Cdk1 activity is required for mitotic activation of aurora A during G2/M transition of human cells

vissE: a versatile tool to identify and visualise higher-order molecular phenotypes from functional enrichment analysis

Functional analysis of high throughput experiments using pathway analysis is now ubiquitous. Though powerful, these methods often produce thousands of redundant results owing to knowledgebase redundancies upstream. This scale of results hinders extensive exploration by biologists and can lead to investigator biases due to previous knowledge and expectations. To address this issue, we present vissE, a flexible network-based analysis and visualisation tool that organises information into semantic categories and provides various visualisation modules to characterise them with respect to the underlying data, thus providing a comprehensive view of the biological system. We demonstrate vissE's versatility by applying it to three different technologies: bulk, single-cell and spatial transcriptomics. Applying vissE to a factor analysis of a breast cancer spatial transcriptomic data, we identified stromal phenotypes that support tumour dissemination. Its adaptability allows vissE to enhance all existing gene-set enrichment and pathway analysis workflows, empowering biologists during molecular discovery.

Effect of Aurora kinase B on polyploidy and decidualization in mouse uterus

RESEARCH QUESTION

Decidualization is critical to the establishment of mouse normal pregnancy. The fibroblast-like stromal cells in the process form polyploid multinucleated cells. Aurora kinase B (Aurora B) has previously been shown to regulate polyploidy in various cells. However, whether Aurora B regulates the formation of decidual cell polyploidization and its regulatory mechanisms remain poorly understood.

DESIGN

Establish decidualization model of mouse primary endometrial stromal cells in vitro. Construct pseudopregnancy mouse models and delayed-activation mouse models. Detect Aurora B and polyploidization related genes in mouse uteri treated by Aurora B specific inhibitor Barasertib and CPT.

RESULTS

In this study, we found that Aurora B was strongly expressed in endometrial stromal cells after implantation. Additionally, Aurora B was remarkably up regulated in the stromal cells of oil-induced deciduomoa and in vitro decidualization. As an Aurora B specific inhibitor, Barasertib significantly inhibits the mRNA expression of Prl8a2, a marker of mouse decidualization. Furthermore, the protein levels of p-Plk1, Survivin and p-Cdk1 were inhibited by Barasertib. CPT-induced DNA damage suppressed Aurkb (encodes Aurora B) expression, thus resulting in polyploidization.

CONCLUSION

Our data shows that Aurora B is expressed in decidual stromal cells of implantation sites and plays a key role for mouse decidualization. The protein of Plk1, Survivn, and Cdk1 may participate in formation of decidual cell polyploidization during mouse decidualization.

The LC3B FRET biosensor monitors the modes of action of ATG4B during autophagy in living cells

Although several mechanisms of macroautophagy/autophagy have been dissected in the last decade, following this pathway in real time remains challenging. Among the early events leading to its activation, the ATG4B protease primes the key autophagy player MAP1LC3B/LC3B. Given the lack of reporters to follow this event in living cells, we developed a Förster's resonance energy transfer (FRET) biosensor responding to the priming of LC3B by ATG4B. The biosensor was generated by flanking LC3B within a pH-resistant donor-acceptor FRET pair, Aquamarine-tdLanYFP. We here showed that the biosensor has a dual readout. First, FRET indicates the priming of LC3B by ATG4B and the resolution of the FRET image makes it possible to characterize the spatial heterogeneity of the priming activity. Second, quantifying the number of Aquamarine-LC3B puncta determines the degree of autophagy activation. We then showed that there are pools of unprimed LC3B upon ATG4B downregulation, and the priming of the biosensor is abolished in ATG4B knockout cells. The lack of priming can be rescued with the wild-type ATG4B or with the partially active W142A mutant, but not with the catalytically dead C74S mutant. Moreover, we screened for commercially-available ATG4B inhibitors, and illustrated their differential mode of action by implementing a spatially-resolved, broad-to-sensitive analysis pipeline combining FRET and the quantification of autophagic puncta. Finally, we uncovered the CDK1-dependent regulation of the ATG4B-LC3B axis at mitosis. Therefore, the LC3B FRET biosensor paves the way for a highly-quantitative monitoring of the ATG4B activity in living cells and in real time, with unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution.Abbreviations: Aqua: aquamarine; ATG: autophagy related; AURKA: aurora kinase A; BafA1: bafilomycin A1; CDK1: cyclin dependent kinase 1; DKO: double knockout; FLIM: fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy; FP: fluorescence protein; FRET: Förster's resonance energy transfer; GABARAP: GABA type A receptor-associated protein; HBSS: Hanks' balanced salt solution; KO: knockout; LAMP2: lysosomal associated membrane protein 2; MAP1LC3/LC3: microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3; NSC: NSC 185058; PE: phosphatidylethanolamine; SKO: single knockout; TKO: triple knockout; ULK1: unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 1; WT: wild-type; ZPCK: Z-L-phe chloromethyl ketone.

The promotion action of AURKA on post-ischemic angiogenesis in diabetes-related limb ischemia

Background

Diabetes-related limb ischemia is a challenge for lower extremity amputation. Aurora Kinase A (AURKA) is an essential serine/threonine kinase for mitosis, while its role in limb ischemia remains unclear.

Method

Human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1) were cultured in high glucose (HG, 25 mmol/L d-glucose) and no additional growth factors (ND) medium to mimic diabetes and low growth factors deprivation as in vitro model. Diabetic C57BL/6 mice were induced by streptozotocin (STZ) administration. After seven days, ischemia was surgically performed by left unilateral femoral artery ligation on diabetic mice. The vector of adenovirus was utilized to overexpress AURKA in vitro and in vivo.

Results

In our study, HG and ND-mediated downregulation of AURKA impaired the cell cycle progression, proliferation, migration, and tube formation ability of HMEC-1, which were rescued by overexpressed AURKA. Increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) induced by overexpressed AURKA were likely regulatory molecules that coordinate these events. Mice with AURKA overexpression exhibited improved angiogenesis in response to VEGF in Matrigel plug assay, with increased capillary density and hemoglobin content. In diabetic limb ischemia mice, AURKA overexpression rescued blood perfusion and motor deficits, accompanied by the recovery of gastrocnemius muscles observed by H&E staining and positive Desmin staining. Moreover, AURKA overexpression rescued diabetes-related impairment of angiogenesis, arteriogenesis, and functional recovery in the ischemic limb. Signal pathway results revealed that VEGFR2/PI3K/AKT pathway might be involved in AURKA triggered angiogenesis procedure. In addition, AURKA overexpression impeded oxidative stress and subsequent following lipid peroxidation both in vitro and in vivo, indicating another protective mechanism of AURKA function in diabetic limb ischemia. The changes in lipid peroxidation biomarkers (lipid ROS, GPX4, SLC7A11, ALOX5, and ASLC4) in in vitro and in vivo were suggestive of the possible involvement of ferroptosis and interaction between AUKRA and ferroptosis in diabetic limb ischemia, which need further investigation.

Conclusions

These results implicated a potent role of AURKA in diabetes-related impairment of ischemia-mediated angiogenesis and implied a potential therapeutic target for ischemic diseases of diabetes.

Phosphorylation-Dependent Regulation of WNT/Beta-Catenin Signaling

WNT/β-catenin signaling is a highly complex pathway that plays diverse roles in various cellular processes. While WNT ligands usually signal through their dedicated Frizzled receptors, the decision to signal in a β-catenin-dependent or -independent manner rests upon the type of co-receptors used. Canonical WNT signaling is β-catenin-dependent, whereas non-canonical WNT signaling is β-catenin-independent according to the classical definition. This still holds true, albeit with some added complexity, as both the pathways seem to cross-talk with intertwined networks that involve the use of different ligands, receptors, and co-receptors. β-catenin can be directly phosphorylated by various kinases governing its participation in either canonical or non-canonical pathways. Moreover, the co-activators that associate with β-catenin determine the output of the pathway in terms of induction of genes promoting proliferation or differentiation. In this review, we provide an overview of how protein phosphorylation controls WNT/β-catenin signaling, particularly in human cancer.

Effects of Aurora kinase A on mouse decidualization via Stat3-plk1-cdk1 pathway

BACKGROUND

Decidualization is essential to the successful pregnancy in mice. The molecular mechanisms and effects of Aurora kinase A (Aurora A) remain poorly understood during pregnancy. This study is the first to investigate the expression and role of Aurora A during mouse decidualization.

METHODS

Quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction, western blotting and in situ hybridization were used to determine the expression of Aurora A in mouse uteri. Aurora A activity was inhibited by Aurora A inhibitor to explore the role of Aurora A on decidualization via regulating the Aurora A/Stat3/Plk1/Cdk1 signaling pathway.

