1
|
Lauer SM, Omar MH, Golkowski MG, Kenerson HL, Lee KS, Pascual BC, Lim HC, Forbush K, Smith FD, Gordan JD, Ong SE, Yeung RS, Scott JD. Recruitment of BAG2 to DNAJ-PKAc scaffolds promotes cell survival and resistance to drug-induced apoptosis in fibrolamellar carcinoma. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113678. [PMID: 38236773 PMCID: PMC10964278 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The DNAJ-PKAc fusion kinase is a defining feature of fibrolamellar carcinoma (FLC). FLC tumors are notoriously resistant to standard chemotherapies, with aberrant kinase activity assumed to be a contributing factor. By combining proximity proteomics, biochemical analyses, and live-cell photoactivation microscopy, we demonstrate that DNAJ-PKAc is not constrained by A-kinase anchoring proteins. Consequently, the fusion kinase phosphorylates a unique array of substrates, including proteins involved in translation and the anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-2-associated athanogene 2 (BAG2), a co-chaperone recruited to the fusion kinase through association with Hsp70. Tissue samples from patients with FLC exhibit increased levels of BAG2 in primary and metastatic tumors. Furthermore, drug studies implicate the DNAJ-PKAc/Hsp70/BAG2 axis in potentiating chemotherapeutic resistance. We find that the Bcl-2 inhibitor navitoclax enhances sensitivity to etoposide-induced apoptosis in cells expressing DNAJ-PKAc. Thus, our work indicates BAG2 as a marker for advanced FLC and a chemotherapeutic resistance factor in DNAJ-PKAc signaling scaffolds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophia M Lauer
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Mitchell H Omar
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Martin G Golkowski
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Heidi L Kenerson
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Kyung-Soon Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Bryan C Pascual
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Huat C Lim
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Katherine Forbush
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - F Donelson Smith
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - John D Gordan
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Shao-En Ong
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Raymond S Yeung
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - John D Scott
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Omar MH, Byrne DP, Shrestha S, Lakey TM, Lee KS, Lauer SM, Collins KB, Daly LA, Eyers CE, Baird GS, Ong SE, Kannan N, Eyers PA, Scott JD. Discovery of a Cushing's syndrome protein kinase A mutant that biases signaling through type I AKAPs. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadl1258. [PMID: 38381834 PMCID: PMC10881042 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adl1258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Adrenal Cushing's syndrome is a disease of cortisol hypersecretion often caused by mutations in protein kinase A catalytic subunit (PKAc). Using a personalized medicine screening platform, we discovered a Cushing's driver mutation, PKAc-W196G, in ~20% of patient samples analyzed. Proximity proteomics and photokinetic imaging reveal that PKAcW196G is unexpectedly distinct from other described Cushing's variants, exhibiting retained association with type I regulatory subunits (RI) and their corresponding A kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs). Molecular dynamics simulations predict that substitution of tryptophan-196 with glycine creates a 653-cubic angstrom cleft between the catalytic core of PKAcW196G and type II regulatory subunits (RII), but only a 395-cubic angstrom cleft with RI. Endocrine measurements show that overexpression of RIα or redistribution of PKAcW196G via AKAP recruitment counteracts stress hormone overproduction. We conclude that a W196G mutation in the kinase catalytic core skews R subunit selectivity and biases AKAP association to drive Cushing's syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell H. Omar
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Dominic P. Byrne
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Safal Shrestha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Tyler M. Lakey
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Kyung-Soon Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Sophia M. Lauer
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Kerrie B. Collins
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Leonard A. Daly
- Centre for Proteome Research, Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Claire E. Eyers
- Centre for Proteome Research, Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Geoffrey S. Baird
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Shao-En Ong
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Natarajan Kannan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Patrick A. Eyers
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - John D. Scott
