Src-like adaptor protein (SLAP) regulates B cell receptor levels in a c-Cbl-dependent manner

Overexpression of SLAP2 inhibits triple-negative breast cancer progression by promoting macrophage M1-type polarization

Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor in women, and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a specific subtype of breast cancer characterized by high invasiveness, high metastatic potential, ease of recurrence, and poor prognosis. Src-like adaptor protein 2 (SLAP2), which can be involved in the regulation of multiple signaling pathways, may be a key target for TNBC. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of overexpression of SLAP2 on TNBC and to explore the underlying mechanisms. First, we constructed and transfected SLAP2 overexpressing lentivirus based on MDA-MB-231 human TNBC cell line, screened for differential downstream target genes in combination with mRNA high-throughput sequencing (RNA-Seq), and predicted their functions and enriched pathways in conjunction with bioinformatics analysis. The effects of SLAP2 overexpression on macrophage polarization, as well as on tumor proliferation and apoptosis, were assessed by tail vein injection of a stable transfection line of 4T1 cells transfected with SLAP2 overexpressing lentivirus. The effect of SLAP2 on macrophage polarization was assessed by inducing M1/M2 polarization and transfecting SLAP2 overexpressing lentivirus. Meanwhile, a transwell co-culture system was constructed between differently treated macrophages and 4T1 cells to assess the effect of SLAP2 overexpression on the malignant behavior of the cells via macrophage polarization. Overexpression of SLAP2 revealed 179 genes up-regulated and 74 genes down-regulated by mRNA high-throughput sequencing, and the enriched functions and pathways of differential genes were mainly related to immunity response. In vivo experiments revealed that overexpression of SLAP2 inhibited the growth of tumor in nude mice, decreased the expression of ki67 in tumor tissues, and increased the rate of apoptosis in tumor tissues. Meanwhile, we found that overexpression of SLAP2 promoted macrophage polarization toward M1 type and inhibited M2 type polarization in tumors. In vitro experiments further verified its effect on M1/M2 polarization by transfecting SLAP2 overexpressing lentivirus. By transwell co-culture system, we further demonstrated that overexpression of SLAP2 inhibits cell proliferation and invasion, promotes apoptosis, up-regulates the expression of Bax in cells, and down-regulates the expression of Bcl-2 in cells by promoting macrophage M1-type polarization. Overexpression of SLAP2 inhibits TNBC progression by promoting macrophage M1-type polarization.

SLAP2 Adaptor Binding Disrupts c-CBL Autoinhibition to Activate Ubiquitin Ligase Function

CBL is a RING type E3 ubiquitin ligase that functions as a negative regulator of tyrosine kinase signaling and loss of CBL E3 function is implicated in several forms of leukemia. The Src-like adaptor proteins (SLAP/SLAP2) bind to CBL and are required for CBL-dependent downregulation of antigen receptor, cytokine receptor, and receptor tyrosine kinase signaling. Despite the established role of SLAP/SLAP2 in regulating CBL activity, the nature of the interaction and the mechanisms involved are not known. To understand the molecular basis of the interaction between SLAP/SLAP2 and CBL, we solved the crystal structure of CBL tyrosine kinase binding domain (TKBD) in complex with SLAP2. The carboxy-terminal region of SLAP2 adopts an α-helical structure which binds in a cleft between the 4H, EF-hand, and SH2 domains of the TKBD. This SLAP2 binding site is remote from the canonical TKBD phospho-tyrosine peptide binding site but overlaps with a region important for stabilizing CBL in its autoinhibited conformation. In addition, binding of SLAP2 to CBL in vitro activates the ubiquitin ligase function of autoinhibited CBL. Disruption of the CBL/SLAP2 interface through mutagenesis demonstrated a role for this protein-protein interaction in regulation of CBL E3 ligase activity in cells. Our results reveal that SLAP2 binding to a regulatory cleft of the TKBD provides an alternative mechanism for activation of CBL ubiquitin ligase function.

