Negative regulation of Ros receptor tyrosine kinase signaling. An epithelial function of the SH2 domain protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1

Current treatment and novel insights regarding ROS1-targeted therapy in malignant tumors

BACKGROUND

The proto-oncogene ROS1 encodes an intrinsic type I membrane protein of the tyrosine kinase/insulin receptor family. ROS1 facilitates the progression of various malignancies via self-mutations or rearrangements. Studies on ROS1-directed tyrosine kinase inhibitors have been conducted, and some have been approved by the FDA for clinical use. However, the adverse effects and mechanisms of resistance associated with ROS1 inhibitors remain unknown. In addition, next-generation ROS1 inhibitors, which have the advantage of treating central nervous system metastases and alleviating endogenous drug resistance, are still in the clinical trial stage.

METHOD

In this study, we searched relevant articles reporting the mechanism and clinical application of ROS1 in recent years; systematically reviewed the biological mechanisms, diagnostic methods, and research progress on ROS1 inhibitors; and provided perspectives for the future of ROS1-targeted therapy.

RESULTS

ROS1 is most expressed in malignant tumours. Only a few ROS1 kinase inhibitors are currently approved for use in NSCLC, the efficacy of other TKIs for NSCLC and other malignancies has not been ascertained. There is no effective standard treatment for adverse events or resistance to ROS1-targeted therapy. Next-generation TKIs appear capable of overcoming resistance and delaying central nervous system metastasis, but with a greater incidence of adverse effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Further research on next-generation TKIs regarding the localization of ROS1 and its fusion partners, binding sites for targeted drugs, and coadministration with other drugs is required. The correlation between TKIs and chemotherapy or immunotherapy in clinical practice requires further study.

Male reproductive phenotypes of genetically altered laboratory mice (Mus musculus): a review based on pertinent literature from the last three decades

Laboratory mice (Mus musculus) are preferred animals for biomedical research due to the close relationship with humans in several aspects. Therefore, mice with diverse genetic traits have been generated to mimic human characteristics of interest. Some genetically altered mouse strains, on purpose or by accident, have reproductive phenotypes and/or fertility deviating from wild-type mice. The distinct reproductive phenotypes of genetically altered male mice mentioned in this paper are grouped based on reproductive organs, beginning with the brain (i.e., the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary) that regulates sexual maturity and development, the testis where male gametes and sex steroid hormones are produced, the epididymis, the accessory sex glands, and the penis which involve in sperm maturation, storage, and ejaculation. Also, distinct characteristics of mature sperm from genetically altered mice are described here. This repository will hopefully be a valuable resource for both humans, in terms of future biomedical research, and mice, in the aspect of the establishment of optimal sperm preservation protocols for individual mouse strains.

Antagonizing roles of SHP1 in the pathogenesis of Helicobacter pylori infection

BACKGROUND

SHP1 has been documented as a tumor suppressor and it was thought to play an antagonistic role in the pathogenesis of Helicobacter pylori infection. In this study, the exact mechanism of this antagonistic action was studied.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

AGS, MGC803, and GES-1 cells were infected with H. pylori, intracellular distribution changes of SHP1 were first detected by immunofluorescence. SHP1 overexpression and knockdown were then constructed in these cells to investigate its antagonistic roles in H. pylori infection. Migration and invasion of infected cells were detected by transwell assay, secretion of IL-8 was examined via ELISA, the cells with hummingbird-like alteration were determined by microexamination, and activation of JAK2/STAT3, PI3K/Akt, and ERK pathways were detected by immunoblotting. Mice infection model was established and gastric pathological changes were evaluated. Finally, the SHP1 activator sorafenib was used to analyze the attenuating effect of SHP1 activation on H. pylori pathogenesis in vitro and in vivo.

RESULTS

The sub-localization of SHP1 changed after H. pylori infection, specifically that the majority of the cytoplasmic SHP1 was transferred to the cell membrane. SHP1 inhibited H. pylori-induced activation of JAK2/STAT3 pathway, PI3K/Akt pathway, nuclear translocation of NF-κB, and then reduced EMT, migration, invasion, and IL-8 secretion. In addition, SHP1 inhibited the formation of CagA-SHP2 complex by dephosphorylating phosphorylated CagA, reduced ERK phosphorylation and the formation of CagA-dependent hummingbird-like cells. In the mice infection model, gastric pathological changes were observed and increased IL-8 secretion, indicators of cell proliferation and EMT progression were also detected. By activating SHP1 with sorafenib, a significant curative effect against H. pylori infection was obtained in vitro and in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

SHP1 plays an antagonistic role in H. pylori pathogenesis by inhibiting JAK2/STAT3 and PI3K/Akt pathways, NF-κB nuclear translocation, and CagA phosphorylation, thereby reducing cell EMT, migration, invasion, IL-8 secretion, and hummingbird-like changes.

Insulin signaling and pharmacology in humans and in corals

Once thought to be a unique capability of the Langerhans islets in the pancreas of mammals, insulin (INS) signaling is now recognized as an evolutionarily ancient function going back to prokaryotes. INS is ubiquitously present not only in humans but also in unicellular eukaryotes, fungi, worms, and Drosophila. Remote homologue identification also supports the presence of INS and INS receptor in corals where the availability of glucose is largely dependent on the photosynthetic activity of the symbiotic algae. The cnidarian animal host of corals operates together with a 20,000-sized microbiome, in direct analogy to the human gut microbiome. In humans, aberrant INS signaling is the hallmark of metabolic disease, and is thought to play a major role in aging, and age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease. We here would like to argue that a broader view of INS beyond its human homeostasis function may help us understand other organisms, and in turn, studying those non-model organisms may enable a novel view of the human INS signaling system. To this end, we here review INS signaling from a new angle, by drawing analogies between humans and corals at the molecular level.

A small secreted protein NICOL regulates lumicrine-mediated sperm maturation and male fertility

The mammalian spermatozoa produced in the testis require functional maturation in the epididymis for their full competence. Epididymal sperm maturation is regulated by lumicrine signalling pathways in which testis-derived secreted signals relocate to the epididymis lumen and promote functional differentiation. However, the detailed mechanisms of lumicrine regulation are unclear. Herein, we demonstrate that a small secreted protein, NELL2-interacting cofactor for lumicrine signalling (NICOL), plays a crucial role in lumicrine signalling in mice. NICOL is expressed in male reproductive organs, including the testis, and forms a complex with the testis-secreted protein NELL2, which is transported transluminally from the testis to the epididymis. Males lacking Nicol are sterile due to impaired NELL2-mediated lumicrine signalling, leading to defective epididymal differentiation and deficient sperm maturation but can be restored by NICOL expression in testicular germ cells. Our results demonstrate how lumicrine signalling regulates epididymal function for successful sperm maturation and male fertility.

