Immunoglobulin-like domain 4-mediated receptor-receptor interactions contribute to platelet-derived growth factor-induced receptor dimerization

The interaction of platelet-related factors with tumor cells promotes tumor metastasis

Platelets not only participate in thrombosis and hemostasis but also interact with tumor cells and protect them from mechanical damage caused by hemodynamic shear stress and natural killer cell lysis, thereby promoting their colonization and metastasis to distant organs. Platelets can affect the tumor microenvironment via interactions between platelet-related factors and tumor cells. Metastasis is a key event in cancer-related death and is associated with platelet-related factors in lung, breast, and colorectal cancers. Although the factors that promote platelet expression vary slightly in terms of their type and mode of action, they all contribute to the overall process. Recognizing the correlation and mechanisms between these factors is crucial for studying the colonization of distant target organs and developing targeted therapies for these three types of tumors. This paper reviews studies on major platelet-related factors closely associated with metastasis in lung, breast, and colorectal cancers.

PDGFRA K385 mutants in myxoid glioneuronal tumors promote receptor dimerization and oncogenic signaling

Myxoid glioneuronal tumors (MGNT) are low-grade glioneuronal neoplasms composed of oligodendrocyte-like cells in a mucin-rich stroma. These tumors feature a unique dinucleotide change at codon 385 in the platelet-derived growth factor receptor α (encoded by the PDGFRA gene), resulting in the substitution of lysine 385 into leucine or isoleucine. The functional consequences of these mutations remain largely unexplored. Here, we demonstrated their oncogenic potential in fibroblast and Ba/F3 transformation assays. We showed that the K385I and K385L mutants activate STAT and AKT signaling in the absence of ligand. Co-immunoprecipitations and BRET experiments suggested that the mutations stabilized the active dimeric conformation of the receptor, pointing to a new mechanism of oncogenic PDGF receptor activation. Furthermore, we evaluated the sensitivity of these mutants to three FDA-approved tyrosine kinase inhibitors: imatinib, dasatinib, and avapritinib, which effectively suppressed the constitutive activity of the mutant receptors. Finally, K385 substitution into another hydrophobic amino acid also activated the receptor. Interestingly, K385M was reported in a few cases of brain tumors but not in MGNT. Our results provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanism underlying the activation of PDGFRα by the K385I/L mutations, highlighting their potential as actionable targets in the treatment of myxoid glioneuronal tumors.

Familial multiple discoid fibromas is linked to a locus on chromosome 5 including the FNIP1 gene

Previously, we reported a series of families presenting with trichodiscomas, inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. The phenotype was named familial multiple discoid fibromas (FMDF). The genetic cause of FMDF remained unknown so far. Trichodiscomas are skin lesions previously reported to be part of the same spectrum as the fibrofolliculoma observed in Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome (BHD), an inherited disease caused by pathogenic variants in the FLCN gene. Given the clinical and histological differences with BHD and the exclusion of linkage with the FLCN locus, the phenotype was concluded to be distinct from BHD. We performed extensive clinical evaluations and genetic testing in ten families with FMDF. We identified a FNIP1 frameshift variant in nine families and genealogical studies showed common ancestry for eight families. Using whole exome sequencing, we identified six additional rare variants in the haplotype surrounding FNIP1, including a missense variant in the PDGFRB gene that was found to be present in all tested patients with FMDF. Genome-wide linkage analysis showed that the locus on chromosome 5 including FNIP1 was the only region reaching the maximal possible LOD score. We concluded that FMDF is linked to a haplotype on chromosome 5. Additional evaluations in families with FMDF are required to unravel the exact genetic cause underlying the phenotype. When evaluating patients with multiple trichodisomas without a pathogenic variant in the FLCN gene, further genetic testing is warranted and can include analysis of the haplotype on chromosome 5.

Structural studies of full-length receptor tyrosine kinases and their implications for drug design

Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are important drug targets for cancer and immunological disorders. Crystal structures of individual RTK domains have contributed greatly to the structure-based drug design of clinically used drugs. Low-resolution structures from electron microscopy are now available for the RTKs, EGFR, PDGFR, and Kit. However, there are still no high-resolution structures of full-length RTKs due to the technical challenges of working with these complex, membrane proteins. Here, we review what has been learned from structural studies of these three RTKs regarding their mechanisms of ligand binding, activation, oligomerization, and inhibition. We discuss the implications for drug design. More structural data on full-length RTKs may facilitate the discovery of druggable sites and drugs with improved specificity and effectiveness against resistant mutants.

Septal dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor: a comprehensive clinical, imaging, histopathologic, and molecular analysis

BACKGROUND

Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors (DNETs) are uncommon neural tumors presenting most often in children and young adults and associated with intractable seizures. Rare midline neoplasms with similar histological features to those found in DNETs have been described near the septum pellucidum and termed "DNET-like neoplasms of the septum pellucidum." Due to their rarity, these tumors have been described in just a few reports and their genetic alterations sought only in small series.