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhitkevich A, Bayurova E, Avdoshina D, Zakirova N, Frolova G, Chowdhury S, Ivanov A, Gordeychuk I, Palefsky JM, Isaguliants M. HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase Expression in HPV16-Infected Epidermoid Carcinoma Cells Alters E6 Expression and Cellular Metabolism, and Induces a Hybrid Epithelial/Mesenchymal Cell Phenotype. Viruses 2024; 16:193. [PMID: 38399969 PMCID: PMC10892743 DOI: 10.3390/v16020193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The high incidence of epithelial malignancies in HIV-1 infected individuals is associated with co-infection with oncogenic viruses, such as high-risk human papillomaviruses (HR HPVs), mostly HPV16. The molecular mechanisms underlying the HIV-1-associated increase in epithelial malignancies are not fully understood. A collaboration between HIV-1 and HR HPVs in the malignant transformation of epithelial cells has long been anticipated. Here, we delineated the effects of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase on the in vitro and in vivo properties of HPV16-infected cervical cancer cells. A human cervical carcinoma cell line infected with HPV16 (Ca Ski) was made to express HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) by lentiviral transduction. The levels of the mRNA of the E6 isoforms and of the factors characteristic to the epithelial/mesenchymal transition were assessed by real-time RT-PCR. The parameters of glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration were determined using Seahorse technology. RT expressing Ca Ski subclones were assessed for the capacity to form tumors in nude mice. RT expression increased the expression of the E6*I isoform, modulated the expression of E-CADHERIN and VIMENTIN, indicating the presence of a hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype, enhanced glycolysis, and inhibited mitochondrial respiration. In addition, the expression of RT induced phenotypic alterations impacting cell motility, clonogenic activity, and the capacity of Ca Ski cells to form tumors in nude mice. These findings suggest that HIV-RT, a multifunctional protein, affects HPV16-induced oncogenesis, which is achieved through modulation of the expression of the E6 oncoprotein. These results highlight a complex interplay between HIV antigens and HPV oncoproteins potentiating the malignant transformation of epithelial cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alla Zhitkevich
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products of Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (E.B.); (D.A.); (G.F.); (I.G.)
| | - Ekaterina Bayurova
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products of Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (E.B.); (D.A.); (G.F.); (I.G.)
- Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, 123098 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Darya Avdoshina
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products of Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (E.B.); (D.A.); (G.F.); (I.G.)
| | - Natalia Zakirova
- Centre for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, 119991 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Galina Frolova
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products of Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (E.B.); (D.A.); (G.F.); (I.G.)
| | - Sona Chowdhury
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; (S.C.); (J.M.P.)
| | - Alexander Ivanov
- Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, 123098 Moscow, Russia;
- Centre for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, 119991 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Ilya Gordeychuk
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products of Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (E.B.); (D.A.); (G.F.); (I.G.)
- Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, 123098 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Joel M. Palefsky
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; (S.C.); (J.M.P.)
| | - Maria Isaguliants
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Reggi E, Kaiser S, Sahnane N, Uccella S, La Rosa S, Diviani D. AKAP2-anchored protein phosphatase 1 controls prostatic neuroendocrine carcinoma cell migration and invasion. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:166916. [PMID: 37827203 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in men. The growth of primary prostate cancer cells relies on circulating androgens and thus the standard therapy for the treatment of localized and advanced PC is the androgen deprivation therapy. Prostatic neuroendocrine carcinoma (PNEC) is an aggressive and highly metastatic subtype of prostate cancer, which displays poor prognosis and high lethality. Most of PNECs develop from prostate adenocarcinoma in response to androgen deprivation therapy, however the mechanisms involved in this transition and in the elevated biological aggressiveness of PNECs are poorly defined. Our current findings indicate that AKAP2 expression is dramatically upregulated in PNECs as compared to non-cancerous prostate tissues. Using a PNEC cell model, we could show that AKAP2 is localized both intracellularly and at the cell periphery where it colocalizes with F-actin. AKAP2 and F-actin interact directly through a newly identified actin-binding domain located on AKAP2. RNAi-mediated silencing of AKAP2 promotes the phosphorylation and deactivation of cofilin, a protein involved in actin turnover. This effect correlates with a significant reduction in cell migration and invasion. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments and proximity ligation assays revealed that AKAP2 forms a complex with the catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) in PNECs. Importantly, AKAP2-mediated anchoring of PP1 to the actin cytoskeleton regulates cofilin dephosphorylation and activation, which, in turn, enhances F-actin dynamics and favors migration and invasion. In conclusion, this study identified AKAP2 as an anchoring protein overexpressed in PNECs that controls cancer cell invasive properties by regulating cofilin phosphorylation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erica Reggi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology et Medicine, University of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Simon Kaiser
