Ras-MAP kinase signaling by lysophosphatidic acid and other G protein-coupled receptor agonists

Sphingosine kinase 2 in cancer: A review of its expression, function, and inhibitor development

Cancer is a major public health problem facing contemporary society. Notwithstanding considerable progress in medicine in recent decades, a cure for numerous cancer kinds continues to be unattainable. Thus, the pursuit of innovative therapeutic targets and methodologies remains paramount in medical research. The advancement of lipidomics has progressively revealed the essential roles of lipid metabolic pathways. Sphingosine kinase (SphK) and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) are essential molecules in sphingolipid metabolism, significantly influencing physiological functions. Two isoforms of SphK exist including SphK1 and SphK2, both of which exhibit significant expression levels within a spectrum of cancers. The involvement of SphK1 in carcinogenesis has been thoroughly documented, whereas the significance of SphK2 in cancer remains inadequately elucidated. This review retrospectively and extensively elucidates the expression and distribution of SphK2 in cancer, its methods of action, and advancements in inhibitor research, emphasizing the varied functions of the SphK2 in oncogenesis. The objective is to furnish novel insights for study and therapeutic applications concerning SphK2 in oncology.

The Acrasis kona genome and developmental transcriptomes reveal deep origins of eukaryotic multicellular pathways

Acrasids are amoebae with the capacity to form multicellular fruiting bodies in a process known as aggregative multicellularity (AGM). This makes acrasids the only known example of multicellularity among the earliest branches of eukaryotes (the former Excavata). Here, we report the Acrasis kona genome sequence plus transcriptomes from pre-, mid- and post-developmental stages. The genome is rich in novelty and genes with strong signatures of horizontal transfer, and multigene families encode nearly half of the amoeba's predicted proteome. Development in A. kona appears molecularly simple relative to the AGM model, Dictyostelium discoideum. However, the acrasid also differs from the dictyostelid in that it does not appear to be starving during development. Instead, developing A. kona appears to be very metabolically active, does not induce autophagy and does not up-regulate its proteasomal genes. Together, these observations strongly suggest that starvation is not essential for AGM development. Nonetheless, development in the two amoebae appears to employ remarkably similar pathways for signaling, motility and, potentially, construction of an extracellular matrix surrounding the developing cell mass. Much of this similarity is also shared with animal development, suggesting that much of the basic tool kit for multicellular development arose early in eukaryote evolution.

Tinosporae Radix attenuates acute pharyngitis by regulating glycerophospholipid metabolism and inflammatory responses through PI3K-Akt signaling pathway

Introduction

With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the incidence and prevalence of acute pharyngitis (AP) have increased significantly. Tinosporae Radix (TR) is a vital medication utilized in the treatment of pharyngeal and laryngeal ailments, especially AP. The study endeavors to explore unclear molecular mechanisms of TR in addressing AP.

Methods

Network pharmacology and metabolomics analyses of effect of TR on AP were conducted, and apossible pathway was validated both in vivo using the acute pharyngitis rat model and in vitro using the LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells model, through techniques such as histopathological examinations, immunohistochemical technology, ELISA, RT-qPCR, and Western blotting to systematically explore the possible mechanisms underlying the inhibition of AP by TR.

Results and discussion

Network pharmacology analysis identified several key targets, including PIK3CA, IL6, AKT1, TNF, and PTGS2, alongside pivotal signaling pathways such as IL-17, TNF, Hepatitis B, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), Influenza A, and the PI3K-Akt pathway. Most of them are closely associated with inflammation. Then, wide-target metabolomics analysis showed that TR downregulated substances within the glycerophospholipid metabolic pathway, and modulated the PI3K-Akt pathway. The integrated findings from network pharmacology and metabolomics underscored the pivotal role of the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and the attenuation of inflammatory responses. Finally, in vitro and in vivo experiments have shown that TR can inhibit inflammatory factors such as IL-6, TNF - α, and COX-2, downregulate targets such as PI3K and AKT on the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and thereby alleviate the inflammatory response of AP. Our study demonstrated that TR exerts an anti-AP effect through suppression of release of inflammatory factors and modulation of glycerophospholipid metabolism via suppressing the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.

GPCR-mediated EGFR transactivation ameliorates skin toxicities induced by afatinib

Many G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) agonists have been studied for transactivating epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling through extracellular or intracellular pathways. Accumulated evidence has confirmed that GPCR transactivation participates in various diseases. However, the clinical application of GPCR transactivation has not been explored, and more translational studies are needed to develop therapies to target GPCR-mediated EGFR transactivation. In cancer patients treated with EGFR inhibitors (EGFRi), especially afatinib, a unique acneiform rash is frequently developed. In this study, we first established the connection between GPCR transactivation and EGFRi-induced skin disease. We examined the ability of three different GPCR agonists to reverse signaling inhibition and ameliorate rash induced by EGFRi. The activation of different agonists follows unique time and kinase patterns. Rats treated with EGFRi show a similar skin phenotype, with rash occurring in the clinic; correspondingly, treatment with GPCR agonists reduced keratinocyte apoptosis, growth retardation and infiltration of inflammatory cytokines by transactivation. This phenomenon demonstrates that EGFR inhibition in keratinocytes regulates key factors associated with rash. Our findings indicate that maintaining EGFR signaling by GPCR agonists might provide a possible therapy for EGFR inhibitor-induced skin toxicities. Our study provides the first example of the translational application of GPCR transactivation in treating diseases.

Two Motors and One Spring: Hypothetic Roles of Non-Muscle Myosin II and Submembrane Actin-Based Cytoskeleton in Cell Volume Sensing

Changes in plasma membrane curvature and intracellular ionic strength are two key features of cell volume perturbations. In this hypothesis we present a model of the responsible molecular apparatus which is assembled of two molecular motors [non-muscle myosin II (NMMII) and protrusive actin polymerization], a spring [a complex between the plasma membrane (PM) and the submembrane actin-based cytoskeleton (smACSK) which behaves like a viscoelastic solid] and the associated signaling proteins. We hypothesize that this apparatus senses changes in both the plasma membrane curvature and the ionic strength and in turn activates signaling pathways responsible for regulatory volume increase (RVI) and regulatory volume decrease (RVD). During cell volume changes hydrostatic pressure (HP) changes drive alterations in the cell membrane curvature. HP difference has opposite directions in swelling versus shrinkage, thus allowing distinction between them. By analogy with actomyosin contractility that appears to sense stiffness of the extracellular matrix we propose that NMMII and actin polymerization can actively probe the transmembrane gradient in HP. Furthermore, NMMII and protein-protein interactions in the actin cortex are sensitive to ionic strength. Emerging data on direct binding to and regulating activities of transmembrane mechanosensors by NMMII and actin cortex provide routes for signal transduction from transmembrane mechanosensors to cell volume regulatory mechanisms.

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptor modulators: Structural features and recent development

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) activates six LPA receptors (LPAR_1-6) and regulates various cellular activities such as cell proliferation, cytoprotection, and wound healing. Many studies elucidated the pathological outcomes of LPA are due to the alteration in signaling pathways, which include migration and invasion of cancer cells, fibrosis, atherosclerosis, and inflammation. Current pathophysiological research on LPA and its receptors provides a means that LPA receptors are new therapeutic targets for disorders associated with LPA. Various chemical modulators are developed and are under investigation to treat a wide range of pathological complications. This review summarizes the physiological and pathological roles of LPA signaling, development of various LPA modulators, their structural features, patents, and their clinical outcomes.