Sleuthing biochemical evidence to elucidate unassigned electron density in a CBL-SLAP2 crystal complex

The Src-like adaptor proteins (SLAP/SLAP2) bind to CBL E3 ubiquitin ligase to downregulate antigen, cytokine and tyrosine kinase receptor signalling. In contrast to the phosphotyrosine-dependent binding of CBL substrates through its tyrosine kinase-binding domain (TKBD), CBL TKBD associates with the C-terminal tail of SLAP2 in a phospho-independent manner. To understand the distinct nature of this interaction, a purification protocol for SLAP2 in complex with CBL TKBD was established and the complex was crystallized. However, determination of the complex crystal structure was hindered by the apparent degradation of SLAP2 during the crystallization process, such that only the CBL TKBD residues could initially be modelled. Close examination of the CBL TKBD structure revealed a unique dimer interface that included two short segments of electron density of unknown origin. To elucidate which residues of SLAP2 to model into this unassigned density, a co-expression system was generated to test SLAP2 deletion mutants and define the minimal SLAP2 binding region. SLAP2 degradation products were also analysed by mass spectrometry. The model-building and map-generation features of the Phenix software package were employed, leading to successful modelling of the C-terminal tail of SLAP2 into the unassigned electron-density segments.

FMS-like Tyrosine Kinase 3/FLT3: From Basic Science to Clinical Implications

FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) is a receptor tyrosine kinase that is expressed almost exclusively in the hematopoietic compartment. Its ligand, FLT3 ligand (FL), induces dimerization and activation of its intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity. Activation of FLT3 leads to its autophosphorylation and initiation of several signal transduction cascades. Signaling is initiated by the recruitment of signal transduction molecules to activated FLT3 through binding to specific phosphorylated tyrosine residues in the intracellular region of FLT3. Activation of FLT3 mediates cell survival, cell proliferation, and differentiation of hematopoietic progenitor cells. It acts in synergy with several other cytokines to promote its biological effects. Deregulated FLT3 activity has been implicated in several diseases, most prominently in acute myeloid leukemia where around one-third of patients carry an activating mutant of FLT3 which drives the disease and is correlated with poor prognosis. Overactivity of FLT3 has also been implicated in autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. The observation that gain-of-function mutations of FLT3 can promote leukemogenesis has stimulated the development of inhibitors that target this receptor. Many of these are in clinical trials, and some have been approved for clinical use. However, problems with acquired resistance to these inhibitors are common and, furthermore, only a fraction of patients respond to these selective treatments. This review provides a summary of our current knowledge regarding structural and functional aspects of FLT3 signaling, both under normal and pathological conditions, and discusses challenges for the future regarding the use of targeted inhibition of these pathways for the treatment of patients.

SLAP Is a Negative Regulator of FcεRI Receptor-Mediated Signaling and Allergic Response

Binding of antigen to IgE-high affinity FcεRI complexes on mast cells and basophils results in the release of preformed mediators such as histamine and de novo synthesis of cytokines causing allergic reactions. Src-like adapter protein (SLAP) functions co-operatively with c-Cbl to negatively regulate signaling downstream of the T cell receptor, B cell receptor, and receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK). Here, we investigated the role of SLAP in FcεRI-mediated mast cell signaling, using bone marrow derived mast cells (BMMCs) from SLAP knock out (SLAP KO) mice. Mature SLAP-KO BMMCs displayed significantly enhanced antigen induced degranulation and synthesis of IL-6, TNFα, and MCP-1 compared to wild type (WT) BMMCs. In addition, SLAP KO mice displayed an enhanced passive cutaneous anaphylaxis response. In agreement with a negative regulatory role, SLAP KO BMMCs showed enhanced FcεRI-mediated signaling to downstream effector kinases, Syk, Erk, and Akt. Recombinant GST-SLAP protein binds to the FcεRIβ chain and to the Cbl-b in mast cell lysates, suggesting a role in FcεRI down regulation. In addition, the ubiquitination of FcεRIγ chain and antigen mediated down regulation of FcεRI is impaired in SLAP KO BMMCs compared to the wild type. In line with these findings, stimulation of peripheral blood human basophils with FcεRIα antibody, or a clinically relevant allergen, resulted in increased SLAP expression. Together, these results indicate that SLAP is a dynamic regulator of IgE-FcεRI signaling, limiting allergic responses.

Taming the Heterogeneity of Aggressive Lymphomas for Precision Therapy

Genomic analyses of diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) are revealing the genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity of these aggressive lymphomas. In part, this heterogeneity reflects the existence of distinct genetic subtypes that acquire characteristic constellations of somatic genetic alterations to converge on the DLBCL phenotype. In parallel, functional genomic screens and proteomic analyses have identified multiprotein assemblies that coordinate oncogenic survival signaling in DLBCL. In this review, we merge these recent insights into a unified conceptual framework with implications for the design of precision medicine trials in DLBCL.