METHODS

We collected 20 of these tumors for a comprehensive study of their clinical, radiological, and pathological features. RNA sequencing or targeted DNA sequencing was undertaken on 18 tumors, and genome-wide DNA methylation profiling was possible with 11 tumors. Published cases (n = 22) were also reviewed for comparative purposes.

RESULTS

The commonest presenting symptoms and signs were related to raised intracranial pressure; 40% of cases required cerebrospinal fluid diversion. Epilepsy was seen in approximately one third of cases. All patients had an indolent disease course, despite metastasis within the neuraxis in a few cases. Radiologically, the septum verum/septal nuclei were involved in all cases and are the proposed site of origin for septal DNET (sDNET). Septal DNET showed a high frequency (~80%) of mutations of platelet derived growth factor receptor A (PDGFRA), and alterations in fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) and neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) were also identified. In a genomic DNA methylation analysis alongside other neural tumors, sDNETs formed a separate molecular group.

CONCLUSIONS

Genetic alterations that are different from those of cerebral DNETs and a distinct methylome profile support the proposal that sDNET is a distinct disease entity.

A novel sensitive assay for detection of a biomarker of pericyte injury in cerebrospinal fluid

INTRODUCTION

Blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown and loss of brain capillary pericytes contributes to cognitive impairment. Pericytes express platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β (PDGFRβ) that regulates brain angiogenesis and blood vessel stability. Elevated soluble PDGFRβ (sPDGFRβ) levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) indicate pericyte injury and BBB breakdown, which is an early biomarker of human cognitive dysfunction.

METHODS

A combination of reagents and conditions were tested, optimized, and validated on the Meso Scale Discovery electrochemiluminescence platform to develop a new sPDGFRβ immunoassay that was used to measure sPDGFRβ in human CSF from 147 individuals.

RESULTS

We developed standard operating procedures for a highly sensitive and reproducible sPDGFRβ immunoassay with a dynamic range from 100 to 26,000 pg/mL, and confirmed elevated CSF sPDGFRβ levels in individuals with cognitive dysfunction.

DISCUSSION

This assay could be applied at different laboratories to study brain pericytes and microvascular damage in relation to cognition in disorders associated with neurovascular and cognitive dysfunction.

PDGF receptors in tumor stroma: Biological effects and associations with prognosis and response to treatment

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) ligands and their receptors (PDGFRα and PDGFRβ) regulate mesenchymal cells, such as fibroblasts and pericytes. These cells are important constituents of tumor stroma where they impact on tumor growth, metastasis and drug response. Studies in model systems have demonstrated ability of the PDGF system to regulate the tumor-stimulatory effects of fibroblasts, as well as their ability to promote cancer cell migration and invasion. Animal studies imply PDGFR-signaling as a regulator of tumor drug uptake. Emerging correlative analyses of different tumor collections are identifying clinically relevant variations in stromal PDGFR status, and associations between PDGFR status in tumor stroma and survival. These associations could either relate to effects of stromal PDGFR signaling on the natural course of the disease or response to treatment. The availability of clinically approved PDGFR-inhibitory drugs suggest interesting possibilities for novel clinical studies, performed on selected patient sub-groups, which further exploits tumor stroma-derived PDGFR signaling.

A Review of Anti-Angiogenic Targets for Monoclonal Antibody Cancer Therapy

Tumor angiogenesis is a key event that governs tumor progression and metastasis. It is controlled by the complicated and coordinated actions of pro-angiogenic factors and their receptors that become upregulated during tumorigenesis. Over the past several decades, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling has been identified as a central axis in tumor angiogenesis. The remarkable advent of recombinant antibody technology has led to the development of bevacizumab, a humanized antibody that targets VEGF and is a leading clinical therapy to suppress tumor angiogenesis. However, despite the clinical efficacy of bevacizumab, its significant side effects and drug resistance have raised concerns necessitating the identification of novel drug targets and development of novel therapeutics to combat tumor angiogenesis. This review will highlight the role and relevance of VEGF and other potential therapeutic targets and their receptors in angiogenesis. Simultaneously, we will also cover the current status of monoclonal antibodies being developed to target these candidates for cancer therapy.

Pancreatic stellate cells in pancreatic cancer: In focus

Pancreatic stellate cells are stromal cells that have multiple physiological functions such as the production of extracellular matrix, stimulation of amylase secretion, phagocytosis and immunity. In pancreatic cancer, stellate cells exhibit a different myofibroblastic-like morphology with the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin, the activated form is engaged in several mechanisms that support tumorigenesis and cancer invasion and progression. In contrast to the aforementioned observations, eliminating the stromal cells that are positive for alpha-smooth muscle actin resulted in immune-evasion of the cancer cells and resulted in worse prognosis in animal models. Understanding the cancer-stromal signaling in pancreatic adenocarcinoma will provide novel strategies for therapy. Here we provide an updated review of studies that handle the topic "pancreatic stellate cells in cancer" and recent experimental approaches that can be the base for future directions in therapy.