The lysophosphatidic acid axis in fibrosis: Implications for glaucoma

Glaucoma is a common progressive optic neuropathy that results in visual field defects and can lead to irreversible blindness. The pathophysiology of glaucoma involves dysregulated extracellular matrix remodelling in both the trabecular meshwork in the anterior chamber and in the lamina cribrosa of the optic nerve head. Fibrosis in these regions leads to raised intraocular pressure and retinal ganglion cell degeneration, respectively. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a bioactive lipid mediator which acts via six G-protein coupled receptors on the cell surface to activate intracellular pathways that promote cell proliferation, transcription and survival. LPA signalling has been implicated in both normal wound healing and pathological fibrosis. LPA enhances fibroblast proliferation, migration and contraction, and induces expression of pro-fibrotic mediators such as connective tissue growth factor. The LPA axis plays a major role in diseases such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, where it has been identified as an important pharmacological target. In glaucoma, LPA is present in high levels in the aqueous humour, and its signalling has been found to increase resistance to aqueous humour outflow through altered trabecular meshwork cellular contraction and extracellular matrix deposition. LPA signalling may, therefore, also represent an attractive target for treatment of glaucoma. In this review we wish to describe the role of LPA and its related proteins in tissue fibrosis and glaucoma.

An updated patent review of autotaxin inhibitors (2017-present)

INTRODUCTION

The ATX-LPA axis is an attractive target for therapeutic intervention in a variety of diseases, such as tumor metastasis, fibrosis, pruritus, multiple sclerosis, inflammation, autoimmune conditions, metabolic syndrome, and so on. Accordingly, considerable efforts have been devoted to the development of new chemical entities capable of modulating the ATX-LPA axis.

AREAS COVERED

This review aims to provide an overview of novel ATX inhibitors reported in patents from September 2016 to August 2020, discussing their structural characteristics and inhibitory potency in vitro and in vivo.

EXPERT OPINION

In the past four years, the classification of ATX inhibitors based on binding modes has brought great benefits to the discovery of more efficacious inhibitors. In addition to GLPG1690 currently in phase III clinical studies for IPF, BBT-877, and BLD-0409 as potent ATX inhibitors have been enrolled in phase I clinical evaluation; meanwhile, many effective molecules were also reported successively. However, most emerging ATX inhibitors in the last four years are closely analogs of previous entities, such as GLPG1690 and PF-8380, which translate into the urgently identification of ATX inhibitors with diverse structural features and promising properties in the near future.

Lysophosphatidic Acid Augments the Gene Expression and Production of Matrix Metalloproteinases-1 and -3 in Human Synovial Fibroblasts in Vitro

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disease with joint dysfunction following cartilage degradation. The level of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) has been reported to be augmented in human synovial fluid from patients with RA. However, it remains to be elucidated whether LPA participates in cartilage destruction. In the present study, we have demonstrated that the production of promatrix metalloproteinases (proMMPs)-1 and -3 was augmented along with an increase of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 phosphorylation through LPA receptor 1 (LPAR₁) in human synovial fibroblasts. These results suggest that LPA transcriptionally increases MMP production by the activation of an LPAR₁/ERK1/2 signal pathway in human synovial fibroblasts. Thus, LPA is likely to be a pathological candidate for cartilage degradation in RA.

Cross-Talk in Nucleotide Signaling in Glioma C6 Cells

The chapter is focused on the mechanism of action of metabotropic P2Y nucleotide receptors: P2Y₁, P2Y₂, P2Y₁₂, P2Y₁₄ and the ionotropic P2X₇ receptor in glioma C6 cells. P2Y₁ and P2Y₁₂ both respond to ADP, but while P2Y₁ links to PLC and elevates cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration, P2Y₁₂ negatively couples to adenylate cyclase, maintaining cAMP at low level. In glioma C6, these two P2Y receptors modulate activities of ERK1/2 and PI3K/Akt signaling and the effects depend on physiological conditions of the cells. During prolonged serum deprivation, cell growth is arrested, the expression of the P2Y₁ receptor strongly decreases and P2Y₁₂ becomes a major player responsible for ADP-evoked signal transduction. The P2Y₁₂ receptor activates ERK1/2 kinase phosphorylation (a known cell proliferation regulator) and stimulates Akt activity, contributing to glioma invasiveness. In contrast, P2Y₁ has an inhibitory effect on Akt pathway signaling. Furthermore, the P2X₇ receptor, often responsible for apoptotic fate, is not involved in Ca²⁺elevation in C6 cells. The shift in nucleotide receptor expression from P2Y₁ to P2Y₁₂ during serum withdrawal, the cross talk between both receptors and the lack of P2X₇ activity shows the precise self-regulating mechanism, enhancing survival and preserving the neoplastic features of C6 cells.

Ovarian Cancer Dissemination-A Cell Biologist's Perspective

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) comprises multiple disease states representing a variety of distinct tumors that, irrespective of tissue of origin, genetic aberrations and pathological features, share common patterns of dissemination to the peritoneal cavity. EOC peritoneal dissemination is a stepwise process that includes the formation of malignant outgrowths that detach and establish widespread peritoneal metastases through adhesion to serosal membranes. The cell biology associated with outgrowth formation, detachment, and de novo adhesion is at the nexus of diverse genetic backgrounds that characterize the disease. Development of treatment for metastatic disease will require detailed characterization of cellular processes involved in each step of EOC peritoneal dissemination. This article offers a review of the literature that relates to the current stage of knowledge about distinct steps of EOC peritoneal dissemination, with emphasis on the cell biology aspects of the process.

The Hippo Tumor Suppressor Pathway (YAP/TAZ/TEAD/MST/LATS) and EGFR-RAS-RAF-MEK in cancer metastasis

Hippo Tumor Suppressor Pathway is the main pathway for cell growth that regulates tissue enlargement and organ size by limiting cell growth. This pathway is activated in response to cell cycle arrest signals (cell polarity, transduction, and DNA damage) and limited by growth factors or mitogens associated with EGF and LPA. The major pathway consists of the central kinase of Ste20 MAPK (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), Hpo (Drosophila melanogaster) or MST kinases (mammalian) that activates the mammalian AGC kinase dmWts or LATS effector (MST and LATS). YAP in the nucleus work as a cofactor for a wide range of transcription factors involved in proliferation (TEA domain family, TEAD1-4), stem cells (Oct4 mononuclear factor and SMAD-related TGFβ effector), differentiation (RUNX1), and Cell cycle/apoptosis control (p53, p63, and p73 family members). This is due to the diverse roles of YAP and may limit tumor progression and establishment. TEAD also coordinates various signal transduction pathways such as Hippo, WNT, TGFβ and EGFR, and effects on lack of regulation of TEAD cancerous genes, such as KRAS, BRAF, LKB1, NF2 and MYC, which play essential roles in tumor progression, metastasis, cancer metabolism, immunity, and drug resistance. However, RAS signaling is a pivotal factor in the inactivation of Hippo, which controls EGFR-RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK-mediated interaction of Hippo signaling. Thus, the loss of the Hippo pathway may have significant consequences on the targets of RAS-RAF mutations in cancer.

