new drug target.

The structure and flexibility analysis of the Arabidopsis synaptotagmin 1 reveal the basis of its regulation at membrane contact sites

Non-vesicular lipid transfer at ER and plasma membrane (PM) contact sites (CS) is crucial for the maintenance of membrane lipid homeostasis. Extended synaptotagmins (E-Syts) play a central role in this process as they act as molecular tethers of ER and PM and as lipid transfer proteins between these organelles. E-Syts are proteins constitutively anchored to the ER through an N-terminal hydrophobic segment and bind the PM via a variable number of C-terminal C2 domains. Synaptotagmins (SYTs) are the plant orthologous of E-Syts and regulate the ER-PM communication in response to abiotic stress. Combining different structural and biochemical techniques, we demonstrate that the binding of SYT1 to lipids occurs through a Ca2+-dependent lipid-binding site and by a site for phosphorylated forms of phosphatidylinositol, thus integrating two different molecular signals in response to stress. In addition, we show that SYT1 displays three highly flexible hinge points that provide conformational freedom to facilitate lipid extraction, protein loading, and subsequent transfer between PM and ER.

Fine-Tuning the PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway Intensity by Sex and Genotype-Load: Sex-Dependent Homozygotic Threshold for Somatic Growth but Feminization of Anxious Phenotype in Middle-Aged PDK1 K465E Knock-In and Heterozygous Mice

According to the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC), phenotypic differences among disorders may be explained by variations in the nature and degree of neural circuitry disruptions and/or dysfunctions modulated by several biological and environmental factors. We recently demonstrated the in vivo behavioral translation of tweaking the PI3K/Akt signaling, an essential pathway for regulating cellular processes and physiology, and its modulation through aging. Here we describe, for the first time, the in vivo behavioral impact of the sex and genetic-load tweaking this pathway. The anxiety-like phenotypes of 61 mature (11-14-month-old) male and female PDK1 K465E knock-in, heterozygous, and WT mice were studied. Forced (open-field) anxiogenic environmental conditions were sensitive to detect sex and genetic-load differences at middle age. Despite similar neophobia and horizontal activity among the six groups, females exhibited faster ethograms than males, with increased thigmotaxis, increased wall and bizarre rearing. Genotype-load unveiled increased anxiety in males, resembling female performances. The performance of mutants in naturalistic conditions (marble test) was normal. Homozygotic-load was needed for reduced somatic growth only in males. Factor interactions indicated the complex interplay in the elicitation of different negative valence system's items and the fine-tuning of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway intensity by genotype-load and sex.

An Integrated Network, RNA Sequencing, and Experiment Pharmacology Approach Reveals the Active Component, Potential Target, and Mechanism of Gelsemium elegans in the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer

In this study, a combination of network pharmacology, bioinformatics analysis, molecular docking and transcriptomics was used to investigate the active ingredient and potential target of Gelsemium elegans in the treatment of colorectal cancer. Koumine was screened as the active component by targeting PDK1 through network pharmacology and reverse docking. RNA-Seq, enrichment analysis and validation experiment were then further employed to reveal koumine might function in inhibiting Akt/mTOR/HK2 pathway to regulate cell glycolysis and detachment of HK2 from mitochondria and VDAC-1 to activate cell apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo. In the present study, we provide a systematical approach for the identification of effective ingredient and potential target of herbal medicine. Our results have important implication for the intensive study of koumine as novel anticancer agents for colorectal cancer and could be supportive in its further structural modification.

PDPK1 regulates autophagosome biogenesis by binding to PIK3C3

PDPK1 (3-phosphoinositide dependent protein kinase 1) is a phosphorylation-regulated kinase that plays a central role in activating multiple signaling pathways and cellular processes. Here, this study shows that PDPK1 turns on macroautophagy/autophagy as a SUMOylation-regulated kinase. In vivo data demonstrate that the SUMO modification of PDPK1 is a physiological feature in the brain and that it can be induced by viral infections. The SUMOylated PDPK1 regulates its own phosphorylation and subsequent activation of the AKT1 (AKT serine/threonine kinase 1)-MTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase) pathway. However, SUMOylation of PDPK1 is inhibited by binding to PIK3C3 (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase catalytic subunit type 3). The nonSUMOylated PDPK1 then tethers LC3 to the endoplasmic reticulum to initiate autophagy, and it acts as a key component in forming the autophagic vacuole. Collectively, this study reveals the intricate molecular regulation of PDPK1 by post-translational modification in controlling autophagosome biogenesis, and it highlights the role of PDPK1 as a sensor of cellular stress and regulator of autophagosome biogenesis.Abbreviations: AKT1: AKT serine/threonine kinase 1; ATG14: autophagy related 14; Co-IP: co-immunoprecipitation; ER: endoplasmic reticulum; hpi: hours post-infection; mAb: monoclonal antibody; MAP1LC3/LC3: microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3; MOI: multiplicity of infection; MTOR: mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase; pAb: polyclonal antibody; PDPK1: 3-phosphoinositide dependent protein kinase 1; PI3K: phosphoinositide 3-kinase; PIK3C3: phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase catalytic, subunit type 3; RPS6KB1: ribosomal protein S6 kinase B1; SGK: serum/glucocorticoid regulated kinase; SQSTM1: sequestosome 1; SUMO: small ubiquitin like modifier; UBE2I/UBC9: ubiquitin conjugating enzyme E2 I; UVRAG: UV radiation resistance associated.