Persistence and Recovery of ZIF-8 and ZIF-67 Phytotoxicity

Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) have been developed quickly and have attracted considerable attention for use in the detection and removal of various pollutants. Understanding the environmental risks of ZIFs is a prerequisite to their safe application by industry and new chemical registration by governments; however, the persistence and recovery of toxicity induced by ZIFs remain largely unclear. This study finds that typical ZIFs (e.g., ZIF-8 and ZIF-67) at a concentration of 0.01-1 mg/L induce significant algal growth inhibition, plasmolysis, membrane permeability, chloroplast damage, and chlorophyll biosynthesis, and the above alterations are recoverable. Unexpectedly, a persistent decrease in reactive oxygen species (ROS) is observed due to the quenching of hydroxyl free radicals. The adverse effects of ZIF-8 are weak and easily alleviated compared with those of ZIF-67. ZIF-8 is internalized mainly by caveolae-mediated endocytosis, while ZIF-67 is internalized mainly by clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Omics studies reveal that the downregulation of mRNA associated with oxidative phosphorylation and the inhibition of chlorophyll and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis in mitochondria are related to the persistence of phytotoxicity. These findings highlight the phenomena and mechanisms of the persistence and recovery of phytotoxicity, indicating the need to reconsider the environmental risk assessments of ZIFs.

ROS1-dependent cancers - biology, diagnostics and therapeutics

The proto-oncogene ROS1 encodes a receptor tyrosine kinase with an unknown physiological role in humans. Somatic chromosomal fusions involving ROS1 produce chimeric oncoproteins that drive a diverse range of cancers in adult and paediatric patients. ROS1-directed tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are therapeutically active against these cancers, although only early-generation multikinase inhibitors have been granted regulatory approval, specifically for the treatment of ROS1 fusion-positive non-small-cell lung cancers; histology-agnostic approvals have yet to be granted. Intrinsic or extrinsic mechanisms of resistance to ROS1 TKIs can emerge in patients. Potential factors that influence resistance acquisition include the subcellular localization of the particular ROS1 oncoprotein and the TKI properties such as the preferential kinase conformation engaged and the spectrum of targets beyond ROS1. Importantly, the polyclonal nature of resistance remains underexplored. Higher-affinity next-generation ROS1 TKIs developed to have improved intracranial activity and to mitigate ROS1-intrinsic resistance mechanisms have demonstrated clinical efficacy in these regards, thus highlighting the utility of sequential ROS1 TKI therapy. Selective ROS1 inhibitors have yet to be developed, and thus the specific adverse effects of ROS1 inhibition cannot be deconvoluted from the toxicity profiles of the available multikinase inhibitors. Herein, we discuss the non-malignant and malignant biology of ROS1, the diagnostic challenges that ROS1 fusions present and the strategies to target ROS1 fusion proteins in both treatment-naive and acquired-resistance settings.

Profile of entrectinib in the treatment of ROS1-positive non-small cell lung cancer: Evidence to date

ROS proto-oncogene 1 (ROS1) encodes a type I integral membrane protein with tyrosine kinase activity and whose activating alterations are involved in the aggressiveness of several tumor types. Fusions involving ROS1 gene are present in 1-2% of lung adenocarcinomas and other solid tumors. Entrectinib, also known as RXDX-101, is a potent second-generation, multitarget oral inhibitor against NTRK1, NTRK2, NTRK3, ALK, and ROS1 with the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. Results of Phase I and II trials have led the Food and Drug Administration to grant approval to entrectinib for the treatment of patients with metastatic, ROS1-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this review, we will describe the biology of ROS1, as well as results of the efficacy and safety of different clinical trials evaluating entrectinib in ROS1-positive NSCLC.

A tale of two tracts: history, current advances, and future directions of research on sexual differentiation of reproductive tracts†

Alfred Jost's work in the 1940s laid the foundation of the current paradigm of sexual differentiation of reproductive tracts, which contends that testicular hormones drive the male patterning of reproductive tract system whereas the female phenotype arises by default. Once established, the sex-specific reproductive tracts undergo morphogenesis, giving rise to anatomically and functionally distinct tubular organs along the rostral-caudal axis. Impairment of sexual differentiation of reproductive tracts by genetic alteration and environmental exposure are the main causes of disorders of sex development, and infertility at adulthood. This review covers past and present work on sexual differentiation and morphogenesis of reproductive tracts, associated human disorders, and emerging technologies that have made impacts or could radically expand our knowledge in this field.

TKI-addicted ROS1-rearranged cells are destined to survival or death by the intensity of ROS1 kinase activity

ROS1 rearrangement is observed in 1–2% of non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC). The ROS1 tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) crizotinib has induced marked tumour shrinkage in ROS1-rearranged cancers. However, emergence of acquired resistance to TKI is inevitable within a few years. Previous findings indicate that cabozantinib overcomes secondary mutation–mediated crizotinib-resistance in ROS1-fusion-positive cells. Here we attempted to establish cabozantinib-resistant cells by N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea mutagenesis screening using CD74-ROS1–expressing Ba/F3 cells. Two resistant cell lines with CD74-ROS1 F2004V or F2075C mutations, which are homologous to ALK F1174 or F1245 mutations, survived in the presence of a low dose of ROS1-TKI. Removal of ROS1-TKI from these TKI-addicted cells induced excessive activation of ROS1 tyrosine kinase followed by apoptosis. We succeeded in recapturing the TKI-addicted phenotype using doxycycline-inducible CD74-ROS1 mutant over-expression in Ba/F3 cells, suggesting that excessive ROS1 oncogenic signaling itself induced apoptosis instead of cell growth. Phosphoproteomic analysis and high-throughput inhibitor screening revealed that excessive ROS1 signaling in the TKI-addicted cells phosphorylated or activated apoptosis-related molecules such as FAF1 or p38. Collectively, our findings partly clarify molecular mechanisms of excessive ROS1 oncogenic signaling that mediates paradoxical induction of apoptosis.

Discovering New Genes in the Pathways of Common Sporadic Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Bioinformatics Approach

Late onset Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are mostly "sporadic" age-related neurodegenerative disorders, but with a clear genetic component. However, their genetic architecture is complex and heterogeneous, largely remaining a conundrum, with only a handful of well-established genetic risk factors consistently associated with these diseases. It is possible that numerous, yet undiscovered, AD and PD related genes might exist. We focused on the 'gene' as a mediator to find new potential genes that might have a relationship with both disorders using bio-literature mining techniques. Based on Entrez Gene, we extracted the genes and directional gene-gene relation in the entire MEDLINE records and then constructed a directional gene-gene network. We identified common genes associated with two different but related diseases by performing shortest path analysis on the network. With our approach, we were able to identify and map already known genes that have a direct relationship with PD and AD. In addition, we identified 7 genes previously unknown to be a bridge between these two disorders. We confirmed 4 genes, ROS1, FMN1, ATP8A2, and SNORD12C, by biomedical literature and further checked 3 genes, ERVK-10, PRS, and C7orf49, that might have a high possibility to be related with both diseases. Additional experiments were performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed method. Comparing to the co-occurrence approach, our approach detected 25% more candidate genes and verified 10% more genes that have the relationship between both diseases than the co-occurrence approach did.