Immunoglobulin-like domain 4-mediated ligand-independent dimerization triggers VEGFR-2 activation in HUVECs and VEGFR2-positive breast cancer cells

PURPOSE

The extracellular region (EC) of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) contains seven immunoglobulin-like (Ig-like) domains that are required for specific ligand binding and receptor dimerization. Studies of domain 4-7 deletions and substitutions provided insights into the interaction between receptors in the absence of VEGF. In this study, we investigated the effect of domain 4 in ligand-independent VEGFR-2 dimerization and activation in human vascular endothelial cells and human breast cancer cells.

METHODS

To confirm the role of domain 4 in ligand-independent receptor dimerization and activation, two VEGFR-2 fragments with and without domain 4, KFP1 and KFP2, were generated by recombinant DNA technology. We measured the affinity of KFP1 and KFP2 with VEGFR-2, and the roles of KFP1 and FKP2 in dimerization and phosphorylation of VEGFR-2. We also evaluated the effect of KFP1 and FKP2 on cell proliferation and migration in HUVECs and in human breast cancer cells.

RESULTS

We showed that KFP1 did not affect the interaction of VEGFR-2 and VEGF but bound VEGFR-2 in the absence of VEGF. Furthermore, cross-linking and cross-linking immunoblotting demonstrated that KFP1 could form a complex with VEGFR-2, which resulted in VEGFR-2 dimerization in the absence of VEGF. Importantly, we found that the KDR fragment with domain 4 induced phosphorylation of VEGFR-2, as well as phosphorylation of downstream receptor kinases in HUVECs and VEGFR-2-positive breast cancer cells. Consistent with these results, this ligand-independent activation of VEGFR-2 also promoted downstream signaling and cell proliferation and migration.

CONCLUSIONS

The domain 4 of VEGFR-2 plays an important role in the interaction between VEGFR receptors in the absence of VEGF.

Platelet-derived growth factor receptor/platelet-derived growth factor (PDGFR/PDGF) system is a prognostic and treatment response biomarker with multifarious therapeutic targets in cancers

Progress in cancer biology has led to an increasing discovery of oncogenic alterations of the platelet-derived growth factor receptors (PDGFRs) in cancers. In addition, their overexpression in numerous cancers invariably makes PDGFRs and platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs) prognostic and treatment markers in some cancers. The oncologic alterations of the PDGFR/PDGF system affect the extracellular, transmembrane and tyrosine kinase domains as well as the juxtamembrane segment of the receptor. The receptor is also involved in fusions with intracellular proteins and receptor tyrosine kinase. These discoveries undoubtedly make the system an attractive oncologic therapeutic target. This review covers elementary biology of PDGFR/PDGF system and its role as a prognostic and treatment marker in cancers. In addition, the multifarious therapeutic targets of PDGFR/PDGF system are discussed. Great potential exists in the role of PDGFR/PDGF system as a prognostic and treatment marker and for further exploration of its multifarious therapeutic targets in safe and efficacious management of cancer treatments.

A review of platelet derived growth factor playing pivotal role in bone regeneration

This article is focused on the literature review and study of recent advances in the field of bone grafting, which involves platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) as one of the facilitating factors in bone regeneration. This article includes a description of the mechanism of PDGF for use in surgeries where bone grafting is required, which promotes future application of PDGF for faster bone regeneration or inhibition of bone growth if required as in osteosarcoma. The important specific activities of PDGF include mitogenesis (increase in the cell populations of healing cells), angiogenesis (endothelial mitoses into functioning capillaries), and macrophage activation (debridement of the wound site and a second phase source of growth factors for continued repair and bone regeneration). Thus PDGF can be utilized in wound with bone defect to conceal the wound with repair of bony defect.

Targeting the PDGF signaling pathway in tumor treatment

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) isoforms and PDGF receptors have important functions in the regulation of growth and survival of certain cell types during embryonal development and e.g. tissue repair in the adult. Overactivity of PDGF receptor signaling, by overexpression or mutational events, may drive tumor cell growth. In addition, pericytes of the vasculature and fibroblasts and myofibroblasts of the stroma of solid tumors express PDGF receptors, and PDGF stimulation of such cells promotes tumorigenesis. Inhibition of PDGF receptor signaling has proven to useful for the treatment of patients with certain rare tumors. Whether treatment with PDGF/PDGF receptor antagonists will be beneficial for more common malignancies is the subject for ongoing studies.

Structural and functional properties of platelet-derived growth factor and stem cell factor receptors

The receptors for platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and stem cell factor (SCF) are members of the type III class of PTK receptors, which are characterized by five Ig-like domains extracellularly and a split kinase domain intracellularly. The receptors are activated by ligand-induced dimerization, leading to autophosphorylation on specific tyrosine residues. Thereby the kinase activities of the receptors are activated and docking sites for downstream SH2 domain signal transduction molecules are created; activation of these pathways promotes cell growth, survival, and migration. These receptors mediate important signals during the embryonal development, and control tissue homeostasis in the adult. Their overactivity is seen in malignancies and other diseases involving excessive cell proliferation, such as atherosclerosis and fibrotic diseases. In cancer, mutations of PDGF and SCF receptors-including gene fusions, point mutations, and amplifications-drive subpopulations of certain malignancies, such as gastrointestinal stromal tumors, chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, hypereosinophilic syndrome, glioblastoma, acute myeloid leukemia, mastocytosis, and melanoma.