The Impact of the PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway in Anxiety and Working Memory in Young and Middle-Aged PDK1 K465E Knock-In Mice

Dysfunction and dysregulation at the genetic, neural, and behavioral levels point at the fine-tuning of broadly spread networks as critical for a wide array of behaviors and mental processes through the life span. This brain-based evidence, from basic to behavioral neuroscience levels, is leading to a new conceptualization of mental health and disease. Thus, the Research Domain Criteria considers phenotypic differences observed among disorders as explained by variations in the nature and degree of neural circuitry disruptions, under the modulation of several developmental, compensatory, environmental, and epigenetic factors. In this context, we aimed to describe for the first time the in vivo behavioral impact of tweaking the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway known to play an essential role in the regulation of cellular processes, leading to diverse physiological responses. We explored the effects in young (YA, 3–4 months of age) and mature (MA, 11–14 months of age) male and female PDK1 K465E knock-in mice in a battery of tests under different anxiogenic conditions. The results evidenced that the double mutation of the PDK1 pleckstrin homology (PH) domain resulted in an enhancement of the negative valence system shown as an increase of responses of fear- and anxiety-like behaviors in anxiogenic situations. Interestingly, this seemed to be specific of YA and found regulated at middle age. In contrast, cognitive deficits, as measured in a spatial working memory task, were found in both YA and MA mutants and independently of the level of their anxious-like profiles. These distinct age- and function-dependent impacts would be in agreement with the distinct cortical and limbic deficits in the Akt signaling in the brain we have recently described in these same animals. The elicitation of age- and neuronal-dependent specific patterns suggests that fine-tuning the intensity of the PKB/Akt signal that enables diverse physiological response has also its in vivo translation into the negative valence system and age is a key regulatory factor.

Targeting the Inositol Pyrophosphate Biosynthetic Enzymes in Metabolic Diseases

In mammals, a family of three inositol hexakisphosphate kinases (IP6Ks) synthesizes the inositol pyrophosphate 5-IP7 from IP6. Genetic deletion of Ip6k1 protects mice from high fat diet induced obesity, insulin resistance and fatty liver. IP6K1 generated 5-IP7 promotes insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells, whereas it reduces insulin signaling in metabolic tissues by inhibiting the protein kinase Akt. Thus, IP6K1 promotes high fat diet induced hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance in mice while its deletion has the opposite effects. IP6K1 also promotes fat accumulation in the adipose tissue by inhibiting the protein kinase AMPK mediated energy expenditure. Genetic deletion of Ip6k3 protects mice from age induced fat accumulation and insulin resistance. Accordingly, the pan IP6K inhibitor TNP [N2-(m-trifluorobenzyl), N6-(p-nitrobenzyl)purine] ameliorates obesity, insulin resistance and fatty liver in diet induced obese mice by improving Akt and AMPK mediated insulin sensitivity and energy expenditure. TNP also protects mice from bone loss, myocardial infarction and ischemia reperfusion injury. Thus, the IP6K pathway is a potential target in obesity and other metabolic diseases. Here, we summarize the studies that established IP6Ks as a potential target in metabolic diseases. Further studies will reveal whether inhibition of this pathway has similar pleiotropic benefits on metabolic health of humans.

Dual-Specific Protein and Lipid Phosphatase PTEN and Its Biological Functions

Phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) encodes a 403-amino acid protein with an amino-terminal domain that shares sequence homology with the actin-binding protein tensin and the putative tyrosine-protein phosphatase auxilin. Crystal structure analysis of PTEN has revealed a C2 domain that binds to phospholipids in membranes and a phosphatase domain that displays dual-specific activity toward both tyrosine (Y), serine (S)/threonine (T), as well as lipid substrates in vitro. Characterized primarily as a lipid phosphatase, PTEN plays important roles in multiple cellular processes including cell growth/survival as well as metabolism.

T cell receptor signaling results in ERK-dependent Ser163 phosphorylation of lymphocyte phosphatase-associated phosphoprotein

Lymphocyte phosphatase-associated phosphoprotein (LPAP) is a transmembrane protein tightly associated with the phosphatase CD45, which regulates antigen specific lymphocyte activation. Although LPAP is positioned in close proximity to key signaling molecules, its function remains unknown. In this study, we investigated signaling pathways involved in LPAP phosphorylation. Using phosphospecific antibodies generated in our laboratory, we analyzed changes in LPAP phosphorylation in response to various stimuli. Cross-linking with antibodies against TCR or BCR, as well as ionophores and Thapsigargin, resulted in rapid dephosphorylation at Ser172 and Ser99 followed by phosphorylation at Ser163. A panel of inhibitors allowed us to show that PMA and TCR cross-linkage engages the MEK-ERK pathway to drive phosphorylation of LPAP at Ser163. The ERK1/2 kinase was the most distal element in the cascade, which when inhibited prevented changes in LPAP phosphorylation. Supporting this, we found that ERK1 is capable of phosphorylating LPAP at Ser163 in vitro. Although the functional role of this event is yet to be revealed, we provide evidence for a new ERK1/2 target in lymphocytes, namely LPAP, representing a potential regulatory mechanism in the signaling cascade.

A Complex Interplay of Anionic Phospholipid Binding Regulates 3'-Phosphoinositide-Dependent-Kinase-1 Homodimer Activation

3'-Phosphoinositide-dependent-Kinase-1 (PDK1) is a master regulator whereby its PI3-kinase-dependent dysregulation in human pathologies is well documented. Understanding the direct role for PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 and other anionic phospholipids in the regulation of PDK1 conformational dynamics and its downstream activation remains incomplete. Using advanced quantitative-time-resolved imaging (Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging and Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy) and molecular modelling, we show an interplay of antagonistic binding effects of PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 and other anionic phospholipids, regulating activated PDK1 homodimers. We demonstrate that phosphatidylserine maintains PDK1 in an inactive conformation. The dysregulation of the PI3K pathway affects the spatio-temporal and conformational dynamics of PDK1 and the activation of its downstream substrates. We have established a new anionic-phospholipid-dependent model for PDK1 regulation, depicting the conformational dynamics of multiple homodimer states. We show that the dysregulation of the PI3K pathway perturbs equilibrium between the PDK1 homodimer conformations. Our findings provide a role for the PtdSer binding site and its previously unrewarding role in PDK1 downregulation, suggesting a possible therapeutic strategy where the constitutively active dimer conformer of PDK1 may be rendered inactive by small molecules that drive it to its PtdSer-bound conformer.