RESULTS

Aurora A was strongly expressed at implantation sites compared with inter-implantation sites. Furthermore, Aurora A was also significantly increased in oil-induced deciduoma compared with control. Both Aurora A mRNA and protein were significantly increased under in vitro decidualization. Under in vitro decidualization, Prl8a2, a marker of mouse decidualization, was significantly decreased by TC-S 7010, an Aurora A inhibitor. Additionally, Prl8a2 was reduced by Stat3 inhibitor, Plk1 inhibitor and Cdk1 inhibitor, respectively. Moreover, the protein levels of p-Stat3, p-Plk1 and p-Cdk1 were suppressed by TC-S 7010. The protein levels of p-Stat3, p-Plk1 and p-Cdk1 were also suppressed by S3I-201, a Stat3 inhibitor). SBE 13 HCl (Plk1 inhibitor) could reduce the protein levels of p-Plk1 and p-Cdk1. Collectively, Aurora A could regulate Stat3/Plk1/Cdk1 signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

Our study shows that Aurora A is expressed in decidual cells and should be important for mouse decidualization. Aurora A/Stat3/Plk1/Cdk1 signaling pathway may be involved in mouse decidualization.

Arid1a regulates cell cycle exit of transit-amplifying cells by inhibiting the Aurka-Cdk1 axis in mouse incisor

Stem cells self-renew or give rise to transit-amplifying cells (TACs) that differentiate into specific functional cell types. The fate determination of stem cells to TACs and their transition to fully differentiated progeny is precisely regulated to maintain tissue homeostasis. Arid1a, a core component of the switch/sucrose nonfermentable complex, performs epigenetic regulation of stage- and tissue-specific genes that is indispensable for stem cell homeostasis and differentiation. However, the functional mechanism of Arid1a in the fate commitment of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their progeny is not clear. Using the continuously growing adult mouse incisor model, we show that Arid1a maintains tissue homeostasis through limiting proliferation, promoting cell cycle exit and differentiation of TACs by inhibiting the Aurka-Cdk1 axis. Loss of Arid1a overactivates the Aurka-Cdk1 axis, leading to expansion of the mitotic TAC population but compromising their differentiation ability. Furthermore, the defective homeostasis after loss of Arid1a ultimately leads to reduction of the MSC population. These findings reveal the functional significance of Arid1a in regulating the fate of TACs and their interaction with MSCs to maintain tissue homeostasis.

Mms19 promotes spindle microtubule assembly in Drosophila neural stem cells

Mitotic divisions depend on the timely assembly and proper orientation of the mitotic spindle. Malfunctioning of these processes can considerably delay mitosis, thereby compromising tissue growth and homeostasis, and leading to chromosomal instability. Loss of functional Mms19 drastically affects the growth and development of mitotic tissues in Drosophila larvae and we now demonstrate that Mms19 is an important factor that promotes spindle and astral microtubule (MT) growth, and MT stability and bundling. Mms19 function is needed for the coordination of mitotic events and for the rapid progression through mitosis that is characteristic of neural stem cells. Surprisingly, Mms19 performs its mitotic activities through two different pathways. By stimulating the mitotic kinase cascade, it triggers the localization of the MT regulatory complex TACC/Msps (Transforming Acidic Coiled Coil/Minispindles, the homolog of human ch-TOG) to the centrosome. This activity of Mms19 can be rescued by stimulating the mitotic kinase cascade. However, other aspects of the Mms19 phenotypes cannot be rescued in this way, pointing to an additional mechanism of Mms19 action. We provide evidence that Mms19 binds directly to MTs and that this stimulates MT stability and bundling.

Kv10.1 Regulates Microtubule Dynamics during Mitosis

Kv10.1 (potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily H member 1, known as EAG1 or Ether-à-go-go 1), is a voltage-gated potassium channel, prevailingly expressed in the central nervous system. The aberrant expression of Kv10.1 is detected in over 70% of all human tumor tissues and correlates with poorer prognosis. In peripheral tissues, Kv10.1 is expressed almost exclusively during the G2/M phase of the cell cycle and regulates its progression-downregulation of Kv10.1 extends the duration of the G2/M phase both in cancer and healthy cells. Here, using biochemical and imaging techniques, such as live-cell measurements of microtubule growth and of cytosolic calcium, we elucidate the mechanisms of Kv10.1-mediated regulation at the G2/M phase. We show that Kv10.1 has a dual effect on mitotic microtubule dynamics. Through the functional interaction with ORAI1 (calcium release-activated calcium channel protein 1), it modulates cytosolic calcium oscillations, thereby changing microtubule behavior. The inhibition of either Kv10.1 or ORAI1 stabilizes the microtubules. In contrast, the knockdown of Kv10.1 increases the dynamicity of mitotic microtubules, resulting in a stronger spindle assembly checkpoint, greater mitotic spindle angle, and a decrease in lagging chromosomes. Understanding of Kv10.1-mediated modulation of the microtubule architecture will help to comprehend how cancer tissue benefits from the presence of Kv10.1, and thereby increase the efficacy and safety of Kv10.1-directed therapeutic strategies.

Transcriptomic analysis reveals differential gene expression, alternative splicing, and novel exons during mouse trophoblast stem cell differentiation

BACKGROUND

Differentiation of mouse trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) to trophoblast giant cells (TGCs) has been widely used as a model system to study placental development and function. While several differentially expressed genes, including regulators of TSC differentiation, have been identified, a comprehensive analysis of the global expression of genes and splice variants in the two cell types has not been reported.

RESULTS

Here, we report ~ 7800 differentially expressed genes in TGCs compared to TSCs which include regulators of the cell cycle, apoptosis, cytoskeleton, cell mobility, embryo implantation, metabolism, and various signaling pathways. We show that several mitotic proteins, including Aurora A kinase, were downregulated in TGCs and that the activity of Aurora A kinase is required for the maintenance of TSCs. We also identify hitherto undiscovered, cell-type specific alternative splicing events in 31 genes in the two cell types. Finally, we also report 19 novel exons in 12 genes which are expressed in both TSCs and TGCs.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, our results uncover several potential regulators of TSC differentiation and TGC function, thereby providing a valuable resource for developmental and molecular biologists interested in the study of stem cell differentiation and embryonic development.

Resistance to the CHK1 inhibitor prexasertib involves functionally distinct CHK1 activities in BRCA wild-type ovarian cancer

High grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is a fatal gynecologic malignancy in the U.S. with limited treatment options. New therapeutic strategies include targeting of the cell cycle checkpoints, e.g., ATR and CHK1. We recently reported a promising clinical activity of the CHK1 inhibitor (CHK1i) prexasertib monotherapy in BRCA wild-type (BRCAwt) HGSOC patients. In this study, biopsies of treated patients and cell line models were used to investigate possible mechanisms of resistance to CHK1i. We report that BRCAwt HGSOC develops resistance to prexasertib monotherapy via a prolonged G2 delay induced by lower CDK1/CyclinB1 activity, thus preventing cells from mitotic catastrophe and cell death. On the other hand, we noted CHK1's regulation on RAD51-mediated homologous recombination (HR) repair was not altered in CHK1i-resistant cells. Therefore, CHK1i sensitizes CHK1i-resistant cells to DNA damaging agents such as gemcitabine or hydroxyurea by inhibition of HR. In summary, our results demonstrate new mechanistic insights of functionally distinct CHK1 activities and highlight a potential combination treatment approach to overcome CHK1i resistance in BRCAwt HGSOC.

The immunosuppressive mechanisms of mesenchymal stem cells are differentially regulated by platelet poor plasma and fetal bovine serum supplemented media

PURPOSE

Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) can interact with and modulate the functions of all immune cells, suppressing both the innate and adaptive immune responses. Currently, most of the in vitro studies which have led to the description of MSC properties have resulted from MSC culture in the presence of fetal bovine serum (FBS), in spite of the recognition of FBS limitations and attempts to substitute this component from the MSC media.

METHODS

Herein, we compare FBS and Platelet Poor Plasma (PPP) as MSC media supplements, according to Adipose-derived MSC (AMSC) phenotype, proliferation and immunoregulatory mechanisms.

RESULTS

Interestingly, despite maintaining the classic phenotypic profile of MSCs, PPP cultured AMSCs showed impaired proliferative potential. Furthermore, our results clearly show that AMSC culture with PPP leads to decreased expression of soluble immunosuppressive factors, which resulted in decreased capacity of inducing regulatory T-cells (Tregs) generation by these cells. In contrast, PPP supplementation promoted enhanced VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 expression on AMSC surface. Therefore, AMSCs cultured with PPP showed limited potential to produce soluble immunomodulatory factors, indicating a reduced capacity to control the immune system thought paracrine activity.