PDGFRA alterations in cancer: characterization of a gain-of-function V536E transmembrane mutant as well as loss-of-function and passenger mutations

Activating mutations in the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor alpha (PDGFRA) have been described in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors or myeloid malignancies associated with hypereosinophilia. These patients respond well to imatinib mesylate, raising the question as to whether patients with a PDGF receptor mutation in other tumor types should receive a tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment. We characterized 10 novel somatic point mutations in PDGFRA that have been reported in isolated cases of glioblastoma, melanoma, acute myeloid leukemia, peripheral nerve sheath tumors and neuroendocrine carcinoma. The PDGFRA transmembrane domain mutation V536E stimulated Ba/F3 cell growth and signaling via ERK and STAT5 in the absence of ligand. This mutant, identified in glioblastoma, was strongly inhibited by imatinib. Modeling suggested that the mutation modulates the packing of the transmembrane domain helices in the receptor dimer. By contrast, two mutations in highly conserved residues affected the receptor traffic to the cell surface or kinase activity, thereby preventing the response to PDGF. The other mutations had no significant impact on the receptor activity. This functional analysis matched the predictions of SIFT and PolyPhen for only five mutations and these algorithms do not discriminate gain from loss of function. Finally, an E996K variant that had been identified in a melanoma cell line was not expressed in these cells. Altogether, several newly identified PDGFRA mutations do not activate the receptor and may therefore represent passenger mutations. Our results also underline the importance of characterizing novel kinase alterations in cancer patients.

Extracellular assembly and activation principles of oncogenic class III receptor tyrosine kinases

Intracellular signalling cascades initiated by class III receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK-IIIs) and their cytokine ligands contribute to haematopoiesis and mesenchymal tissue development. They are also implicated in a wide range of inflammatory disorders and cancers. Recent snapshots of RTK-III ectodomains in complex with cognate cytokines have revealed timely insights into the structural determinants of RTK-III activation, evolution and pathology. Importantly, candidate 'driver' and 'passenger' mutations that have been identified in RTK-IIIs can now be collectively mapped for the first time to structural scaffolds of the corresponding RTK-III ectodomains. Such insights will generate a renewed interest in dissecting the mechanistic effects of such mutations and their therapeutic relevance.

Transactivation of PDGFRbeta by dopamine D4 receptor does not require PDGFRbeta dimerization

Growth factor-induced receptor dimerization and cross-phosphorylation are hallmarks of signal transduction via receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) can activate RTKs through a process known as transactivation. The prototypical model of RTK transactivation involves ligand-mediated RTK dimerization and cross-phosphorylation. Here, we show that the platelet-derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFRβ) transactivation by the dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) is not dependent on ligands for PDGFRβ. Furthermore, when PDGFRβ dimerization is inhibited and receptor phosphorylation is suppressed to near basal levels, the receptor maintains its ability to be transactivated and is still effective in signaling to ERK1/2. Hence, the DRD4-PDGFRβ-ERK1/2 pathway can occur independently of a PDGF-like ligand, PDGFRβ cross-phosphorylation and dimerization, which is distinct from other known forms of transactivation of RTKs by GPCRs.

Structure and function of VEGF receptors

Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) regulate blood and lymphatic vessel development and homeostasis. VEGFs are predominantly produced by endothelial, hematopoietic, and stromal cells in response to hypoxia and upon stimulation by growth factors such as transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta), interleukins, or platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs). VEGFs specifically interact with one or several receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), VEGF receptor-1, -2, and -3 (VEGFR-1, -2, -3), and with distinct coreceptors such as neuropilins or heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycans. VEGF receptors are classified as type V RTKs whose extracellular domains consists of seven immunoglobulin-like (Ig-like) domains. VEGF receptors are activated upon ligand-mediated dimerization. However, little was known about the mechanism of receptor activation at the structural level until recently. New data published by several labs for VEGF and the related type III RTKs now suggest that both ligand-receptor as well as homotypic receptor-receptor interactions stabilize ligand-induced receptor dimers. These data support the idea that structural changes induced in the extracellular domain upon ligand binding instigate transmembrane signaling by properly positioning the intracellular kinase domains in active receptor dimers.

Structure of a VEGF–VEGF receptor complex determined by electron microscopy

Receptor tyrosine kinases are activated upon ligand-induced dimerization. Here we show that the monomeric extracellular domain of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) has a flexible structure. Binding of VEGF to membrane-distal immunoglobulin-like domains causes receptor dimerization and promotes further interaction between receptor monomers through the membrane-proximal immunoglobulin-like domain 7. By this mechanism, ligand-induced dimerization of VEGFR-2 can be communicated across the membrane, activating the intracellular tyrosine kinase domains.