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology et Medicine, University of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nora Sahnane
- Unit of Pathology, Department of Oncology, ASST Sette Laghi, Varese, Italy
| | - Silvia Uccella
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy; Pathology Service, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano La Rosa
- Unit of Pathology, Department of Oncology, ASST Sette Laghi, Varese, Italy; Unit of Pathology, Department of Medicine and Technological Innovation, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Dario Diviani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology et Medicine, University of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gao Y, Huang Q, Qin Y, Bao X, Pan Y, Mo J, Ning S. A prognostic model related to necrotizing apoptosis of breast cancer based on biorthogonal constrained depth semi-supervised nonnegative matrix decomposition and single-cell sequencing analysis. Am J Cancer Res 2023; 13:3875-3897. [PMID: 37818066 PMCID: PMC10560928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common malignant tumours in women, and its prognosis is poor. The prognosis of BC patients can be improved by immunotherapy. However, due to the heterogeneity of BC, the identification of new biomarkers is urgently needed to improve the prognosis of BC patients. Necrotic apoptosis has been shown to play an essential role in many cancers. First, this study proposed a novel clustering algorithm called biorthogonal constrained depth semisupervised nonnegative matrix factorization (DO-DSNMF). The DO-DSNMF algorithm added multilayer nonlinear transformation to the coefficient matrix obtained after decomposition, which was used to mine the nonlinear relationship between samples. In addition, we also added orthogonal constraints on the basis matrix and coefficient matrix to reduce the influence of redundant features and samples on the results. We applied the DO-DSNMF algorithm and analysed the differences in survival and immunity between the subtypes. Then, we used prognosis analysis to construct the prognosis model. Finally, we analysed single cells using single-cell sequencing (scRNA-seq) data from the GSE75688 dataset in the GEO database. We identified two BC subtypes based on the BC transcriptome data in the TCGA database. Immune infiltration analysis showed that the necrotizing apoptosis-related genes of BC were related to various immune cells and immune functions. Necrotizing apoptosis was found to play a role in BC progression and immunity. The role of prognosis-related NRGs in BC was also verified by cell experiments. This study proposed a novel clustering algorithm to analyse BC subtypes and constructed an NRG prognostic model for BC. The prognosis and immune landscape of BC patients were evaluated by this model. The cell experiment supported its role in BC, which provides a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of BC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Gao
- Department of Head and Neck Radiotherapy, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital Harbin 150000, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Qinghua Huang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Wuzhou Red Cross Hospital Wuzhou 543000, Guangxi, China
| | - Yuling Qin
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital Nanning 530000, Guangxi, China
| | - Xianhui Bao
- Department of Neurology, Harbin The First Hospital Harbin 150000, Heilongjiang, China
| | - You Pan
- Department of Breast Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital Nanning 530000, Guangxi, China
| | - Jianlan Mo
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Nanning 530000, Guangxi, China
| | - Shipeng Ning
- Department of Breast Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital Nanning 530000, Guangxi, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Luo Z, Yao J, Wang Z, Xu J. Mitochondria in endothelial cells angiogenesis and function: current understanding and future perspectives. J Transl Med 2023; 21:441. [PMID: 37407961 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04286-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cells (ECs) angiogenesis is the process of sprouting new vessels from the existing ones, playing critical roles in physiological and pathological processes such as wound healing, placentation, ischemia/reperfusion, cardiovascular diseases and cancer metastasis. Although mitochondria are not the major sites of energy source in ECs, they function as important biosynthetic and signaling hubs to regulate ECs metabolism and adaptations to local environment, thus affecting ECs migration, proliferation and angiogenic process. The understanding of the importance and potential mechanisms of mitochondria in regulating ECs metabolism, function and the process of angiogenesis has developed in the past decades. Thus, in this review, we discuss the current understanding of mitochondrial proteins and signaling molecules in ECs metabolism, function and angiogeneic signaling, to provide new and therapeutic targets for treatment of diverse cardiovascular and angiogenesis-dependent diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Luo