The AGC protein kinase UNICORN controls planar growth by attenuating PDK1 in Arabidopsis thaliana

Tissue morphogenesis critically depends on the coordination of cellular growth patterns. In plants, many organs consist of clonally distinct cell layers, such as the epidermis, whose cells undergo divisions that are oriented along the plane of the layer. The developmental control of such planar growth is poorly understood. We have previously identified the Arabidopsis AGCVIII-class protein kinase UNICORN (UCN) as a central regulator of this process. Plants lacking UCN activity show spontaneous formation of ectopic multicellular protrusions in integuments and malformed petals indicating that UCN suppresses uncontrolled growth in those tissues. In the current model UCN regulates planar growth of integuments in part by directly repressing the putative transcription factor ABERRANT TESTA SHAPE (ATS). Here we report on the identification of 3-PHOSPHOINOSITIDE-DEPENDENT PROTEIN KINASE 1 (PDK1) as a novel factor involved in UCN-mediated growth control. PDK1 constitutes a basic component of signaling mediated by AGC protein kinases throughout eukaryotes. Arabidopsis PDK1 is implied in stress responses and growth promotion. Here we show that loss-of-function mutations in PDK1 suppress aberrant growth in integuments and petals of ucn mutants. Additional genetic, in vitro, and cell biological data support the view that UCN functions by repressing PDK1. Furthermore, our data indicate that PDK1 is indirectly required for deregulated growth caused by ATS overexpression. Our findings support a model proposing that UCN suppresses ectopic growth in integuments through two independent processes: the attenuation of the protein kinase PDK1 in the cytoplasm and the repression of the transcription factor ATS in the nucleus.

Predicting protein targets for drug-like compounds using transcriptomics

An expanded chemical space is essential for improved identification of small molecules for emerging therapeutic targets. However, the identification of targets for novel compounds is biased towards the synthesis of known scaffolds that bind familiar protein families, limiting the exploration of chemical space. To change this paradigm, we validated a new pipeline that identifies small molecule-protein interactions and works even for compounds lacking similarity to known drugs. Based on differential mRNA profiles in multiple cell types exposed to drugs and in which gene knockdowns (KD) were conducted, we showed that drugs induce gene regulatory networks that correlate with those produced after silencing protein-coding genes. Next, we applied supervised machine learning to exploit drug-KD signature correlations and enriched our predictions using an orthogonal structure-based screen. As a proof-of-principle for this regimen, top-10/top-100 target prediction accuracies of 26% and 41%, respectively, were achieved on a validation of set 152 FDA-approved drugs and 3104 potential targets. We then predicted targets for 1680 compounds and validated chemical interactors with four targets that have proven difficult to chemically modulate, including non-covalent inhibitors of HRAS and KRAS. Importantly, drug-target interactions manifest as gene expression correlations between drug treatment and both target gene KD and KD of genes that act up- or down-stream of the target, even for relatively weak binders. These correlations provide new insights on the cellular response of disrupting protein interactions and highlight the complex genetic phenotypes of drug treatment. With further refinement, our pipeline may accelerate the identification and development of novel chemical classes by screening compound-target interactions.

Bioactive compounds often disrupt cellular gene expression in ways that are difficult to predict. While the correlation between a cellular response after treatment with a small molecule and the knockdown of its target protein should be simple to establish, in practice this goal has been difficult to achieve. The main challenges are that data are noisy, drugs are not intended to be active in all cell types, and signals from a bona fide target(s) may be obscured by correlations with knockdowns of other proteins in the same pathway(s). Here, we find that a random forest classification model can detect meaningful correlational patterns when gene expression profiles after compound treatment and gene knockdowns in four or more cell lines are compared. When this approach is enriched by a structure-based screen, novel drug-target interactions can be predicted. We then validated new ligand-protein interactions for four difficult targets. Although the initial compounds are not especially potent in vitro, they are capable of disrupting their target pathway in the cell to an extent that generates a significant and characteristic gene expression profile. Collectively, our studies provide insight on cell-level transcriptomic responses to pharmaceutical intervention and the use of these patterns for target identification. In addition, the method provides a novel drug discovery pipeline to test chemistries without a priori knowledge of their target(s).

Regulation of Hematopoietic Cell Development and Function Through Phosphoinositides