CONCLUSION

Overall, our data sheds light on the importance of culture media supplementation for MSC immunomodulatory behavior, as well as serving as an alert regarding the complexity of replacing FBS in MSC culture.

Knockdown of MAPK14 inhibits the proliferation and migration of clear cell renal cell carcinoma by downregulating the expression of CDC25B

Mitogen‐activated protein kinase 14 (MAPK14), which plays an important role in DNA damage and repair, is activated by various environmental stress and proinflammatory cytokines. It is highly active in a variety of tumors, acting as a tumor promoter or suppressor, but its role in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) has not been elucidated. Cell division cycle 25B (CDC25B) is involved in cell cycle regulation and is highly expressed in many malignant tumors. The transcription levels of MAPK14 and CDC25B in 72 pairs of ccRCC and adjacent healthy tissues from the cancer genome atlas database and the protein expression levels in 66 pairs of clinical samples were analyzed in this study. After MAPK14 was knocked down by small interfering RNA (siRNA), P‐MAPK14 and CDC25B protein levels decreased. Subsequently, Western blot and co‐immunoprecipitation demonstrated that P‐MAPK14 could bind to CDC25B, potentially maintaining its stability. The proliferation and migration of ccRCC cell lines were suppressed by siRNA knockdown of MAPK14, however, that could be partially reversed by the overexpression of CDC25B. These results suggest that downregulation of MAPK14 and P‐MAPK14 could inhibit the proliferation and migration of ccRCC by downregulating CDC25B.

Light-inducible activation of cell cycle progression in Xenopus egg extracts under microfluidic confinement

Cell-free Xenopus egg extract is a widely used and biochemically tractable model system that allows recapitulation and elucidation of fundamental cellular processes. Recently, the introduction of microfluidic extract manipulation has enabled compartmentalization of bulk extract and a newfound ability to study organelles on length scales that recapitulate key features of cellular morphology. While the microfluidic confinement of extracts has produced a compelling platform for the in vitro study of cell processes at physiologically-relevant length scales, it also imposes experimental limitations by restricting dynamic control over extract properties. Here, we introduce photodegradable polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogels as a vehicle to passively and selectively manipulate extract composition through the release of proteins encapsulated within the hydrogel matrix. Photopatterned PEG hydrogels, passive to both extract and encapsulated proteins, serve as protein depots within microfluidic channels, which are subsequently flooded with extract. Illumination by ultraviolet light (UV) degrades the hydrogel structures and releases encapsulated protein. We show that an engineered fluorescent protein with a nuclear localization signal (GST-GFP-NLS) retains its ability to localize within nearby nuclei following UV-induced release from hydrogel structures. When diffusion is considered, the kinetics of nuclear accumulation are similar to those in experiments utilizing conventional, bulk fluid handling. Similarly, the release of recombinant cyclin B Δ90, a mutant form of the master cell cycle regulator cyclin B which lacks the canonical destruction box, was able to induce the expected cell cycle transition from interphase to mitosis. This transition was confirmed by the observation of nuclear envelope breakdown (NEBD), a phenomenological hallmark of mitosis, and the induction of mitosis-specific biochemical markers. This approach to extract manipulation presents a versatile and customizable route to regulating the spatial and temporal dynamics of cellular events in microfluidically confined cell-free extracts.

RhoC regulates radioresistance via crosstalk of ROCK2 with the DNA repair machinery in cervical cancer

Background

Radioresistance remains a challenge to the successful treatment of various tumors. Intrinsic factors like alterations in signaling pathways regulate response to radiation. RhoC, which has been shown to modulate several tumor phenotypes has been investigated in this report for its role in radioresistance. In vitro and clinical sample-based studies have been performed to understand its contribution to radiation response in cervical cancer and this is the first report to establish the role of RhoC and its effector ROCK2 in cervical cancer radiation response.

Methods

Biochemical, transcriptomic and immunological approaches including flow cytometry and immunofluorescence were used to understand the role of RhoC and ROCK2. RhoC variants, siRNA and chemical inhibitors were used to alter the function of RhoC and ROCK2. Transcriptomic profiling was performed to understand the gene expression pattern of the cells. Live sorting using an intracellular antigen has been developed to isolate the cells for transcriptomic studies.

Results

Enhanced expression of RhoC conferred radioprotection on the tumor cells while inhibition of RhoC resulted in sensitization of cells to radiation. The RhoC overexpressing cells had a better DNA repair machinery as observed using transcriptomic analysis. Similarly, overexpression of ROCK2, protected tumor cells against radiation while its inhibition increased radiosensitivity in vitro. Further investigations revealed that ROCK2 inhibition abolished the radioresistance phenotype, conferred by RhoC on SiHa cells, confirming that it is a downstream effector of RhoC in this context. Additionally, transcriptional analysis of the live sorted ROCK2 high and ROCK2 low expressing SiHa cells revealed an upregulation of the DNA repair pathway proteins. Consequently, inhibition of ROCK2 resulted in reduced expression of pH2Ax and MRN complex proteins, critical to repair of double strand breaks. Clinical sample-based studies also demonstrated that ROCK2 inhibition sensitizes tumor cells to irradiation.

Conclusions

Our data primarily indicates that RhoC and ROCK2 signaling is important for the radioresistance phenotype in cervical cancer tumor cells and is regulated via association of ROCK2 with the proteins of DNA repair pathway involving pH2Ax, MRE11 and RAD50 proteins, partly offering insights into the mechanism of radioresistance in tumor cells. These findings highlight RhoC-ROCK2 signaling involvement in DNA repair and urge the need for development of these molecules as targets to alleviate the non-responsiveness of cervical cancer tumor cells to irradiation treatment.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13046-019-1385-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Hyper-activation of Aurora kinase a-polo-like kinase 1-FOXM1 axis promotes chronic myeloid leukemia resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors

BACKGROUND

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative disease caused by the constitutive tyrosine kinase (TK) activity of the BCR-ABL1 fusion protein. Accordingly, TK inhibitors have drastically changed the disease prognosis. However, persistence of the transformed hematopoiesis even in patients who achieved a complete response to TK inhibitors and the disease relapse upon therapy discontinuation represent a major obstacle to CML cure.

METHODS

Thiostrepton, Danusertib and Volasertib were used to investigate the effects of FOXM1, AKA and Plk1 inhibition in K562-S and K562-R cells. Apoptotic cell death was quantified by annexin V/propidium iodide staining and flow cytometry. Quantitative reverse transcription (RT)-PCR was used to assess BCR-ABL1, FOXM1, PLK1 and AURKA expression. Protein expression and activation was assessed by Western Blotting (WB). Clonogenic assay were performed to confirm K562-R resistance to Imatinib and to evaluate cells sensitivity to the different drugs.

RESULTS

Here we proved that BCR-ABL1 TK-dependent hyper-activation of Aurora kinase A (AURKA)-Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1)-FOXM1 axis is associated with the outcome of Imatinib (IM) resistance in an experimental model (K562 cell line) and bone marrow hematopoietic cells. Notably, such a biomolecular trait was detected in the putative leukemic stem cell (LSC) compartment characterized by a CD34+ phenotype. Constitutive phosphorylation of FOXM1 associated with BCR-ABL1 TK lets FOXM1 binding with β-catenin enables β-catenin nuclear import and recruitment to T cell factor/lymphoid enhancer-binding factor (TCF/LEF) transcription complex, hence supporting leukemic cell proliferation and survival. Lastly, the inhibition of single components of AURKA-PLK1-FOXM1 axis in response to specific drugs raises the expression of growth factor/DNA damage-inducible gene a (GADD45a), a strong inhibitor of AURKA and, as so, a critical component whose induction may mediate the eradication of leukemic clone.

CONCLUSIONS

Our conclusion is that AURKA, PLK1 and FOXM1 inhibition may be considered as a promising therapeutic approach to cure CML.