Genetics and Pathogenesis of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

BACKGROUND

Diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCLs) are phenotypically and genetically heterogeneous. Gene-expression profiling has identified subgroups of DLBCL (activated B-cell-like [ABC], germinal-center B-cell-like [GCB], and unclassified) according to cell of origin that are associated with a differential response to chemotherapy and targeted agents. We sought to extend these findings by identifying genetic subtypes of DLBCL based on shared genomic abnormalities and to uncover therapeutic vulnerabilities based on tumor genetics.

METHODS

We studied 574 DLBCL biopsy samples using exome and transcriptome sequencing, array-based DNA copy-number analysis, and targeted amplicon resequencing of 372 genes to identify genes with recurrent aberrations. We developed and implemented an algorithm to discover genetic subtypes based on the co-occurrence of genetic alterations.

RESULTS

We identified four prominent genetic subtypes in DLBCL, termed MCD (based on the co-occurrence of MYD88L265P and CD79B mutations), BN2 (based on BCL6 fusions and NOTCH2 mutations), N1 (based on NOTCH1 mutations), and EZB (based on EZH2 mutations and BCL2 translocations). Genetic aberrations in multiple genes distinguished each genetic subtype from other DLBCLs. These subtypes differed phenotypically, as judged by differences in gene-expression signatures and responses to immunochemotherapy, with favorable survival in the BN2 and EZB subtypes and inferior outcomes in the MCD and N1 subtypes. Analysis of genetic pathways suggested that MCD and BN2 DLBCLs rely on "chronic active" B-cell receptor signaling that is amenable to therapeutic inhibition.

CONCLUSIONS

We uncovered genetic subtypes of DLBCL with distinct genotypic, epigenetic, and clinical characteristics, providing a potential nosology for precision-medicine strategies in DLBCL. (Funded by the Intramural Research Program of the National Institutes of Health and others.).

SLAP displays tumour suppressor functions in colorectal cancer via destabilization of the SRC substrate EPHA2

The adaptor SLAP is a negative regulator of receptor signalling in immune cells but its role in human cancer is ill defined. Here we report that SLAP is abundantly expressed in healthy epithelial intestine but strongly downregulated in 50% of colorectal cancer. SLAP overexpression suppresses cell tumorigenicity and invasiveness while SLAP silencing enhances these transforming properties. Mechanistically, SLAP controls SRC/EPHA2/AKT signalling via destabilization of the SRC substrate and receptor tyrosine kinase EPHA2. This activity is independent from CBL but requires SLAP SH3 interaction with the ubiquitination factor UBE4A and SLAP SH2 interaction with pTyr594-EPHA2. SRC phosphorylates EPHA2 on Tyr594, thus creating a feedback loop that promotes EPHA2 destruction and thereby self-regulates its transforming potential. SLAP silencing enhances SRC oncogenicity and sensitizes colorectal tumour cells to SRC inhibitors. Collectively, these data establish a tumour-suppressive role for SLAP in colorectal cancer and a mechanism of SRC oncogenic induction through stabilization of its cognate substrates.

The Emerging and Diverse Roles of Src-Like Adaptor Proteins in Health and Disease

Although Src-like adaptor proteins (SLAP-1 and SLAP-2) were mainly studied in lymphocytes, where they act as negative regulators and provide fine control of receptor signaling, recently, several other functions of these proteins were discovered. In addition to the well-characterized immunoregulatory functions, SLAP proteins appear to have an essential role in the pathogenesis of type I hypersensitivity, osteoporosis, and numerous malignant diseases. Both adaptor proteins are expressed in a wide variety of tissues, where they have mostly inhibitory effects on multiple intracellular signaling pathways. In this review, we summarize the diverse effects of SLAP proteins.

Role of SRC-like adaptor protein (SLAP) in immune and malignant cell signaling

SRC-like adaptor protein (SLAP) is an adaptor protein structurally similar to the SRC family protein kinases. Like SRC, SLAP contains an SH3 domain followed by an SH2 domain but the kinase domain has been replaced by a unique C-terminal region. SLAP is expressed in a variety of cell types. Current studies suggest that it regulates signaling of various cell surface receptors including the B cell receptor, the T cell receptor, cytokine receptors and receptor tyrosine kinases which are important regulator of immune and cancer cell signaling. SLAP targets receptors, or its associated components, by recruiting the ubiquitin machinery and thereby destabilizing signaling. SLAP directs receptors to ubiquitination-mediated degradation and controls receptors turnover as well as signaling. Thus, SLAP appears to be an important component in regulating signal transduction required for immune and malignant cells.