One of the most paramount receptor-induced signal transduction mechanisms in hematopoietic cells is production of the lipid second messenger phosphatidylinositol(3,4,5)trisphosphate (PIP₃) by class I phosphoinositide 3 kinases (PI3K). Defective PIP₃ signaling impairs almost every aspect of hematopoiesis, including T cell development and function. Limiting PIP₃ signaling is particularly important, because excessive PIP₃ function in lymphocytes can transform them and cause blood cancers. Here, we review the key functions of PIP₃ and related phosphoinositides in hematopoietic cells, with a special focus on those mechanisms dampening PIP₃ production, turnover, or function. Recent studies have shown that beyond “canonical” turnover by the PIP₃ phosphatases and tumor suppressors phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and SH2 domain-containing inositol-5-phosphatase-1 (SHIP-1/2), PIP₃ function in hematopoietic cells can also be dampened through antagonism with the soluble PIP₃ analogs inositol(1,3,4,5)tetrakisphosphate (IP₄) and inositol-heptakisphosphate (IP₇). Other evidence suggests that IP₄ can promote PIP₃ function in thymocytes. Moreover, IP₄ or the kinases producing it limit store-operated Ca²⁺ entry through Orai channels in B cells, T cells, and neutrophils to control cell survival and function. We discuss current models for how soluble inositol phosphates can have such diverse functions and can govern as distinct processes as hematopoietic stem cell homeostasis, neutrophil macrophage and NK cell function, and development and function of B cells and T cells. Finally, we will review the pathological consequences of dysregulated IP₄ activity in immune cells and highlight contributions of impaired inositol phosphate functions in disorders such as Kawasaki disease, common variable immunodeficiency, or blood cancer.

Spatial alterations of De Novo purine biosynthetic enzymes by Akt-independent PDK1 signaling pathways

A macromolecular complex of the enzymes involved in human de novo purine biosynthesis, the purinosome, has been shown to consist of a core assembly to regulate the metabolic activity of the pathway. However, it remains elusive whether the core assembly itself can be selectively controlled in the cytoplasm without promoting the purinosome. Here, we reveal that pharmacological inhibition of the cytoplasmic activity of 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1 (PDK1) selectively promotes the formation of the core assembly, but not the purinosome, in cancer cells. However, alternative signaling cascades that are associated with the plasma membrane-bound PDK1 activity, including Akt-mediated cascades, regulate neither the core assembly nor the purinosome in our conditions. Along with immunofluorescence microscopy and a knock-down study against PDK1 using small interfering RNAs, we reveal that cytoplasmic PDK1-associated signaling pathways regulate subcellular colocalization of three enzymes that form the core assembly of the purinosome in an Akt-independent manner. Collectively, this study reveals a new mode of compartmentalization of purine biosynthetic enzymes controlled by spatially resolved signaling pathways.

IP3-4 kinase Arg1 regulates cell wall homeostasis and surface architecture to promote clearance of Cryptococcus neoformans infection in a mouse model

We previously identified a series of inositol polyphosphate kinases (IPKs), Arg1, Ipk1, Kcs1 and Asp1, in the opportunistic fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans. Using gene deletion analysis, we characterized Arg1, Ipk1 and Kcs1 and showed that they act sequentially to convert IP₃ to PP-IP₅ (IP₇), a key metabolite promoting stress tolerance, metabolic adaptation and fungal dissemination to the brain. We have now directly characterized the enzymatic activity of Arg1, demonstrating that it is a dual specificity (IP₃/IP₄) kinase producing IP₅. We showed previously that IP₅ is further phosphorylated by Ipk1 to produce IP₆, which is a substrate for the synthesis of PP-IP₅ by Kcs1. Phenotypic comparison of the arg1Δ and kcs1Δ deletion mutants (both PP-IP₅-deficient) reveals that arg1Δ has the most deleterious phenotype: while PP-IP₅ is essential for metabolic and stress adaptation in both mutant strains, PP-IP₅ is dispensable for virulence-associated functions such as capsule production, cell wall organization, and normal N-linked mannosylation of the virulence factor, phospholipase B1, as these phenotypes were defective only in arg1Δ. The more deleterious arg1Δ phenotype correlated with a higher rate of arg1Δ phagocytosis by human peripheral blood monocytes and rapid arg1Δ clearance from lung in a mouse model. This observation is in contrast to kcs1Δ, which we previously reported establishes a chronic, confined lung infection. In summary, we show that Arg1 is the most crucial IPK for cryptococcal virulence, conveying PP-IP₅-dependent and novel PP-IP₅-independent functions.

Computational and theoretical approaches for studies of a lipid recognition protein on biological membranes

Many cellular functions, including cell signaling and related events, are regulated by the association of peripheral membrane proteins (PMPs) with biological membranes containing anionic lipids, e.g., phosphatidylinositol phosphate (PIP). This association is often mediated by lipid recognition modules present in many PMPs. Here, I summarize computational and theoretical approaches to investigate the molecular details of the interactions and dynamics of a lipid recognition module, the pleckstrin homology (PH) domain, on biological membranes. Multiscale molecular dynamics simulations using combinations of atomistic and coarse-grained models yielded results comparable to those of actual experiments and could be used to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of the formation of protein/lipid complexes on membrane surfaces, which are often difficult to obtain using experimental techniques. Simulations revealed some modes of membrane localization and interactions of PH domains with membranes in addition to the canonical binding mode. In the last part of this review, I address the dynamics of PH domains on the membrane surface. Local PIP clusters formed around the proteins exhibit anomalous fluctuations. This dynamic change in protein-lipid interactions cause temporally fluctuating diffusivity of proteins, i.e., the short-term diffusivity of the bound protein changes substantially with time, and may in turn contribute to the formation/dissolution of protein complexes in membranes.

Targeting PDK1 for Chemosensitization of Cancer Cells

Despite the rapid development in the field of oncology, cancer remains the second cause of mortality worldwide, with the number of new cases expected to more than double in the coming years. Chemotherapy is widely used to decelerate or stop tumour development in combination with surgery or radiation therapy when appropriate, and in many cases this improves the symptomatology of the disease. Unfortunately though, chemotherapy is not applicable to all patients and even when it is, there are many cases where a successful initial treatment period is followed by chemotherapeutic drug resistance. This is caused by a number of reasons, ranging from the genetic background of the patient (innate resistance) to the formation of tumour-initiating cells (acquired resistance). In this review, we discuss the potential role of PDK1 in the development of chemoresistance in different types of malignancy, and the design and application of potent inhibitors which can promote chemosensitization.