Induction of a Spindle-Assembly-Competent M Phase in Xenopus Egg Extracts

Normal mitotic spindle assembly is a prerequisite for faithful chromosome segregation and unperturbed cell-cycle progression. Precise functioning of the spindle machinery relies on conserved architectural features, such as focused poles, chromosome alignment at the metaphase plate, and proper spindle length. These morphological requirements can be achieved only within a compositionally distinct cytoplasm that results from cell-cycle-dependent regulation of specific protein levels and specific post-translational modifications. Here, we used cell-free extracts derived from Xenopus laevis eggs to recapitulate different phases of the cell cycle in vitro and to determine which components are required to render interphase cytoplasm spindle-assembly competent in the absence of protein translation. We found that addition of a nondegradable form of the master cell-cycle regulator cyclin B1 can indeed induce some biochemical and phenomenological characteristics of mitosis, but cyclin B1 alone is insufficient and actually deleterious at high levels for normal spindle assembly. In contrast, addition of a phosphomimetic form of the Greatwall-kinase effector Arpp19 with a specific concentration of nondegradable cyclin B1 rescued spindle bipolarity but resulted in larger-than-normal bipolar spindles with a misalignment of chromosomes. Both were corrected by the addition of exogenous Xkid (Xenopus homolog of human Kid/KIF22), indicating a role for this chromokinesin in regulating spindle length. These observations suggest that, of the many components degraded at mitotic exit and then replenished during the subsequent interphase, only a few are required to induce a cell-cycle transition that produces a spindle-assembly-competent cytoplasm.

Cytoprotective effect of 2-carbomethoxy-2,3-epoxy-3-prenyl-1,4-naphthoquinone (CMEP-NQ) is mediated by the inhibition of BAK-dependent mitochondrial apoptosis pathway

The inhibitory mechanism of 2-carbomethoxy-2,3-epoxy-3-prenyl-1,4-naphthoquinone (CMEP-NQ) against apoptosis induced by the microtubule-damaging agents (MDAs), nocodazole (NOC) and 2-methoxyestradiol (2-MeO-E₂), or a DNA-damaging agent (DDA), camptothecin (CPT) were investigated in human Jurkat T cell clones (J/Neo and J/BCL-XL cells). Treatment of J/Neo cells with NOC, 2-MeO-E₂, or CPT caused cytotoxicity and apoptotic DNA fragmentation but these events were significantly attenuated in the presence of CMEP-NQ. Although not only MDA (NOC or 2-MeO-E₂)-induced mitotic arrest, CDK1 activation, and BCL-2, BCL-XL and BIM phosphorylation, but also DDA (CPT)-induced S-phase arrest and ATM-CHK1/CHK2-p53 pathway activation were not or were barely affected in the presence of CMEP-NQ, the levels of anti-apoptotic BAG3 and MCL-1, which were markedly downregulated after MDA- or DDA-treatment, were rather elevated by CMEP-NQ. Under the same conditions, MDA- or DDA-induced mitochondrial apoptotic events including BAK activation, mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) loss, caspase-9 activation, and PARP cleavage were significantly inhibited by CMEP-NQ. While MDA- or DDA-induced sub-G₁ peak and Δψm loss were abrogated in J/BCL-XL cells, MDA-induced mitotic arrest and DDA-induced S-arrest were more apparent in J/BCL-XL cells than in J/Neo cells. Simultaneously, the induced cell cycle arrest in J/BCL-XL cells was not significantly disturbed by CMEP-NQ. MDA- or DDA-treatment caused intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production; however, MDA- or DDA-induced ROS production was almost completely abrogated in J/BCL-XL cells. MDA- or DDA-induced ROS production in J/Neo cells was significantly suppressed by CMEP-NQ, but the suppressive effect was hardly observed in J/BCL-XL cells. Together, these results show that CMEP-NQ efficiently protects Jurkat T cells from apoptotic cell death via the elevation of BAG3 and MCL-1 levels, which results in the inhibition of intrinsic BAK-dependent mitochondrial apoptosis pathway, as does the overexpression of BCL-XL.

Global assessment of its network dynamics reveals that the kinase Plk1 inhibits the phosphatase PP6 to promote Aurora A activity

Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) is an essential protein kinase that promotes faithful mitotic progression in eukaryotes. The subcellular localization and substrate interactions of Plk1 are tightly controlled and require its binding to phosphorylated residues. To identify phosphorylation-dependent interactions within the Plk1 network in human mitotic cells, we performed quantitative proteomics on HeLa cells cultured with kinase inhibitors or expressing a Plk1 mutant that was deficient in phosphorylation-dependent substrate binding. We found that many interactions were abolished upon kinase inhibition; however, a subset was protected from phosphatase opposition or was unopposed, resulting in persistent interaction of the substrate with Plk1. This subset includes phosphoprotein phosphatase 6 (PP6), whose activity toward Aurora kinase A (Aurora A) was inhibited by Plk1. Our data suggest that this Plk1-PP6 interaction generates a feedback loop that coordinates and reinforces the activities of Plk1 and Aurora A during mitotic entry and is terminated by the degradation of Plk1 during mitotic exit. Thus, we have identified a mechanism for the previously puzzling observation of the Plk1-dependent regulation of Aurora A.

KCTD12 promotes tumorigenesis by facilitating CDC25B/CDK1/Aurora A-dependent G2/M transition

Cell cycle dysregulation leads to uncontrolled cell proliferation and tumorigenesis. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying cell cycle progression can provide clues leading to the identification of key proteins involved in cancer development. In this study, we performed proteomics analysis to identify novel regulators of the cell cycle. We found that potassium channel tetramerization domain containing 12 (KCTD12) was significantly upregulated in M phase compared with S phase. We also found that KCTD12 overexpression not only facilitated the G2/M transition and induced cancer cell proliferation, but also promoted the growth of subcutaneous tumors and Ki-67 proliferation index in mice. Regarding the mechanism underlying these phenomena, cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) was identified as an interacting partner of KCTD12 by immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry analysis, which showed that KCTD12 activated CDK1 and Aurora kinase A (Aurora A) and that the effects of KCTD12 on CDK1 phosphorylation and cell proliferation were abrogated by cell division cycle 25B (CDC25B) silencing. In addition, Aurora A phosphorylated KCTD12 at serine 243, thereby initiating a positive feedback loop necessary for KCTD12 to exert its cancer-promoting effects. Furthermore, we analyzed the expression levels of various genes and the correlations between the expression of these genes and survival using tumor tissue microarray and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) data sets. The data showed that KCTD12 expression was significantly upregulated in cervical and lung cancers. More importantly, high KCTD12 expression was associated with larger tumor sizes, higher pathological stages and poor patient survival. Collectively, our study demonstrate that KCTD12 binds to CDC25B and activates CDK1 and Aurora A to facilitate the G2/M transition and promote tumorigenesis and that Aurora A phosphorylates KCTD12 at serine 243 to trigger a positive feedback loop, thereby potentiating the effects of KCTD12. Thus, the KCTD12-CDC25B-CDK1-Aurora A axis has important implications for cancer diagnoses and prognoses.

PLK1 Activation in Late G2 Sets Up Commitment to Mitosis

Commitment to mitosis must be tightly coordinated with DNA replication to preserve genome integrity. While we have previously established that the timely activation of CyclinB1-Cdk1 in late G2 triggers mitotic entry, the upstream regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we report that Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) is required for entry into mitosis during an unperturbed cell cycle and is rapidly activated shortly before CyclinB1-Cdk1. We determine that Plk1 associates with the Cdc25C1 phosphatase and induces its phosphorylation before mitotic entry. Plk1-dependent Cdc25C1 phosphosites are sufficient to promote mitotic entry, even when Plk1 activity is inhibited. Furthermore, we find that activation of Plk1 during G2 relies on CyclinA2-Cdk activity levels. Our findings thus elucidate a critical role for Plk1 in CyclinB1-Cdk1 activation and mitotic entry and outline how CyclinA2-Cdk, an S-promoting factor, poises cells for commitment to mitosis.

Nanotopography controls cell cycle changes involved with skeletal stem cell self-renewal and multipotency

In culture isolated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (more precisely termed skeletal stem cells, SSCs) spontaneously differentiate into fibroblasts, preventing the growth of large numbers of multipotent SSCs for use in regenerative medicine. However, the mechanisms that regulate the expansion of SSCs, while maintaining multipotency and preventing fibroblastic differentiation are poorly understood. Major hurdles to understanding how the maintenance of SSCs is regulated are (a) SSCs isolated from bone marrow are heterogeneous populations with different proliferative characteristics and (b) a lack of tools to investigate SSC number expansion and multipotency. Here, a nanotopographical surface is used as a tool that permits SSC proliferation while maintaining multipotency. It is demonstrated that retention of SSC phenotype in culture requires adjustments to the cell cycle that are linked to changes in the activation of the mitogen activated protein kinases. This demonstrates that biomaterials can offer cross-SSC culture tools and that the biological processes that determine whether SSCs retain multipotency or differentiate into fibroblasts are subtle, in terms of biochemical control, but are profound in terms of determining cell fate.