Comparison of neurolin (ALCAM) and neurolin-like cell adhesion molecule (NLCAM) expression in zebrafish

Many immunoglobulin (Ig)-superfamily cell adhesion molecules influence skeletal muscle formation. In Drosophila, dumbfounded (duf/kirre), irreC, sticks and stones and hibris encode related Ig-family proteins expressed in subsets of neurons and muscle precursor cells. The family mediates cell migration, axon guidance and fusion of myoblasts. Despite the importance of these genes in invertebrate myogenesis, no obvious functional parallels are known in vertebrate myogenesis. Here we investigate the gene expression pattern and phylogenetic and protein-structural relationships of the duf-related molecules neurolin and neurolin-like cell adhesion molecule (NLCAM), members of the activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule (ALCAM) sub-family of Ig-molecules. These proteins are among the closest to Duf/Kirre by sequence. During zebrafish development, neurolin is expressed in subsets of somite and muscle cells, heart and numerous sites of neuronal maturation. The new ALCAM-family member, NLCAM, appears to have arisen by duplication of neurolin/ALCAM. NLCAM is expressed widely during gastrulation, particularly in the nascent neural plate, but later becomes predominantly expressed in sites of muscle and nerve maturation and in the fin fold. The expression of each gene is often in groups of cells in similar parts of the embryo; for example, in the region of Rohon Beard neurons, trigeminal ganglion and fusing fast and migrating slow muscle fibres. However, expression can also be distinct and dynamic; for example, muscle pioneer fibres express neurolin but not NLCAM at high level. Both molecules are expressed in subsets of muscle precursors at times prior to fusion.

Kinetic analysis of platelet-derived growth factor receptor/phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt signaling in fibroblasts

Isoforms of the serine-threonine kinase Akt coordinate multiple cell survival pathways in response to stimuli such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). Activation of Akt is a multistep process, which relies on the production of 3'-phosphorylated phosphoinositide (PI) lipids by PI 3-kinases. To quantitatively assess the kinetics of PDGF receptor/PI 3-kinase/Akt signaling in fibroblasts, a systematic study of this pathway was performed, and a mechanistic mathematical model that describes its operation was formulated. We find that PDGF receptor phosphorylation exhibits positive cooperativity with respect to PDGF concentration, and its kinetics are quantitatively consistent with a mechanism in which receptor dimerization is initially mediated by the association of two 1:1 PDGF/PDGF receptor complexes. Receptor phosphorylation is transient at high concentrations of PDGF, consistent with the loss of activated receptors upon endocytosis. By comparison, Akt activation responds to lower PDGF concentrations and exhibits more sustained kinetics. Further analysis and modeling suggest that the pathway is saturated at the level of PI 3-kinase activation, and that the p110alpha catalytic subunit of PI 3-kinase contributes most to PDGF-stimulated 3'-PI production. Thus, at high concentrations of PDGF the kinetics of 3'-PI production are limited by the turnover rate of these lipids, while the Akt response is additionally influenced by the rate of Akt deactivation.

Angiogenic synergism, vascular stability and improvement of hind-limb ischemia by a combination of PDGF-BB and FGF-2

The establishment of functional and stable vascular networks is essential for angiogenic therapy. Here we report that a combination of two angiogenic factors, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB and fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2, synergistically induces vascular networks, which remain stable for more than a year even after depletion of angiogenic factors. In both rat and rabbit ischemic hind limb models, PDGF-BB and FGF-2 together markedly stimulated collateral arteriogenesis after ligation of the femoral artery, with a significant increase in vascularization and improvement in paw blood flow. A possible mechanism of angiogenic synergism between PDGF-BB and FGF-2 involves upregulation of the expression of PDGF receptor (PDGFR)-alpha and PDGFR-beta by FGF-2 in newly formed blood vessels. Our data show that a specific combination of angiogenic factors establishes functional and stable vascular networks, and provides guidance for the ongoing clinical trials of angiogenic factors for the treatment of ischemic diseases.