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology/Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center of Agri-Seeds, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Dongchuan Road 800, Minhang District, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianbo Yao
- Division of Animal and Nutritional Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Zhe Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology/Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center of Agri-Seeds, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Dongchuan Road 800, Minhang District, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianxiong Xu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology/Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center of Agri-Seeds, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Dongchuan Road 800, Minhang District, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lauer SM, Omar MH, Golkowski MG, Kenerson HL, Pascual BC, Forbush K, Smith FD, Gordan J, Ong SE, Yeung RS, Scott JD. Recruitment of BAG2 to DNAJ-PKAc scaffolds promotes cell survival and resistance to drug-induced apoptosis in fibrolamellar carcinoma. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.28.546958. [PMID: 37425703 PMCID: PMC10327129 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.28.546958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
The DNAJ-PKAc fusion kinase is a defining feature of the adolescent liver cancer fibrolamellar carcinoma (FLC). A single lesion on chromosome 19 generates this mutant kinase by creating a fused gene encoding the chaperonin binding domain of Hsp40 (DNAJ) in frame with the catalytic core of protein kinase A (PKAc). FLC tumors are notoriously resistant to standard chemotherapies. Aberrant kinase activity is assumed to be a contributing factor. Yet recruitment of binding partners, such as the chaperone Hsp70, implies that the scaffolding function of DNAJ- PKAc may also underlie pathogenesis. By combining proximity proteomics with biochemical analyses and photoactivation live-cell imaging we demonstrate that DNAJ-PKAc is not constrained by A-kinase anchoring proteins. Consequently, the fusion kinase phosphorylates a unique array of substrates. One validated DNAJ-PKAc target is the Bcl-2 associated athanogene 2 (BAG2), a co-chaperone recruited to the fusion kinase through association with Hsp70. Immunoblot and immunohistochemical analyses of FLC patient samples correlate increased levels of BAG2 with advanced disease and metastatic recurrences. BAG2 is linked to Bcl-2, an anti-apoptotic factor that delays cell death. Pharmacological approaches tested if the DNAJ- PKAc/Hsp70/BAG2 axis contributes to chemotherapeutic resistance in AML12 DNAJ-PKAc hepatocyte cell lines using the DNA damaging agent etoposide and the Bcl-2 inhibitor navitoclax. Wildtype AML12 cells were susceptible to each drug alone and in combination. In contrast, AML12 DNAJ-PKAc cells were moderately affected by etoposide, resistant to navitoclax, but markedly susceptible to the drug combination. These studies implicate BAG2 as a biomarker for advanced FLC and a chemotherapeutic resistance factor in DNAJ-PKAc signaling scaffolds.
Collapse
|
8
|
Boulton DP, Caino MC. Mitochondrial Fission and Fusion in Tumor Progression to Metastasis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:849962. [PMID: 35356277 PMCID: PMC8959575 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.849962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles which can change their shape, via processes termed fission and fusion, in order to adapt to different environmental and developmental contexts. Due to the importance of these processes in maintaining a physiologically healthy pool of mitochondria, aberrant cycles of fission/fusion are often seen in pathological contexts. In this review we will discuss how dysregulated fission and fusion promote tumor progression. We focus on the molecular mechanisms involved in fission and fusion, discussing how altered mitochondrial fission and fusion change tumor cell growth, metabolism, motility, and invasion and, finally how changes to these tumor-cell intrinsic phenotypes directly and indirectly impact tumor progression to metastasis. Although this is an emerging field of investigation, the current consensus is that mitochondrial fission positively influences metastatic potential in a broad variety of tumor types. As mitochondria are now being investigated as vulnerable targets in a variety of cancer types, we underscore the importance of their dynamic nature in potentiating tumor progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dillon P Boulton
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States.,Pharmacology Graduate Program, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - M Cecilia Caino