The Functional Significance of Posttranslational Modifications on Polo-Like Kinase 1 Revealed by Chemical Genetic Complementation

Mitosis is coordinated by carefully controlled phosphorylation and ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis. Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) plays a central role in regulating mitosis and cytokinesis by phosphorylating target proteins. Yet, Plk1 is itself a target for posttranslational modification by phosphorylation and ubiquitination. We developed a chemical-genetic complementation assay to evaluate the functional significance of 34 posttranslational modifications (PTMs) on human Plk1. To do this, we used human cells that solely express a modified analog-sensitive Plk1 (Plk1AS) and complemented with wildtype Plk1. The wildtype Plk1 provides cells with a functional Plk1 allele in the presence of 3-MB-PP1, a bulky ATP-analog inhibitor that specifically inhibits Plk1AS. Using this approach, we evaluated the ability of 34 singly non-modifiable Plk1 mutants to complement Plk1AS in the presence of 3-MB-PP1. Mutation of the T-loop activating residue T210 and adjacent T214 are lethal, but surprisingly individual mutation of the remaining 32 posttranslational modification sites did not disrupt the essential functions of Plk1. To evaluate redundancy, we simultaneously mutated all phosphorylation sites in the kinase domain except for T210 and T214 or all sites in the C-terminal polo-box domain (PBD). We discovered that redundant phosphorylation events within the kinase domain are required for accurate chromosome segregation in anaphase but those in the PBD are dispensable. We conclude that PTMs within the T-loop of Plk1 are essential and nonredundant, additional modifications in the kinase domain provide redundant control of Plk1 function, and those in the PBD are dispensable for essential mitotic functions of Plk1. This comprehensive evaluation of Plk1 modifications demonstrates that although phosphorylation and ubiquitination are important for mitotic progression, many individual PTMs detected in human tissue may have redundant, subtle, or dispensable roles in gene function.

A delay prior to mitotic entry triggers caspase 8-dependent cell death in p53-deficient Hela and HCT-116 cells

Stathmin/Oncoprotein 18, a microtubule destabilizing protein, is required for survival of p53-deficient cells. Stathmin-depleted cells are slower to enter mitosis, but whether delayed mitotic entry triggers cell death or whether stathmin has a separate pro-survival function was unknown. To test these possibilities, we abrogated the cell cycle delay by inhibiting Wee1 in synchronized, stathmin-depleted cells and found that apoptosis was reduced to control levels. Synchronized cells treated with a 4 hour pulse of inhibitors to CDK1 or both Aurora A and PLK1 delayed mitotic entry and apoptosis was triggered only in p53-deficient cells. We did not detect mitotic defects downstream of the delayed mitotic entry, indicating that cell death is activated by a mechanism distinct from those activated by prolonged mitotic arrest. Cell death is triggered by initiator caspase 8, based on its cleavage to the active form and by rescue of viability after caspase 8 depletion or treatment with a caspase 8 inhibitor. In contrast, initiator caspase 9, activated by prolonged mitotic arrest, is not activated and is not required for apoptosis under our experimental conditions. P53 upregulates expression of cFLIP_L, a protein that blocks caspase 8 activation. cFLIP_L levels are lower in cells lacking p53 and these levels are reduced to a greater extent after stathmin depletion. Expression of FLAG-tagged cFLIP_L in p53-deficient cells rescues them from apoptosis triggered by stathmin depletion or CDK1 inhibition during G2. These data indicate that a cell cycle delay in G2 activates caspase 8 to initiate apoptosis specifically in p53-deficient cells.

Inhibition of the Aurora A kinase augments the anti-tumor efficacy of oncolytic measles virotherapy

Oncolytic measles virus (MV) strains have demonstrated broad spectrum preclinical anti-tumor, including breast cancer. Aurora A kinase controls mitotic spindle formation and plays a critical role in malignant transformation. We hypothesized that, by causing mitotic arrest, the Aurora A kinase inhibitor MLN8237 (alisertib) can increase MV oncolytic effect and efficacy. Alisertib enhanced MV oncolysis in vitro and significantly improved outcome in vivo against breast cancer xenografts. In a disseminated MDA-231-lu-P4 lung metastatic model, the MV/alisertib combination treatment markedly increased median survival to 82.5 days with 20% of the animals being long term survivors vs. 48 days median survival for the control animals. Similarly, in a pleural effusion model of advanced breast cancer, the MV/alisertib combination significantly improved outcome with a 74.5 day median survival versus the single agent groups (57 and 40 days respectively). Increased viral gene expression and IL-24 upregulation were demonstrated, representing possible mechanisms for the observed increase in antitumor effect. Inhibiting Aurora A kinase with alisertib represents a novel approach to enhance measles virus-mediated oncolysis and antitumor effect. Both oncolytic MV strains and alisertib are currently tested in clinical trials, this study therefore provides the basis for translational applications of this combinatorial strategy in the treatment of patients with advanced breast cancer.

The chromatin remodeller RSF1 is essential for PLK1 deposition and function at mitotic kinetochores

Accumulation of PLK1 at kinetochores is essential for chromosome alignment and segregation; however, the mechanism underlying PLK1 recruitment to kinetochores remains unresolved. The chromatin remodeller RSF1 tightly associates with centromere proteins, but its mitotic function is unknown. Here we show that RSF1 localizes at mitotic kinetochores and directly binds PLK1. RSF1 depletion disrupts localization of PLK1 at kinetochores; the C-terminal fragment of RSF1, which can bind PLK1, is sufficient to restore PLK1 localization. Moreover, CDK1 phosphorylates RSF1 at Ser1375, and this phosphorylation is necessary for PLK1 recruitment. Subsequently, PLK1 phosphorylates RSF1 at Ser1359, stabilizing PLK1 deposition. Importantly, RSF1 depletion mimicks the chromosome misalignment phenotype resulting from PLK1 knockdown; these defects are rescued by RSF1 S1375D or RSF1 S1359D but not RSF1 S1375A, showing a functional link between phosphorylation of RSF1 and chromosome alignment. Together, these data show that RSF1 is an essential centromeric component that recruits PLK1 to kinetochores and plays a crucial role in faithful cell division.

Aurora kinase A is essential for correct chromosome segregation in mouse zygote

Aurora-A kinase (AURKA), a member of the serine/threonine protein kinase family, is involved in multiple steps of mitotic progression. It regulates centrosome maturation, mitotic spindle formation, and cytokinesis. While studied extensively in somatic cells, little information is known about AURKA in the early cleavage mouse embryo with respect to acentrosomal spindle assembly. In vitro experiments in which AURKA was inactivated with specific inhibitor MLN8237 during the early stages of embryogenesis documented gradual arrest in the cleavage ability of the mouse embryo. In the AURKA-inhibited 1-cell embryos, spindle formation and anaphase onset were delayed and chromosome segregation was defective. AURKA inhibition increased apoptosis during early embryonic development. In conclusion these data suggest that AURKA is essential for the correct chromosome segregation in the first mitosis as a prerequisite for normal later development after first cleavage.

Pennogenyl saponins induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Pennogenyl saponins, the characterized components of Rhizoma Paridis, have been reported to have anticancer activity through induction of apoptosis or anti-metastasis in cultured cells or animal models. The aim of the study was to evaluate the anticancer properties of four pennogenyl saponins (PS1-PS4) on a panel of human cancer and normal cell lines, and explore the potential mechanisms underlying the selective anticancer effects of the steroidal saponins in cancer cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Differences in the anticancer activity of pennogenyl saponins were examined by MTT assay in human cancer cell lines (HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells, UACC-257 melanoma cells, MCF-7 breast and PC-3 prostate cancer cells) and normal human cell lines (L-02 liver cells and HEK293 kidney cells). Flow cytometry analysis, JC-1 staining and western blot analysis were applied to detect the effects of anticancer pennogenyl saponins on apoptosis, cell cycle, and expression and/or activation of main effectors involved in the potential signaling pathways.

RESULTS

Among the tested four saponins, only PS1 and PS2 selectively inhibited cell growth in HepG2, MCF-7 and PC-3 cells. Moreover, PS1 and PS2 could significantly induce apoptosis and cell cycle G2/M arrest in HepG2 cells, which were at least associated with activation of mitochondrial caspase-dependent and -independent apoptotic cascades, inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinase 1 and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, and modulation of mitogen-activated protein kinases.

CONCLUSIONS

PS1 and PS2 had potent and selective anticancer activity to breast, liver and prostate cancer cells. Furthermore, the anticancer effects of PS1 and PS2 were associated with induction of apoptosis and blockage of cell cycle progression through multiple targets in HepG2 cells. These findings suggest that PS1 and PS2 can be considered as potential agents for the treatment of some cancers such as hepatoma.