A human brain tumor-derived PDGFR-alpha deletion mutant is transforming

Aberrant receptor tyrosine kinase signaling plays an important role in the molecular pathogenesis of brain tumors. We have been studying a previously identified human glioblastoma-derived PDGFR-alpha mutant that has an in-frame deletion in the extracellular domain, causing loss of exons 8 and 9 (PDGFR-alpha(delta8,9)). In the primary tumor, this deletion mutant receptor was shown to be amplified and overexpressed. The purpose of this study was to determine the expression, activity, localization, and transformation properties of this deletion mutant. In the absence of serum, or PDGF-AA, PDGFR-alpha(delta8,9) was phosphorylated on tyrosine residues, indicating ligand-independent autoactivation. Localization by staining and cell surface biotinylation studies revealed expression of the deletion mutant predominantly in the cytoplasm, with very little present on the cell surface. To determine if PDGFR-alpha(delta8,9) was oncogenic, we transfected wild-type and mutant receptors into Rat1 cells and performed analyses of cell growth, in vitro transformation, and subcutaneous growth in the nude mouse. PDGFR-alpha(delta8,9)-expressing cells displayed enhanced cell growth and survival in low serum, and formed foci in monolayer cultures. PDGFR-alpha(delta8,9)-expressing Rat1 cells were also tumorigenic when injected subcutaneously into nude mice. Expression of PDGFR-alpha(delta8,9) was also associated with increased c-Jun phosphorylation in the absence of PDGF ligand, demonstrating also that the mutant receptor is associated with altered intracellular signaling. These data demonstrate that PDGFR-alpha(delta8,9) is transforming, and it is the first demonstration of a naturally occurring tumor-derived mutant PDGFR-alpha with oncogenic properties.

The Raf/MEK/ERK signal transduction cascade as a target for chemotherapeutic intervention in leukemia

The Raf/MEK/ERK (MAPK) signal transduction cascade is a vital mediator of a number of cellular fates including growth, proliferation and survival, among others. The focus of this review centers on the MAPK signal transduction pathway, its mechanisms of activation, downstream mediators of signaling, and the transcription factors that ultimately alter gene expression. Furthermore, negative regulators of this cascade, including phosphatases, are discussed with an emphasis placed upon chemotherapeutic intervention at various points along the pathway. In addition, mounting evidence suggests that the PI3K/Akt pathway may play a role in the effects elicited via MAPK signaling; as such, potential interactions and their possible cellular ramifications are discussed.

Signal transducer gp130: biochemical characterization of the three membrane-proximal extracellular domains and evaluation of their oligomerization potential

Glycoprotein 130 (gp130) is a type I transmembrane protein and serves as the common signal-transducing receptor subunit of the interleukin-6-type cytokines. Whereas the membrane-distal half of the gp130 extracellular part confers ligand binding and has been subject to intense investigation, the structural and functional features of its membrane-proximal half are poorly understood. On the basis of predictions of tertiary structure, the membrane-proximal part consists of three fibronectin-type-III-like domains D4, D5 and D6. Here we describe the bacterial expression of the polypeptides predicted to comprise each of these three domains. The recombinant proteins were refolded from solubilized inclusion bodies in vitro, purified to homogeneity and characterized by means of size-exclusion chromatography and CD spectroscopy. For the first time the prediction of three individual membrane-proximal protein domains for gp130 has been verified experimentally. The three domains do not show intermediate-affinity or high-affinity interactions between each other. Mapping of a neutralizing gp130 monoclonal antibody against D4 suggested a particular functional role of this domain for gp130 activation, because above that an intrinsic tendency for low-affinity oligomerization was demonstrated for D4.

Kinase insert domain receptor (KDR) extracellular immunoglobulin-like domains 4-7 contain structural features that block receptor dimerization and vascular endothelial growth factor-induced signaling

The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor tyrosine kinase subtype kinase insert domain receptor (KDR) contains seven extracellular Ig-like domains, of which the three most amino-terminal contain the necessary structural features required for VEGF binding. To clarify the functional role of KDR Ig-like domains 4-7, we compared VEGF-induced signaling in human embryonic kidney and porcine aortic endothelial cells expressing native versus mutant receptor proteins in which Ig-like domains 4-7, 4-6, or 7 had been deleted. Western blotting using an anti-receptor antibody indicated equivalent expression levels for each of the recombinant proteins. As expected, VEGF treatment robustly augmented native receptor autophosphorylation. In contrast, receptor autophosphorylation, as well as downstream signaling events, were VEGF-independent for cells expressing mutant receptors. (125)I-VEGF(165) bound with equal or better affinity to mutant versus native receptor, although the number of radioligand binding sites was significantly reduced because a significant percentage of mutant, but not native, receptors were localized to the cell interior. As was the case for native KDR, (125)I-VEGF(165) binding to the mutant receptors was dependent upon cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans, and (125)I-VEGF(121) bound with an affinity equal to that of (125)I-VEGF(165) to the native and mutant receptors. It is concluded that KDR Ig-like domains 4-7 contain structural features that inhibit receptor signaling by a mechanism that is independent of neuropilin-1 and heparan sulfate proteoglycans. We speculate that this provides a cellular mechanism for blocking unwanted signaling events in the absence of VEGF.