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Tian W, Liu Y, Cao C, Zeng Y, Pan Y, Liu X, Peng Y, Wu F. Chronic Stress: Impacts on Tumor Microenvironment and Implications for Anti-Cancer Treatments. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:777018. [PMID: 34869378 PMCID: PMC8640341 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.777018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic stress is common among cancer patients due to the psychological, operative, or pharmaceutical stressors at the time of diagnosis or during the treatment of cancers. The continuous activations of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), as results of chronic stress, have been demonstrated to take part in several cancer-promoting processes, such as tumorigenesis, progression, metastasis, and multi-drug resistance, by altering the tumor microenvironment (TME). Stressed TME is generally characterized by the increased proportion of cancer-promoting cells and cytokines, the reduction and malfunction of immune-supportive cells and cytokines, augmented angiogenesis, enhanced epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and damaged extracellular matrix. For the negative effects that these alterations can cause in terms of the efficacies of anti-cancer treatments and prognosis of patients, supplementary pharmacological or psychotherapeutic strategies targeting HPA, SNS, or psychological stress may be effective in improving the prognosis of cancer patients. Here, we review the characteristics and mechanisms of TME alterations under chronic stress, their influences on anti-cancer therapies, and accessory interventions and therapies for stressed cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wentao Tian
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chenghui Cao
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yue Zeng
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yue Pan
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaohan Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yurong Peng
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Fang Wu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Cancer Mega-Data Intelligent Application and Engineering Research Centre, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Tumor Models and Individualized Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Precision Therapy in Lung Cancer, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Lone AM, Taskén K. Phosphoproteomics-Based Characterization of Prostaglandin E 2 Signaling in T Cells. Mol Pharmacol 2021; 99:370-382. [PMID: 33674363 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.120.000170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is a key lipid mediator in health and disease and serves as a crucial link between the immune response and cancer. With the advent of cancer therapies targeting PGE2 signaling pathways at different levels, there has been increased interest in mapping and understanding the complex and interconnected signaling pathways arising from the four distinct PGE2 receptors. Here, we review phosphoproteomics studies that have investigated different aspects of PGE2 signaling in T cells. These studies have elucidated PGE2's regulatory effect on T cell receptor signaling and T cell function, the key role of protein kinase A in many PGE2 signaling pathways, the temporal regulation of PGE2 signaling, differences in PGE2 signaling between different T cell subtypes, and finally, the crosstalk between PGE2 signaling pathways elicited by the four distinct PGE2 receptors present in T cells. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Through the reviewed studies, we now have a much better understanding of PGE2's signaling mechanisms and functional roles in T cells, as well as a solid platform for targeted and functional studies of specific PGE2-triggered pathways in T cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Mari Lone
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital (A.M.L., K.T.) and Institute for Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway (K.T.)
| | - Kjetil Taskén
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital (A.M.L., K.T.) and Institute for Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway (K.T.)
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Abstract
The field of cAMP signaling is witnessing exciting developments with the recognition that cAMP is compartmentalized and that spatial regulation of cAMP is critical for faithful signal coding. This realization has changed our understanding of cAMP signaling from a model in which cAMP connects a receptor at the plasma membrane to an intracellular effector in a linear pathway to a model in which cAMP signals propagate within a complex network of alternative branches and the specific functional outcome strictly depends on local regulation of cAMP levels and on selective activation of a limited number of branches within the network. In this review, we cover some of the early studies and summarize more recent evidence supporting the model of compartmentalized cAMP signaling, and we discuss how this knowledge is starting to provide original mechanistic insight into cell physiology and a novel framework for the identification of disease mechanisms that potentially opens new avenues for therapeutic interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Zaccolo