Absence of IQGAP1 Protein Leads to Insulin Resistance

Insulin binds to the insulin receptor (IR) and induces tyrosine phosphorylation of the receptor and insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1), leading to activation of the PKB/Akt and MAPK/ERK pathways. IQGAP1 is a scaffold protein that interacts with multiple binding partners and integrates diverse signaling cascades. Here we show that IQGAP1 associates with both IR and IRS-1 and influences insulin action. In vitro analysis with pure proteins revealed that the IQ region of IQGAP1 binds directly to the intracellular domain of IR. Similarly, the phosphotyrosine-binding domain of IRS-1 mediates a direct interaction with the C-terminal tail of IQGAP1. Consistent with these observations, both IR and IRS-1 co-immunoprecipitated with IQGAP1 from cells. Investigation of the functional effects of the interactions revealed that in the absence of IQGAP1, insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of Akt and ERK, as well as the association of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase with IRS-1, were significantly decreased. Importantly, loss of IQGAP1 results in impaired insulin signaling and glucose homeostasis in vivo Collectively, these data reveal that IQGAP1 is a scaffold for IR and IRS-1 and implicate IQGAP1 as a participant in insulin signaling.

Quantifying lipid changes in various membrane compartments using lipid binding protein domains

One of the largest challenges in cell biology is to map the lipid composition of the membranes of various organelles and define the exact location of processes that control the synthesis and distribution of lipids between cellular compartments. The critical role of phosphoinositides, low-abundant lipids with rapid metabolism and exceptional regulatory importance in the control of almost all aspects of cellular functions created the need for tools to visualize their localizations and dynamics at the single cell level. However, there is also an increasing need for methods to determine the cellular distribution of other lipids regulatory or structural, such as diacylglycerol, phosphatidic acid, or other phospholipids and cholesterol. This review will summarize recent advances in this research field focusing on the means by which changes can be described in more quantitative terms.

Multiscale Simulations Suggest a Mechanism for the Association of the Dok7 PH Domain with PIP-Containing Membranes

Dok7 is a peripheral membrane protein that is associated with the MuSK receptor tyrosine kinase. Formation of the Dok7/MuSK/membrane complex is required for the activation of MuSK. This is a key step in the complex exchange of signals between neuron and muscle, which lead to neuromuscular junction formation, dysfunction of which is associated with congenital myasthenic syndromes. The Dok7 structure consists of a Pleckstrin Homology (PH) domain and a Phosphotyrosine Binding (PTB) domain. The mechanism of the Dok7 association with the membrane remains largely unknown. Using multi-scale molecular dynamics simulations we have explored the formation of the Dok7 PH/membrane complex. Our simulations indicate that the PH domain of Dok7 associates with membranes containing phosphatidylinositol phosphates (PIPs) via interactions of the β1/β2, β3/β4, and β5/β6 loops, which together form a positively charged surface on the PH domain and interact with the negatively charged headgroups of PIP molecules. The initial encounter of the Dok7 PH domain is followed by formation of additional interactions with the lipid bilayer, and especially with PIP molecules, which stabilizes the Dok7 PH/membrane complex. We have quantified the binding of the PH domain to the model bilayers by calculating a density landscape for protein/membrane interactions. Detailed analysis of the PH/PIP interactions reveal both a canonical and an atypical site to be occupied by the anionic lipid. PH domain binding leads to local clustering of PIP molecules in the bilayer. Association of the Dok7 PH domain with PIP lipids is therefore seen as a key step in localization of Dok7 to the membrane and formation of a complex with MuSK.

Neuromuscular junction formation and maintenance is an essential biological process, the disruption of which leads to congenital myasthenic syndromes and premature death. Dok7 is a key member in formation, maintenance and signaling in neuromuscular junctions. Dok7 is a peripheral membrane protein that is necessary for full activation of the receptor tyrosine kinase MuSK, a receptor tyrosine kinase residing in the postsynaptic membrane. The structure of Dok7 consists of both a PH domain and a PTB domain. The interaction of Dok7 with cell membranes is not well understood. Here, we use molecular simulations to show that the Dok7 PH domain preferentially binds to PIP lipid molecules when associating with a membrane. Dok7 interacts with the bilayer in both a canonical binding mode and an alternative binding mode. Our simulations also demonstrate the presence of both a canonical and an atypical binding site for PIPs in agreement with recent crystallographic studies of the ASAP1 PH domain. Analysis of density landscapes for the interaction of the Dok7 PH domain with PIP-containing lipid bilayers is also able to identify both canonical and alternative binding modes. Our improved understanding of how Dok7 interacts with a membrane is key to examining Dok7/MuSK signaling.

Interactions of Pleckstrin Homology Domains with Membranes: Adding Back the Bilayer via High-Throughput Molecular Dynamics

A molecular simulation pipeline for determining the mode of interaction of pleckstrin homology (PH) domains with phosphatidylinositol phosphate (PIP)-containing lipid bilayers is presented. We evaluate our methodology for the GRP1 PH domain via comparison with structural and biophysical data. Coarse-grained simulations yield a 2D density landscape for PH/membrane interactions alongside residue contact profiles. Predictions of the membrane localization and interactions of 13 PH domains reveal canonical, non-canonical, and dual PIP-binding sites on the proteins. Thus, the PH domains associate with the PIP molecules in the membrane via a highly positively charged loop. Some PH domains exhibit modes of interaction with PIP-containing membranes additional to this canonical binding mode. All 13 PH domains cause a degree of local clustering of PIP molecules upon binding to the membrane. This provides a global picture of PH domain interactions with membranes. The high-throughput approach could be extended to other families of peripheral membrane proteins.