Fas Versatile Signaling and Beyond: Pivotal Role of Tyrosine Phosphorylation in Context-Dependent Signaling and Diseases

The Fas/FasL system is known, first and foremost, as a potent apoptosis activator. While its proapoptotic features have been studied extensively, evidence that the Fas/FasL system can elicit non-death signals has also accumulated. These non-death signals can promote survival, proliferation, migration, and invasion of cells. The key molecular mechanism that determines the shift from cell death to non-death signals had remained unclear until the recent identification of the tyrosine phosphorylation in the death domain of Fas as the reversible signaling switch. In this review, we present the connection between the recent findings regarding the control of Fas multi-signals and the context-dependent signaling choices. This information can help explain variable roles of Fas signaling pathway in different pathologies.

MiR-300 suppresses laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma proliferation and metastasis by targeting ROS1

Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is a common aggressive head and neck cancer with high mortality and incidence. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, non-coding and endogenous RNAs that posttranscriptionally inhibit gene expression. In this study, we showed that miR-300 expression was downregulated in LSCC tissues compared with adjacent no-tumor tissues. MiR-300 overexpression inhibited Hep-2 cell proliferation, as well as the expression of ki-67 and PCNA. Moreover, overexpression of miR-300 repressed the cell invasion in Hep-2 cells. We identified c-ros oncogene 1 receptor tyrosine kinase (ROS1) as a direct target gene of miR-300 in Hep-2 cell. Furthermore, ROS1 expression was upregulated in LSCC tissues compared with adjacent no-tumor tissues. Interesting, there were an inverse correlation between ROS1 and miR-300 expression in the LSCC tissues. Overexpression of ROS1 increased the Hep-2 cells proliferation and invasion. Overexpression of ROS1 abrogated miR-300 induced cell growth and invasion inhibition. Therefore, our data suggested that miR-300 acted as a tumor suppressive gene in LSCC.

ROS1 fusions in cancer: a review

The ROS1 gene belongs to the sevenless subfamily of tyrosine kinase insulin receptor genes. A literature review identified a ROS1 fusion in 2.54% of the patients with lung adenocarcinoma and even higher frequencies in spitzoid neoplasms and inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors. At present, 26 genes were found to fuse with ROS1, some of them already known to fuse with RET and ALK. All the fusion proteins retain the ROS1 kinase domain, but rarely its transmembrane domain. Most of the partners have dimerization domains that are retained in the fusion, presumably leading to constitutive ROS1 tyrosine kinase activation. Some partners have transmembrane domains that are retained or not in the chimeric proteins. Therefore, different ROS1 fusions have distinct subcellular localization, suggesting that they may activate different substrates in vivo.

Understanding normal and abnormal development of the Wolffian/epididymal duct by using transgenic mice

The development of the Wolffian/epididymal duct is crucial for proper function and, therefore, male fertility. The development of the epididymis is complex; the initial stages form as a transient embryonic kidney; then the mesonephros is formed, which in turn undergoes extensive morphogenesis under the influence of androgens and growth factors. Thus, understanding of its full development requires a wide and multidisciplinary view. This review focuses on mouse models that display abnormalities of the Wolffian duct and mesonephric development, the importance of these mouse models toward understanding male reproductive tract development, and how these models contribute to our understanding of clinical abnormalities in humans such as congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT).

Oxido-reductive regulation of vascular remodeling by receptor tyrosine kinase ROS1

Angioplasty and stenting is the primary treatment for flow-limiting atherosclerosis; however, this strategy is limited by pathological vascular remodeling. Using a systems approach, we identified a role for the network hub gene glutathione peroxidase-1 (GPX1) in pathological remodeling following human blood vessel stenting. Constitutive deletion of Gpx1 in atherosclerotic mice recapitulated this phenotype of increased vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and plaque formation. In an independent patient cohort, gene variant pair analysis identified an interaction of GPX1 with the orphan protooncogene receptor tyrosine kinase ROS1. A meta-analysis of the only genome-wide association studies of human neointima-induced in-stent stenosis confirmed the association of the ROS1 variant with pathological remodeling. Decreased GPX1 expression in atherosclerotic mice led to reductive stress via a time-dependent increase in glutathione, corresponding to phosphorylation of the ROS1 kinase activation site Y2274. Loss of GPX1 function was associated with both oxidative and reductive stress, the latter driving ROS1 activity via s-glutathiolation of critical residues of the ROS1 tyrosine phosphatase SHP-2. ROS1 inhibition with crizotinib and deglutathiolation of SHP-2 abolished GPX1-mediated increases in VSMC proliferation while leaving endothelialization intact. Our results indicate that GPX1-dependent alterations in oxido-reductive stress promote ROS1 activation and mediate vascular remodeling.

Prostate anatomy in motheaten viable (me(v)) mice with mutations in the protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1

OBJECTIVE

To study prostate and seminal vesicle anatomy in viable motheaten (mev) with mutations in PTPN6 gene leading to a severe reduction in the activity of protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1. Homozygous mev mice exhibit multiple anomalies that include immunodeficiencies, increased proliferation of macrophage, neutrophil, and erythrocyte progenitors, decreased bone density and sterility.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

We analyzed macro- and microscopic anatomy of the seminal vesicle and prostate macro- and microscopic anatomy of 5 mev/mev and 8 wt/wt adult 7 week old mice. Computerized morphometric analysis was performed to measure the relative changes appearing in the epithelial volume of the different prostatic lobes.

RESULTS

All mice studied revealed normal genital organs (penis, testis, epididymis, vas deferens) and bladder. The seminal vesicle was absent in all mev/mev individuals analyzed, being normal and very noticeable in wt/wt mice. The different glands that compose the prostatic complex (anterior, ventral and dorso-lateral prostate) were atrophied in mev/mev mice: anterior prostate 0.4 times, ventral 0.19 times, dorsal 0.35 times and lateral 0.28 times those of the respective regions in wt/wt mice. Microscopically, mev/mev mice revealed scarce and large prostatic ducts, acini severely atrophic with empty lumen and scarce loose epithelial component forming tufts and infoldings, and hyperplastic changes in fibromuscular stroma.

CONCLUSIONS

The prostate of mev/mev mice exhibits signs of aberrant differentiation and the resulting phenotype may be related to the loss of function of SHP-1. Prostatic anomalies in these mice affect, together with defects in sperm maduration, for their sterility. These data suggest SHP-1 plays an important role in prostate epithelial morphogenesis.

The tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1 inhibits proliferation of activated hepatic stellate cells by impairing PDGF receptor signaling

The dimerization and auto-transphosphorylation of platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) upon engagement by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) activates signals promoting the mitogenic response of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) due to liver injury, thus contributing to the development of hepatic fibrosis. We demonstrate that the tyrosine phosphatases Src homology 2 domain-containing phosphatase 1 and 2 (SHP-1 and SHP-2) act as crucial regulators of a complex signaling network orchestrated by PDGFR activation in a spatio-temporal manner with diverse and opposing functions in HSCs. In fact, silencing of either phosphatase shows that SHP-2 is committed to PDGFR-mediated cell proliferation, whereas SHP-1 dephosphorylates PDGFR hence abrogating the downstream signaling pathways that result in HSC activation. In this regard, SHP-1 as an off-switch of PDGFR signaling appears to emerge as a valuable molecular target to trigger as to prevent HSC proliferation and the fibrogenic effects of HSC activation. We show that boswellic acid, a multitarget compound with potent anti-inflammatory action, exerts an anti-proliferative effect on HSCs, as in other cell models, by upregulating SHP-1 with subsequent dephosphorylation of PDGFR-β and downregulation of PDGF-dependent signaling after PDGF stimulation. Moreover, the synergism resulting from the combined use of boswellic acid and imatinib, which directly inhibits PDGFR-β activity, on activated HSCs offers new perspectives for the development of therapeutic strategies that could implement molecules affecting diverse players of this molecular circuit, thus paving the way to multi-drug low-dose regimens for liver fibrosis.

The ortholog of the human proto-oncogene ROS1 is required for epithelial development in C. elegans

The orphan receptor ROS1 is a human proto-oncogene, mutations of which are found in an increasing number of cancers. Little is known about the role of ROS1, however in vertebrates it has been implicated in promoting differentiation programs in specialized epithelial tissues. In this study we show that the C. elegans ortholog of ROS1, the receptor tyrosine kinase ROL-3, has an essential role in orchestrating the morphogenesis and development of specialized epidermal tissues, highlighting a potentially conserved function in coordinating crosstalk between developing epithelial cells. We also provide evidence of a direct relationship between ROL-3, the mucin SRAP-1, and BCC-1, the homolog of mRNA regulating protein Bicaudal-C. This study answers a longstanding question as to the developmental function of ROL-3, identifies three new genes that are expressed and function in the developing epithelium of C. elegans, and introduces the nematode as a potentially powerful model system for investigating the increasingly important, yet poorly understood, human oncogene ROS1. genesis 51:545–561.

Protein-tyrosine kinase signaling in the biological functions associated with sperm

In sexual reproduction, two gamete cells (i.e., egg and sperm) fuse (fertilization) to create a newborn with a genetic identity distinct from those of the parents. In the course of these developmental processes, a variety of signal transduction events occur simultaneously in each of the two gametes, as well as in the fertilized egg/zygote/early embryo. In particular, a growing body of knowledge suggests that the tyrosine kinase Src and/or other protein-tyrosine kinases are important elements that facilitate successful implementation of the aforementioned processes in many animal species. In this paper, we summarize recent findings on the roles of protein-tyrosine phosphorylation in many sperm-related processes (from spermatogenesis to epididymal maturation, capacitation, acrosomal exocytosis, and fertilization).

Preclinical rationale for use of the clinically available multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor crizotinib in ROS1-translocated lung cancer

INTRODUCTION

Most clinically available small-molecule kinase inhibitors are multi-targeted and can inhibit multiple kinases. Our driving hypothesis was that one of these multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) would have antiproliferative activity against ROS1 translocated non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS

We selected NSCLC cell lines--A549 (KRAS G12S), NCI-H3255 (EGFR L858R), NCI-H3122 (EML4-ALK E13;A20), and HCC78 (SLC34A2-ROS1)-to evaluate the antiproliferative effects of submicromolar concentrations of the multitargeted TKIs imatinib, sorafenib, erlotinib, and crizotinib.

RESULTS

Imatinib and sorafenib were unable to significantly inhibit proliferation of the aforementioned cell lines. Erlotinib only inhibited EGFR mutated NCI-H3255, as expected. Crizotinib displayed dose-dependent inhibition of anaplastic lymphoma kinase translocated NCI-H3122 and also ROS1--translocated HCC78. The SLC34A2-ROS1 translocated HCC78 cell line had phosphorylated levels of ROS1, AKT, and ERK inhibited by submicromolar doses of crizotinib, and subsequently underwent apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The ROS1-translocated HCC78 cell line was sensitive to inhibition by the multitargeted ALK/MET/RON/ROS1 inhibitor crizotinib. Preclinical data supports the clinical development of crizotinib for ROS1-translocated NSCLC.

ROS1 as a 'druggable' receptor tyrosine kinase: lessons learned from inhibiting the ALK pathway

ROS1 is one of 58 receptor tyrosine kinases, and one of two orphan receptor tyrosine kinases where its ligand is unknown. ROS1 is evolutionarily related to ALK. ROS1 rearrangement was discovered in glioblastoma in 1987, in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in 2007, and in cholangiocarcinoma in 2011. While the clinicopathologic characteristics of ROS1-rearranged glioblastoma and cholangiocarcinoma patients remain to be defined, the clinicopathologic characteristics of ROS1-rearranged NSCLC patients have recently been described. Although ROS1 shares only 49% amino acid sequence homology with ALK in the kinase domains, several ALK inhibitors have demonstrated in vitro inhibitory activity against ROS1. With the recent US approval of crizotinib, a multi-targeted ALK/MET kinase inhibitor, for the treatment of ALK-rearranged NSCLC, attention has turned to ROS1-rearranged tumors, especially NSCLC. The next few years should witness a rapid pace of clinical research in ROS1-rearranged tumors utilizing available ALK inhibitors.

Dicer1 ablation in the mouse epididymis causes dedifferentiation of the epithelium and imbalance in sex steroid signaling

Background

The postnatal development of the epididymis is a complex process that results in a highly differentiated epithelium, divided into several segments. Recent studies indicate a role for RNA interference (RNAi) in the development of the epididymis, however, the actual requirement for RNAi has remained elusive. Here, we present the first evidence of a direct need for RNAi in the differentiation of the epididymal epithelium.

Methodology/Principal Findings

By utilizing the Cre-LoxP system we have generated a conditional knock-out of Dicer1 in the two most proximal segments of the mouse epididymis. Recombination of Dicer1, catalyzed by Defb41^iCre/wt, took place before puberty, starting from 12 days postpartum. Shortly thereafter, downregulation of the expression of two genes specific for the most proximal epididymis (lipocalin 8 and cystatin 8) was observed. Following this, segment development continued until week 5 at which age the epithelium started to regress back to an undifferentiated state. The dedifferentiated epithelium also showed an increase in estrogen receptor 1 expression while the expression of androgen receptor and its target genes; glutathione peroxidase 5, lipocalin 5 and cysteine-rich secretory protein 1 was downregulated, indicating imbalanced sex steroid signaling.