RTK SLAP down: the emerging role of Src-like adaptor protein as a key player in receptor tyrosine kinase signaling

SLAP (Src like adaptor protein) contains adjacent Src homology 3 (SH3) and Src homology 2 (SH2) domains closely related in sequence to that of cytoplasmic Src family tyrosine kinases. Expressed most abundantly in the immune system, SLAP function has been predominantly studied in the context of lymphocyte signaling, where it functions in the Cbl dependent downregulation of antigen receptor signaling. However, accumulating evidence suggests that SLAP plays a role in the regulation of a broad range of membrane receptors including members of the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) family. In this review we highlight the role of SLAP in the ubiquitin dependent regulation of type III RTKs PDGFR, CSF-1R, KIT and Flt3, as well as Eph family RTKs. SLAP appears to bind activated type III and Eph RTKs via a conserved autophosphorylated juxtamembrane tyrosine motif in an SH2-dependent manner, suggesting that SLAP is important in regulating RTK signaling.

SLAP/SLAP2 prevent excessive platelet (hem)ITAM signaling in thrombosis and ischemic stroke in mice

Glycoprotein VI and C-type lectin-like receptor 2 are essential platelet activating receptors in hemostasis and thrombo-inflammatory disease, which signal through a (hem)immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM)-dependent pathway. The adapter molecules Src-like adapter proteins (SLAP and SLAP2) are involved in the regulation of immune cell surface expression and signaling, but their function in platelets is unknown. In this study, we show that platelets expressed both SLAP isoforms and that overexpression of either protein in a heterologous cell line almost completely inhibited glycoprotein VI and C-type lectin-like receptor 2 signaling. In mice, single deficiency of SLAP or SLAP2 had only moderate effects on platelet function, whereas double deficiency of both adapters resulted in markedly increased signal transduction, integrin activation, granule release, aggregation, procoagulant activity, and thrombin generation in response to (hem)ITAM-coupled, but not G protein-coupled, receptor activation. In vivo, constitutive SLAP/SLAP2 knockout mice displayed accelerated occlusive arterial thrombus formation and a dramatically worsened outcome after focal cerebral ischemia. This was attributed to the absence of both adapter proteins in platelets, as demonstrated by adoptive transfer of Slap(-/-)/Slap2(-/-) platelets into wild-type mice. Our results establish SLAP and SLAP2 as critical inhibitors of platelet (hem)ITAM signaling in the setting of arterial thrombosis and ischemic stroke.

SLAP deficiency decreases dsDNA autoantibody production

Src-like adaptor protein (SLAP) adapts c-Cbl, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, to activated components of the BCR signaling complex regulating BCR levels and signaling in developing B cells. Based on this function, we asked whether SLAP deficiency could decrease the threshold for tolerance and eliminate development of autoreactive B cells in two models of autoantibody production. First, we sensitized mice with a dsDNA mimetope that causes an anti-dsDNA response. Despite equivalent production of anti-peptide antibodies compared to BALB/c controls, SLAP(-/-) mice did not produce anti-dsDNA. Second, we used the 56R tolerance model. SLAP(-/-) 56R mice had decreased levels of dsDNA-reactive antibodies compared to 56R mice due to skewed light chain usage. Thus, SLAP is a critical regulator of B-cell development and function and its deficiency leads to decreased autoreactive B cells that are otherwise maintained by inefficient receptor editing or failed negative selection.

The discovery of a reciprocal relationship between tyrosine-kinase signaling and cullin neddylation

While neddylation is known to activate cullin (CUL)-RING ubiquitin ligases (CRLs), its role in regulating T cell signaling is poorly understood. Using the investigational NEDD8 activating enzyme (NAE) inhibitor, MLN4924, we found that neddylation negatively regulates T cell receptor (TCR) signaling, as its inhibition increases IL-2 production, T cell proliferation and Treg development in vitro. We also discovered that loss of CUL neddylation occurs upon TCR signaling, and CRLs negatively regulate IL-2 production. Additionally, we found that tyrosine kinase signaling leads to CUL deneddylation in multiple cell types. These studies indicate that CUL neddylation is a global regulatory mechanism for tyrosine kinase signaling.