A novel mutation within the extracellular domain of TrkA causes constitutive receptor activation

The TrkA NGF receptor extracellular region contains three leucine repeats flanked by cysteine clusters and two immunoglobulin-like domains that are required for specific ligand binding. Deletion of the immunoglobulin-like domains abolishes NGF binding and causes ligand independent activation of the receptor. Here we report a specific mutation that increases the binding affinity of the TrkA receptor for NGF. A change of proline 203 to alanine (P203A) in the linker region between the leucine repeats and the first Ig-like domain increased NGF binding by decreasing the ligand rate of dissociation. This mutated receptor was appropriately expressed on the cell surface and promoted ligand-independent neurite outgrowth in PC12nnr5 cells. The mutant receptor was capable of spontaneous dimerization and was constitutively phosphorylated in the absence of ligand. Moreover, expression of TrkA-P203A receptor in fibroblasts induced DNA synthesis and transformation and generated tumours in nude mice. These data suggest that domains outside of the immunoglobulin-like structure contribute to ligand binding and constitutive activation of Trk receptors.

Involvement of platelet-derived growth factor in disease: development of specific antagonists

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is a family of dimeric isoforms that stimulates, e.g., growth, chemotaxis and cell shape changes of various connective tissue cell types and certain other cells. The cellular effects of PDGF isoforms are exerted through binding to two structurally related tyrosine kinase receptors. Ligand binding induces receptor dimerization and autophosphorylation. This enables a number of SH2 domain containing signal transduction molecules to bind to the receptors, thereby initiating various signaling pathways. PDGF isoforms have important roles during the embryonic development, particularly in the formation of connective tissue in various organs. In the adult, PDGF stimulates wound healing. Overactivity of PDGF has been implicated in certain disorders, including fibrotic conditions, atherosclerosis, and malignancies. Different kinds of PDGF antagonists are currently being developed and evaluated in different animal disease models, as well as in clinical trials.

TrkA immunoglobulin-like ligand binding domains inhibit spontaneous activation of the receptor

The extracellular region of the nerve growth factor (NGF) receptor, TrkA, contains two immunoglobulin (Ig)-like domains that are required for specific ligand binding. We have investigated the possible role of these two Ig-like domains in receptor dimerization and activation by using different mutants of the TrkA extracellular region. Deletions of each Ig-like domain, of both, and of the entire extracellular region were made. To probe the structural constraints on ligand-independent receptor dimerization, chimeric receptors were generated by swapping the Ig-like domains of the TrkA receptor for the third or fourth Ig-like domain of c-Kit. We also introduced single-amino-acid changes in conserved residues within the Ig-like domains of TrkA. Most of these TrkA variants did not bind NGF, and their expression in PC12nnr5 cells, which lack endogenous TrkA, promoted ligand-independent neurite outgrowth. Some TrkA mutant receptors induced malignant transformation of Rat-1 cells, as assessed by measuring proliferation in the absence of serum, anchorage-independent growth, and tumorigenesis in nude mice. These mutants exhibited constitutive phosphorylation and spontaneous dimerization consistent with their biological activities. Our data suggest that spontaneous dimerization of TrkA occurs when the structure of the Ig-like domains is altered, implying that the intact domains inhibit receptor dimerization in the absence of NGF.

Mechanism of action and in vivo role of platelet-derived growth factor

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is a major mitogen for connective tissue cells and certain other cell types. It is a dimeric molecule consisting of disulfide-bonded, structurally similar A- and B-polypeptide chains, which combine to homo- and heterodimers. The PDGF isoforms exert their cellular effects by binding to and activating two structurally related protein tyrosine kinase receptors, denoted the alpha-receptor and the beta-receptor. Activation of PDGF receptors leads to stimulation of cell growth, but also to changes in cell shape and motility; PDGF induces reorganization of the actin filament system and stimulates chemotaxis, i.e., a directed cell movement toward a gradient of PDGF. In vivo, PDGF has important roles during the embryonic development as well as during wound healing. Moreover, overactivity of PDGF has been implicated in several pathological conditions. The sis oncogene of simian sarcoma virus (SSV) is related to the B-chain of PDGF, and SSV transformation involves autocrine stimulation by a PDGF-like molecule. Similarly, overproduction of PDGF may be involved in autocrine and paracrine growth stimulation of human tumors. Overactivity of PDGF has, in addition, been implicated in nonmalignant conditions characterized by an increased cell proliferation, such as atherosclerosis and fibrotic conditions. This review discusses structural and functional properties of PDGF and PDGF receptors, the mechanism whereby PDGF exerts its cellular effects, and the role of PDGF in normal and diseased tissues.

Effect of transmembrane and kinase domain mutations on fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 chimera signaling in PC12 cells. A model for the control of receptor tyrosine kinase activation