Autotaxin and chronic inflammatory diseases

Autotaxin (ATX) is a secreted glycoprotein, widely present in biological fluids including blood. ATX catalyzes the hydrolysis of lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) to lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a growth factor-like, signaling phospholipid. LPA exerts pleiotropic effects mediated by its G-protein-coupled receptors that are widely expressed and exhibit overlapping specificities. Although ATX also possesses matricellular properties, the majority of ATX reported functions in adulthood are thought to be mediated through the extracellular production of LPA. ATX-mediated LPA synthesis is likely localized at the cell surface through the possible interaction of ATX with integrins or other molecules, while LPA levels are further controlled by a group of membrane-associated lipid-phosphate phosphatases. ATX expression was shown to be necessary for embryonic development, and ATX deficient embryos exhibit defective vascular homeostasis and aberrant neuronal system development. In adult life, ATX is highly expressed in the adipose tissue and has been implicated in diet-induced obesity and glucose homeostasis with multiple implications in metabolic disorders. Additionally, LPA has been shown to affect multiple cell types, including stromal and immune cells in various ways. Therefore, LPA participates in many processes that are intricately involved in the pathogenesis of different chronic inflammatory diseases such as vascular homeostasis, skeletal and stromal remodeling, lymphocyte trafficking and immune regulation. Accordingly, increased ATX and LPA levels have been detected, locally and/or systemically, in patients with chronic inflammatory diseases, most notably idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), chronic liver diseases, and rheumatoid arthritis. Genetic and pharmacological studies in mice have confirmed a pathogenetic role for ATX expression and LPA signaling in chronic inflammatory diseases, and provided the proof of principle for therapeutic interventions, as exemplified by the ongoing clinical trials for IPF.

Promoter methylation of galanin receptors as epigenetic biomarkers for head and neck squamous cell carcinomas

INTRODUCTION

While remarkable progress has been made in standard treatments for head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs), the long-term survival remains at an unsatisfactory 40-50%. To improve the survival rate, biomarkers for optimal treatment selection and prognostic prediction, as well as novel, low-toxicity treatment strategies, are required. Galanin receptor (GALR) 1 and GALR2 are well-studied tumor suppressors in HNSCCs. Compared with other clinicopathological factors, the epigenetic variants of GALRs have been found to be the most powerful markers to predict the prognosis of HNSCC patients. Areas covered: This review outlines the functions and signaling pathways of GALRs and explains the potential of GALR promoter methylation as a biomarker for HNSCC prognosis. We also summarize recent developments in promoter methylation studies in HNSCC and indicate future directions for GALR promoter methylation studies. Expert commentary: GALR studies have highlighted two major aspects with implications in HNSCC - that G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) act as tumor suppressor genes and that GALR promoter methylation is significantly related to the carcinogenesis of HNSCC. The findings of GALR studies can be applied to studies on other GPCRs and further in-depth DNA methylation studies. Deeper insights into GPCR epigenetics are expected to markedly improve HNSCC treatment.

Autotaxin⁻Lysophosphatidic Acid Signaling in Alzheimer's Disease

The brain contains various forms of lipids that are important for maintaining its structural integrity and regulating various signaling cascades. Autotaxin (ATX) is an ecto-nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase-2 enzyme that hydrolyzes extracellular lysophospholipids into the lipid mediator lysophosphatidic acid (LPA). LPA is a major bioactive lipid which acts through G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and plays an important role in mediating cellular signaling processes. The majority of synthesized LPA is derived from membrane phospholipids through the action of the secreted enzyme ATX. Both ATX and LPA are highly expressed in the central nervous system. Dysfunctional expression and activity of ATX with associated changes in LPA signaling have recently been implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This review focuses on the current understanding of LPA signaling, with emphasis on the importance of the autotaxin–lysophosphatidic acid (ATX–LPA) pathway and its alterations in AD and a brief note on future therapeutic applications based on ATX–LPA signaling.

ERK Activation Pathways Downstream of GPCRs

GPCRs, the 7-TM receptors, represent a class of cell surface receptors which modulate a variety of physiological responses. The serpentine structure in addition to contributing the diversity of stimuli these receptors can sense also provides flexibility to the extracellular and intracellular regions where other proteins can interact with and can form functionally active multimeric entities. The range in signaling and physiological responses generated by these receptors can be attributed to a large repertoire of the receptor subtypes as well as their differential coupling to various classes of G-protein subunits and other proteins which facilitate multistate activation. A multistate GPCR can engage diverse signaling molecules, thereby modulating not only the canonical cellular responses but also noncanonical responses typically associated with activation of other cascades such as RTK and MAPK/ERK signaling. Given the crucial involvement of MAP kinase/ERK signaling in cell fate determination specially with respect to regulating cell proliferation, cellular apoptosis, and survival, GPCR-mediated cross-activation of MAPK has been explored in various systems and shown to involve functional integration of multiple pathways. This review describes the present knowledge of the different mechanisms of ERK activation downstream of GPCRs and our present understanding of receptor-dependent and -independent MAPK activation cascades.

Lysophosphatidic Acid Triggers Apoptosis in HeLa Cells through the Upregulation of Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily Member 21

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a naturally occurring bioactive phospholipid, activates G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), leading to regulation of diverse cellular events including cell survival and apoptosis. Despite extensive studies of the signaling pathways that mediate LPA-regulated cell growth and survival, the mechanisms underlying the apoptotic effect of LPA remain largely unclear. In this study, we investigated this issue in HeLa cells. Our data demonstrate that LPA induces apoptosis in HeLa cells at pathologic concentrations with a concomitant upregulation of the expression of TNFRSF21 (tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 21), also known as death receptor number 6 (DR6) involved in inflammation. Moreover, treatment of cells with LPA receptor (LPAR) antagonist abolished the DR6 upregulation by LPA. LPA-induced DR6 expression was also abrogated by pertussis toxin (PTX), an inhibitor of GPCRs, and by inhibitors of PI3K, PKC, MEK, and ERK. Intriguingly, LPA-induced DR6 expression was specifically blocked by dominant-negative form of PKCδ (PKCδ-DN). LPA-induced DR6 expression was also dramatically inhibited by knockdown of ERK or CREB. These results suggest that activation of the MEK/ERK pathway and the transcription factor CREB mediate LPA-induced DR6 expression. More interestingly, knockdown of DR6 using siRNA approach remarkably attenuated LPA-induced apoptosis. In conclusion, our results suggest that LPA-induced apoptosis in HeLa cells is mediated by the upregulation of DR6 expression.

Endogenous lysophosphatidic acid (LPA1 ) receptor agonists demonstrate ligand bias between calcium and ERK signalling pathways in human lung fibroblasts

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Human lung fibroblasts (HLF) express high levels of the LPA₁ receptor, a GPCR that responds to the endogenous lipid mediator, lysophosphatidic acid (LPA). Several molecular species or analogues of LPA exist and have been detected in biological fluids such as serum and plasma. The most widely expressed of the LPA receptor family is the LPA₁ receptor, which predominantly couples to G_q/11 , G_i/o and G_12/13 proteins. This promiscuity of coupling raises the possibility that some of the LPA analogues may bias the LPA₁ receptor towards one signalling pathway over another.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Here, we have explored the signalling profiles of a range of LPA analogues in HLF that endogenously express the LPA₁ receptor. HLF were treated with LPA analogues and receptor activation monitored via calcium mobilization and ERK phosphorylation.