Dependency of 2-methoxyestradiol-induced mitochondrial apoptosis on mitotic spindle network impairment and prometaphase arrest in human Jurkat T cells

The present study sought to determine the correlation between 2-methoxyestradiol (2-MeO-E2)-induced cell cycle arrest and 2-MeO-E2-induced apoptosis. Exposure of Jurkat T cell clone (JT/Neo) to 2-MeO-E2 (0.5-1.0 μM) caused G2/M arrest, Bak activation, Δψm loss, caspase-9 and -3 activation, PARP cleavage, intracellular ROS accumulation, and apoptotic DNA fragmentation, whereas none of these events except for G2/M arrest were induced in Jurkat T cells overexpressing Bcl-2 (JT/Bcl-2). Under these conditions, Cdk1 phosphorylation at Thr-161 and dephosphorylation at Tyr-15, up-regulation of cyclin B1 expression, histone H1 phosphorylation, Cdc25C phosphorylation at Thr-48, Bcl-2 phosphorylation at Thr-56 and Ser-70, Mcl-1 phosphorylation at Ser-159/Thr-163, and Bim phosphorylation were detected irrespective of Bcl-2 overexpression. Concomitant treatment of JT/Neo cells with 2-MeO-E2 and the G1/S blocking agent aphidicolin resulted in G1/S arrest and abrogation of all apoptotic events, including Cdk1 activation, phosphorylation of Bcl-2, Mcl-1 and Bim, and ROS accumulation. The 2-MeO-E2-induced phosphorylation of Bcl-2 family proteins and mitochondrial apoptotic events were suppressed by a Cdk1 inhibitor, but not by an Aurora A kinase (AURKA), Aurora B kinase (AURKB), JNK, or p38 MAPK inhibitor. Immunofluorescence microscopic analysis revealed that 2-MeO-E2-induced mitotic arrest was caused by mitotic spindle network impairment and prometaphase arrest. Whereas 10-20 μM 2-MeO-E2 reduced the proportion of intracellular polymeric tubulin to monomeric tubulin, 0.5-5.0 μM 2-MeO-E2 increased it. These results demonstrate that the apoptogenic effect of 2-MeO-E2 (0.5-1.0 μM) was attributable to mitotic spindle defect-mediated prometaphase arrest, Cdk1 activation, phosphorylation of Bcl-2, Mcl-1, and Bim, and activation of Bak and mitochondria-dependent caspase cascade.

Multiplex imaging and cellular target identification of kinase inhibitors via an affinity-based proteome profiling approach

MLN8237 is a highly potent and presumably selective inhibitor of Aurora kinase A (AKA) and has shown promising antitumor activities. Like other kinase inhibitors which target the ATP-binding site of kinases, MLN8237 might be expected to have potential cellular off-targets. Herein, we report the first photoaffinity-based, small molecule AKA probe capable of both live-cell imaging of AKA activities and in situ proteome profiling of potential off-targets of MLN8237 (including AKA-associating proteins). By using two mutually compatible, bioorthogonal reactions (copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition chemistry and TCO-tetrazine ligation), we demostrate small molecule-based multiplex bioimaging for simultaneous in situ monitoring of two important cell-cycle regulating kinases (AKA and CDK1). A broad range of proteins, as potential off-targets of MLN8237 and AKA's-interacting partners, is subsequently identified by affinity-based proteome profiling coupled with large-scale LC-MS/MS analysis. From these studies, we discover novel AKA interactions which were further validated by cell-based immunoprecipitation (IP) experiments.

The apoptotic mechanism of action of the sphingosine kinase 1 selective inhibitor SKI-178 in human acute myeloid leukemia cell lines

We previously developed SKI-178 (N'-[(1E)-1-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethylidene]-3-(4-methoxxyphenyl)-1H-pyrazole-5-carbohydrazide) as a novel sphingosine kinase-1 (SphK1) selective inhibitor and, herein, sought to determine the mechanism-of-action of SKI-178-induced cell death. Using human acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell lines as a model, we present evidence that SKI-178 induces prolonged mitosis followed by apoptotic cell death through the intrinsic apoptotic cascade. Further examination of the mechanism of action of SKI-178 implicated c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) and cyclin-dependent protein kinase 1 (CDK1) as critical factors required for SKI-178-induced apoptosis. In cell cycle synchronized human AML cell lines, we demonstrate that entry into mitosis is required for apoptotic induction by SKI-178 and that CDK1, not JNK, is required for SKI-178-induced apoptosis. We further demonstrate that the sustained activation of CDK1 during prolonged mitosis, mediated by SKI-178, leads to the simultaneous phosphorylation of the prosurvival Bcl-2 family members, Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl, as well as the phosphorylation and subsequent degradation of Mcl-1. Moreover, multidrug resistance mediated by multidrug-resistant protein1 and/or prosurvival Bcl-2 family member overexpression did not affect the sensitivity of AML cells to SKI-178. Taken together, these findings highlight the therapeutic potential of SKI-178 targeting SphK1 as a novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of AML, including multidrug-resistant/recurrent AML subtypes.

The role of Aurora-A kinase in the Golgi-dependent control of mitotic entry

During mitosis, the Golgi complex undergoes a multi-step fragmentation process that is instrumental to its correct partitioning into the daughter cells. To prepare for this segregation, the Golgi ribbon is initially separated into individual stacks during the G2 phase of the cell cycle. Then, at the onset of mitosis, these individual stacks are further disassembled into dispersed fragments. Inhibition of this Golgi fragmentation step results in a block or delay of G2/M transition, depending on the experimental approach. Thus, correct segregation of the Golgi complex appears to be monitored by a 'Golgi mitotic checkpoint'. Using a microinjection-based approach, we recently identified the first target of the Golgi checkpoint, whereby a block of this Golgi fragmentation impairs recruitment of the mitotic kinase Aurora-A to, and its activation at, the centrosomes. Overexpression of Aurora-A can override this cell cycle block, indicating that Aurora-A is a major effector of the Golgi checkpoint. We have also shown that this block of Aurora-A recruitment to the centrosomes is not mediated by the known mechanisms of regulation of Aurora-A function. Here we discuss our findings in relation to the known functions of Aurora-A.

Spatial-temporal model for silencing of the mitotic spindle assembly checkpoint

The spindle assembly checkpoint arrests mitotic progression until each kinetochore secures a stable attachment to the spindle. Despite fluctuating noise, this checkpoint remains robust and remarkably sensitive to even a single unattached kinetochore among many attached kinetochores; moreover, the checkpoint is silenced only after the final kinetochore-spindle attachment. Experimental observations have shown that checkpoint components stream from attached kinetochores along microtubules toward spindle poles. Here, we incorporate this streaming behavior into a theoretical model that accounts for the robustness of checkpoint silencing. Poleward streams are integrated at spindle poles, but are diverted by any unattached kinetochore; consequently, accumulation of checkpoint components at spindle poles increases markedly only when every kinetochore is properly attached. This step-change robustly triggers checkpoint silencing after, and only after, the final kinetochore-spindle attachment. Our model offers a conceptual framework that highlights the role of spatiotemporal regulation in mitotic spindle checkpoint signaling and fidelity of chromosome segregation.

Depletion of IK causes mitotic arrest through aberrant regulation of mitotic kinases and phosphatases

IK is known to inhibit the expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II antigen, but other cellular functions of IK remain to be uncovered. In this study, IK depletion caused misalignment of chromosomes through an increase in Aurora A and PLK1 phosphorylation, which was mediated by a decrease in PP1 and PP2A activities. On the other hand, the treatment of a dual inhibitor against CDK and Aurora kinases overrode IK depletion-induced mitotic arrest through the activation of phosphatase activity. These findings imply that IK is an essential protein for achieving correct mitotic progress through the regulation of mitotic kinases and phosphatases.