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Zerio
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Miguel J Lobo
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Gabrovsek L, Collins KB, Aggarwal S, Saunders LM, Lau HT, Suh D, Sancak Y, Trapnell C, Ong SE, Smith FD, Scott JD. A-kinase-anchoring protein 1 (dAKAP1)-based signaling complexes coordinate local protein synthesis at the mitochondrial surface. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:10749-10765. [PMID: 32482893 PMCID: PMC7397098 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.013454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Compartmentalization of macromolecules is a ubiquitous molecular mechanism that drives numerous cellular functions. The appropriate organization of enzymes in space and time enables the precise transmission and integration of intracellular signals. Molecular scaffolds constrain signaling enzymes to influence the regional modulation of these physiological processes. Mitochondrial targeting of protein kinases and protein phosphatases provides a means to locally control the phosphorylation status and action of proteins on the surface of this organelle. Dual-specificity protein kinase A anchoring protein 1 (dAKAP1) is a multivalent binding protein that targets protein kinase A (PKA), RNAs, and other signaling enzymes to the outer mitochondrial membrane. Many AKAPs recruit a diverse set of binding partners that coordinate a broad range of cellular processes. Here, results of MS and biochemical analyses reveal that dAKAP1 anchors additional components, including the ribonucleoprotein granule components La-related protein 4 (LARP4) and polyadenylate-binding protein 1 (PABPC1). Local translation of mRNAs at organelles is a means to spatially control the synthesis of proteins. RNA-Seq data demonstrate that dAKAP1 binds mRNAs encoding proteins required for mitochondrial metabolism, including succinate dehydrogenase. Functional studies suggest that the loss of dAKAP1-RNA interactions reduces mitochondrial electron transport chain activity. Hence, dAKAP1 plays a previously unappreciated role as a molecular interface between second messenger signaling and local protein synthesis machinery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Gabrovsek
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Kerrie B Collins
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Stacey Aggarwal
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Lauren M Saunders
- Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Ho-Tak Lau
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Danny Suh
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Yasemin Sancak
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Cole Trapnell
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Shao-En Ong
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - F Donelson Smith
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - John D Scott
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Bucko PJ, Scott JD. Drugs That Regulate Local Cell Signaling: AKAP Targeting as a Therapeutic Option. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2020; 61:361-379. [PMID: 32628872 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-022420-112134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Cells respond to environmental cues by mobilizing signal transduction cascades that engage protein kinases and phosphoprotein phosphatases. Correct organization of these enzymes in space and time enables the efficient and precise transmission of chemical signals. The cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase A is compartmentalized through its association with A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs). AKAPs are a family of multivalent scaffolds that constrain signaling enzymes and effectors at subcellular locations to drive essential physiological events. More recently, it has been recognized that defective signaling in certain endocrine disorders and cancers proceeds through pathological AKAP complexes. Consequently, pharmacologically targeting these macromolecular complexes unlocks new therapeutic opportunities for a growing number of clinical indications. This review highlights recent findings on AKAP signaling in disease, particularly in certain cancers, and offers an overview of peptides and small molecules that locally regulate AKAP-binding partners.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paula J Bucko
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA; ,
| | - John D Scott
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA; ,