SLAP deficiency increases TCR avidity leading to altered repertoire and negative selection of cognate antigen-specific CD8+ T cells

How T cell receptor (TCR) avidity influences CD8(+) T cell development and repertoire selection is not yet fully understood. To fill this gap, we utilized Src-like adaptor protein (SLAP)-deficient mice as a tool to increase TCR avidity on double positive (DP) thymocytes. We generated SLAP(-/-) mice with the transgenic MHC class I-restricted TCR (OT-1) and SLAP(-/-) Vβ5 mice, expressing only the β-chain of the TCR OT-1 transgene, to examine the effects of increased TCR surface levels on CD8(+) T cell development and repertoire selection. In comparing SLAP(-/-) OT-1 and Vβ5 mice with wild-type controls, we performed compositional analysis and assessed thymocyte signaling by measuring CD5 levels. In addition, we performed tetramer and compositional staining to measure affinity for the cognate antigen, ovalbumin (OVA) peptide, presented by MHC. Furthermore, we quantified differences in α-chain repertoire in SLAP(-/-) Vβ5 mice. We have found that SLAP(-/-) OT-1 mice have fewer CD8(+) thymocytes but have increased CD5 expression. SLAP(-/-) OT-1 mice have fewer DP thymocytes expressing Vα2, signifying increased endogenous α-chain rearrangement, and more non-OVA-specific CD8(+) splenocytes upon tetramer staining. Our data demonstrate that SLAP(-/-) Vβ5 mice also have fewer OVA-specific cells and increased Vα2 usage in the peripheral Vβ5 CD8(+) T cells that were non-OVA-specific, demonstrating differences in α-chain repertoire. These studies provide direct evidence that increased TCR avidity in DP thymocytes enhances CD8(+) T cell negative selection deleting thymocytes with specificity for cognate antigen, an antigen the mature T cells may never encounter. Collectively, these studies provide new insights into how TCR avidity during CD8(+) T cell development influences repertoire selection.

Activation of EphA receptors mediates the recruitment of the adaptor protein Slap, contributing to the downregulation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors

Regulation of the activity of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) at glutamatergic synapses is essential for certain forms of synaptic plasticity underlying learning and memory and is also associated with neurotoxicity and neurodegenerative diseases. In this report, we investigate the role of Src-like adaptor protein (Slap) in NMDA receptor signaling. We present data showing that in dissociated neuronal cultures, activation of ephrin (Eph) receptors by chimeric preclustered eph-Fc ligands leads to recruitment of Slap and NMDA receptors at the sites of Eph receptor activation. Interestingly, our data suggest that prolonged activation of EphA receptors is as efficient in recruiting Slap and NMDA receptors as prolonged activation of EphB receptors. Using established heterologous systems, we examined whether Slap is an integral part of NMDA receptor signaling. Our results showed that Slap does not alter baseline activity of NMDA receptors and does not affect Src-dependent potentiation of NMDA receptor currents in Xenopus oocytes. We also demonstrate that Slap reduces excitotoxic cell death triggered by activation of NMDARs in HEK293 cells. Finally, we present evidence showing reduced levels of NMDA receptors in the presence of Slap occurring in an activity-dependent manner, suggesting that Slap is part of a mechanism that homeostatically modulates the levels of NMDA receptors.

Src-Like Adaptor Protein (SLAP) differentially regulates normal and oncogenic c-Kit signaling

The Src-Like Adaptor Protein (SLAP) is an adaptor protein sharing considerable structural homology with Src. SLAP is expressed in variety of cells regulating receptor tyrosine kinase signaling by direct association. In this report, we show that SLAP associates with both wild-type and oncogenic c-Kit (c-Kit-D816V). The association involves SLAP SH2 domain and receptor phosphotyrosine residues different from those mediating Src interaction. Association of SLAP triggers c-Kit ubiquitination which, in turn, is followed by receptor degradation. Although SLAP depletion potentiates c-Kit downstream signaling by stabilizing the receptor, it remains non-functional in c-Kit-D816V signaling. Ligand-stimulated c-Kit or c-Kit-D816V did not alter membrane localization of SLAP. Interestingly oncogenic c-Kit-D816V, but not wild-type c-Kit, phosphorylates SLAP on Y120, Y258 and Y273 residues. Physical interaction between c-Kit-D816V and SLAP is mandatory for the phosphorylation to take place. Although tyrosine phosphorylated SLAP does not affect c-Kit-D816V signaling, mutation of these tyrosine sites to phenylalanine can restore SLAP activity. Taken together the data demonstrate that SLAP negatively regulates wild-type c-Kit signaling, but not its oncogenic counterpart, indicating a possible mechanism by which the oncogenic c-Kit bypasses the normal cellular negative feedback control.