KEY RESULTS

These analyses demonstrated that the 16:0, 17:0, 18:2 and C18:1 LPA analogues appear to exhibit ligand bias between ERK phosphorylation and calcium mobilization when compared with 18:1 LPA, one of the most abundant forms of LPA that has been found in human plasma.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

The importance of LPA as a key signalling molecule is shown by its widespread occurrence in biological fluids and its association with disease conditions such as fibrosis and cancer. These findings have important, as yet unexplored, implications for the (patho-) physiological signalling of the LPA₁ receptor, as it may be influenced not only by the concentration of endogenous ligand but the isoform as well.

P2Y1 Receptors - Properties and Functional Activities

In this chapter we try to show a comprehensive image of current knowledge of structure, activity and physiological role of the P2Y₁ purinergic receptor. The structure, distribution and changes in the expression of this receptor are summarized, as well as the mechanism of its signaling activity by the intracellular calcium mobilization. We try to show the connection between the components of its G protein activation and cellular or physiological effects, starting from changes in protein phosphorylation patterns and ending with such remote effects as receptor-mediated apoptosis. The special emphasis is put on the role of the P2Y₁ receptor in cancer cells and neuronal plasticity. We concentrate on the P2Y₁ receptor, it is though impossible to completely abstract from other aspects of nucleotide signaling and cross-talk with other nucleotide receptors is here discussed. Especially, the balance between P2Y₁ and P2Y₁₂ receptors, sharing the same ligand but signaling through different pathways, is presented.

Dental Pulp Fibroblasts Contain Target Cells for Lysophosphatidic Acid

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a locally produced bioactive phospholipid which is involved in tissue repair. The objective of this study was to determine whether dental pulp tissue also responds to the phospholipid. Effects of LPA on proliferation, differentiation, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling of dental pulp fibroblasts (DPF) were examined in vitro. We report that DPF express LPA receptors LPA1, LPA2, and LPA3 and respond to the ligand with increased mitogenic activity. Involvement of extracellular signal-regulated kinase, p38 MAPK, and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase in LPA signaling could be demonstrated by use of specific inhibitors and detection of the phosphorylation status of the kinases. An increased mitogenic activity paralleled a decreased number of alkaline-phosphatase-positive cells and expression levels of dentin sialophosphoprotein and osteocalcin. Together, these results suggest that dental pulp fibroblasts can respond to LPA, a process that may play a role in pulp tissue repair.

SUMO wrestling with Ras

This review discusses our current understanding of the small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) pathway and how it functionally intersects with Ras signaling in cancer. The Ras family of small GTPases are frequently mutated in cancer. The role of the SUMO pathway in cancer and in Ras signaling is currently not well understood. Recent studies have shown that the SUMO pathway can both regulate Ras/MAPK pathway activity directly and support Ras-driven oncogenesis through the regulation of proteins that are not direct Ras effectors. We recently discovered that in Ras mutant cancer cells, the SUMOylation status of a subset of proteins is altered and one such protein, KAP1, is required for Ras-driven transformation. A better understanding of the functional interaction between the SUMO and Ras pathways could lead to new insights into the mechanism of Ras-driven oncogenesis.

International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. XCIX. Angiotensin Receptors: Interpreters of Pathophysiological Angiotensinergic Stimuli [corrected]

The renin angiotensin system (RAS) produced hormone peptides regulate many vital body functions. Dysfunctional signaling by receptors for RAS peptides leads to pathologic states. Nearly half of humanity today would likely benefit from modern drugs targeting these receptors. The receptors for RAS peptides consist of three G-protein-coupled receptors—the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1 receptor), the angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2 receptor), the MAS receptor—and a type II trans-membrane zinc protein—the candidate angiotensin IV receptor (AngIV binding site). The prorenin receptor is a relatively new contender for consideration, but is not included here because the role of prorenin receptor as an independent endocrine mediator is presently unclear. The full spectrum of biologic characteristics of these receptors is still evolving, but there is evidence establishing unique roles of each receptor in cardiovascular, hemodynamic, neurologic, renal, and endothelial functions, as well as in cell proliferation, survival, matrix-cell interaction, and inflammation. Therapeutic agents targeted to these receptors are either in active use in clinical intervention of major common diseases or under evaluation for repurposing in many other disorders. Broad-spectrum influence these receptors produce in complex pathophysiological context in our body highlights their role as precise interpreters of distinctive angiotensinergic peptide cues. This review article summarizes findings published in the last 15 years on the structure, pharmacology, signaling, physiology, and disease states related to angiotensin receptors. We also discuss the challenges the pharmacologist presently faces in formally accepting newer members as established angiotensin receptors and emphasize necessary future developments.

G-Protein-Coupled Receptors: Next Generation Therapeutic Targets in Head and Neck Cancer?

Therapeutic outcome in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is poor in most advanced cases. To improve therapeutic efficiency, novel therapeutic targets and prognostic factors must be discovered. Our studies have identified several G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) as promising candidates. Significant epigenetic silencing of GPCR expression occurs in HNSCC compared with normal tissue, and is significantly correlated with clinical behavior. Together with the finding that GPCR activity can suppress tumor cell growth, this indicates that GPCR expression has potential utility as a prognostic factor. In this review, we discuss the roles that galanin receptor type 1 (GALR1) and type 2 (GALR2), tachykinin receptor type 1 (TACR1), and somatostatin receptor type 1 (SST1) play in HNSCC. GALR1 inhibits proliferation of HNSCC cells though ERK1/2-mediated effects on cell cycle control proteins such as p27, p57, and cyclin D1, whereas GALR2 inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in HNSCC cells. Hypermethylation of GALR1, GALR2, TACR1, and SST1 is associated with significantly reduced disease-free survival and a higher recurrence rate. Although their overall activities varies, each of these GPCRs has value as both a prognostic factor and a therapeutic target. These data indicate that further study of GPCRs is a promising strategy that will enrich pharmacogenomics and prognostic research in HNSCC.

Promising pharmacological directions in the world of lysophosphatidic Acid signaling

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a signaling lipid that binds to six known lysophosphatidic acid receptors (LPARs), named LPA₁-LPA₆. These receptors initiate signaling cascades relevant to development, maintenance, and healing processes throughout the body. The diversity and specificity of LPA signaling, especially in relation to cancer and autoimmune disorders, makes LPA receptor modulation an attractive target for drug development. Several LPAR-specific analogues and small molecules have been synthesized and are efficacious in attenuating pathology in disease models. To date, at least three compounds have passed phase I and phase II clinical trials for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and systemic sclerosis. This review focuses on the promising therapeutic directions emerging in LPA signaling toward ameliorating several diseases, including cancer, fibrosis, arthritis, hydrocephalus, and traumatic injury.