Conclusions/Significance

At the time of the final epididymal development, Dicer1 acts as a regulator of signaling pathways essential for maintaining epithelial cell differentiation.

p120-Catenin: a novel regulator of innate immunity and inflammation

p120-Catenin is the prototypic member of a subfamily of armadillo repeat domain proteins. Like its structural homologues, β- and γ-catenin, p120-catenin is an essential component of adherens junctions in endothelial cells and other polarized adherent cells. p120-Catenin binds directly to the cytoplasmic domain of cadherin and contributes to the regulation of cell-cell junctional integrity. Studies have demonstrated that p120-catenin plays important roles in cell-cell adhesion, embryonic development, cell proliferation and polarity, tumor cell migration, and cancer progression. However, recent insights have generated an entirely new perspective, suggesting that p120-catenin is implicated in the anti-inflammatory responses in the absence and presence of infection. This review summarizes the present knowledge and recent progress toward elucidating the novel role of p120-catenin in the regulation of innate immunity and inflammation.

Lyn-mediated SHP-1 recruitment to CD5 contributes to resistance to apoptosis of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells

In B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) cells, Lyn, a tyrosine kinase belonging to the Src family, is overexpressed and atypically localized in an aberrant cytosolic complex in an active conformation, contributing to the unbalance between cell survival and pro-apoptotic signals. In this study, we demonstrate that Lyn constitutively phosphorylates the immunoreceptor tyrosine inhibitory motifs of the inhibitory cell surface co-receptor CD5, a marker of B-CLL. As a result, CD5 provides an anchoring site to Src homology 2 domain-containing phosphatase 1 (SHP-1), a known negative regulator of hematopoietic cell function, thereby triggering the negative B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling. The subsequent segregation of SHP-1 into two pools, one bound to the inhibitory co-receptor CD5 in an active form, the other in the cytosol in an inhibited conformation, proves crucial for withstanding apoptosis, as shown by the use of phosphotyrosine phosphatase-I-I, a direct inhibitor of SHP-1, or SHP-1 knockdown. These results confirm that Lyn exhibits the unique ability to negatively regulate BCR signaling, in addition to positively regulating effectors downstream of the BCR, and identify SHP-1 as a novel player in the deranged signaling network and as a potential attractive target for new therapeutic strategies in B-CLL.

ROS receptor tyrosine kinase: a new potential target for anticancer drugs

ROS kinase is one of the last two remaining orphan receptor tyrosine kinases with an as yet unidentified ligand. The normal functions of human ROS kinase in different body tissues have not been fully identified so far. However, the ectopic expression, as well as the production of variable mutant forms of ROS kinase has been reported in a number of cancers, such as glioblastoma multiforme, and non-small cell lung cancer, suggesting a role for ROS kinase in deriving such tumors. It is thought also that c-ROS gene may have a role in some cardiovascular diseases, and the fact that homozygous male mice targeted against c-ROS gene are healthy but infertile, has inspired researchers to think about ROS inhibition as a method for development of new male contraceptives. The recent discovery of new selective and potent inhibitors for ROS kinase, along with the development of new specific diagnostic methods for the detection of ROS fusion proteins, raises the importance of using these selective inhibitors for targeting ROS mutations as a new method for treatment of cancers harboring such genes. This review focuses on the ectopic expression of ROS and its fusion proteins in different cancer types and highlights the importance of targeting these proteins for treatment of substantial cancers. It describes also the recent advances in the field of ROS kinase inhibition, and the potential clinical applications of ROS kinase inhibitors.

Down-regulation of protein-tyrosine phosphatases activates an immune receptor in the absence of its translocation into lipid rafts

The earliest known biochemical step that occurs after ligand binding to the multichain immune recognition receptor is tyrosine phosphorylation of the receptor subunits. In mast cells and basophils activated by multivalent antigen-IgE complexes, this step is mediated by Src family kinase Lyn, which phosphorylates the high affinity IgE receptor (Fc epsilonRI). However, the exact molecular mechanism of this phosphorylation step is incompletely understood. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that changes in activity and/or topography of protein-tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) could play a major role in the Fc epsilonRI triggering. We found that exposure of rat basophilic leukemia cells or mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells to PTP inhibitors, H(2)O(2) or pervanadate, induced phosphorylation of the Fc epsilonRI subunits, similarly as Fc epsilonRI triggering. Interestingly, and in sharp contrast to antigen-induced activation, neither H(2)O(2) nor pervanadate induced any changes in the association of Fc epsilonRI with detergent-resistant membranes and in the topography of Fc epsilonRI detectable by electron microscopy on isolated plasma membrane sheets. In cells stimulated with pervanadate, H(2)O(2) or antigen, enhanced oxidation of active site cysteine of several PTPs was detected. Unexpectedly, most of oxidized phosphatases bound to the plasma membrane were associated with the actin cytoskeleton. Several PTPs (SHP-1, SHP-2, hematopoietic PTP, and PTP-MEG2) showed changes in their enzymatic activity and/or oxidation state during activation. Based on these and other data, we propose that down-regulation of enzymatic activity of PTPs and/or changes in their accessibility to the substrates play a key role in initial tyrosine phosphorylation of the Fc epsilonRI and other multichain immune receptors.

The epididymis as a target for male contraceptive development

The epididymis is an excellent target for the development of a male contraceptive. This is because the process of sperm maturation occurs in this organ; spermatozoa become motile and are able to recognise and fertilise an egg once they have traversed the epididymal duct. However, a number of attempts to interfere in sperm maturation and epididymal function or both have not been successful. The use of transgenic animals has proved useful in identifying a few epididymal targets but has yet to open the doors for drug development. Continuous focus on identifying additional epididymal targets and sperm-specific and epididymal-specific drugs is key to bringing a male contraceptive acting on the epididymis to the public.

Novel epididymal proteins as targets for the development of post-testicular male contraception

Apart from condoms and vasectomy, modern contraceptive methods for men are still not available. Besides hormonal approaches to stop testicular sperm production, the post-meiotic blockage of epididymal sperm maturation carries lots of promise. Microarray and proteomics techniques and libraries of expressed sequence tags, in combination with digital differential display tools and publicly available gene expression databases, are being currently used to identify and characterize novel epididymal proteins as putative targets for male contraception. The data reported indicate that these technologies provide complementary information for the identification of novel highly expressed genes in the epididymis. Deleting the gene of interest by targeted ablation technology in mice or using immunization against the cognate protein are the two preferred methods to functionally validate the function of novel genesin vivo. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of several epididymal proteins shown eitherin vivoorin vitroto be involved in the epididymal sperm maturation. These proteins include CRISP1, SPAG11e, DEFB126, carbonyl reductase P34H, CD52, and GPR64. In addition, we introduce novel proteinases and protease inhibitor gene families with potentially important roles in regulating the sperm maturation process. Furthermore, potential contraceptive strategies as well as delivery methods will be discussed. Despite the progress made in recent years, further studies are needed to reveal further details in the epididymal sperm maturation process and the factors involved, in order to facilitate the development of new epididymal contraceptives.