Evidence toward a dual phosphatase mechanism that restricts Aurora A (Thr-295) phosphorylation during the early embryonic cell cycle

The mitotic kinase Aurora A (AurA) is regulated by a complex network of factors that includes co-activator binding, autophosphorylation, and dephosphorylation. Dephosphorylation of AurA by PP2A (human, Ser-51; Xenopus, Ser-53) destabilizes the protein, whereas mitotic dephosphorylation of its T-loop (human, Thr-288; Xenopus, Thr-295) by PP6 represses AurA activity. However, AurA(Thr-295) phosphorylation is restricted throughout the early embryonic cell cycle, not just during M-phase, and how Thr-295 is kept dephosphorylated during interphase and whether or not this mechanism impacts the cell cycle oscillator were unknown. Titration of okadaic acid (OA) or fostriecin into Xenopus early embryonic extract revealed that phosphatase activity other than PP1 continuously suppresses AurA(Thr-295) phosphorylation during the early embryonic cell cycle. Unexpectedly, we observed that inhibiting a phosphatase activity highly sensitive to OA caused an abnormal increase in AurA(Thr-295) phosphorylation late during interphase that corresponded with delayed cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) activation. AurA(Thr-295) phosphorylation indeed influenced this timing, because AurA isoforms retaining an intact Thr-295 residue further delayed M-phase entry. Using mathematical modeling, we determined that one phosphatase would be insufficient to restrict AurA phosphorylation and regulate CDK1 activation, whereas a dual phosphatase topology best recapitulated our experimental observations. We propose that two phosphatases target Thr-295 of AurA to prevent premature AurA activation during interphase and that phosphorylated AurA(Thr-295) acts as a competitor substrate with a CDK1-activating phosphatase in late interphase. These results suggest a novel relationship between AurA and protein phosphatases during progression throughout the early embryonic cell cycle and shed new light on potential defects caused by AurA overexpression.

A new aurora in anaplastic thyroid cancer therapy

Anaplastic thyroid cancers (ATC) are among the most aggressive human neoplasms with a dire prognosis and a median survival time of few months from the diagnosis. The complete absence of effective therapies for ATC renders the identification of novel therapeutic approaches sorely needed. Chromosomal instability, a feature of all human cancers, is thought to represent a major driving force in thyroid cancer progression and a number of mitotic kinases showing a deregulated expression in malignant thyroid tissues are now held responsible for thyroid tumor aneuploidy. These include the three members of the Aurora family (Aurora-A, Aurora-B, and Aurora-C), serine/threonine kinases that regulate multiple aspects of chromosome segregation and cytokinesis. Over the last few years, several small molecule inhibitors targeting Aurora kinases were developed, which showed promising antitumor effects against a variety of human cancers, including ATC, in preclinical studies. Several of these molecules are now being evaluated in phase I/II clinical trials against advanced solid and hematological malignancies. In the present review we will describe the structure, expression, and mitotic functions of the Aurora kinases, their implications in human cancer progression, with particular regard to ATC, and the effects of their functional inhibition on malignant cell proliferation.

Stathmin and microtubules regulate mitotic entry in HeLa cells by controlling activation of both Aurora kinase A and Plk1

Depletion of stathmin, a microtubule (MT) destabilizer, delays mitotic entry by ∼4 h in HeLa cells. Stathmin depletion reduced the activity of CDC25 and its upstream activators, Aurora A and Plk1. Chemical inhibition of both Aurora A and Plk1 was sufficient to delay mitotic entry by 4 h, while inhibiting either kinase alone did not cause a delay. Aurora A and Plk1 are likely regulated downstream of stathmin, because the combination of stathmin knockdown and inhibition of Aurora A and Plk1 was not additive and again delayed mitotic entry by 4 h. Aurora A localization to the centrosome required MTs, while stathmin depletion spread its localization beyond that of γ-tubulin, indicating an MT-dependent regulation of Aurora A activation. Plk1 was inhibited by excess stathmin, detected in in vitro assays and cells overexpressing stathmin-cyan fluorescent protein. Recruitment of Plk1 to the centrosome was delayed in stathmin-depleted cells, independent of MTs. It has been shown that depolymerizing MTs with nocodazole abrogates the stathmin-depletion induced cell cycle delay; in this study, depolymerization with nocodazole restored Plk1 activity to near normal levels, demonstrating that MTs also contribute to Plk1 activation. These data demonstrate that stathmin regulates mitotic entry, partially via MTs, to control localization and activation of both Aurora A and Plk1.

BimEL is phosphorylated at mitosis by Aurora A and targeted for degradation by βTrCP1

Bcl-2-interacting mediator of cell death (Bim) is a pro-apoptotic B-cell lymphoma 2 family member implicated in numerous apoptotic stimuli. In particular, Bim is required for cell death mediated by antimitotic agents, however, mitotic regulation of Bim remains poorly understood. Here, we show that the major splice variant of Bim, BimEL, is regulated during mitosis by the Aurora A kinase and protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A). We observed that BimEL is phosphorylated by Aurora A early in mitosis and reversed by PP2A after mitotic exit. Aurora A phosphorylation stimulated binding of BimEL to the F-box protein beta-transducin repeat containing E3 ubiquitin protein ligase and promoted ubiquitination and degradation of BimEL. These findings describe a novel mechanism by which the oncogenic kinase Aurora A promotes cell survival during mitosis by downregulating proapoptotic signals. Notably, we observed that knockdown of Bim significantly increased resistance of cells to the Aurora A inhibitor MLN8054. Inhibitors of Aurora A are currently under investigation as cancer chemotherapeutics and our findings suggest that efficacy of this class of drugs may function in part by enhancing apoptotic activity of BimEL.

Profiling of the kinome of cytomegalovirus-infected cells reveals the functional importance of host kinases Aurora A, ABL and AMPK

Human cytomegalovirus infection can lead to life-threatening clinical manifestations particularly in the immunocompromised host. Current therapy options face severe limitations leading to a continued search for alternative drug candidates. Viral replication is dependent on a balanced interaction between viral and cellular proteins. Especially protein kinases are important regulators of virus-host interaction indicated by remarkable kinome alterations induced upon HCMV infection. Here we report a novel approach of kinome profiling with an outcome that suggests an important role of specific cellular protein kinases, such as AMPK, ABL2 and Aurora A. Inhibition of AMPK and ABL kinases showed a significant reduction, whereas inhibition of Aurora A kinase led to a slight activation of HCMV replication, as measured in a GFP reporter-based replication assay. Furthermore, analysis of the mode of antiviral action suggested a substantial benefit for the efficiency of viral replication at the immediate early (AMPK) or early-late (ABL) phases of HCMV gene expression. In contrast, inhibition of Aurora A kinase promoted an enhancement of viral early-late gene expression, suggesting a putative role of Aurora A signaling in host defense. Thus, the combined data provide new information on host cell kinases involved in viral replication and uncovered potential targets for future antiviral strategies.

Polyploidy road to therapy-induced cellular senescence and escape

Therapy-induced cellular senescence (TCS), characterized by prolonged cell cycle arrest, is an in vivo response of human cancers to chemotherapy and radiation. Unfortunately, TCS is reversible for a subset of senescent cells, leading to cellular reproliferation and ultimately tumor progression. This invariable consequence of TCS recapitulates the clinical treatment experience of patients with advanced cancer. We report the findings of a clinicopathological study in patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer demonstrating that marker of in vivo TCS following neoadjuvant therapy prognosticate adverse clinical outcome. In our efforts to elucidate key molecular pathways underlying TCS and cell cycle escape, we have previously shown that the deregulation of mitotic kinase Cdk1 and its downstream effectors are important mediators of survival and cell cycle reentry. We now report that aberrant expression of Cdk1 interferes with apoptosis and promotes the formation of polyploid senescent cells during TCS. These polyploid senescent cells represent important transition states through which escape preferentially occurs. The Cdk1 pathway is in part modulated differentially by p21 and p27 two members of the KIP cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor family during TCS. Altogether, these studies underscore the importance of TCS in cancer therapeutics.

Activation of Aurora-A is essential for neuronal migration via modulation of microtubule organization

Neuronal migration is a critical feature to ensure proper location and wiring of neurons during cortical development. Postmitotic neurons migrate from the ventricular zone into the cortical plate to establish neuronal lamina in an "inside-out" gradient of maturation. Here, we report that the mitotic kinase Aurora-A is critical for the regulation of microtubule organization during neuronal migration via an Aurora-A-NDEL1 pathway in the mouse. Suppression of Aurora-A activity by inhibitors or siRNA resulted in severe impairment of neuronal migration of granular neurons. In addition, in utero injection of the Aurora-A kinase-dead mutant provoked defective migration of cortical neurons. Furthermore, we demonstrated that suppression of Aurora-A impaired microtubule modulation in migrating neurons. Interestingly, suppression of CDK5 by an inhibitor or siRNA reduced Aurora-A activity and NDEL1 phosphorylation by Aurora-A, which led to defective neuronal migration. We found that CDK5RAP2 is a key molecule that mediates functional interaction and is essential for centrosomal targeting of Aurora-A. Our observations demonstrated novel and surprising cross talk between Aurora-A and CDK5 during neuronal migration.