Cross-talk in nucleotide signaling in glioma C6 cells

The chapter is focused on the mechanism of action of metabotropic P2Y nucleotide receptors: P2Y(1), P2Y(2), P2Y(12), P2Y(14) and the ionotropic P2X(7) receptor in glioma C6 cells. P2Y(1) and P2Y(12) both respond to ADP, but while P2Y(1) links to PLC and elevates cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration, P2Y(12) negatively couples to adenylate cyclase, maintaining cAMP at low level. In glioma C6, these two P2Y receptors modulate activities of ERK1/2 and PI3K/Akt signaling and the effects depend on physiological conditions of the cells. During prolonged serum deprivation, cell growth is arrested, the expression of the P2Y(1) receptor strongly decreases and P2Y(12) becomes a major player responsible for ADP-evoked signal transduction. The P2Y(12) receptor activates ERK1/2 kinase phosphorylation (a known cell proliferation regulator) and stimulates Akt activity, contributing to glioma invasiveness. In contrast, P2Y(1) has an inhibitory effect on Akt pathway signaling. Furthermore, the P2X(7) receptor, often responsible for apoptotic fate, is not involved in Ca(2+)elevation in C6 cells. The shift in nucleotide receptor expression from P2Y(1) to P2Y(12) during serum withdrawal, the cross talk between both receptors and the lack of P2X(7) activity shows the precise self-regulating mechanism, enhancing survival and preserving the neoplastic features of C6 cells.

Cell rounding in cultured human astrocytes and vascular endothelial cells upon inhibition of CK2 is mediated by actomyosin cytoskeleton alterations

Protein kinase CK2 participates in a wide range of cellular events, including the regulation of cellular morphology and migration, and may be an important mediator of angiogenesis. We previously showed that in the retina, CK2 immunolocalizes mostly to vascular endothelium and astrocytes in association with the cytoskeleton. Additionally, CK2 inhibitors significantly reduced retinal neovascularization and stem cell recruitment in the mouse model of oxygen-induced proliferative retinopathy. We have also shown that CK2 and F-actin co-localized in actin stress fibers in microvascular endothelial cells, and that highly specific CK2 inhibitors caused cell rounding in astrocytes and microvascular endothelial cells, which was alleviated by serum that promotes spreading by Rho/Rho-kinase (RhoK) activation of myosin II. Therefore, we examined a possible role of CK2 in the regulation of actin-myosin II-based contractility. Treatment with CK2 inhibitors correlated with disassembly of actomyosin stress fibers and cell shape changes, including cytoplasmic retraction and process formation that were similar to those occurring during astrocyte stellation. Low doses of specific inhibitors of kinases (RhoK and MLCK) that phosphorylate myosin light chain (MLC) enhanced the effect of suboptimal CK2 inhibition on cell shape. Such striking stellation-like alteration was accompanied by decreased level of phospho-MLC, thus implying a CK2 role in regulation of actomyosin cytoskeleton. Our results suggest an important role of CK2 in the control of cell contractility and motility, which may account for suppressing effect of CK2 inhibition on retinal neovascularization. Together, our data implicate protein kinase CK2 for the first time in stellation-like morphological transformation.

Galectin-3 contributes to melanoma growth and metastasis via regulation of NFAT1 and autotaxin

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer in which patients with metastatic disease have a 5-year survival rate of less than 10%. Recently, the overexpression of a β-galactoside binding protein, galectin-3 (LGALS3), has been correlated with metastatic melanoma in patients. We have previously shown that silencing galectin-3 in metastatic melanoma cells reduces tumor growth and metastasis. Gene expression profiling identified the protumorigenic gene autotaxin (ENPP2) to be downregulated after silencing galectin-3. Here we report that galectin-3 regulates autotaxin expression at the transcriptional level by modulating the expression of the transcription factor NFAT1 (NFATC2). Silencing galectin-3 reduced NFAT1 protein expression, which resulted in decreased autotaxin expression and activity. Reexpression of autotaxin in galectin-3 silenced melanoma cells rescues angiogenesis, tumor growth, and metastasis in vivo. Silencing NFAT1 expression in metastatic melanoma cells inhibited tumor growth and metastatic capabilities in vivo. Our data elucidate a previously unidentified mechanism by which galectin-3 regulates autotaxin and assign a novel role for NFAT1 during melanoma progression.

LPA-induced suppression of periostin in human osteosarcoma cells is mediated by the LPA(1)/Egr-1 axis

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a naturally occurring bioactive phospholipid, mediates a multitude of (patho)physiological events including activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). As LPA may induce cellular reponses in human osteosarcoma, the present study aimed at investigating expression of various LPA receptors, LPA-mediated activation of MAPK via G-protein coupling, and expression of early response genes in a cellular model for human osteosarcoma. We show that MG-63 cells express three members of the endothelial differentiation gene (Edg) family of G-protein coupled receptor transcripts (LPA(1-3)) but only two (LPA(4/5)) out of three members of the non-Edg family LPA receptor transcripts. Stimulation of MG-63 cells with LPA or synthetic LPA receptor agonists resulted in p42/44 MAPK phosphorylation via LPA(1)-LPA(3) receptors. Using pharmacological inhibitors, we show that LPA-mediated phosphorylation of p42/44 MAPK by LPA receptor engagement is transmitted by G(αi)-dependent pathways through the Src family of tyrosine kinases. As a consequence, a rapid and transient upregulation of the zinc finger transcription factor early growth response-1 (Egr-1) was observed. Egr-1 expression was strictly mediated via G(αi)/Src/p42/44 MAPK pathway; no involvement of the G(αq/11)/PLC/PKC or the PLD/PI3 kinase/Akt pathways was found. LPA-induced expression of functional Egr-1 in MG-63 cells could be confirmed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. LPA-induced Egr-1 upregulation was accompanied by a time-dependent decrease of periostin (previously called osteoblast-specific factor 2), a cell adhesion protein for pre-osteoblasts. Silencing of LPA(1) and/or Egr-1 in MG-63 cells reversed LPA-mediated suppression of periostin. We here demonstrate a crosslink between Egr-1 and periostin in cancer cells, in particular in human osteosarcoma.

Diacylglycerol kinase ζ regulates RhoA activation via a kinase-independent scaffolding mechanism

The dissociation of individual Rho GTPases from RhoGDI ensures appropriate responses to cellular signals. The enzyme diacylglycerol kinase ζ (DGKζ) serves as a scaffold to assemble a signaling complex that functions as a RhoA-specific RhoGDI dissociation factor. DGKζ deficiency impairs RhoA activation and stress fiber formation in fibroblasts.

Rho GTPases share a common inhibitor, Rho guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitor (RhoGDI), which regulates their expression levels, membrane localization, and activation state. The selective dissociation of individual Rho GTPases from RhoGDI ensures appropriate responses to cellular signals, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Diacylglycerol kinase ζ (DGKζ), which phosphorylates diacylglycerol to yield phosphatidic acid, selectively dissociates Rac1 by stimulating PAK1-mediated phosphorylation of RhoGDI on Ser-101/174. Similarly, phosphorylation of RhoGDI on Ser-34 by protein kinase Cα (PKCα) selectively releases RhoA. Here we show DGKζ is required for RhoA activation and Ser-34 phosphorylation, which were decreased in DGKζ-deficient fibroblasts and rescued by wild-type DGKζ or a catalytically inactive mutant. DGKζ bound directly to the C-terminus of RhoA and the regulatory arm of RhoGDI and was required for efficient interaction of PKCα and RhoA. DGKζ-null fibroblasts had condensed F-actin bundles and altered focal adhesion distribution, indicative of aberrant RhoA signaling. Two targets of the RhoA effector ROCK showed reduced phosphorylation in DGKζ-null cells. Collectively our findings suggest DGKζ functions as a scaffold to assemble a signaling complex that functions as a RhoA-selective, GDI dissociation factor. As a regulator of Rac1 and RhoA activity, DGKζ is a critical factor linking changes in lipid signaling to actin reorganization.