Src-Like adaptor protein (SLAP) binds to the receptor tyrosine kinase Flt3 and modulates receptor stability and downstream signaling

Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (Flt3) is an important growth factor receptor in hematopoiesis. Gain-of-function mutations of the receptor contribute to the transformation of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Src-like adaptor protein (SLAP) is an interaction partner of the E3 ubiquitin ligase Cbl that can regulate receptor tyrosine kinases-mediated signal transduction. In this study, we analyzed the role of SLAP in signal transduction downstream of the type III receptor tyrosine kinase Flt3. The results show that upon ligand stimulation SLAP stably associates with Flt3 through multiple phosphotyrosine residues in Flt3. SLAP constitutively interacts with oncogenic Flt3-ITD and co-localizes with Flt3 near the cell membrane. This association initiates Cbl-dependent receptor ubiquitination and degradation. Depletion of SLAP expression by shRNA in Flt3-transfected Ba/F3 cells resulted in a weaker activation of FL-induced PI3K-Akt and MAPK signaling. Meta-analysis of microarray data from patient samples suggests that SLAP mRNA is differentially expressed in different cancers and its expression was significantly increased in patients carrying the Flt3-ITD mutation. Thus, our data suggest a novel role of SLAP in different cancers and in modulation of receptor tyrosine kinase signaling apart from its conventional role in regulation of receptor stability.

SLAP deficiency enhances number and function of regulatory T cells preventing chronic autoimmune arthritis in SKG mice

To test if manipulating TCR complex-mediated signaling (TCR signaling) could treat autoimmune disease, we generated the double SKG Src-like adapter protein (SLAP) knockout (DSSKO) mouse model. The SKG mutation in ZAP70 and SLAP have opposing functions on the regulation of TCR signaling. The combination of these two mutations alters TCR signaling in the context of a defined genetic background, uniform environmental conditions, and a well-characterized signaling disruption. In contrast to SKG mice, DSSKO mice do not develop zymosan-induced chronic autoimmune arthritis. This arthritis prevention is not due to significant alterations in thymocyte development or repertoire selection but instead enhanced numbers of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and decreased numbers of Th17 cells skewing the ratio of Tregs to autoreactive effector T cells. Treg depletion and/or functional blockade led to the development of arthritis in DSSKO mice. In vitro suppression of effector T cell proliferation was also enhanced, demonstrating that DSSKO mice have increased numbers of Tregs with increased function. Understanding how TCR signals influence development, expansion, and function of Tregs in DSSKO mice could advance our ability to manipulate Treg biology to treat ultimately autoimmune disease.

On-bead screening of combinatorial libraries: reduction of nonspecific binding by decreasing surface ligand density

On-bead screening of one-bead-one-compound (OBOC) libraries provides a powerful method for the rapid identification of active compounds against molecular or cellular targets. However, on-bead screening is susceptible to interference from nonspecific binding, which results in biased screening data and false positives. In this work, we have found that a major source of nonspecific binding is derived from the high ligand loading on the library beads, which permits a macromolecular target (e.g., a protein) to simultaneously interact with multiple ligands on the bead surface. To circumvent this problem, we have synthesized a phosphotyrosyl (pY)-containing peptide library on spatially segregated TentaGel microbeads, which feature a 10-fold reduced peptide loading on the bead surface but a normal peptide loading in the bead interior. The library was screened against a panel of 10 Src homology 2 (SH2) domains including those of Csk and Fyn kinases and adaptor protein SLAP, and the specific recognition motif(s) was successfully identified for each of the domains. In contrast, when the SH2 domains were screened against a control library that contained unaltered (high) ligand loading at the bead surface, six of them exhibited varying degrees of sequence biases, ranging from minor perturbation in the relative abundance of different sequences to the exclusive selection of false positive sequences that have no measurable affinity to the target protein. These results indicate that reduction of the ligand loading on the bead surface represents a simple, effective strategy to largely eliminate the interference from nonspecific binding, while preserving sufficient amounts of materials in the bead interior for compound identification. This finding should further expand the utility of OBOC libraries in biomedical research.