Aurora kinase A drives MTOC biogenesis but does not trigger resumption of meiosis in mouse oocytes matured in vivo

Aurora kinase A (AURKA) is an important mitotic kinase involved in the G2/M transition, centrosome maturation and separation, and spindle formation in somatic cells. We used transgenic models that specifically overexpress in mouse oocytes either wild-type (WT-AURKA) or a catalytically inactive (kinase-dead) (KD-AURKA) AURKA to gain new insights regarding the role of AURKA during oocyte maturation. AURKA activation occurs shortly after hCG administration that initiates maturation in vivo. Although AURKA activity is increased in WT-AURKA oocytes, resumption of meiosis is not observed in the absence of hCG administration. Control oocytes contain one to three microtubule organizing centers (MTOCs; centrosome equivalent) at prophase I. At the time of germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD), the first visible marker of resumption of meiosis, the MTOC number increases. In WT-AURKA oocytes, the increase in MTOC number occurs prematurely but transiently without GVBD, whereas the increase in MTOC number does not occur in control and KD-AURKA oocytes. AURKA activation is biphasic with the initial activation not requiring CDC25B-CDK1 activity, whereas full activation, which is essential for the increase in MTOCs number, depends on CDK1 activity. AURKA activity also influences spindle length and regulates, independent of its protein kinase activity, the amount of MTOC associated with gamma-tubulin. Both WT-AURKA and KD-AURKA transgenic mice have normal fertility during first 6 mo of life. These results suggest that although AURKA is not a trigger kinase for G2/M transition in mouse oocytes, it regulates MTOC number and spindle length, and, independent of its protein kinase activity, gamma-tubulin recruitment to MTOCs.

Mitotic Kinases and p53 Signaling

Mitosis is tightly regulated and any errors in this process often lead to aneuploidy, genomic instability, and tumorigenesis. Deregulation of mitotic kinases is significantly associated with improper cell division and aneuploidy. Because of their importance during mitosis and the relevance to cancer, mitotic kinase signaling has been extensively studied over the past few decades and, as a result, several mitotic kinase inhibitors have been developed. Despite promising preclinical results, targeting mitotic kinases for cancer therapy faces numerous challenges, including safety and patient selection issues. Therefore, there is an urgent need to better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying mitotic kinase signaling and its interactive network. Increasing evidence suggests that tumor suppressor p53 functions at the center of the mitotic kinase signaling network. In response to mitotic spindle damage, multiple mitotic kinases phosphorylate p53 to either activate or deactivate p53-mediated signaling. p53 can also regulate the expression and function of mitotic kinases, suggesting the existence of a network of mutual regulation, which can be positive or negative, between mitotic kinases and p53 signaling. Therefore, deciphering this regulatory network will provide knowledge to overcome current limitations of targeting mitotic kinases and further improve the results of targeted therapy.

Identification of fibroblast growth factor-8b target genes associated with early and late cell cycle events in breast cancer cells

Fibroblast growth factor-8 (FGF-8) is implicated in the development and progression of breast cancer and its levels are frequently elevated in breast tumors. The mechanisms driving FGF-8-mediated tumorigenesis are not well understood. Herein we aimed to identify target genes associated with FGF-8b-mediated breast cancer cell proliferation by carrying out a cDNA microarray analysis of genes expressed in estrogen receptor negative S115 breast cancer cells treated with FGF-8b for various time periods in comparison with those expressed in non-treated cells. Gene and protein expression was validated for selected genes by qPCR and western blotting respectively. Furthermore, using TRANSBIG data, the expression of human orthologs of FGF-8-regulated genes was correlated to the Nottingham prognostic index and estrogen receptor status. The analysis revealed a number of significantly up- and down-regulated genes in response to FGF-8b at all treatment times. The most differentially expressed genes were genes related to cell cycle regulation, mitosis, cancer, and cell death. Several key regulators of early cell cycle progression such as Btg2 and cyclin D1, as well as regulators of mitosis, including cyclin B, Plk1, survivin, and aurora kinase A, were identified as novel targets for FGF-8b, some of which were additionally shown to correlate with prognosis and ER status in human breast cancer. The results suggest that in stimulation of proliferation FGF-8b not only promotes cell cycle progression through the G1 restriction point but also regulates key proteins involved in chromosomal segregation during mitosis and cytokinesis of breast cancer cells.

A functional cooperativity between Aurora A kinase and LIM kinase1: implication in the mitotic process

Aurora kinase A (Aur-A), a mitotic kinase, regulates initiation of mitosis through centrosome separation and proper assembly of bipolar spindles. LIM kinase 1 (LIMK1), a modulator of actin and microtubule dynamics, is involved in the mitotic process through inactivating phosphorylation of cofilin. Phosphorylated LIMK1 is recruited to the centrosomes during early prophase, where it colocalizes with γ-tubulin. Here, we report a novel functional cooperativity between Aur-A and LIMK1 through mutual phosphorylation. LIMK1 is recruited to the centrosomes during early prophase and then to the spindle poles, where it colocalizes with Aur-A. Aur-A physically associates with LIMK1 and activates it through phosphorylation, which is important for its centrosomal and spindle pole localization. Aur-A also acts as a substrate of LIMK1, and the function of LIMK1 is important for its specific localization and regulation of spindle morphology. Taken together, the novel molecular interaction between these two kinases and their regulatory roles on one another's function may provide new insight on the role of Aur-A in manipulation of actin and microtubular structures during spindle formation.

The activation of MEK/ERK signaling pathway by bone morphogenetic protein 4 to increase hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation and migration

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common visceral malignancies worldwide, with a very high incidence and poor prognosis. Bone morphogenesis protein 4 (BMP4), which belongs to the TGF-β superfamily of proteins, is a multifunctional cytokine, which exerts its biologic effects through SMAD- and non-SMAD-dependent pathways, and is also known to be involved in human carcinogenesis. However, the effects of the BMP4 signaling in liver carcinogenesis are not yet clearly defined. Here, we first show that BMP4 and its receptor, BMPR1A, are overexpressed in a majority of primary HCCs and that it promotes the growth and migration of HCC cell lines in vitro. We also establish that BMP4 can induce HCC cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)1 and cyclin B1 upregulation to accelerate cell-cycle progression. Our study indicates that the induction of HCC cell proliferation is independent of the SMAD signaling pathway, as Smad4 knockdown of HCC cell lines still leads to the upregulation of CDK1 and cyclin B1 expression after BMP4 treatment. Using mitogen-activated protein/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK) selective inhibitors, the induction of CDK1, cyclin B1 mRNA and protein were shown to be dependent on the activation of MEK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling. In vivo xenograft studies confirmed that the BMPR1A-knockdown cells were significantly less tumorigenic than the control groups. Our findings show that the upregulation of BMP4 and BMPR1A in HCC promotes the proliferation and metastasis of HCC cells and that CDK1 and cyclin B1 are important SMAD-independent molecular targets in BMP4 signaling pathways, during the HCC tumorigenesis. It is proposed that BMP4 signaling pathways may have potential as new therapeutic targets in HCC treatment.

Phosphorylation of AIB1 at mitosis is regulated by CDK1/CYCLIN B

Background

Although the AIB1 oncogene has an important role during the early phase of the cell cycle as a coactivator of E2F1, little is known about its function during mitosis.

Methodology/Principal Findings

Mitotic cells isolated by nocodazole treatment as well as by shake-off revealed a post-translational modification occurring in AIB1 specifically during mitosis. This modification was sensitive to the treatment with phosphatase, suggesting its modification by phosphorylation. Using specific inhibitors and in vitro kinase assays we demonstrate that AIB1 is phosphorylated on Ser728 and Ser867 by Cdk1/cyclin B at the onset of mitosis and remains phosphorylated until exit from M phase. Differences in the sensitivity to phosphatase inhibitors suggest that PP1 mediates dephosphorylation of AIB1 at the end of mitosis. The phosphorylation of AIB1 during mitosis was not associated with ubiquitylation or degradation, as confirmed by western blotting and flow cytometry analysis. In addition, luciferase reporter assays showed that this phosphorylation did not alter the transcriptional properties of AIB1. Importantly, fluorescence microscopy and sub-cellular fractionation showed that AIB1 phosphorylation correlated with the exclusion from the condensed chromatin, thus preventing access to the promoters of AIB1-dependent genes. Phospho-specific antibodies developed against Ser728 further demonstrated the presence of phosphorylated AIB1 only in mitotic cells where it was localized preferentially in the periphery of the cell.

Conclusions

Collectively, our results describe a new mechanism for the regulation of AIB1 during mitosis, whereby phosphorylation of AIB1 by Cdk1 correlates with the subcellular redistribution of AIB1 from a chromatin-associated state in interphase to a more peripheral localization during mitosis. At the exit of mitosis, AIB1 is dephosphorylated, presumably by PP1. This exclusion from chromatin during mitosis may represent a mechanism for governing the transcriptional activity of AIB1.