The effect of six point mutations causing various human skeletal dysplasias, occurring in the transmembrane (TM) and kinase domains (KD) of fibroblast growth factor receptor 3, were introduced into a chimera composed of the extracellular domain of human platelet-derived growth factor beta and the TM and intracellular domains of hFGFR3. Stable transfectants in rat PC12 cells showed distinct differences in the two classes of mutations. The cells containing TM mutants displayed normal expression and activation but higher responsiveness to lower doses of ligand. The KD mutants showed significantly altered expression patterns. Normal amounts of a lower Mr receptor (p130) reflecting incomplete glycosylation, but only greatly decreased amounts of the mature (p170) form, were observed. However, the latter material showed normal ligand-dependent activation. In contrast, the p130 form, which is regularly observed in the expression of both native and chimeric receptors, exhibits strong ligand-independent tyrosine phosphorylation, particularly with the K650E mutation. Expression of two of the KD mutants (K650M and K650E), under control of an inducible metallothionein promoter, indicated that this receptor was sufficiently autoactivated to produce at least partial differentiation and, in the case of the K650E mutation, to induce ligand-independent neurite outgrowth. A model is presented that suggests that the low Mr (p130) KD mutants can, under the right conditions, signal intracellularly, but when they are fully glycosylated and move to the cell surface they adopt a normal, inhibited conformation, in the form of ligand-independent dimers, that neutralizes the effects of the mutations. When ligands bind, these dimeric receptors are activated in a normal manner. This model suggests that unliganded dimers may be a common intermediate in receptor tyrosine kinase signaling.

Role of immunoglobulin-like domains 2-4 of the platelet-derived growth factor alpha-receptor in ligand-receptor complex assembly

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is a dimeric protein that exerts its effects through tyrosine kinase alpha- and beta-receptors. The extracellular part of each receptor is composed of five Ig-like domains. Recombinant forms of alpha-receptor domains 1-4 (alphaRD1-4), 1-3 (alphaRD1-3), and 1 and 2 (alphaRD1-2) were prepared after expression in Chinese hamster ovary cells and were used to study the assembly of soluble ligand-receptor complexes. When incubated with micromolar concentrations of PDGF, both alphaRD1-3 and alphaRD1-4 formed complexes of 1:2 molar composition, i.e. one dimeric PDGF molecule bound two soluble receptors. alphaRD1-3, in contrast to alphaRD1-4, formed detectable 1:1 complexes under conditions of ligand excess. alphaRD1-4 displayed an increased ability to form 1:2 complexes as compared with alphaRD1-3 under conditions of limiting concentrations of ligand. We thus conclude that Ig-like domain 4-mediated receptor-receptor interactions contribute to 1:2 PDGF.alphaRD1-4 complex formation. Since alphaRD1-4 and alphaRD1-3 were equipotent in blocking binding of subnanomolar concentrations of PDGF to cell-surface receptors, we also conclude that this effect is predominantly achieved through formation of Ig-like domain 4-independent 1:1 ligand-receptor complexes. Finally, since alphaRD1-2 bound PDGF-BB with high affinity, whereas PDGF-AA was bound only with low affinity, we conclude that Ig-like domain 3 of the PDGF alpha-receptor contains epitopes of particular importance for PDGF-AA binding and that most of the PDGF-BB-binding epitopes reside in Ig-like domains 1 and 2.

Signal transduction via platelet-derived growth factor receptors

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) exerts its stimulatory effects on cell growth and motility by binding to two related protein tyrosine kinase receptors. Ligand binding induces receptor dimerization and autophosphorylation, allowing binding and activation of cytoplasmic SH2-domain containing signal transduction molecules. Thereby, a number of different signaling pathways are initiated leading to cell growth, actin reorganization migration and differentiation. Recent observations suggest that extensive cross-talk occurs between different signaling pathways, and that stimulatory signals are modulated by inhibitory signals arising in parallel.

Functional importance of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor extracellular immunoglobulin-like domains. Identification of PDGF binding site and neutralizing monoclonal antibodies

The biological effects of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) are mediated by alpha- and beta-PDGF receptors (PDGFR), which have an intracellular tyrosine kinase domain and an extracellular region comprising five immunoglobulin-like domains (D1-D5). Using deletion mutagenesis we mapped the PDGF binding site in each PDGFR to the D2-D3 region. In the case of alpha-PDGFR, 125I-PDGF AA and 125I-PDGF BB bound to the full-length extracellular domain, D1-D5, and D2-D3 with equal affinity (Kd = 0.21-0.42 nM). Identical results were obtained for 125I-PDGF BB binding to beta-PDGFR mutants D1-D5 and D2-D3, establishing that D1, D4, and D5 do not contribute to PDGF binding. Monoclonal antibodies (mAb) directed against individual PDGFR Ig-like domains were used to extend these observations. The anti-D1 mAb 1E10E2 and anti-D5 mAb 2D4G10 had no effect on alpha- or beta-PDGFR function, respectively. In contrast, mAb 2H7C5 and 2A1E2 directed against D2 of the alpha- and beta-receptor, respectively, blocked PDGF binding, receptor autophosphorylation and mitogenic signaling with IC50 values of 0.1-3.0 nM. An anti-D4 mAb 1C7D5 blocked beta-receptor autophosphorylation and signaling without inhibiting PDGF binding consistent with the observation that D4 is essential for PDGFR dimerization (Omura, T., Heldin, C.-H., and Ostman, A. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 12676-12682). mAbs identified here act as potent PDGFR antagonists that can be used as research tools and potentially as therapeutic agents for the treatment of diseases involving unwanted PDGFR signaling.