A Small Molecule Inhibitor of PDK1/PLCγ1 Interaction Blocks Breast and Melanoma Cancer Cell Invasion

Strong evidence suggests that phospholipase Cγ1 (PLCγ1) is a suitable target to counteract tumourigenesis and metastasis dissemination. We recently identified a novel signalling pathway required for PLCγ1 activation which involves formation of a protein complex with 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1 (PDK1). In an effort to define novel strategies to inhibit PLCγ1-dependent signals we tested here whether a newly identified and highly specific PDK1 inhibitor, 2-O-benzyl-myo-inositol 1,3,4,5,6-pentakisphosphate (2-O-Bn-InsP₅), could affect PDK1/PLCγ1 interaction and impair PLCγ1-dependent cellular functions in cancer cells. Here, we demonstrate that 2-O-Bn-InsP₅ interacts specifically with the pleckstrin homology domain of PDK1 and impairs formation of a PDK1/PLCγ1 complex. 2-O-Bn-InsP₅ is able to inhibit the epidermal growth factor-induced PLCγ1 phosphorylation and activity, ultimately resulting in impaired cancer cell migration and invasion. Importantly, we report that 2-O-Bn-InsP₅ inhibits cancer cell dissemination in zebrafish xenotransplants. This work demonstrates that the PDK1/PLCγ1 complex is a potential therapeutic target to prevent metastasis and it identifies 2-O-Bn-InsP₅ as a leading compound for development of anti-metastatic drugs.

Structural and Biochemical Characterization of the Catalytic Core of the Metastatic Factor P-Rex1 and Its Regulation by PtdIns(3,4,5)P3

Phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP3)-dependent Rac exchanger 1 (P-Rex1) is a Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor synergistically activated by PIP3 and Gβγ that plays an important role in the metastasis of breast, prostate, and skin cancer, making it an attractive therapeutic target. However, the molecular mechanisms behind P-Rex1 regulation are poorly understood. We determined structures of the P-Rex1 pleckstrin homology (PH) domain bound to the headgroup of PIP3 and resolved that PIP3 binding to the PH domain is required for P-Rex1 activity in cells but not for membrane localization, which points to an allosteric activation mechanism by PIP3. We also determined structures of the P-Rex1 tandem Dbl homology/PH domains in complexes with two of its substrate GTPases, Rac1 and Cdc42. Collectively, this study provides important molecular insights into P-Rex1 regulation and tools for targeting the PIP3-binding pocket of P-Rex1 with a new generation of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

PDK1 induces JunB, EMT, cell migration and invasion in human gallbladder cancer

The protein 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1 (PDK1) is upregulated in cancer. Here we showed that PDK1 stimulated cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis in gallbladder cancer (GBC), by inducing JunB and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. JunB levels were increased in GBC samples and positively correlated with PDK1 levels in tumors. High levels of JunB predicted poor overall survival in GBC patients. Thus, PDK1 functions as a tumor promoter in human GBC by upregulating JunB.

PDK1 induces JunB, EMT, cell migration and invasion in human gallbladder cancer

The protein 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1 (PDK1) is upregulated in cancer. Here we showed that PDK1 stimulated cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis in gallbladder cancer (GBC), by inducing JunB and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. JunB levels were increased in GBC samples and positively correlated with PDK1 levels in tumors. High levels of JunB predicted poor overall survival in GBC patients. Thus, PDK1 functions as a tumor promoter in human GBC by upregulating JunB.

p21-activated Kinases (PAKs) Mediate the Phosphorylation of PREX2 Protein to Initiate Feedback Inhibition of Rac1 GTPase

Phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP3)-dependent Rac exchanger 2 (PREX2) is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for the Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1) GTPase, facilitating the exchange of GDP for GTP on Rac1. GTP-bound Rac1 then activates its downstream effectors, including p21-activated kinases (PAKs). PREX2 and Rac1 are frequently mutated in cancer and have key roles within the insulin-signaling pathway. Rac1 can be inactivated by multiple mechanisms; however, negative regulation by insulin is not well understood. Here, we show that in response to being activated after insulin stimulation, Rac1 initiates its own inactivation by decreasing PREX2 GEF activity. Following PREX2-mediated activation of Rac1 by the second messengers PIP3 or Gβγ, we found that PREX2 was phosphorylated through a PAK-dependent mechanism. PAK-mediated phosphorylation of PREX2 reduced GEF activity toward Rac1 by inhibiting PREX2 binding to PIP3 and Gβγ. Cell fractionation experiments also revealed that phosphorylation prevented PREX2 from localizing to the cellular membrane. Furthermore, the onset of insulin-induced phosphorylation of PREX2 was delayed compared with AKT. Altogether, we propose that second messengers activate the Rac1 signal, which sets in motion a cascade whereby PAKs phosphorylate and negatively regulate PREX2 to decrease Rac1 activation. This type of regulation would allow for transient activation of the PREX2-Rac1 signal and may be relevant in multiple physiological processes, including diseases such as diabetes and cancer when insulin signaling is chronically activated.