α1 -Adrenergic receptor-induced cytoskeletal organization and cell motility in CCL39 fibroblasts requires phospholipase D1

The role of phospholipase D (PLD) in cytoskeletal reorganization, ERK activation, and migration is well established. Both isoforms of PLD (PLD1 and PLD2) can independently activate stress fiber formation and increase ERK phosphorylation. However, the isoform's specificity, upstream activators, and downstream targets of PLD that coordinate this process are less well understood. This study explores the role of α(1) -adrenergic receptor stimulation and its effect on PLD activity. We demonstrate that PLD1 activators, RhoA, and PKCα are critical for stress fiber formation and ERK activation, and enhance the production of phosphatidic acid (PA) upon phenylephrine addition. Ectopic expression of dominant negative PLD1 and not PLD2 blocks ERK activation, inhibits stress fiber formation, and reduces cell motility in CCL39 fibroblasts. Furthermore, we demonstrate the mechanism for PLD1 activation of ERK involves Ras. This work indicates that PLD1 plays a novel role mediating growth factor and cell motility events in α(1) -adrenergic receptor-activated cells.

Autotaxin and LPA receptor signaling in cancer

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA; monoacyl-glycerol-3-phosphate) is a lipid mediator that functions as a mitogen and motility factor for many cell types. LPA signals through six specific G protein-coupled receptors, named LPA(1-6), which trigger both overlapping and distinct signaling pathways. LPA is produced from extracellular lysophosphatidylcholine by a secreted lysophospholipase D, named autotaxin (ATX), originally identified as an "autocrine motility factor" for tumor cells. ATX-LPA signaling is vital for embryonic development and promotes tumor formation, angiogenesis, and experimental metastasis in mice. Elevated expression of ATX and/or aberrant expression of LPA receptors are found in several human malignancies, while loss of LPA(6) function has been implicated in bladder cancer. In this review, we summarize our present understanding of ATX and LPA receptor signaling in cancer.

Lysophosphatidic acid stimulates epidermal growth factor-family ectodomain shedding and paracrine signaling from human lung fibroblasts

Lysophospatidic acid (LPA) is a bioactive lipid mediator implicated in tissue repair and wound healing. It mediates diverse functional effects in fibroblasts, including proliferation, migration and contraction, but less is known about its ability to evoke paracrine signaling to other cell types involved in wound healing. We hypothesized that human pulmonary fibroblasts stimulated by LPA would exhibit ectodomain shedding of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) ligands that signal to lung epithelial cells. To test this hypothesis, we used alkaline phosphatase-tagged EGFR ligand plasmids transfected into lung fibroblasts, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays to detect shedding of native ligands. LPA induced shedding of alkaline phosphatase-tagged heparin-binding epidermal growth factor (HB-EGF), amphiregulin, and transforming growth factor-a; non-transfected fibroblasts shed amphiregulin and HBEGF under baseline conditions, and increased shedding of HB-EGF in response to LPA. Treatment of fibroblasts with LPA resulted in elevated phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, enhanced expression of mRNA for c-fos, HB-EGF and amphiregulin, and enhanced proliferation at 96 hours. However, none of these fibroblast responses to LPA required ectodomain shedding or EGFR activity. To test the ability of LPA to stimulate paracrine signaling from fibroblasts, we transferred conditioned medium from LPA-stimulated cells, and found enhanced EGFR and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 phosphorylation in reporter A549 cells in excess of what could be accounted for by transferred LPA alone. These data show that LPA mediates EGF-family ectodomain shedding, resulting in enhanced paracrine signaling from lung fibroblasts to epithelial cells.

Lysophosphatidic acid induces MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells migration through activation of PI3K/PAK1/ERK signaling

Background

Enhanced motility of cancer cells is a critical step in promoting tumor metastasis. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), representing the major mitogenic activity in serum, stimulates migration in various types of cancer cells. However, the underlying signaling mechanisms for LPA-induced motility of cancer cells remain to be elucidated.

Methodology/Principal Findings

In this study, we found that LPA dose-dependently stimulated migration of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, with 10 µM being the most effective. LPA also increased ERK activity and the MEK inhibitor U0126 could block LPA-induced ERK activity and cell migration. In addition, LPA induced PAK1 activation while ERK activation and cell migration were inhibited by ectopic expression of an inactive mutant form of PAK1 in MDA-MB-231 cells. Furthermore, LPA increased PI3K activity, and the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 inhibited both LPA-induced PAK1/ERK activation and cell migration. Moreover, in the breast cancer cell, LPA treatment resulted in remarkable production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), while LPA-induced ROS generation, PI3K/PAK1/ERK activation and cell migration could be inhibited by N-acetyl-L-Cysteine, a scavenger of ROS.

Conclusions/Significance

Taken together, this study identifies a PI3K/PAK1/ERK signaling pathway for LPA-stimulated breast cancer cell migration. These data also suggest that ROS generation plays an essential role in the activation of LPA-stimulated PI3K/PAK1/ERK signaling and breast cancer cell migration. These findings may provide a basis for designing future therapeutic strategy for blocking breast cancer metastasis.

Repetitive peroxide exposure reveals pleiotropic mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling mechanisms

Oxidative stressors such as hydrogen peroxide control the activation of many interconnected signaling systems and are implicated in neurodegenerative disease etiology. Application of hydrogen peroxide to PC12 cells activated multiple tyrosine kinases (c-Src, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and Pyk2) and the serine-threonine kinase ERK1/2. Peroxide-induced ERK1/2 activation was sensitive to intracellular calcium chelation and EGFR and c-Src kinase inhibition. Acute application and removal of peroxide allowed ERK1/2 activity levels to rapidly subside to basal serum-deprived levels. Using this protocol, we demonstrated that ERK1/2 activation tachyphylaxis developed upon repeated peroxide exposures. This tachyphylaxis was independent of c-Src/Pyk2 tyrosine phosphorylation but was associated with a progressive reduction of peroxide-induced EGFR tyrosine phosphorylation, EGFR interaction with growth factor receptor binding protein 2, and a redistribution of EGFR from the plasma membrane to the cytoplasm. Our data indicates that components of peroxide-induced ERK1/2 cascades are differentially affected by repeated exposures, indicating that oxidative signaling may be contextually variable.

Distribution of endogenous farnesyl pyrophosphate and four species of lysophosphatidic acid in rodent brain

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is the umbrella term for lipid signaling molecules that share structural homology and activate the family of LPA receptors. Farnesyl Pyrophosphate (FPP) is commonly known as an intermediate in the synthesis of steroid hormones; however, its function as a signaling lipid is beginning to be explored. FPP was recently shown to an activator of the G-protein coupled receptor 92 (also known as LPA5) of the calcium channel TRPV₃. The LPA receptors (including GPR92) are associated with the signal transduction of noxious stimuli, however, very little is known about the distribution of their signaling ligands (LPAs and FPP) in the brain. Here, using HPLC/MS/MS, we developed extraction and analytical methods for measuring levels of FPP and 4 species of LPA (palmitoyl, stearoyl, oleoyl and arachidonoyl-sn-glycerol-3 phosphate) in rodent brain. Relative distributions of each of the five compounds was significantly different across the brain suggesting divergent functionality for each as signaling molecules based on where and how much of each is being produced. Brainstem, midbrain, and thalamus contained the highest levels measured for each compound, though none in the same ratios while relatively small amounts were produced in cortex and cerebellum. These data provide a framework for investigations into functional relationships of these lipid ligands in specific brain areas, many of which are associated with the perception of pain.