Src-like adaptor protein regulates osteoclast generation and survival

Src-like adaptor protein (SLAP) is a hematopoietic adaptor containing Src homology (SH)3 and SH2 motifs and a unique carboxy terminus. Unlike c-Src, SLAP lacks a tyrosine kinase domain. We investigated the role of SLAP in osteoclast development and resorptive function. Employing SLAP-deficient mice, we find lack of the adaptor enhances in vitro proliferation of osteoclast precursors in the form of bone marrow macrophages (BMMs), without altering their survival. Furthermore, osteoclastogenic markers appear more rapidly in SLAP-/- BMMs exposed to RANK ligand (RANKL). The accelerated proliferation of M-CSF-treated, SLAP-deficient precursors is associated with enhanced ERK activation. SLAP's role as a mediator of M-CSF signaling, in osteoclastic cells, is buttressed by complexing of the adaptor protein and c-Fms in lipid rafts. Unlike c-Src, SLAP does not impact resorptive function of mature osteoclasts but induces their early apoptosis. Thus, SLAP negatively regulates differentiation of osteoclasts and proliferation of their precursors. Conversely, SLAP decreases osteoclast death by inhibiting activation of caspase 3. These counterbalancing events yield indistinguishable bones of WT and SLAP-/- mice which contain equal numbers of osteoclasts in basal and stimulated conditions.

The B-lymphoid Grb2 interaction code

The growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 (Grb2) is a ubiquitously expressed and evolutionary conserved adapter protein possessing a plethora of described interaction partners for the regulation of signal transduction. In B lymphocytes, the Grb2-mediated scaffolding function controls the assembly and subcellular targeting of activating as well as inhibitory signalosomes in response to ligation of the antigen receptor. Also, integration of simultaneous signals from B-cell coreceptors that amplify or attenuate antigen receptor signal output relies on Grb2. Hence, Grb2 is an essential signal integrator. The key question remains, however, of how pathway specificity can be maintained during signal homeostasis critically required for the balance between immune cell activation and tolerance induction. Here, we summarize the molecular network of Grb2 in B cells and introduce a proteomic approach to elucidate the interactome of Grb2 in vivo.

SLAP, a regulator of immunoreceptor ubiquitination, signaling, and trafficking

Src-like adapter proteins (SLAP and SLAP-2) constitute a family of proteins that are expressed in a variety of cell types but are studied most extensively in lymphocytes. They have been shown to associate with proximal components of the T-cell receptor (TCR) and B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling complexes. An interaction of SLAP with c-Cbl leads to the ubiquitination and degradation of phosphorylated components of the TCR- and BCR-signaling complexes. The absence of this process in immature SLAP-deficient T and B cells leads to increased immunoreceptor levels due to decreased intracellular retention and degradation. We propose a model in which SLAP-dependent regulation of immunoreceptor levels allows for finer control of immunoreceptor signaling. Thus, SLAP functions to dampen immunoreceptor signaling, thereby influencing lymphocyte development and repertoire selection.

Functional analyses of Src-like adaptor (SLA), a glucocorticoid-regulated gene in acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Glucocorticoids (GCs) cause apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in lymphoid cells and are used in the therapy of lymphoid malignancies. SLA (Src-like-adaptor), an inhibitor of T- and B-cell receptor signaling, is a promising candidate derived from expression profiling analyses in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Over-expression and knock-down experiments in ALL in vitro model revealed that transgenic SLA alone had no effect on survival or cell cycle progression, nor did it affect sensitivity to, or kinetics of, GC-induced apoptosis. Although SLA is a prominent GC response gene, it does not seem to contribute to the anti-leukemic effects of GC.

Src-like adaptor protein (SLAP) is upregulated in antigen-stimulated mast cells and acts as a negative regulator

Our studies in the RBL-2H3 mast cell line suggest that responses to antigen (Ag) are negatively modulated through upregulation of Src-like adaptor protein (SLAP). Ag stimulation of RBL-2H3 cells leads to increased levels of SLAP (but not SLAP2) transcripts and protein over a period of several hours. The effects of pharmacologic inhibitors indicate that the upregulation of SLAP is dependent on multiple signaling pathways. Knockdown of SLAP with anti-SLAP siRNA is associated with enhanced phosphorylation of Syk, the linker for activation of T cells (LAT), phospholipase C gamma, MAP kinases, and various transcription factors. Production of IL-3 and MCP-1, but not degranulation, is also enhanced. The upregulation of SLAP may thus serve to limit the duration of cytokine production in Ag-stimulated cells.