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Luo TT, Dai CQ, Wang JQ, Wang ZM, Yang Y, Zhang KL, Wu FF, Yang YL, Wang YY. Drp1 is widely, yet heterogeneously, distributed in the mouse central nervous system. Mol Brain 2020; 13:90. [PMID: 32522292 PMCID: PMC7288424 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-020-00628-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Drp1 is widely expressed in the mouse central nervous system and plays a role in inducing the mitochondrial fission process. Many diseases are associated with Drp1 and mitochondria. However, since the exact distribution of Drp1 has not been specifically observed, it is difficult to determine the impact of anti-Drp1 molecules on the human body. Clarifying the specific Drp1 distribution could be a good approach to targeted treatment or prognosis. Methods We visualized the distribution of Drp1 in different brain regions and explicated the relationship between Drp1 and mitochondria. GAD67-GFP knock-in mice were utilized to detect the expression patterns of Drp1 in GABAergic neurons. We also further analyzed Drp1 expression in human malignant glioma tissue. Results Drp1 was widely but heterogeneously distributed in the central nervous system. Further observation indicated that Drp1 was highly and heterogeneously expressed in inhibitory neurons. Under transmission electron microscopy, the distribution of Drp1 was higher in dendrites than other areas in neurons, and only a small amount of Drp1 was localized in mitochondria. In human malignant glioma, the fluorescence intensity of Drp1 increased from grade I-III, while grade IV showed a declining trend. Conclusion In this study, we observed a wide heterogeneous distribution of Drp1 in the central nervous system, which might be related to the occurrence and development of neurologic disease. We hope that the relationship between Drp1 and mitochondria may will to therapeutic guidance in the clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Ting Luo
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Preclinical Medicine Education, Air Force Medical University (The Fourth Military Medical University), Xi'an, 710032, China.,Mental Health Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Chun-Qiu Dai
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Preclinical Medicine Education, Air Force Medical University (The Fourth Military Medical University), Xi'an, 710032, China.,Third Medical District, Lintong Rehabilitation and Convalescent Centre, Xi'an, 710600, China
| | - Jia-Qi Wang
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Preclinical Medicine Education, Air Force Medical University (The Fourth Military Medical University), Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Zheng-Mei Wang
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Preclinical Medicine Education, Air Force Medical University (The Fourth Military Medical University), Xi'an, 710032, China.,Medical College of Yan'an University, Yan'an, 716000, China
| | - Yi Yang
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Preclinical Medicine Education, Air Force Medical University (The Fourth Military Medical University), Xi'an, 710032, China.,Medical College of Yan'an University, Yan'an, 716000, China
| | - Kun-Long Zhang
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Preclinical Medicine Education, Air Force Medical University (The Fourth Military Medical University), Xi'an, 710032, China.,Department of Rehabilitation Physiotherapy, Xi-Jing Hospital, Air Force Medical University (The Fourth Military Medical University), Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Fei-Fei Wu
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Preclinical Medicine Education, Air Force Medical University (The Fourth Military Medical University), Xi'an, 710032, China
| | - Yan-Ling Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xi-Jing Hospital, Air Force Medical University (The Fourth Military Medical University), Xi'an, 710032, China.
| | - Ya-Yun Wang
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Preclinical Medicine Education, Air Force Medical University (The Fourth Military Medical University), Xi'an, 710032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
A-Kinase Anchoring Protein 1: Emerging Roles in Regulating Mitochondrial Form and Function in Health and Disease. Cells 2020; 9:cells9020298. [PMID: 31991888 PMCID: PMC7072574 DOI: 10.3390/cells9020298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/1970] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Best known as the powerhouse of the cell, mitochondria have many other important functions such as buffering intracellular calcium and reactive oxygen species levels, initiating apoptosis and supporting cell proliferation and survival. Mitochondria are also dynamic organelles that are constantly undergoing fission and fusion to meet specific functional needs. These processes and functions are regulated by intracellular signaling at the mitochondria. A-kinase anchoring protein 1 (AKAP1) is a scaffold protein that recruits protein kinase A (PKA), other signaling proteins, as well as RNA to the outer mitochondrial membrane. Hence, AKAP1 can be considered a mitochondrial signaling hub. In this review, we discuss what is currently known about AKAP1's function in health and diseases. We focus on the recent literature on AKAP1's roles in metabolic homeostasis, cancer and cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. In healthy tissues, AKAP1 has been shown to be important for driving mitochondrial respiration during exercise and for mitochondrial DNA replication and quality control. Several recent in vivo studies using AKAP1 knockout mice have elucidated the role of AKAP1 in supporting cardiovascular, lung and neuronal cell survival in the stressful post-ischemic environment. In addition, we discuss the unique involvement of AKAP1 in cancer tumor growth, metastasis and resistance to chemotherapy. Collectively, the data indicate that AKAP1 promotes cell survival throug regulating mitochondrial form and function. Lastly, we discuss the potential of targeting of AKAP1 for therapy of various disorders.