CCR7/CCL21 migration on fibronectin is mediated by phospholipase Cgamma1 and ERK1/2 in primary T lymphocytes

CCR7 binds to its cognate ligand, CCL21, to mediate the migration of circulating naive T lymphocytes to the lymph nodes. T lymphocytes can bind to fibronectin, a constituent of lymph nodes, via their β1 integrins, which is a primary mechanism of T lymphocyte migration; however, the signaling pathways involved are unclear. We report that rapid (within 2 min) and transient phosphorylation of ERK1/2 is required for T cell migration on fibronectin in response to CCL21. Conversely, prevention of ERK1/2 phosphorylation by inhibition of its kinase, MAPK/MEK, prevented T lymphocyte migration. Previous studies have suggested that phospholipase Cγ1 (PLCγ1) can mediate phosphorylation of ERK1/2, which is required for β1 integrin activation. Paradoxically, we found that inhibition of PLCγ1 phosphorylation by the general PLC inhibitor U73122 was associated with a delayed and reduced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and reduced migration of T lymphocytes on fibronectin. To further characterize the relationship between ERK1/2 and PLCγ1, we reduced PLCγ1 levels by 85% using shRNA and observed a reduced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and a significant loss of CCR7-mediated migration of T lymphocytes on fibronectin. In addition, we found that inhibition of ERK1/2 phosphorylation by U0126 resulted in a decreased phosphorylation of PLCγ1, suggesting a feedback loop between ERK1/2 and PLCγ1. Overall, these results suggest that the CCR7 signaling pathway leading to T lymphocyte migration on fibronectin is a β1 integrin-dependent pathway involving transient ERK1/2 phosphorylation, which is modulated by PLCγ1.

A novel mechanism involving coordinated regulation of nuclear levels and acetylation of NF-YA and Bcl6 activates RGS4 transcription

Neuronally enriched RGS4 plays a critical role attenuating G protein signaling in brain, although the mechanisms regulating RGS4 expression are unknown. Here we describe a novel mechanism for transcriptional activation of RGS4 in neuron-like PC6 cells, where RGS4 is markedly induced during confluence-induced growth arrest. Transcriptional activation of RGS4 in confluent PC6 cells was accompanied by impaired G(i/o)-dependent MAPK activation. In the human RGS4 gene promoter, we identified three phylogenetically conserved cis-elements: an inverted CCAAT box element (ICE), a cAMP response element, and a B-cell lymphoma 6 (Bcl6)-binding site. The ICE and the cAMP response element mediate activation, and the Bcl6 site mediates repression of RGS4 transcription. Activation of RGS4 transcription in confluent PC6 cells is accompanied by increases in NF-YA and C/EBPβ and decreases in Bcl6 levels in the nucleus. Increases in NF-YA and C/EBPβ lead to their increased binding to the RGS4 promoter in vivo, and dominant negative forms of these proteins repressed RGS4 promoter activity. Acetylation of NF-YA and Bcl6 were increased in postconfluent cells. Trichostatin A stimulation of RGS4 promoter activity, accompanied by increased binding of NF-YA and decreased binding of Bcl6 to the promoter, was abolished by mutation of the ICE and enhanced by mutation of the Bcl6 site. These findings demonstrate a dynamic and coordinated regulation of nuclear levels and acetylation status of trans-acting factors critical in determining the off/on state of the RGS4 promoter.

Effects of lysophosphatidic acid on the in vitro proliferation and differentiation of a novel porcine preadipocyte cell line

We examined the effects of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) on in vitro proliferation and differentiation of a porcine preadipocyte cell line, DFAT-P, and a mouse preadipocyte cell line, 3T3-L1. During the proliferation and differentiation phases, DFAT-P and 3T3-L1 cells expressed only the endothelial differentiation gene (EDG)-2 receptor and not EDG-4 and EDG-7 receptors. LPA promoted the proliferation of DFAT-P cells more extensively than that of 3T3-L1 cells. After adipogenic induction, LPA inhibited glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity and lipid droplet accumulation, and suppressed peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) protein expression, this inhibitory effect in DFAT-P cells was twice as high as that in 3T3-L1 cells. Furthermore, treatments with low LPA concentrations significantly inhibited adipocyte differentiation in DFAT-P cells but not in 3T3-L1 cells. We conclude that LPA promotes the proliferation of porcine preadipocytes through the EDG-2 receptor but inhibits their differentiation, and these effects depend on the down-regulation of PPARγ expression via the EDG-2 receptor. Furthermore, DFAT-P cells are more sensitive to LPA than 3T3-L1 cells. These findings in a porcine model will contribute to the understanding of LPA action mechanisms on in vitro proliferation and differentiation of preadipocytes in domestic animals and/or humans.

Metalloproteinase-mediated, context-dependent function of amphiregulin and HB-EGF in human keratinocytes and skin

Human keratinocytes (KCs) express multiple EGF receptor (EGFR) ligands; however, their functions in specific cellular contexts remain largely undefined. To address this issue, first we measured mRNA and protein levels for multiple EGFR ligands in KCs and skin. Amphiregulin (AREG) was by far the most abundant EGFR ligand in cultured KCs, with >19 times more mRNA and >7.5 times more shed protein than any other family member. EGFR ligand expression in normal skin was low (<8 per thousand of RPLP0/36B4); however, HB-EGF and AREG mRNAs were strongly induced in human skin organ culture. KC migration in scratch wound assays was highly metalloproteinase (MP)- and EGFR dependent, and was markedly inhibited by EGFR ligand antibodies. However, lentivirus-mediated expression of soluble HB-EGF, but not soluble AREG, strongly enhanced KC migration, even in the presence of MP inhibitors. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA)-induced ERK phosphorylation was also strongly EGFR and MP dependent and markedly inhibited by neutralization of HB-EGF. In contrast, autocrine KC proliferation and ERK phosphorylation were selectively blocked by neutralization of AREG. These data show that distinct EGFR ligands stimulate KC behavior in different cellular contexts, and in an MP-dependent fashion.

MT1-MMP- and Cdc42-dependent signaling co-regulate cell invasion and tunnel formation in 3D collagen matrices

Complex signaling events control tumor invasion in three-dimensional (3D) extracellular matrices. Recent evidence suggests that cells utilize both matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-dependent and MMP-independent means to traverse 3D matrices. Herein, we demonstrate that lysophosphatidic-acid-induced HT1080 cell invasion requires membrane-type-1 (MT1)-MMP-mediated collagenolysis to generate matrix conduits the width of a cellular nucleus. We define these spaces as single-cell invasion tunnels (SCITs). Once established, cells can migrate within SCITs in an MMP-independent manner. Endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts also generate SCITs during invasive events, suggesting that SCIT formation represents a fundamental mechanism of cellular motility within 3D matrices. Coordinated cellular signaling events are required during SCIT formation. MT1-MMP, Cdc42 and its associated downstream effectors such as MRCK (myotonic dystrophy kinase-related Cdc42-binding kinase) and Pak4 (p21 protein-activated kinase 4), protein kinase Calpha and the Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing protein kinases (ROCK-1 and ROCK-2) coordinate signaling necessary for SCIT formation. Finally, we show that MT1-MMP and Cdc42 are fundamental components of a co-associated invasion-signaling complex that controls directed single-cell invasion of 3D collagen matrices.