New insights into epididymal biology and function

BACKGROUND

The epididymis performs an important role in the maturation of spermatozoa including their acquisition of progressive motility and fertilizing ability. However, the molecular mechanisms that govern these maturational events are still poorly defined. This review focuses on recent progress in our understanding of epididymal function including its development, role of the luminal microenvironment in sperm maturation, regulation and novel mechanisms the epididymis utilizes to carry out some of its functions.

METHODS

A systematic search of Pubmed was carried out using the search term 'epididymis'. Articles that were published in the English language until the end of August 2008 and that focused on the specific topics described above were included. Additional papers cited in the primary reference were also included.

RESULTS

While the majority of these findings were the result of studies in animal models, recent studies in the human epididymis are also presented including gene profiling studies to examine regionalized expression in normal epididymides as well as in those from vasectomized patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant progress has been made in our understanding of epididymal function providing new insights that ultimately could improve human health. The data also indicate that the human epididymis plays an important role in sperm maturation but has unique properties compared with animal models.

The multifaceted roles of the receptor tyrosine kinase ROS in development and cancer

The proto-oncogene receptor tyrosine kinase ROS was originally discovered through the identification of oncogenic variants isolated from tumors. These discoveries spearheaded a body of work aimed at elucidating the function of this evolutionarily conserved receptor in development and cancer. Through genetic and biochemical approaches, progress in the characterization of ROS points to distinctive roles in the program of epithelial cell differentiation during the development of a variety of organs. Although substantial, these advances remain hampered by the absence of an identified ligand, making ROS one of the last two remaining orphan receptor tyrosine kinases. Recent studies on the oncogenic activation of ROS as a result of different chromosomal rearrangements found in brain and lung cancers have shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying ROS transforming activities. ROS and its oncogenic variants therefore constitute clinically relevant targets for cancer therapeutic intervention. This review highlights the various roles that this receptor plays in multiple system networks in normalcy and disease and points to future directions towards the elucidation of ROS function in the context of ligand identification, signaling pathways and clinical applications.

Activation of Cdk2 stimulates proteasome-dependent truncation of tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1 in human proliferating intestinal epithelial cells

SHP-1 is expressed in the nuclei of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). Increased SHP-1 expression and phosphatase activity coincide with cell cycle arrest and differentiation in these cells. Suspecting the tumor-suppressive properties of SHP-1, a yeast two-hybrid screen of an IEC cDNA library was conducted using the full-length SHP-1 as bait. Characterization of many positive clones revealed sequences identical to a segment of the Cdk2 cDNA sequence. Interaction between SHP-1 and Cdk2 was confirmed by co-immunoprecipitations whereby co-precipitated Cdk2 phosphorylated SHP-1 protein. Inhibition of Cdk2 (roscovitine) or proteasome (MG132) was associated with an enhanced nuclear punctuate distribution of SHP-1. Double labeling localization studies with signature proteins of subnuclear domains revealed a co-localization between the splicing factor SC35 and SHP-1 in bright nucleoplasmic foci. Using Western blot analyses with the anti-SHP-1 antibody recognizing the C terminus, a lower molecular mass species of 45 kDa was observed in addition to the full-length 64-65-kDa SHP-1 protein. Treatment with MG132 led to an increase in expression of the full-length SHP-1 protein while concomitantly leading to a decrease in the levels of the lower mass 45-kDa molecular species. Further Western blots revealed that the 45-kDa protein corresponds to the C-terminal portion of SHP-1 generated from proteasome activity. Mutational analysis of Tyr(208) and Ser(591) (a Cdk2 phosphorylation site) residues on SHP-1 abolished the expression of the amino-truncated 45-kDa SHP-1 protein. In conclusion, our results indicate that Cdk2-associated complexes, by targeting SHP-1 for proteolysis, counteract the ability of SHP-1 to block cell cycle progression of IECs.

Sperm maturation in the epididymis: a new look at an old problem

The osmotic challenges facing maturing spermatozoa and their responses to them are discussed in relation to the concept of sperm maturation, defined as the increased ability of more distally recovered epididymal spermatozoa to fertilize eggs when inseminated into the female tract. One explanation could be that the more distal cells are better able to regulate their volume, and reach the oviducts, as a consequence of uptake of epididymal osmolytes. Increased motility, zona binding and oolemma fusion capacities are also acquired within the epididymis and are necessary for those cells that finally arrive at the site of fertilization.

Oxidation sensitivity of the catalytic cysteine of the protein-tyrosine phosphatases SHP-1 and SHP-2

Reversible oxidation of the catalytic cysteine of protein-tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) has emerged as a putative mechanism of activity regulation by physiological cell stimulation with growth factors, and by cell treatments with adverse agents such as UV irradiation. We compared SHP-1 and SHP-2, two structurally related cytoplasmic protein-tyrosine phosphatases with different cellular functions and cell-specific expression patterns, for their intrinsic susceptibility to oxidation by H(2)O(2). The extent of oxidation was monitored by detecting the modification of the PTP catalytic cysteine by three different methods, including a modified in-gel PTP assay, alkylation with a biotinylated iodoacetic acid derivative, and an antibody against oxidized PTPs. Dose-response curves for oxidation of the catalytic domains of SHP-1 and SHP-2 were similar. SHP-1 and -2 require relatively high H(2)O(2) concentrations for oxidation (half-maximal oxidation at 0.1-0.5 mM). For SHP-1, the SH2 domains had a significant protective function with respect to oxidation. In EOL-1 cells, SHP oxidation by exogenous H(2)O(2) in general and SHP-2 oxidation in particular was strongly diminished compared to HEK293 cells, at least partially related to a generally lower oxidant sensitivity of the EOL-1 cells. The data suggest that the differential cell functions of SHP-1 and SHP-2 are not related to differences in oxidation sensitivity. The modulating effects of SH2 domains for oxidation of these PTPs are in support of an enhanced oxidation susceptibility of activated SHPs.

The Lipoxin A4 receptor is coupled to SHP-2 activation: implications for regulation of receptor tyrosine kinases

Mesangial cell proliferation is pivotal to the pathology of glomerular injury in inflammation. We have previously reported that lipoxins, endogenously produced eicosanoids with anti-inflammatory and pro-resolution bioactions, can inhibit mesangial cell proliferation in response to several agents. This process is associated with elaborate receptor cross-talk involving modification receptor tyrosine kinase phosphorylation (McMahon, B., Mitchell, D., Shattock, R., Martin, F., Brady, H. R., and Godson, C. (2002) FASEB J. 16, 1817-1819). Here we demonstrate that the lipoxin A(4) (LXA(4)) receptor is coupled to activation and recruitment of the SHP-2 (SH2 domain-containing tyrosine phosphatase-2) within a lipid raft microdomain. Using site-directed mutagenesis of the cytosolic domain of the platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRbeta), we report that mutation of the sites for phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (Tyr(740) and Tyr(751)) and SHP-2 (Tyr(763) and Tyr(1009)) recruitment specifically inhibit the effect of LXA(4) on the PDGFRbeta signaling; furthermore inhibition of SHP-2 expression with short interfering RNA constructs blocked the effect of LXA(4) on PDGFRbeta phosphorylation. We demonstrate that association of the PDGFRbeta with lipid raft microdomains renders it susceptible to LXA(4)-mediated dephosphorylation by possible reactivation of oxidatively inactivated SHP-2. These data further elaborate on the potential mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory, proresolution, and anti-fibrotic bioactions of lipoxins.