Collapse
|
16
|
Turnham RE, Smith FD, Kenerson HL, Omar MH, Golkowski M, Garcia I, Bauer R, Lau HT, Sullivan KM, Langeberg LK, Ong SE, Riehle KJ, Yeung RS, Scott JD. An acquired scaffolding function of the DNAJ-PKAc fusion contributes to oncogenic signaling in fibrolamellar carcinoma. eLife 2019; 8:44187. [PMID: 31063128 PMCID: PMC6533061 DOI: 10.7554/elife.44187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrolamellar carcinoma (FLC) is a rare liver cancer. FLCs uniquely produce DNAJ-PKAc, a chimeric enzyme consisting of a chaperonin-binding domain fused to the Cα subunit of protein kinase A. Biochemical analyses of clinical samples reveal that a unique property of this fusion enzyme is the ability to recruit heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70). This cellular chaperonin is frequently up-regulated in cancers. Gene-editing of mouse hepatocytes generated disease-relevant AML12DNAJ-PKAc cell lines. Further analyses indicate that the proto-oncogene A-kinase anchoring protein-Lbc is up-regulated in FLC and functions to cluster DNAJ-PKAc/Hsp70 sub-complexes with a RAF-MEK-ERK kinase module. Drug screening reveals Hsp70 and MEK inhibitor combinations that selectively block proliferation of AML12DNAJ-PKAc cells. Phosphoproteomic profiling demonstrates that DNAJ-PKAc biases the signaling landscape toward ERK activation and engages downstream kinase cascades. Thus, the oncogenic action of DNAJ-PKAc involves an acquired scaffolding function that permits recruitment of Hsp70 and mobilization of local ERK signaling. Fibrolamellar carcinoma (or FLC for short) is a rare type of liver cancer that affects teenagers and young adults. FLC tumors are often resistant to standard radiotherapy or chemotherapy treatments. The only way to treat FLC is to remove tumors by surgery. However, often the tumors come back after initial treatment and spread to other locations. Therefore, there is a genuine need to improve the treatment options available to FLC patients. The tumor cells of FLC patients contain a genetic defect that fuses together two genes, which produce proteins called DNAJ and PKAc. Normally, DNAJ helps other proteins in the cell to fold into their correct shapes, while PKAc is an enzyme that can control how cells communicate. However, it is not clear what the abnormal DNAJ-PKAc fusion protein does, or how it causes FLC. Turnham, Smith et al. have now used gene editing to make mouse liver cells that mimic the human FLC mutation. Biochemical experiments on these cells showed that the DNAJ-PKAc protein brings together unique combinations of enzymes that drive uncontrolled cell growth. Analyzing cells taken from tumors in FLC patients confirmed that these enzymes are also activated in the human disease. Turnham, Smith et al. also found that combinations of drugs that simultaneously target the DNAJ-PKAc protein and the recruited enzymes slowed down the growth of FLC cells. More experiments are now needed to test these drug combinations on human FLC cells or in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rigney E Turnham
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, United States
| | - F Donelson Smith
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, United States
| | - Heidi L Kenerson
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, United States
| | - Mitchell H Omar
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, United States
| | - Martin Golkowski
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, United States
| | - Irvin Garcia
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, United States
| | - Renay Bauer
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, United States
| | - Ho-Tak Lau
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, United States
| | - Kevin M Sullivan
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, United States
| | - Lorene K Langeberg
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, United States
| | - Shao-En Ong
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, United States
| | - Kimberly J Riehle
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, United States
| | - Raymond S Yeung
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, United States
| | - John D Scott
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, United States
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Nussinov R, Tsai CJ, Shehu A, Jang H. Computational Structural Biology: Successes, Future Directions, and Challenges. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24030637. [PMID: 30759724 PMCID: PMC6384756 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24030637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Computational biology has made powerful advances. Among these, trends in human health have been uncovered through heterogeneous 'big data' integration, and disease-associated genes were identified and classified. Along a different front, the dynamic organization of chromatin is being elucidated to gain insight into the fundamental question of genome regulation. Powerful conformational sampling methods have also been developed to yield a detailed molecular view of cellular processes. when combining these methods with the advancements in the modeling of supramolecular assemblies, including those at the membrane, we are finally able to get a glimpse into how cells' actions are regulated. Perhaps most intriguingly, a major thrust is on to decipher the mystery of how the brain is coded. Here, we aim to provide a broad, yet concise, sketch of modern aspects of computational biology, with a special focus on computational structural biology. We attempt to forecast the areas that computational structural biology will embrace in the future and the challenges that it may face. We skirt details, highlight successes, note failures, and map directions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Nussinov
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
- Sackler Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
| | - Chung-Jung Tsai
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
| | - Amarda Shehu
- Departments of Computer Science, Department of Bioengineering, and School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA.
| | - Hyunbum Jang
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
| |
Collapse
|