ATX-LPA receptor axis in inflammation and cancer

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA, 1- or 2-acyl-sn-glycerol 3-phosphate) mediates a plethora of physiological and pathological activities via interactions with a series of high affinity G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR). Both LPA receptor family members and autotaxin (ATX/LysoPLD), the primary LPA-producing enzyme, are aberrantly expressed in many human breast cancers and several other cancer lineages. Using transgenic mice expressing either an LPA receptor or ATX, we recently demonstrated that the ATX-LPA receptor axis plays a causal role in breast tumorigenesis and cancer-related inflammation, further validating the ATX-LPA receptor axis as a rich therapeutic target in cancer.

Lysophosphatidic acid in vascular development and disease

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a small signaling lipid that is capable of stimulating a plethora of different cellular responses through the activation of its family of cognate G protein-coupled receptors. LPA mediates a wide range of biological effects in many tissue types that have been recently reviewed; however, its effects on vasculature development and function have received comparatively less examination. In this review, literature on the actions of LPA in three main aspects of vascular development (vasculogenesis, angiogenesis, and vascular maturation) is discussed. In addition, evidence for the roles of LPA signaling in the formation of secondary vascular structures, such as the blood brain barrier, is considered, consistent with significant roles for LPA signaling in vascular development, function, and disease.

Intracellular signal transduction by the extracellular calcium-sensing receptor of Xenopus melanotrope cells

The extracellular calcium-sensing receptor (CaR) is expressed in various types of endocrine pituitary cell, but the intracellular mechanism this G protein-coupled receptor uses in these cells is not known. In the present study we investigated possible intracellular signal transduction pathway(s) utilized by the CaR of the endocrine melanotrope cells in the intermediate pituitary lobe of the South African-clawed toad Xenopus laevis. For this purpose, the effects of various pharmacological agents on CaR-evoked secretion of radiolabeled secretory peptides from cultured melanotrope cells were assessed. CaR-evoked secretion, induced by the potent CaR agonist L-phenylalanine (L-Phe), could not be inhibited by cholera toxin, nor by NPC-15437 and PMA, indicating that neither G(s)/PKA nor G(q)/PKC pathways are involved. However, pertussis toxin (G(i/o) protein inhibitor), genistein (inhibitor of PTKs), wortmannin/LY-294002 (PI3-K inhibitor) and U-0126 (inhibitor of extracellular signal-regulated kinase, ERK) all substantially inhibited CaR-evoked secretion, indicating that the Xenopus melanotrope cell possesses a PI3-K/MAPK system that plays some role in CaR-signaling. Since no direct effect of L-Phe on ERK phosphorylation could be shown it is concluded that CaR must act primarily through another, still unknown, signaling pathway in Xenopus melanotropes. Our results indicate that the PI3-K/MAPK system has a facilitating effect on CaR-induced secretion, possibly by sensitizing the CaR.

Role of lysophosphatidic acid in the regulation of uterine leiomyoma cell proliferation by phospholipase D and autotaxin

Phospholipase D (PLD) hydrolyzes phosphatidylcholine into phosphatidic acid (PA), a lipidic mediator that may act directly on cellular proteins or may be metabolized into lysophosphatidic acid (LPA). We previously showed that PLD contributed to the mitogenic effect of endothelin-1 (ET-1) in a leiomyoma cell line (ELT3 cells). In this work, we tested the ability of exogenous PA and PLD from Streptomyces chromofuscus (scPLD) to reproduce the effect of endogenous PLD in ELT3 cells and the possibility that these agents acted through LPA formation. We found that PA, scPLD, and LPA stimulated thymidine incorporation. LPA and scPLD induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK(1/2)) mitogen-activated protein kinase activation. Using Ki16425, an LPA(1)/LPA(3) receptor antagonist and small interfering RNA targeting LPA(1) receptor, we demonstrated that scPLD acted through LPA production and LPA(1) receptor activation. We found that scPLD induced LPA production by hydrolyzing lysophosphatidylcholine through its lysophospholipase D (lysoPLD) activity. Autotaxin (ATX), a naturally occurring lysoPLD, reproduced the effects of scPLD. By contrast, endogenous PLD stimulated by ET-1 failed to produce LPA. These results demonstrate that scPLD stimulated ELT3 cell proliferation by an LPA-dependent mechanism, different from that triggered by endogenous PLD. These data suggest that in vivo, an extracellular lysoPLD such as ATX may participate in leiomyoma growth through local LPA formation.

Bacteria induce CTGF and CYR61 expression in epithelial cells in a lysophosphatidic acid receptor-dependent manner

Cysteine-rich protein 61 (Cyr61/CCN1) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2) are members of the CCN (CYR61, CTGF, nephroblastoma overexpressed gene) family and exert pleiotropic functions such as regulation of adhesion, migration, extracellular matrix deposition, or cell differentiation, and play an important role in wound healing. This study focused on the nature of the so far unknown CTGF and CYR61 mRNA expression of epithelial cells after infection with bacteria. We demonstrate that infection of epithelial cells with attenuated Yersinia enterocolitica lacking the virulence plasmid pYV leads to the expression of CYR61 and CTGF. Virulent Y. enterocolitica bearing the pYV virulence plasmid suppressed the mRNA expression of these genes. Yersinia-mediated inhibition of CTGF and CYR61 mRNA expression is partially mediated by the cysteine protease YopT. Further characterization of the Yersinia factors, which trigger CTGF and CYR61 mRNA expression, demonstrated that these factors were secreted and could be enriched in lipid extracts. Beside Yersinia, several other bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis, or Staphylococcus aureus, as well as supernatants of these bacteria induced CTGF and CYR61 expression. Blocking experiments with the lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptor-specific inhibitor Ki16425 suggest a general involvement of LPA receptors in bacteria-triggered CTGF and CYR61 expression. These data suggest that LPA receptor-dependent expression of CTGF and CYR61 represents a common host response after interaction with bacteria.

G protein regulation of MAPK networks

G proteins provide signal-coupling mechanisms to heptahelical cell surface receptors and are critically involved in the regulation of different mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) networks. The four classes of G proteins, defined by the G(s), G(i), G(q) and G(12) families, regulate ERK1/2, JNK, p38MAPK, ERK5 and ERK6 modules by different mechanisms. The alpha- as well as betagamma-subunits are involved in the regulation of these MAPK modules in a context-specific manner. While the alpha- and betagamma-subunits primarily regulate the MAPK pathways via their respective effector-mediated signaling pathways, recent studies have unraveled several novel signaling intermediates including receptor tyrosine kinases and small GTPases through which these G-protein subunits positively as well as negatively regulate specific MAPK modules. Multiple mechanisms together with specific scaffold proteins that can link G-protein-coupled receptors or G proteins to distinct MAPK modules contribute to the context-specific and spatio-temporal regulation of mitogen-activated protein signaling networks by G proteins.