PKCη/Rdx-driven phosphorylation of PDK1: a novel mechanism promoting cancer cell survival and permissiveness for parvovirus-induced lysis

The intrinsic oncotropism and oncosuppressive activities of rodent protoparvoviruses (PVs) are opening new prospects for cancer virotherapy. Virus propagation, cytolytic activity, and spread are tightly connected to activation of the PDK1 signaling cascade, which delays stress-induced cell death and sustains functioning of the parvoviral protein NS1 through PKC(η)-driven modifications. Here we reveal a new PV-induced intracellular loop-back mechanism whereby PKCη/Rdx phosphorylates mouse PDK1:S138 and activates it independently of PI3-kinase signaling. The corresponding human PDK1phosphoS135 appears as a hallmark of highly aggressive brain tumors and may contribute to the very effective targeting of human gliomas by H-1PV. Strikingly, although H-1PV does not trigger PDK1 activation in normal human cells, such cells show enhanced viral DNA amplification and NS1-induced death upon expression of a constitutively active PDK1 mimicking PDK1phosphoS135. This modification thus appears as a marker of human glioma malignant progression and sensitivity to H-1PV-induced tumor cell killing.

The H-1 protoparvovirus (H-1PV) is the first replication-competent member of the Parvoviridae family to undergo a phase I/IIa clinical trial in patients suffering from glioblastoma multiforme. Although the intrinsic oncotropism and oncolytic activity of protoparvoviruses are well known, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. Here we identify a PV-induced intracellular loop-back mechanism that promotes PV replication and cytotoxicity through PI3-kinase-independent stimulation of PDK1 and of the PKC and PKB/Akt1 downstream kinases. This mechanism involves PKCη/Rdx-mediated phosphorylation of PDK1 (at S138 in mouse or S135 in human). Interestingly, this phosphorylation appears as a hallmark of highly aggressive brain tumors. Although H-1PV does not promote it in normal human cells, experimentally administered activated PDK1 variants were able to sensitize these cells to virus infection. These data lead us to propose PDK1phosphoS135 as a new candidate marker for monitoring tumor progression and responsiveness to oncolytic parvovirotherapy, particularly in the case of highly aggressive brain tumors. Furthermore, the sensitivity of PDK1phosphoS135-positive cell lines to inhibitors of PKCη/Rdx argues for considering this complex as a potential target for anticancer drug development.

Structure of myosin-1c tail bound to calmodulin provides insights into calcium-mediated conformational coupling

Class I myosins can sense cellular mechanical forces and function as tension-sensitive anchors or transporters. How mechanical load is transduced from the membrane-binding tail to the force-generating head in myosin-1 is unknown. Here we determined the crystal structure of the entire tail of mouse myosin-1c in complex with apocalmodulin, showing that myosin-1c adopts a stable monomer conformation suited for force transduction. The lever-arm helix and the C-terminal extended PH domain of the motor are coupled by a stable post-IQ domain bound to calmodulin in a highly unusual mode. Ca(2+) binding to calmodulin induces major conformational changes in both IQ motifs and the post-IQ domain and increases flexibility of the myosin-1c tail. Our study provides a structural blueprint for the neck and tail domains of myosin-1 and expands the target binding modes of the master Ca(2+)-signal regulator calmodulin.

Requirements for pseudosubstrate arginine residues during autoinhibition and phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-(PO₄)₃-dependent activation of atypical PKC

Atypical PKC (aPKC) isoforms are activated by the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase product phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-(PO4)3 (PIP3). How PIP3 activates aPKC is unknown. Although Akt activation involves PIP3 binding to basic residues in the Akt pleckstrin homology domain, aPKCs lack this domain. Here we examined the role of basic arginine residues common to aPKC pseudosubstrate sequences. Replacement of all five (or certain) arginine residues in the pseudosubstrate sequence of PKC-ι by site-directed mutagenesis led to constitutive activation and unresponsiveness to PIP3 in vitro or insulin in vivo. However, with the addition of the exogenous arginine-containing pseudosubstrate tridecapeptide to inhibit this constitutively active PKC-ι, PIP3-activating effects were restored. A similar restoration of responsiveness to PIP3 was seen when exogenous pseudosubstrate was used to inhibit mouse liver PKC-λ/ζ maximally activated by insulin or ceramide and a truncated, constitutively active PKC-ζ mutant lacking all regulatory domain elements and containing "activating" glutamate residues at loop and autophosphorylation sites (Δ1-247/T410E/T560E-PKC-ζ). NMR studies suggest that PIP3 binds directly to the pseudosubstrate. The ability of PIP3 to counteract the inhibitory effects of the exogenous pseudosubstrate suggests that basic residues in the pseudosubstrate sequence are required for maintaining aPKCs in an inactive state and are targeted by PIP3 for displacement from the substrate-binding site during kinase activation.

DawnRank: discovering personalized driver genes in cancer

Large-scale cancer genomic studies have revealed that the genetic heterogeneity of the same type of cancer is greater than previously thought. A key question in cancer genomics is the identification of driver genes. Although existing methods have identified many common drivers, it remains challenging to predict personalized drivers to assess rare and even patient-specific mutations. We developed a new algorithm called DawnRank to directly prioritize altered genes on a single patient level. Applications to TCGA datasets demonstrated the effectiveness of our method. We believe DawnRank complements existing driver identification methods and will help us discover personalized causal mutations that would otherwise be obscured by tumor heterogeneity. Source code can be accessed at http://bioen-compbio.bioen.illinois.edu/DawnRank/.