Phosphopeptide ligands of the SHP-1 N-SH2 domain: effects on binding and stimulation of phosphatase activity

Src homology 2 (SH2)-domain-mediated interactions with phosphotyrosine (pY)-containing ligands are critical for the regulation of SHP-1 phosphatase activity. Peptides based on a binding site from receptor tyrosine kinase Ros (EGLN-pY2267-MVL, 1) have recently been shown to bind to the SHP-1 N-terminal SH2 domain (N-SH2) with considerably high affinity. In addition, two peptides cyclized between positions -1 and +2 relative to pY (EGLc[K(COCH(2)NH)pYMX]L-NH(2), 2: X=D, 3: X=E) bound to the N-SH2 domain, but did not activate the enzyme and even partially prevented stimulation of SHP-1 activity by the physiological ligand 1. These findings prompted us to further examine the determinants for optimal binding to the N-SH2 domain and for the stimulation and inhibition of SHP-1 activity. Herein we demonstrate that combining the preferred residues in both pY+1 (such as Phe or norleucine, Nle) and pY+3 (such as homophenylalanine, Hfe) leads to highly efficient activating ligands of SHP-1. Particularly in the context of the cyclic peptides 7 (EGLc[K(COCH(2)NH)pYFD]Hfe-NH(2)) and 8 (EGLc[K(COCH(2)NH)pYNleD]HfeL-NH(2)), the incorporation of these residues resulted in high-affinity ligands with a significantly increased ability to stimulate SHP-1 activity. We suggest that different binding modes (according to consensus sequences class I and II) are responsible for obtaining either activating (7 and 8) or nonactivating (2 and 3) ligands. Peptides such as 7 and 8 that bind in the extended fashion of the type II mode activate the phosphatase through complete filling of the cavity for pY+3. In contrast, peptides such as 2 and 3 that bind in the class I mode do not activate the enzyme because they allow more conformational space at pY+3. Therefore, their binding does not force the conformational transition necessary to trigger the dissociation of N-SH2 and the catalytic domain.

Utility of infertile male models for contraception and conservation

Epididymal defects in infertile domestic species and transgenic mice demonstrate the role of the epididymis in influencing sperm function. Spermatozoa from these males cannot negotiate the female tract as they fail to regulate their volume. The latter is necessary to counter the osmotic stresses encountered in the female tract. Reduced epididymal provision of osmolytes or their premature loss is discussed as probable causes of failed volume regulation. Measuring cell volume regulation for diagnosis of male infertility and blocking it as a means to male contraception are briefly considered. Unchecked human population growth is destroying habitats supporting vulnerable and endangered species. Genome resource banks have been established to preserve spermatozoa of genetically valuable individuals. As cryopreservation stresses spermatozoa osmotically, this process could jeopardise volume regulation with consequences for fertility. Knowledge of sperm volume regulation and the uptake of organic solutes may permit improvement in sperm storage and prevent osmolyte-related cryodamage.

Sequence specificity of SHP-1 and SHP-2 Src homology 2 domains. Critical roles of residues beyond the pY+3 position

A combinatorial phosphotyrosyl (pY) peptide library was screened to determine the amino acid preferences at the pY+4 to pY+6 positions for the four SH2 domains of protein-tyrosine phosphatases SHP-1 and SHP-2. Individual binding sequences selected from the library were resynthesized and their binding affinities and specificities to various SH2 domains were further evaluated by SPR studies, stimulation of SHP-1 and SHP-2 phosphatase activity, and in vitro pulldown assays. These studies reveal that binding of a pY peptide to the N-SH2 domain of SHP-2 is greatly enhanced by a large hydrophobic residue (Trp, Tyr, Met, or Phe) at the pY+4 and/or pY+5 positions, whereas binding to SHP-1 N-SH2 domain is enhanced by either hydrophobic or positively charged residues (Arg, Lys, or His) at these positions. Similar residues at the pY+4 to pY+6 positions are also preferred by SHP-1 and SHP-2 C-SH2 domains, although their influence on the overall binding affinities is much smaller compared with the N-SH2 domains. A structural model was generated to qualitatively interpret the contribution of the pY+4 and pY+5 residues to the overall binding affinity. Examination of pY motifs from known SHP-1 and SHP-2-binding proteins shows that many of the pY motifs contain a hydrophobic or positively charged residue(s) at the pY+4 and pY+5 positions.

FGF negatively regulates muscle membrane extension in Caenorhabditis elegans

Striated muscles from Drosophila and several vertebrates extend plasma membrane to facilitate the formation of the neuromuscular junction(NMJ) during development. However, the regulation of these membrane extensions is poorly understood. In C. elegans, the body wall muscles (BWMs)also have plasma membrane extensions called muscle arms that are guided to the motor axons where they form the postsynaptic element of the NMJ. To investigate the regulation of muscle membrane extension, we screened 871 genes by RNAi for ectopic muscle membrane extensions (EMEs) in C. elegans. We discovered that an FGF pathway, including let-756(FGF), egl-15(FGF receptor), sem-5(GRB2) and other genes negatively regulates plasma membrane extension from muscles. Although compromised FGF pathway activity results in EMEs, hyperactivity of the pathway disrupts larval muscle arm extension, a phenotype we call muscle arm extension defective or MAD. We show that expression of egl-15 and sem-5 in the BWMs are each necessary and sufficient to prevent EMEs. Furthermore, we demonstrate that let-756 expression from any one of several tissues can rescue the EMEs of let-756 mutants, suggesting that LET-756 does not guide muscle membrane extensions. Our screen also revealed that loss-of-function in laminin and integrin components results in both MADs and EMEs, the latter of which are suppressed by hyperactive FGF signaling. Our data are consistent with a model in which integrins and laminins are needed for directed muscle arm extension to the nerve cords, while FGF signaling provides a general mechanism to regulate muscle membrane extension.