Mechanism of upregulation of the inhibitory regulator, src-like adaptor protein (SLAP), by glucocorticoids in mast cells

Glucocorticoids suppress mast cell activation by inhibiting signaling events as well as transcription of cytokine genes. The inhibition of signaling events has been attributed to upregulation of inhibitory regulators such as Src-like adaptor protein1 (SLAP), downstream of tyrosine kinase1 (Dok1), and dual specificity protein phospahatase1 (DUSP1). As reported here, the upregulation of SLAP and Dok1, but not DUSP1, in the RBL-2H3 mast cell line was inhibited by actinomycin D and was thus dependent on gene transcription. Examination of the gene sequences revealed a glucocorticoid response element (GRE) and a half GRE as potential regulators of the SLAP and Dok1, respectively. As indicated by luciferase reporter assays, SLAP GRE, but not the Dok1 half GRE, robustly activated gene transcription after treatment of cells with glucocorticoids. Binding of the glucocorticoid receptor to the SLAP GRE was verified by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. These findings further support the notion that the immunosuppressive actions of glucocorticoids are exerted in part through upregulation of inhibitory regulators by various mechanisms. In the case of SLAP specifically, this requires activation of gene transcription through the interaction of the glucocorticoid receptor with GRE.

Ins (endocytosis) and outs (exocytosis) of GLUT4 trafficking

Glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) is the major insulin-regulated glucose transporter expressed mainly in muscle and adipose tissue. GLUT4 is stored in a poorly characterized intracellular vesicular compartment and translocates to the cell surface in response to insulin stimulation resulting in an increased glucose uptake. This process is essential for the maintenance of normal glucose homeostasis and involves a complex interplay of trafficking events and intracellular signaling cascades. Recent studies have identified sortilin as an essential element for the formation of GLUT4 storage vesicles during adipogenesis and Golgi-localized gamma-ear-containing Arf-binding protein (GGA) as a key coat adaptor for the entry of newly synthesized GLUT4 into the specialized compartment. Insulin-stimulated GLUT4 translocation from this compartment to the plasma membrane appears to require the Akt/protein kinase B substrate termed AS160 (Akt substrate of 160kDa). In addition, the VPS9 domain-containing protein Gapex-5 in complex with CIP4 appears to function as a Rab31 guanylnucleotide exchange factor that is necessary for insulin-stimulated GLUT4 translocation. Here, we attempt to summarize recent advances in GLUT4 vesicle biogenesis, intracellular trafficking and membrane fusion.

Diverging signaling events control the pathway of GPVI down-regulation in vivo

Coronary artery thrombosis is often initiated by platelet activation on collagen-rich subendothelial layers in the disrupted atherosclerotic plaque. The activating platelet collagen receptor glycoprotein VI (GPVI) noncovalently associates with the Fc receptor γ-chain (FcRγ), which signals through its immunoreceptor-tyrosine–based activation motif (ITAM) via the adaptor LAT leading to the activation of phospholipase Cγ2 (PLCγ2). GPVI is a promising antithrombotic target as anti-GPVI antibodies induce the irreversible loss of the receptor from circulating platelets by yet undefined mechanisms in humans and mice and long-term antithrombotic protection in the latter. However, the treatment is associated with transient but severe thrombocytopenia and reduced platelet reactivity to thrombin questioning its clinical usefulness. Here we show that GPVI down-regulation occurs through 2 distinct pathways, namely ectodomain shedding or internalization/intracellular clearing, and that both processes are abrogated in mice carrying a point mutation in the FcRγ-associated ITAM. In mice lacking LAT or PLCγ2, GPVI shedding is abolished, but the receptor is irreversibly down-regulated through internalization/intracellular clearing. This route of GPVI loss is not associated with thrombocytopenia or altered thrombin responses. These results reveal the existence of 2 distinct signaling pathways downstream of the FcRγ-ITAM and show that it is possible to uncouple GPVI down-regulation from undesired side effects with obvious therapeutic implications.