Investigation of LKB1 Ser431 phosphorylation and Cys433 farnesylation using mouse knockin analysis reveals an unexpected role of prenylation in regulating AMPK activity

The LKB1 tumour suppressor protein kinase functions to activate two isoforms of AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) and 12 members of the AMPK-related family of protein kinases. The highly conserved C-terminal residues of LKB1 are phosphorylated (Ser431) by PKA (cAMP-dependent protein kinase) and RSK (ribosomal S6 kinase) and farnesylated (Cys433) within a CAAX motif. To better define the role that these post-translational modifications play, we created homozygous LKB1S431A/S431A and LKB1C433S/C433S knockin mice. These animals were viable, fertile and displayed no overt phenotypes. Employing a farnesylation-specific monoclonal antibody that we generated, we established by immunoprecipitation that the vast majority, if not all, of the endogenous LKB1 is prenylated. Levels of LKB1 localized at the membrane of the liver of LKB1C433S/C433S mice and their fibroblasts were reduced substantially compared with the wild-type mice, confirming that farnesylation plays a role in mediating membrane association. Although AMPK was activated normally in the LKB1S431A/S431A animals, we unexpectedly observed in all of the examined tissues and cells taken from LKB1C433S/C433S mice that the basal, as well as that induced by the AMP-mimetic AICAR (5-amino-4-imidazolecarboxamide riboside), AMPK activation, phenformin and muscle contraction were significantly blunted. This resulted in a reduced ability of AICAR to inhibit lipid synthesis in primary hepatocytes isolated from LKB1C433S/C433S mice. The activity of several of the AMPK-related kinases analysed [BRSK1 (BR serine/threonine kinase 1), BRSK2, NUAK1 (NUAK family, SNF1-like kinase 1), SIK3 (salt-inducible kinase 3) and MARK4 (MAP/microtubule affinity-regulating kinase 4)] was not affected in tissues derived from LKB1S431A/S431A or LKB1C433S/C433S mice. Our observations reveal for the first time that farnesylation of LKB1 is required for the activation of AMPK. Previous reports have indicated that a pool of AMPK is localized at the plasma membrane as a result of myristoylation of its regulatory AMPKβ subunit. This raises the possibility that LKB1 farnesylation and myristoylation of AMPKβ might promote the interaction and co-localization of these enzymes on a two-dimensional membrane surface and thereby promote efficient activation of AMPK.

Activated α2-macroglobulin binding to cell surface GRP78 induces T-loop phosphorylation of Akt1 by PDK1 in association with Raptor

PDK1 phosphorylates multiple substrates including Akt by PIP3-dependent mechanisms. In this report we provide evidence that in prostate cancer cells stimulated with activated α2-macroglobulin (α2M*) PDK1 phosphorylates Akt in the T-loop at Thr(308) by using Raptor in the mTORC1 complex as a scaffold protein. First we demonstrate that PDK1, Raptor, and mTOR co-immunoprecipitate. Silencing the expression, not only of PDK1, but also Raptor by RNAi nearly abolished Akt phosphorylation at Akt(Thr308) in Raptor-immunoprecipitates of α2M*-stimulated prostate cancer cells. Immunodepleting Raptor or PDK from cell lysates of cells treated with α2M* drastically reduced Akt phosphorylation at Thr(308), which was recovered by adding the supernatant of Raptor- or PDK1-depleted cell lysates, respectively. Studies of insulin binding to its receptor on prostate cancer cells yielded similar results. We thus demonstrate that phosphorylating the T-loop Akt residue Thr(308) by PDK1 requires Raptor of the mTORC1 complex as a platform or scaffold protein.

Microscopic methods to observe the distribution of lipids in the cellular membrane

Membrane lipids not only provide the structural framework of cellular membranes but also influence protein functions in several different ways. In comparison to proteins, however, relatively little is known about distribution of membrane lipids because of the insufficiency of microscopic methods. The difficulty in studying lipid distribution results from several factors, including their unresponsiveness to chemical fixation, fast translational movement, small molecular size, and high packing density. In this Current Topic, we consider the major microscopic methods and discuss whether and to what degree of precision these methods can reveal membrane lipid distribution in situ. We highlight two fixation methods, chemical and physical, and compare the theoretical limitations to their spatial resolution. Recognizing the strengths and weaknesses of each method should help researchers interpret their microscopic results and increase our understanding of the physiological functions of lipids.

Genome-wide analysis of the phosphoinositide kinome from two ciliates reveals novel evolutionary links for phosphoinositide kinases in eukaryotic cells

Background

The complexity of phosphoinositide signaling in higher eukaryotes is partly due to expansion of specific families and types of phosphoinositide kinases (PIKs) that can generate all phosphoinositides via multiple routes. This is particularly evident in the PI3Ks and PIPKs, and it is considered an evolutionary trait associated with metazoan diversification. Yet, there are limited comprehensive studies on the PIK repertoire of free living unicellular organisms.

Methodology/Principal Findings

We undertook a genome-wide analysis of putative PIK genes in two free living ciliated cells, Tetrahymena and Paramecium. The Tetrahymena thermophila and Paramecium tetraurelia genomes were probed with representative kinases from all families and types. Putative homologs were verified by EST, microarray and deep RNA sequencing database searches and further characterized for domain structure, catalytic efficiency, expression patterns and phylogenetic relationships. In total, we identified and characterized 22 genes in the Tetrahymena thermophila genome and 62 highly homologues genes in Paramecium tetraurelia suggesting a tight evolutionary conservation in the ciliate lineage. Comparison to the kinome of fungi reveals a significant expansion of PIK genes in ciliates.

Conclusions/Significance

Our study highlights four important aspects concerning ciliate and other unicellular PIKs. First, ciliate-specific expansion of PI4KIII-like genes. Second, presence of class I PI3Ks which, at least in Tetrahymena, are associated with a metazoan-type machinery for PIP₃ signaling. Third, expansion of divergent PIPK enzymes such as the recently described type IV transmembrane PIPKs. Fourth, presence of possible type II PIPKs and presumably inactive PIKs (hence, pseudo-PIKs) not previously described. Taken together, our results provide a solid framework for future investigation of the roles of PIKs in ciliates and indicate that novel functions and novel regulatory pathways of phosphoinositides may be more widespread than previously thought in unicellular organisms.