Tyrosine phosphorylation regulates maturation of receptor tyrosine kinases

Constitutive activation of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) is a frequent event in human cancer cells. Activating mutations in Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT-3), notably, internal tandem duplications in the juxtamembrane domain (FLT-3 ITD), have been causally linked to acute myeloid leukemia. As we describe here, FLT-3 ITD exists predominantly in an immature, underglycosylated 130-kDa form, whereas wild-type FLT-3 is expressed predominantly as a mature, complex glycosylated 150-kDa molecule. Endogenous FLT-3 ITD, but little wild-type FLT-3, is detectable in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) compartment. Conversely, cell surface expression of FLT-3 ITD is less efficient than that of wild-type FLT-3. Inhibition of FLT-3 ITD kinase by small molecules, inactivating point mutations, or coexpression with the protein-tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) SHP-1, PTP1B, and PTP-PEST but not RPTPalpha promotes complex glycosylation and surface localization. However, PTP coexpression has no effect on the maturation of a surface glycoprotein of vesicular stomatitis virus. The maturation of wild-type FLT-3 is impaired by general PTP inhibition or by suppression of endogenous PTP1B. Enhanced complex formation of FLT-3 ITD with the ER-resident chaperone calnexin indicates that its retention in the ER is related to inefficient folding. The regulation of RTK maturation by tyrosine phosphorylation was observed with other RTKs as well, defines a possible role for ER-resident PTPs, and may be related to the altered signaling quality of constitutively active, transforming RTK mutants.

Visualization of SHP-1-target interaction

Signaling of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) is regulated by protein-tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs). We previously discovered the efficient downregulation of Ros RTK signaling by the SH2 domain PTP SHP-1, which involves a direct interaction of both molecules. Here, we studied the mechanism of this interaction in detail. Phosphopeptides representing the SHP-1 candidate binding sites in the Ros cytoplasmic domain, pY2267 and pY2327, display high affinity binding to the SHP-1 N-terminal SH2 domain (Kd=217 nM and 171 nM, respectively). Y2327 is, however, a poor substrate of Ros kinase and, therefore, contributes little to SHP-1 binding in vitro. To explore the mechanism of association in intact cells, functional fluorescent fusion proteins of Ros and SHP-1 were generated. Complexes of both molecules could be detected by Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) in intact HEK293 and COS7 cells. As expected, the association required the functional SHP-1 N-terminal SH2 domain. Unexpectedly, pY2267 and pY2327 both contributed to the association. Mutation of Y2327 reduced constitutive association in COS7 cells. Ligand-dependent association was abrogated upon mutation of Y2267 but remained intact when Y2327 was mutated. A phosphopeptide representing the binding site pY2267 was a poor substrate for SHP-1, whereas Ros activation loop phosphotyrosines were effectively dephosphorylated. We propose a model for SHP-1-Ros interaction in which ligand-stimulated phosphorylation of Ros Y2267 by Ros, phosphorylation of Y2327 by a heterologous kinase, and inactivation of Ros by SHP-1-mediated dephosphorylation play a role in the regulation of complex stability.

Design and Biological Evaluation of Linear and Cyclic Phosphopeptide Ligands of the N-Terminal SH2 Domain of Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase SHP-1

In an effort to gain further insight into the conformational and topographical requirements for recognition by the N-terminal SH2 domain of protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1, we synthesized a series of linear and cyclic peptides derived from the sequence surrounding phosphotyrosine 2267 in the receptor tyrosine kinase Ros (EGLNpYMVL). A molecular modeling approach was used to suggest peptide modifications sterically compatible with the N-SH2-peptide binding groove and possibly enhanced binding affinities compared to the parent peptide. The potencies of the synthesized compounds were evaluated by assaying their ability to stimulate phosphatase activity as well as by their binding affinities to the GST-fused N-SH2 domain of SHP-1. In the series of linear peptides, structural modifications of Ros pY2267 in positions pY + 1 to pY + 3 by amino acid residues structurally related to Phe, for example l-erythro/threo-Abu(betaPh) (5a, 5b), yielded ligands with increased binding affinity. The incorporation of d-amino acid residues at pY + 1 and pY + 3 led to inactive peptides. The replacement of Phe in both pY + 1 and pY + 3 by Tic (1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid) was also not tolerated due to steric hindrance. Cyclic peptides (13, 14) that were linked via residues in positions pY - 1 (Lys) and pY + 2 (Asp/Glu) and contained a Gly residue in the bridging unit displayed much lower potencies for the stimulation of SHP-1 activity but increased binding affinities compared to Ros pY2267. They partially competed with Ros pY2267 in the activation assay. Such cyclic structures may serve as scaffolds for competitive SHP-1 inhibitor design targeting N-SH2 domain-protein interactions that block SHP-1 activation.

Analysis of SHP-1-mediated Down-regulation of the TRK-T3 Oncoprotein Identifies Trk-fused Gene (TFG) as a Novel SHP-1-interacting Protein

SHP-1 is a cytoplasmic SH2 domain containing protein-tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) involved in the negative regulation of multiple signaling pathways in hematopoietic, nervous, and epithelial cells. The thyroid TRK-T3 oncogene consists of the NTRK1 tyrosine kinase domain fused in-frame with sequences of the TFG (TRK-fused gene), encoding a protein of unknown function. TFG contains a coiled-coil domain responsible for TRK-T3 oligomerization. In addition, recent analysis of the sequences outside of the coiled-coil domain suggested possible interactions with other proteins. Based on the presence of a putative SHP-1 SH2-binding site within the TFG sequences, we have investigated the role of the SHP-1 phosphatase in TRK-T3 oncoprotein signaling. In this study we show that SHP-1 interacts with and down-regulates TRK-T3. We provide evidence that SHP-1 SH2 and catalytic domains, respectively, associate with the TFG- and NTRK1-derived portions of TRK-T3. Our data contribute to the definition of cellular mechanisms involved in thyroid tumorigenesis. Moreover, it reveals TFG as a novel protein able to modulate SHP-1 activity.

Dysmyelination and reduced myelin basic protein gene expression by oligodendrocytes of SHP-1-deficient mice

We have shown previously that myelin-forming oligodendrocytes express the protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1 and that myelin formation was decreased in SHP-1-deficient motheaten mice compared to that in normal littermates. These studies suggested a potential importance for SHP-1 in oligodendrocyte and myelin development. To address further this possibility, we analyzed myelin formation by microscopy and myelin basic protein (MBP) gene expression in motheaten mice at ages when myelination occurs in the developing central nervous system (CNS). Furthermore, we correlate these findings with MBP gene expression in oligodendrocytes grown in vitro. We have found that CNS myelination was significantly reduced in SHP-1-deficient mice relative to their normal littermates at multiple times during the active period of myelination. Under electron microscopy, greater numbers of axons in spinal cords of motheaten mice were either unmyelinated or had thinner myelin sheathes compared to those in matched areas of normal littermates. Accordingly, MBP protein and mRNA levels were reduced in SHP-1-deficient mice compared to that in the CNS of normal littermates. In vitro, O1(+) oligodendrocytes from motheaten mice expressed much less MBP than O1(+) oligodendrocytes of normal littermates indicating an alteration in oligodendrocyte differentiation. The latter correlated with reduced MBP mRNA relative to cerebroside galactosyl transferase (CGT) gene mRNA in SHP-1-deficient oligodendrocytes in purified cultures. We propose that SHP-1 is a critical regulator of developmental signals leading to terminal differentiation and myelin sheath formation by oligodendrocytes.